So sorry for the delay guys, real life intervened. This chapter, the plot thickens. We begin to discover exactly why Shane is so fixated on Melina and we learn why Stephanie and Melina don't get along. Some of you were on the right track with your ideas, which means you guys are incredibly intelligent or I'm becoming ridiculously predictable. I'm hoping it's the former.

Business is about to pick up. For the Shippers, there is some epic heartfail about to take place. Don't say I didn't warn you. This takes place immediately after the Smackdown tapings in chapter three.

This is fiction - the opinions written here are based on a small element of truth and do not reflect that of the individuals in real life. I own nothing you recognise. This plot belongs to FormerlyKnownAsJackie. The twists belong to me.


"The average ratings for Smackdown have been consistently falling over the past month," a bored WWE executive droned wearily. It was after midnight in Stamford where the company headquarters were located. Tapings had been held locally this week, with most of the talent located at the Hilton just down the road. "We believe we've discovered the reason for the sudden down turn-"

Stephanie drilled her fingers against the table top in a repetitive fashion as she glanced idly at her watch. Paul had Aurora tonight. Rather, Paul's nanny was caring for her daughter. God only knows what her ex-husband was doing, but she could almost guarantee it wasn't taking care of their five year old. More like 'taking care' of the nanny. It wouldn't be the first time. Disguising a snort with a cough, she scanned the faces sitting around the board room.

Creative members.

Snivelling old men from the board who were evidently here in place of her father, who had conveniently decided to whisk her mother away for the week therefore leaving the plebeians in charge.

Her brother.

Shane McMahon sat directly across of her at the head of the table, seemingly enthralled with whatever the old codger was carrying on about. It wasn't that Stephanie didn't care about Smackdown; she had a major stake in this company along with the other members of her family. She just happened to care about Raw more. It was her show, it had the better ratings, the main event talent. It wasn't her fault her brother sucked at his job. And at watching where he was going, apparently. Shane's nose was currently swollen beyond belief. He had taped strapped across the bridge, tissues stuffed into his nostrils. Stephanie snickered under her breath, visualising the blood she had seen streaming down his face when she had run into him in the hall earlier that night. He claimed to have run into a door. Funny, when she had been eavesdropping outside Dr. Rio's office she had distinctly heard the doctor say something about a deviated septum … caused by blunt force trauma, probably a fist to the face. Figures. She wasn't surprised; she just wish she knew who had caused the damage so she could shake their hand in thanks. And then give them a raise.

"So it's decided then. We'll having a Diva trade on Monday Night Raw. Alexis, or Mickie will go to Smackdown and Melina to Raw."

Stephanie's head snapped up in surprise. "What?"

Shane's eyes gleamed. He knew she hadn't seen that one coming. Stephanie had only two weaknesses. One, no matter how much she prided herself upon being a focal part of the Raw production team, she would drop everything at a moment's notice for her daughter. Two, she was extremely pigheaded. Only one opinion was valid in Stephanie's mind, regardless of the situation - her own. Between Aurora needing surgery and her evident distaste for Melina, he had this in the bag. "If you had been paying attention Stephanie," he smirked, standing in his seat. "You would know that Smackdown's ratings are at an all time high amongst the Hispanic community. You would also know that Alexis's behaviour recently has been nothing short of deplorable."

"What behaviour?" The words were out of Stephanie's mouth before she could help herself. Shit. If one of the Divas on her brand was playing up, she should have been the first to know about it.

"Oh, you didn't know?" Shane asked innocently as he buttoned his suit jacket. His voice was thick and sloppy, due to the pain medication he was on and the fact he could no longer breathe through his nose. "I could have sworn I left a report about it on your desk."

"Right! Sure, I know what you're referring to now," Stephanie lied through her teeth. She had no idea of what the heck was going on. There was no way in hell she was going to let her brother know that though. "Is it absolutely necessary to move Alexis though? I don't believe what happened warrants uprooting her and changing shows."

