Title: Endless Love
Author: Crimson Coin
Rating: PG 15 and higher at some points. Warning: Language.
Summery: The sequel to "Unstoppable". Will Chris Jericho and Trish Stratus's love truly be able to last?
Disclaimer: I do not own the WWE or any of the affiliated wrestlers.
Timeline: From March 22, 2004 and all said dates.
Archiving: Ask me first.
July 19, 2004
Trish Stratus felt her heart collapse as she watched the screen, helpless to what was happening. Dave Batista had just tossed Chris Jericho into the wooden siding of the ice arena. Wide-eyed, she gasped as the big monster landed a devastating clothesline to Jericho's head, the blonde collapsing to the ground.
She jumped when a heavy hand rested on her shoulder and she quickly looked back over that shoulder. Tyson Tomko looked down on her with concern and Trish bowed her head, avoiding her eyes. She had forgotten she was in Evolution's locker room.
Triple H stood in the corner, a cell to his ear and Randy stretched along the far wall. Neither had noticed her actions. She looked up to scan the room and worry filled her. Ric Flair held her stare, a knowing look on his elderly face. Terrified, she ducked her head, staring at her entwined hands. Had Ric seen something? But it shouldn't matter. There was nothing to see. She wasn't concerned with Chris Jericho.
Sighing, she sank further into the couch.
"Ok, Babe." Randy said, coming over to her and pecking her lips. "I'm off. Wish me luck."
"Good Luck, Baby." She said, half-heartedly.
He cocked his head, a worried look on his face and he sat next to her. Draping his arm over her shoulder, he pulled her against him. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." She answered, quickly.
"I know something's wrong. Come on. Tell me."
"It's nothing, Randy. Now just leave me alone." She snapped.
He was taken aback by her sudden outburst. Hurt and dejected, he stood. Not responding or even looking at her, he walked from the room.
Trish shook her head, silently scolding herself with a curse. "Randy?" She stood, rushing to the door and peaking out. But all the greeted her was his back as he turned a corner, not even acknowledging her call.
She sighed, turning back into the locker room and letting the door close. Expelling a shaky breath, she brought her cast protectively against her chest as her other hand pressed into her eyes.
She didn't react when a heavy hand weighed on her shoulder again. This time she willingly gave in as Tyson pulled her into his arms for a comforting hug. "Shhh," he hushed. "Don't worry. It's ok."
"I'm so confused." She said softly, her eyes still closed as she faintly hugged him back.
"Come here, Little Girl."
Trish looked up.
Ric Flair patted the cushion next to him on the couch. "Come here. Let's have a talk."
Reluctant, she released Tyson and fell into the seat next to the older man. Tyson left the room with Triple H.
Ric sighed, leaning back into the couch, his eyes distant on the far wall. "You don't care for him do you?" When she gave no answer, he clarified. "Randy, I mean. You don't care for him the same way that he cares for you."
Trish ducked her head into her hands, guilty that someone had seen the truth.
He closed his eyes a moment, gathering his emotions. He did not want to yell at her or scold her or preach. Instead, he wrapped a fatherly arm around her shoulder. "There, there."
"I didn't mean for this to happen." She said softly, fighting her tears. "I don't want to hurt anybody. But that's all that I end up doing. Hurting people."
Ric nodded.
"I do care about him." She defended, her head turned to look at him. "I do. How can I not? He's been nothing but sweet to me. And I know he cares. God, he probably loves me."
"He does."
Trish shook her head. "And that makes this all the more difficult."
"Randy's a good kid." Ric said with sincerity. "Yes, he can be arrogant and immature at times. But we all have our moments."
"I don't want to hurt him." Trish said, her eyes glistening with tears. "I just don't want to hurt him."
Ric offered a sad smile. "And the longer this continues, the more he's going to love you and the more that this is going to hurt him. It's Chris, isn't it. You're still in love with him."
Trish bowed her head.
