Disclaimer : I do not own any of the characters mentioned herein. This is pure fiction, written for entertainment only.
The story follows the rise of Rated RKO members, Edge and Randy Orton, and Jeff's return to the WWE in late 1996. Please bear in mind that this is fiction and does not follow actual events that occurred during the time frame.
Please read and review.
Chapter 1
"I'm starting to actually believe they really hate us," Adam said with a sigh as he and Randy headed backstage towards their dressing room. Both men had just come from the ring after interfering in Hunter's match against Umaga. The former lay dazed outside the ring after being counted out by the referee. Shawn Michaels was not in the arena that night to help his DX partner. He was called away when he learned that his father had suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. They learned that he would be away for two weeks and Hunter had been put into single matches. It never occurred to Hunter that Rated RKO would have the gall to attack him, in spite of his reputation of not one to be messed around with.
Randy arched his brow and asked, "What's wrong Adam? I thought you enjoy your status as the most hated superstar in the WWE."
Adam stopped abruptly and turned to him, "You know, sometimes I wonder why I keep doing it. It sucks to be booed!"
Randy stared at him and finally said, "Either you're getting soft in your years or you need to get laid! Come on, I want to get out before Hunter decides to come after us!" and he urged him along but Adam pulled back and said, "Don't tell me you don't feel anything when you got booed out of the arena, when the fans throw garbage at you and call you derogatory names as you walk passed them?"
Randy sighed and said, "You know the rules of the game. There are the 'heels', which is us, and there are the 'faces'. It's just the way it is! Why are you so upset?"
Adam shook his head despondently, "I just wish they would cheer for me. It has been a while since anyone has done that," he said wistfully.
Randy put a hand on his shoulder, "Listen, I know what you're going through but it's all part of the job. The people out there love to hate us, just like they enjoy DX's crazy antics. They pay good money to see us, the most conniving and villainous team on the face of the WWE Universe, after Evolution, of course! Rated RKO, taking on DX and giving them a run for their money! Vince loves the storyline and so do the fans. It brings in high ticket sales and sells the merchandise. We're on top of the pinnacle, Adam! I don't see why you're complaining!"
"I just wish we could trade places with DX, let them play 'heel'. It would be nice to be the good guy for a change," and with a sigh, he turned around and continued his way down the corridor.
Randy stared at his retreating back and shook his head in bewilderment. As he hastened after Adam, he muttered to himself, "What has gotten into him lately?"
They reached their dressing room and undressed quickly. "Lets just grab a quick shower and head back to the hotel," Adam said in a weary tone.
Randy looked at him in surprise, "Don't you want to go out? A couple of drinks with the other guys, perhaps?"
"I don't feel like it but you're free to join them," Adam said passively as he secured a towel around his waist before heading towards the inner shower area. As he turned the corner quickly, he bumped into someone.
"Hey! Watch where you're …" and his voice petered off as he realized who he had just bumped into. Gold speckled emerald eyes glanced up quickly at him before dropping. Jeff mumbled an apology before sidestepping him and moved away. His strawberry streaked blonde hair was wet after a shower. The ends were a mass of curls framing his angelic face and Adam found himself staring after him. His eyes went slowly down to the swaying towel clad ass as he headed to the changing area.
"Jeff! Good match tonight with Morrison!" Randy stopped Jeff to chat with him. Jeff gave him a shy smile before murmuring his thanks and hurried out of the shower room.
Randy watched him leave and said thoughtfully, "He's quite the loner, isn't he? I don't see him hanging around with anyone else since he came back."
When Adam didn't respond, he turned to see that his friend was still staring at the spot where Jeff had disappeared. "Is there something wrong?" Randy asked, wearing a quizzical frown on his face.
Slowly, Adam let out a deep breath and shook his head to clear his thoughts. "No, nothing's wrong. Come on, lets grab that shower and get out of here!" he spoke hastily.
Minutes later, they were dressed and walking briskly out of the arena into the parking lot. They saw their colleagues leaving in separate vehicles and bade them good night. Chris Jericho sauntered towards them and asked, "You guys have any plans for tonight?"
Randy motioned towards Adam and said, "Adam wants to stay in but I'm open to suggestions. What do you have in mind?"
"Some of us are meeting at 'Shooting Guns' for a late dinner and drinks. You guys interested in joining us?" Chris asked.
Randy looked over to Adam who shook his head and said, "Count me out. Go with them Randy, I'll be fine on my own."
"You're sure?" Randy asked, hesitating somewhat. He and Adam had been hanging out together since they teamed up. They got along well, in fact, he considered him a very good friend. He didn't want to leave him alone since he had been feeling down lately.
