Disclaimer: I own no person, place or thing mentioned. Title inspired by the song of the same name by Pat Benatar.
Spoilers: Nothing that isn't mentioned in the calender at WWE.com
Brief Chapter Summary: Same ole, downtime and what not until it reaches a televised event, ie. RAW, SmackDown or PPV.
Notes: When I do cover a SmackDown backstage thing, it will be a Tuesday update. I go by calender not air times. Just bear with me and as always, thank you to the reviewers :)
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Thursday, April 15., 7:30 a.m., Granny's Pancake House, Chicago, Illinois.
There in the far corner of the resturant, Lita was currently engaged in a silent conversation with a cup of coffee. Hunter had informed her before she left the Dragon Room, that they would be attending Friday's baseball game instead of Thursdays. With that being the only set item on her schedule for the day, the red head was left to her own means. She already had plans to visit a rock climbing gym in the area, but other than that she had the day free. Dawn, Torrie, Chris and John were still asleep when she left the hotel, so who knew when or if they would be up for anything today. The red head let out a breath, staring into the coffee cup, searching the liquid for any answers. It was almost hard to believe, another year older, another birthday in the books. But, this birthday had been slightly different for the red head. Hunter had made such a big deal out of it, that at one point in time, she felt very out of place. And then there was another part of the evening that felt out of place. She slumped forward in her seat, pushing the coffee cup to the center of the table; her thoughts racing a mile a minute on last night's events. With the laminated menu staring her straight in the face, the diva finally found her voice to place an order. While she waited for the plump,middle aged waitress to return; her gaze fell on the men and women in business suits, the moms toting their children to school. And it was at times like this, that the sense of emptiness fell over the diva the most. It was a conversation held not too often amongst the diva's, but when it did come up..everyone came to the same comclusion. Wrestling or not, families were something they all wanted. They all knew it was possible..have the career and the family life, but that it would be hard. And it was always at that moment, that they all felt they should be doing something different. She shook her head, a whimsicial smile crossing her face as she watched a three year old tugging on his mother's windbreaker. Just as the diva was ready to dig in to her stack of belgian waffles, she was joined by two familiar faces.
"You really go out of your way to avoid people don't you?" Jeff snagged a piece of a waffle as he slid into the booth across from her. "I'm startin' to think you want to ditch everyone."
Rey kissed her forehead before he slid in next to Jeff. "Buena mañana hermosa"
She shrugged in response to Jeff, addressing them both after she had swallowed a bite. "What did you two do? Put a tracking device on me?"
"Tsk tsk" Shane Helms crossed his arms as he slid in next to the diva. "Bothering a woman before she's had a proper breakfast."
She snorted, "That never stopped you"
Jeff rolled his eyes, snagging a piece of fruit from her plate. "So..what are you up to today?"
She put a waffle on a napkin, sliding it over to the multi-color haired man. "There's a rockclimbing gym in the area..but it's not open until 12:00. So after I finish eating" She broke off another piece of waffle with her fork, stabbing it before she continued. "I was probably going to one of the museums."
Jeff and Rey exchanged a look, before Rey leaned forward, "¿Qué?" He teased, smirking at the red head. "¿Su novio no tiene ningún plan?"
She grimaced, stuffing the bite of waffle into her mouth. "Screw you Rey"
As she chewed, Jeff nudged Rey, leaning in to ask "What'd you say?"
Rey shrugged, plastering an innocent smile on. "I just asked about her boyfriend."
Jeff nodded, breaking of a piece of the waffle. "Smooth..piss her off at this time of the morning."
"I'm surprised you're even awake" She smirked at Jeff, taking a sip of her coffee. "And, since y'all asked me..what are you three up to today?"
"Well" Jeff thumbed across to Shane. "He wants to go to the comic book store, and as for me and Rey?" He shrugged.
She nodded, sitting back in the booth as she finished off the first waffle. "I'm not even sure if the rest of my suite-roomies are awake yet." She shook her head, stabbing a piece of melon. "Can you believe that? Hunter put us all up in a suite."
Rey blinked, letting out a low whistle. "Tan hay dos. Usted consigue ciertamente alrededor."