"It's nothing to be ashamed about." Ric said, comfortingly. "It really isn't. I understand. I understand how you can still feel this way and it's not a bad thing. But you need to realize what you want. And who you want. And don't let anybody tell you otherwise."
"Watching Dave go out there and attack him." Trish began. "My heart bursts every time I see him hurt. How he faltered when he landed on his feet during the lionsault. That's the same knee he hurt rescuing me from Kane. It still bothers him to this day and that was months ago. And it's my fault and I'm feel so guilty that I'm not there to take care of him. But then again, I don't know if he wants me there."
"And what about everything that happened? What he did and who you are?"
"I don't care." Trish answered. "I ... I must be foolish but I can't hate him for it. I understand and from the look of him ... God, Ric, have you seen him lately? I wouldn't be surprised if he hasn't slept in weeks. He's been so off in the ring and he's just ... I'm so worried about him. Can ... can you ask Dave to stop?"
Ric shook his head. "Dave's motivations are far beyond what you think they are. He has a grudge with Chris and I'm not going to get between them."
Trish furrowed her brow.
"Dave was seeing a girl in the company about a year, year and a half ago. They were together behind the scenes though, nobody knew about them. Chris didn't know that she was taken but he pushed one of his friends to make a move on her. Pushed them together, you know. And not two weeks later, she left Dave for that man. Dave's held a grudge ever since. He can't be mad at her; he still loves her. But Chris. He blames Chris and he certainly can be mad at him. And he's taking out his aggression. Frankly, I have no intention of stepping between Dave and anyone he has his sights on."
"But Dave's had to have moved on. He ... He wears a wedding ring. Who's the girl he married?"
"Dave's not married." Ric said with a sad smile. "He bought the band about five months after she left him. Said he never wanted to love again, never wanted anything more to do with women. So by wearing the ring, it makes him unavailable."
There was silence a long few moments and Trish shook her head. "That's so sad. Isn't ... isn't there anything we can do? Chris didn't know. And I'm sure that if he did, he wouldn't have done anything. Who was she? Maybe I can talk to her for him."
"It doesn't matter." Ric answered. "It's over now and she's still with that guy. I don't think you can convince her otherwise. Plus, in all honesty, if she loved Dave ... she wouldn't have left him no matter who was introduced to her."
"True." Trish said sadly. Sighing, she stood. "I'm going to go find Randy. I ... I need to apologize. I know he only cares."
"Make up your mind soon, Little Girl." Ric said, seriously. "I'm not going to get involved and I know my boy is going to get hurt one way or another. I can just hope he handles it better than Dave."
Trish smiled. "Thank you, Ric." She leaned down, kissing him softly on the cheek. "You won't tell? About all this?"
Ric shook his head. "Not on you, Little Girl. Your secret's safe with me. Just try to keep your guard up better when it comes to Chris. Ok?"
Trish nodded.
"I only cared." Randy said to no one, staring at the wall of the darkened backstage curtain. He stood by the entrance ramp, waiting for his match. He was early, but he didn't care. He shook his head, his teeth clenched as he punched one of the empty crates.
"Randy?"
He exhaled a slow breath, turning at the sound of her voice. Trish stood before him, fear in her eyes and she reached out, touching his arm. His eyes focused on her hand, on the spot of his arm where she touched.
"I didn't mean to snap. I ... I'm just so confused and I've had a rough day."
Randy reached out, running his fingers over her cast. "How does it feel?"
"Just a little sore," she answered, pulling her cast protectively against her chest. "I'm fine."
He sighed, defeated. "Why do you lie to me? I go to try and pamper you because I know you're hurting and you brush it off like it's nothing. I know it hurts and you're not fine. You punched someone out there with it – twice. And you used it to trip up Hurricane. That had to have hurt. Can't you just tell me the truth. Tell me that it hurts."
She ducked her head.
