Disclaimer: Let's put it this way…it's on my wish list every year but do I own it yet? Nope.

Spoilers: None really…unless I can see into the future but… seriously? No.. perhaps some mentions of past storylines and angles though..

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: All in the previous chapters. . I'm slowly inching to the halfway point for this story.. Thank goodness for that.. I think it's the halfway point…hmm.. Methinks I should consult my outline.

xoxox

Chapter 48: Moving on and Looking Back

While Lita hadn't signed any contract yet for the house; both the real estate agent and the redhead were pretty certain that she would be moving into the third house they had seen that afternoon. It had been much like the first one, but, the asking price was cheaper. The real estate agent also pointed out that there were a few other houses on the market, both four bedroom and one five bedroom if Lita wanted to come back. Of course, he did mention that the five bedroom would need a little work done.. But it provided more living space than any of the other houses with relatively the same price. Like the others, the five bedroom also had a two car garage, attached to the house instead of detached. It wasn't until the real estate agent touched on the ample backyard, in ground pool, finished basement, full attic and fenced property that the redhead finally showed more interest. Her agent also let her know that the repairs necessary were that two rooms needed wallpaper, the family room needed new carpeting and the outside needed to be re-painted. The current owners were offering to take care of the repairs, but only if the prospective buyer was willing to wait a little while. And when Lita asked, her agent informed her that it could be anywhere between two weeks to a month. All that really meant though, was that Lita and Katie would be at their current place of residence a little bit longer then expected. Dawn also let the redhead know that she and Katie were more than welcomed to stay with her and Chris for as long as they needed.. Lita informing the brunette that she would certainly keep the offer in mind. Having that window of time, also meant that Lita would be able to get in touch with her mother about the possibility of relocating.. And of course give her the time to find furniture, plus the important task of renting a moving van. Both John and Dawn had scoffed when Lita thought of hiring movers, the two quick to point out that Lita had plenty of people she could ask if she needed help. Aside from the two present, Lita could certainly count on Matt, Jeff, Chris, Victoria and Tyson.. Possibly Shane, Stephanie and Adam if she really needed that many people. As the redhead recalled, it had been Jeff and Dawn who had helped her move originally.. Only that time, she had mostly clothing and a few personal belongings with her. This time around, there were numerous clothes from both herself and Katie, Katie's furniture plus all of Katie's personal belongings. As far as her own personal belongings were concerned… Lita was tempted to just throw most of them away.

With John picking up Katie; Lita and Dawn took some time to catch up. "I know you're probably gonna blow up at me," the brunette reached into her jacket pocket, "but I need to give you this back." Wordlessly, she handed over an envelope, "and if you're wondering, I got my hands on that the same night I watched Katie."

An eyebrow raised warily, Lita accepting the envelope. "First things first, I want to know why you took it.. Don't expect for me to not get mad at you, because I already am." Shrugging slightly she added: "Maybe you can offer a good justification or something but--"

"Like I said earlier, I was going to give it to someone.." Dawn pushed back a few strands of loose hair. "Specifically, I was going to give it to Randy."

Lita's lips pressed into a thin line, "Why? Dawn, if he's going to read this.. I'd like to be the one to give it to him."

Dawn hesitated a moment, "I wanted to get someone back.. And Randy was just the easiest target so.."

Lita shook her head, "So you took matters into your hands, without thinking about what could happen if Randy did get this letter? I mean sure, this was written when I first left but.." The former Diva eyed her friend cautiously, "everything is complicated enough as is."

Dawn nodded, "Which is why I brought it back.. I'm sorry that I took it in the first place…I just.."

"Look.. You're not my favorite person right now, but at the same time." Lita stuffed the envelope into one of her pockets. "I appreciate you bringing this back.. Almost enough to overlook the fact that you took it in the first place, but I'm still pissed."

"I know and I'm sorry.." the brunette sighed, "I'll stop going through your stuff.. "

"Which you said last time this happened.."

"And I haven't," Dawn stated quickly in her defense. "And I won't.. I promise.. You're my best friend and I'm sorry for what I did, I'm sorry I pissed you off." An eyebrow raised slightly, "is that a hickey?"

