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 20, 2004

Chris Jericho smiled brightly, his grin from ear to ear as he put his car into park in the driveway of the woman he loved. Pulling a santa hat onto his head, he jumped out of the car, charging to the trunk to grab both his over night bag and a large red cloth bag, a few things on the bottom; they were gifts for her.

Slamming the trunk shut, he charged up the front steps to ring her door bell, that smile still plastered on his face. God, did he miss her so much. He waited quite impatiently as his teeth chattered and he expelled a breath, watching it crystallize in the air and he licked his frozen chapped lips. "Come on, Baby," he whispered, bouncing slightly and he wiggled his toes in his boots, willing the heat to return to them. It really was cold outside.

Jeez, if he knew she'd take this long, he'd have put his gloves on and zippered his coat. His hands were freezing but he didn't want to place anything on the ground. "Trish," he called, knocking on the door and then hissed as that brunt physical action reddened his knuckles.

After some clicking and a few flicks, the front door opened. Trish stood there, a holiday sweatshirt and light faded jeans, her hair tied into a ponytail and her face devoid of makeup. "Chris? What are you doing ..."

"It's cold, Baby," he interrupted her. "Can you invite me in first?"

"Oh my God, Chris," she breathed quickly, reaching for him and pulling him into the house. "I'm so sorry. Come in here." She closed the door, pushing the duffel bag and red clothed bag out of his arms before taking his hands in hers. "I didn't realize you were that cold." She leaned down, exhaling a few hot breaths onto his reddened exposed hands.

Chris's smile softened and he pulled his hands away from her. "Honey, my hands are too cold. Don't ... don't ..."

"Shhhh," she hushed, reaching for his hands again and she offered him the most beautiful smile as she pulled him close, placing his hands on her hips. She then lifted just the bottom of her shirt and placed it over his hands.

"Trish!"

But before he could pull his hands away, she placed her hands over his. "Warm them up. I'm nice and warm for a change."

He smiled again, letting his hands rest on her hips. "Sweetheart, I told you once that I would never touch you with cold hands." He pulled his hands back and removed his coat, averting his eyes from her to hang that coat on a free hook to the side. "And frankly, I have no intention of starting now. You know, I was driving this whole way here and thought that .... hmmphuhmph."

His words were cut off into a mumble when her mouth suddenly covered his, her kiss deep and penetrating, passionate and lusty as she devoured him. Her hands raked roughly through his hair and then just as suddenly, she pulled back from him. Her brow furrowed.

Chris laughed at her. "What? You don't like?"

Trish cocked her head, her eyes locked on his face. "I ... I didn't realize you had your beard until I kissed you."

He slowly nodded. "I see how it is. So used to the plain old me, you never expected something different. It's just so damned cold and frankly the beard and mustache keep me warm. And it's not that long. I'm keeping it trimmed." He sighed. "I know how much you like me clean shaven but ..."

She reached up, placing her hand over his mouth to silence him. She smiled gently, her eyes dancing lovingly as she gazed up into his crystal blue. "Actually ... I ... I kinda like it."

"Really?"

"Yeah," she answered. "It's kinda scruffy and scratchy but still ... it's nice."

"Nice? That's it? My kisses are just nice?"

She laughed, grabbing his hand and she led him into the house. "Your kisses are phenomenal but that's not the point."

"The gifts," he said quickly and he pulled his hand from hers.

She watched as he raced back into the foyer and swooped up that big red bag. He ran back to her side. She took his hand again. "What's all this?"

"Santa," he answered, pointing to the hat still on his head. "And I have your Christmas presents I want to put under the tree. Where's your tree?"

"It's this way," she said with a grin, leading him into the living room and the lovely tree erected in the center. She watched with adoring eyes as he placed the gifts around the tree.

"Trishy, sweetie, who was that at the door?"

Chris slowly turned his head at the voice, his eyes wide as they met those of an elderly calm woman. His eyes soon scanned a little further and he just noticed the man lounging in the arm chair, watching him carefully. He jumped, startled.

Trish giggled. "Chris, these are my parents. Mom ... Dad ... this is Chris."

Chris gulped.

