Title: By My Side

Author: Crimson Coin

Disclaimer: I do not own the WWE or any mentioned wrestlers. They are merely used/borrowed for the purpose of this fictional story.

Rating: PG 13 – R, depending on the chapter

Summery: Continuing from Unstoppable and Endless Love. Will friends and love still flourish?

Timeline: October 2004 – present

December 1, 2004

2:00 PM

Chris Jericho nervously licked his lips. He couldn't believe what he was doing. He couldn't believe he'd gotten here so fast. He couldn't believe he was standing outside Trish Stratus's front door.

As much as they've grown together in their relationship, they hadn't yet taken the step to each other's homes. Though with a normal couple, this would have happened far sooner, Chris remembered only seeing her home on her DVD and whatever television show she wanted.

Swallowing his nerves and doing his best to control his raging emotions, he knocked on the door. He had to find her. He had to see her and stop her.

He could hear rustling inside and then her distinct voice. "Just a minute."

Chris didn't care. He wiped his palms on his pants, hoping they stopped sweating and he sucked his lower lip into his mouth, gnawing on it slightly. Closing his eyes a moment, he tried to regain his composure. He would be calm, and cool, and smooth, and easy-going, and relaxed. That's right. He would be relaxed.

The door opened. Trish Stratus cocked her head, her eyes full of confusion as she looked at him. Dressed in casual jeans and a sweatshirt, her hair pulled back into a tight pony tail and she wore only the slightest bit of makeup. "Chris?"

"You can't go," he said, hurriedly, stepping into her house and he reached out, cupping her face in his hands. "You can't go tonight. You can't go with them. God only knows what they're gonna do and I can't be there to protect you and what if something were to happen and I wasn't there. What ... what would I do? You can't go, Baby. God, you can't." He pulled her against his chest then, wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug. "You can't go."

"Chris," she said, softly, pushing against his chest though he fought her. Eventually, she was able to look up onto his face. "Chris, what are you talking about?"

"The screening tonight," he clarified, stroking his hands through her hair and then down her back, his eyes searching her face. "It's only going to be you and Evolution and I don't know what could happen and without me there ..."

"How did you ... how did you get here this early?"

"Randy told me," he explained. "And I left home as soon as I could. I ... I drove all the way here and I ... I drove all night and I got here and I have to stop you. I ..."

"Sweetie," she cooed, a beautiful smile on her face as she reached up and placed her fingers over his mouth, silencing him. "Baby, do you know how sweet that is?"

Confused, he furrowed his brow. "What? Sweet? Honey, I'm worried and scared out of my mind."

"I know," she responded. "But you drove all night to come and see me because you were worried. You have no idea how sweet that is."

"Well, I wasn't going for sweet." He quipped back, a slightly annoyed twinge in his voice. "This isn't a light matter. This is just freaking me out and you're cooing about how sweet this is? I'm having a heart attack over here!"

"Aw, Honey, no." She eased him, brushing her fingers along his cheeks and then combing through his hair. Her eyes remained soft and soothing and a small smile pulled at her lips. "No, don't get upset."

"How can you say that?" he asked, unnerved at how calm she was. "Don't you understand that I'm freaking out? I don't trust Hunter. And I don't see how you can be so easy going knowing that it's going to be you ... alone ... with Evolution."

"I'm not going to be alone, Honey," she responded light heartedly. "It's a movie premier. You know, photographers, reporters, fans ... people. I'm never going to be alone with Hunter."

Chris opened his mouth to speak.

Trish interrupted him, speaking before she could. "And Dave and Ric are going to be there."

"Oh wonderful," he jested, throwing his hands in the air. "The womanizer and the Neanderthal. That makes me feel so much better."

"Hey," she scolded. "Don't talk about them like that. Ric has been nothing but a sweetheart to me and Dave might be called 'the animal' but that doesn't mean he is one."

"Look," Chris began, his voice still annoyed. "Forgive me if I don't put all my faith in Flair and Batista. Considering all they've done is try to make my life a living hell and knock the pretty outta me, I'm sorry I can't see them in a different light. Especially after every encounter I have with Batista, he beats the hell outta me."

A smile pulled at Trish's lips and she had to press her lips together to keep from laughing.

"What?"

A small giggle slipped past her lips. "Knock the pretty outta you?"

He scowled.

"Baby," she reached out for him, letting her palms graze his cheeks and she leaned up, kissing his mouth softly. "Don't be so worried."

"I can't help it," he said, tossing his arms in the air as he turned from her. "I can't help feeling worried when ..." his eyes glanced around the foyer. "You have a ... beautiful ... house."

Trish's smile brightened, glad that the conversation had changed to something less worrisome. And her house was a happy subject. She loved and prided herself with the decorating of her humble abode. "Thank you."

"No, I mean it." He said seriously, taking a really good look around. "This ... wow."

She grabbed his hand then, tugging gently. "Let me show you around."