Lita removed her red locks from the confines of the ponytail. "Not that it's your business, but yes.. I thought it had faded enough."

Dawn smirked, "It's a good thing you're hair was down earlier.. Otherwise, that real estate agent may have found something else to talk about other than houses."

The redhead rolled her eyes, "Or it could've just made for some very interesting conversation.. And it's a good thing that Katie didn't come with us." Lita paused, preparing to say more when she heard the back door opening. "I'm just gonna go bring this upstairs."

Dawn nodded, watching as the redhead moved from the living room; her feet just hitting the stairs as Katie and John entered the living room.

"Auntie Dawn!" Katie exclaimed jubilantly, the four year old launching herself into the brunette's lap. "I missed you!" She hugged her 'aunt' fiercely, "where's Uncle Chris?"

Dawn ruffled the four year olds hair. "Uncle Chris had to work today, sweetie.. So it's just Auntie Dawn."

Katie blinked, "Are you babysitting for me tonight?"

Dawn quirked an eyebrow, "And what gives you that idea, Katie bug?"

"Because," Katie moved from Dawn's lap. "That's what always happens when you're here."

"Not always," Lita reminded her daughter as she made her way back downstairs. "But, yes.. Auntie Dawn is babysitting you tonight." Smiling she added: "Why don't you go to the bathroom and mommy will get your snack ready."

Dawn sent a sly look between John and Lita. "So, I take it the trip to New York City went well?"

Lita rolled her eyes, "Not like you're thinking, dearie.. But yeah, it went pretty well." She paused as if to say more, but found herself unable to speak. An eyebrow quirking at the dark haired wrestler. "Hello to you too."

John waited for her to turn so she was facing Dawn, his chin soon resting on the redhead's shoulder. "Did she show you this one?" Smirking slightly, he tugged the collar of Lita's shirt down. "An' I think there's another one--"

Dawn shook her head, "Just pretty well, huh Li?"

Lita slapped at John's hand. "I really don't think that was necessary, John.." She re-adjusted her shirt, "and yes.. Pretty well. We saw one musical, Katie and Jeff went to two, we went to Central Park and Coney Island."

"And you two sorted yourselves out," Dawn stated the obvious. "For a longer period of time this around, I hope.."

"Mommy… can I have cookies?" Katie soon appeared on the landing of the stairs. "Daddy said I could have cookies…"

"Did he really.." Lita dislodged herself from John's arms. "So if he already said yes, why are you asking mommy?"

Katie glanced first to her father figure, "'Cos daddy said you would say no."

Lita smiled to her daughter, grabbing a bag of chips and a juice box. "And that's because I don't want you to spoil your dinner.. If you want cookies, you can have them after dinner."

"Mommy?"

"Yes, sweetie?"

"Daddy says you found a house." Katie swept her bangs from her eyes, "where is it?"

The former Diva set down the juice box and a handful of chips. "I might have found one Katie, nothing's definite yet.. And the house is Amesbury."

The four year old continued to ask questions about the potential house while she ate her snack.. Lita fielding each question to the best of her ability, while Dawn brought over the folder with the house pictures in it. Having the pictures helped Katie immensely.. The dark haired blonde girl intently requesting that her mother choose this house. Lita also mentioned that she would be asking her mom to move in with them.. Katie brightening considerably at the prospect. Of course, the former Diva was a bit hesitant about asking her mom to move.. Not that she and her mother didn't get along or anything like that, just that she didn't want to put that kind of pressure on her mother. While it would certainly make things easier for Lita when she started traveling with the rosters again.. It would also mean that her mother would have to re-locate from her current home. Still, it wasn't like she couldn't take Katie with her on the road, but at the same time, it would be more convenient if she had a babysitter for her. Or if she could just keep Katie in pre-K on the days she was on the road. At the same time, Lita wasn't really looking forward to the prospect of having to spend time away from her daughter.

xoxox

Once her snack was finished, Katie requested a visit to the playground.. John and Lita easily agreeing to the four year olds wish. On the way to the playground, Dawn received a phone call from Chris.. The blonde man merely wanting to check in with her and see how things were going. He also wanted to let John know that he needed to call Stephanie to find out about his match for tomorrow night. And just as Dawn was ending her phone call, John received a phone call from Stephanie. Just as Chris had stated, the brunette wanted to speak with him about his match for tomorrow.. And the upcoming storyline that creative was working on. The cell phone was passed next to Lita, the redhead informed that she would either substitute for Lillian or have a stint alongside Coach and the King for commentary. And while Lita preferred the latter, she knew the former was definite possibility. The redhead had done that when she had returned from her neck injury.. Though that time around, it had been Heat with Coach. This time around it would be RAW with Coach and the King. Whatever the case, Lita was prepared to do either or… but mentioned her preference to Stephanie before the call was ended.

