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: Everything, from this point on will follow the calender and use some actual events.
Notes: First, my thanks to everyone who has reviewed thus far. I'm so sorry for not updating quicker, I just had a big case of writers block. This fic is by far from over, but I am terribly sorry for not updating sooner. Please see my additional author notes at the bottom for more rambling.
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6:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 4, 2004. Tucson, Arizona.
Knock Knock Knock
Knock Knock Knock
One eye lazily opened, as Lita slightly inclined her head towards the right. Who in their right mind would disturb her at this hour?
Knock Knock Knock
A soft groan to her left, brought the ghost of a smile to the diva's face. Whomever was at the door, was disturbing one very sleepy, Dave Batista. She brought up one finger to softly trace the sleeping man's jawline, before pressing a tender kiss to his cheek.
Knock Knock Knock
Lita rolled her eyes, swiftly..yet gently..removing herself from the vice grip on her waist. When Dave rolled to his other side, gripping the pillows, the red head reassured herself he would be fine. A quick glance to the clock, and a pair of gym shorts later; Lita crossed the hotel room to the door. Leaning slightly on her tip-toes to peer through the peephole, the red head inwardly groaned at the offending visitor. However, instead of allowing the visitor enterance, the red head cracked the door open to address the not so welcomed morning caller.
...............
"What do you want?" One brow lifted at the blonde in front of her.
Hunter bit back a smart comment, clearing his throat instead. "Mr. Angle would like to meet with you, in two hours time."
Lita raked a hand through her hair, "Why? He's going to see me tonight at the arena, it could wait until then."
Hunter held up his hands. "Don't shoot the messenger.." He slipped his
shades off, tucking them in his breast pocket. "All I was told , was
that he wanted to meet with you. To.." His brows furrowed thoughtfully,
as he re-called his conversation last night with the SmackDown GM. "To
fully discuss your role as one of the SmackDown diva's"
"I beg
your pardon?" She huffed, opening the door a bit more so she could step
out into the hallway. "I would think that being a diva on SmackDown
isn't much different than being a diva on RAW.." Her voice trailed off,
a tad unsure. "Unless..they.."
"Expect you to lose?" Hunter
lifted a brow, assesing the women's champion. He had never seen her
this dis-sheveled; usually that mask of hers was in place..but now. "I
never said they did, but who knows. I certainly wouldn't want that to
happen, and I'm sure that he" Hunter inclined his head lightly to the
door "he doesn't want to see it happen either." He paused, bringing a
hand to rest on the wall just above Lita's shoulder. "You just have to
make sure you don't lose."
Lita chewed on her lower lip, her
eyes trained on the floor. "Did you know about this?" Her voice was
soft, but she was sure that Hunter had heard the inquiry. "Did you know
that a trade like this was going to happen?"
"...." Hunter raked a hand through his locks, searching his mind for the proper words.
The red head's hazel eyes lifted at the man's silence. Their eyes
locked for a moment, un-spoken questions passing through the air.
"...well?"
"I may have" Hunter stuffed his other hand in his
pant's pocket. "People like myself, on occasion, do become privy to
such information."
"And did you ever have any intentions of
telling any one else?" Lita clenched and un-clenched her hands, willing
her voice to remain steady. "Or is that why..me and Dave getting
together didn't bother you?"
Hunter's lips curled slightly into
a smirk. "What I choose to tell people is my business, and my business
alone. The only information I am at liberty to share, is when it
directly involves all members of Evolution."
Lita's
eyes flashed red for a moment, as she studied the man in front of her.
"Well, unless I had an out of body experiance or unless I have an
identical twin..the trade did affect all members of Evolution."
Hunter lifted a finger in response. "Except me. And last I checked? I
am a member of Evolution. I am the key to Evolution-." Hunter paused
just briefly, and in that pause, he gave Lita time to retort.