"I'm sorry." He apologized, closing his eyes and tilting his head back. "I didn't mean to bark like that. I just ... I'm frustrated because you don't treat me like your boyfriend. You treat me like I'm just that guy who you hang around with and we just happen to have sex."
"Well I'm sorry, ok?" She answered, hurt and slight force in her voice. "I'm sorry that I can't just drop everything and fall into your arms like everything's ok. Because it's not. I'm not ok, Randy. I never was. Ever. I can't trust people, I can't bear my soul, and I hate attention because it scares me to death. I'm scared, Randy. I'm scared because I don't know what I want much less who I want it from." She sighed, raking a hand through her hair. "I care about you. I do. But so much has happened to me in the last year, I ..."
When she trailed off, he swore to himself, scolding himself for being so insensitive. "I'm sorry." He said, cupping her face in his hands and tilting her eyes up to gaze into them. Holding her beautiful brown eyes with his, he brushed his thumbs along her cheeks, wiping away the tears. "I'm sorry. I ... I didn't know." He leaned down, kissing her sweetly, softly and long before gathering her into his arms, just hugging her. "I'm sorry," he whispered into her ear.
Trish wrapped her arms around his neck, standing on her toes to bury her face into his neck for a moment. Sniffling, she eased him back, letting her fingers run along his chest and abs before her hands dropped to her side. "I'm really exhausted. I ... I'm gonna go back to our room to think and just relax."
Randy nodded. "Do ... do you want me there tonight?"
"It's up to you. Do you want to be there?"
"Always," he answered without hesitation. "I tell you what," he smiled, running his hands up and down her arms as he gazed affectionately down at her. "On my way back, I'll pick up a pizza and some soda and we'll stay in and watch cheesy horror movies. How's that sound?"
She offered a genuine smile. "That sounds great." Pausing, she couldn't take her eyes off him, off the love and sincerity in his eyes. "I ... I'll see you then."
"Trish," he grabbed her arm before she could leave and when she turned back to him, she gasped at how close he was. Her breath raced and she could feel his do the same, his warm moist breath tickling her face. He leaned down then, slowly and slower still until his lips just hovered over hers. Her eyes fell closed, her lips parting and he flicked his tongue out, teasing her upper lip. "Trish, just remember. I'm here. And you can be brutally ... honest ... with me."
She sighed as their lips met and her body sagged against him, helpless as he held her lips, deepening the kiss until her body ached. His arms bound around her, his hard body pressed close and protectively, he intensified the kiss until Trish was seeing stars; he felt so good.
When his breath ran short, he slowed the kiss, excruciating in his loving treatment until finally their lips broke apart. "I'll see you tonight." He panted into her open mouth then placed one last soft kiss on her lips.
Trish swallowed hard, forcing herself to walk away. She couldn't even look back over her shoulder at him.
Jeff Hardy leaned casually against the wall of the arena. He didn't want to come tonight. He didn't want to risk running into Lita or Matt. But he had to explain himself to one person. When she rounded the corner, he pushed off the wall, his eyes sad and drawn as they met hers across the hallway.
"Jeff?"
She sounded as though she'd seen a ghost. And from his appearance, he probably looked like one. He certainly felt like he'd been to hell and back.
"Jeff." Trish sighed, falling into his arms and hugging him tightly. "Oh Jeff, I ... I never ..." she couldn't finish her sentence, her throat clogging from tears.
"I had to come see you." He answered, void of emotion.
She pushed back from him, her eyes full of worry and concern as she look up into his once vibrant eyes. "My God, what's happened to you?"
He offered a sad smile then took her hand. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you. But I wanted to talk to you, before I couldn't."
"Couldn't?" Confused, she cocked her head. "What do you mean, couldn't? Are you ok? Do you need something? Just ask, Jeff. Anything and it's yours."
He shook his head, silencing her with a soft gaze. "I don't need anything. At least not something you could give."
"What ... what's that supposed to mean?"