"On the contrary," Shane counted. "I believe sending her to Smackdown would be a fantastic wake up call for her. Some of the younger Diva's could truly benefit from working with her in the ring."

"Is that not why we arranged to move Melina to Smackdown in the draft?" Stephanie asked through gritted teeth. She couldn't believe she was about to say this. "She is the most experienced female worker on the roster. Your girls are pathetic. If anyone can dig them out of the hole they keep digging for themselves, it's Melina."

"The reason Melina was moved was because we were losing the Hispanic community."

"The reason that happened was because Oscar, Rey, whatever he's calling himself these days, was stupid enough to get himself suspended from television for a month," Stephanie snapped. "He's the biggest draw for the younger audience and you know it. I don't know why you feel the need to move Melina. Now that your ratings are nose diving you want to shoulder her with the blame? I don't understand."

"Dad and I feel," Shane smiled broadly as his sister's face fell. "Yes, Stephanie, I've spoken to Dad about this and he supports this trade one hundred percent. We feel that the companies strongest female competitor should be back on the flagship brand. Mickie, sorry Alexis, is a good worker with a decent amount of experience. Consequently, she can help the girls on Smackdown out in Melina's absence. Imagine what Melina could do with your girls on Raw. Alicia, Nikki, Eve - they would all benefit from having her on the roster. Surely Steph, it would make your show even stronger."

"And would put you at a distinct disadvantage," she mused quietly. An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. "Melina is a massive drawcard, the audience love her. Why? What do you have to gain from this? Why the sudden decision to move Melina back to Mondays? I know you Shane, you have to have an ulterior motive of some sort."

"No ulterior motive. None," Shane said pleasantly. Well, that wasn't entirely true. After all, he would be travelling with the Raw brand soon while his sister was absent. He didn't necessarily consider shifting Melina with him motive … merely a strategic business move that would benefit the company … not to mention himself. On Raw, Melina would be virtually isolated from John and her little pals Glen and Chris. She would be vulnerable … John's former indiscretions while they had been separated were sure to play on her mind while they were apart. She would have no one to run too, no one to save her … no reason to reject his advances any longer. That was what it was all about, wasn't it? He wanted Melina. He had had every other girl in that locker room but the Latina and it was driving him mad. His sexual appetite was insatiable, yet he had a feeling - something that came from both from his own fantasies and backstage gossip - that Melina would be the one to make him beg for mercy. He had studied her matches, saw the passion in her eyes when she competed, heard the desperation in her screams. She had to be a tiger in the bedroom. He wanted to dominate her. He didn't appreciate her insubordinate attitude toward him. In Shane's mind, women should be submissive. Most of the Diva's he had encountered were. The rest had been rather open to … various methods of persuasion. Being able to control a woman gave a certain sense of …accomplishment. Achievement. Power. John's jealousy regarding Melina's relationship with Dave Batista was also something he could work to his advantage he realised. He had no doubt Glen would keep John in line though, forcing Chris to play peace maker. Self-destruction was only a step away. "I'm doing you a favour Stephanie. Why can't you just accept that?"

"Because I know you." She muttered. "I don't like this."

"You don't like this, or you don't like the idea of Melina being on your show?" Shane challenged. "You don't like Melina and I think I know why. It's because you're too similar, isn't it? Melina doesn't take any crap from anyone and neither do you. She's not afraid to back down from a fight and she's as tough as nails. You don't like her, Stephanie, because looking at Melina for you is like looking in a mirror. You've become accustomed to being the only strong, independent women in this company and you feel threatened by her. Admit it."

"That's not true!"

"No? Then why Stephanie?" Shane's face was dark, not liking where this conversation was headed. He was determined to get what he wanted and prepared to go to any length necessary to get it. "What have you got against her?"