When the tour ended, Chris only sighed, staring at the pool table in her entertaining room. The bar, the pool table, the fuse ball and the hot tub. "It's ... it's like a playground ... but for adults."

Trish giggled. "That's the exact thing I said on my DVD. When I gave a tour of my house. And it is. Like a playground."

"Yeah," he answered then glanced at his wrist watch. "Oh man, it's already after three."

"I know," she said. "And I need to start getting ready to go. I have to leave here at four and meet ... meet Ric and Dave."

Chris closed his eyes.

"Look," she said, quickly, walking up to him and she gripped his arm. "Honey, just listen to me. Please."

Sighing, he turned to look at her, his eyes sadly meeting hers.

"Trust me," she pleaded with him. "I'll be alright. And Dave and Ric won't let anything happen to me. And I know that Linda will be there and I never had a problem with Linda. Stephanie will be there too and from what I hear, she'll be hanging off of Hunter so I might be in the clear for the night. And I doubt Vince will come anywhere near me, as long as I'm next to Dave. Trust me, Baby. Please. For me."

Chris sighed again, averting his eyes from her as his mind raced.

"Chris."

He shivered when she cupped his cheek with her tiny palm, turning his gaze to meet hers.

"Chris," she hushed. "Please. Just trust me that everything will be fine. You can stay here while I'm gone. Make yourself at home. You can make something to eat or order a pizza, play one of the games or watch a movie. You've been driving all night and I know you must want to shower or something. You can take a shower and then take a nap. Whatever you want to do."

Chris ducked his head, pressing his forehead to hers as he nuzzled her, most affectionate in his tender display. "I'm still worried."

"I know." She caressed her fingers down his brow and along his jaw. "I'll call before the movie starts to let you know I'm ok. And then I'll come right back ok?"

He nodded. "Ok. Ok, I ... I'll be ok."

"Thank you," she hushed, leaning up to him and letting her lips graze his. "I have to go get ready," she breathed onto his parted lips.

Chris shuddered as she walked away, his body aching to hold her again, to just have her near. But he didn't say a word.

Chris settled further into the comfortable couch, his eyes glancing at the wall clock across the room. It was ten to four and though he was exhausted, he simply wasn't in the mood to sleep. He could faintly here footsteps upstairs and the soft patting soon changed to a heavier clicking. She must have put on her heels.

Pushing off the couch, he wandered through the house and to the stairs. Glancing up, his breath caught as she was walking down. "Wow," he breathed, his eyes focusing adoringly at her pretty form. "Oh my God."

Trish smiled shyly, slowing walking down the stairs. "Does it look good?"

He sighed, his eyes slowly scanning her. She wore a tight little black dress, her legs perfect and covered with black tights and a delicate pair of black heels on her beautiful feet. Her hair was modestly styled and hung down, sweeping across her shoulders. Her make-up light but still accentuating the most perfect parts.

Trish flushed, ducking her head as she approached him. "I hope your silence is a good thing."

"Oh God, look at you," he breathed, reaching out to gently touch her face, though it was as if he were afraid, like he would tarnish her. He quickly retracted his hand. "I want to look at you."

She looked up at him.

He could only shake his head, his eyes widening with pleasure. "You ... you're so beautiful." He reached up again as if to touch her, but then thought better of it.

Trish grabbed his hand then, smiling as she opened his palm and pressed her cheek to the inside of his hand. "You can touch me, Chris. It's ok."

"Everything's so perfect though," he argued, softly, reaching up with his other hand to tentatively touch her other cheek. "I don't want to ruin you."

"Never, Sweetie," she purred at him and her smile brightened beautifully. She nuzzled against his hands, gripping his wrists to guide his hands down her neck and then sides, letting him caress her. "I love your touch."

Chris licked his lips, unable to stop his body from shuddering at her words, at this touch. "I ... I don't want you to go."

"Chris," she sighed, regretfully.

"No," he stopped her before she could continue. "I ... I don't want you to go because ... because you just look so ... so gorgeous. I ... I want you all to myself."

Her smile stretched even wider, her eyes dancing with affection and she cupped either side of his head with her hands. "You really are just the sweetest guy." She tugged gently on his head. "Come on. Give me a kiss."

"I don't know, Baby," he chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I don't want to ..."

"You won't smear my makeup." She said, coaxing him, tickling her fingers along his ears. "Come here."

Chris laughed, leaning down that extra inch and taking her lips softly with his. He was, however, frightened to be passionate or too intense.

She didn't seem to mind though and kissed him again and the one last time, still soft and gentle. When she pulled back, she reached up and ruffled his shaggy blond hair. "The shower is upstairs and the number for the closest pizza place is on the fridge. You know the address so just make yourself at home."

Chris smiled at her, nodding slowly. "I'll be waiting for you."

"You better be," she teased, lifting up onto her toes to kiss his cheek. "I'll see you tonight."

