Title~  Friends & Lovers

Part 1

Author~ Cristal

Email~ SeraphThrenody@aol.com

Rating~ PG13

Disclaimer~ All characters belong to the WWFE. Thanks. ^^

Spoilers~ 'eh? No, don't think so…

Feedback~ Would be much appreciated. ^^ Let's me know if I should continue, you know? ^^

Notes~ Just fair warning, I'm keeping similar characterization as I established in 'This Tangled Web We Weave'. Christian's character is fairly set in that series: Lita is still being worked on. ^^;; And Edge is just a hysterically funny pervert most of the time. ;) And, no planning whatsoever is being put into this…so, what I write is…well, what I write I suppose. Lol…^^

Characters involved~ Lita, Christian, Edge, Chris Jericho (who is not an ass in this story as had been requested by quite a few people…^^;;), Stephanie McMahon, the Hardy's later on and several miscellaneous others that are just briefly in there. ;)

Summary~ The beginning of a Christian/Lita romance. *awww * ^^ It's coming, I promise…^^

            Christian gently rubbed his shoulder before slipping the sunglasses off: the sun was bright and merciless already. He sighed as he walked into the building, looking around. He was supposed to be meeting Edge and they had a meeting with Vince today…something about a new story angle. He rolled his eyes: anything was better than what he had he supposed. No more childish behavior for him for a very long time if he could help it.

            The ride up the elevator to the upper levels of Vince's corporation was quiet except for the tacky elevator music playing in the background. He escaped with most of his sanity and stepped out before walking down the long hallway towards the main office. He was quietly observing his surroundings as he walked, taking note of the plush carpet, the clean walls and hallways and paintings on display. He stopped at the end, being greeted by Edge who stood with a smile. "Hey man. Finally here?"

            "Shut up." Christian returned with a grin as they shook hands. "Besides, normally it's you that's late."

            Edge shook his head as he looked up at the secretary who was smiling brightly. "You gentlemen are welcome on in right now! Vince will be with you shortly!"

            Both nodded before walking into the large, quiet office. They respectively took seats across from the large cherry desk in the center of the room. Edge absently grabbed a CD that was sitting on the corner of the desk, looking at it. He held it up with a grin: Rob Zombie. Christian just rolled his eyes. He noticed Vince had several CD's sitting on his desk: probably deciding music themes for upcoming pay per views. "Do you know what this is about?"

            Edge absently shook his head as he rifled though the disks. "Nah. Although I heard some rumor they're going to try and team us back up again…"

            "I heard that too…I have no idea how exactly they'd manage that is the only thing…"

            "Don't know…" Edge sighed as he set the disks back on the desk in a now unorganized pile. "It'd certainly be interesting though, wouldn't it?"

            Christian just smiled. "That's putting it lightly. It'd be more like…attention-grabbing."

            "Exciting!"

            "Electrifying!"

            "Try moving gentlemen." Both turned at the sudden third voice in the mix. Vince smiled as he sat across from them. He arched an eyebrow before grabbing the CD's Edge had just been playing with and reorganized them, looking pointedly at a sheepishly grinning Edge. He set the disks down again. "So. We're discussing new angles. A few people needed them, and we felt you two would be a good option right now: we need a stronger tag team division than what we have: agreed?"

            "Well, yeah, you do." Edge acknowledged with a shrug.

            Christian nodded. "Yeah."

            "Who's the strongest in your opinion?"

            "Well…the Dudley's, the Hardy's, Billy Gunn and Chuck Palumbo, the APA, Tazz and Spike…"

            "I think you just named most of the tag teams Christian." Edge looked over pointedly.

            "Exactly." Vince broke in as he pointed across the table. "We want you two back in the tag team division: at least until we get more of a roster in there. The APA is on the verge of taking serious competition; Tazz and Spike are still working their asses off. Billy and Chuck aren't popular enough at this point. And the Hardy's want to do a little more in singles matches. That leaves the Hardy's in tag matches less often and the Dudley's essentially holding the whole division together. We need another strong team in there, at least until we get a little more hard talent. We have a few up and comers…like Tazz and Spike, and even Shane Helms and Tajiri high-flying when they team. But we need a stronger team in there right now…specifically to give the Dudley's a good run for their money."

            "And…?"

