Title: Living with the Consequences
Disclaimer: Anything you recognize? Doesn't belong to me.
Spoilers: Eh, no.
Pairings: When I sort them out, I'll let you know.
Summary: Day after day, you face your reflection; living your lie. How long does it take before you face the facts?
Notes: And ack! The bottom (and critical part) got cut off!!! All applicable rambling has been stated in the previous chapters. That all said, enjoy the story and please review.

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Chapter Three: And So It Begins

"Katie two more bites of your sandwich, then you can have your cookie"

Lita gently coaxed her daughter. "Please"

Kaitlyn made a face but eventually did as she was requested..only after she was reminded that her ice cream was on the line..but still. Lita shook her head, biting her lip to hold back the smile that threatened to break her stern features.

"So, you up for going out tonight? Just like old times?" Dawn glanced across the coffee table to her friend. "If you're worried about a babysitter don't worry. Shane said he can babysit."

"On what terms?" The former diva raised a brow, sipping the last of her iced tea. "I mean, Shane just may be the one responsible for getting Katie and me backstage tonight, but his last name is still McMahon."

Dawn grinned charmingly. "That you watch his son tomorrow."

"Fair enough" Lita conceded. "There's got to be a zoo or children's museum around here somewhere. But what about tomorrow night's tapings?"

"Adam, Chris and myself are all on for tonight" John sat back, resting against the couch. "Matter of fact, Chris and I are taggin'"

"That so?" The former diva raised a brow in question, wiping at the corners of her mouth. "What about Matt?"

"Matt's on for tomorrow" Chris frowned thoughtfully, "Stephanie wanted to switch him over to tonight, but Daddy McMahon put his foot down."

"We always have Wednesday" Lita shrugged a touch. "Who are you two facing?"

"Tweedle Jerk and Tweedle Jackass" Chris grinned impishly. "Ow!" He rubbed his forearm from where John's fist had connected. "What was that for?"

"Young children present Chris." John hissed, nodding to the young girl at his side.

He then mentioned to the former diva. "We've got Christian and Randy"

"Adam has Tyson I think" Dawn raked a hand through her hair in thought. "But you can always find out when he gets here."

"Right" Lita absently mumbled, her fingers idly combing through Katie's hair. "So--"

Before the former diva could finish her sentence, a knock at the hotel room door interrupted.

"I got it Li" John smiled a touch, hopping up to his feet.

"Hold your horses, man." The outspoken wrestler chided to the man at the door. "I'm a comin'"

"Could you take any longer?" The annoyed visitor spoke from the hall. "I'd like to see Katie before her 16th birthday."

"Uncle Adam!!" The little girl squealed from her spot on the floor, hopping up quickly to join her father figure at the door.

"Katie" Adam grinned as soon as the door was yanked open. "And John."

"I passed by Shane on my way up here, but he was a little pre-occupied with King Dipstick" Adam frowned slightly as he stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. "Now where's my favorite former diva?"

"Uncle Adam, you have to see the picture I made for you" Kaitlyn impatiently tugged on the tall man's hand. "Come on!"

"She won't wait Ad, so I suggest you go now" Lita smiled to her friend, still on the floor. "We'll catch up in a bit."

Hazel orbs followed their retreating forms before turning curiously to Chris. "King Dipstick?"

"Same as Tweedle Jackass" Chris shrugged nonchalantly. "Randy Orton."

"Ah" Lita shook her head, a bemused smirk on her face. "And that would make Hunter?"

"Supreme Jackass or Supreme Dipstick, depending on who you ask" Chris grinned, stretching his arms overhead. "Eager to see him again?"

Lita snorted "Please, I am never eager to see Hunter." She shuddered slightly before she pushed off from the floor. "I better go make sure that Kaitlyn hasn't made too much of a mess looking for that picture."

---

Three worried sets of eyes followed the former diva's form before Dawn let out a soft sigh.

"Did you tell her?" She asked quietly, looking between Chris and John. "Either of you?"

"What does it matter, Dawn?" John shrugged, flopping down on the couch. "I mean, big deal. He's seeing someone."