Lita's mouth pressed into a thin line, "Fine..play your stupid little
mind games." She tossed her head. "But if you would excuse me, I do
have to meet with the general manager of SmackDown.." Her lips quirked
into a polite smile before she stepped back into her hotel room. She
was just closing the door when
"Oh and Lita?" Hunter slipped
his shades back on. "I'll need to speak with you at some point." He
waved his good-byes before heading down the hall, a satisfied smirk on
his face as he turned the corner. Once inside the elevator, he whipped
out his cell phone, hitting a button.
"Kurt,..yeah." Hunter leaned back against the bar in the elevator.
"Yes she'll meet you in two hours or so..give or take a few minutes. I'm sure she wants to tell her little boyfriend"
Hunter smirked at the SmackDown GM''s reply. "I'll call him whatever the hell I want to. I'll call anyone whatever the hell I want to."
He stepped out of the elevator, making his way down the hall. "Yeah, I'll catch up with you..after you meet with her." He paused outside of a room. "Don't call me, I'll call you..Bye"
With a swift motion, the cell phone was shut and pocketed. Hunter in turn, knocked on the door waiting for the occupant.
...............
Lita
muttered choice curse words under her breath as she stepped back
inside, shutting the door behind her with a soft click. The empty bed
before her, and the shut door leading to the bathroom let her know that
Dave was at least awake. Now she just wondered if he had heard her
conversation. She flopped down on the bed, drawing one of the pillows
underneath her. Why did Kurt need to see her and what did Hunter want
now? She sighed in frustration, burying her face in the pillow.
"Now I know wake up calls are bad" a voice interrupted her thoughts.
"But that bad?" The diva only groaned in response as the bed shifted
beneath her. "Who was it Li? I'll go kick his ass later"
Lita
snorted, lifting her head to address her boyfriend. "Somehow, I don't
think Hunter would appreciate you kicking his ass...though I don't
doubt you could." The corners of her mouth turned upwards into
a small satisfied smile at the brief mental image. "I just don't think
Hunter would like it if one of his fellow Evolution family members got
all hostile with him."
Dave blinked, scooting back to lean against the headboard. "What did he want?"
Inwardly, she sighed. Relieved somewhat that he hadn't heard the
conversation. "It was nothing" She shrugged it off, rolling to her side
to regard him. "But, I have to be out of here in oh.." A glance to the
clock on the night stand "1 1/2 hours...to meet Kurt."
Lita bit
her lip, as she took in the sight of the big monster pouting just
slightly. "Already? Why couldn't he just meet you before SmackDown
starts taping?"
"Beats me" The red head examined her nails a
moment, before scooting up to join him. "Guess I'll find out when I
meet him." She sighed softly, resting her cheek on his chest. "And then
I have to meet with Hunter..not sure when..not sure why, just that I
have to meet with him."
He nodded, though she couldn't see the
action..and absently, his hand made it's way to her hair. "Well
then,...I guess we'll just meet with Randy, Stacy, Torrie and Chris
later.." He gently wove his hands through the red locks, soothing
himself and the red head in the process. "We are still going to New
Orleans..right?"
She gave a half nod in response, one hand
snaking upwards to rest at the base of his neck. "If it'd make you feel
better..you can come with me to meet Kurt. If he makes you leave, then
he makes you leave.."
Dave snorted, a low chuckle building in his chest. "I'd like to see him make me do anything"
She lifted a brow, before batting her lashes innocently. "Confident
aren't we?" She giggled softly as he twitched. "I take it they don't
know that weakness" She batted her lashes again, rolling slightly so
she was laying on top of him.
"If I didn't know better" His
lips were turned to a frown, but his eyes twinkled "I'd guess that
you're pretty happy with yourself..knowing that you can do that"
She feigned innocence, merely flashing a grin. "As much fun as it
is...I have to shower" She pressed a chaste kiss to his neck. "So, if
you would excuse me" She placed her palms flat on his chest, preparing
to get up, when the arms around her waist tightened.