            "That's where you gentlemen come in. The creative team wants to restart the 'E & C Dynasty' in a way. You've both had successful runs in singles divisions. But I know Christian is getting tired of the part he's played." Christian nodded confirmation at that. "And I know you've been pretty tense around the clock since you've had that angle with Regal." Edge just narrowed his eyes slightly as Vince continued. "I want to put you two back into teams divisions: at least temporarily. You two were part of the 'big 3' of the teams the last few years. You still are. Let the writers come up with a believable storyline to work with and we can start immediately: provided you're willing."

            "I'm game." Edge stated as he looked over at Christian's pale blue gaze.

Christian just smirked slightly. "Make it believable and you've got a deal Vince."

"Great! This will work fantastically…I already got an idea of sorts…but the third party doesn't seem to be here yet…" he frowned slightly before hitting the call button on the phone. 'Yes sir?' came over the intercom.

"I had a third ten am star Lily: is she here yet?"

There was silence a moment before a muffled chuckle. 'Yes sir…just ran through the door.'

Vince smiled despite 'she' being late. "Excellent: just send her straight in."

Edge and Christian shared a confused look before turning back to Vince who just smiled slightly. "I'm rather proud of this idea myself."

Edge arched an eyebrow. Before he could reply however, the door opened with a 'whoosh' and she literally ran into the room, shutting the door as quietly as she could behind herself. "I'm so sorry I was late Vince! Really!"

Vince just smiled slightly as he pointed to the chair next to Edge. "That's all right. Please, have a seat."

Both Edge and Christian turned as she sat, looking at their new 'teammate' of sorts: Lita. She smiled brightly at them both. "Hey guys! What's happening?"

"That's what I'd like to know…not that I mind…" Edge mumbled before being kicked under the table by Christian who nodded with a smile at Lita.

Vince called their attention towards himself. "Well, this is the rough plan everyone. Lita is still technically under the managerial list, so this should work. But, the idea is for her to get into trouble in the ring. We want you to play hero: probably Edge first as he's playing face at this point. You both will already be out in the ring as part of a tag match: we haven't decided who your partner will be. Lita will be out with Jeff Hardy and you, Edge. Whoever is teamed with Christian is going to be heel: I haven't made a final decision on who that will be yet. Probably Jericho. Lita will interfere and whoever is heel will try and take her down. Now, Jeff will be down on ringside, probably out from a ring jump towards Jericho. That will leave, the aggressor, and you two: now, it's a common fact nobody wants to see Lita get hurt." She just blushed slightly at that as he continued with a smile. "But, that will put you two into a position to double team Jericho for trying to pull what he did. Follow me?"

"Interesting…" Christian acknowledged. "Team us up inadvertently to save Lita…"

"Her sorry ass in trouble of course."

Lita laughed before smacking Edge's shoulder. Vince just smiled at the chemistry between the three already…this was definitely turning into one of his better ideas… He cleared his throat. "Well, that's the base plan. After that plays out, you two will discuss getting back together. And maybe bringing Lita on since she was the one who brought it on. And, of course she will accept."

"Yay! I get to work with the Blonde Bombshells!" Lita cheered as Christian just blushed slightly.

Edge just grinned wolfishly. "Awwww! Look, he's blushing!" Christian punched his arm none-too-gently as he tried to kill the blush staining his cheeks. Edge just grinned as he leered over at Lita. "Hey Vince, do we get a romantic angle? Come on…don't I Lita look fantastic together?"

Vince shook his head with a smile as Edge hugged Lita close to him as she just laughed, trying half-heartedly to push him away. "No, I'm afraid not Edge…you'll have to win her over the old fashioned way."

"Which means, of course, you don't have a chance." Lita replied with a smile as she crossed her arms over her chest. Edge looked heartbroken.

Christian just shook his head. "So, when are we going to start this new angle?"

"Well, it probably won't be for another week or so: by that time we can iron things out with all of the details on figuring out exactly who will be involved. That and it gives time to establish the Hardy's without Lita so much."

"Pesky kids."

Lita reached over, smacking Edge again. "Hush! Jeff and Matt are wonderful!"

"So are we though Li!!" He replied as he grabbed her in a loose headlock. She slipped out quickly, grabbing the sunglasses he had perched on the top of his blonde head.