"Nothing!" God, she hated it when he was right. "Fine, Shane, do what you like. Put Melina on Raw. At least then I can keep an eye on her when I return. But know that I don't like this. I know you're up to something and so help me, when I find out what it is I'm going to give you the arse-kicking you so sorely deserve. I don't have anything against her and I'll prove it. Good luck with Alexis," she sneered. "I didn't think it was possible for the quality of the women's matches on Smackdown to get any worse but I was wrong. Melina's going to shit all over Mickie in regard to helping the girls work out their moves. Just you wait and see."

The two siblings glared at each other across the table, palms face down, backs hunched defensively as they eyeballed each other with obvious disdain. Shane's breathing was ragged, Stephanie ready to pounce as he stood tall, refusing to lose their stand off and give her any sort of mental edge. Her eyes narrowed as he opened his mouth to speak, promptly shutting it again.

Don't even try it.

The man to Shane's left cleared his throat, glancing at the clock on the wall.

It was nearing 1am.

"Meeting dismissed," Stephanie spat. Within what seemed like seconds the room was cleared, everyone anxious to get as far away from the warring siblings as soon as possible. Shane stood frozen, quite pleased with everything he had managed to accomplish. Scowling, Stephanie retreated, shoving her papers into her briefcase. "Are you telling her or am I?"

"Oh you can do it." Though I would love to be a fly on the wall when those tears start to fall, he chuckled to himself. "It's not really appropriate for a male board member to be calling or knocking on the door of his female employees so late. It's probably best if you handle this one."

"Pot, kettle?" She asked sarcastically. "Funny, whether something is inappropriate or not has never stopped you before."

Shane was already halfway out the door, unable to appreciate the true irony of the situation.

"Goodnight, Stephanie."

"Would you come to bed already?"

John looked up from the magazine he was flipping through. At his insistence, Melina was in bed, resting. He couldn't believe she had had to work tonight after slashing her head open. It didn't matter how short the match was and that it had only been a dark match. Working with a green competitor increased her chances of getting hurt further. He wasn't going to stand for that. "I'm not tired."

Melina sighed. "I don't care if you're not tired. Will you come and lie down beside me? Please?"

"Mel, if I come over there, I'm going to fall asleep."

"But you just said you weren't tired …"

Setting down his magazine John moved to sit beside her on the bed. "I went and spoke to the Doc after my match." he admitted sheepishly. "You don't have a concussion but he said someone should keep an eye on you while you slept … I figured I just wouldn't say anything and let you get some rest."

Clearly touched by his gesture, she reached for his hand, lacing his fingers with hers. "You should have told me. You had a tough match tonight and we have an early flight."

He shrugged, feeling the effects of his fight with Drew, yet willing to sacrifice a few hours of shut-eye for his girl. "I can sleep on the plane."

A knock sounded on the door.

Standing, John regretfully untangled his fingers from Melina's and moved to open it. "Who is it?"

"It's Stephanie McMahon," came a brisk response from the hall. "John, I need to speak to Melina. Now."

Exchanging puzzled glances, the two paused for a moment before Melina nodded, signalling it was okay to let her in. Throwing on a hoodie, she climbed out of bed just in time to see Stephanie come storming in. "I'm glad you're still up."

Shutting the door behind his boss, John returned to Melina's side. "Is there something wrong Stephanie?"

"Yes. No." Stephanie closed her eyes, suddenly wishing she wasn't the one to deliver the bad news. These two had been through a lot. Melina and John had both come to her specifically, prior to the last draft, in the hope that they would be kept together. She couldn't blame them. Feelings aside, she remembered how difficult things had been when she and Paul had just been starting out. Life on the road was hard enough without a significant other. Being on separate shows and trying to remain in a romantic relationship was damn near impossible. "Look, I'm sorry to be the one who has to tell you this. This wasn't my decision to make and please, believe me when I say I don't approve of it."

Melina clutched her boyfriend's hand tightly, terrified one of them was about to fired. "What is it Stephanie?"

