Title: The Road Less Traveled (50/?)
Author: Esquirella
Rating: R (for violence in some chapters.)
Disclaimer: I own the Rio character and have written other stories with her. I own all non WWE characters. But I do not own the wrestlers. (Unfortunately. They are so cute!)
Synopsis: You thought I was done, right? Not yet! In this chapter: Rio/Tara is ready to vent her anger at Shannon, who has a few more tricks up his sleeve for her. This is the last main chapter but there will be an epilogue.
Distribution: Just in case anyone's interested in it, please ask me first. More than likely, I will agree.
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AUTHOR'S NOTE: I've started putting up chapters to the story of Rio's beginnings, which few people are reading even though several asked for them. C'mon, guys! I give you feedback! The story is called "One Journey Ends" and is in the Original Fiction section under General Fiction. As with this story, I've rated it R for violence and disturbing content. You can also access it by clicking on my author name and choosing it from the list of stories I've written so far.
Rio has a Yahoo Group for those who want to discuss her or post art of what they think she might look like. All opinions are welcomed, whether pro or con. Please visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rio_angele and let me know what you think. I HAVE ISSUED A CHALLENGE FOR ALL MEMBERS.
As always, I know nothing about the WWE superstars that appear in this story. The personalities used here are purely fiction and not meant in any way to represent the true natures of the individuals. And, as always, apologies to Shannon Moore (just in case he or anyone he knows ever reads this), for writing his character so aggressively possessive. (I can't help it. I find that kind of hero attractive. *Wink*)
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Rio stormed to the backstage area intentionally ignoring Shannon who traipsed leisurely along behind her. She stopped before Vince McMahon who had just finished a phone call and was looking at her expectantly.
"I believe we have humiliated Henry and his legion enough for now," she said without preamble. "You do intend to make sure he can no longer run this or any other business like it, do you not?"
Mr. McMahon smiled and inclined his head once. "He'll never threaten anyone again," he confirmed. "When I'm done with him, he'll wish he'd just disappeared off this planet."
Rio gave him a wide golden grin and continued on back to the dressing room. Shannon slipped into it behind her and locked the door. She turned to face him ready to do battle on this front now, but he'd anticipated her intentions and immediately pulled her into his arms for one of his deep soul-stealing kisses. She tried to pull away from him but he refused to let her go, tangling one hand through her golden wig and locking the other around her waist. The kisses melted into one another as he worked his tongue into her mouth, barely allowing her time to breathe much less think. Rio stopped fighting and gave into his ministrations reaching to wrap one of her arm behind his neck resting the other on his bare chest. Shannon seemed unwilling to back down though, intensifying his passionate attack. He backed her up against the wall and devoured her mouth.
"Sh-Shannon," Rio gasped.
"Shhhh," he commanded before sealing her lips again with his own.
Again Rio gave in to his demands holding onto him for support. She now clutched at his waist with both hands and leaned all of her weight forward in a very un-Rio-like stance. Shannon pulled back a bit after a while and looked down at her in satisfaction.
"Ya see 'ow good we are t'getha?" he whispered.
She couldn't answer him right away gazing up at him with a mixture of wonder and apprehension. It took her a couple of moments to catch her breath. In that time he stood patiently against her not willing to budge one more inch.
"You still cannot believe I will agree to this," she finally said, though this time without anger.
"Lose th' accent, Tara," he ordered quietly.
"Shannon," she said dropping her Russian accent. "Please don't make me do this."
"Why not?" he asked patiently. "I thought ya loved me."
"I do!"
"Then ya'll marry me."
"But."
"NO!" Shannon boomed. "I've had enough o' yo' 'buts' on th' subject! I kno' why yo' always sayin' it, too. Yo' NOT bad luck, baby. Fate happens to ev'ryone. I's not YOU, it was jus' fate that took yo' family. Ya think yo' husband would like what yo' sayin'?"
Tara's eyes watered as she stood against the wall. She knew Shannon was aware of it even though she hadn't removed her Rio attire, which included her mirrored sunglasses. He kept his hands gently but firmly on her forearms holding her in place.
"I kno' 'e wouldn'," he went on softly. "'E'd wantcha wit' someone who'll take care o' ya. I'm tha' person."
