Disclaimer: I own nothing. Absolutely nothing. If I did, I'd be one happy so and so. But Vince owns it, not I. I own not a thing. Except the idea...lets just say new muses moved in and they are being overworked.
Distribution: If ya want it, ask.
Rating: Nothing overly violent or excessive...yet.
Spoilers: None.
Pairings: Multiple, but focuses mainly: Dawn Marie/Lance, Lita/RVD, with a later: Stephanie/Jericho
Author Notes: For purposes of this fic, yes I am ignoring several things. History has been altered..and I am to blame. Roster split slightly altered for my purposes. No neck injury but there is a slight vacation in store. And in my world Dawn and Stephanie are cousins, again.for purposes of MY story it makes sense. Everything else will fall into place. And I know things aren't exactly..typical. But has any of this been typical?
***********************************************************
February 2002
(Someone reflects on things)
The Alliance and Team WWF were finally done. We had all merged, and sure..things were
still a bit..touchy to say the least. A lot of the stars were in fact having problems or had problems. Not that I could blame them at all. But really..what more could we do? It all comes and goes with the business
Fortunately, no relationships were suffering too much strain. Dawn and Lance had been re-united, 'That's one in the bag', Shane and Lillian were still going strong 'No doubts there..they'd always been pretty good together.' Stacy and Andrew were also doing ok, as were Jeff and Trish. Amy and Matt however, it wasn't like they were having problems or they were fighting..it just seemed they were far too comfortable as best friends. Lord knows they were good together, but something just seemed to be missing. And as for me? Well things are going quite nicely with Chris. And..the draft was coming up next month. Finally this whole thing would come to an end and Chris and I could be together. Well not together on the same show, but at least together. I had already spoken with dad and Ric and we all understood what this upcoming event would mean. Not just to us, but to the superstars under our care.
And at that moment, a red head and a brunette came into the office, both sitting down on the couch.
"Dawn, Amy" I smiled..I was expecting them anyway.but what was it now?
"Steph..we need to talk" Amy was first, wringing her hands...why in the hell was she so nervous?
"Alright.." I leaned back against my desk "Go ahead..what's up?"
"Well..we both know the draft is coming up and all...and I kinda had a small request"
Now this I was expecting..I had full intentions of keeping her with Matt and Dawn on RAW but
"I want to go to Smackdown..keep Amy here on RAW" Dawn had finally spoken and I swear my jaw dropped.
"Excuse me? But why?"
"Matt and I..we need space. We've already talked a little bit..and we both know...something is just missing from our relationship." Amy sat back, not completely relaxed but relieved? maybe.
"Dawn..why-"
"I have my reasons ok? Can you just do this...for us?" Dawn raised her eyebrows, hopeful that I would say yes..and really..what more could I do?
"Alright.." I agreed...albeit reluctant "But later..I expect an explanation from both of you"
They both nodded and the three of us hugged before they left the office. Leaving me completely speechless. I relayed the news to Dad and Ric, surely they'd both want to know that they each had two definite 'ins' for their rosters. But now the question remained..why?
***************************************************
March 25th, 2002- Draft Night
Amy sat with Matt and Jeff in their locker room. The break-up between Matt and Lita was yet to occur, but the break up between Amy and Matt had already occurred. Jeff didn't ask why..he of all people knew that something just wasn't working out. Matt and Amy were great for each other, no doubting that, but still..something was missing. There was a comfortable silence, Amy sitting between the two brothers. And just as Jeff was about to say something a blonde Canadian poked his head into the room
"Hey..Ames, Jeff, Matt..they're getting started" Chris informed them and the trio nodded.
"Well..this is the big moment huh?" Matt turned to Amy before they moved off the couch.
Amy nodded, putting on her 'game' face "Yup! Let's just get this over with"
She looped arms with Jeff, and took Matt's hand with her own..and so the trio started off..for the last time as Team Extreme.
They filed into the catering hall, taking a seat near Shane Helms, Shannon Moore and Trish. Rob, Lance,Tommy, Scott (or Raven) and Dawn sat behind them. Amy now in her Lita mode, settled herself on Matt's lap and..camera's rolling.
So this is really it...the end of Team Extreme. I'm with Jeff I hope? God this is so frustrating. And Dawn? Dawn's off to Smackdown. What am I going to do without her?
This is the end of Team Extreme...but not of the Omega crew..that'll never end. We'll always be there for each other..and hopefully that nut that calls himself my brother can watch over Amy..if they're on RAW together anyway.
"And the number 10 pick for RAW...Lita"
Amy shifted slightly on Matt's lap, putting her head on his shoulder.
She knew that she was staying with RAW..Jeff knew she was staying with RAW but now..it was set in stone.
