Disclaimer: I own no person, place or thing mentioned. Title inspired by the song of the same name by Pat Benatar.
Spoilers: nothing that isn't mentioned in the calender at WWE.com
Brief Chapter Summaries: Next few chapters..from Wed. 4/21 to Sun. 4/25 will cover Hawaii.
Notes: see the Story Recap for anything that is withstanding. And..even if it is raining where they are..perfect weather dagnabit.
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6:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 21. Kona, Big Island, Hawaii.
Thanks to the time difference, the crew that arrived to Hawaii was able to enjoy their trip from the moment they arrived. And now, just before the sun was about to rise; Lita found herself sitting on the balcony overlooking the Pacific ocean. Stacy, Randy, Dawn, John, Dave and herself were put up in a three bedroom suite. Hunter had secured his own one bedroom suite next to them. And, while the rest of them slept, Lita soaked up the early morning solitutde. As intended, they had met up with Dawn and John in British Columbia, then as intended..traveled by private jet to Hawaii. As promised by Hunter, they had been met with a camera crew. Lita shook her head, recalling the three tries it took them to get the 'perfect' shot of Evolution leaving the plane. And, even though Lita knew the general theme of the DVD, she did not know the agenda for the day. Had it been up to her..they would be doing nothing.
"Good morning" Hunter exited from his suite, glancing over the rails to her. "We the only one's awake?"
She nodded, sweeping her hair from her face. "Yup..so since there's no other prying ears around." She lifted a brow, glancing over the rails to him. "What's the agenda today?"
"Well as I informed everyone yesterday" He stepped forward, leaning on the rails. "
The DVD's official title is Evolution: Raw and Unscripted" He rolled his eyes, recalling the argument he had with Vince over the title. "Which means, it's supposed to be casual things, parties, pool side 'fun', blah blah blah" He gestured with a hand to sum it up."..or just a showcase of how Evolution lives outside of the ring." He shook his head, "So of course, everything that will be filmed is pre-scripted."
"So nice to know that casual means scripted.." She smirked, perching on the rail. "Where are we heading today?"
"Volcano National Park for a bit..we're filming a segment there and another a few miles away." He shrugged, making a sweeping motion with his hand. "And then, a sunset beach segment. After that..we leave for the next island."
"And the rest of the trip will be like that?" She lifted a hand to sheild her eyes. "Two or three segments a day?"
"Photo shoots throughout the day and filming segments five to six times a day, with four scheduled and the others casual. Not exactly what I asked for, but we aren't paying for this trip." He kept his gaze trained on the beach. "They'll run through things with us later."
She sighed, slipping off the railing. "What I wouldn't give for a non working vacation..don't get me wrong" She held up a hand in defense. "I am thrilled to be here..but between the Diva's photo shoots and now this? I just want to be away from the camera."
He shrugged. "Guess it just comes with the territory..for you, Stacy and Dawn I mean."
He stepped back, keeping a loose grip on the railing. "But I couldn't agree more, a non working vacation would be nice. Oh and before I forget" He shot a look to the red head before he retreated to his suite. "You and Stacy will be doing some shots later, some for the magazine and the others to use as a guide for the new shirts."
She nodded, opening the sliding door. "I'll let Stace know then..looks like there's some signs of life in here." She quirked a smile, waving before she stepped inside.
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10:00 a.m. Waipi'o Valley
"I have rocks in my sandals" Stacy grimaced, sitting back on a boulder. "Leaves in my hair"
"Don't start on having leaves in your hair" Randy made a face from his current spot in the trees. "I've been perched here for an hour."
"Quit your whining" Hunter smirked from the ground below. "You and Dave are both gonna be up there for a few more minutes."
"They need to re-shoot again?" Randy rolled his eyes. "What's after this?"
"Be thankful" Lita slipped her sunglasses up, looking between the two trees. "You two don't have to get in the freezing cold water."
"That waterfall is going to be perfect for the two of you" Their current photographer grinned to Stacy and Lita. "And we'll try to keep the time in the water short, but it is a to die for location"
"Are we done yet?" Dave exchanged a look with Randy. "Please?"
"Done" The cameraman set his camera aside. "You can climb down now."
"All I have to say" John smirked, punching Randy in the shoulder. "Better you than me dog."
"Better you than me" Randy mocked him, pouting playfully. "If this is what we're doing the rest of the time we're here..I want to go home."
"What are they putting you two in for the waterfall shot?" Dawn glanced between Stacy and Lita as they trekked down the trail. "One piece modified suits? Takini's?"