"Just
why would I want to do that? It doesn't take 1 1/2 hours to shower." He
lifted a brow at the pouting diva. "One hour, considering it's
you..maybe, but 1 1/2?"
"Well, the sooner you let me up the sooner I can go looking for Kurt" Her brows furrowed just slightly. "Or Hunter for that matter, since I was never informed as to where Kurt and I are meeting."
His hands clasped together and he half shrugged as he brought them to rest in the small of her back. "That's not a good enough reason. You can still shower and search for your general manager."
"Must you be so difficult?" She rolled her eyes, her fingernails tracing abstract patterns along his collar bone. "I'll make it up to you later"
"You better" His hold on her waist loosened just slightly. "And for the first part? I learned from an expert."
"Keep that up and I won't be doing anything" The words dripped emotionless-ly from her mouth. "Now let me up"
Dave fully relented his hold on the diva, only to have her capture one of his hands in hers. With a tiny wink as explaination, she lead him to the bathroom; stopping long enough to grab towels.
...................
Exactly, one hour and thirty one minutes later, Kurt Angle was knocking on the door just as Dave flung the door open. The two eyed each other in a non passive manner, before Lita stepped forward.
"So...what did you need to see me for?" The red head secured her damp locks into a loose ponytail , addressing her other General Manager. "And pardon my..brashness..but why couldn't it wait until later?"
Kurt cleared his throat, tearing his gaze from Dave to address the diva. "I gather Hunter has already informed you as to why I needed to see you. As for the other part" He shrugged non-chalantly. "Breakfast?"
Lita frowned just slightly, resting a hand just above Dave's elbow. "Lead the way..Mr. Angle"
"Kurt will do just fine..I'm not like Bischoff" Kurt scoffed, sending a sideways glance to Dave but made no comment. "I just wanted to assure that you are fully aware of what your duties as a diva on my SmackDown are." He paused as they stopped near the elevator. "True that most of your duties are similar to that of a RAW diva, however..our women's division isn't exactly the same."
The red head nodded her agreement, Dawn had voiced her gripes about the bra and panties matches, the bikini contests..Lita bit back a laugh at one particular rant where Dawn had mused about SmackDown needing a talent contest. "I'm aware yes..but-"
"That also means that you could lose your title in say..a bikini contest" Kurt paused again as they entered the elevator, this time to gauge the red head's expression. "I know that this may not exactly be the most pleasent information, but as your general manager it is my duty to inform you."
"I see" Lita was quiet, but the words sunk in..far too well for her liking. She thought it was silly that a coveted title like the Women's chamionship could be lost in such a minial way, but said nothing. "And will I have the opportunity to actually wrestle?"
"Of course" Kurt smiled re-assuringly as they exited the elevator. "But just be prepared for more non-wrestling matches than actual wrestling matches. I apologize..but that's how things are."
A soft sigh escaped the red head, while Dave had not uttered a word. He sent a look to the red head but still said nothing. Lita mustered a smile in return as she voiced another question. "So..what else should I expect as one of your diva's?"
"I am expecting that you valet for someone." Kurt lead the way to the hotel's resturant. "I haven't determined who as of yet, but I'm sure we'll find someone..suitable." He gestured for the couple to sit first as they reached a booth in the back. "I would like to see you valet to a champion, but in the end it is your choice." His hands bridged together atop the table as he studied the red head across from him.
"Understood" Lita leaned back, half into the booth and half into Dave's shoulder. "If that's the case..then I'd really like to valet for Jeff."
"I thought you might" Kurt sat back now, waiting for a waitress to acknowledge their presence. "It can be arranged, but I'd still like to give you a few days to think it over."
Lita murmered a quiet thanks, leaning further into Dave's shoulder.
"I'll also need you to do a few promo's" The SmackDown GM mentioned as an afterhought. "Regardless of whom you valet..it's just that now you're on SmackDown as well..we need to get you worked into the opening theme and have a few other things done."