"I'm sure, now go! Catch a ride with Chris, he's staying at the same hotel as us," Adam said with a smile.
"Okay, call me if you need anything." Adam watched as Randy and Chris climbed into his rental and drove off. As he turned to go, he just managed to see Jeff driving off. He was alone.
"Damn it! Why do we have to be on the same brand?" he muttered to himself. But there wasn't anything he could do to change that since Vince wanted Jeff on RAW. He heard through the grapevine that the younger Hardy requested to go to SMACKDOWN to be with his older brother, Matt and his childhood friend, Shannon, but Vince said no. He wanted the brothers to pursue single titles and putting them both together would pit each against the other. He knew the fans wouldn't like to see that happening so he had assigned the brothers to stay on different brands.
Adam let out a heavy sigh before unlocking and climbing into his vehicle. If it was any consolation, he didn't have any storyline going with the younger Hardy. It would have been very uncomfortable for both of them, especially since they used to hang out together and were known to be close friends before Jeff left three years ago. Tuning out his thoughts, Adam told himself not to dwell on the past as he drove off. It didn't dawn on him that his moods had been unpredictable ever since Jeff came back.
~*~
Randy loitered outside the corridor while waiting for Chris to change. They ended up going back to the hotel as Chris insisted he would not step out in drags. Randy had rolled his eyes at that but kept silent. Chris was known to be particular with his dressing and image. He was meticulous to a point of being frustrating but Randy understood him. After all, he was the first and only Undisputed Champion in WWE! The man took great pride in his job and worked hard to uphold his image.
The lift door opened and to his surprise, Jeff walked out. His duffel bag was thrown lazily over one shoulder and he was looking down, lost in his thoughts. He was dressed in tight fitting black jeans with a form fitting white tee that hugged his small frame. A silver cross and chain dangled from his neck and silver ball studs adorned both his ears. His soft silky hair was left hanging loose over his shoulders. Randy swallowed the rising lump in his throat. He was beginning to find the young man more than enchanting.
"I didn't know you're staying in this hotel."
Jeff looked up startled as Randy approached him.
"Oh … hi Randy, I didn't know you're staying on this floor," Jeff spoke softly as he shuffled his feet uneasily while casting awkward glances at him.
Randy gave him a warm smile, "I'm not. I'm just waiting here for Chris. We're going out to join some friends for dinner and drinks. Want to come with us?"
Randy hoped he would say yes. All those times he had seen Jeff, he wanted to go up to him and get to know him but Adam always held him back, saying that Jeff wasn't the sociable type and that he preferred his own company. Now, that he had caught Jeff alone, he wasn't about to let the opportunity go.
Jeff started to shake his head when Chris' door opened and he stepped out. His eyes lit up when he saw Jeff. "Jeff! I'm glad you're here! I was just about to go over. Come on, dump your stuff and lets go!"
"Please Chris, I … I don't feel like going out tonight, I'm tired," Jeff started to protest but Chris refused to listen to his lame excuses.
"No, you're coming with us! You're not going to stay cooped up in your room another night! You either come willingly or I'll drag you if I have to!" and Chris deftly wrestled the bag from his tight hold before locking it in his room. "You can collect your bag later. Now, lets go! We don't want to keep the others waiting!"
"Chris …" Jeff protested but found himself dragged along against his will by his Canadian counterpart. Chris and the Hardy brothers went back a long way. They attended the same wrestling school, together with Kurt, Adam and Jay. All of them were good friends back then but the Amy incident had caused a fall out between Adam and the Hardys.
Randy grinned widely as he followed them down. For once, he was glad that Chris' stubbornness worked in his favor.
"The pub is within walking distance and it's late. I don't think anyone will stop us along the way," Chris contemplated before deciding to walk.
The three men took off on foot. The night air was chilly and Jeff found himself shivering. Randy immediately noticed and started to shrug off his leather jacket.
"Here, put this on before you catch a cold." He held open the jacket and stood waiting. Jeff hesitated momentarily before putting his arms in. He thanked Randy and gave him a grateful smile. Randy beamed at him. He walked closer next to Jeff as they continued their way.
Chris smirked but kept his silence. He was glad that Jeff was finally coming out with them, although he had to be forced along. For the past few weeks, he had waited and watched, hoping that Adam would take the initiative to approach Jeff and try to patch up their ruined friendship but he did no such thing. In fact, Adam deliberately stayed away from Jeff and made no attempt to talk to him. Chris decided that it was time he did something about it. He was disappointed, therefore, when Adam refused to come with them. But, having Randy along could be the first step to help bring the former friends back together again. If anyone could talk Adam around, it would be Randy as the two were practically joined at the hips since their successful partnership. As far as Chris was concerned, both men should let bygones be bygones as Amy was no longer in the scene. She had left wrestling for a singing career about a month ago.