He watched her as she gave him a quick wave and then walked out the door. Standing, alone in silence for a moment, he sighed, his eyes longingly focused on the door. "I love you, Baby."

Chris's head shot up. Was that the door? He jumped to his feet, charging through the house and to the door. He skidded to a stop, his eyes falling on her tired, haggard form. "Baby?"

Trish forced a smile for him, not seemingly upset, but merely exhausted. "Hi, Hun. How ..."

"Oh my God," he injected, quickly, grabbing her by the hand and searching her face. "Are you ok? What happened? Did ... did they hurt you?" his face angered, searing. "I'll kill them. Where are they?"

"No, no," she stopped him, tugging on his hand. "I'm not hurt. Dave and Ric kept an eye on me and Hunter and Vince were so busy with the press and everything, they barely noticed me. I'm just exhausted, that's all."

He seemed to calm at her words and his shoulders relaxed, the tension melting away. "Did you enjoy the movie?"

"Yeah," she answered him though when her eyes met his, they flashed seductively. "But I have to admit. I was really distracted through a lot of it."

"Really?" He watched her intently, concerned. "Was something wrong?"

"Not wrong," she responded, grabbing his hands and walking backwards through the house, guiding him through rooms. "I was thinking about something."

"You were?" And still, he showed no signs of comprehension. He followed her the whole way and when she stopped, he only met her beautiful eyes. "Is it what happened on Monday? I still want you to tell me about that. Did something else happen?"

"No," she answered, a smile still on her face. "I don't want to talk about that stuff. Because I was thinking of something happy."

Confusion still laced his features.

Trish laughed at him, her eyes dancing with tenderness. "You, silly. I was thinking about you."

"Me?" his brow rose, a pleased smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You were thinking about me?"

"Of course," she said, releasing him and taking a few steps back. She glanced over her shoulder at the hot tub and then returned her gaze to him. "And I was thinking about us ..." she licked her lips, her eyes scanning his delicious body. His hair still wet and slightly slicked from his shower and he wore a tattered white tee-shirt over grey sweatpants. "And about what you said to me before I left. About wanting me alone."

"I still want you."

"I want you too," she said, her voice seductive and deep. "And I was thinking ... that maybe you'd want to join me ... in the hot tub."

He groaned at that, his eyes darkening at the prospect. "I ... I don't have my suit."

Trish smiled, her eyes gleaming with mischief and desire and Chris couldn't contain his moan as she reached around to her back. He could hear her slowly unzipping her dress and he only prayed that he could control himself. She cocked a brow. "Who said I was planning on wearing a suit."

Chris moaned, his eyes scanning her voluptuous curves. God, how he loved this woman. Unable to resist her, he moved quickly to her, his hands cupping her face and Trish's smile beamed, her hands abandoning her zipper, which was half way down and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

She hummed when his mouth found hers, their kiss intense and passionate yet still pure and she shivered when his hands traced around her, caressing her bare back before finding that zipper and finishing her task. She pulled her hands back, letting the dress fall from her body and to the floor. His hands were on her back again, his mouth never leaving hers as his touch set fires through her body.

Trish sighed into his mouth, her knees caving as she clutched at him, her hands sliding up the back of his shirt, her nails digging into his back. The sensations, the emotions, the affection, everything this man fired within her. She'd never felt this way in her life. No man ever made her feel like Chris Jericho did. And she loved him for it.

Chris managed to deepen the kiss, his hands abandoning her only momentarily when she tugged at his shirt. And his eyes darkened as they locked on hers. He ripped the shirt over his head. Their bodies crashed together again, hands roaming as their mouths met in a heart wrenching kiss.

Breathless again, he broke apart from her, staring down heatedly into her eyes.

Trish licked her lips, her eyes unwavering from him, her heart raced, her need for him swelling. Panting, trying desperately to catch her breath, she swallowed hard, her hands splaying on his cheeks.

"Trish," he sighed, his body yearning for her. His mouth dripped for her and he licked his lips, desperate to ravage her mouth again.

She swallowed again, her body shaking with the need and want he sparked within her and when he kissed her again, she melted under him. His hands, his mouth, everything quivered inside her. His kiss, his lips and tongue tangled and danced. Her stomach dropped to around her ankles and her hands raked harshly through his hair, positioning his head and mouth just where she wanted him.

Intensifying and deepening the kiss, Chris slid his hands down her hips and under the pantyhose at her waist and he pulled back from the kiss to watch her face as he caressed her hips and waist, easing the pantyhose down her hips at an excruciating pace.

Trish shivered and moaned at the feel of his warm palms. "I love you."

"I love you too," he answered and his mouth covered hers again for a deep impassioned kiss.

(I had to put this chapter in after I heard of Trish attending the Toronto premier of Blade: Trinity. And isn't this just the perfect way for this to happen for them? Don't worry. It's not over yet.)