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Jeff Hardy rummaged through his bag for some bodypaint to apply in preparation for his upcoming match.
"Aha," he said as he finally located a can full of light blue. He smiled in triumph and was just about to remove the cap when the door of his locker room suddenly burst open - violently. The young man gave a slight jump, startled.
"Oh, it's only you," he said as his older brother strode right in.
"Yeah, Jeff," Matt snapped harshly, "it's only *me*." He turned toward the wall, banging a fist against it as he cursed. "Fuck!"
The colorful-haired man arched an eyebrow, though he already knew why his sibling would be so furious. There could only be one or two reasons.
"What's the matter?"
Matt whirled around to face him, his brown eyes wild as he met Jeff's green.
"'What's the matter?' There is no way in *hell* you're *that* oblivious! I'll *tell* you what's the matter - I've just been fired! Shit!" He reached out to grab the first thing in his reach, and that was the beaded necklace Jeff had taken off and placed on the small table in the room. Lunging for it, the dark-haired man ripped it apart in his bare hands, then tossed the remnants down to the floor in a fury.
"Hey! Damn it, man, you don't have to take it out on my stuff!" Jeff yelled. Angrily, he started down at the broken pieces of what had been his favorite necklace. Lately, he was seeing more and more just how much of an asshole his brother was becoming - or had already become. He knew all about the shit Matt had posted on his website, and as far as he was concerned, he believed Adam and Amy had cause to bring on a libel suit against him.
"God damn it!" Matt shouted. He raised his hands to his head, fingers digging into his hair. He seemed to be trying to calm himself and then spoke again, in a level tone. "I'm sorry, Jeff... I've just been so angry lately."
"Well, no shit," the younger man snapped. He was still angry, and frankly, he couldn't see that feeling going away anytime soon. Matt had really gone off the deep end. "Will you just-"
"No, I won't 'just!'" Jeff snapped. "Look, Matt - what you've been doing lately, and saying, is *wrong*! You've been a real ass these last couple of months, and as far as I'm concerned, it's your *own fault* you got fired!"
Matt tensed at his brother's angry words, his hands clenching into fists. His eyes widened nearly in shock as he glared at Jeff, his blood boiling. He couldn't believe his ears... His own *brother* was against him - just like everyone else!
"You ungrateful little prick!" he screamed. He grew even angrier as Jeff's reaction didn't grow anymore intense. "After everything I've ever done for you, *this* is how you repay me? I *made* you what you are today, Jeffrey Nero Hardy!" Spit sprayed from his mouth as he continued to sputter. "*Fuck you*!" Then, rather than beat his little brother to a pulp as his instincts begged him to, he turned and stormed out.
Jeff stared at the door through which Matt had departed for a beat. Then, turning his attention back to his ruined necklace, he shook his head. He bent over to pick up the remains.
*
Matt marched back to his own locker room, rage still burning through him. He couldn't believe this, couldn't believe even his own brother. The world had turned against him, it seemed.
He hastily packed all of his things, tossing everything haphazardly into his suitcase. He didn't give a shit how messy it all was - all he wanted was to get the hell out of this damned arena as soon as humanly possible.
The moment he was through, he lugged his bag toward the door and left the room. He'd already gone through all the bullshit of the 'exit interview' with Shane McMahon, so there was really no need for him to stay. He didn't even want to bother saying goodbye to his good friends Shane Helms and Shannon Moore... Fuck that. He needed out of here!
As he stepped out into the hallway, Matt caught sight of them... They were further on down the hall, together - seemingly happy.
He stood there for a moment, his glare hard and cold as chipped ice. Amy and Adam were holding hands, and little Mandy was there with them, smiling and happy.
He wanted to hurt them... Adam was a no good backstabbing son of a bitch, and Amy was a filthy whore. Not to mention, all of this was *her* fault! God, how he wanted to make her suffer... The bitch!
They weren't aware of him at all, but he supposed that shouldn't surprise him. He kept his harsh, glaring gaze on them, alternating from Adam to Amy, when it suddenly struck him...
... He had the most brilliant idea, the *perfect* way to get back at them and destroy them.
Matt grinned with malice as he finally turned and continued on his way to leave the arena.