Disclaimer: Anything you recognize? Doesn't belong to me.
Spoilers: Eh, no.
Pairings: All worked out for plot purposes.
Summary: Are you prepared to face all of the consequences for the choices that you've made?
Notes: Nothing that hasn't been said already...enjoy.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter and for everyone who has reviewed this story. I appreciate you all more than I'll ever be able to say.
Chapter 36: Pent Up Frustrations
John Cena arrived for the house show on Thursday, feeling more than a little pissed off. For all of Tuesday and most of Wednesday, he had actually spent most of his time avoiding the redheaded woman. Granted, it wasn't really by choice, but whenever they were in the same vicinity; things just got awkward. He would open his mouth to say something and she would clam up. And when she would attempt to start conversation, he would give her the same treatment. All in all, the days were tense up until the night before he left for the house shows. Of course, they had at least given Jeff the heads up about everything; the green eyed Southerner not entirely surprised at the outcome. For Katie's sake, they had tried to maintain a sense of normalcy and even with the lack of conversation.. They somehow managed to provide the four year old with a false sense of security. John was thankful for that at least, the last thing they needed right now was Katie seeing more of her world crumble before her eyes. Despite all that had transpired already, he still believed that Lita should hold off on telling Katie the whole truth. The West Newbury native, honestly felt that it would only be harmful to the four year old if they told her sooner rather than later. But, Lita being Lita, was still determined to tell her daughter the truth by her fifth birthday and no later than her fifth birthday. Granted, that still left a good four months of time .. But even then, how would Katie handle the news? In the four year old's mindset, everyone was already in their place. Stephanie and Shane were the 'aunt' and 'uncle' she rarely saw while Chris, Adam, Jeff, Matt and Dawn were the more steady of her 'relations'. Regardless of anything, Lita would always be her mother .. and he .. well for now he was her father. John realized that yes, it was slightly selfish thinking on his part; not wanting to tell Katie the truth about everything. But he couldn't really help that. After all, he had been the one who was there for the redheaded woman's pregnancy. He had been the one that had to make midnight trips to the grocery store when she had gotten her pregnancy cravings. He had been the one, who was there in the delivery room when Katie was born. Katie's first steps, her first smile, her first words, her first Christmas, her baptism .. everything since then, he had been the one to witness it first hand. Sure, he wasn't her father biologically .. but where it mattered? He considered himself to be her father.
Speaking of the four year old, she and Lita were currently in Stamford visiting with Stephanie at the corporate headquartes. And as he set his gym bag on the locker room bench, a frown settled on his features. It had occured to him before, and more frequently now, that if things had been different.. Then yes, it would have been Randy in that role. If the redheaded woman had stayed with the WWE, then she never would have moved into his house. For that matter, she could have gone anywhere else, but she hadn't. John recalled that, Jeff and Matt had also made an offer to the redhead; stating that if she wanted to move in with either on of them .. She was more than welcome to do so. But it had been the influence of Dawn -on both of them- that had lead Lita to moving to Massachussets and turning his life upside down. From the day they had met, a passing memory now, to the day she had moved in even to now.. He couldn't imagine his life being any different now. Albeit yes, he still had his doubts .. he had his doubts from the get go. Really the situation almost made no sense; Randy had been one of his closer friends in the business and Lita was the Legend Killer's ex girlfriend. And yes, no one really knew about the relationship, save for their close friends; but still. It was the princple of the thing. Whatever the case, Dawn had been persistent on the issue; the New Jersey native using one point to drive the issue home. If Randy ever did go looking for the redhead, John's house would probably be the last place he would think of. Why the redhead needed to have that much space between herself and Randy; John still didn't know. And up until recently, the West Newbury native hadn't known the details behind the situation. All Dawn had really told him was that, Lita needed a place to stay. A friend to rely on because she was going through some tough times. He had known she was pregnant and he also knew that the father was Randy. But, he hadn't known that Lita had been the one to break things off. The brunette Diva had left out enough details -as John presumed that Dawn knew everything- to make the story viable. And it had worked .. After some thinking, he had agreed and the rest was history. John was shaken from his thoughts when he heard the door opening to his locker room. And at first, he had presumed it was Chris, Tyson or even Dawn.. but as he turned to face the caller; his eyes darkened considerably.