He waved off that question. "I didn't mean that the way it sounded. But just trust me on this one."
"Are you here for good?" Trish asked, her hands clutching his arms in fear that he would leave. "Are you back for good? Are you coming back to us? We all need you here. More than you could ever know. I know I do and your brother and Lita ..."
He sneered at the name.
Trish reached up, brushing her fingers over his cheek. "What? You're not coming back. Oh God, don't tell me you're going to Tennessee. You're going to that other company, aren't you?"
"To be honest, I don't know yet. I have until Wednesday."
"Don't go." She begged. "Please, don't go. I ... I don't know what I'd do."
"You'd be fine." He answered, sincerely. "I know you would. And frankly, I can't be here. I can't be here and watch ... watch all this shit happen and there's not a damn thing I could do about it."
"Not if you were here." She said, quickly. "If you were here, you could stop Kane and you could help everyone who needs it and do your damnedest to protect those who love you."
"Love," he scoffed. "Nobody loves me."
"I love you."
He shook his head. "No, you don't. You care for me. But you don't love me."
"There's more than romantic love, Jeff." Trish said, hurtfully. "Just because I don't love you like that, doesn't mean I don't love you."
Jeff closed his eyes, bowing his head. "I'm sorry. I'm just ... I'm hurt right now. But I can't stay. I don't want them to see me."
"You ... you're not going to look for Matt or Lita?"
He shook his head. "I couldn't stomach the sight of them right now."
She cupped his cheek, forcing him to look up at her. "What happened?" she asked, seriously, knowing that something had happened that she didn't know about.
"I can't come back." He said, sadly, leaning down to press his forehead to hers. "I want to. But I can't. Because I'm not strong enough."
"Strong enough for what?" she asked, draping her arms around his neck. "I'm here for you, Jeff. Whatever you need."
He swallowed hard, his voice shaking with intensity and sorrow. "Lita said she despised me."
"When?" Trish said, angered. "When did she say that? I don't believe it."
"Last week." He said. "Didn't you hear her? On the Highlight Reel?"
Trish shook her head, her nose brushing against his with the action. "No, she said she hated Kane. She hated being impregnated by a man she despi ..."
There was silence.
"Jeff?" Trish's voice trembled with worry and fear.
He sighed, sniffling back the tears. "She came to me. Came to my bed for two full weeks. I made love to her, Trish. I did what I always dreamed of and I told her I loved her and that I'd make everything ok. I was ready to come back for her. We knew she was pregnant before she even got back together with Matt. We found out the day she had that mixed tag match with him ... the day that Kane set his sights on her."
Trish couldn't respond.
Jeff expelled another shaky breath, finding his voice. "He rescued her and it's as if nothing ever changed. She ran back to his arms and back to his bed. Disposed of me. It's only a couple weeks ... hah, days difference between my bed and his. Matt would never know that the child isn't his. And Kane thinks it's his. But it's mine. That's my child. My child that I thought we created out of love."
As the tears spilt from his eyes, Trish pulled his head to her shoulder, comforting him with a fierce hug. She felt the tears in her own eyes. Damn that Lita. Damn her for doing this to him. To someone as wonderful as Jeff.
Trish knew she was no saint, she knew she had faults. But she had never done something so low before. As Jeff's shoulders trembled, she held him tighter. She didn't know what else to do.
Chris Jericho laughed sinisterly as he lounged in the armchair of his hotel room. His eyes locked on his reflection in the mirror across the room. He raised his liter bottle of soda, toasting nothing. "Think you're going to best me tonight, huh?" he taunted then popped two pills into his mouth and chugged the soda.
"Take that!" He declared, victoriously. His eyes wandered the room, locking on the bottle of caffeine pills to his side then back on his reflection. "Let's see you fuck with me now."
(That's it for this part. Do you like? Should I continue? I have one more dream sequence lined up for next time and then ... well, we'll see. As always, reviews dictate whether or not I write another chapter. So keep them coming.)
