Title: Floating Up

Chapter 5: Bachelor

Author: Kora

E-mail: KrazyKora@aol.com or WinterViolet24@aol.com

Rating: R

Disclaimer: The following characters belong to WWE and all the people and companies who deal with all that legal stuff. I am simply using the characters for my own twisted enjoyment. All warnings featured on Part 1.

Author's Notes: I'd like to thank everyone for their reviews. I can't believe how many Hunter/Stephanie supporters there are! Not to mention Shawn/Steph fans too! *^-^*

The next two parts are my take and response on various men people like to think of Stephanie romantically involved with. You can kind of tell which order I put them in as to who my favorites are. I hope you enjoy it!

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Last time I talked to you

You were lonely and out of place

You were looking down on me

Lost out in space

Laid underneath the stars

Strung out and feeling brave

Watch the riddles glow

Watch them float away

You're falling back to me

The star that I can't see

I know you're out there

Somewhere out there

You're falling out of reach

Defying gravity

I know you're out there

Somewhere out there

-Our Lady Peace, 'Somewhere Out There'

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"Are you ready for this?" she had said to him mere hours ago over the phone.

"Are you kidding? You've kept me in suspense for weeks! I'm dying to know what happened! Feed me!" Came his response on the other end.

"All right, I'll be there in a bit, we'll talk about it then," she had promised and with that had said her good-byes and hung up, half way to her car as it was. She got behind the wheel and drove to his hotel room. She had imagined him bounding to the door when she knocked on it, imagined him pouncing upon her with a million questions as to what had happened, how each date had gone.

What she came across was like nothing she had imagined. She knocked on the door to receive no answer, then opened it to find him passed out his stomach on the bed, snoring quietly. Stephanie shook her head in amusement and crossed the dark room, sitting on the edge of his bed to nudge his shoulder gently, "Hey there, sleepy head, rise and shine."

"Mmm?" Shawn mumbled and rolled over. He fumbled for the lamp near his bed and clicked the light switch on. He then turned and opened his eyes. A sleepy glaze obscured his vision momentarily until he blinked it away, his eyes focusing on a very beautiful brunette sitting mere inches away from him. He sat up and stretched, yawning, "Oh jeez, I only meant to rest my eyes."

"And here I thought you'd be bouncing off the walls by now in suspense. Instead I come to find you sleeping like a baby," Stephanie teased with a raised eyebrow, playfully nudging his shoulder again, "Why is it every time I come across you lately you're a sleeping beauty?"

"Give me a break, willya? I've been in some matches lately, not to mention wondering about you has put a toll on me. I needed some good rest and now that we're this close to breaking the bubble, I guess my mind and body thought it was finally time," Shawn answered as he scratched the back of his head and sat up straighter. He looked Stephanie up and down, a lazy grin taking his face.

It felt like ages since he'd last seen her. She looked amazing. Spectacular. Fabulous. Hell, there weren't enough words. She wasn't even trying to go for out-and-out glamorous. She wore a normal white shirt, an unzipped black hoodie and matching jogging pants, very laid back yet still enticing for some unknown reason. Then it hit him; she had worn a similar outfit that night, long ago, when she'd tried to seduce him.

His thoughts flashed to when she had straddled him that night, her nose brushing along his, lips so close and the sweet smell of her. He suddenly had to shift on the mattress, not wanting Stephanie to notice any possible, visible, changes in his body as he spoke up, his voice now husky, "How about you give me a minute to get decent and then we'll get down to business."

Stephanie's eyes widened and she blushed as she suddenly noted his state of undress. She had waltzed into the room and plopped herself down on the bed without much thought and now that Shawn was awake and the lights were on her mind began kicking into gear. He wasn't wearing a shirt and the sheets were tangled around the rest of him. God only knew what rested below and she rose to her feet, turning away to face the opposite direction, "I'm sorry."

"Don't be, it's not like you haven't seen me without a shirt before," Shawn had meant it as a way of reassurance but it still didn't help. Sure, she had seen him without a shirt before, most of his matches were fought bare-chested but this wasn't a match and they were in his hotel room. Alone. Together.

Stephanie suddenly became very interested in the door across from her as Shawn dressed. Once he was done he tapped her shoulder and she turned to see him in his snug black 'HBK' shirt and jeans. He was running his hands through his hair as he pulled it back into a ponytail, "So…how did our bachelors do?"