She pressed her lips into a thin line. "Si usted desea vivir para ver la salida del sol siguiente." She narrowed her eyes slightly at the luchadore. "Sugiero que usted cierre para arriba."
Rey held up his hands. "Then just tell me what's going on, so I don't insult you any more."
She smiled ruefully. "I don't know Rey-Rey..you saw what happened yesterday." She pushed the plate aside, bridging her hands on the table. "And Hunter..he's still the same, polite, nice. Nothing like he used to be..most of the time."
Rey leaned forward, resting his hands over hers. "What do you want?"
"That's the problem" She smirked, leaning her head back against the booth. "I don't know."
Shane squeezed her shoulders. "We're here for you Li-Li..no matter what, okay?"
She made a face, taking a sip of her orange juice. "You make this sound like it's a life or death situation." She wiped the corners of her mouth, stabbing another piece of melon. "Anyway, if y'all want..you're more than welcome to hang out with me. As I said, I'm probably going to the museums."
"What about tomorrow?" Shane broke a piece of melon off, popping it in his mouth.
"Chicago Cubs baseball game." She cupped the coffee mug in her hands. "Box seats"
Jeff let out a low whistle. "Someone's keepin' my girl busy." He smirked,
bringing his hands behind his head. "And when are you goin' to get your naval pierced?"
She shrugged, nodding in thanks to the waitress when her check came. "Whenever I guess.
The piercing place is called Jade Dragon..and it's open every day from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., so it's no biggie when I get it done. I just have to get it done before we leave for Edmonton."
Jeff nodded, "So..get it done today. You said the rock climbing gym ain't open till later."
The corners of her mouth twisted in to a slight frown as she removed her wallet. "Might be kinda rude though. Since it was a gift and all."
"So, go back to the hotel and see if he has plans." Jeff shrugged, tipping his head back. "Unless you don't want to be around him."
She nudged Shane, scooting out after he did. "I can do that..after I pay for our breakfast." She wrinkled her nose at Jeff and Shane before heading to the cash register.
***********
At the hotel, 9:30 a.m.
Lita went first to Dawn and Torrie, to find out what there plans were for the day. It was odd, seeing those two on speaking terms..let alone sharing a hotel suite. But at any rate, Dawn and Torrie wanted nothing to do with the climbing gym, however they did agree on the musuems. With those four getting ready, Lita was now standing in the hallway outside of the Evolution suite. She waited patiently, shifting her weight from foot to foot as she heard the approaching footsteps.
"Funny" Hunter leaned against the door. "I don't recall ordering room service." He crossed his arms over his bare chest. "But if you want to assist me in getting dressed..I won't complain."
Lita rolled her eyes, placing a hand on her hip. "I was going to see if y'all were up for anything today. But if you're not" She turned slightly. "I'll just be on my way."
"What? No good morning kiss for that special someone?" He cocked his head, eyeing the red head. "Or was that just a one time, flash in the pan."
She rolled her shoulders meeting his gaze and stated rather evenly. "What does it matter to you Hunter? Upset?"
He scoffed. "Not in the slightest my dear, just looking out for people's best interests."
She crossed her arms, shifting her weight back. "And your's is the priorty I take it? Whatever Hunter, as I said, I was just coming to see if y'all wanted to do anything today."
"That all depends Lita" He stepped in to the hall, leaving the door slightly ajar. "What are your plans for today? I'm intrigued as to why you would extend this invitation to the likes of us."
"I was probably going to the museums around the city, then to the rock climbing gym." She dropped her arms to her sides, clasping her hands behind her back. "Then after that, I was going to head to the Jade Dragon..which is the other reason I stopped by. I forgot to get something last night."
Hunter scratched his chin, before kicking the door open with his foot. "He and Randy are playing video games. Good luck getting their attention."
The corners of her mouth curved into a small smile as she stepped inside the suite. "Thanks so much Hunter."
He followed her inside, shutting the door gently. "Not a problem at all."
"Oh hey Li" Stacy tied to the belt on her bathrobe, as she walked out of one of the bedrooms. "What's up?"
Lita shrugged, adjusting her shoulder bag as she perched on the arm of the couch.