She laughed merrily as she put them on, covering her own hazel gaze with a smile. "No. Christian is wonderful: you're just a handful!"

Edge looked insulted. "Fine. Give me my sunglasses back."

"No." she stuck her tongue out before remembering they were in Vince's office. She turned to him with a smile.

"Okay. Well, that's the plan right now. I'll get the writers on it. You three have the rest of the week off, correct?" Two nods and a shake. "What are you doing this week Edge?"

He slipped into business mode, losing the playful edge he typically had. "Just doing a meet and greet."

Vince nodded. "Okay…well, I'll have information for all three of you in probably, two days. So be ready for a switch." All three nodded and Vince nodded as well. "Okay. I'll see you three this coming weekend. Although I'll have your new scripts mailed to your houses."

Everyone exchanged handshakes and the three left the office less than quietly. "Hey Red! Give me my sunglasses back!"

"Take a hike Blondie! I think I like these!" Lita replied as she modeled the sunglasses with a smile.

Christian just smiled. "I think she looks a lot better in them than you do."

Edge rolled hazel eyes. "Damn! I really just can't win! With either of you!"

Both just laughed. Lita smiled again as she slipped the glasses off with a smile, handing them over. "Well, I need to be leaving. I'm heading over to Jeff's house on my way home: he has new sculptures to show off. So, I'll see you guys later!"

Both waved as she left with a smile. "We are very lucky men, you know that?"

"Yep."

Both just shook their heads. Edge turned, eyebrow arched. "Don't mess anything up with this angle."

"What the hell are you talking about?!"

"What do you mean, 'what the hell am I talking about?'?" he mimicked with a smirk. "You know exactly what I'm talking about Christian. And just don't do it: not yet anyway."

"I have no idea what you're talking about!" Christian pouted similar to his character as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Edge shook his head as he started walking off. "Yes you do. I'll see you this weekend Christian." Grumbling reached his ears as he walked off with a grin.

Lita sat at the table as quietly as she could as she read through the script that just arrived. She flipped quickly through the pages, before finding her spot. She read through and nodded before picking up the phone and grabbing her number list. She flipped through before finding what she was looking for. It rang half a dozen times before a sleepy voice answered. "'Lo?"

Lita just giggled. "Good afternoon Jeff! You should have been awake by now!"

She heard him sigh, and maybe stuffing his face in a pillow. "What do you want Litaaaa. I'm still tired."

"Well, you obviously haven't read the script for Monday."

"Script?"

"Yeah, you know, those things are employers send us? Those things."

"Smartass." Beat. "What about it?"

"Have you heard about my new angle yet?"

"Heard Edge bragging about finally getting to work with you. So it was true?"

"Yep!" she replied brightly. "They're wanting to bring in Edge and Christian again to spice things up, at least temporarily until they build up the tag division more."

"Sounds like a good idea."

"Uh huh, that's what they said. Anyway, you're teaming with Edge while Christian is teaming with Chris Jericho. Chris is going to come after me and Edge and Christian will come to my rescue!" she finished with a dramatic sigh.

"Interesting. Sounds like a good idea though." He paused before chuckling. "But I can't see you using the surfer vocabulary they employ onscreen."

"Me neither. But I think they'll keep some of the better characterization traits they've acquired recently. Christian however gets to start acting his age again."

"That's certainly a good thing."

"He agrees. Anyway, since you and Matt want more singles competitions, Vince thought it'd be a good idea for me to work with a another tag group: and this worked for everyone."

"Sounds like a good idea." He paused. "Have you talked to either yet? Or Chris for that matter?"

"No, not yet. Want to try and get together or something?"

"Nah, I think we can wait until Monday. Put on an improv show of sorts."

"Okay. Well, I'll see you later Jeff!"

"Later Li."

Monday, Lita was on ringside in Edge and Jeff's corner, pounding on the ring edge as Jeff finally tagged in and collapsed at the corner. Edge was out and ran, his shoulder slamming into Christian. He went for a submission move, but couldn't get it. Christian threw Edge over the top rope and tagged in to Chris who was as cocky and confident as ever. Lita stated trash talking towards Jericho before he could pull Edge back into the ring by his blonde mane. Instead he reached over, grabbing Lita's hair and yanking her into the ring instead. He tossed her to the center of the ring carelessly as he strutted around, preening. He began advancing towards her, blue eyes darkening slightly before looking up at his partner. "What the hell are you doing Jericho?! Just pin Edge: leave her the hell alone!"