Author: Crimson Coin
Rating: PG 15 and higher at some points. Warning: Language.
Summery: The sequel to "Unstoppable". Will Chris Jericho and Trish Stratus's love truly be able to last?
Disclaimer: I do not own the WWE or any of the affiliated wrestlers.
Timeline: From March 22, 2004 and all said dates.
Archiving: Ask me first.
July 19, 2004
Trish Stratus felt her heart collapse as she watched the screen, helpless to what was happening. Dave Batista had just tossed Chris Jericho into the wooden siding of the ice arena. Wide-eyed, she gasped as the big monster landed a devastating clothesline to Jericho's head, the blonde collapsing to the ground.
She jumped when a heavy hand rested on her shoulder and she quickly looked back over that shoulder. Tyson Tomko looked down on her with concern and Trish bowed her head, avoiding her eyes. She had forgotten she was in Evolution's locker room.
Triple H stood in the corner, a cell to his ear and Randy stretched along the far wall. Neither had noticed her actions. She looked up to scan the room and worry filled her. Ric Flair held her stare, a knowing look on his elderly face. Terrified, she ducked her head, staring at her entwined hands. Had Ric seen something? But it shouldn't matter. There was nothing to see. She wasn't concerned with Chris Jericho.
Sighing, she sank further into the couch.
"Ok, Babe." Randy said, coming over to her and pecking her lips. "I'm off. Wish me luck."
"Good Luck, Baby." She said, half-heartedly.
He cocked his head, a worried look on his face and he sat next to her. Draping his arm over her shoulder, he pulled her against him. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." She answered, quickly.
"I know something's wrong. Come on. Tell me."
"It's nothing, Randy. Now just leave me alone." She snapped.
He was taken aback by her sudden outburst. Hurt and dejected, he stood. Not responding or even looking at her, he walked from the room.
Trish shook her head, silently scolding herself with a curse. "Randy?" She stood, rushing to the door and peaking out. But all the greeted her was his back as he turned a corner, not even acknowledging her call.
She sighed, turning back into the locker room and letting the door close. Expelling a shaky breath, she brought her cast protectively against her chest as her other hand pressed into her eyes.
She didn't react when a heavy hand weighed on her shoulder again. This time she willingly gave in as Tyson pulled her into his arms for a comforting hug. "Shhh," he hushed. "Don't worry. It's ok."
"I'm so confused." She said softly, her eyes still closed as she faintly hugged him back.
"Come here, Little Girl."
Trish looked up.
Ric Flair patted the cushion next to him on the couch. "Come here. Let's have a talk."
Reluctant, she released Tyson and fell into the seat next to the older man. Tyson left the room with Triple H.
Ric sighed, leaning back into the couch, his eyes distant on the far wall. "You don't care for him do you?" When she gave no answer, he clarified. "Randy, I mean. You don't care for him the same way that he cares for you."
Trish ducked her head into her hands, guilty that someone had seen the truth.
He closed his eyes a moment, gathering his emotions. He did not want to yell at her or scold her or preach. Instead, he wrapped a fatherly arm around her shoulder. "There, there."
"I didn't mean for this to happen." She said softly, fighting her tears. "I don't want to hurt anybody. But that's all that I end up doing. Hurting people."
Ric nodded.
"I do care about him." She defended, her head turned to look at him. "I do. How can I not? He's been nothing but sweet to me. And I know he cares. God, he probably loves me."
"He does."
Trish shook her head. "And that makes this all the more difficult."
"Randy's a good kid." Ric said with sincerity. "Yes, he can be arrogant and immature at times. But we all have our moments."
"I don't want to hurt him." Trish said, her eyes glistening with tears. "I just don't want to hurt him."
Ric offered a sad smile. "And the longer this continues, the more he's going to love you and the more that this is going to hurt him. It's Chris, isn't it. You're still in love with him."
Trish bowed her head.
