Title: The Liberator

Part 4

Author: Angel Eterno

Rating: NC-17 - slash

Content: Slash, Romance, Abuse

Part 5

Disclaimer: Characters don't belong to me. They belong to WWF and Titan Sports. No copyright infringement intended.
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The words stopped him mid-way through that door. One of the barriers had been broken down - Christian had actually talked to him. All he had to do now was persuade him to admit all was not right between himself and Edge. He'd have to tread carefully though, be sure not to step on any fragile nerves. Disguising a half-smile he turned back round - letting the door swing shut behind him. Christian was seated on a bench, looking downwards at the floor - the very picture of depression. Slowly he made his way over until he was standing in front of him. Christian would not look up, so he sat down. He didn't attempt to touch him, just sat beside him trying to find the right words.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he finally asked softly.

Christian had sighed.

"No, not really." he looked up at him, gazing at him intently until he felt he would drown in those liquid pools. "There's nothing to say."

Frustration washed over him at his words. He wanted to know, wanted to help, but if he pushed too hard he would drive him away. He nodded slowly back, and just placed an encouraging arm round Christian's shoulders.

"OK, then, whatever you want. But if you do ever need me, or want to talk - just come find me, OK?"

Then Christian had smiled at him - and his whole world lit up like a million rays of the most iridescent sunshine; a fuzzy warmness infiltrating his heart as Christian said

"I'll remember that .... and - thank you."

He'd wondered why Christian's smile froze, but smiled back anyway and rested his hand gently on his shoulder.

"Hey, that's OK, anytime."

He turned round to go to the door, stopping abruptly in his footsteps on noticing the tall figure who had entered silently and was standing watching them with a grim expression on his face.

"I've left the door open so you can go out of it" the newcomer wasted no time in snarling. "We don't want ECW scum in here!"

Sparks of anger flooded his brain at Edge's words. The knowledge of the evil the man kept hiPen behind the disguise of that big smile igniting a deep fury within him. Blood pounded in his head as cool reasoning flew out the window, and he approached the tall blond with cold hatred shining clearly in his eyes. Edge could almost feel the raw emotion and took a half-step back - something told him not to push the smaller man too far. That and the fact that Vince had warned his WWF crew not to get into any real fights with either the WCW or ECW guys. But he couldn't just leave it there. Why didn't Christian say something?

"The door is in that direction", he pointed; his eyes evil green slits.

Glaring heatedly at Edge, he walked slowly toward the door (surely Christian would ask him to stay) - his dark eyes never leaving his face for one moment. Once they were level he leaned toward the blond and hissed threateningly in his face.

"I'm watching you - just remember that!" Christian hadn't asked, hadn't wanted his help, and he was loath to interfere. So with one more glare, he was gone.

Edge let out a breath and turned menacingly toward his former tag-team partner.

End Part 4