Author's note: And the plot thickens... and Danielle is getting older. Thanks to those who've reviewed so far- you all can have a free wrestler! Anyone you want, lol. Just don't tell old Vinny I gave you permission. The story's about half way done too, hurray!

~~~~~

The dress was expensive, Danielle could tell by the look and feel of it, and it fit her perfectly. She had left her hair down simply, it brushed the top of her shoulders almost, and she had found a pair of her favorite shoes. Red, of course, the same ones she'd been wearing when Vince called her about the job offer. They matched the dress perfectly.

She glanced at the alarm clock beside her bed, 8:50pm, and gave herself one last look in the mirror. Blue eyes stared back at her, restless and clear, and she practiced her smile. Let's go party, she grinned slightly, and flaunt this sexy ass.

~~~~~

Danielle grinned at Stephanie. "What, no jumping out from under a table and yelling 'surprise'?" The party had already started by the time she got there, must've been changed to a not-so-for-Dani's-birthday party, and that didn't bother her. She had asked for no presents, and got countless good wishes instead.

Everyone was there, Stephanie hadn't missed a person. She was still making the rounds, talking to Charles "The Godfather" and drinking cola. She had no alcohol, at the last moment she had decided against it. Chris Irvine, known as Jericho, had came over and given her a huge hug out of nowhere.

"I'm calling the first dance, okay, Dani?" He grinned and pointed to her visible Canadian flag tattoo, then nodding toward the dance floor. "Let's show these foreigners how we really dance!" She laughed and let him pull her into the crowd.

They had been friends since early 2000, when Chris left the WCW to join the WWF. He was from Winnipeg- if memory served her right- and had a great sense of humour. He played music too, although Jericho denied being the same person, and played and excellent attitude on tv. Also, he wasn't that bad of a dancer.

Charles danced with her next, and then Stephanie got some of the hotel staff to bring out the cake. It was huge, and specially decorated with bright tiger stripes, her name written in large cursive. She cut it, thinking of how surprised she was. Not about the party, but about how good things were going. Maybe this year would be different...

Danielle couldn't concentrate while she danced, and she was getting too bored with small talk. She started scanning the crowd, looking to see who was there. Absentmindedly, she was looking for two people, Sean... and Shane. She was neither.

Glen Jacobs was there, another of her good friends with an entertaining on screen personality. He had on a dark shirt, tight on his heavily muscled frame- she always though he looked better without his Kane outfit on. They had known each other for a long time, although he seemed to have a slight crush on her, and he was excellent to talk to. He was so trustworthy, Glen was one of the few who knew and understood why she didn't enjoy birthdays.

The McMahon family was there- minus the one she had an urge to see- and Vince and Linda were both dressed in their usual business attire. Danielle knew they had no real desire to be there, Vince didn't like social events so he made it unenjoyable for Linda. Truth be told, Danielle had hoped that Linda would come without "the boss."

"Am I that boring? I think you'll soon be asleep, Dani."

She turned her head quickly and grinned at her dancing partner. "I'm just picking out all the people who are jealous of you," she teased and batted her eyelashes innocently, and Mark Calloway laughed.

He looked down at her, still seeming like the dangerous Undertaker in his leather pants, and glanced over at the McMahon couple. "It's good to know, it almost looked like you had a thing for Vince." Danielle cringed and shook her head, and they continued dancing. He had the first slow song with her- surprisingly- and he looked down at her after a few more minutes of silence.

"Honestly, short stuff. Is something bothering you?"

She glared at him and raised an eyebrow. "Just because you're two feet taller than me, that doesn't mean I won't DDT you right here." Mark laughed but kept his stern gaze fixed on her- she wasn't going to ignore his question. "I'm just... looking for someone," she said finally.

He glanced over her head and scanned the crowd. "I could help you, I've got a pretty clear view from up here. Who is it?"

Danielle glanced through the people, looking at nothing. Who am I looking for? She sighed and looked up at Mark. "Do you see Sean anywhere?"