The guys arrived at the pub shortly and went in. To their surprise, it was packed. The rock band had just finished playing and the crowd cheered and applauded wildly. The lead singer announced that they would be back after a short break and the members dispersed. John Cena caught sight of them and let out a shrill whistle before beckoning to them. As Chris led the way to their group, Randy placed his hand at the small of Jeff's back and guided him along.
"It took you guys long enough!" John said as he shifted to make room for them.
Morrison gave Jeff a nod of acknowledgement. He was just as curious as the others as to how Chris and Randy managed to get the quiet enigma to come out with them. Jeff had been his ring opponent for the last couple of weeks. He heard that Vince wanted to give Jeff a title shot for his Intercontinental Championship belt. He respected the younger Hardy for his suicide dives and stunts in those amazing TLC matches in his earlier years as one half of the Hardy Boyz, but wasn't sure that he liked going one on one against him. He loved his title and intended to keep it as long as he could. It had been a while since he faced serious competition for his title and looking back at their matches for the past weeks, Jeff was the one he had to watch out for.
Carlito glanced over at Jeff and asked, "So, what did Chris do to get you to come?"
Jeff blushed faintly and mumbled, "I didn't have a choice. He waylaid me before I reached my room."
The guys burst into laughter at that and John clapped a hand on Chris's shoulder and said, "You win! The drinks are on us tonight!"
"What is this about?" Randy asked curiously as he beckoned to the waitress to take their orders.
"Chris here laid a bet with us that he can get Jeff to join us tonight and he did!" John grinned, deepening his ever prominent dimples on his handsome face. Jeff's blush deepened and he glanced down to evade their curious eyes. But, fortunately for him, Chris diverted their attention away from him.
"Never underestimate my powers of persuasion!" Chris gave them a cocky grin. The others chortled with laughter and quiet down to place their order when the waitress came to their table.
As soon as she left, Randy, who was sitting next to Jeff whispered to him, "Relax, will you and enjoy yourself. You look so tense!" and to his amusement, Jeff blushed some more. He found him adorable and surprised himself with that thought.
"So, Jeff, when are you going to lift that title off Morrison here? I'm tired of watching that belt around his waist, week after week. It needs a new owner!" John quipped and received a friendly punch on the arm from Morrison.
"Hey! No one is going to take my title away from me anytime soon!" Morrison said as he looked over to Jeff, "Bring all you've got but I'm not going to make it easy for you to take it away from me! I'm the best Intercontinental Champion ever!"
"Urghh! And I thought Chris was bad enough and now, we have another cocky jock to deal with!" John said, drawing laughter from everyone, including Jeff. He found himself relaxing and enjoying their company.
The waitress came back with their dinner and drinks. The guys settled down to eat and make light conversation between bites. Soon, they finished and as their plates were cleared, the band on stage started playing a beautiful piece by Def Leppard, called, 'When Love and Hate Collide'.
You could have a change of heart I got your number on my wall Got the time, got a chance, gonna make it You could have a change of heart Without you, one night alone Without you I don't wanna fight no more I could tell a million lies There's a time and a place and a reason Without you, one night alone Without you You could have a change of heart Without you, one night alone Without you, one night alone Without you
If you would only change your mind
Instead of slamming down the phone, girl
For the hundredth time
But I ain't gonna make that call
When divided we stand, baby
United, we fall
Got my hands on your heart, gonna take it
All I know, I can't fight this way
If you would only change your mind
Cause I'm crazy 'bout you, baby
Time after time
Is like a year without you, baby
Do you have a heart of stone
Can't stop the hurt inside
When love and hate collide
I don't know what we're fighting for
When we treat each other, baby
Like an act of war
And it would come as no surprise
When the truth is like a stranger
Hits you right between the eyes
And I know I got a love to believe in
All I know, got to win this time
Is like a year without you, baby
Do you have a heart of stone
Can't stop the hurt inside
When love and hate collide
If you would only change your mind
Cause I'm crazy bout you, baby
Crazy, crazy
Is like a year without you, baby
Do you have a heart of stone
Is like a year without you, baby
If you have a heart at all
Can't stop the hurt inside
When love and hate collide.
Everyone applauded and cheered loudly as they finished. As the band proceeded to play their next piece, Randy turned to Jeff with a smile and his expression immediately changed when he saw the tears glistening in Jeff's eyes.
