Well hello my friends! This is a joint collaboration between myself and Katy, aka Shout Diva. We disclaim... no one belongs to us. Though if Rock ever goes missing, you may find him tied up in Katy's room. Same with Mike Chioda, though you may find him in Delaware...

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Setting the glass of water down, Lilian tried to carry the opening notes to the National Anthem. She groaned in frustration when the gravely noise emitted from her throat.

"What is wrong with me?" she questioned to the empty locker room.

The ring announcer shook her head, picking the glass up again. She took a drink and tilted her head back to let the water soothe her throat.

"Ugh," Lilian muttered, shaking her head as the water did very little to help her out. Walking over to her bag, she pulled it open, relieved to find a package of throat lozenges. "I should take stock in these things," Lilian mused, closing her bag and popping one of the lozenges into her throat as she heard the door to the women's locker room open.

"Lil, Lil, Lil!" she heard, turning to see one of her good friends running into the locker room, grabbing Lilian by the shoulders.

"Trish, Trish, Trish!" Lilian replied, placing her hands on the blonde Canadian's shoulders.

"What's up?"

"Not a thing, just getting warmed up to go out there and sing," Lilian replied, grabbing her hair brush and running it through her hair.

"Warmed up?" Trish questioned, raising an eyebrow. "What's that all about?"

"I think I'm getting a cold, maybe laryngitis." She shrugged and threw the brush back into her bag.

"You should go see a doctor, Lil. You've been having a sore throat every week now, that's not just a cold and don't even try to tell me its a chronic case of laryngitis."

"Trish…" Lilian said with a shake of her head. "I've told you… it's nothing."

"Nothing? Lilian Anne Garcia, last time you had sore throats, it wasn't 'nothing'. You need to go see Dr. Andrews again-"

"Trish! Drop it!"

The blonde jumped slightly, knowing her friend was serious. "Okay… but Lil, please trust me when I say I'm worried about you. This isn't normal and you know it."

"I'm fine though, I promise. It's probably because of all this dry weather since it's been so hot lately. I just need to drink more water."

Trish rolled her eyes. "Yeah, whatever." She paused for a second, then continued. "So, have you seen Dwayne yet? He's supposed to be here just to hang out. At least, that's what I heard...," she added.

Lilian gasped. "D's here! I gotta go!" She quickly ran out of the locker room to find the most electrifying man in sports entertainment. The blonde turned a corner in the arena, searching for the man in question, only to run into another one of her female friends. "Hey, Victoria," she greeted the older diva when she saw her.

"Hey, Lil. How are you?"

"I'm good," Lilian replied distractedly. "Look, have you seen Dwayne?"

"Yeah, briefly. Last time I saw him, he was talking to Shawn and Paul in catering," Victoria said.

"Okay, thanks," Lilian replied, heading towards the food area.

As she entered the room, she saw the members of DX talking against a wall. They saw Lilian and smiled.

"You just missed him," Shawn admitted with a frown.

"Damn it," she cursed in a whisper. "Okay, do you know where he went?"

"Try McMahon's office," The Game offered.

She smiled at them gratefully. "Thank you!" She turned and went to find the boss' office.

Lilian set off toward the area where she knew Vince would be for the duration of the show. She broke into a jog when she came to the long hallway, stopping just before she started to knock on the door.

'Damn,' Lilian realized, 'I can't just barge in there.' Sighing, Lilian shoved her hands, turning in frustration, only to nearly walk into a solid chest.

"Oh, I'm-" She cut herself off when she realized who she nearly walked into.

"Well aloha Mama!"

Lilian screamed in excitement before wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "Dwayne, oh my God! I haven't seen you in so long! How have you been?"

He hugged her back and then released her. "I'm alright, what've you been up to?"

"Just the usual." She grinned, her eyes sparkling with joy as she looked him over. "You're looking very nice!"

"Don't I always?" he replied, holding his arms out in a cocky manner. Lilian laughed, pushing him lightly in the chest. "You're looking pretty good yourself, Ms. Garcia. I'm liking the boots."

"Only $500, Dolce and Gabbana," Lilian said, shifting her leg to show him the boots.

"Only," Dwayne repeated, shaking his head.

"Aw. Come on, they were a bargain!"

"Whatever you say, Lil," Dwayne said with a laugh.

"This coming from a man who has a $150 shirt," Lilian scoffed.

"Excuse me, it was $147, get it right," he mocked, musing her hair.

"So what are you doing here?" she asked enthusiastically, after smoothing down her hair.

"Just visiting some of my favorite people."

"Aww, it's nice to see you too!"

"Who said it was you I came to see?" He chuckled softly.

"Well thanks, jackass." She pouted playfully.

"Aw," Dwayne said with a laugh, placing a hand on his heart. "That hurts me."

"Ah, shut up D," Lilian replied, smacking his upper shoulder.

