Distribution: Go right ahead, just let me know.

Disclaimer: Story mine, Characters not. Nuff said.

Notes: Set in late 2001, around Jericho's heel turn. Potentially dark fic. Title formerly known as you make me blind, always in my mind. I decided to shorten it.

Chapter 1: The lady in red

Chris Jericho sat on the stool, his hand absently swirling the glass of wine, his eyes gazing rather fixatedly on the couple that were on the dance floor.

The sight truly made him sick. He briefly wondered why he was putting himself through this pain, but he knew all to well that he just couldn't escape the sight of her. Sure, he had pictures and all the wwe posters of her back at home, but they couldn't compare to Lita herself. They were just mere carbon copies, they lacked her fire, her energy, her soul - the very things that first drew and ensnared him to her.

Too bad it she didn't feel the same for him.

He sighed to himself, half wishing he had not come down to the bar. He had come here on the pretext of drinking himself to a drunken stupor, and then he saw her. Of course, he knew Lita would be coming, it had been their regular hangout after all, which may have well been the real reason why he chose this bar over the many others, not that he'd readily admit that. He knew better to flat out deny that though - her presence did affect him, which was why he ordered red wine over hard liquor.

Red wine had been her first gift to him, when she spent Christmas at his house, being snowed in. It was the best memory he had of her, the most cherished of them all. He remembered dancing for no apparent reason in his living room, holding her close to him, swaying slowly albeit drunkenly to music only both could hear. He recalled kissing her at midnight, and seeing her face shine. He thought back then he had a chance, but the next morning, the magical connection between them had fizzled out. She had asked him if they were still friends, and dumbly enough, he said yes, though his heart was screaming against it. He wanted so much more, he wanted her. But he was afraid that this revelation might send her in the other direction, and he couldn't afford that, after all his efforts in getting her this close to his grasp. He silently vowed to save it for later, when he was certain of her feelings.

Too bad, he was never certain. Besides, if she did have any feelings for him, she sure as hell didn't show it at the rate Matt swooped her. She practically fell into his awaiting arms! Chris scowled, his grip tightening on the delicate glass. He seemed to do that often these days.

Strains of Chris de Burgh's Lady in red played out in the back ground, drawing him out of his thoughts.

How bloody appropriate, Jericho thought. That song fit her to a T. His eyes narrowed in concentration as he zoomed in on the couple.

Never seen you looking so lovely like you did tonight Never seen you shine so bright

As if on cue, Matt whispered something in her ear that made her beam.

Never seen so many men ask if you wanted to dance

Looking for a little romance

Given half the chance.

Half a chance, he scoffed. He didn't even get that.

I have never seen that dress you're wearing

Or the highlights in you hair that catch your eyes

I have been blind.

Blind is right, I was too blinded by my love for her, he thought bitterly.

Not being able to stand it any longer as he watched Lita and Matt get closer, he bailed out, slamming a fifty-dollar bill to cover the expense.

She put him through hell, whether she knew it or not, and he was going to repay the favour.

As he turned his back, he didn't catch the glance Lita threw at his direction, the softening of her eyes. If he had waited awhile, he would have seen Lita stop dancing to head in his direction.

Just too damn bad he didn't.

TBC…

Author's note:

Special thanks to Melony aka cenasnakedinmybedwithme for the email review : )

Hmm..is anyone else reading this fic? Just curious. Anyways, reviews are appreciated. ;)