She shook her head, "Nuh-uh, not yet. I want to take you some place."

Shawn looked at her in perplexed amusement, "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah," Stephanie said softly, almost shyly, "Some place special."

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Shawn exited Stephanie's car and rushed around to the driver's side to hold open her door for her, he helped her out and she chuckled, "Aren't we chivalrous?"

"A pretty lady like you should always have her doors opened for her," Shawn said with a sweet grin and then looked around, "So this is where you wanted to take me, huh?"

Stephanie merely nodded and looked around, rubbing her arms to try and keep warm. The night was cold but not so bad as it had been a week ago, when this area had been struck by a severe ice front. RAW had had their most recent show in North Carolina and were in the process of transferring up to New York for their next show. They had made a pit stop in Maryland on the way and Stephanie, who happened to have to get some work in D.C. done, had made sure to swing by Shawn. Now they stood on a small strip of beach next to one of the many bridges that crossed the gap between Maryland and Virginia.

The weather had frozen the sand and river to the point where Stephanie could actually walk about four feet out over the water. She even commented on how it was like a large ice cube, even kneeling down to tap at it idly. The sky was clear, so the moon and stars shone down brightly, putting on a breath-taking light show as they illuminated everything in sight. They caught and curved into every facet of the frozen river, detailing how the unprecedented weather and subsequential freeze had caught the body of water off guard, tiny waves caught and petrified into place.

The sand too, was rock hard, not a single grain coming out of place. And they walked along the shoreline, until they were under the massive bridge. Stephanie put a hand to one of the enormous concrete supports and sighed, "I came here one time when I was out and about…you know, not long after the…night you found me. Anyway, I came here and relaxed and it was so peaceful. I'd sit under this bridge and listen to the cars go by overhead. It was especially fun if it was a diesel. They make this tremendous hollow sound that just…I don't know, I probably sound dumb, right?"

She looked at him with insecure blue eyes and he shook his head, "No, please, go on."

Under his encouragement, she continued, "The sounds the cars make going over head it's just so…unique. There's nothing like it. Anyway, I'd listen to it and look at the water and I'd just float away for hours. I used to need that. So badly. Now I don't need it as much but it's still nice sometimes to get away and come here and relax. I always wanted to-to take someone here and show it to them, you know? So maybe they'd get the same feeling I did but…like I said, silly and dumb, huh?"

Shawn walked over and patted her arm lightly, "Not silly at all. Thank you for sharing this with me."

She beamed at his words. So much so that Shawn literally felt his heart skip a beat. He stuck both his hands in his jean pockets, "So let's talk about these dates."

Stephanie rolled her eyes, an amused smirk on her face and Shawn scoffed, "Oh come on, you've kept me hanging on this long. You owe me. You know, you were originally supposed to call me after each date and tell me how they went."

"I know, I know and I told you then what I'm going to tell you now, I thought it just made more sense to save it all up until we saw each other again. That way you got the entire story and didn't have to get it piece by piece. Now you'll know how each and every single one of them went," She said with a sigh and leaned back against the concrete support, crossing her arms.

"Well then, let's start, shall we? I'll list them and you tell me what happened."

She clapped her hands together, "Sounds good,"

"Okay, Test."

"Andrew was nice-sweet. He took me out for coffee. Basically he just wanted to check up and make sure I was fine. He spent most of his time gushing about Stacy. She makes him very happy and I told him that his being happy makes me happy. It also gave me a chance to apologize for everything that went wrong between us. We never did end on a positive note and I always felt as if it was unresolved. We managed to do so and that was that. I don't know if he and I will ever be on buddy-buddy terms but I can at least say now that there's no more bad blood between us."

"Sounds good," Shawn said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, "Bischoff?"

"Eric was on his best behavior and was actually sweet too if you can believe it. It was uncomfortable most of the time. We didn't even go out really. We met up at his office and just talked for a while. He wanted to know how I was handling things and let me know how his staff reacted to the flyers and how sorry he was. You know, the normal expected song and dance. Same thing I get from everyone else.

"He felt this strong need to apologize for things he'd done in the past and I told him it was no big deal. It was like he was equating what he'd done as somehow being responsible for what happened to me, or thinking it was just as bad as what happened to me and I basically told him it was flat out ridiculous. Once he felt better we sort of fell back into our normal animosity so I have to say that went well too in a sort of screwed up way."