"It's nothing to be ashamed about." Ric said, comfortingly. "It really isn't. I understand. I understand how you can still feel this way and it's not a bad thing. But you need to realize what you want. And who you want. And don't let anybody tell you otherwise."
"Watching Dave go out there and attack him." Trish began. "My heart bursts every time I see him hurt. How he faltered when he landed on his feet during the lionsault. That's the same knee he hurt rescuing me from Kane. It still bothers him to this day and that was months ago. And it's my fault and I'm feel so guilty that I'm not there to take care of him. But then again, I don't know if he wants me there."
"And what about everything that happened? What he did and who you are?"
"I don't care." Trish answered. "I ... I must be foolish but I can't hate him for it. I understand and from the look of him ... God, Ric, have you seen him lately? I wouldn't be surprised if he hasn't slept in weeks. He's been so off in the ring and he's just ... I'm so worried about him. Can ... can you ask Dave to stop?"
Ric shook his head. "Dave's motivations are far beyond what you think they are. He has a grudge with Chris and I'm not going to get between them."
Trish furrowed her brow.
"Dave was seeing a girl in the company about a year, year and a half ago. They were together behind the scenes though, nobody knew about them. Chris didn't know that she was taken but he pushed one of his friends to make a move on her. Pushed them together, you know. And not two weeks later, she left Dave for that man. Dave's held a grudge ever since. He can't be mad at her; he still loves her. But Chris. He blames Chris and he certainly can be mad at him. And he's taking out his aggression. Frankly, I have no intention of stepping between Dave and anyone he has his sights on."
"But Dave's had to have moved on. He ... He wears a wedding ring. Who's the girl he married?"
"Dave's not married." Ric said with a sad smile. "He bought the band about five months after she left him. Said he never wanted to love again, never wanted anything more to do with women. So by wearing the ring, it makes him unavailable."
There was silence a long few moments and Trish shook her head. "That's so sad. Isn't ... isn't there anything we can do? Chris didn't know. And I'm sure that if he did, he wouldn't have done anything. Who was she? Maybe I can talk to her for him."
"It doesn't matter." Ric answered. "It's over now and she's still with that guy. I don't think you can convince her otherwise. Plus, in all honesty, if she loved Dave ... she wouldn't have left him no matter who was introduced to her."
"True." Trish said sadly. Sighing, she stood. "I'm going to go find Randy. I ... I need to apologize. I know he only cares."
"Make up your mind soon, Little Girl." Ric said, seriously. "I'm not going to get involved and I know my boy is going to get hurt one way or another. I can just hope he handles it better than Dave."
Trish smiled. "Thank you, Ric." She leaned down, kissing him softly on the cheek. "You won't tell? About all this?"
Ric shook his head. "Not on you, Little Girl. Your secret's safe with me. Just try to keep your guard up better when it comes to Chris. Ok?"
Trish nodded.
"I only cared." Randy said to no one, staring at the wall of the darkened backstage curtain. He stood by the entrance ramp, waiting for his match. He was early, but he didn't care. He shook his head, his teeth clenched as he punched one of the empty crates.
"Randy?"
He exhaled a slow breath, turning at the sound of her voice. Trish stood before him, fear in her eyes and she reached out, touching his arm. His eyes focused on her hand, on the spot of his arm where she touched.
"I didn't mean to snap. I ... I'm just so confused and I've had a rough day."
Randy reached out, running his fingers over her cast. "How does it feel?"
"Just a little sore," she answered, pulling her cast protectively against her chest. "I'm fine."
He sighed, defeated. "Why do you lie to me? I go to try and pamper you because I know you're hurting and you brush it off like it's nothing. I know it hurts and you're not fine. You punched someone out there with it – twice. And you used it to trip up Hurricane. That had to have hurt. Can't you just tell me the truth. Tell me that it hurts."
She ducked her head.