"You got a lot of nerve," he crossed his arms over his chest. "Who do you think you are? Showin' your face 'round here."
Randy scoffed, the door closing, but not locking, behind him. "Last I checked, I can go anywhere I please."
"Then ya got a readin' problem or somethin'? This is my locker room." John shook his head, "What do you want?"
"I just want to know how my daughter is doing."
The Dr. of Thuganomics raised an eyebrow, "You got a phone don't you? Use it an' call."
Randy crossed his arms, "Well it's just.. since she's still living in your house, I figured you might know."
"So what if I do?" John rolled his eyes, "You ain't had no problem before, callin' her and whatever, so what's different now?"
The Legend Killer scowled, "So .. has she told you where she's moving?"
Cena shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, "Maybe she has an' maybe she hasn't.. what's it to you? You'll find out eventually."
"I take it she hasn't then?" Randy leaned against the wall, his eyes drifting to an empty locker. "I guess some things never change."
John gritted his teeth, his arms falling to his sides. "Is there a reason you're still here?"
Randy rolled his shoulders, outright ignoring the other man. "You know, I wouldn't be too surprised if she wasn't there when you got back. I mean hell, she did it to me, you know .. just up and left, disappeared without a trace."
"You have, five seconds before I throw your ass outta here."
"But then again," Randy continued to muse to himself, "She didn't really disappear without a trace. She moved in with someone, who I considered to be one of my closer friends, she kept my daughter a secret from me. She even let my daughter be raised by another man. I guess I should thank you though .. for taking care of them."
John's hands balled into fists, the West Newbury native willing himself to remain calm. "I ain't gonna tell you again Orton. Get out or I'll throw you out."
Randy uncrossed his arms, one hand jamming into a pants pocket, "The only thing I can't figure out .. why did she move in with you? I always thought Li was smarter than that."
"It was her choice asshole," John's eyes narrowed dangerously, "Yeah, she coulda gone anywhere, coulda moved in with anyone but she moved in with me. It was her choice."
Randy raised an eyebrow, "Tell me something Cena .. do you know what it's like to have someone you love just taken away from you?"
John snorted, "Why the hell do you care?"
"Do you know what it fees like, to have a relationship that means the world to you .. just taken away?"
A wry smile twisted at the corners of John's mouth. "It's funny you should ask that .. cuz yeah I do know what it feels like. An' I have you to thank for it." The shorter of the two huffed, "You just couldn't keep your hands off of her, could you?"
Randy feigned shock, "Oh .. so she told you did she?" A smirk creased at the corners of the Legend Killer's mouth, "Did she also tell you she still loves me?"
John's eyebrow twitched, "So? She ain't with you is she?"
Randy shrugged indifferently, "Do you honestly believe she'll love you like she loves me? Sure, she might be living with you..for now, and she might be with you. But, do you honestly think that she'll be happy with you?"
"You don't know shit about our relationship, Orton."
"Maybe not," Randy conceded with a shrug, "But how can you be so sure that, she's not thinking about me when she's with you? How can you be so sure that, you weren't a replacement until the real thing showed back up?"
That last statement was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. Fueled by his current anger and pent up frustrations, John crossed the length of the locker room quickly. One of his hands flew as he reached his target, his fist connecting harshly with Randy's cheek. The taller man blinked at the impact, his eyes narrowing in rage as John landed a few more quick shots on his face. Out of instinct he managed to block the next punch, his own hand closing over John's fist. Randy's breath left his body in a quick woosh of air as John brought up his knee to his gut. The Legend Killer winced at the impact, but countered with a closed fist of his own to John's cheek. Given, they were pretty evenly matched; Randy having the height advantage while John had the upperhand with brute strength. And when John managed to wrench his hand free, Randy put all of his weight behind him as he shoved John backwards. The West Newbury native stumbled just a touch, but undaunted he charged again. Randy just managed to avoid the body flying at him, but did not manage to avoid the fist flying at his nose. The St. Louis native shook his head, gingerly touching the injured appendage. His blue eyes darkened as he saw the blood on his fingertips; the Legend Killer wiping at his nose with the back of his hand.
