Disclaimer: I own no person, place or thing mentioned. Title inspired by the song of the same name by Pat Benatar.
Spoilers: Minor for RAW, 5-3-04. As with previous chapters..uses some elements from the show, but also uses things from my mind. (no really?) anyhow, minor spoilers but nothing big.
Chapter Summary: Split Chapter to cover RAW- before, during and after. My way. If Lita is on Heat this coming Sunday, I'm leaving her off for my plot purposes.
Notes: see the Story Recap for applicable notes and thank you to anyone who has reviewed. :) And by the by, for those of you who did watch RAW..Shawn Michaels midway through the championship match O_O What I wouldn't give to have had a front row ticket to RAW in Phoenix. And on one other note..RAW is coming my way in June!! *jumps up and down for joy* Anyway, enough with that on with the plot.
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Evolution looked on as John Cena, being accompanied by Dawn Marie, made his way out to the ring. Following his obligatory rap, his opponent was introduced. And surprise, surprise, it was the Big Show. And with Brian Hebner officiating, the match was underway. Lita frowned in frustration as Show had his hand raised, for even though John would now be on RAW, it left no clue as to where Dawn would be. But, that issue was soon addressed as the chairman stepped back into the ring. With that same smug smile, he informed them all that now was the time for new beginnings on SmackDown..and on RAW. With that, he announced the second match for the evening. A special battle royal, with five SmackDown stars, five RAW stars and one wildcard competing. As the first two entrants hit the ring, Lita sat back..who in the hell was this wild card? She inched forward on the bench, chewing on her bottom lip as the next to entrants hit the ring. Back and forth, on and on it continued until finally it was time for the wildcard. But, as hectic as this night had started..nothing prepared the red head for the very familiar music that hit the arena.
"Holy shit" Lita blinked, joining the arena crowd in the all too familiar chant. "It's-"
"Jeff" Stacy whispered hoarsely, sitting on the edge of the couch. "Jeff's back."
"But I thought matches like these are for a title" The red head blinked again, barely believing the sight on the monitor. "That little shit didn't even tell me he was coming back, let alone that he would be here."
"Guess we'll find out soon" Randy nodded towards the monitor. "Look's like they're about to determine a winner."
****
Lita twisted the hem of her shirt in her hands, silently cheering on the rainbow haired man in the ring. And, just as he eliminated the last of the competition, Vince stepped on to the apron. With microphone still in hand, Vince stepped through the ropes..re-affirming the winner of the battle royal. And with a smug smile, he then informed everyone in the arena that this match was for the Hardcore Title. And that title, would be defended exclusively on SmackDown. Stacy glanced sideways, noting the slightly crestfallen face of her fellow diva at that annoucement. But, at the next annoucement from the chairman, neither diva would have time to discuss a damn thing. For it was then that Vince addressed the issue of Dawn and Torrie. He brought them both out to the ring, and called for Trish Stratus to come out. With all three diva's in front of him; Vince then called for Eric and Kurt. And now, with the power trio and the diva trio in the ring, Vince made his final annoucements of the evening. First, he informed Dawn she would be staying on SmackDown..then he inforemd the two blondes there was a trade..and guess what. They were the lucky one's being traded. He went on to call out Ric, Dave and John and once they hit the ring, without any of the other Evolution members around, Vince informed Ric he was now a manager for SmackDown talent. Just as Dave was opening his mouth to protest; Vince then made it known that the tag-team titles would be defended..next week so that he best get a partner. Lita exchanged a look with Stacy, before they turned their attention back to the monitor..witnessing the newest addition to Evolution- John Cena. With that out of the way, Vince made his final annoucement of the evening. He let everyone know that this particular champion was not needed at ringside right now. He looked straight to the titan tron, informing her that she would find out the rest of the details following the show. And after exchanging a look with the general managers; Vince informed the arena that the woman's title would now be defended on RAW and SmackDown. With that final thought running through the red-head's mind, Vince bid the lively Phoenix crowd good night.
***********
With John, Hunter, Randy and Stacy waiting in the parking lot, and with Dave in the hallway; Lita sat back on the couch in Eric Bischoff's office. Also present, Kurt Angle and Vince McMahon. The red head was informed that since she was now appearing on SmackDown and RAW, she would be given the choice as to which house shows she could do. Of course, she was also notified that she would be appearing on pay per view's for both rosters..however for Judgement Day, she would be excused. However, it was also noted that should she lose the title on SmackDown or a SmackDown only pay-per-view, she would be on the SmackDown roster. Lita nodded absently after that, just acknowledging the words that were spewing from the powers that be. And, after Kurt bid her good night after of course re-affirming that he'd see her in Tucson; the diva exited the office.
****
"Well that was fun" She huffed, taking his hand in hers as she exited. "I get to report to Tucson tomorrow."
"Won't be that bad..darlin'. After all" Jeff Hardy smirked as she and Dave turned the corner. "I'll be there"
"Oh yeah" Lita rolled her eyes, "That'll be a barrel of monkeys."
"Well shoot, maybe I should give us this damn belt." Jeff played along, his eyes twinkling slightly. "I can think of plenty of folks who'd want it."
"Oh no. Not on your life buster" Lita smirked. "You are on SmackDown to keep me sane. With Trish on there now?"
"Should be fun" Jeff shook his head, looking between the pair. "Anyway, I've gotta go. Shannon's waitin' on me."