"It has the potential to be a big deal, considering I heard he was going to ask her to marry him soon." Dawn stated softly, concern etching her voice. "I really think Li should know."

"And what difference would it make, huh?" Cena enquired, almost annoyed. "What, you think that him knowing he already has a daughter is gonna stall his plans?"

He scoffed, sinking further into the couch. "Dawn, we all know that won't make a damn difference."

"Maybe not for him, but would Lita still tell him if she knew?" Dawn raised a questioning brow at her friend. "I mean, if Lita knows that he has a life..and that he's preparing to really settle down. That could change her mind."

"Think about it John, she feels guilty enough cramping your life and Matt's. If she finds out that she'll be doing that to someone else?"

Cena shrugged it off easily, narrowly avoiding the point of the conversation. "She ain't crampin' my life, I can't speak for Matt. But she knows how I feel about the whole situation. I really don't think it makes a difference."

"Well I do John." Dawn crossed her arms, frowning slightly. "I mean, right now Lita's determined to seek him out and tell him. But, she still has those doubts about it. I'd say she's about 50/50 with this whole thing. If she finds out the hard way that he's seeing someone? That could tip the scale the other way."

"You and I both know how much she was hurting because of that insensitive bastard. I mean, what if she's just walking around and she see's him? That would crush her. Which in turn would set her back again because she would be getting hurt by him again."

"Or it might not. She's stronger now than she was then Dawn." John shook his head definatly, before resting his forearms on his thighs. "She doesn't have to know"

"Chris, what do you--"

The blonde man held up his hands in mock defeat. "No way am I getting involved in this. For one, the last time I gave my opinion? I got smacked across the face. And aside from that? The two of you seem to be the only one's who really know the depths of this intricate web."

Dawn huffed, sweeping her hair back from her face. "Well I still say Li deserves to know. And John? If you don't tell her, than I will."

"Auntie Dawn" Kaitlyn's voice rang out from her bedroom. "Mommy wants to know if Shane is here!"

"I'll go check the hall" Chris offered quickly before either could respond to the child.

Dawn nodded, sending a glance to John before she hopped up from the floor.

"I know you're just trying to protect the two of them John, and there's nothing wrong with that. But you can't treat Lita like a child. There are things that she deserves to know, and I really feel that this is one of them. It might hurt her initially when she learns about it, but she'll take it better finding out from one of us."

Satisfied that her explaination had at least sunk in minutely, she offered a half-hearted smile before taking off for the bedrooms.

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"You can hang out with me an' Chris" John glanced to the former diva in the passengers seat of the rental car as they made their way to the arena. "We're last on the card tonight."

Lita nodded, a distant look in her hazel eyes. "That'll be fine."

"Unless of course, you wanna go wander around. Hang out with other people, ya know? That's--"

"I'll probably do a little bit of both." She interrupted gently, a hand seeking out one of his. "What are you so nervous about?" She turned slightly in her seat, lightly resting her hand over his.

"Nothin'" He shrugged it off, loosely threading his fingers with hers. "It's just I know how much this all means to ya"

Lita raised a brow, questioning his own distant state of mind. "Are you sure that's all?"

"Positive Li," He glanced sideways when they came to a traffic light, smiling softly to the former diva. "It's a big night."

Lita nodded, a small smile sent in return. "Thank you for everything John." She squeezed his hand a touch, "I don't know what I would've done without you."

"Mommy, are we there yet?" Kaitlyn's voice broke in from the backseat. "I need to go potty!"

"We'll be there soon Katie bug" John grinned to the girl via the rearview mirror. "Just another block or two." He winked to his 'daughter' before the light changed again.

When the car finally pulled into the arena parking lot, Katie was squirming in her seat and an almost uncomfortable silence had overtaken the adults. However, as they made their exit from the car and were on the way to the arena, Lita reminded her self this is what she wanted. This was what she needed to do.

"There you are" Chris grinned as he was exiting the arena. "We need to be at the meeting soon, then you and I?" He motioned to John, "We need to meet with Christian and Randy. Discuss the match."