Lita huffed. "We could only be so lucky..you know the one that Torrie has on for the cover? It'll be like that..but a tad skimpier" She indicated with her hand. "And in black"
"I'm in one of the red one's I wore" Stacy rolled her eyes, tugging on her light windbreaker. "We are going to freeze!"
"You'll have towels" Dawn shrugged, linking arms with the two. "But as John said to Randy..better you than me"
***********
Down at the waterfall, the camera crew was setting up. Stacy and Lita were currently stripped down to bikini's and half sarongs. Gingerly, they exchanged a look before each dipped a toe in the water. Shrieks errupted from both diva's before they tossed the sarongs aside. First a shot under the falls, but not in the falls.
"Do we have to stand in the falls?" Lita shot an annoyed look at the photographer. "My lips are turning blue already."
"Hold still" The photographer pursed her lips, manipulating their arms just so. "And yes you have to stand in the falls."
"I can't feel my legs" Stacy whined. "I want to go home"
The camerman sighed patiently. "If it's any consolation..the rest of them will be joining you." He thumbed over to Dave, Randy and Hunter whom were currently assembled in swim trunks. "There are some inner tubes in the car..we'll need those for the filming segment."
Lita pressed her lips into a firm line, moving under the falls as requested. "I'll need more sunscreen after this." She grinned brilliantly at the photographers request, mumbling to Stacy. "And remind me..to never agree to one of these stupid things again."
"Holy shit it's cold" Hunter yelled as he was tossed not so nicely in the water. "What do you need from us now?"
"You wrestle in briefs and you're complaining about wearing swimming trunks?" Lita lifted a brow. "You put this damn bikini on and see what it does to you."
"Please" Randy shuddered. "The bikini's look better on you and Stacy."
The cameraman coughed. "We're doing inner tube shots, casual shots and then she'll take over" he thumbed to the photographer before tossing the inner tubes in the water. "So..the sooner you all get it together, the sooner you can get out of there."
With the five members of Evolution poised on the inner tubes and the camera's rolling, all snide comments were put to a temporary stop. John and Dawn looked on from the safety of the rocks, though the camera did pan their way on a few occasions. Finally, the camera was put away and the photographer took over. First up, the five under the waterfall, followed by couple's shots, individual shots of the guys and a few of Stacy, Lita and Hunter. The final shot at the waterfall featured Stacy and Lita perched on the shoulders of Randy and Dave, with Hunter in the middle.
"I am jumping in that volcano when we go there" Lita glanced down, wringing out her hair in vain ."I am officially a popsicle."
"I'll join you" Stacy rubbed her hands up and down her arms. "We'll sacrifice ourselves."
Lita shot her a look. "As long as it's not a virgin sacrifice" She snickered. "Because in that case.. we are far from the ideal people."
"Quiet!" The photographer made a face, signaling for Stacy and Lita to zip it. "Last shot and then we're on our way to the volcano."
"Please don't say that" Randy glanced upwards, ignoring the frantic signals from the photographer. "Evolution wouldn't be the same without you two."
"Wouldn't be anywhere near what we are now" Dave glanced up, "Besides which..Randy and I would end killing each other."
"Pity" Lita giggled, exchanging a look with Stacy before looking down again. "Y'all survived perfectly without us before."
And with Dave and Randy glancing up, Stacy and Lita glancing down and Hunter staring straight ahead, the photographer snapped away.
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12:00 p.m. Hawaii Volcanoe's National Park
Hunter, Dave and Randy milked it up for the camera, posing just along the rim of the designated volcano. After this shot, they would have a beach filming segment and photo shoot, the helicopter filming segment and then finally back to the hotel. Meanwhile, Stacy and Lita were being photographed at the bottom of the trail. With a volcano in the background, the diva's posed atop the Hummer that had served as their transportation. A few more posed shots, before Dawn was added for some casual ones. The photographer informed them, it would be for the magazine; where Dawn and John would be featured as the inside elite of Evolution's circle of associates. And while Dawn was posing with the ladies of Evolution, John was currently at the top of the volcano with Dave, Hunter and Randy. When they were re-joined by the guys, it was off to the beach. But, beefore they arrived to the beach, they were shipped off on a yacht. Lita lifted a brow in dismay at the array of items to be used for the next segment. Currently sitting on deck, an empty treasure chest, the title belts and snorkel gear. Much to her disdain, Lita was informed that she, Randy, Dave and Hunter would be donning the snorkel gear and heading in to the water.
"So" Lita twirled the mask in her hands. "What's up with the gear?"
"Well..since we have all the gold." Hunter set down the tube of sunscreen in his hands, tugging a pair of flippers on. "We're doing a treasure dive."