A pause, and she watched his sharp eyes do a sweep around them. "No," he said slowly, and then giving her a knowing grin. "I do see someone else, however. Over by the tables, near the door. Why don't you go have a look?"

She gave him a confused look and turned in that direction. Mark just grinned at her, and she wordlessly headed toward the exit. People were so close together for this dance, she constantly was mumbling her apologies for bumping into couples.

The door was out of her sight until she was within fifteen feet of it, and then the couple in front of her moved quickly. Danielle looked up and met thoughtful brown eyes, and she froze.

He looked... fantastic wasn't a good enough word. Enthralling, maybe gorgeous. Casually leaning on the nearest table, pretending to talk with an energetic Stephanie but looking directly at her. He was dressed to impress, every inch the charmer in black dress pants and a white shirt, hair combed to perfection. And he looked at her, a serious expression pulling his eyebrows down and his mouth firm. His eyes were studying her, not angry but contemplative, and he looked appreciatively at the red dress she wore.

Danielle wanted to fall, to turn away, the look in his eyes made her feel so vulnerable and like he could see and read everything in her mind. She didn't falter though, she moved toward him slowly, holding his eyes with a strong gaze that dared him to look away. Her mind buzzed, what was he doing? She was unconsciously setting herself up for a let down, choosing to ignore the dull look in his eyes as she walked closer. She had expected him to be angry at her, not this deep in thought.

Stephanie looked up at him, followed his gaze to Dani, and then grinned. "And there's the birthday girl now. Go on, Shane, I do believe she's looking at you." He glanced at her for a second without replying and then walked out to meet Danielle.

She stopped in front of him, and found the breath to speak. "Hey... I thought you might've skipped the party." He didn't reply, just examined her eyes with no emotion. Danielle gave him a hopeful smile. "Wanna dance?"

Shane lowered his eyebrows and glanced at something over her shoulder. "Sure," he said softly. "Happy birthday, by the way."

She looked at him curiously but followed him to the dance floor, he wasn't acting normal. The current song ended, and she hoped for the freedom of a fast song, but the first few notes were familiar. He brought her closer to him, but then she could feel his shoulders and arms stiffen. Listening, she recognized the infamous song from their last dance.

Danielle looked up at him, his neutral face was so close, and cleared her throat nervously. "Maybe we could just skip this song..." she said softly.

His eyes met hers for a brief second. "Why? We're just friends, aren't we? It's only a harmless dance."

Avoiding his eyes, she nodded. What is wrong with him? She could tell that something was bothering him- most likely the night before with her and Sean- and he had just shut off completely. He looked at her with an almost desire before, but now that they were talking to one another, his mind was distant and he acted like nothing had happened.

They danced in silence, until she couldn't stand it anymore. "Shane," she said softly. "Look at me." He met her eyes, curious but impassive, and she frowned. "I'm sorry about, well, you know what. But, you don't have to act so... dead." Shane didn't answer her, and she sighed angrily. "Would you say something? Please?!"

His eyes brightened and his face was now bluntly annoyed. "What can I say, Dani? You didn't want to talk to me then, why the chatter now?"