xxx
Randy shoved John backwards once more, following it up until he had the shorter man to the opposite wall. A dangerous smile curved at the corners of John's mouth; the West Newbury native landing a sharp blow to Randy's gut. The third generation wrestler retaliated in turn, his fist connecting squarely with John's jaw. John repaid the favor, sending another fist flying at Randy's cheek. He had the upperhand in things until the Legend Killer spit in his face. John wiped at his face, his hands balling again as he shoved Randy backwards. In return, Randy backhanded him; John's eyes darkened as he wrapped his arms around the other mans waist. He used his own momentum to hurl them both at the door .. Randy taking the brunt of the blow as his back connected with a stack of boxes on the opposite wall. The West Newbury native attempted to wrap his hands around Randy's neck, the Legend Killer gripping John's wrists for all he was worth.
"John!" Dawn Marie stopped at the enterence to the hallway, the New Jersey native quickly making her way to the scene. "What the hell are you doing?"
John sneered, "What the fuck do you think I'm doin'?"
"Damn it, John, you keep that up and you're going to kill him!"
The West Newbury native gritted his teeth, "That's the point."
The brunette Diva sighed, "John, he's not worth it."
John snorted, "The hell he is, this asshole, walkin' all up in my locker room. Thinkin' he can start shit with me. Tellin' me that she ain't gonna love me."
"Tyson! Chris!" the woman sent a glance down the hallway, "Somebody!"
Randy clenched his throbbing jaw, "Face the facts Cena, she won't love you."
Dawn raised an eyebrow, "Are you telling me this started because of Lita?"
"It ain't about Li," John turned an enraged look to the brunette Diva. "This is about this asshole startin' shit that he can't finish."
The Diva glanced skeptically between the two. "John, you'll lose your job."
"I'll work somewhere else."
"Aw shit," Tyson muttered as he and Chris Jericho appeared, "John..come on man, he's not worth it."
"That's what you think."
Chris tried to wedge himself between the two men. "John, he's not worth losing your job over."
Tyson nodded quickly, wrapping a hand over John's forearm. "Let it go man, he's not worth it."
"What the hell?" Shane McMahon shook his head as he also appeared on the scene. "Would someone mind telling me what's going on?"
"I'd be happy to," Randy began darkly, "But I'm kinda caught up at the moment."
Shane raised an eyebrow, "One of you better start explaining how this happened. Otherwise you'll be standing in the nearest un-employment line."
"I didn't do anything!" Randy spat out quickly, "It's his fault!"
"Asshole." John glared, attempting to lunge forwards when Tyson yanked him back. "Damn it! Let me go."
Shane sent a glance to the Problem Solver. "Take him to my office please."
"You got it boss," Tyson sent a quick glance to Chris, the two near dragging the West Newbury native from the scene.
"After you get some ice for your nose," Shane turned his attention back Orton. "Report to my office."
The Legend Killer rolled his eyes, wiping at his nose again before he took off.
"Anyway," Shane rubbed the bridge of his nose, trying in vain to ward off the headache. "Dawn, do you know what happened?"
The New Jersey native shook her head, "I found them like that .. sorry Shane."
The G.M. for the week merely nodded, "It's quite alright Dawn, I'm sure I'll get to the bottom of this eventually."
"Yeah, I'll see you around Shane!" Dawn offered a smile before she also took off.
Shane waved at the retreating form, one hand slipping to a pants pocket as he turned on heel. The house show hadn't even kicked off yet, and already there was a problem brewing. Part of him really wished that Stephanie hadn't decided to go to Stamford this week as he could really use his sisters help. It wasn't that he couldn't handle things without his sister, just that it was easier with both of them running the show. And especially when problems arose in the back. Shane prefered to keep the show running smoothly, letting Stephanie handle the squabbles backstage. Lately, they had been very lucky where that was concerned. Save for the few arguements; the backstage was usually peaceful and friendly. But this? This was anything but. And as he navigated the corridors back to his office for the night; Shane wondered what exactly could cause this much hostility between Randy and John. He knew that the two weren't really friends anymore, but they had always managed to at least be civil to one another. What had changed between them, to bring it to the point where John was near threatening the other mans life?