"I'm sorry." He apologized, closing his eyes and tilting his head back. "I didn't mean to bark like that. I just ... I'm frustrated because you don't treat me like your boyfriend. You treat me like I'm just that guy who you hang around with and we just happen to have sex."
"Well I'm sorry, ok?" She answered, hurt and slight force in her voice. "I'm sorry that I can't just drop everything and fall into your arms like everything's ok. Because it's not. I'm not ok, Randy. I never was. Ever. I can't trust people, I can't bear my soul, and I hate attention because it scares me to death. I'm scared, Randy. I'm scared because I don't know what I want much less who I want it from." She sighed, raking a hand through her hair. "I care about you. I do. But so much has happened to me in the last year, I ..."
When she trailed off, he swore to himself, scolding himself for being so insensitive. "I'm sorry." He said, cupping her face in his hands and tilting her eyes up to gaze into them. Holding her beautiful brown eyes with his, he brushed his thumbs along her cheeks, wiping away the tears. "I'm sorry. I ... I didn't know." He leaned down, kissing her sweetly, softly and long before gathering her into his arms, just hugging her. "I'm sorry," he whispered into her ear.
Trish wrapped her arms around his neck, standing on her toes to bury her face into his neck for a moment. Sniffling, she eased him back, letting her fingers run along his chest and abs before her hands dropped to her side. "I'm really exhausted. I ... I'm gonna go back to our room to think and just relax."
Randy nodded. "Do ... do you want me there tonight?"
"It's up to you. Do you want to be there?"
"Always," he answered without hesitation. "I tell you what," he smiled, running his hands up and down her arms as he gazed affectionately down at her. "On my way back, I'll pick up a pizza and some soda and we'll stay in and watch cheesy horror movies. How's that sound?"
She offered a genuine smile. "That sounds great." Pausing, she couldn't take her eyes off him, off the love and sincerity in his eyes. "I ... I'll see you then."
"Trish," he grabbed her arm before she could leave and when she turned back to him, she gasped at how close he was. Her breath raced and she could feel his do the same, his warm moist breath tickling her face. He leaned down then, slowly and slower still until his lips just hovered over hers. Her eyes fell closed, her lips parting and he flicked his tongue out, teasing her upper lip. "Trish, just remember. I'm here. And you can be brutally ... honest ... with me."
She sighed as their lips met and her body sagged against him, helpless as he held her lips, deepening the kiss until her body ached. His arms bound around her, his hard body pressed close and protectively, he intensified the kiss until Trish was seeing stars; he felt so good.
When his breath ran short, he slowed the kiss, excruciating in his loving treatment until finally their lips broke apart. "I'll see you tonight." He panted into her open mouth then placed one last soft kiss on her lips.
Trish swallowed hard, forcing herself to walk away. She couldn't even look back over her shoulder at him.
Jeff Hardy leaned casually against the wall of the arena. He didn't want to come tonight. He didn't want to risk running into Lita or Matt. But he had to explain himself to one person. When she rounded the corner, he pushed off the wall, his eyes sad and drawn as they met hers across the hallway.
"Jeff?"
She sounded as though she'd seen a ghost. And from his appearance, he probably looked like one. He certainly felt like he'd been to hell and back.
"Jeff." Trish sighed, falling into his arms and hugging him tightly. "Oh Jeff, I ... I never ..." she couldn't finish her sentence, her throat clogging from tears.
"I had to come see you." He answered, void of emotion.
She pushed back from him, her eyes full of worry and concern as she look up into his once vibrant eyes. "My God, what's happened to you?"
He offered a sad smile then took her hand. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you. But I wanted to talk to you, before I couldn't."
"Couldn't?" Confused, she cocked her head. "What do you mean, couldn't? Are you ok? Do you need something? Just ask, Jeff. Anything and it's yours."
He shook his head, silencing her with a soft gaze. "I don't need anything. At least not something you could give."
"What ... what's that supposed to mean?"
He waved off that question. "I didn't mean that the way it sounded. But just trust me on this one."
