Rating: R
Disclaimer: I own nothing, except the plot.
Spoilers: None
Summary: A hidden love can only lead to disaster, can they beat the odds?
Pairings: Lita/Randy, Stacy/?, Victoria/?, Dawn/?, Miss Jackie/Charlie
Keys: Italics thoughts; bold italics emphasis
Notes: Nothing that hasn't been said before, enjoy the chapter and please review.
Thank Yous: Terri16, Latisha C., AhitsAnjel, wataphreek and annie for the reviews!
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Chapter One: And I Care Because?
Back at the hotel, Lita was trying to figure out options. More specifically, she was trying to determine the safest place for Randy to stay that night. It was painfully obvious that her buddy Adam, was out of the picture..along with the collective of Evolution. That left the redhead with few other options, and as it stood right now; she was pleading her case with Stacy Keibler in the lobby.
"Look, Stace I know it's last minute, but I really need you to do me this favor." The redhead bit her lip, practically begging her friend. "After what happened tonight, it's kinda obvious that Randy can't stay with Evolution and.."
"Why didn't you tell me?" The tall blonde sighed, more upset about that fact than anything. "I mean, I thought we were friends. Why couldn't you trust me?"
"Because," Lita shifted awkwardly from foot to foot, casting a sidelong glance to the man at her side. "We took a big risk, and I didn't want to put anyone else in harms way." She smiled shakily, relaxing slightly at the reassuring squeeze to her hand. "I would have told you, but honestly Stace? What if something had happened to you..I never would've been able to forgive myself."
The blonde diva frowned slightly, still hurt by the fact that Lita hadn't told her anything. "..I'll talk to Vikki or Nidia."
"Thank you!" The redhead beamed, releasing her boyfriends hand long enough to wrap Stacy into a hug. "I'll pay you back, honest..it's just--"
"Who else knows?" Stacy inquired lightly, looking between the two for an answer. "You say you didn't tell anyone..but--"
"Adam..and Evolution found out on their own," Lita replied somewhat darkly. "But nobody else knows."
The blonde nodded, "Are you still coming with us tomorow night?" She asked hopefully, quickly adding. "Adam already opted out, so don't worry about him causing problems."
Randy scoffed, "I'm not worried about him anyway. I could give two shits less what he or anyone thinks about us."
"We'll go," Lita confirmed, an arm slipping around Randy's waist. "Just name a time, and we'll meet you all in the lobby tomorrow."
"Good," Stacy declared brightly. "I just need to grab my stuff from the room..and I guess I'll see you two tomorrow?"
"Yeah," Lita grinned, "Thanks again Stace."
The blonde diva shrugged, "Hey..what are friends for?" She smiled politely to Randy before excusing herself to get her things.
"So..that's out of the way," The diva sent a glance upwards. "What say, we call it a night?"
"Mmm," Randy pretended to think on it, his arms banding around her waist. "How about we pick up where we left off?" His eyes twinkled mischievously, a lecherous grin on his handsome features. "Unless you're gonna go back on your word.."
The redhead raised a brow, "Well.." She wriggled her way out of his loose grasp, reaching back to grasp his hands in hers. "I'm not an exhibistionist, so first things first. Let's get to the hotel room." A suggestive wink was all the encouragement he needed as the two made their way to the elevator.
...
Once Lita had pressed the five on the panel of dimly lit buttons, she and Randy settled back. Strong arms wrapped around her waist as his head bowed, the Diva turning her head a touch as his face nestled into the crook of her neck. Her eyes nearly closed as she sucked in a sharp breath when feather light kisses were dropped on the smooth surface. However, just as the doors were closing; a hand interrupted the movement. Aware that people were entering the elevator, Lita sent a wayward glance to the new passengers. Just as she did so, Randy's arms tightened insticively when she stiffened. He gritted his teeth, drawing her back closer to his chest; his chin coming to rest on the top of her head.
Hunter smiled menancingly, his own hazel eyes narrowing at the pair. "Lita, Orton. Fancy seeing you two here."
The redhead only smiled tightly in response, inwardly cursing Hunter and his pack of goons to their doom. Randy however, scoffed at his former leader, spitting back sarcastically.
"So lovely to see you too Helmsely."