She complied easily with that request. "I was expecting that part..just name a day"
"I was thinking tomorrow" The GM paused, to look over the newly arrived menus and to secure a few packets of sugar and cream. "That is if you're not otherwise occupied."
"Tomorrow works fine" The red head toyed with a loose strand of hair, accepting the cup of offered coffee from her still silent boyfriend. "I usually don't make set plans, but I guess I'll have to now."
"Good" Kurt sipped his coffee, eyeing the two evenly. "Everything else that I had wanted to discuss, can be discussed tomorrow then." He set his coffee cup aside, "If that's alright with you."
"You're the boss" The red head bit out evenly. "Does this mean I'm free to go? Until tonight anyway?"
"Just be at the arena a little bit early." Kurt traced the rim of his coffee cup with an idle finger. "See you tonight Lita"
The red head nodded, taking a tiny sip of her coffee before she gently nudged Dave. With a polite smile on, she bid her farewell to Kurt as she and Dave made their exit. No sooner had they left the hotel resturant, did they run into Hunter.
"Lita..Dave" Hunter slipped his shades off, tucking them in his breast pocket. "Good morning."
"Hunter" Dave finally spoke, wrapping a protective arm around the red head's waist. "Morning"
Hunter ignored the look from Dave, instead addressing the diva. "Did you speak with Kurt?"
She nodded, leaning into Dave's side, her own arm looping around his waist. "I need to meet with him before SmackDown again..and tomorrow he wants to get a few promo's done."
Hunter nodded, fully expecting that response. But before he could inquire further, the look he was still getting from the big man was disturbing. "Something wrong?" He addressed Dave evenly, noting the protective..if not overly protective nature.
Dave replied just as evenly, all emotion disappearing from his eyes "I just don't appreciate being woken at 6:00 a.m."
Hunter lifted a brow..that death threat look for waking up Lita at 6:00 a.m.? He was puzzled to say the least, but made no comment. "I'll keep that in mind"
"See that you do" Dave moved behind the diva, wrapping both arms around her waist. "I like sleeping in"
"And I like having some time to myself..to just enjoy the time away from the arena's" The red head let out an agitated sigh, leaning back into Dave's embrace. "So if you would excuse us Hunter."
"Right" Hunter slipped his shades back on, but before he left for the morning. "I'll just speak with you later then."
Lita nodded in confirmation, before she wiggled her way free from Dave's grip on her waist. Instead, she took one of his hands in hers, "I wish this day...and the next day for that matter..was over already."
He squeezed her hand in re-assurance. "If I could do that for you..you know I would."
"I know..just wistful thinkin'" She quirked a smile, "But since we're nice and awake..why don't we either enjoy a nice breakfast..or go pester Randy, Stacy, Dawn and John."
Dave's stomach growled in respone, answering the red-head's question as the two exited the hotel.
............................................
5:45 p.m. Tucson Convention Center, Tucson, Arizona.
Lita arrived to the arena a little bit early..per Kurt's request. Jeff had come with her, and now the two sat compainonably in the catering hall with Dawn, Rey, Shannon, Eddie and Rob. Unfortunately, Lita had already run into Trish, but fortunately..for Trish..Shannon had been walking by at that moment. It had taken a good moment or two, for Shannon to calm the red head down, but once she was calm he led her down the halls. On their walk, both to find the diva's locker room, and then Jeff's; they ran into the others. With nothing else to do until the Velocity tapings, the group made off for other parts of the arena.
"So" Rob straddled the chair he was occupying, resting his arms across the back. "How do you like SmackDown?"
Lita shrugged "Not much different then RAW really..'sides I havent been here long enough to really form an opinion."
Satisfied with that response, Rob nodded, turning his attention next to the multi-colored haired man to Lita's left. "And when are you giving me a title shot?"
Jeff shot the man a goofy grin. "If that 24/7 rule is still in effect, I'd say right here right now. But" He shrugged "Don't know 'till the boss tells me."