"Oh, so this is Chris," her mother chirped, the woman approaching him in a rush of glee. "Let me take a good look at you."

Chris stood tall as her mother stood in front of him, inspecting every inch, her eyes narrowed to closely scan every single part. He licked his lips, smiling best he could, though his heart pounded heavily in his chest. He wasn't ready for this, wasn't expecting her parents.

Trish's mother shook her head. "He really is a mangy thing, isn't he."

"Mom," Trish scolded, gently, walking to stand at Chris's side and she slipped an arm around his waist, the other reaching up to touch his cheek. "He's usually clean shaven but I kinda like the beard."

"There are so many nice gentleman you never dated because they had beards and now all of a sudden you don't mind them?"

"Anna," her father sighed. "Leave the boy alone. He's groomed, he's clean, he has a pile of gifts and is wearing a santa hat. Plus, I don't think he needs this run down."

Jericho licked his lips then stuck out his hand. "Hi, Mrs. Stratus. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Anna gave him one more look over, head to toe before she nodded. "Fine. I suppose he has my approval."

Trish giggled. "Mom, isn't it supposed to be Dad that's so demanding of boys."

"Your father doesn't seem to care so much anymore," Anna said. "Right, John?"

John Stratus only shook his head. "Now that's not true, Sweetheart and you know it. I care just as much as you about my little pumpkin. I just don't like to frighten her boyfriends away."

Chris leaned close to Trish, whispering in her ear. "Sweetie, why didn't you tell me on Saturday when I called that your folks would be here."

"I didn't know," the little blonde answered just as softly. "I told them you were coming by for the week and they just stopped by."

John chuckled. "Trish wasn't expecting us either. We decided to surprise our little girl today."

Chris smiled, warily. "Ah, I see." Then his eyes perked. "Oh my God, that reminds me. I have to go to the store. I have to pick up your birthday present."

"You didn't get it yet?" She asked, a tinge of hurt in her voice.

"No, I did." He clarified. "But they had to order it and it was supposed to come in today. I have to go get it."

"Oh, I'm so excited to see what it is," Anna exclaimed. "Why don't you go with him, John, and keep him company?"

John glanced to the young man beside his daughter. "Only if he doesn't mind. I don't want to intrude ..." his voice lowered slightly. "Please, kid. I don't wanna stay here while they gush over how pretty you are or something."

Jericho laughed. "Yeah, I guess I wouldn't wanna be here for that one." He signaled to the door. "Let's go, Pops." He gasped when the words slipped from his lips and he looked nervously to the older gentleman in the room.

John only laughed, a deep hearty laugh. "That's ok, Son. Hmm ... Pops. I kinda like it."

Chris relaxed, his smile brightening and beaming. "Ok, so off we go then. Maybe we can grab something to eat too, cuz I'm starved."

"Sounds good," John said, "But only if I treat."

"Deal," Jericho answered then turned to Trish. "We're gonna head out now, ok Baby?"

"Ok," Trish said softly, her eyes lovingly meeting his and she reached up to pull the Santa hat from his head. "Kiss me goodbye?"

"Of course," he sighed, his smile so soft as he leaned down to place his lips on hers, kissing her as sweetly as he could manage. When he pulled back, he gazed into her eyes, then pursed his lips to give her one more soft kiss.

Trish reached up as the kiss finished, her hand cupping his scruffy cheek, her thumb caressing him. "Bye, Sweetie."

"Bye, Baby." He responded then walked to the door and as he and her father walked out, he called back before shutting the door. "I love you."

"I love you too," she answered, softly, even though he couldn't hear her. She glanced to the side as her mother tugged on her arm. "Do you like him, Mom?"

"He's darling." Anna answered, her voice soft and maternal. "He seems wonderful. And you seem to really like him and that's what counts."

"I do like him, Mom." Trish said. "I more than like him. I know we were rough to start and we had a lot of obstacles and we still do. But I love him."

"That's fantastic." Anna said. "But Trishy, you better nab him quick. You're almost thirty and not married."

"Mom."

"I'm serious, Trish," the older woman stated in deathly stern tone. "I'm very serious. You really need to decide to settle down and I wasn't expecting you to not be married at this time in your life. What about children? What about settling down? Think about all that, Trish."