"I'm just kidding, Lil," Dwayne told her. "I was looking for you this whole time but people kept distracting me."

"Uh huh, sure," Lilian said, crossing her arms. "I don't believe you. You were probably going to wait till I was out there and then somehow work your way into the show to surprise me. I didn't even realize you were here tonight!"

"Consider me a magician," he said confidently.

"Mhm, then make yourself disappear," she quipped, and then giggled.

He sniffed and covered his eyes. "I'm just going to go back home since you're so abusive to me."

She laughed harder, pulling his hand down. "I'm sorry, you big baby, I was kidding." She flashed him with a wide grin. "How's your ankle?"

He looked down to the foot that was heavily wrapped. "I've been better, but at least I have time to rest now." His gaze flicked to her wrist, which was still encased in a soft brace. "And how's your battle wounds?"

"Please, D," Lilian said with a shake of her head. "It's nothing."

"Nothing? I thought you'd been shot the way you screeched when Charlie knocked you off the apron," Dwayne teased, grinning when Lilian flipped him off.

"Hey, bite me," Lilian replied sulkily. "It scared the shit out of me."

"I know, I know," Dwayne said, wrapping his arms around her again and pulling her to him. "I'm just glad you weren't hurt seriously."

"Yeah, me too," Lilian replied distractedly, bringing her uninjured hand up to unconsciously massage her throat.

"Wishing I'd give you a hickey already, Mama?" He smirked and laughed when she hit him across the chest.

"Shut up!" She shook her head. "I think I'm just getting a cold or something, my throat hurts a little."

"Think it's strep?" he questioned, his tone showing concern.

"Nah, I mean, I guess it could be, but I don't have any other symptoms. I'm not running a fever or anything like that, I think I'll be fine - just as long as I'm able to go out there and sing without looking like a total idiot."

"You'd never look like an idiot, Lil," Dwayne said gently. "Just make sure you take care of yourself."

"Have you ever known me to not take care of myself?" Lilian asked.

Dwayne shrugged, folding his arms as he raised an eyebrow at her. "Do you really want me to answer that?"

"Okay, tough guy," Lilian challenged. "Name one time."

"Well, there's the time-"

"Oh, darn," Lilian cut him off with a laugh, looking at her cell phone to see the time. "I've gotta go to the gorilla. Will you walk me there?"

"But of course!" He offered her his arm, which she took.

"How's Hollywood treating you?" she asked once they began walking.

"It's great, I love it, but don't try to change the subject, little girl."

"Little girl? Excuse you, but ... oh, I guess you are older than me." She giggled innocently.

"Now you're going to make old jokes? Jesus Garcia, I'm beginning to question my visiting!"

"Psht," Lilian scoffed. "You could never just not visit me."

"You want to bet?"

"Please, D. You know I've won every bet you've made with me," Lilian replied. "Including the one about you and some whipped-"

"Please don't remind me of that!" Lilian giggled again when the man known as the Rock blushed. He didn't blush that much, but that one little incident could turn him as red as a tomato. "Keep it up and I'll make you sing the song you sang for Viscera at Vengeance last year!"

"How ironic," she commented. "I was actually picturing you on that couch when I sang it. Hmm, what would you make of that?" She nudged him to show she was just kidding.

"I'd say that you're madly in love with me and you can't keep your thoughts, or your paws, off me." He winked at her and then stopped once they arrived at gorilla. "What are you doin' tonight after the show?"

"Just going back to my hotel, why? You want a hot date?"

"Yeah, do you know if Trish is wanting to get something to eat afterwards?" She sent him a glare, making him laugh. "No, I'm kidding, but would you want to go?"

"Yeah, of course," Lilian replied. "Hopefully I'll have a voice left at the end of the show."

"Oh, I thought nothing was wrong with your throat," Dwayne pressed, frowning when she again rubbed her throat.

"Quit pushing," Lilian warned, her voice letting him know that she didn't want to discuss it.

"Lily-"

"Dwayne. I said quit it," the Latina said softly. Dwayne wasn't sure if it was because she didn't want to make a scene or if she really couldn't yell at him.

Dwayne looked at her hard, not liking the fact that she wouldn't meet his gaze as they arrived at the gorilla. "Fine. I'll meet you back here after the show."

"Okay," she said, smiling, "I will see you then." She leaned up to peck his cheek and then she was gone.

Dwayne shook his head and walked back down the hall where Trish was. "Hey!"

"Hey," the blonde said, grinning. "Did Lil find ya?"

He nodded. "Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about her."

"Well, since you insisted, yes, you can marry her. You have my blessing," Trish joked.

He raised an eyebrow, but decided to not press the issue. "I was wondering what's really been going on with her throat."

Trish sighed, crossing her arms uncomfortably. "Dwayne, I really don't think it's my place-"

"Trish," Dwayne said gently yet forcefully, placing a hand on her shoulder. "This is Lilian we're talking about here."