"Just stopping in..Dawn, John, Torrie, Chris, Jeff, Rey and I are doing some sight seeing this morning. Then later, I'm heading to the rock climbing gym with Jeff and Rey, everyone else said they'd come but they'll just watch." She gestured with her hands. "So, as I said to Hunter, I was just checking to see if y'all were up to anything."
Stacy nodded, toweling off her hair. "That sounds pretty fun..but I kinda doubt we're going to be leaving here anytime soon." She grimaced, thumbing in the direction of one the bedrooms. "They've been playing some stupid video game for an hour and it doesn't look like they're going to be done anytime soon."
"Well" Hunter addressed the two as he stepped out of the master bedroom, buttoning his shirt. "If those two want to stay inside and play all day..you always have me to keep you company."
"We'll keep that in mind" Lita smirked. "Anyway, before I even think about heading out of here, I need to get something."
Hunter nodded to the door, standing in front of the mirror above the desk. "Just go ahead in there, door's open"
Lita nodded in response, opening the door of the designated bedroom. She stood in the doorway a moment, observing the two as they vyed for first place in whatever game they were playing.
"I told you I'd beat you" Randy smirked, tossing the controller down on the bed. "Pay up buddy"
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything" She cleared her throat, leaning back against the wall. "But, this'll just take a minute."
Randy grinned, wiggling his eyebrows at the diva. "If you two want some privacy?"
She rolled her eyes, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "That's not necessary..as I said, this'll only take a minute."
Randy shrugged "Whatever..I gotta talk to Stace anyway" He clapped a hand on Dave's shoulder, before hopping off the bed. "You kids behave."
She stepped aside as he exited, then resumed her spot against the wall. "The way people are acting" She smirked, bending one leg to rest her foot flat on the wall. "You'd think they haven't seen people kiss."
He shrugged, sitting up on the bed. "Either that, or it's just the shock value..admit it." He crossed his arms, raising a brow at the diva. "Me and you? I wouldn't have seen that coming for miles."
She shrugged, bouncing slightly on the ball of her foot. "Whatever..it was just a kiss anyway." She swung her arms at her sides. "I needed to get the case back from you..Jeff, Rey and I were going to head over to the Jade Dragon later."
He nodded, stretching out slightly to reach the nightstand. "You want me there?" He addressed her as he held out the case. "I'll understand if not."
She hesitated a moment, looking at the case before she met his gaze. "Only if you want to."
He shook his head, standing up and moved in front of her. "I asked you what you wanted, not what I wanted."
Her eyes twinkled playfully as she raised a brow. "And if I said I didn't want you there?"
He half shrugged, placing a hand flat against the wall. "Then I'd respect your wishes."
She ducked her head, "Who knew..that the big monster Batista was really nothing but a teddy bear." She brought her foot down, cocking her head slightly. "I guess you're the big guerilla then? Hunter said the only thing riding the roller coasters with me that day..would be a big stuffed, guerilla"
He raised a brow, "You calling me a guerilla?"
She bit her lip to keep the giggles from escaping. "Of course not..but now that I have what I came for" She held the case up "I should be going."
"That's what you think" He placed his other hand on the other side of her. "First you call me a monster, then a bear..now I'm a guerilla?"
Her face reflected angelic innocence. "I never said you were a guerilla..technically Hunter did"
He shook his head, "You still haven't answered my question..you want me there or not?"
She twisted her mouth slightly, "I guess..but only if I can call you Grape Ape" She stuck out her tounge, ducking underneath his arm.
He let out a low sigh. "Just give me a few minutes to get dressed." He pushed off the wall and moved to the dresser. "I'll be out in five."
She nodded in response, ducking out of the room. "I'm going to go get the others..I'll see y'all in the hallway." She waved to Hunter, Randy and Stacy before she exited the hotel suite.
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Later that night, Chromium Night Club
With Jeff on one side of her and Dave on the other, Lita had gotten her naval pierced. And now, sitting at the table with Dawn next to her, she looked down to examine the piercing. With one hand tapping to the salsa beat, Dawn smirked; observing her friend a moment before she began her inquiry.
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"I don't want to say I told you so" Dawn traced the rim of her glass, eyeing the red head. "But, I still want details."