Chris waved a hand nonchalantly as he continued towards Lita. Christian came into the ring, spearing Chris in the back. He rolled out of the way, looking down at Lita who seemed too shocked to move. He looked over at Edge, who was looking at him warily after getting back into the ring. Edge cocked his head a moment, meeting his 'brother's' eyes before slowly extending a hand. Which Christian took carefully, eyes widening slightly at the loud cheering at the gesture. They shook and Edge helped Lita up, watching as Christian went up the ramp towards the back. They helped Jeff to the back as well, listening to the loud cheering as they went.

As soon as they made it to the back, Jeff sprung to life whirling around with a laugh. "That was amazing!! I knew they'd love that!!"

Lita laughed as well as Edge shook his head. "Well, Christian and I have a little segment to film. Lita, you do too, right?"

"Mm hmm. Right after you two are done." She smiled slightly.

Edge knocked on the door labeled 'Christian' in gothic script. 'Come in' sounded through and he carefully opened the door. Christian turned, in process of changing. He arched an eyebrow as he pulled the shirt over his head. "What did you want?"

"I wanted to thank you Christian. For what you did earlier. For Lita. Jeff and I both appreciate it."

He shrugged indifferently. "Surprised I can still do something right once in awhile?"

"No." Edge shrugged. "I think you're misguided maybe, but certainly not a failure."

"Misguided?" Christian echoed with a slight smile. "Have you been reading those hard books again? I swear…already forgot what I told you about those…"

Edge flashed his smile. "They are not the enemy."

Christian shrugged again. "Don't know about that…"

"You know Christian…we've both had great runs in the singles divisions since we split." He nodded in response as Edge continued. "I don't know…would you consider tag teaming again? Just for the hell of it? Maybe one match? I'm willing to forgive and forget if you are."

Christian looked up, eyebrow arched. "You're serious? After everything that's happened, I'm surprised you're even considering asking me."

"You're the best tag partner I've ever worked with. It's just an idea. If you're not interested, that's cool, no hard feelings."

Christian was silent as he packed his duffel bag. "Actually…maybe it's not a bad idea. If you can forgive and forget, so can I."

Edge smiled again. "Excellent! We can shake up the tag team division if nothing else, right?"

"Shake it up?" Christian asked, glint in his eyes. "I wanna take the damn thing over again!"

"You got it! We'll ask for a match for Tuesday!"

Christian nodded as he hugged his 'brother'. "Great: let me know what happens."

"Sure thing! I'll talk to you later Christian!"

Christian nodded as Edge shut the door behind him once more. "And…cut! Excellent guys!"

Edge stepped back in with a grin. "I'm awesome, I know."

"You're a dork, what are you talking about?!"

Both just laughed. Christian calmed slightly. "Lita here yet?"

"Yeah, she's ready to go actually."

Lita knocked tentatively on the door, unaware of the visitor just minutes before: she was wondering if her intended visitation had already left. The door opened and pale blue eyes met hazel. Lita smiled slightly. "Uh…hey."

"Hey. What's up?"

"Uh…I just wanted to thank you. For what you did earlier. That's all. I didn't come with devious intent, I promise."

He cracked the hints of a smile. "You? I bet not…"

"Really! But, thank you Christian. I appreciate it." She paused hesitantly a moment before taking a step back. "Uh, well, I need to be going. I'll see you around, okay?"

He nodded slightly. "Sure. See you later Li."

She smiled, turning from the door. Christian just smiled slightly with a shake of his head. "Cut!"

Lita bounced back in, hugging Christian. "I think we did well myself. How about you?"

He smiled as he met her warm hazel eyes. "Wonderful actually. And we've set the stage, right?"

"Right! Anything can happen now!!"

End Part 1 of 'Friends & Lovers'

Author's Rambles~ What did you expect, sex in the first part?! Lol…Gotta set the stage! Especially involving my WWF Conspiracy theory on them getting Edge and Christian back together! ;) Lol…So, the stage has been set: Edge, Lita and Christian will be working together very, very soon…of course, you have to remember the protective Hardy's of course…