Tara began to tremble softly as the tears flowed down her cheeks. She knew Shannon was right but it was so hard for her to let go of the feelings she'd had for so long. His expression changed from one of determination to another of sympathetic understanding. Pulling her forward into his embrace, he rocked her gently as she cried. She let all of her fears loose at once and it was a long time before she finally pulled back sniffling. He watched her closely as she went to the dressing counter to grab a few tissues to wipe her tears and blow her nose. Finally she turned back to him.
"Why would you want this?" she asked in a small voice.
"I cain' live withoutcha," he replied. "I love you."
"I love you, too," she sighed. "It's why I didn't want to."
"Please, Tara."
"Let me finish," she said holding up a hand. "I DIDN'T want to. But I do now."
"Really?" Shannon's face broke into a huge smile. "Ya WANT to? Not jus' because I wantcha to?"
"I want to stay with you, Shannon."
"Fo'eva," he finished for her pulling back to him.
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"Ya okay?" Matt asked Jeff when they got out of the trainer's area after being examined.
"I'm mo' than okay," Jeff grinned.
"No mo' fightin' wit' Shan?"
"Nope," Jeff said emphatically. "I kno' he makes 'er happy, Matt. Tha's all tha' mattas."
"Amen."
"Are you two all patched up?" Justin asked as he, Todd and Sven approached them from the opposite end of the hallway. Todd and Justin had changed out of their costumes and appeared much less vicious than their Warrior Series personas.
"We're fine," Matt said. "'Ow 'boutchew, Todd?"
"Mom handled my cuts and bruises," the red headed giant grinned. Sven assumed a dour expression that made them all laugh.
"Come on," Justin said putting his arm around Sven's shoulders. "Let us find our daughter and go out for a celebration."
"Can we come, too?" Jeff asked, watching as Stacy, Andrew, Jay, Adam, Rey, Lance and Chris appeared from one of the backstage rooms. They all gathered around Jeff and Matt and Tara's family waiting for an invitation.
"I think it would be good for all of us to celebrate," Sven smiled.
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Tara had removed all remnants of her Rio persona and stored them in the duffle bag for the last time. Shannon watched her as she closed the zipper, effectively ending that portion of her life forever. He had stopped feeling guilty after she told him she wanted to stay with him. All of his fears of her leaving him faded away. Tara had a few major traits in common with Rio. She always kept her word and never lied to him. If she said she wanted to stay with him, it meant she would marry him and build the rest of her life with him. It also meant she was willing to let go of her troubled past and allow him to share her future. And now that Jeff had apparently accepted their relationship and was back in his life, Shannon saw that the future shined brightly. He could even see himself getting along with Tara's unconventional family.
"We'd better get ready," she broke into his thoughts. "They'll probably be knocking down our door any moment now."
Shannon grinned at the mental image that provoked. "Should we make sure we're inna comromisin' position?" he asked as innocently as he could.
"I don't think that would be a good idea," she smiled back. "Remember who we're dealing with. Not just my family but all of our friends, too."
"Okay," he laughed. "At leas' we'll 'ave plenty o' help movin' ya down ta my place."
"Yeah," she said without batting an eye.
"Ya sure ya don' min' leavin' it behindja?" he asked with a twinge of fear.
"Positive," she affirmed. "Besides, I have an idea."
"What?" he asked curiously as someone pounded loudly on the door.
"You'll see," she smiled again as she unlocked it and admitted a rowdy crowd of friends and family.
"We are all here to take you out," Sven announced.
"All o' ya?" Shannon feigned shock.
"All o' us," Jeff said laughing. He playfully punched Shannon in the arm. "Ya didn' think we'd letcha slink outta here wither, didja? We wouldn' allow that."
"Great job out there, kiddo," Andrew said sidling up to Tara. Stacy grinned as she approached the small blond woman's other side. "Yeah, 'Rio.' Could you just threaten Molly one more time, though? I don't think it stuck the first time."
"I think I'll leave her attitude to my brother," Tara laughed.
"Moi?" Todd assumed an innocent look. "Why ever would I want to do that?"