"We need to find a bathroom" Lita smiled apologetically, just grasping Katie's hand before she darted away. "Now"

"Just use the one in our locker room babe" Chris grinned, offering his arm to the former diva. "And you can catch up with Steph while we go to that dumb meeting."

Lita nodded absently, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I've missed that girl"

"Let me take that" John grabbed Katie's backpack and Lita's shoulder bag. "Katie looks like she's about to burst."

The former diva smiled appreciatevly, scooping up her daughter to follow behind Chris.

--

Thankfully for the former redhead; they made it to the locker room just in the nick of time. And as Katie and Lita were exiting the bathroom, Stephanie was entering. Chris and John mentioned they would be back as soon as possible before they ducked out of the locker room; en route to the pre-RAW meeting. For her part, Lita settled Katie on the floor with her coloring book and a box of crayons.

"This feels so new." The former diva remarked to her friend. "And yet, part of me feels like I haven't been away at all."

Stephanie smiled whimsically, looking between the mother and daughter. "When really you've been away almost five years. And believe me when I say, your prescence has been sorely missed. It's good to have you here tonight."

"Well, I owe a lot of that to you and your brother" Lita smirked slightly. "But it's nice to be here..I think."

"So, tell me. What have you been up to the last four years? I mean, John tells us a little bit. But not too much."

Lita shrugged, settling back on the floor. "Not too much really. I mean, I work part time to contribute a bit to the household. I'd like to take a few classess, get my degree." She picked absently at the fringe on her shirt. "Just life, ya know? All the stuff I thought I'd do.."

"After you had served out your time in the business?" Stephanie offered, somwehwat apologetically. "You can still come back to the WWE family. I'm not saying like in the ring back. But to some extent, you know?"

"John's mentioned it once or twice, but I haven't given it too much thought." Lita half shrugged, twisting a strand of hair around her finger. "But I don't know if I want to raise Katie around this. I mean, no offense to you or Shane. But I just don't know."

Stephanie nodded easily. "None taken Li. Just keep it mind, okay? I know I'd love to have you working with me again. And Katie would be an absolute joy to have around."

Lita nodded, a smile just reaching her eyes. "Thanks Steph. I appreciate that."

Stephanie smiled again, scooting over to sit next to the former diva. An arm wrapped companiably across her shoulders. "So, are you ready to go party tonight?"

Lita rolled her eyes good naturedly. "So long as I'm not stuck at the karaoke machine? Fine"

Stephanie opened her mouth to continue, when John and Chris re-joined them.

"Hey Li?" John sent a look to the woman in question, waving in acknowledgement to Stephanie. "Stacy, Jackie, Nidia and Victoria all want to see you and Katie."

"I'll take the two of you" Stephanie offered as she pushed up from the floor. "I have to go meet with my dad and Shane anyways."

"I'd walk ya down, but Orton and Christian are due here at any minute." Chris ruffled Katie's hair as she and Lita pushed off from the floor.

"We'll be back in a few" Lita mentioned, mostly to John as she took Katie by the hand. "But, I'm sure we'll be popping in and out of here most of the night."

--

Just as Stephanie was opening the door, Christian was raising his hand to knock.

"Stephanie, such a pleasent surprise. But aren't these two beneath you?" The blonde man asked, raking a hand through his hair. "You could do so much better"

"Actually, Christian" Stephanie smiled crisply. "I was just on my way out. I have a guest to show around."

"Do tell" Christian exchanged a look with Randy, neither noticing the presence of the other woman in the locker room. "And just why haven't we met this guest yet?"

"Actually, you have" Lita responded rather tightly, absently tugging Katie behind her as she stepped forward; joining Stephanie near the door.

"Christian. Randy" She nodded shortly to both, before she scooped her daughter up.

"Well aren't you just a blast from the past" Christian remarked quietly, looking the former diva up and down. "And who is this?"

"This is my daughter Kaitlyn" Lita remarked crisply. "And as much as I'd love to stay and chat? I have places I need to be."