"I have," Trish responded, a slight sadness to her voice. "And as much as I love Chris, I don't know if we're right like that. We've never talked about it. I don't know if he wants kids or even wants to get married. We haven't discussed that. We've just acknowledged that we love each other. There's no rush."

"That's what you think," Anna said. "Thirty, sweetheart. Thirty. You better grab him before you start to look your age and he leaves you for some younger woman."

"That's not like Chris."

"Maybe not." Anna said, her head cocked to eye her daughter worriedly. "But if you think that you're going to keep that man on conversation alone, you've got another thing coming. Physicality is very important in a relationship and you better be sure you're attractive for him. Why aren't you wearing any makeup now when you answered the door?"

"I forgot to put it on." Trish responded, truthfully. "I was in such a rush to get the place ready for him. I didn't think of it. Anyway, Chris always says that doesn't matter to him. And anyway, looks shouldn't matter."

"I'm sorry, Sweetie." Her mother apologized. "Nothing against you sweetheart, but you know you're a gorgeous woman and if you think that a man is not interested in your looks, you're severely mistaken."

Trish bowed her head. "Yeah. Yeah, you're probably right, Mom. I ... I guess I should really try to sweep him away tonight."

Anna nodded. "Yes, Sweetie. I'm sure you have some sexy lingerie upstairs and pumps. Really do yourself up and make a very good impression. And whatever he wants, let him have. You really must keep this one, Trish. This one is a keeper."

Trish nodded silently.

Chris laughed, his eyes agleam as he met the eyes of the older man that sat across from him. "That's rich, Pops."

John chuckled, pushing his plate to the side. "I have stories galore, kid. But in all seriousness now..."

Jericho gulped. "I kinda figured this was coming."

"No need to be worried," John calmed with a gentle smile. "This isn't gonna be that hard, kid. I'm not like every other dad that tears apart every single detail about you. I'm only interested in a few things. Number one: Are you Christian?"

Jericho licked his lips. "I was raised in a Christian home, if that's what you mean. I haven't been to a service or anything in years."

"But you believe?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good," John responded with a quick nod. "I can't have one of those non-believer heathens with my little girl."

Chris laughed nervously.

"Don't be so nervous," John said. "It's fine. Now number two: What did you buy my little girl at that store?"

Chris placed his hand over the breast of his leather coat, feeling the long box stored in the inside pocket. "Why? It's just a gift for her."

"Because I want to know," John said with a stern glance. "You have to understand that she's my baby girl and I want to make sure you have good intentions."

The young blond man sighed, reaching into his inner coat pocket and he pulled out the long jewelry box. Reluctant, almost nervous, Chris handed the box to the man across the table.

John took the box, holding and inspecting it before his eyes met Chris's. Waiting only a beat, he turned his attention to the box and slowly opened it.

Chris bowed his head.

"Chris?"

"You don't think she's going to like this, do you?" Jericho asked in a soft voice. "I know it may seem silly but I saw that exact necklace in a dream and I pictured her wearing it and me giving it to her and when I saw the diamond drape I just had to buy it."

John didn't respond for a few moments, simply looked at the sparkling diamond drape before closing the box and handing it back to Chris. "You certainly must be serious to by her something like that."

"I'm very serious about her, Pops." Jericho said, his heart in his eyes. "She means everything to me and that's I want to show her just how I feel. And after dreaming about giving that exact necklace to her and then finding it ... I knew it was a sign."

John nodded, watching silently as Chris tucked the box away, placing a hand over the breast of his coat. The older man licked his lips. "Ok, Chris. Whether you want it or not, I'm giving my approval. I want you in this family and frankly, you're the best thing my little girl ever brought home."

Chris smiled.

John Stratus stepped out of the car, pausing as he saw his wife standing on the door step to his daughter's home. "What is it, Anna?"

"We're leaving," Anna called, bustling down the steps and to their car. "Trish is inside and she wants to be alone with him. We'll see them on Christmas since they're coming for supper."

"Oh, ok," John answered then turned to Chris, eyeing the blond man with an intense scrutiny. "You better do right by my little girl."