"Speaking of which" Lita shot a glance to the clock. "Where's Kurt's office?"
Rey shot her a wounded look. "Eager to leave us already?"
Lita rolled her eyes, "No..just that I was informed..this morning mind you..that I was to meet before the show with Kurt. I'd like to get that out of the way so I can stretch or something."
"I'll walk you down" Dawn pushed back from the table. "Jeff you should probably come too...see what's in store for you tonight and all"
"Right" Jeff pushed back, waiting for Lita before the trio made their exit.
................................
Lita blinked at the site in front of her, not only was Kurt there as was expected, but Hunter was there. She shook it off for the time being, but the spine tingling feeling just wouldn't go away. Something, somewhere deep within the diva was telling her that something just wasn't right. However, she knew better than to voice any of those thoughts and instead took a seat when asked.
"You won't be wrestling tonight Lita" Kurt addressed the red head from his spot at the desk. "I do however, need you to do a promo..and an interview."
"I can handle that" Lita glanced casually to her right, where Hunter was currently occupying the wall before she turned her attention back to Kurt. "Anything else?"
Kurt exchanged a glance with Hunter before he answered. "No..that will be all. As far as I'm concerned, you're excused until you're told otherwise."
"Thanks" Lita stood, making her way to the door, when a hand reached out to grasp her wrist.
"If I could have a moment of your time" Hunter would not meet her eyes, but made it clear he was addressing her. "Please"
Lita nodded, waiting until Hunter had let go before she made another move. When he had let go, the two exited the office and stepped into the hall.
"I' need to speak with you, both about this new situation..your being on both shows, and your position within Evolution."
She raised a brow, but made no verbal response, merely waiting to see if Hunter had any more to add.
"If you're free tomorrow..then I'll speak with you then. If not, it can wait until later in the week when you re-join the RAW roster." He eyed her as they walked aimlessly through the halls, noting her posture..her facial expressions and the slight lack of confidence she held.
"Tomorrow will be the only time I can really spare" She shrugged, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
He nodded, "Tomorrow then..I have a meeting in the morning, but let's say..2:00?" He gestured with a hand. "Unless Kurt needs you."
"2:00 will be fine Hunter" Lita frowned just slightly, since when did he know her entire schedule. "I really should be going though..so I'll see you then." She quirked a tiny smile before walking briskly away.
Fortunately for the red head, the rest of the evening did pass without further incident. Both she and Jeff had been given the night off, and the two spent most of their time with Rey, Shannon, Rob or Eddie. The highlight of the night, for both Lita and Jeff, had been the match..or the humiliation of Trish at the hands of Dawn. It had started out as a normal match, but due to the skimpy wrestling gear..if you could even call it that..Trish had lost any and all modesty she had left. At one point, Lita had gone off to meet with Ric, to discuss strategy, training..and whatever else they could think of to alieveate the un-easy feelings of not having Evolution around. It was in that moment, that Lita saw Ric Flair, the legendary Ric Flair, as nothing more than a wrestler. Taken out of that spotlight that Evolution brought and Ric was just another guy. Granted, his charisma followed him like white on rice and his reputation certainly pre-ceeded him but those were all things he had earned before Evolution was born. She did learn, that for the time she spent on SmackDown, Ric would be her manager. It made sense to them..Evolution was just expanding it's ranks in a sense to the SmackDown roster. But for Lita's sake, she just hoped it wasn't permanent.
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Author Notes: So, as I said above, I am sorry..truly sorry for taking this long to udpate this piece. That was not my intent, it's just I had the biggest and worst case of writers block. Everytime I tried to write, it would get me no-where but frustrated. To be quite honest, I wasn't even 100% satisfied with how this chapter turned out. However, I'm back now and will continue to update this story at least once a week if not more. My other stories..well Haunting Me will also get worked on, and I have one new piece in the works and several one shots and song-fics. Just waiting for my muse to come back.