"Heyman?"

"Don't even ask."

"That bad, huh?"

"Let's just say he has about as much subtly as a sledgehammer. My meeting with him lasted about fifteen minutes and in most of that time I had to restrain myself from slapping him. I've got the nail marks in my palms to prove how tight my fists were clenched. Man has no sense of tact whatsoever. I'd almost feel sorry for him if it wasn't the fact that he should know better. He's not a stupid man, after all."

Shawn's grin grew into a smile, "Yeah, didn't think that one'd go off well. Now I'm down to the big three, I suppose. First up, Angle."

"Angle…" Stephanie sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose as she squeezed her eyes in remembrance.

_*_

ANGLE

"Kurt…please, stop crying," Stephanie said with slight irritation. Now, normally, she would not be the kind to kick a man down. Especially when he showed his softer side. But since the moment she'd arrived at the restaurant Angle had been teary-eyed. He'd look at her and start making these hiccuping-sob sounds as he tried to restrain himself from crying hysterically. It was only sweet for so long.

Angle looked at her now, red faced, "I'm trying, I just…I mean when I got the flyer I was in shock but now seeing you and knowing what happened. What you went through, oh god, Steph…"

Stephanie sighed and rose from her seat, crossing over to give him a hug. She knelt down so she was face level with him and rubbed his back, "Shh, it's all over now, Kurt. It happened months ago."

Kurt shook his head, "That doesn't matter. That doesn't change what happened. What he did to you. And the fact he so blatantly advertised it. I mean, the hell you must be going through. I just... I feel so terrible. So inadequate, if only I had known sooner. If only I could have helped you, done something I mean…," He looked at her with true, sincere feelings in his light blue eyes, "I care about you so much, Stephanie. I mean, at one point in my life I…I-"

Angle's words dissolved into fervent, gut-wrenching sounds that had other people in the restaurant looking at them in wonder. Stephanie's blush grew worse at this public attention and she rubbed Angle's back harder, hoping to some how console him to the point where he'd stop crying so vehemently. She spoke tightly, "Kurt, it's okay. I'm fine. Please stop crying!"

"I can't!" he whined loudly, "Can't you see I can't! Don't you understand! Oh Stephanie, if only you knew…"

This last part was moaned as a sob stretched out of him, he looked at her with watery eyes, his voicing twisting raggedly, "If only I'd told you…all those months ago…back then…oh Stephanie…don't you get it? I should have told you…I was falling in love with you!"

Stephanie rocked back on her heels, shocked. Her mouth dropped open a few inches and her eyes widened. Angle noted this and frowned, "Don't look so surprised, Stephanie. I mean, I thought you knew. And besides, is it so horrible that I was so interested in you?"

"No, no it's not that. I just…" Stephanie ran a hand over her face and rose to her feet, then held out her hand, "Come on, Kurt. After all this crying and carrying on, I know you're not that hungry and I'm not either really. Let's…let's go on a walk."

The duo headed outside and picked up their conversation from there. Angle had finally managed to get a hold of himself, even though he sniffled now and then as he spoke, "It seems so long ago now. But sometimes I don't think I've ever gotten over it. Sometimes I still feel…I mean, when you came back to Smackdown I even thought about approaching you on it. Especially since you and Hunter didn't pan out. But there was never a time and now with what's happened…"

He shook his head and they found a nearby bench to sit down on. Stephanie was still too speechless by Kurt's outburst to say much, but this went unnoticed as Kurt had more than enough to say as he continued, "I mean, when I heard I was bombarded by emotions, you know? I mean hurt and anger and disbelief and such sadness. I can't even imagine what you've been feeling and going through. I mean, whoever did that to you…whoever is still doing these things is just…I'd love to break his face! I'd love to snap his spine and-" Angel's words had grown louder and harsher with his anger, as his hands balled into fists, then he relaxed.

He leaned back and sucked in a big breath, "And all I keep thinking is…what if I'd told you then? What if, all those months ago, I'd snatched you from Hunter? Taken you far away. Breaking marriage vows and stealing wives is not something I condone or stand for but when it came to you, I didn't care.

"You have no idea how many times I sat in my dressing room or we were out in a match and I just thought about how much I wanted to snatch you away from him. Steal you for myself and when you showed interest in me...I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.