"You saw everything that's happened" Lita addressed the fellow diva, her eyes still trained on her naval. "So there's really nothing more to tell."
"That is so not true" Dawn sat back in her chair, looking out over the club. "Are you two dating?"
"Dawn" Lita huffed impatiently, finally looking up..her eyes focusing on something in the distance. "You know as well as anyone, maybe even better. The last thing I want right now is a relationship."
"You can't be that way forever Li" Dawn followed her friends gaze then looked back to the diva. "So just take it slow."
"That's what we're doing I guess" Lita shrugged, cupping her drink in her hand. "It hasn't really been discussed..it just happened. And I don't even know him that well."
Dawn nodded her agreement before she rested her arms on the table. "So..let's play a game." She put up a finger when Lita opened her mouth to protest. "Word association..just say the first thing that comes to mind."
Lita rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her drink. "That is so stupid..but fine."
Dawn rolled her eyes right back before she began. "Trish"
"Backstabbing slut"
"Rey"
"Good friend"
"Hunter"
"Not sure"
"Torrie"
"Okay"
"Jeff"
"Best friend"
"Dawn"
"Nosy"
"Chris"
"Goof"
"Randy"
"Arrogant, but okay"
Dawn pursed her lips in thought before she rolled off the next few. "Eric Bischoff"
"Jerk"
"Matt"
"Pass"
Dawn raised a brow "Pass? You can't pass"
Lita shrugged "I'm not sure okay? Too many things come to mind." She waved a hand at Dawn. "So moving on"
"Christian"
"Creepy little bastard"
"Stacy"
"Friend"
"Dave"
.......
"Well Li?" Dawn raised a brow, urging her to go on. "What about him?"
Lita opened her mouth to respond, but the words would not come out. And either fortunately or unfortunately, John wedged himself between the two divas at just the right time.
"You two sick or somethin?" He placed the back of his hand to Dawn's forehead then to Lita's. "You two are usually the first one's out on the floor, gettin' it on."
Liat half shrugged, her gaze focusing one more on a distant spot. "Just a lot on my mind..Backlash is in three days."
John raised a brow. "Whatever girl, come on..let's get it on" He tugged on their hands, as both diva's slipped out of their seats.
Dawn and Lita exchanged a look as John half dragged them to the rest of the group. Already assembled on the dance floor..and about twenty feet away; Hunter, Dave, Randy, Stacy, Torrie and Chris. They stood on the fringe of the group, waiting until the current song came to an end. Then as the opening rift of a fast moving song came on, Dawn and Lita grasped hands twirling each other in small circles. Carefree laughter errupting from both diva's as they continued to dance just on the fringe of the group. By the time the song had ended, they had Torrie and Stacy in the small fast steps and hip swivels. With the guys looking on in pure amusement or otherwise, the diva's continued to dance with each passing song. But all good things must come to an end..so just as the D.J. cued up Toxic, the guys finally broke in. Lita closed her eyes for a moment, melting into the embrace of her current dance partner. As she turned in his embrace bringing her back to his chest, her hazel eyes met the stormy gaze of Hunter's hazel eyes. However, instead of sneering in disgust as she would have thought, he quirked a lopsided grin and continued dancing away. With a slight shake of her head, Lita leaned back, running her hand absently up and down her dance partner's arm. She tipped her face upwards, her gaze locking now with Dave as they continued to dance. She closed her eyes again; every thought in her clouded mind consuming her. True, while Backlash was in three days, RAW was in four days. The night that could possibly change the rest of her wrestling career..either with or without Evolution.
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Author speaking: And just a note about the recent frenzy in the updates. I write when and if my muses hit. So in some cases, I'll update almost every day. In other cases, I update once a week.
Translations:
Rey: Buena mañana hermosa/Good morning beautiful
¿Qué? ¿Su novio no tiene ningún plan?/What? Your boyfriend has no plans?
Tan hay dos. Usted consigue ciertamente alrededor./So there are two. You certainly get around.
Lita: Si usted desea vivir para ver la salida del sol siguiente. Sugiero que usted cierre para arriba./If you want to live to see the next sunrise. I suggest you shut up.