Hunter smirked, now flanked by Batista and Flair. "So tell me something..Orton." He inclined his head a touch, his eyes trained on the Diva while he addressed Randy. "Is she your new protection plan? I mean shit, I'll give you at least this..for a woman, you sure picked the best. How much are you payin--"
"Fuck off H." Randy narrowed his eyes, his jaw tightening. "I am warning you now, you lay one hand on her and you are a dead man."
A brow raised at the threat, "Big words from a little man like you."
Randy just shook his head, "Whatever Helmsely, you just worry about our match, and which one of your two lap dogs will be licking your wounds."
Hunter scoffed, a malicious smirk playing on his lips; hazel eyes never leaving the redhead. "You just wait Orton, after I beat you beyond recognition? It's gonna be the hot piece of ass in your arms that'll be licking my wounds."
Orton snarled, releasing the woman in his arms only to send her behind him. "Stay away from her."
Hunter raised a brow, cocking his head at the angry man across from him. "You really are pathetic, you know that right? I mean, not only have you pretty much signed your own death certificate by turning on us? But you've also revealed your biggest weakness." He smirked then, shaking his head at his former team-mate. "Think about that before she starts accompanying you to the ring."
There was a moment of tense silence then, Randy's gaze promising death while Hunter merely smiled. But, just as Randy was preparing to retort, the elevator dinged..letting him know they had reached their floor.
"This isn't over Helmsley." Randy promised threateningly as his fingers threaded with the redheads. "This is far from over."
"You can count on that Orton. This won't be over until I say so." Hunter mock bowed to the pair, in particular to the woman. "Have a pleasent night."
Randy gritted his teeth, pushing back the gut instincts to wipe that look from Hunter's face or better yet, re-arrange his face. Permanently. But perhaps it was the woman at his side that made him think twice, and so he stepped out of the elevator, inwardly seething.
................
Lita sent a nervous glance upwards, as she and Randy made their way down the hall. A frown marred her features, when he just stared straight ahead; the woman inwardly sighing at the tension radiating from his form. Given, she hadn't really expected anyone--her friends or his--to openly accept the fact that they were dating. While she hoped that at least her friends would be okay with it, she never held high expectations for the men that Orton kept as company. Of course, the diva couldn't dismiss the fact that only two of her friends knew at this point; and while one had been okay with it..the other. Well, Lita didn't know exactly what to make of Edge's reaction. At any rate, she temporairly wrote it off to shock on the blonde Canadian's part, and instead focused on the matters at hand. While at the very least, they had let the cat out of the bag; the biggest hurdles were yet to come. For one, Randy still had a big match come SummerSlam, while the redhead was hoping to make another run for the women's title. However, she wouldn't have much more time to think on all of that, as they had finally reached their destination. Lita offered a half hearted smile, when Randy's stormy blue eyes looked upon her; the redhead averting her gaze to reach for the keycard.
His hand reached for hers, a gentle tug to get her attention before he began. "You look.." A brow raised as blue orbs disected her features; the slightest of frowns touching his lips as he finally found something. "..worried."
Her shoulders lifted slightly, the redhead tucking a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. "I am," she admitted truthfully, her gaze first falling on their joined hands, making a path up his arm before it finally settled on his face. "What of it?"
He shook his head slightly, his free hand reaching out to brush gently across her cheek. "Talk to me."
She raised an incredulous brow, "In the hall? Please, it's not that important."
"I'm not buying that for a second." Fingers splayed over her cheek before moving freely over her shoulder and down to her hand. "We're not going anywhere until you tell me what's wrong." At that statement, nimble fingers lifted the keycard from her grasp.
"You wanna know what I'm worried about?" She shifted her weight slightly, her head inclining a touch. "I'm worried about you."
Both brows raised then as Randy leaned back against the wall. "Why? I already told you babe, Hunter is nothing..just a walk in the park and--"
"It's not just Hunter," Lita let out a soft sigh, a hand snaking upwards to rest on his forearm. "I mean don't get me wrong, I feel so relieved that we don't have to hide this anymore..but I.." She trailed off, biting her lower lip thoughtfully. "You have a big match coming up, and the people you depended on before? You betrayed."
"So," Orton scoffed, rolling his eyes in spite of it all. "I can win that title belt come this Sunday and I will do it without them. I didn't need them to win the Battle Royal and I don't need them in my corner."