Danielle looked up at him, blinked slowly and then stepped away. She held her hands up in front of her, shaking her head. "I'm not going to try to talk to you, Shane. I'll see you later, maybe." Turning, she walked away and out through the doors. Stephanie, along with others, saw her leave. They also saw Shane make no move to stop her.

~~~~~

Her shoes echoed in the deserted hallway, narrating her every fast step with dull clicks. Danielle alternated between anger- why was he so damn... Shane?!- and a throbbing ache in her chest- what did she do that was so unforgivable? Him being angry at her, she could understand that, but he was always so calm, cool, and collected. Why did it all change now? He'd just been added to the list- with Sean- of people who had a sudden change. She wasn't enjoying this birthday.

She calmed her mind as she walked, and soon she could hear footsteps approaching her. Glancing up, she met equally frustrated eyes. Sean didn't even bother to try and fake a smile. He looked at her, raised his eyebrows, and stood in front of her.

"Hey baby," he said softly. "Missing your own party?"

Danielle smiled sadly. "It wasn't much fun, it never is." She glanced up from the floor to find him looking at her, standing too close to be casual. "What?" she asked softly.

He finally smiled then, if only slightly. "Come back to my room," he said after a pause. "We can brighten each other's night."

She raised an eyebrow and studied him. His eyes were dark, and she sniffled softly. Loud and clear, she could smell it on his breath. "Sean... you've been drinking. You should go to bed." He frowned, and then leaned against the wall heavily. "C'mon," she encouraged. "I'll help you to your room- and you can get some sleep." Without waiting for an answer, she put his arm around her shoulders and they started down the hallway. He rested his head on her shoulder, turning to look up at her.

"You know what, Dani?" he said softly. She looked at him, and he smiled. "You're so damn nice on the outside, but then you're a bitch."

Danielle froze and looked at him angrily. She swallowed thickly, pushed her feeling down her throat. Sean was just a raving drunk, what did he know? "Sean, shut up. And start walking!"

He didn't say anything else, and they made it to his room. Danielle had to dig the keys out of his pocket to let them in, and he found his way into bed. She sat on the edge of the light coloured sheet and looked at his shoes. Screw it, she thought bitterly. He can sleep with them on.

Sean rolled onto his back and groaned. "I didn't mean that... that thing I said," he mumbled, looking at her. "Will you come here? You need a hug."

She looked at him and shook her head. "Maybe later." She stood up and walked out of his room slowly, staring at the floor. He's drunk, she had to keep reminding herself, he's got no clue what he means. Besides, he apologized.

Sighing, she fell onto the couch and stretched her red-clothed body. Stress, nervousness, and anger built up on her until it forced her asleep in Sean's hotel room.

She dreamt she was a kid again. She relived an old memory from her first few years as a parent-less child, trying to fit in with the older children despite standing out, and never accomplishing it.

"Hey, fire head, want us to put out that fire for you?!"

A shorter, younger, Danielle turned at the wrong moment and was met with a bucketful of water over her entire body. She cried out and fell backwards, sliding on the slick floor. "Leave me alone!" she screamed, trying to get to her feet.

The tormentor, an older boy named Scott, laughed and pointed at her. "Look," he said to his group of friends surrounding him. "The fire's still burning! Anyone got some more water?"

"No!" Danielle cried, finally getting her footing. She started running as fast as she could, tears blinding her as they urged her on. She could hear them taunting her behind her, and it made her run faster. She didn't know where she was going, but she didn't care. She just wanted to get away.

Danielle ran for over an hour, and when she finally stopped, she was helplessly lost. She was in a town, down some back alley, with no one around. Sobbing quieter now, she wandered out into the street and down the sidewalk. This small girl, no older than nine, walked alone- out of ignorance, not bravery. There were so many different people, and she soon stopped crying and just watched the people. They saw her too, but no one did a thing.

Her clothes had a few rips and were soaking wet. She looked homeless and deserted, too lowly of a creature for the normal people to look at or be concerned about. One other person did see her though, another small child who ran up to her with long, bouncing, ringlets.

Danielle looked at the girl and sniffled. "Who are you?"

The other girl smiled, suddenly shy, and hugged a worn teddy bear tight to her chest. She had a clean blue dress on, and Danielle was staring in awe. "I'm Morgan," the girl said softly. She then smiled and held out her teddy bear. "And this is Fuzzums, he's my teddy from my daddy."