The new rosters filed out of the catering hall, reporting to separate locker rooms. Smackdown went one way..and RAW the other. But before the meetings could get under way..something had to happen
"So..this it huh?" Matt asked, carefully resting a hand on Amy's shoulder.
"Yeah...the end of Team Extreme...and.." Amy trailed off as Matt wrapped her up in hug
"We'll still be friends..won't we?"
"Of course Li..but we both know this is what's best"
"Yeah..that's what I'm telling the heart that's breaking"
"We both know...it's for the best."
"I know Matt...it still hurts though..I'll miss you"
"I'll miss you too Li...know I'll always love you"
"Hey...uhh..they need us now Li" Jeff's soft spoken voice broke in and Amy nodded taking Jeff's hand for moral support.
"Good luck bro" Jeff nodded to Matt before heading to the RAW roster meeting
"Take care of her Jeff" Matt trailed off before turning and heading in the opposite direction
Jeff and Amy walked into the locker room, noting that Trish had saved a spot for them. Sitting near Trish was Tommy, Scott, Justin, Bubba, Spike, Lance and Rob. A whimsical smile came to Amy's face as she realized..part of ECW had been re-united. All that was missing was a brunette..whom was now sitting in the Smackdown locker room. Jeff sat next to Trish and Amy found herself on the floor in front of Scott, Tommy and Justin and on the floor with Rob and Lance. Ric Flair took center of the room and everyone turned their attention to him.
"Now, I know...this may seem a little strange..what with your tag-teams being split" He paused to send a sympathetic look to Jeff, Amy and a few others before continuing "but..this is a brand new era..and brand new RAW..this is my era..no..this is YOUR era."
The RAW roster applauded and eventually things just went to a dull monotone. Amy rested her head on Lance's shoulder, Rob rubbing her back and the meeting continued.
After the new rosters had met, they had all planned to go out, drink, party and get acquainted. Amy politely declined and made her way out to the parking lot, Jeff and Trish hot on her heels
"Come on Ames..celebrate with us" Trish pleaded
"Look..you two..I'm really not in the mood ok?"
She un-shouldered her bag, popping the trunk to toss it in.
"Then won't you at least talk to us? You can't keep that wall up forever" Jeff gave her a pleading,
intense gaze.
"I'll talk when I'm damn good and ready to ok? Now look, I've got to go. I have people to meet."
And with that, she got in her car and sped off..to meet with Dawn and Stephanie.
Meanwhile elsewhere in the parking lot, Lance is trying to talk to Dawn.
"We just got back together...and now-" Lance was cut off as Dawn snapped out
"I told you I would explain later..and I do mean later. I have to go meet Stephanie and Amy right now. So if you would excuse me" She got into her car and she too sped off.
Lance watched as she drove out of the parking lot, kicking at the pavement before meeting up with Rob, Justin and Tommy.
***********************************************
(At the hotel, Stephanie, Dawn and Amy hold a meeting)
"So...let me get this straight..you want time off?" Stephanie looked at Amy quizically
Amy nodded "Yes..I already talked to Vince and Ric..they're both ok with it"
"Where are you going Ames?" Dawn asked now, pulling her knees up to her chest.
"I haven't really thought about that part yet. I just know I need some time away" Amy shrugged, picking at the bedspread.
Dawn and Stephanie nodded and the three pulled themselves into a group hug
"Don't forget to keep in touch..ok?"
"Would you two cut it with the mushy crap..I'll be fine"
"You know Ames-" Dawn started but was cut off by a knock at the door.
Stephanie dis-entangled herself and looked through the peephole before carefully opening the door.
"Can I help you?"
"Look Steph..I just need to see Dawn..it's highly important that I speak with her"
Stephanie looked back to Dawn whom was now shaking her head no.or at least the best she could with Amy's arms still wrapped around her.
"I'm sorry Lance..but she really doesn't want to see anyone right now" Stephanie offered an apologetic look which was met with a sigh from Lance.
"Alright...can you just tell her we really need to talk later?"
Stephanie nodded, "I can definitely do that Lance..good night"
She closed the door, and turned back to the two walking back towards the beds when there was another knock. She rolled her eyes, letting out an exhasperated sigh when the door was opened
"We need Amy and Dawn..like now" Tommy and Justin appeared, both out of breath.
"Whoa, whoa whoa,...I don't think so" Stephanie crossed her arms moving slightly so Amy and Dawn were out of sight.
"Look Steph" Justin began "You just don't understand..we need them..and now"
Stephanie arched a brow and was about to speak when
"Why do you need us?" Dawn's soft spoken voice appeared from behind Stephanie
"And why do you need us now?" Amy had joined them, the two standing safely behind Steph.
"We just do..ok? Please..you need to come with us now. And you need to trust us." Tommy pleaded
"We'll beg on our hands and knees if we have to" Justin added, and from the look on his face they really were that desperate.