"Are you here for good?" Trish asked, her hands clutching his arms in fear that he would leave. "Are you back for good? Are you coming back to us? We all need you here. More than you could ever know. I know I do and your brother and Lita ..."
He sneered at the name.
Trish reached up, brushing her fingers over his cheek. "What? You're not coming back. Oh God, don't tell me you're going to Tennessee. You're going to that other company, aren't you?"
"To be honest, I don't know yet. I have until Wednesday."
"Don't go." She begged. "Please, don't go. I ... I don't know what I'd do."
"You'd be fine." He answered, sincerely. "I know you would. And frankly, I can't be here. I can't be here and watch ... watch all this shit happen and there's not a damn thing I could do about it."
"Not if you were here." She said, quickly. "If you were here, you could stop Kane and you could help everyone who needs it and do your damnedest to protect those who love you."
"Love," he scoffed. "Nobody loves me."
"I love you."
He shook his head. "No, you don't. You care for me. But you don't love me."
"There's more than romantic love, Jeff." Trish said, hurtfully. "Just because I don't love you like that, doesn't mean I don't love you."
Jeff closed his eyes, bowing his head. "I'm sorry. I'm just ... I'm hurt right now. But I can't stay. I don't want them to see me."
"You ... you're not going to look for Matt or Lita?"
He shook his head. "I couldn't stomach the sight of them right now."
She cupped his cheek, forcing him to look up at her. "What happened?" she asked, seriously, knowing that something had happened that she didn't know about.
"I can't come back." He said, sadly, leaning down to press his forehead to hers. "I want to. But I can't. Because I'm not strong enough."
"Strong enough for what?" she asked, draping her arms around his neck. "I'm here for you, Jeff. Whatever you need."
He swallowed hard, his voice shaking with intensity and sorrow. "Lita said she despised me."
"When?" Trish said, angered. "When did she say that? I don't believe it."
"Last week." He said. "Didn't you hear her? On the Highlight Reel?"
Trish shook her head, her nose brushing against his with the action. "No, she said she hated Kane. She hated being impregnated by a man she despi ..."
There was silence.
"Jeff?" Trish's voice trembled with worry and fear.
He sighed, sniffling back the tears. "She came to me. Came to my bed for two full weeks. I made love to her, Trish. I did what I always dreamed of and I told her I loved her and that I'd make everything ok. I was ready to come back for her. We knew she was pregnant before she even got back together with Matt. We found out the day she had that mixed tag match with him ... the day that Kane set his sights on her."
Trish couldn't respond.
Jeff expelled another shaky breath, finding his voice. "He rescued her and it's as if nothing ever changed. She ran back to his arms and back to his bed. Disposed of me. It's only a couple weeks ... hah, days difference between my bed and his. Matt would never know that the child isn't his. And Kane thinks it's his. But it's mine. That's my child. My child that I thought we created out of love."
As the tears spilt from his eyes, Trish pulled his head to her shoulder, comforting him with a fierce hug. She felt the tears in her own eyes. Damn that Lita. Damn her for doing this to him. To someone as wonderful as Jeff.
Trish knew she was no saint, she knew she had faults. But she had never done something so low before. As Jeff's shoulders trembled, she held him tighter. She didn't know what else to do.
Chris Jericho laughed sinisterly as he lounged in the armchair of his hotel room. His eyes locked on his reflection in the mirror across the room. He raised his liter bottle of soda, toasting nothing. "Think you're going to best me tonight, huh?" he taunted then popped two pills into his mouth and chugged the soda.
"Take that!" He declared, victoriously. His eyes wandered the room, locking on the bottle of caffeine pills to his side then back on his reflection. "Let's see you fuck with me now."
(That's it for this part. Do you like? Should I continue? I have one more dream sequence lined up for next time and then ... well, we'll see. As always, reviews dictate whether or not I write another chapter. So keep them coming.)