Trish shook her head, frowning as she answered, "Honestly, Dwayne? She won't talk about it. Every time I ask her about it, she either insists she is fine or changes the subject."

"What do you think is wrong?"

"Damn, Dwayne, I'm not a doctor. But after every show, she comes back to the locker room very hoarse. Last week, she didn't even have a voice. You should have heard her thanking the crowd after the cameras stopped rolling. It wasn't pretty."

"Has she seen a doctor?"

Trish shook her head sadly. "I can't get her to go. Nobody can, and believe me, everyone has tried."

"Do you think she's just overdoing it?"

She shrugged. "I really don't know. I'm worried about her though. Singing her life, and if she messes her vocal cords up with this, I don't know what she'll do."

Rock nodded. "Okay, thank you, I really appreciate it."

"No problem, and it really is great to see you again!"

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Lilian walked to the back, angry at the way a few things had gone during the night. First of all, her voice had cracked slightly during the Anthem. While she didn't hear or see anyone laughing, she was still slightly angry at herself. Then, Charlie had been a little too rough during their Unlimited segment, and now her wrist was aching a little bit, not to mention the dull throb once again settling in her throat. At least now she could look forward to her date with Dwayne.

'Please, Lil, it's not a date,' she told herself, frowning slightly when someone stepped out of a doorway into her path. 'It's just dinner between friends.' She looked up, surprised to see the owner of the WWE staring at her as she made her way through the backstage area.

"Good evening, Mr. McMahon," Lilian said politely. "The show went well tonight, I think."

"Yes it did," Vince replied. "Lilian, I need to talk to you," he added gently.

She shook her head, confused. "Okay...?"

"Come with me, please."

She shrugged and followed him to his make-shift office. He sat down and motioned for her to do as well.

"What is this about, Mr. McMahon?" she asked, her grip tightening on her binder of papers she kept at ringside.

"There seems to be issues regarding your voice," he replied. "Before you think anything, you haven't done anything wrong. You're doing a tremendous job, and I thank you for that."

She smiled, unsure. "Okay, thank you." Lilian paused, then hoarsely asked, "What seems to be the problem?"

Vince sighed, wiping his sweaty brow with the back of his hand. "Lilian; Stephanie, Shane, and I can't help but notice that you've been hoarse after the show," Mr. McMahon started, only to be cut off by Lilian.

"Please, sir, it's nothing! I think I've just got a case of strep-"

"For the last two months, Lilian?" Vince cut her off, crossing his arms and giving Lilian a hard look, one that made her squirm slightly.

"I...you see...It's...well," she stuttered, biting her lip. "Vince, I just...I think..."

Vince offered her a kind smile. "Lilian, I would like for you to be get checked out by a doctor when you go home tomorrow. I will pay for the medical bills if you're put on medicine or something to that effect."

"Mr. McMahon, that really isn't necessary."

"I believe it is," he confirmed. "I want to know what he says, so please call me when you get out of the appointment. If need be, you can have a few weeks off of your announcing duties. Justin wouldn't mind filling in, I'm sure."

"Yeah, and I'm sure Justin wouldn't mind if I got run over by a bus either," Lilian muttered to herself, crossing her arms miserably. "Fine," Lilian finally replied, knowing it was useless to argue with her boss.

"Hey, don't have such a long face," Vince said kindly, placing a gentle hand on Lilian's arm as her hand went up again to her throat. "You have a lot of friends who are concerned about you."

"Oh, really?" Lilian asked suspiciously, raising her eyebrows. "Like who?"

"Well, everyone here," he said, painting her a broad picture. "We do take notice and we do care about you, okay? Will you please take care of yourself?"

She looked away, as though she was actually thinking it over. "Alright, I'll call you tomorrow after I see the doctor."

He stood up, smiling. "Thank you, I really appreciate that."

She nodded, standing as well. "Like I would really tell you no." She laughed lightly before they said their goodbyes and she left his office.

Once outside, she leaned against the wall, closing her eyes and letting a sigh escape past her lips. "Well hey there, Little Giggle Panties," she heard, looking up to see Dwayne walking towards her. "How are you?"

"Horrible, thanks to you," Lilian bit off, pushing herself off the wall and walking away from him.

"Lilian, what's wrong?" Dwayne asked, trying to keep up with her but knowing why she was suddenly very mad.

She whirled around, not even noticing when Dwayne nearly walked into her. "You son of a bitch!" she exclaimed, pointing a finger into his face. "How dare you!"

"What?" He was completely perplexed. "Lil, what happened to make you so angry?"

"Like you don't know!" she shot back, turning to leave.

He grabbed her loosely by her arm. "Actually, I don't know, so why don't you explain it to me?"

"Oh fuck off!" She jerked away from him and stormed off.

"Well, I guess we aren't going to dinner now," he said to himself.

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End Part 1