"What's wrong, Jeff?" he asked him gently but Jeff kept his head down and mumbled, "Nothing." Getting up clumsily, he excused himself and hurried into the washing room. The others looked at one another and Randy got up to go after him but Chris put a hand on his arm to stay him and said, "I'll go" and got up. The guys began to whisper among themselves, wondering what was going on with Jeff.
"He is so weird! He starts to cry for no reason at all!" Carlito said with a shake of his head.
"Maybe the song reminded him of a bad time," John said with a frown on his face.
"He keeps to himself all the time. After our matches, he will head immediately to his dressing room and doesn't come out until we're gone. The only person I've seen him speak to is Chris. I heard they used to hang out together back in the old days," Morrison informed them.
He turned to Randy, "In fact, your tag partner used to be buddies with him but I don't see them getting together since he came back. Do you know why?" he asked Randy, his curiosity piqued.
Randy looked startled. He knew that Adam and Jay had their share of matches with the Hardy Boyz and the Dudleys back in the days of the TLC matches but he thought they were more rivals than friends.
"I don't know, Adam never said anything," Randy said thoughtfully. He made up his mind to ask Adam when he got back.
"They're coming back!" Carlito hissed just as Chris guided Jeff over to the table and sat him down. Jeff pursed his lips and kept his eyes down, feeling somewhat embarrassed. The guys politely diverted attention away from him by talking about their next destination. They would be wrestling in San Antonio, Texas, next week.
"If I were you, I would watch my back! We're going to Shawn's hometown and with what you and Adam did to Hunter tonight, I won't be surprised if Shawn drops in for a surprise visit!" John chuckled. "I can't wait to see what sweet revenge DX has in mind for the both of you!"
"Whose side are you on, anyways?" Randy grumbled and John shook his head, "I'm not taking sides but I love watching DX kick ass! They tickle my funny bone with their antics! You have to admit they draw in the crowd and their merchandise sell like hot cakes!"
"Just you wait! Rated RKO will be bigger and hotter than DX! Adam and I already have everything planned. We'll take out DX and prove to the fans that we are the best in the business! Vince is giving us his full support in this!" Randy said with a smirk.
"You guys are good but Hunter and Shawn are veterans in this business. It won't be easy to take them down, especially when Hunter has a reliable third partner, his faithful but vengeful sledge hammer! Vince can't handle them. That is why he's backing up you guys to take them down!" Chris let out an amusing chuckle.
Randy hissed at the memory, "Damn that sledge hammer! He almost broke my ribs the other time he rammed me with it!" He suffered two bruised ribs as a result of that attack and recalled he could hardly move for a whole week! "But we got him good tonight! Adam almost took his head off with the top rope and I finished him with the RKO outside the ring!" he boasted.
"Just watch your back! I saw Hunter when he came back from the ring and let me tell you, he's not going to forget what you guys did!" Chris warned.
As the guys continued to make dire predictions as to what DX would do to Randy and Edge when they next meet in the ring, Chris turned to Jeff, "How's your back? You took a bad spill when you missed that Swanton."
"I'm okay, Chris. A back rub will take care of it," Jeff spoke softly.
Chris gave him a lopsided smile and asked, "And who's giving you that back rub? You're staying alone, if I recall."
Jeff looked down at his hands and whispered, "I'll be fine. It's not that bad."
Chris sighed. Of the two brothers, Matt was the outspoken leader and Jeff followed his lead. From what he had learned from Matt, the brothers lost their mother to cancer at a young age and since then, Jeff clung to Matt like a lifeline. He had a ridiculous notion that if God could take away their kind and loving mother just like that, he might also take away his beloved father and brother as well. He grew close to Matt, following him wherever he went, unwilling to let him out of his sight. He was afraid to lose him to God. When Matt decided on wrestling as a career, Jeff gave up his dream to be a baseball player and followed suit and started watching wrestling matches on TV and trained with him. As time went by, he originated his own moves and soon, went on the circuit with Matt. He was almost fifteen then.
When Chris first met the brothers, he noticed that Jeff always listened to what his older brother told him to do. He depended a lot on Matt in making the travel arrangements and getting them to their appointments on time and such. Jeff had literally grown up in front of his eyes. He met Jeff when he was only sixteen, hardly an adult yet. But he was now twenty eight years old. Yet, he hadn't changed much. He still possessed a child's demeanor and Chris accounted that to Matt being too overly protective of his younger brother by taking care of all his needs that Jeff didn't know where to begin to look after himself now that Matt wasn't with him. According to Matt, he was inclined to lose track of time when he was immersed in his art and music and would forget to take his meals. Matt still kept in touch with Chris from time to time and had often referred to Jeff as his 'baby brother' in their conversations. When Jeff signed on, he had called Chris to request a favor, to keep an eye on his brother. Chris was glad to do it but he couldn't help noticing that Jeff was reluctant to let him in into his personal space. He kept everyone out, including the divas. They had made friendly overtures towards him but he bashfully evaded them, hiding out in his dressing room until they got the message and left him alone. Other than a friendly smile and greeting, they would let him be and he seemed contented with just that.