Chris raised two fingers, a happy smile on his face. "Scouts honor."

John patted the younger man on the back, laughing heartily as he walked to the car.

Jericho readjusted his coat, making sure the necklace box was still in place. He walked slowly inside, but when looking around, he couldn't find her. "Trish!"

"I'm upstairs, Baby," she called, her voice laced in deep seduction. "Come on up."

He took her necklace from his coat pocket and placed it under the tree, inspecting the immediate area to make sure everything was in order. "No, you come down here. I want to give you your gift."

"Nuh uh, Big boy," she called back to him, her tone dripping with desire. "I want you up here ... now."

Chris could barely contain his groan of excitement at the sound of her voice and he quickly tossed off his coat then charged up the stairs. "Here comes your little Lionheart."

He bounded up those stairs, the biggest grin on his face and oh how he anticipated this evening. His mouth had been watering the whole week, he'd dreamt of her, envisioned her the entire time they were apart. And it wasn't only sexual. He envisioned them holding hands at the mall, cuddling next to a fire, eating supper every night. He just pictured them together.

God, how he wanted to see her. Turning the final corner into their bedroom, he stopped short, his hands dropping to his side as his jaw gaped. His eyes widened, his body suddenly drained of all energy. She was a goddess.

Trish stood in the bedroom, her hair down and soft and her makeup perfected.

"Trish, is ..." he licked his lips. "Is that ... that the ... the lingerie from ..."

"From Lita's wedding?" she finished for him, the most seductive tinge in her voice. "Lace, the sheer coat, the thigh highs, the heels, the works. All for you, Baby."

Jericho's eyes scanned her luscious body, a little trace of drool seeping out the corner of his mouth. He licked his lips, his body shuddering with his sudden want. "All for me?"

"For you," she repeated, her hips swaying slightly as she stepped closer to him. "I don't want the presents now. I want to do them all together. Now ... I want you."

"You want me?" He stepped even closer to her, his eyes focused intensely on her breasts and he reached up to wipe away that drool with the back of his hand.

"I want you," Trish repeated for him, stepping even closer to him, her chest thrust up into his face. "And I want you to have your way with me. I want you to be happy and I want you to use me ... to make you happy."

Chris growled, his body sagging and his pants were suddenly incredibly too tight. "God, I've wanted you so bad this whole week. You ... you have no idea, Baby."

"Well, I'm here for you," she cooed, reaching up to scrape a single nail down the scruffy side of his jaw.

"Do you know what I want?"

"What's that?"

He growled as she continued to caress him, stepping even closer so one hand rested on his chest, the other continuing to stroke his face and comb through his hair. "I ... I ..."

Trish smiled, her eyes gleaming with want.

"I want you now." He moaned. "And I want to spend all day tomorrow in bed ... in your arms."

"Mmmm," she hummed, draping her arms over his neck as she hung lightly on him. "That's sounds wondrous."

Chris smiled, his usual goofy quirky smile. "Not necessarily in bed. We can wake up ... then make love ... go to the shower ... make love ..."

Trish chuckled, her voice deep and throaty. "Sounds like you have the entire thing planned."

"Then we can go downstairs and have some breakfast," he continued without hesitation. "Then curl up on the couch together ... make love ... go to the hot tub ..." he trailed his hands up then down her back, craning his neck slightly to bury his face in her hair. "Make love ..."

"I think I can see where this is going." Trish teased him, wiggling her hips against his. "Will ... he ... my little lionheart ..."

"Oh, he'll be directly involved." Jericho said. "So tell me, Darling ... what do you want?"

"I want what you want." She answered, her eyes locked on his before lifting up slightly, her mouth covering his for a deep passionate kiss.

Chris returned her embrace, his arms banding swiftly around her to pull her even closer. She wanted him and he wanted her. She wanted him in the worst way, he knew it. He knew it because of the way she moved against him, the way she grinded her hips against his, the way she clutched at his hair.

Trish sighed into his mouth, moaning as he trailed his lips across her jaw and to her neck. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, pulling him closer. She had to please him. She had to please him in everyway. She had to please him physically, the only way she could please a man.