"See you tomorrow Jeffro." Lita quirked a smile, waving over her shoulder as she and Dave walked on.
However, just as they were out of view from the man that knew her so well, Lita dropped her mask. She let out a breath as they walked through the halls, but would not say a thing. This night had just been too surreal for the red head. Ric is out of Evolution(?), John in Evolution, Jeff back..and on SmackDown, Torrie on RAW, Trish on SmackDown. Lita bit her lip, re-shouldering her gym bag, and now she was on both RAW and SmackDown. However, even when John and Randy attempted to make small talk, the red head would not say a word. The entire ride back to the hotel, she was silent; merely staring out the window. And although she would have been content to spend the rest of the night in her silence, two people would not allow it. While the rest of Evolution went off to see Fozzy; Stacy and Dave stayed behind. But, only after Stacy was convinced to go, did Lita open her mouth to speak.
****
Lita tucked her legs beneath her, staring out over the balcony rail. "No soy seguro si soy feliz o triste"
He shrugged, trying to be reasonable. "Es solamente una noche fuera de la semana."
"I guess" She frowned thoughtfully. "At least I'll have Jeff and Dawn around."
"Yup" He sat down on the chair opposite hers. "And though we lost Ric..we got John."
"You're okay with that?" She eyed him evenly, guaging his facial expressions.
"I'll deal. John's a good guy." He sat back, eyeing her in the same manner. "How do you really feel about all of this?"
"I don't know..I mean part of me is thrilled. Having Jeff back. It's like getting a piece of my life back" She smiled softly. "And part of me is scared."
"Interesting way of putting it" He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. "I just wonder what else is in store."
"After tonight?" She leaned back, rubbing the bride of her nose. "Not much else could shake me."
"I'll bet" He smirked slightly. "What'd Eric and all them want anyway?"
"Oh..the usual" She shrugged, "Just informin' me of all of the 'responsiblities' of holding the title on both shows." She made a face, recalling the words they had relayed.
"What's the big cause for concern?"
"If I lose on SmackDown, I stay on SmackDown." She closed her eyes a moment, collecting her thoughts. "But I also have the choice..at least until I lose..as to which house shows I get to do."
"That should be fun then." He stared straight ahead, "New set of arena's anyway"
"Same arena to me. Just a different set of scenery outside the arena" She glanced sideways to him a moment, "Also means I have to train twice as hard."
He nodded, standing to move next to her and after he had crouched beside her, with both of her hands in his he spoke. "Just make sure you don't lose that title."
With a simple nod, she acknowledged the damn near impossible request. "If I lose..let's hope it's on RAW."
He shook his head, although he did realize the reprecussions of losing the title on SmackDown,
he did not mention it. Instead he stood, taking her in his arms before he resumed her previous spot on the chair. "So, since we're missing the Fozzy concert." He clasped his hands together, resting them on her lap. "What should we do?"
She cocked her head, cupping his cheek with her hand. "Oh I don't know. Everyone else is off havin' a good time" She wrinkled her nose, shifting slightly to rest her forehead to his. "And I'm stuck here with you."
With a roll of his eyes, he brought his face closer to hers. "You mean I'm stuck here with you"
****
His lips barely brushed hers as he spoke, before he brought them together. She wrapped her arms around his neck, running a hand through his hair as she parted her lips. And with a soft sigh, the kiss deepened. With their tounges now dueling for control, her hands traveled up and down his back; one of his hands found it's way to her waist while the other cupped the small of her back. He broke the kiss, sending a small trail of featherweight kisses along her jawline, to her ear. He paused in this task, long enough to stand; taking her back inside. Showing no sign of the usually violent persona in the ring, he laid her gently down on the bed. He stretched out along side her, one hand running absently along her thigh, the other running through the ends of her hair.
"You said before, you want to take this slow" He kissed the tip of her nose, keeping an even gaze. "So..you call the shots."
The ghost of a smile graced her face as she laced a hand with his. "I still want to take this slow." She brought her lips to his, gently drawing his lower lip between hers as she pulled back. "The sun hasn't even set yet."
The corners of his mouth turned up into a smile as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well then..we've seen the sun set in Hawaii, seen the sun set in the Bahamas." He inched off the bed, extending a hand to her. "Let's see the sun set in the desert."
With the rest of the collective out enjoying Fozzy..and the subsequent club hopping that followed; Lita and Dave spent the remainder of the evening and the night at the hotel. First waiting for the sun to set, then to have dinner. By the time the occupants of the room next to theirs returned, Lita was sound asleep in Dave's arms. And although, tomorrow morning she would travel alone to Tucson; at least the night would be with her.
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Author speaking: SO, to clarify. Traded: Torrie for Trish. On RAW: John. On SmackDown: Ric, Dawn, Big Show and Jeff Hardy-new Hardcore Champ. Women's title now defended on both RAW and SmackDown. John and Dave are now tag team champs. on RAW. Hunter and Randy no change. Big Show is now the U.S. Champ on SmackDown. I know this would never really happen..but well. I needed to work it out to create some sort of tension. And, the recap has been updated to accomadate the events from my RAW.
Translations (keep in mind, I use a translator online. I took French, not Spanish and even my French is crappy):
Lita: No soy seguro si soy feliz o triste/I 'm not sure if I should be happy or sad
Dave: Es solamente una noche fuera de la semana./It's only one night out of the week.