"Ok..Steph..if we don't call in an hour..call us" Amy spoke as she slowly moved in front of Stephanie
"We'll both have our phones..so don't hesitate" Dawn confirmed as she joined Amy.
Stephanie hesitantly nodded and gave them both a quick hug before "You two had better make sure that nothing...and I mean nothing..happens to them"
*********************************************************
Justin and Tommy lead the two down the halls, down the stairs then stopped at a door
"Dawn..this is your stop..I'll stay outside" Tommy said as he knocked on the door.
"Come on Ames..time to go" Justin urged, gently taking Amy by the arm, leading her down the hallway as the door opened.
"You're here" Lance spoke softly, not meeting their eyes
"Lance..I.." Dawn began
"Like I said..I'll be outside if ya need me.."Tommy held up his hands and gently urged Dawn forward.
"Justin..where are we going?" Amy impatiently asked.
"All in good time pretty girl..all in good time." Justin grinned as they stopped at a door.
"You are above and beyond what a moron defines..you know that?"
He knocked on the door and stepped back "Like Tommy..I'll stick outside in case you need me"
"Justin..I swear..if this is Matt-"Amy began but trailed off when the door opened, to reveal not only Matt..but also Jeff..and Rob.
"So ...if you need me..yell. If you need Stephanie..call" Justin smirked gently shoving Amy into the room.
*************************
( With Lance and Dawn)
.............
"Lance I.." Dawn threw up her hands in frustration, rubbing her temples as she tried to gather her thoughts.
"All I'm asking for..is a chance to say something...and a chance to understand..that's all" He watched her, keeping a comfortable distance "If you want a clean break..fine, we'll do that, but at least give me that time"
Something in his voice must have swayed her, she nodded "Just..let me call Steph. first.." She looked up, offering a small smile and brought out her cellphone.
He nodded, instead gesturing to the phone in the room "I intend on leaving that off the hook after you call Stephanie" as he picked up the phone, handing to her.
"Thanks.." she dialed..quickly explaining to her cousin and told her not to worry as she hung up.
Dawn sat on one bed and Lance on the other, a stand-off? Not really..there were no hostile intents between them. Just things that needed to be said.
"Look..first..I just want to say that me going to Smackdown has nothing to do with you...or us"
"But then-"
"Let me finish first.." she took a breath and rested her hands in her lap "I don't want to hold you back in any way..and part of me worries that if I stay on RAW or if you're on Smackdown I will hold you back. People will target me to get to you.."she trailed off trying to think of excuses. "It's not like I can't take the hits, but... I can't hold you back..I just can't do that. You shouldn't have to worry about me.."
"You're worth the risk..worth every damn risk do you realize that Dawn?" he swore under his breath, clenching his fists "..I could give a shit less about what people want to do..but you are worth the risk. I just want you there beside me. I want to be with you"
"Lance do you even realize what you're saying?"
"Then I'll quit. You can continue on with the business..I'll just quit"
"Lance I can't-"
"I love you Dawn! And I always will love you. That is what matters to me. You are what matters to me. You are my driving force. Got that? You, not the business..YOU."
{How can I not love you
What do I tell my heart
When do I not want you here in my arms
How does one walks away
From all of the memories
How do I not miss you when you are gone}
He was shaking by now, the raw emotions finally released, holding his head in his hands and all she could do was stare. She tried to open her mouth but no words would come out. He assumed the worst and feeling worse than before..he stood slowly, moving towards the door.
"Well...I've said all I needed to say..you're free to go now" He was about to open the door when
"What if I don't want to be set free?"
"Go..Dawn..be happy.."
"I'm not going...except maybe to Smackdown..but we are not going anywhere"
"What are you saying?" He stared back at her, his guard was down, he had opened his heart to her..what more did he have to lose?, tears threatening to spill
"I love you...and I don't want to give up on us..but at the same time..I don't want to hold you back.." Tears spilled down her cheeks as she carefully un-tucked her necklace.
"Dawn..what?"
She removed the ring from the necklace and he steeled himself, prepared to take it back..but he almost fell over in shock when she put the ring on her finger. The ring had always been on her necklace.
"Does that answer your question?..I won't hold your career back..but merely watch..and be with you.." she stepped forward, gently pressing a kiss to his forehead "Here" she moved slightly, placing a kiss over his heart "and here"
"I love you"
"I love you...but it's getting late..we should probably get to bed"
"And if I don't feel like sleeping?"
"I'm sure we'll figure out something to pass the time"
******************************************************************
(Meanwhile, with Matt, Jeff, Amy and Rob)
"I don't mean to be rude..but"
"I'm just here to talk to him" Rob motioned to Jeff.."We'll make ourselves scarce"
Amy nodded and Rob and Jeff exited to the bathroom.