Stacy and Tara both giggled as Andrew and Todd shared conspiratorial glances. Shannon and Jeff laughed, too. Everyone thought Molly's attitude needed adjusting and 'Fury' was the just the guy for the job.
"So are we going to celebrate?" Justin asked Tara hopefully.
"Sure," she said giving him a hug. "I think we should throw a party!"
"A party, Sweet One?" Sven asked. "Are we celebrating more than just this victory?"
"We're celebratin' MY victory," Shannon said with a smirk. "I'm gettin' married."
"She finally agreed?" Matt demanded.
"Yep," Shannon said triumphantly. Jeff let out a whoop and grabbed his best friend in a bear hug. Tara just shook her head and smiled.
"So you will be moving to North Carolina even sooner, then," Sven surmised pulling her away from Justin.
"She was movin' an'way," Shannon frowned after Jeff let him go. Sven smiled at him benignly.
"What about your house?" Todd asked.
"Funny you should mention that," Tara smiled brightly. "I was just mentioning to Justin earlier that he and Mom needed to move to the east coast now. You know how important it is for family to stay close."
Todd nodded smiling mischievously at his sister. "I was just talking to Dad about that the other day."
Sven and Justin traded amused looks while their children carried on a conversation as if they were the only ones in the room.
"Well, Chelsea, my hometown, is on the east coast," Tara confided. "It will be a shorter flight to visit me and vice versa and the area is very friendly. You could start school there, too. I know you've been interested in doing that. And I really want the house to stay in the family. It's big enough for the three of you. What do you think, Todd?"
"I think that it would be perfect," Justin answered for him. "And then we could visit you and our grandchildren any time we like."
"Don't rush us," Tara admonished him.
"Why not?" Shannon piped in. "I think gran'children are a great idea."
"You jus' wanna tie 'er to ya permanently," Jeff whispered softly so that only his best friend could hear him.
"Somethin' wrong withat?" Shannon hissed back.
"Notta thin'," Jeff laughed. "I think i's perfect."
Shannon grinned at Jeff. It was so good to have him back in his life and not as an adversary. "I missed ya, big bro."
"Me, too, Shanny."
Author: Esquirella
Rating: R (for violence in some chapters.)
Disclaimer: I own the Rio character and have written other stories with her. I own all non WWE characters. But I do not own the wrestlers. (Unfortunately. They are so cute!)
Synopsis: You thought I was done, right? Not yet! In this chapter: Rio/Tara is ready to vent her anger at Shannon, who has a few more tricks up his sleeve for her. This is the last main chapter but there will be an epilogue.
Distribution: Just in case anyone's interested in it, please ask me first. More than likely, I will agree.
--------------------------------------
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I've started putting up chapters to the story of Rio's beginnings, which few people are reading even though several asked for them. C'mon, guys! I give you feedback! The story is called "One Journey Ends" and is in the Original Fiction section under General Fiction. As with this story, I've rated it R for violence and disturbing content. You can also access it by clicking on my author name and choosing it from the list of stories I've written so far.
Rio has a Yahoo Group for those who want to discuss her or post art of what they think she might look like. All opinions are welcomed, whether pro or con. Please visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rio_angele and let me know what you think. I HAVE ISSUED A CHALLENGE FOR ALL MEMBERS.
As always, I know nothing about the WWE superstars that appear in this story. The personalities used here are purely fiction and not meant in any way to represent the true natures of the individuals. And, as always, apologies to Shannon Moore (just in case he or anyone he knows ever reads this), for writing his character so aggressively possessive. (I can't help it. I find that kind of hero attractive. *Wink*)
--------------------------------------
Rio stormed to the backstage area intentionally ignoring Shannon who traipsed leisurely along behind her. She stopped before Vince McMahon who had just finished a phone call and was looking at her expectantly.
"I believe we have humiliated Henry and his legion enough for now," she said without preamble. "You do intend to make sure he can no longer run this or any other business like it, do you not?"
Mr. McMahon smiled and inclined his head once. "He'll never threaten anyone again," he confirmed. "When I'm done with him, he'll wish he'd just disappeared off this planet."