"Innovative" She smirked, setting the mask aside to lean on the railing. "And what's after this?"
Dave stood behind her, massaging sunscreen on her shoulders. "After this, we go to the beach..casual stuff."
She glanced over her shoulder, "A little bit to the left..I've got a knot."
"Whenever I see a flippper" Stacy held up one of the flippers in her hands. "I think of that one promo. that Molly did with Terri."
Lita half smirked, rolling her head forward. "Mmmhmm..at least we won't be on the receiving end."
"Almost ready" The camerman gave the thumbs up signal as the treasure chest full of gold was lowered into the water. "We'll be filming this and getting some still shots."
"Yippee" Lita rolled her eyes, resting her hands over Dave's. "Thank you"
"No problemo" He rested his chin on her shoulder, withdrawing his hands to bring his arms around her waist. "Guess you won't need that personal massage therapist now"
"Nope" She grinned, "So..since I'm officially a member of Evolution, are you walking me down to the ring now?"
"I thought you didn't need protecting" He teased, nuzzling her cheek with his nose. "But if you want me to..I can."
"Well only if you want" She ducked out of his grasp to tug her own flippers on. "And I don't need protecting."
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Before they could continue the conversation, the cameraman informed them it was time to start. And with snorkel gear fully on; Dave, Lita, Hunter and Randy hopped into the water. First, they had to be filmed doing the treasure dive, then the raising of the treasure chest. And now, with all of them safely back on the deck of the yacht, Hunter, Dave, Lita and Randy posed above the open chest of title gold. Hunter mentioned that another shot like this would take place in the Bahamas..why was anyone's guess, but it was going to be done again. Finally, with one last shot..this time of Dave, Randy and Hunter holding Lita above the treasure chest; the yacht made it's way back to the dock. On the beach, there was a filmed segment, featuring a friendly game of beach volleyball, boogie boarding and a comical bit with Hunter being 'buried' in the sand by his fellow Evolution members. With Hunter now spitting sand out of his mouth and chasing them all to the water, the cameraman wrapped it up. A few poses in the water and on the beach later, and the crew was ready for their first break. A long lunch, followed by the helicopter tour of the rim of one of the volcanoes. Over lunch, Lita and Dave were informed they would be given a crash course in surfing as part of a special film segment in the morning of the Maui stay. And with that information in mind, the remainder of the trip was also discussed. Tomorrow it was off to Maui, then to Lanai for the morning, and Molokai for the afternoon. Saturday would be spent at the island of Kauai with their final day in Oahu.
"So let me get this straight" Lita gestured with the piece of kiwi in her hand. "Dave and I are the only one's filming tomorrow morning?"
"Almost correct..you and Dave are on your own with the cameraman most of the day" Hunter sat back, sipping his cocktail. "And Randy and Stacy are the only one's filming the half morning in Lanai."
"Interesting..but why?" Lita nibbled at the kiwi piece. "And what are we doing after the segment?"
"Afterwards, you meet up with us" He set his cocktail glass down. "You and Stacy will be getting some hula lessons at Vince's request..and as for why. It's as simple as this, with Randy and Stacy we have our more.." His brows furrowed slightly as he searched his mind. "Well as Vince put it, with Randy and Stacy we have our more conventional couple. With you and Dave, we have our more..wild couple."
Stacy and Lita exchanged a look, before Stacy cleared her throat. "And what exactly is that supposed to mean? That me and Randy are supposed to personify the picture perfect couple?"
"Something like that" Hunter shrugged, draping his arm over the back of his chair. "But it's just supposed to showcase two things; one being the diversity within the group" He gestured between the two couples. "And two, the lonelieness at the top."
"This isn't going to be a flashback to my days with Essa..is it?" Lita raised a brow, grimacing slightly. "Because if it is..I want out."
"I can assure you it will not be like that..Dave might be the monster in the ring, but out of the ring, I don't think so." Hunter popped a piece of melon in his mouth. "Just that..by what Vince has outlined, you and Dave will be showcased as the more adventerous of the two couples within Evolution."
Lita nodded, twirling the straw between her fingertips. "That sounds about right I guess..just promise me it won't turn out like they had things with Essa."
"I can promise you that" Dave squeezed her hand. "But if you don't want to do something, just say so and we won't."
She nodded in confirmation and lunch came to a peaceful close.
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6:00 p.m. Kona
Lita, Dave, Randy, Stacy, John and Dawn posed on the rocks overlooking the ocean; Hunter was a few feet off in the distance, but still in the shot. The photographer informed them all, that this shot would be for one of the feature articles: Alone at the Top. It would also be the starting off point to showcase the two couples within Evolution and for a special feature article on the elite inside circle. When that round was wrapped up, it was off to the beach for the sunset filming segment. First, Randy and Stacy and then Lita and Dave. Since they didn't have to worry about being filmed up close, small talk was easy to come by.