"Melina ... I'm sorry. The decision has been made to move you back to Raw. Effective immediately. Your first show with your new brand is next Monday," Stephanie said quietly, watching all of the blood drain from the Diva's face. Her grip on John tightened, the wrestler not faring much better than she. "Your tickets have been booked and you'll have the weekend off from house shows. I know that's not much of a consolation but-"

"What about me?" John interrupted anxiously. Drawing Melina into his side he tried to ignore the tears streaming down her face. He knew how she felt. They had been through this back in April. "Am I … What's happening with me, Stephanie?"

Stephanie swallowed. She had to try and maintain her composure, but damn it, her maternal instincts were taking over and she couldn't bear to make another couple suffer like she was. She knew all too well what it was like. She'd been here before. No, not with Paul. The relationship she was referring to was a lot more .. Current. "You're staying on Smackdown. I'm going to try and fight to have you moved too John, but I can't make any promises."

"But … I've only been on Smackdown a few months," Melina questioned quietly. "Why me?"

The youngest McMahon raised her hands in surrender. "This call was made by my father and my brother. Alexis needed to be removed from the Raw brand and they believe that you are the only one who can fill her shoes. They need a leader in that locker room Melina and you are the best person for the job, like it or not." Guilt was written across Steph's face as she moved to the exit. "For what it's worth … I really am sorry."

Fleeing into the hall, Stephanie almost collided with Chris Irvine. She looked a picture. Mascara smudged, face an angry red, fists bawled.

She was angry.

At her brother, for aforementioned reasons.

At herself, her letting her emotions get in the way of her work. At Melina and John, for being able to have what she so desperately wanted.

At the man in front of her … for being the one she wanted and for wanting to be the one for her.

"Whoa, Princess. Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

All it took was one look at him to make her anger dissipate into anguish. Throwing her arms around his neck she burst into tears. Shocked, Chris stumbled slightly.

"Hey hey hey," he crooned, gingerly locking his arms around her waist. "It's okay Stephers. Whatever is wrong, it's gonna be okay."

"No it's not," she sobbed. "I can't … I can't keep doing this Chris. I can't keep pushing you away and I can't keep dealing with my brother. I almost lost it in there. Melina and John don't deserve this."

"Deserve what Steph? What happened?"

"Melina's going to Raw," she hiccupped. "And John … I don't want to be on different shows anymore. I want to be with you all the time Chris. I want you with me."

Flushing partly with pride, Chris felt his face grow hot. "Oh Princess …"

"Don't let me be alone Chris," she sobbed. "Don't let me go."

"I'm not going anywhere," he swore. "I'm here Stephanie McMahon. You'll never be able to get me to leave."

Inside, Melina took one look at John's face and crumbled.

The hopeless feeling she had experienced upon moving to Smackdown that first night had returned. Her stomach was churning, the thought of being separated from John again bringing her to her knees.

With a sharp cry she curled up on the carpet, her body racked with sobs.

Everything and everyone was against them. Perhaps they weren't meant to be together at all.

"Don't cry Mel. Please, baby, don't cry." John murmured as he crouched down beside her. "I can't stand to see you like this."

"How can I … not …" She gasped through her sobs as he lifted her into his arms. "We just … I don't want ... To leave!"

"I know," he swallowed heavily. She was falling apart right in front of his eyes, he knew he had to try and be strong enough for the both of them. "I don't want you to go either. But … it's going to be okay. It has to be. Steph said … we'll make this work Melina. I promise you."

"We'll never see each other," came her distraught reply. "What does … what does this mean for us?"

"It doesn't mean a thing," John insisted as he settled her on his lap. "I'm not giving up on you. Or on us. We've been through worse and come out stronger before. We can do it again. Everything happens for a reason Mel," he murmured as he stroked her hair, mindful of the lump on the back of her skull. "Maybe this is meant to be."

Melina stiffened, her initial despair giving way to anger. "Meant to be? What the hell is that supposed to mean? Do you want me to leave?"

"What? No! God Melina," he said, horrified she would ever think such a thing. "How could you even think that? I don't want ever want to be without you. What we have is-"

Comprehension dawned. "… Shane."