Dawn sent her a questioning look, "So.. What did Steph want?"

Lita half shrugged, "It was about what I'll be doing when I get back.. According to Stephanie, I'll either be a part of the RAW broadcast team or I'll take over for Lillian for a bit."

"And after that?" Dawn smoothed back a few locks of loose hair from her face. "Or do you not know yet?"

Lita smirked, "After that I start managing again.. With the option to get back in the ring and compete, but I'm not sure if I want to do that just yet."

Dawn nodded, "That'll come in time I guess.. Maybe after being around it again, you'll want to compete." An eyebrow quirked, "So who are you managing?"

"John actually.." Lita jammed her hands into the back pockets of her jeans. "Stephanie gave me the choice of managing either John or Randy.. Given the circumstances, I thought John would probably be the better decision."

Dawn smiled slightly at that, "Or it could not be.. Given how much you two have in common and what not."

Lita smiled dryly, "That's what I was thinking.. But, it could work. I'm really wondering how it could work but that's not to say it won't."

The brunette Diva scoffed, "If the first time you two met was any indication? I'd say no chance in hell. I think it was for a party or something.. John was there because Randy had invited him."

"I know." The two women settled on a bench, watching idly as Katie dragged her father figure towards the slide. "I wanted to kill Randy for inviting him to that party."

Dawn nodded, "The two of you clashed right after John decided to change the music. And as I recall, it only got worse from there.. For about the next two months at least."

Lita smiled thinly, "Well if you hadn't dragged his annoying ass with you every time you came to visit me, it wouldn't have been so bad. Or if Randy hadn't invited him along for nearly every vacation.."

Dawn shrugged, the brunette sitting back. "What can I say.. It made for some really good entertainment. Especially on the car rides between shows, because you two would argue so much that Randy usually ended up pulling the car over."

The former Diva laughed, "Nothing was worse than the one trip during the Christmas break. One hotel room and it was the two of us, John, Randy, Chris, Vikki, Ty and Adam."

"There were a few worse then that actually.." Dawn smirked, "or are you already forgetting the disaster that was a camping trip? It was me, you, Chris, John and Jeff. Vikki, Ty, Lillian, Shawn and Randy were supposed to meet us at the campsite."

Lita nodded slowly, "Vikki, Ty, Lillian and Shawn ended up coming a day late, it rained the entire time we were there and we almost lost the tents."

"Which meant that you, Jeff and Chris just had to go mud sliding.." Dawn pursed her lips in thought, "I think Vikki and Ty joined the three of you after awhile.."

Lita nodded shortly, "They did. .and instead of taking showers to get the mud off, we jumped in the lake. The five of us ended up sick and then Chris got you sick, Tyson and Vikki got Lillian and Shawn sick."

"And you got John sick." Dawn shrugged slightly, "which probably wouldn't have happened if he hadn't tried to take care of you but.."

"I know.. And instead of heading back home or whatever, we all stayed up there." Lita swept her hair from her face, a small frown forming. "Randy and I got into a huge fight when I got back."

"About what?" Dawn rolled her eyes, "if he had actually been there then--"

Lita shook her head, "It wasn't about that.. He just wanted to know why I didn't skip the camping trip. I told him it was because I wanted to spend time with my friends.. And then I asked him why he didn't go."

An eyebrow raised, "So what did he have to say for himself?"

Lita half shrugged, "I think he had an appearance or something that he couldn't miss. I can't remember now though. I do remember that it just got worse the next day, because I had run into John after Randy and I fought."

Dawn nodded knowingly, "And knowing Randy he probably jumped to conclusions or something.."

