Christian ran out of the locker room. He had been watching Trish's match in the back and watched horrified as Trish was attacked after the match. He had been proud of her holding his own until she had been double-teamed. Then he had seen the Hurricane rush down to help her. He was relieved that she had friends who cared about her.

He ran to the gorilla where Trish was walking out from, and hugged her tightly. He noticed that she winced in pain, and pulled away quickly, embarrassed that he had hugged her so tightly. To his surprise, she grabbed him and pulled him into another hug.

"Are you ok?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine, don't worry."

"You were attacked," he said.

"It happens, I'm a wrestler, it's my job to get beat up."

"I know, but that doesn't mean I like watching it."

"Well, that's so sweet of you," she said, kissing his cheek, "But you're going to have to get used to it."

Christian laughed, "Yeah, I guess I will."

"I watch you get beat up."

"I know, I know," Christian turned to Hurricane, who was standing off to the side, "Thanks for helping her."

"No problem, just helping a friend," Hurricane said.

"Yeah, I want to thank you too," Trish said, wrapping her arms around Christian's waist before turning to Hurricane.

"It really wasn't a problem, I was glad to do it, would you like to accompany me for my match later against Steven Richards, you'll probably be able to get some shots on Victoria in?" he asked.

"Thanks, I'll be there."

"Cool," Hurricane said before leaving.

"I would've helped you out there," Christian said, as he walked her back to their locker room that they were sharing with Jericho.

"I know you would've, but it's ok that you didn't."

"And people, they would probably react weirdly towards us, seeing as how the crowd loves you and hates me."

Trish giggled, "Yeah, they don't really need to know, besides all our friends know, and everyone backstage knows, and if fans see us around, then they can know too."

Christian stopped in front of their locker room and kissed her, "You're so smart."

"And you're so cute."

"And you are so making me want to vomit," a voice came from behind them. They turned to see Jericho standing there.

"Sorry," Christian smiled, "But it's only fair you see us like this."

"And why is that?" Jericho said, crossing his arms.

"Because of having to see you and your girlfriend be all cutesy all the time."

"Touché," he muttered, "But you think you guys can move?"

"Why?" Trish asked.

"Cause you're kind of blocking the doorway."

"Oh sorry," Christian said, then pulled Trish out of the way so Jericho could get in the room. They followed him inside.

"Thanks," Jericho mumbled.

"Hey man, you ok?" Christian asked, noticing that Jericho seemed upset or something.

"No, I just went and talked to Bischoff."

"What happened?" Trish asked as she brushed out her hair.

"I wanted to ask for the number one spot in the Rumble and he practically denied me the spot. I want to prove I'm the best and he won't let me."

"Sorry man," Christian said.

"Maybe it's better you're not number one, I mean, look at all the guys you'd have to go through," Trish said, rationally.

"I know, but that's the point. I have to go through all those guys in order really be the top."

"Yeah," Christian mumbled.

"You know what?" Jericho said.

"Huh?" Christian said.

"Maybe I have to go above Bischoff," Jericho said, thinking aloud.

"What do you have in mind?" Trish said.

"Well, Vinnie Mac is here tonight, about to make an announcement, maybe I have to go straight to the boss."

"You're going to ask Vince?" Christian said, amazed.

"Yeah, I'm gonna ask Vince."

"Well, man, good luck," Christian said.

"Yeah, good luck," Trish echoed.

"Maybe I should call the better half first," Jericho said aloud, then mentally slapped his forehead as he realized Trish was in the room.

"Why?" Trish asked.

"Um, I just like to check in with her from time to time," he lied, well, it wasn't all a lie.

"That is such a sweet thing to do," Trish said.

Jericho breathed a sigh of relief, "Yeah, I guess."

"Dude, Vince is already out there," Christian said, looking at the television he had just turned on.

"He is?" Jericho said, looking at the television for an affirmative.

"Yup."

"Damn, I have to get out there," he said, before leaving.

Jericho walked out onto the ramp to greet Vince McMahon. He had to admit to himself he was kind of nervous. Not of asking Vince for his spot in the Rumble, but just because of who Vince was. No, not the head of the company, but rather the father of his girlfriend, the woman he loved.

He felt the need to make Vince like him. He knew that the rest of Stephanie's family knew about them, and her mother had given her blessing to them, but this was her father. He wanted him to like him. He would also have to watch what he said and not suddenly burst out that he loved his daughter. Jericho chuckled silently to himself at the thought.

Jericho smiled at Vince, and felt the inexplicable urge to suck up to the man. He sucked up to him as best he could, but Vince was not taking it to kindly. Uh-oh, this wasn't going well. Jericho did not need Vince to dislike him. Not only for business, but because right now, Vince's only daughter was waiting in a hotel room for him. And she had been with him for just about six months. Vince told him that he could choose the number of the over-the-top challenge, and Jericho was happy to hear that, but then it was immediately taken back when Vince clarified that they could have any number except number one. That had already been given out to HBK, much to Jericho's dismay.

Jericho gave him a look. If he didn't want to totally get on Vince's bad side, he should leave right now. He hesitantly got out of the ring, and walked back up the ramp. Damn, he hadn't wanted Vince to get upset at him. That would definitely not bode well.