Rio gave him a wide golden grin and continued on back to the dressing room. Shannon slipped into it behind her and locked the door. She turned to face him ready to do battle on this front now, but he'd anticipated her intentions and immediately pulled her into his arms for one of his deep soul-stealing kisses. She tried to pull away from him but he refused to let her go, tangling one hand through her golden wig and locking the other around her waist. The kisses melted into one another as he worked his tongue into her mouth, barely allowing her time to breathe much less think. Rio stopped fighting and gave into his ministrations reaching to wrap one of her arm behind his neck resting the other on his bare chest. Shannon seemed unwilling to back down though, intensifying his passionate attack. He backed her up against the wall and devoured her mouth.
"Sh-Shannon," Rio gasped.
"Shhhh," he commanded before sealing her lips again with his own.
Again Rio gave in to his demands holding onto him for support. She now clutched at his waist with both hands and leaned all of her weight forward in a very un-Rio-like stance. Shannon pulled back a bit after a while and looked down at her in satisfaction.
"Ya see 'ow good we are t'getha?" he whispered.
She couldn't answer him right away gazing up at him with a mixture of wonder and apprehension. It took her a couple of moments to catch her breath. In that time he stood patiently against her not willing to budge one more inch.
"You still cannot believe I will agree to this," she finally said, though this time without anger.
"Lose th' accent, Tara," he ordered quietly.
"Shannon," she said dropping her Russian accent. "Please don't make me do this."
"Why not?" he asked patiently. "I thought ya loved me."
"I do!"
"Then ya'll marry me."
"But."
"NO!" Shannon boomed. "I've had enough o' yo' 'buts' on th' subject! I kno' why yo' always sayin' it, too. Yo' NOT bad luck, baby. Fate happens to ev'ryone. I's not YOU, it was jus' fate that took yo' family. Ya think yo' husband would like what yo' sayin'?"
Tara's eyes watered as she stood against the wall. She knew Shannon was aware of it even though she hadn't removed her Rio attire, which included her mirrored sunglasses. He kept his hands gently but firmly on her forearms holding her in place.
"I kno' 'e wouldn'," he went on softly. "'E'd wantcha wit' someone who'll take care o' ya. I'm tha' person."
Tara began to tremble softly as the tears flowed down her cheeks. She knew Shannon was right but it was so hard for her to let go of the feelings she'd had for so long. His expression changed from one of determination to another of sympathetic understanding. Pulling her forward into his embrace, he rocked her gently as she cried. She let all of her fears loose at once and it was a long time before she finally pulled back sniffling. He watched her closely as she went to the dressing counter to grab a few tissues to wipe her tears and blow her nose. Finally she turned back to him.
"Why would you want this?" she asked in a small voice.
"I cain' live withoutcha," he replied. "I love you."
"I love you, too," she sighed. "It's why I didn't want to."
"Please, Tara."
"Let me finish," she said holding up a hand. "I DIDN'T want to. But I do now."
"Really?" Shannon's face broke into a huge smile. "Ya WANT to? Not jus' because I wantcha to?"
"I want to stay with you, Shannon."
"Fo'eva," he finished for her pulling back to him.
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"Ya okay?" Matt asked Jeff when they got out of the trainer's area after being examined.
"I'm mo' than okay," Jeff grinned.
"No mo' fightin' wit' Shan?"
"Nope," Jeff said emphatically. "I kno' he makes 'er happy, Matt. Tha's all tha' mattas."
"Amen."
"Are you two all patched up?" Justin asked as he, Todd and Sven approached them from the opposite end of the hallway. Todd and Justin had changed out of their costumes and appeared much less vicious than their Warrior Series personas.
"We're fine," Matt said. "'Ow 'boutchew, Todd?"
"Mom handled my cuts and bruises," the red headed giant grinned. Sven assumed a dour expression that made them all laugh.
"Come on," Justin said putting his arm around Sven's shoulders. "Let us find our daughter and go out for a celebration."
"Can we come, too?" Jeff asked, watching as Stacy, Andrew, Jay, Adam, Rey, Lance and Chris appeared from one of the backstage rooms. They all gathered around Jeff and Matt and Tara's family waiting for an invitation.
"I think it would be good for all of us to celebrate," Sven smiled.