"So..do you agree with Vince?" Stacy glanced sideways as she and Randy walked along the shore. "Are we the picture perfect, conventional couple?"
"Legend and the Legs?" Randy smirked, bringing his arms around her waist. "I'd say so."
She laughed, turning in his embrace as the cameraman signaled for them to stop. "This place is beautiful." She leaned back in his arms, looking out over the horizon. "Now I don't want to go back home."
"This place is very beautiful" He rested his chin on her shoulder. "Sunset and beach are nice too."
She glanced sideways, tipping her face slightly. "Does this mean your playboy days are over?"
"As long as I have you?" He held her tighter. "Those days are long gone."
As Stacy and Randy enjoyed the rest of the sunset, Lita and Dave were informed it was their turn on camera. Their segment would be the same as Stacy and Randy's, just a shot of the couple watching the sunset. And, with this little freedom from up close and personal camera time, Dave and Lita finished their conversation.
"What you said earlier" Lita leaned back, resting her palms flat on the sand. "You don't have to promise me anything."
"Well I mean it anyway" He knelt next to her. "I won't let anything happen to you."
"You can't promise anything like that" She closed her eyes, tilting her head back. "Matt and I were together for years..and he promised he wouldn't let anything happen to me. Look at what happened there. I'm not blaming him and I don't hold a grudge against him, but I don't want you to promise anything."
He watched her as she drew her knees to her chest, "Then what do you want?"
"I just want to be free..but at the same time, I want to feel safe." She rested her chin on her knees, staring out over the horizon. "Does that make sense?"
"If a promise isn't made, it can't be broken. If a demand isn't made, it doesn't have to be met." He shrugged, resting a hand on her shoulder. "You can have as much freedom as you want and as much safety as you want."
She glanced to the side, meeting his gaze. "Thank you for understanding" She placed her hand over his, scooting closer. "I kinda lied though."
He raised a brow, bringing an arm around her waist "About what?"
"I want one thing..and only one thing" She cleared her throat, resting her free hand on his forearm. "I want to take this slow."
He grinned, withdrawing his hand to brush her hair back from her face. "Done"
The corners of her mouth turned up into a smile, before she tipped her face forwards; kissing him gently. "Good"
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10:00 p.m. Wailea, Maui
The remainder of the evening on the Big Island, was spent on a dinner cruise. With the camera crew in tow, Evolution and the elite inner circle, boarded the plane for Maui. As they settled in for the short inter-island flight; Stacy, Lita and Dawn had to agree the first day on island time had been nothing short of amazing. And now, as the girls stretched out in the hot tub of their suite, they talked over the next day's itinerary.
"Well..even if we did start this day off by freezing in the damn waterfall" Lita stretched her arms over her head. "I am more than ready to really see this island."
"What are the plans for you two tomorrow anyway?" Dawn tucked her hair into a loose pony tail. "All Hunter said, was that you would be off all day."
"Watersports and all that good stuff" Lita grinned. "I am going to be in heaven."
"Then we get to hula" Stacy smirked. "I guess that means Hunter will be donning the grass skirt right along with us."
Lita giggled. "He better..if not than I am so out of Evolution."
"You would not" Dawn lifted a brow. "Please..you and Evolution are birds of a feather."
"You mean Lita and Dave don't you?" Stacy exchanged a look with Dawn. "I would be scared if she was just like Ric."
"Oh shut up" Lita stuck out her tounge. "I don't intend on struttin' and yellin' woo anytime soon so" She rolled her eyes. "But it was one of my conditions, so Hunter better deliver."
Stacy yawned. "Only time will tell..but I hope he does too, especially if this is going on their DVD."
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The girls gabbed the night away, and made plans for John's birthday. While they did have cake on the plane, they still had to plan something for the actual day. A quick re-consultation of the schedule..put them at Kauai on the big day. But, as they drifted off that night, Kauai was the last thing on their minds. Tomorrow would be the segment with Dave and Lita, and the following day would be the segment for Randy and Stacy. Evolution had not even been in Hawaii a full day, and already they had done more and possibly seen more than most of their counterparts on the WWE roster. And with four more days ahead of them, more time on camera both for the dvd and the magazine..it was safe to say; this would be a trip they would never forget.
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Author speaking: Next chapter to primarily cover one couple of Evolution, chapter following to primarily cover the other couple of Evolution. I know this really wouldn't happen this way..but eh tis my story.