Jericho walked backstage and sat in a lone folding chair. He had a feeling he had just jeopardized any chance of Vince giving his blessing to him and Stephanie. Damn, he had blown it, but he had expected Vince to be so uptight. He figured it was the lack of television time. Jericho didn't notice that Vince had stopped speaking and had gone backstage. Vince was now standing in front of him.

"Don't look so glum Jericho," Vince spoke up. Jericho looked up surprised.

"Um, sorry Vince."

"No, I'm sorry you couldn't be number one, I would've let you had Shawn not come to me first."

"Well thanks," Jericho said.

"You keep up the good work," Vince said, patting his shoulder before walking off. Moments later Bischoff went running by in chase of Vince.

Jericho looked up and smiled. Maybe all hope wasn't lost. It seemed that Vince wasn't all that pissed off at him. Maybe it was more because he had interrupted him then anything else. Jericho got up and walked back to his locker room to get ready.

Jericho walked backstage after his match and his subsequent beat down by Michaels. He'd show the Heartbreak Kid on Sunday who was the better man. He went to his now deserted locker room, since Christian and Trish had left earlier. He got a quick shower, and grabbed his things before heading back to his hotel.

He arrived at his hotel, and asked the clerk which room was registered under his name. Stephanie always registered under his name, just in case someone were to find out that she had registered and find it suspicious. He got the room number, and key, and walked upstairs. He found the room, and walked in.

"Oh, you're back," Stephanie said, "Look who came to visit."

Jericho looked and saw Shane sitting on the couch of the living area. Jericho looked confusedly at Shane for a moment before walking further inside and setting his things down. Stephanie got up and kissed him.

"Shane, what are you doing here?" he asked.

"You didn't see me on Raw?" Shane said.

"No, sorry, you were on the show?"

Stephanie led Jericho to the couch and pushed him down lightly, then settled herself in his lap. Jericho wrapped an arm loosely around her waist as she rested her head on top of his.

"Well, I came with my dad. He issued an ultimatum to Bischoff. Shape up or ship out type deal. And my dad used me as intimidation."

"Daddy said that Shane could be head of Raw if Bischoff didn't do well, isn't that great," Stephanie said, giddily.

"So you mean, that this plan could all be over soon?" Jericho said enthusiastically.

"Yeah," Stephanie said, leaning down to kiss Jericho.

"Oh my God, but how did this come about?" he asked.

"Well, I've been mentioning to my dad that maybe Bischoff wasn't the best prospect," Shane said, "Thankfully he's actually willing to listen to me. I think my dad has also been noticing that Raw has been lackluster as of late."

"Wow," Jericho muttered, "Thanks Shane."

"Hey, I want Bischoff out as much as the next guy," Shane laughed.

"I've been trying to sweet talk Daddy too," Stephanie chimed in. Jericho smiled at her.

"Did you know Shane was even here Steph?"

"No, he surprised me."

"I called her up earlier. Had to get away from Dad though, that was the hard part."

"Well, I'm glad you came to visit us."

"Yeah, Dad was kind of pissed at Bischoff," Shane said.

"I was scared he was pissed at me," Jericho said, "But he came up after his announcement, and we're cool."

"Good, I don't want Daddy to hate you when we tell him about us," Stephanie said.

"Yeah, me neither," Jericho answered.

"Though you were sucking up to him pretty hard," Stephanie giggled.

"Well, I wanted to make a good impression."

"He likes you," Shane said, "Well, I better go before Dad gets suspicious about why I had to leave, but I'll see you guys later."

Stephanie and Jericho got up and Stephanie gave Shane a hug. Jericho shook Shane's hand and they walked him to the door.

"It was nice seeing you big bro."

"You too little girl, bye Jericho."

"Bye," they said in unison before closing the door. They walked back to the couch.

"I was nervous to talk to your dad," Jericho admitted.

"Why?"

"Because he's your dad, I wanted him to like me. You know so he won't be mad that I'm dating you."

"He wouldn't be mad," she said laughing, "I promise he likes you."

"Good," Jericho smiled.

"So you're number two," Stephanie said, hitting him lightly in the arm.

"Yup, it's basically the same as number one, it's just number one is like more prestigious I suppose."

"Well, you're going to knock their socks off sweetie," she said, kissing him.

Jericho laughed, "Speaking of socks, I'm sure you saw what happened to your ex-husband."

Stephanie burst into a fit of laughter, "Oh my God, yes. That was the funniest thing I've ever seen."

"It was pretty funny. Though I didn't really need to see that."

"Hey, I've seen worse."

"I think I can finally tell why you said he came up a little bit short," Jericho chuckled.

"I think the whole world could tell," Stephanie said, still laughing, "That was a long time coming though, a long time coming. You know what else is a long time coming?"

"What?"

"You winning the Royal Rumble, luckily you get to do that on Sunday."

"Don't congratulate me yet, there's still 29 other guys I have to go through."

"It'll be a piece of cake."

"For you baby, you just have to watch. I have to be in the match."

"Well, when you eliminate that last guy, I'll be the first one to congratulate you."

"You usually are."