Her brows knitted together in slight confusion, "Yeah but--"
He tucked the keycard into his breast pocket, a finger coming to rest across her lips. "But nothing," His hand moved to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, his eyes softening a touch. "Look Li, even if I hadn't walked out of that locker room today? Somewhere down the road I would have to. Because if you honestly think I would've brought you into that? You're out of your mind."
The corners of her mouth lifted in a smile, as her own free hand moved to cup his cheek. "In that case, I'm sorry for doubting you."
He shrugged it off easily, a lopsided smile crossing his features. "Nah, one of us has to be the logical one." At her look of skepticim he grinned. "And besides, you're cute when you're worried."
Her lips parted as a melodic laugh filled the air, the two lost in each other. "I'm not too sure about me being the logical one, but I guess it works, for now anyway."
His head ducked quickly, as his lips just brushed over hers. "So, now that that's out of the way.." Heavy lidded blue orbs gazed down at her, "Let's take this inside."
She smiled easily, a soft squeak in surprise as he scooped her up, her duffel bag slipping from her shoulders as he settled her in his arms. Her arms banding around his neck, but only after one had strayed to reach into his pocket; the keycard now in her hand. With their combined efforts, the door was opened and kicked shut before the redheaded diva was set down on one of the beds. The redhead rolled to her side, watching on as Randy exited the room only to return with all of their previously abandoned belongings. As he made his way over, she moved from the bed; making her way towards her duffel bag and at his questioning glance she shrugged.
...
"I never got the chance to shower after my match," Her nose scrunched slightly as her hand dipped within the now open bag. "So if you wouldn't mind..I'm just gonna freshen up a bit." And with her shower supplies in hand, she sent a saucy wink to him before she scampered off to the bathroom.
As it were, the redhead had just started running the hot water; and as she was moving to stand her back bumped into a soft wall. Her face tilted upwards, the redhead glancing to her side. Orton ducked his head, his lips brushing over her neck as his hands moved to cover hers. In unison, her shirt was removed however prolonged due to the distraction being played upon the smooth surface. And, as she moved to face him; a firm hand rested on her shoulder. When she ave into the gesture, Randy proceeded to make slow work of removing her pants. Finally, when that task was completed; the redhead turned deftly unbuttoning his shirt. She only smiled, resting her cheek against his bare chest as his tailored pants pooled on the floor. Finally, she turned, reaching back to grasp his hands in hers as she lead him into the shower.
"So.." He whispered against her neck; his arms banding around her waist as the water trickled over them. "Is this a 'I wash your back and you wash mine' kinda deal?"
She giggled softly, tilting her face to plant a trail of feather light kisses on his jaw. "I hadn't really given it much thought actually.."
"Well," He paused to pay more attention to a particular spot beneath her ear. "As I recall, you wanted to take this slow so." At those words his face lifted, one arm removed to reach in front of her; blindly groping for the bottle of shampoo.
She raised a brow at his actions, "I can do that myself you know."
He nodded easily as the bottle was opened, the space between their bodies diminishing as he poured a bit of the liquid into his palm. "I know you can, but you said we'd do this earlier, remember?"
She smirked then, teasing the man easily as his hands worked their way through her hair. "Well that all depended on you being a good boy, so tell me; were you?"
He grinned impishly at that, moving his face to plant a kiss on her cheek. "I'm going to go with..yes."
The redhead giggled softly at that, shaking her head slightly in spite of it all. "Then you may proceed."
................
The shower continued on in the same languid manner; each taking the time to lavish attention on the other. As it were, by the time the two had finished--and all the hot water had disappeared--there was a sharp knock at the door. Lita rolled her eyes, her forehead coming to rest against Randy's still bare chest. She smiled apologetically, wrapping a towel around herself before she stepped out. The redhead let out another groan when she peered through the peephole, opening the door just enough to peek her head out.
"What do you want?" She eyed the tall blonde in front of her, a wary look on her face.
Edge snorted, his eyes narrowing a fraction at the redhead before him. "Do you have a moment?"
She rolled her eyes at the request, her jaw clenching tightly before she replied. "I'm afraid not, you see? Randy and I have had a rough day, and we'd really like to relax."