"My name's Cassidy," Danielle replied- she went by her first name when she was younger. "I was running."

Morgan looked at her with the honesty of a child. "Where's your mommy and daddy?" she asked, eyes wide with wonder.

"I don't know," Danielle said softly. "They left-"

"Morgan! Get away from her!" both girls turned at the shrill call, and a woman ran over. She scooped Morgan into her arms, but the girl struggled.

"No! I wanna talk to my friend!" Morgan fought and twisted in her now- wrinkled dress and looked down at Danielle.

Her mother looked at Danielle too, in disgust and pity, and started walking away with her child. "You will not be talking to... her!"

Danielle looked up and watched them leave. Morgan waved over her mother's shoulder, and Danielle raised her hand back. "Bye," she said softly.

"Who are you talking to?" Danielle jerked awake, someone was poking her in the ribs, and she pushed a hand away.

Opening her eyes slowly, Danielle met Sean's. "What are you talking about?" she mumbled, sitting up. She rubbed her eyes, a headache was forming, and sighed.

Sean looked at her, confused. "You said 'bye' while you were sleeping! Were you dreaming?" She stood up, and he reached up to run one hand through her hair gently. "You might want to pull down your dress," he added with a sly grin. "Although the underwear is very sexy."

She blushed and stepped away, shoving her dress down and adjusting the straps with her other hand. "Yeah, thanks," she said softly. "I was dreaming," she added after a pause. "Just a stupid dream."

She realized something that moment, now that she thought about her memory. Morgan, that was the same girl.. she was the pianist in the hotel the other day. So, that's how I knew her, Danielle thought triumphantly. I hope I can see her again, I wonder if she'll remember me too.

"How about coming to bed now?" Sean said, leaning down to kiss the distracted Danielle. "You look unhappy, why don't you let me... help you sleep?" She tilted her head up, and he took advantage, kissing her again with drunken lips.

He continued kissing her, not romantic and definitely not enjoyable, until she pushed him away gently. "Go to bed, Sean," she said softly. He complained, but she ignored him and went to the door.

Sean followed her out, calling sweet nothing's after her, which sounded more like unconscious rambling. "You need some satisfaction, Dani, babe," he said teasingly. "Get back in here." She didn't answer him, and he grabbed her shoulder. Roughly, he turned her around to face him so he could kiss her again.

"Let go," she said, frustrated as she pulled against him. "You're going to thank me in the morning!"

He complained and held her tightly, not listening to her. "No," he said with a laugh. "You'll thank me." He pulled her closer to his door, and she dug her fingernails into his arm. He growled in pain and gave her a shocked look. "Bitch!"

Danielle stepped away from him, surprised but not scare, and rubbed her shoulder. "That hurt," she muttered, holding his eyes.

"Come in," he said with a soft tone. "I'll help you with it."

"I'm okay," she replied quickly, but he had her arm again. "Damn drunk, let go of me!" she said, jerking away from him. He twisted her arm, and she cried out in shock and from the sudden pain.

Things seemed to happen so fast, Danielle couldn't make sense of them. She heard someone behind her, telling Sean to take his "god damn hands off her!" She could recognize Shane's voice, loud in her ear, but she couldn't make out Sean's reply. His voice was angry though, she could tell that.

The next thing she heard was the crack of fist against Sean's face. She was him stumble backwards, but he was a professional wrestler- he never gave up. Instead, he shot to his feet and tackled Shane. Their bodies slammed into the wall- that would leave a mark- and they fell to the floor in a mess of cursing and anger.

Danielle cried out, wanting to step in but knowing it would only worsen the fight. "Stop it!" she screamed, grabbing someone's arm- she didn't know whose- and trying to pull.

It was late night in the hotel, and a scream and the sounds of a fight rang out like thunder. Not a minute had passed before people came out of their rooms. Glen, Charles, and Mark were the strongest to rush out, and they pulled the two men apart. Shane let Charles hold him back, he leaned against the wall and caught his breath, but Sean wasn't so easy. The fight had been started, and he was determined to finish it. It took the two other men to hold him back, but it didn't stop him from yelling insults at Shane.

Danielle fell against the opposite wall and slid to the floor, glad that no one had noticed her. it's my fault, she thought numbly, they're going to kill each other... because of me. One tear escaped down her cheek, and she brushed it away angrily.

"Dani? Are you okay? Let's get you into a room." Stephanie appeared and helped her to her feet, giving her a tight hug and leading her down the hallway.

Pausing to look back at the scene, the hallway now filled with people, Danielle gave Stephanie a shaky smile. "I told you I didn't like my birthday."