John frowned. "I'm sorry?"

"This is all Shane's fault!" Melina burst out in distress. Her stomach was churning, a thousand thoughts flying through her mind as she tried to process the situation. Within an instant she was back on her feet, pacing before him. "You heard what Stephanie said. He wants to split us up. It all makes sense now! The comments about fraternizing in the halls, him showing up in our locker room …"

Her boyfriend's eyes narrowed, mouth set in a deep scowl. "Him showing up where?"

She faltered, fearing she had said too much. Should she …? No. She couldn't. John didn't need to know about Shane. If he knew, he would do something stupid. She couldn't let that happen. Besides, Shane wasn't even on Raw. He was on Smackdown. He was moving her because he wanted to break her and John up. The … incident … that had taken place between Shane and herself earlier that evening wouldn't happen again. Shane wouldn't try anything, would he? If having his nose broken didn't result in Shane taking a hint … The reality of the situation hit her like smack in the face. Who was she kidding? Shane was relentless in his pursuits. He would do everything in his power to get what he wanted. "It's not important," she covered quickly, changing the subject. "I'm flattered that they think I'm good enough to lead the Diva's locker room on Raw but …"

"But what?" Tears flooded her eyes again as John approached her. Melina felt as if she was on a rollercoaster. Much like Stephanie, she was torn. She was angry at Shane. She was terrified he would try and corner her again. She was devastated at the thought of being separated from John. She felt guilty about keeping secrets from him. She was worried about what this meant for their relationship. She was upset because she would be leaving both him and Glen behind. The most overwhelming emotion she was feeling was hopelessness. She felt like she was sinking. She couldn't do this anymore. Wouldn't do this. "Baby, what is it?"

His arms encircled her waist, pulling her toward him as she broke down again. "I don't want to go without you," she sobbed. "Please don't make me go."

"It's not up to me," John reminded her gently as he cupped her cheek. "If I could go to Raw with you I would. You know that. I don't know why Shane and Vince wanted you moved. I do know that you can't say no Mel. You have to go to Raw."

"What if … what if something happens?" What if Shane tries to attack me again and you're not there to save me?

"Nothing's going to happen. Shane is your boss baby and I know you don't like him. I can't blame you but-"

"-How do you know?" Melina cut in abruptly, tears still streaming down her face. What if you forget about me the second I walk out this door and fall in love with the next woman you see? "You won't be there, you can't know that!"

Grasping her chin firmly he forced her gaze to meet his. "Do you trust me?" She hesitated, biting her bottom lip. "Either you do or you don't. Do you trust me?"

"Is Aurora okay?"

Stephanie snapped her phone shut and tore her eyes away from the city skyline. She was in Chris's hotel room. There were a million reasons she shouldn't have been, professionalism notwithstanding.

She should have been on her way home.

For some reason she just couldn't bring herself to leave.

"She's fine," Stephanie nodded curtly. "No thanks to Paul."

He came up to stand beside her, lacing her fingers with his own. "The divorce was hard on you, wasn't it?"

Bitter laughter cut through the silence as she turned to face him. "Yes," she answered shortly. "I don't know what's worse. Having to see my ignorant oaf of an ex-husband at work every week or having to accept that my father was right. He told me I was making a mistake. Now I'm almost certain he cares for Paul more than he does me. Precious Triple H, Vince McMahon's pride and joy."

"At least you get to see your daughter regularly," Chris replied softly. "I never get to see Ash or the twins anymore. Jess won't let me. She says it's too confusing for them to have me play absentee father. I suppose she's right. Ash never understood why I had to leave. I don't think he understands that Daddy is never coming home either."