"I can give you a back rub if you need one," Randy spoke up suddenly and Jeff blushed furiously. But Randy continued to say, "It is nothing to be bashful about. It's normal for us to help each other out when we're in pain. I give Adam shoulder rubs from time to time to relieve his aches and he returns the favor. So, how about it? I can go to your room later to help you out."
Jeff's cheeks blossomed to a deep red as he mumbled awkwardly, "Huh … it's alright Randy but thank you."
Chris wanted to laugh at Jeff's expression. He looked ready to run off and hide! 'I don't know if Randy is as innocent as he makes himself sounds but I like what he's doing to Jeff. His attention may be what Jeff needs!' he thought to himself as he tossed his whiskey back before calling for another.
The drinks flowed and the guys loosened up as the night progressed. Soon, they were hugging each other and singing off-key in camaraderie and Jeff found himself more relaxed than he had ever been. He was nicely buzzed and so were the others. Finally, at past two, they decided to call it a night. As they climbed to their feet, some teetered more than others. The less drunk supported their counterparts and they headed out. John came with Morrison and Carlito in his rental and since, everyone was staying at the same hotel, he decided to drive them back together. As they got the doors to the car opened, John frowned. He was the assigned driver and had only a couple of beers and remained sober. There were six of them, how was he going to fit everyone into his car?
Randy had a suggestion, "I'm tall so why don't I sit in front and Jeff can sit on my lap? The others should have no problem squeezing in at the back."
John's face brightened and he nodded, "Good idea! Climb in people and lets go!"
Jeff wanted to voice his protest but the words couldn't quite get out. His tongue felt thick in his mouth and his senses swum. He felt himself pulled forward and into the car and found himself on Randy's lap, leaning against him. As John started the car, he sighed contentedly, his eyes closing on their own volition. He felt a hand pulled his head down gently to rest on a shoulder. Without realizing what he was doing, Jeff shifted to his side and buried his face into the warm neck, one hand gently grasping onto Randy's shirt front. He was soon fast asleep.
At the hotel, John parked and went over to Randy's side to get the door for him. Randy climbed out with Jeff in his arms and John asked, "Want me to take him?" and Randy shook his head, "I got him. Can you help Chris? He's not going to make it to his room by himself." Chris was leaning against the car, blinking at the lights of the hotel entrance. Morrison was already heading towards the hotel with Carlito leaning heavily against him, singing a Spanish song.
John put Chris's arm around him and said, "Lets get you to bed, King of the World!"
The group slowly made their way into the hotel and towards the elevator. Morrison got off with Carlito at the eighteenth floor and bade them good night. They were rooming together. The rest got off on the twentieth floor and John helped Chris to his room. He soon came out and closed the door behind him. "What are you waiting for?" he asked Randy who was still standing in the corridor, with Jeff sleeping like a baby in his arms.
Randy grinned sheepishly at him, "Can you dig around Jeff's pocket and get the cardkey? I don't know which room he's in," he said.
John grinned and started patting Jeff's pockets. "Got it! Room 28" he announced and headed towards the said room. He opened the door and stepped in, turning on the side lamp as Randy lowered Jeff onto the bed.
"Okay, I'm off to bed! Will you be alright?" John asked as he let out a huge yawn.
Randy nodded, "You get yourself to bed. I'll see you tomorrow."
John bade him good night and left, closing the door gently behind him. Randy started to pull off Jeff's shoes and socks. He hesitated before unbuckling Jeff's jeans and removing them before pulling the covers over him. He yawned and blinked sleepily at the clock on the night stand. It read three o'clock in the morning. Adam was a light sleeper. He didn't want to risk waking him up by going back and decided to sleep in Jeff's room instead. Fortunately, the bed was a double bed. Randy removed his clothes, leaving only his boxers on. He went to the bathroom to rinse off his mouth and wash his face before coming out. Grabbing the extra pillow from the closet, he laid down beside Jeff. To his pleasant surprise, Jeff snuggled close to him, his hand clasped lightly on his chest. Randy smiled and gently maneuvered his head to rest on his shoulder before closing his eyes. The warmth of Jeff's body close to his soon lulled him to sleep.
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