"Oh poor Randy," The words spewed sarcastically from his mouth, his face contorting slightly. "I just want to talk to you about--"
"I believe she said no." Randy Orton appeared behind the redhead, and although Edge couldn't see the track pants he wore; the bare upper body was enough. "And if she didn't? I am."
Edge scoffed at the other man, his brow raising in challenge. "And I care because? I came here to talk to my friend, and last I checked? You're just another asshole."
Randy's jaw tightened along with the redhead's, both sending the blonde man a withering glare. "I might be an asshole, shit I'll admit to it. I am an asshole. But only to people who deserve it."
Edge merely shook his head, his eyes falling on the woman. "When you have some spare time, I'd like a word with you." He sent a wry smirk to Orton, before adding emphatically. "Alone."
When Randy opened his mouth to protest, a gentle touch to his arm halted his movement. "Fine Edge, we'll talk..alone, but not now and on my terms." Lita let out an exhasperated sigh, gently squeezing her boyfriend's arm. "Now, can you please leave?"
The blonde Canadian hestited, before he nodded. "Yeah okay, fine..call me alright?" He grinned in spite of it all, touching his forehead in farewell. "Sorry for disturbing you."
Lita's eyes narrowed marginally when Edge turned, the woman relaxing only when he finally disappeared from sight. However, once she had finished closing the door and securing the deadbolt; Randy was on the bed. The redhead frowned at that development, but given what had just transpired..she couldn't really blame him. At any rate, she made her way over; tentatively perching on the bed.
"Randy?" She inquired, almost unsure of herself. "Baby, look I'm sorry but that was the only way he was going to leave."
His eyes softened instantly, the man stretching out on the bed until he was even with the redhead. "It's not that Li, it's just.." He shrugged awkwardly, rolling to his side so he was more or less gazing up at her. "I knew that H and Batista wouldn't take this too well. I guess, part of me was hoping that."
"That all of my friends would?" The redhead finished hopefully, as she laid down; stretching out so she was parallel with him. "I thought so too, but I guess I was wrong..but I can't really blame him, you know?" She tilted her face upwards to gauge his facial expressions, relaxing more when his arms snaked out to pull her closer.
"I know honey, I guess just all of this shit's gettin' to me." He shrugged slightly, one hand absently running through her hair. "I mean, before? The only thing I really had to worry about was my match with Benoit..and now?"
"Well..I can't take it all away, but.." She turned in his arms, a hand reaching out to carress his cheek. "I can help you forget..if only for tonight." Her eyes glinted slightly before she leaned forward, featherlight kisses placed along his jaw. "But, if you just want to go to sleep that's fine too."
His brows wriggled suggestively, Randy rolling slightly so that his upper body was covering hers. "You can help me train.." He trailed off then, his face lowering to rest in the crook of her neck.
The redhead arched a brow, her foot trailing up and down his calf. "And just how are we going to do that?"
"Well.." He drew the word out, relishing in the slight shivers it warranted. "When I face Benoit, I need to be free from distraction." At that he paused, his tounge darting out to blaze a trail along her neck. "And, since we've had nothing but distractions so far.." He finished then, leaving the woman to draw her own conclusions.
"That works for me," She smiled lazily her hands cupping his face. "But, before we get to that.." She waited until he stopped his ministrations to her neck, pouting in spite of it all. "Do you want me at ringside?"
"Mm, let me think about that." He paused, kissing the tip of her nose before he nodded emphatically. "Why wouldn't I want an incredibly sexy, gorgeous, beautiful, intelligent woman by my side.." He paused again, capturing her lips gently with his, as he pulled back; his eyes softened again. "And my woman at that."
Her eyes softened the moment those words left his mouth, however possessive they were. "Good, cuz, I was planning on it anyway."
"On both counts I hope," He smiled easily, a kiss placed on either corner of her mouth. "And, I wouldn't want it any other way."
A contented sigh escaped the redheaded woman before it was swept into a breathtaking kiss. It was broken, only when Randy shifted slightly to flick off the lamp on the nightstand. And with that accomplished, the two set out on disipating their current distractions.
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End Chapter.
Note: I know it's been ahwile since this piece was updated; but I had intended on updating again. I thank everyone who has left encouragement for it..and I can honestly say, it's because of you that this piece goes on. At any rate, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.