--------------------------------------
Tara had removed all remnants of her Rio persona and stored them in the duffle bag for the last time. Shannon watched her as she closed the zipper, effectively ending that portion of her life forever. He had stopped feeling guilty after she told him she wanted to stay with him. All of his fears of her leaving him faded away. Tara had a few major traits in common with Rio. She always kept her word and never lied to him. If she said she wanted to stay with him, it meant she would marry him and build the rest of her life with him. It also meant she was willing to let go of her troubled past and allow him to share her future. And now that Jeff had apparently accepted their relationship and was back in his life, Shannon saw that the future shined brightly. He could even see himself getting along with Tara's unconventional family.
"We'd better get ready," she broke into his thoughts. "They'll probably be knocking down our door any moment now."
Shannon grinned at the mental image that provoked. "Should we make sure we're inna comromisin' position?" he asked as innocently as he could.
"I don't think that would be a good idea," she smiled back. "Remember who we're dealing with. Not just my family but all of our friends, too."
"Okay," he laughed. "At leas' we'll 'ave plenty o' help movin' ya down ta my place."
"Yeah," she said without batting an eye.
"Ya sure ya don' min' leavin' it behindja?" he asked with a twinge of fear.
"Positive," she affirmed. "Besides, I have an idea."
"What?" he asked curiously as someone pounded loudly on the door.
"You'll see," she smiled again as she unlocked it and admitted a rowdy crowd of friends and family.
"We are all here to take you out," Sven announced.
"All o' ya?" Shannon feigned shock.
"All o' us," Jeff said laughing. He playfully punched Shannon in the arm. "Ya didn' think we'd letcha slink outta here wither, didja? We wouldn' allow that."
"Great job out there, kiddo," Andrew said sidling up to Tara. Stacy grinned as she approached the small blond woman's other side. "Yeah, 'Rio.' Could you just threaten Molly one more time, though? I don't think it stuck the first time."
"I think I'll leave her attitude to my brother," Tara laughed.
"Moi?" Todd assumed an innocent look. "Why ever would I want to do that?"
Stacy and Tara both giggled as Andrew and Todd shared conspiratorial glances. Shannon and Jeff laughed, too. Everyone thought Molly's attitude needed adjusting and 'Fury' was the just the guy for the job.
"So are we going to celebrate?" Justin asked Tara hopefully.
"Sure," she said giving him a hug. "I think we should throw a party!"
"A party, Sweet One?" Sven asked. "Are we celebrating more than just this victory?"
"We're celebratin' MY victory," Shannon said with a smirk. "I'm gettin' married."
"She finally agreed?" Matt demanded.
"Yep," Shannon said triumphantly. Jeff let out a whoop and grabbed his best friend in a bear hug. Tara just shook her head and smiled.
"So you will be moving to North Carolina even sooner, then," Sven surmised pulling her away from Justin.
"She was movin' an'way," Shannon frowned after Jeff let him go. Sven smiled at him benignly.
"What about your house?" Todd asked.
"Funny you should mention that," Tara smiled brightly. "I was just mentioning to Justin earlier that he and Mom needed to move to the east coast now. You know how important it is for family to stay close."
Todd nodded smiling mischievously at his sister. "I was just talking to Dad about that the other day."
Sven and Justin traded amused looks while their children carried on a conversation as if they were the only ones in the room.
"Well, Chelsea, my hometown, is on the east coast," Tara confided. "It will be a shorter flight to visit me and vice versa and the area is very friendly. You could start school there, too. I know you've been interested in doing that. And I really want the house to stay in the family. It's big enough for the three of you. What do you think, Todd?"
"I think that it would be perfect," Justin answered for him. "And then we could visit you and our grandchildren any time we like."
"Don't rush us," Tara admonished him.
"Why not?" Shannon piped in. "I think gran'children are a great idea."
"You jus' wanna tie 'er to ya permanently," Jeff whispered softly so that only his best friend could hear him.
"Somethin' wrong withat?" Shannon hissed back.
"Notta thin'," Jeff laughed. "I think i's perfect."
Shannon grinned at Jeff. It was so good to have him back in his life and not as an adversary. "I missed ya, big bro."
"Me, too, Shanny."