"He did.. It got even worse after John tried to come to my defense." Lita inwardly sighed, "Randy wouldn't talk to me for almost two days."

"I'm surprised you two didn't break up.. Just given how your fights usually ended." Dawn sent her friend a look, "what happened anyway?"

Lita smiled dryly, "We did break up.. And then we got back together three days later. Sometimes I wonder why we bothered to break up but.." the former Diva trailed off with a shrug. "Not much I can really do about it now, ya know?"

Dawn rested a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Believe me, a lot of us wondered the same thing.. Or how you two had gotten together in the first place."

"Long story," the former Diva replied quite simply. "One that I really don't feel like getting into right now so.." She gestured towards John and Katie. "And besides which.. It looks like Katie wants some more company."

The brunette took the hint, the two women taking their time from moving from the bench to the swings.

"Auntie Dawn?"

Dawn settled on a swing next to the four year old. "Yes sweetie.."

Blue eyes blinked, "Can you an' Uncle Chris come with us to Disney?"

An eyebrow raised in question, "That all depends on when, Katie bug.. And if Auntie Stephanie will give us all the time off."

"Katie wants to go before Christmas," John explained shortly. "Maybe Lil an' Shawn can come along too."

Dawn nodded, "You can also invite Vikki and Ty.. I'm sure it'd be a lot of fun, but it all depends on Stephanie and Shane."

"And Uncle Jeff," Katie added to the growing guest list. "I wanna go see Mickey an' Goofy an' Minnie an' Belle an--"

"Why don't you tell Auntie Dawn what you're going to be for Halloween.." Lita suggested gently, "maybe she can help you too."

In turn, Katie informed her Aunt that she was going to be Belle from Beauty and the Beast.. And when Dawn asked why, the four year old stated it was because of the musical. Katie further went on to give her Aunt a 'synopsis' of the musical.. Or at least what she could remember. For her part, Dawn listened on patiently to the child's excited babble.. Before informing her that she would love to help her with her Halloween costume. The topic then changed to a past WWE Halloween party.. A certain Vanilla Ice costume brought up before John quickly changed the subject. Not that it was overly bad memory or anything like that, just that it was something he had moved on from. Whatever the case, the four continued to chat about Halloween costumes, trick or treating and other Halloween plans until Lita decided it was time to go back. Granted, she and John hadn't figured out what they were going to do that night…but the redhead figured they could figure it out when they got into Boston.

xoxox

When the four got back to the house, Lita went upstairs to take a shower, leaving John to figure out the plans for that night. And once the redhead was done with that shower, Dawn came upstairs to let her know that all she and John would be doing was heading into Boston. The former Diva tried to get more information to that, but to no avail.. Dawn feigning indifference. Of course that revelation just left Lita feeling a little wary.. Especially since they would be going into Boston where there was nothing short of something to do. Of course, Lita did have her own personal preferences.. Mostly staying away from the numerous nightclubs in Boston…and John knew that. At the same time, they never really had the chance to just go somewhere without Katie.. Save for the recent trip to New York but that had only been for one night. And now with Lita re-joining the WWE, they would seemingly have less time to just go out like 'normal' people. The other thing she had to wonder about was where they were going to eat. The last place Lita wanted to go that night was a particular restaurant that Randy had chosen on his first visit.

Lita bit her lower lip, "Can't you at least tell me something? I'd like to know so I can get dressed."

Dawn shrugged, "Sorry Li.. But all he told me was that you two were going into Boston."

The redheaded woman rolled her eyes, quipping sarcastically: "Well that really helps."

"Relax," John spoke up from the doorway, "I had to make a reservation."

Lita crossed her arms over her chest, "Which applies to just about every place in Boston.. So no, that doesn't help."

Dawn shook her head, "I'll just go downstairs.. Keep an eye on Katie."

The redhead turned her attention to John. "So, where are we going? I know full well I can't go anywhere in a bathrobe."

"You could, but people would 'prolly think you're crazy." John smirked slightly, "an' at least this time, you're wearin' your own bathrobe."

"Which makes all the difference in the world," damp locks were released from the towel on her head. "So can you tell me where we're going or are you just going to keep me guessing?"