"But I never acted on it. I did what I thought was the right thing. 'Integrity'. It's one of my 'I's', you know? So I kept my hands to myself and I kept my mouth shut and you stayed with him. But after this, all I've been thinking is, is that if I had acted on it, if I had done something, how would things be different? I mean, if I had done that maybe this would have never happened to you.

"Maybe you and I would be together and be happy or if he'd tried something I would have been there. If things had been different I could have protected you. And that eats away at me. 'Cause if that's true then…then I'm responsible for what happened. Just as responsible as this creep who touched you, who dared to try and destroy you. "

He looked at her and she felt guilty for her early irritation at his behavior as he reached out and brushed her cheek, whispering softly, "I should have been there, Steph. Even now, even after all that's happened, even though you and I never became anything I should have been there and I should have protected you. That should have never happened, Stephanie. Not to you."

Stephanie felt tears prick at her own eyes as she gave him a wavering smile, "But it did happen, Kurt. And there's nothing you or anyone else can do to change that. I wish things had been different too, but if I think about that constantly, it would drive me crazy and it'll do that to you too, Kurt. Don't beat yourself up over this. For my sake. Don't feel responsible, either. You're nothing like the monster who attacked me and you never could be. You weren't the one who…forced yourself on me. You weren't the one who took advantage of my vulnerability.

"I know if you were there you would have done everything in your power to help but things just didn't work out that way. It's sad and it's horrible but it's true. But you know what? You can do it now. You ARE doing it now. I know you're here for me and you care for me and that's what I need right now, Kurt. I need you to be strong."

Kurt looked at her and for the first time since she'd seen him today, he smiled, "I'll be strong for you, Stephanie. I'll do whatever you need me to."

She smiled back and scooted closer to him, giving him a strong, warm hug. When they pulled away she cupped his cheek and dived in to give him a quick kiss, "You're a good man, Kurt. I would have been a lucky girl to run away with you."

"You still interested?" Kurt asked with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

Stephanie couldn't help but laugh, "I'm sorry, Kurt but…"

"Ah, I know, no need to explain," Kurt said and ruffled her hair affectionately, "That was then and this is now. I've moved on and I know you have too. I bet you have men lined up down the block for that cute face of yours."

"Same goes for you," Stephanie laughed and nudged his chin.

"Yeah well, I do like the ladies," Kurt said, stretching back to flex his muscles. Stephanie just shook her head and rolled her eyes in amusement. Kurt settled back and looked at her seriously, "You know…um…I've heard a rumor around the locker room I've been meaning to ask you about. I know it's none of my business but…"

"Just ask, Kurt, You know you want to or otherwise you wouldn't have brought it up." Stephanie sighed.

"Okay. Well. Um, I heard that night…it was Shawn Michaels who found you and-and took care of you. Is that true?"

Stephanie nodded, "Yes, Shawn found me."

"Mm. How did he-I mean, how did he take care of you? Treat you after it happened?"

She met him eye to eye as she said, "Like the utmost gentlemen. He was my hero, Kurt, If he hadn't been there…"

Kurt held up a hand, not needing to hear more and gave a sharp nod, "Good. I figured as much. He's a good man. And all I can say is, thank god for him. Thank god for Michaels. I'm glad someone was there, that someone helped you."

"He did help me," Stephanie had said reassuredly, then added under her breath, "He helped me more than he will ever know."

_*_

Stephanie finished telling Shawn the Angle story with her nudging his chin, not continuing into their conversation about Shawn himself. She felt strange telling him about that. Instead she shook her head and added, "When he told me that back then he had been falling in love with me…I felt so horrible. I didn't tell him the truth. I mean, back then I liked him well enough but I can't say I was falling in love with him. For me it was more about the passion and the excitement of an affair as terrible as that sounds. I lusted Angle when I was with Hunter, I never felt that romantically about him."

"Not even a little?"

A smirk took her face, "Maybe a little. But now I know we'd never work. Kurt's a doll and I could see him being a friend for life but he's just not quite my type. Or at least, not the type I want right now. I think I've out grown men like him. God, that sounds so conceited and awful."

Shawn shook his head now, "No, it's honest. Nothing wrong with that. Now, how about Jericho?"

Stephanie raised an eyebrow, "Ready for another long story?"

"You bet."