xxx
By the time Shane was settled in his office, Randy had yet to arrive. John was sitting in one of the chairs in front of the desk; a bruise appearing on the West Newbury native's cheek. Shane could clearly see the tense muscles in John's arms, the man in question currently leaning forwards in the chair. Shane had half a mind to just question John, save himself the trouble and the headache of waiting for Randy; but somehow he knew he had to wait. There were two sides to the story after all, and Shane was determined to hear them both. The West Newbury native's jaw was clenched, his eyes dark with rage while his face was a blank mask. It was plain as day, John Cena was pissed off. About what, Shane wasn't entirely sure, but he had a good feeling that Randy Orton had something to do with it. He was no idiot, and it didn't take a rocket scientist to put at least that much together. Now the question that remained was: Why? For as long as he had known John, Shane had come to the conclusion that he was one of the most laid back, easy going people he had ever met. He could usually say the same for Randy, but there were a few occasions that the third generation wrestler proved him wrong. Despite his usually easy going manner, Randy was self confident. Sometimes to the point where he was cocky, and when he got like that .. he usually got under people's skin. Whatever the case, he shook himself from his musings as Randy finally entered the office. Like John, Randy also had signs of a bruise -or two- growing on his face. Unlike John, Randy was holding a plastic baggie of ice to his nose; the St. Louis native sending a glare to John as he took a seat.
"Let me start by saying," Shane glanced between the two, shuffling a pile of papers on the desk. "If you shed any blood or break any furniture in here? I'm sending you the bill."
John rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest as he settled back in the chair.
"Now, I don't care who tells me, but one of you is going to tell me. Neither of you are scheduled until after the intermission, so it's in your best interest to start talking."
"You saw what happened," Randy snapped irritably, "He was trying to kill me."
Shane raised an eyebrow, "And did he have a reason?"
"He walked into my locker room, for no reason." John spared a glance to the Legend Killer. "He started talkin' shit."
"That gave you no right to hit me."
"I warned you asshole," John snorted, "You shouldn't have been there in the first place."
"You almost broke my nose."
"Too bad I didn't break your jaw."
"Alright, that's enough." Shane interrupted before Randy could retort. "Look, I really don't care who started this, but both of you pay attention. If this happens again, you're both suspended indefinately, without pay." He glanced between the two, rolling his shoudlers before he continued. "For this offense, you're both fined and suspended from the remaining house shows this weekend. John? You're to report for Smackdown and Randy? Show up for RAW."
"Now wait just a damn minute," Randy rolled his eyes, "He nearly took my head off and that's all you're going to do about it?"
"You started it moron," John glared at the third generation wrestler. "An' you're damn lucky that Dawn showed up when she did."
"Low class, punk."
"Pansy ass, homewrecker."
Randy scoffed, "You just enjoy that homelife while it lasts, Cena."
John huffed, "I'll be sure to tell ya all 'bout it, since you ain't gonna get it."
"That is enough!" Shane pushed back from the desk, leaning against the mahogany surface. "You both have matches to get ready for, consider yourselves lucky that you aren't being suspended indefinately."
One final glare was exchanged, before the two faced away from each other.
"If it's all possible, stay away from each other for the remainder of the evening. If I find out otherwise, you will be suspended indefinately. Am I clear?"
"Yeah I gotcha," John stood, rolling his shoulders before he exited the office.
Randy also stood, waiting until the door had shut, "I understand perfectly fine Shane."
Shane watched on as Randy also made his exit, the G.M. sitting back in his chair once the door had shut. He was just about to look over the stack of papers on his desk, when the phone beckoned his attention.
"McMahon speaking."
"Hey you dork."
Shane rolled his eyes at the phone. "Hey Steph, how're things in Stamford?"
"Boring," his sister confessed with a sigh, "How're things over there?"
A short sigh escaped him, "I'll tell you later.. so what's up?"
"Well," Stephanie sat back in her chair, "I met with Lita today."
"Did you really?" Shane mirrored his sisters actions, his feet kicking up to rest on the desk. "So, what's going on?"
"Contracts are all signed," Stephanie informed him with a smile he couldn't see. "She's starting three weeks from today."
"Three weeks?" Shane repeated disbelievingly, "Steph, I thought she wasn't going to start until October or something."