The brown haired wrestler shrugged, "I could jus' keep ya guessin' but I have a feelin' that'll only make ya mad."

"Well?" Lita prompted, one foot tapping impatiently. "Spit it out already."

He raised his hands in mock defense, moving until he was seated on the bed. "Dang woman.. Learn some patience." John smiled innocently at her withering glare. "I got us reservations at the Sol Azteca."

The former Diva perked, "Sol Azteca? How did you manage that.. They're usually packed."

John huffed, "An' the main reason we usually can't get a reservation, is 'cos we've got so many damn people along with us. But, since it's just us this time 'round.."

Lita grinned, "We haven't been back there in months.."

"Last time we went, was for your birthday." He motioned for her to come closer, the redhead soon finding herself seated on his lap. "I had to call three months in advance to make sure we had a table."

"Well, I can't help it .. It's my favorite Mexican restaurant in Boston."

"I know," his arms banded tightly around her waist. "That's why I wanted to get a reservation there."

Lita eyed him warily, "And what about after?"

John shrugged, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Well there's Jillian's nearby .. I figured we could there before we head back home."

The redhead nodded slowly, "Which means one of us isn't drinking tonight. Because taking a taxi from here to Boston is too much."

"We'll figure it out," he nipped her ear lobe. "Or if it all comes down to it, we can stay overnight. Though, it would be better if we come back home tonight, considerin' I don't know when my flight leaves tomorrow."

Lita's nose wrinkled, "I wish you didn't have to go back tomorrow.. But, I know you have to and that you can't miss any more days."

"Yeah well.. Comes with the territory or whateva. But, speakin' of that kinda stuff.." He waited until she had moved sideways, "Stephanie told me I'll be on the Smackdown schedule for this week an' possibly the next."

The former Diva nodded, "Which means Smackdown house shows, so you'll be in the St. Louis area."

"You got it," he kissed her forehead, "an' like I told ya before, I won't start anything with that asshole."

An eyebrow raised at that, her hands clasping at the back of his neck. "I never said you were going to start anything, John.. I just asked that you please refrain from hitting him."

He shrugged, "So long as he don't start shit with me, I ain't gonna go near him. Now, if he hits me, it'll be in defense. But he's too much of a pansy ass to something that stupid, 'cos he knows I'll kick his ass."

Lita giggled at the look on his face, "Is that what happened last time?"

John raised an eyebrow, "You doubting me? Shit, ya can ask Dawn.. She was there."

"I'm not doubting you," one hand threaded through his hair. "I just don't want to see it happening again. I know that's probably impossible, but.."

"I told ya I wouldn't start anything with him," resting his forehead against hers, he continued: "An' I won't.. it's if he starts something with me.. Then there's gonna be a problem an' I'll let my fists solve it."

"So violent," she chastised playfully, Lita stealing a kiss before she tried to move. "I need you to let go though.. I have to get dressed still."

"I know ya do," his grip didn't relent from her waist. "But that don' me I hafta let ya go at this second, does it?"

Lita wiggled, her hands coming to rest over his. "I need to get dressed."

"An' now you're encouraging me." Blue eyes twinkled with mischief and something else. "But ya do have a point.. You need to get dressed and I need to take a shower."

He loosened his arms, Lita thinking she was free before he pulled her back; his mouth crashing over hers before she could protest. John kept one hand on her hip, the other moving to tangle in her still damp hair. And as much as she realized she did have to get dressed…and the fact that Katie was just downstairs, Lita found herself not caring as she felt his tongue sliding over her lower lip. She parted mouth willingly, tongues tangling as she shifted her position so she was partly straddling him. Of course, she soon realized that probably wasn't the wisest move on her part.. Since she was still wearing a bathrobe and only a bathrobe. That part of her mind clicked when she felt a hand on her now exposed thigh, Lita's hands coming to rest on his chest to put some distance between them. She did her best to ignore the heated look in his eyes, calmly informing him that she had to get dressed, he had to shower and get dressed.. And on top of that, Katie was downstairs. The former Diva stole another kiss before she moved, squeaking slightly when he slapped her ass. Soon enough though, she found herself alone in the bedroom, Lita using that time to get dressed before John returned.