"Lita" Randy eyed the former diva as well, the name coming out almost un-sure. "Good to see you."

The former diva raised a brow. "I'm sure." She let out a breath, hazel orbs pleading silently with Stephanie. "Can we please?"

"Gentlemen" Chris stepped forward, intervening before Randy or Christian could say another word. "I believe your meeting was with us. Not with the lovely women at the door."

"Well, I'm sure we'll be seeing you later then." Christian smirked at the two women, before reaching a hand out to ruffle the young girl's hair. "Have a lovely stay."

"Stephanie, Lita" Randy nodded abruptly to them, "Kaitlyn"

"See you around" The former redhead rolled her eyes, before she and Stephanie brushed past.

---

Randy and Christian idly watched the two make their exit before they turned their attention back to the task at hand. However, as they entered the locker room completely;

"So that's where Lita has been the past four years" Christian nodded to himself, waiting until Randy had shut the door. "She's looking good."

"If you two are here to discuss the match" Chris rolled his shoulders, cracking his knuckles. "Then let's discuss the match."

"Does this mean she'll be back?" Randy enquired lightly, looking between Chris and John for an answer. "Or is she just visiting?"

"Just visiting" John evenly replied, shrugging his shoulders as he took a seat. "And I'd appreciate it if you two treated her with some respect. Preferbly if you just stayed away from her and Kaitlyn."

"What's it to you Cena?" Christian cocked his head, a smug smirk plastered on. "Worried that something might happen to her?"

"You should be the one who's worried" Chris interjected, narrowing his eyes at his former friend. "Let's just get this over with so you two can get the hell out of here."

Christian snorted. "Whatever you say"

As the four settled in to discuss the match that night; the tension in the locker room only elevated more. By the time Randy and Christian finally left did Chris and John somewhat let their guard down. Both sharing the un-easy feeling and yet not wanting to say anything about it. But, it was only when Lita and Kaitlyn made it back to the locker room; did the worrysome wrestlers feel more at ease.

However, as RAW kicked off and the night wore on; John Cena couldn't shake the feeling that something really bad was going to happen. Something that he knew would change Kaitlyn's life forever but also his. And truth be told? He wasn't sure if he could handle it or not.

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Right before John and Chris were set to leave for their match, Lita was no where to be seen. She had mentioned something about going to talk with one of the diva's. John wasn't buying all of it, but didn't question her actions. Yet. However, when a rather shaky Lita did return to the locker room; John and Chris couldn't help but hover around her nervously.

"Guys, it's okay" Lita shrugged nonchalantly, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I just needed to deliver a little message that's all."

"Uh huh" Chris raised a brow, exchanging a look with Cena. "I'll uh, be outside."

Lita watched Chris' retreating form, before she made her way to the bench, only to turn mid stride.

"I asked him to meet me for dinner tomorrow night." She confessed quietly to the remaining wrestler. "Though, I'm not sure if I shoulda waited until later to deliver the note.."

"It had to be done" John concluded, a worried look crossing his face. "You want me to go with you?"

The former diva shook her head. "You've done enough just by being here."

"Alright" John shrugged slightly, wringing his hands together. "Look, Li..I--"

"Don't you have a match soon?" Lita sent questioning eyes to her friend. "I don't think Chris really wants to go out there alone, ya know?"

"Right, match" John mumbled, "Wish us luck"

"Yeah" Lita nodded, a shaky if not re-assuring smile sent before she made her way completely to the bench.

'Of course, it probably wasn't the brightest idea to deliver the note before his big match either' Lita frowned, hazel orbs darting nervously between her daughter and the monitor in the locker room.

'Why did it have to turn out like this' She sighed, her eyes now trained on John and Chris' opponents for the evening.

'Will he meet me tomorrow?' the former diva couldn't help but wonder. 'Or am I just making a huge mistake'

Lita raked her hands through her hair, averting her gaze away when the camera panned in for a close up of Christian and Randy. Her part for the night was done and all she could do now. Was wait.

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End Chapter.