Title: The Liberator
Part 3
Author: Angel Eterno
Rating: NC-17 - slash
Content: Slash, Romance, Abuse
Disclaimer: Characters don't belong to me. They belong to WWF and Titan Sports. No copyright infringement intended.
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Back in time to two months previously
He'd only ever seen Christian on the TV screen before, and had been completely unprepared at the mind-blowing effect meeting him in person would bring. He was even more beautiful than on camera - and the sweetness and vulnerability of his character had just made him want to protect and care for him. But he'd left him alone. He'd always thought Edge and Christian were an item, and they were, but he hadn't known the full details of their relationship. He hadn't realized how Edge would so totally dominate Christian, sometimes blasting him for even daring to look at another man.
No wonder Christian had been so wary whenever he'd tried to strike up a conversation with him in the locker room. He hadn't been able to miss the flash of annoyance in Edge's eyes when he'd seen him innocently just put an arm round Christian's shoulder before saying "see ya later".
The next day he'd noticed an ugly bruise on the top of Christian's arm, and a cautious look in his eyes as he quickly glanced around to see if anyone else was present. Christian had mumbled something about walking into a door when he'd asked, but wouldn't look at him. He realized then that his suspicions were not wrong.
Over the weeks he watched Christian from a discreet distance, often meeting Edge's challenging glare in the process. Finally he could stand by no more after he'd come in on Christian changing one day. He was rendered totally speechless at the livid marks stretching across his back, weals that stood out an angry shade of red against the otherwise perfect and tanned skin. Christian had turned defensively away, shielding himself from view as he hurriedly pulled his shirt on.
He stared into the nervous blue eyes for a long time, before saying
"He did that to you, didn't he?"
Christian had stepped backward, a look of fear crossing his lovely face as he tried to deny it. After stammering out a few feeble reasons he'd suPenly started yelling at him.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS IT TO DO WITH YOU, ANYWAY?"
He ignored the frantic screaming. Just took a step forward and lowered his voice gently, holding out his hands.
"I just happen to care."
Christian had looked amazed.
"Care? Why?"
He'd shrugged. How could he explain to Edge's boyfriend that he'd been in love with him from the minute he'd laid eyes on him, and moreover explain that every time he saw a fresh bruise or cut it tore into his heart like a knife.
"I don't think anyone should get hurt by someone like you are."
Christian just gazed back at him.
"Who said I'm hurt?" he asked querulously.
He obviously didn't want talk or comfort, so sadly he shook his head and started to walk away. He opened the door to go out, when he heard the quiet voice behind him.
"Thank you for caring. I guess you ECW guys aren't all like Raven ..."
End Part 3