Stephanie looked at Chris, seeing him clearly for the first time in a long time. When they had entered in a brief romantic interlude all those years ago he had been carefree. He had worn his hair long, his comments calculated and cutting. She had loved him then. Or so she had thought. Perhaps she loved the thrill of sneaking around and keeping secrets. Chris had then been sent to Raw while she was managing Smackdown. Months passed. She and Paul had become serious and Chris had met Jess. Their friendship had fallen to the way side. Now, ten years later, his hair was short. His eyes were hard, frown lines etched in his forehead from heavy contemplation. He was more reserved now, his barbs short and to the point. He looked as tired as she felt. "Chris, what are we doing?"

Chris licked his lips with anticipation. She was every bit as beautiful now as the day she was when they kissed for the final time. He had known then that people would never have thought him good enough for the bosses daughter. He would be lying if he said part of the reason he had returned to the squared circle wasn't because he didn't want to feel that fire between them again. "What we should have done years ago. Who cares what your Dad thinks? I sure as hell don't. What are you so afraid of?"

"We both know it's not that easy."

"Only because you insist on making things hard for yourself," he admonished her. "Less than an hour ago you told me you wanted me. You said you weren't going to stay away any longer. Give in Stephanie. I know you want this as badly as I do. I've wanted you since I came back and until now you've refused to even give me the time of day. We don't have to go fast, we can take this slow. Just know that we are doing this."

"But …"

"No buts, Princess." Catching her wrists he wrapped his hands around them and rested his chin atop her head. "You're not alone anymore. I've got you."

Forcing a smile upon her face Melina nodded briskly, praying John wouldn't see through her façade. She trusted him. She just didn't trust anyone else alone with him. "Absolutely."

"Everything is going to be fine," he repeated, squeezing her to him. "We'll still see each other at home. I can come to Raw sometimes and you can come and visit me on Smackdown." John shot her a hopeful smile. "Stephanie said she's going to try and get me moved with you. It's not like you don't know anyone on Raw, right? Jillian is going to be so happy to have you back."

She'd completely forgotten about being able to see Jillian again. The blond was one of her best female friends. "It'll be good to see her again," Melina admitted as she swiped at her eyes blearily. "And Mike."

John raised an eyebrow. "You must really be upset about having to leave if you consider seeing Miz again to be a positive," he teased. "You two can barely stand each other."

"There are worse people on that roster," she muttered against his shoulder begrudgingly. "Like Eve. Or Barbie."

The Guru of Greatness turned beet red. Melina had obviously heard about his very short and ill-fated fling with the blond. Considering all of the women he had … seen … while they were apart he couldn't blame her for being slightly resentful. He didn't exactly care for the man she had been seeing either. "Or Dave."

Melina swallowed uncomfortably, immediately feeling guilty for bringing up John's former indiscretions when she didn't exactly remain celibate during their separation either. "So," she said weakly. "You're not going to turn around and shack up with another girl the second I leave?"

"Nah," John shook his head. "Unless you count Irvine as a chick." Melina snorted. That'd be a sight for sore eyes. "You're not gonna turn around and start seeing some main event moron behind my back?"

She hesitated. He wasn't. He was giving her an out and he didn't even realise. Letting out a shaky breath she released her grip on his waist and tentatively stepped back. There was no way in hell she would ever even consider cheating on John. On the other hand ... There was one way she could ensure that John would stay out of trouble regardless of what happened to her. She didn't want it to come to this, but … she felt like she had no other choice. She loved John with all of her being. There was in doubt in her mind that he was in fact the love of her life. It went without saying that she would do anything to protect him.

What was the saying?

"Mel?" His tone was cautious. Why wasn't she answering him? Unless … unless she wanted to see other people. Unless she … unless she wanted to go back to Dave. "Babe?"

The clock struck 2.30am. Whoever had been crying in the hall earlier had stopped. In just a few short hours they would on their way home to relax before heading back out on the road … alone.

If you love something … let it go.

"I don't think I can be with you anymore John. I think …"

The air was still.

The room temperature felt as if it had dropped ten degrees in as many seconds.

John's throat was dry as Melina's words tripped off her tongue and crashed to the carpet with what was left of his breaking heart.

"I think we should take a break. I can't … I don't love you anymore."


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