She sat down on the bed, looking at Matt for a minute "I need to call Stephanie first"
"I was expecting that..go ahead"
The phone call to Stephanie was quick and painless. Amy turned, sitting indian style facing Matt.
{If your words have meaning
If you really care about me
Tell me why can't I find love in your heart
If you are my lover
Or come as a friend to me
Tell me why would you turn away from my love}
"So..what is-"
"Amy I need you to just listen to me..ok?" She nodded and so he continued
"I know that we could have been very happy together. I felt alive with you. And I know on some level you love me. But..you never loved me like that..did you?"
"Matt..I-"
"Don't lie Ames. We've both been fooling ourselves. We tried to be the lovers that we didn't have..tried to fill the part that was missing in our lives. Amy we lied to ourselves. And part of me is sorry for it..but part of me feels so lucky that you let me be the person to help" He felt a lump rising in his throat and he clenched his hands before continuing "I want to thank you for that..for the memories..the chance to be someone with someone..to actually mean something. And maybe..just maybe you did love me like that..but maybe you didn't. That doesn't matter. What matters is that we both follow our hearts now."
{
Take a bow, the night is over
This masquerade is getting older
Light are low, the curtains down
There's no one here
.......
The show is over, say good-bye
}
Amy took a breath, steadying herself and just nodded in agreement. She knew in her heart they were indeed fooling themselves. Living a lie? She never thought she could do that. Never thought she was capable.
"I didn't want to hurt you Matt...and you'll always be one of my best friends...I just hope that one day..we can be friends..like we used to"..She stood then, preparing to leave when Jeff burst out of the bathroom
"Whoa girl..you aren't leaving yet"
"Jeff..what in the hell are you talking about?"
He pointed to the bathroom, "Go..talk...you need to Amy..take that wall down" He gave her a quick hug before gently shoving her towards the bathroom.
She rolled her eyes but opened the door anyway and went in. Jeff meanwhile sat on the bed across from Matt, carefully studying his older brother.
"Before you ask...yes I'll be fine..no I don't know when..yes it does hurt..and don't even think about saying 'I told you so'."
"Wasn't going to say I told you so..." he looked to the bathroom "Would it be rude of me to listen in?"
*************************************************
{I'll make a wish for you
And hope it will come true
That life would just be kind
To such a gentle mind
If you lose your way
Think back on yesterday
Remember me this way }
"So.."
"So.." she looked down at her hands, perching carefully on the counter.
{
I don't need eyes to see
The love you bring to me
No matter where I go
And I know that you'll be there
Forever more apart of time, you're everywhere
I'll always care}
"I don't want to be in a relationship right now...I'm not sure when I'll want to be..I'm going away actually..just for a short while but I will be back"
"Alright..I expected that..at least the first part..but I won't ask for any explainations..just a phone call and a letter now and then"
{And I'll be right behind your shoulder watching you
I'll be standing by your side and all you do
And I won't ever leave
As long as you believe
You just believe
}
"I can give you that.... I'll add it to the list of promises..."
"Yeah...promises.." You could never belong to someone..did you ever belong to me? In any sense?
She shook her head, "You're the only one..you know that?..The only one who could tie me down..even in some small way"
"Even if I have managed that..you could never belong to anyone..you could never be reduced to a possession. You're too independent for that. "
"But..that doesn't mean I can't give a piece of my heart..for safekeeping" she managed a weak smile
"But only if you have the leverage...a piece for a piece" His eyes met hers, both of them dropped their guard..if only for this once.
"So..do I?"
"You always have...and you always will"
He stepped forward, standing in front of her but still giving her the space she needed and to his surprise, it was she whom wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer. The two stood there for a moment, relief that things had finally gotten out in the open. She hopped down from the counter, waiting for him to leave with her
"If uh..you don't mind?"
"You dork..I'll be out there..with the guys" She smiled slightly before stepping out to join Matt and Jeff.
Rob joined them shortly and they were settling in to watch a movie on television when..
"Oh shit..what about Justin?"
"Whoops"
Amy stepped into the hall to find not only Justin..but also Tommy. The two were leaning against the wall, ..and playing rock, paper, scissors. She grinned at them and took them both by the arm leading them inside. Jeff settled on one bed, Justin on the floor (why oh why did it always have to be the floor?) Tommy on a chair, with Matt, Amy and Rob occupying the other bed.
*************************************
So things are calm..for now. Muahahaha. In order, the songs used are :
How Can I Not Love You (Anna and the King Soundtrack), Darlin (Backstreet Boys),Take A Bow (Madonna, Bedtime Stories), and Remember Me This Way (Casper Soundtrack) Ya love me..right?