"Actually it was November." She stated matter of factly, "So it's a month or two early, big deal. I've already got the creative team working on something and-"
"Big deal?" Shane shook his head, "Sis, where are you gonna work Lita in? She hasn't been on WWE programing for almost five years, she's nowhere near being ready to wrestle and-"
"Shane, just trust me alright?" Stephanie waved it off nonchalantly, "I'll just have her valet for a bit and if she wants to wrestle again, she can do that. It's not like many new faces have been added to the rosters since she left."
Shane snorted, "Trust you.." he raked his free hand through his hair. "Steph, I just don't think it's the best idea to have her back this early. I mean, where are you going to work her in?"
Stephanie sighed, "Shane there are plenty of options, okay? I mean, Eddie could use a valet, Shane Helms .. plus there's Randy or John."
Shane raised an eyebrow then, "Did I tell you that Randy and John have been suspended from the remaining house shows?"
"What?" Stephanie nearly dropped the phone, "What happened?"
"A near train wreck, that's what." Shane let out a short sigh, "Let's just say, Randy and John had a small confrontation in one of the locker rooms."
Stephanie let out a low whistle, "Wow.. that's big."
"You're telling me," Shane smirked in spite of it all, "So yeah, they're suspended for the remainder of the house shows."
"Hmm," Stephanie paused to collect her thoughts, "Would it be too much to consider those two as a tag team?"
"You think?" Shane rolled his eyes, "I know you're smart and all sis, but that's one of the worst ideas you've had yet."
"Well, what about having Lita valet for one of them?"
Shane blinked, "I don't know if that's a great idea Steph.."
"Oh why not?" Stephanie shrugged a touch, "I'll give Lita the choice, she's leaving for home tomorrow anyway."
"That works.. I guess."
"Great!" Stephanie chirped brightly, "Then I'll call later okay Shane?"
"Yeah, sure Steph..later."
xxx
He waited until the dial tone had met his ears, the GM replacing the receiver then. Granted yes, having Lita back amongst the Diva's would be nice. But if his suspicions were correct, having her back could lead to further problems. He was just getting set to look over the papers -again- when the phone rang, again. He let out a short sigh, setting the papers aside to pick up the phone.
"McMahon speaking."
"Um, hey Shane?"
"Lita," Shane blinked at the phone, "How can I help you?"
"Well.." Lita paused, "I'm trying to reach John and his cell is off...I really hate to bother you but would it be too much trouble if-"
"No problem, really." Shane re-assured, "I mean, it's not like it happens often .. just give me a moment alright? I'll go get John."
Lita nodded, "Thanks a bunch Shane."
Shane merely nodded in turn, placing the redhead on hold while he sought out John. Not but five minutes later did he return to the office, the GM settling on the couch with the stack of papers.
"Li? Is somethin' wrong?"
"No, not really." Lita shrugged, "It's just.. I wanted you to know, Katie and I are heading to New York City.. Jeff got tickets to one of the musicals that Katie wants to see and-"
"When are ya goin' an' how long are ya stayin'?"
"We're taking the train tomorrow, after we get back from Stamford..we're probably staying the weekend."
"I see." John paused, perching on the edge of the desk. "How many tickets did Jeff get?"
"Just three," Lita mentioned, confusion evident in her voice. "Why?"
"Well.." John trailed off, not entirely sure if he wanted to explain everything just yet. "Shane don't need me for the house shows this weekend.. I was probably headin' home tomorrow."
"Oh, okay." Lita bit her lower lip in thought, "I can ask Jeff if he get another ticket.. I mean, I'm sure Katie would love to have you with us."
"Yeah," He smiled in spite of it all, "Let me know later alright? I got a match."
"Yeah, I'll call later." A small smile curved at the corners of her mouth. "Good luck."
"Thanks.. talk to ya later."
The former Diva nodded, "Later."
John waited until the dial tone his ears, the wrestler hanging up the phone shortly after. He waved shortly to the G.M. before he made his exit; Shane resuming his spot behind the desk. Shane almost expected to be interrupted again, but thankfully this time he wasn't. And as such, he continued to look over the paperwork, setting a few papers aside for Stephanie to look over later. Such went the remainder of the house show afternoon, and thankfully violence free.