Title: By My Side

Author: Crimson Coin 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

February 14, 2005

Trish Stratus gritted her teeth, her eyes a blazing fire as she stalked backstage through the arena. Glistening tears brimmed at the corners of her eyes, her lips pressed tightly together to still their trembling. A deep red hue flushed her usually reserved face as she turned one corner than another in her attempt to simply get away.

It was at these moments that she regretted what had become over the last few months. How she yearned for a confidant, a friend with whom she could entrust her feelings, her doubts and fears. But that companionship had long since dissipated. At one time, she would have run to Lita for solace but no longer. Even Jeff or Matt or Edge or Christian but those times have passed. In more recent times she could go to Randy or Dave but even that thought was a wish without possibilities.

She was alone.

Closing her eyes a moment, she willed her heart to cease racing. The only person she really had any more was Chris and where had he been the last week. No words, no calls, he didn't even return to their room last week after RAW. She had been concerned about him, more than worried because he had not been sleeping. Lying by his side, she knew that he slept restlessly, tossing with the cool sweat chilling his brow and body.

But there was nothing she could do if he would not confide within her. When she pushed him on the matter, he sealed his heart. She could not help that which she did not know.

Sighing, she pushed through the door to her locker room, not even bothering to glance around at her surroundings. She cared not for anything or anyone and at the moment she desired only to return to her room and sleep. Perhaps in sleep she would at last find peace.

"Don't let her words bother you."

Trish jumped, her eyes widened as her heart raced. She looked hastily around the room, finally spotting from who the words came from. She barely acknowledged his presence and instead returned her attention to her duffel bag, sorting through the belongings in an attempt to appear preoccupied. "Forgive me, I did not notice you were here."

Chris sighed, closing his eyes as he slumped back in tattered green couch that sat in the corner. Her coldness stung, though he knew it was deserved. "How have you been?"

"Do you care now or is this all just formality? Because you can spare me."

"Her words were undeserved and out of line, nonetheless."

A bitter chuckle choked past her lips as she shook her head. She still refused to face him. "I suppose you are trying to comfort me. Your words are just that, Chris. Words. And they do nothing to calm my heart. Her words were true and so they stung all the more. Nothing you say can change that or even change the fact that they are true. Don't try."

"Trish ..."

"Don't." she ordered him, finally gathering the nerve to meet his eyes. "Christy Hemme came out that tonight and I know I deserved it. But do you know what it does to me to be pushed to the sidelines. All of a sudden, nobody cares about the real Divas anymore. All they care about is the cheap flusie who's gonna strut her stuff because that's all she can do. Taking your clothes off for money ... for Playboy ... that still makes you a slut. And I know I'm no better." She took one step closer to him, her tears on the verge of bursting. "Candace? On the Highlight Reel? And what were you talking about? What did she do, Chris?"

Trish shook her head, averting her eyes from him. "Do you remember the first time I kissed you? In your locker room and I was so afraid and I just kissed you on your cheek, near the corner of your mouth. She kissed you there tonight! You encouraged her. You flirted with her."

Chris stood, his brow furrowed with concern and when he spoke his voice was tender and soft. "Is that why you did what you did tonight? Is that why you went out there?"

She released a heavy breath, her emotions and thoughts racing through her mind and scrolling passed her eyes. "Yes ... no, yes. I ... I don't know."

"Trish, why are you acting like this?"

"Like this!" she snapped at him. "And what exactly is this supposed to be. How do you expect me to feel, Chris? You know, sleeping next to someone nightly, you tend to get the feel of how that person sleeps and when they don't and all that stuff. I know when you're awake and I know that you haven't been sleeping well and why the hell you won't tell me is beyond me. Did it ever occur to you that I love you and that maybe I'd give a damn. That I care about those things and that no matter what it is that bothers you that you could tell me. You can tell me. Don't shut me out. And still you do. I'm supposed to bear my soul and be completely open to you and yet you can be a closed door."

Chris bowed his head, his eyes on the floor at her scolding. She was right and yet there was nothing he could do. No matter how hard he tried, he simply could not bring himself to expose his soul to her. The nightmares had frightened him so and he refused to place any of his burdens on her.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Chris." She spat bitterly.

Shaking with emotion, he rushed to her, his arms wrapping swiftly around her as he pulled her into his chest. He felt her instantly tense, refusing to return his embrace but he did not care. He tightened his arms, burying his face into her hair, inhaling the wondrous scent of flowers.

Her shoulders tensed, her arms stiff at her sides. She would not embrace him. She would not return this affection. Squeezing her eyes closed, she willed herself not to respond to him. How could she?

"I didn't forget," he whispered. "I want you to know that. There're flowers in your hotel room, waiting for you." He eased her back, cupping her face in his warm hands and he brushed his thumbs along her lips and chin. His eyes pierced hers, his breathing slow and hot on her face. "I love you."

Trish's lip trembled, the tears slipping from her eyes. "You could have fooled me." Her voice shook with emotion though she did not allow her composure to be fully lost. "I would never have known since you don't trust me."

"I don't want to burden you."

"I want to be burdened, Chris." She responded with soft conviction. "I love you. Is that not enough reason for you to confide in me. I may have my own burdens but I would not have you suffer alone. Tell me. Let me help you."

"I wasn't trying to hurt you tonight," he admitted intensely. "With Candace out there tonight. And you know I don't always choose my guests for my show, they're assigned to me. She was throwing herself at me, I know that. But I didn't respond to her. I didn't do anything. I walked away ... I left it at that. I'm not ... interested."

"I know that. Tonight ... I overreacted and I know that it was nothing. But that's not what I meant." Swallowing hard, she willed their eyes to lock and she reached up with a quivering hand to touch his tear streaked cheeks. "What do you dream of?"

His eyes widened.

"I know you dream." She breathed. "I see the sweat on your face and your body. I feel how you toss and mumble. You whimper for me, Chris. And then I ... I just pull you close and embrace you." She sniffled. "I press a kiss to your temple and rake my fingers through your hair. And as you lay with your head pillowed on my shoulder, you finally rest." She licked her dried lips. "And when you awaken and I look in your eyes and see that moment of haunting shadows ... it kills me. And then I ask ... and you dismiss me. How ..." she shook her head, her throat clenching with her tears. "How do you think that makes me feel?"

His breath quickened, his heart racing and he ducked his head. "I ... I never knew."

She cupped his cheeks, bringing him to her to press her forehead to his.

"I'm sorry," he sighed as his eyes fell closed and he reached up to cup her head in his hands. "I'm so sorry I didn't return to you last week. I just felt out of place. Like you didn't want me there."

"I always want you there," she pledged, closing her own eyes against the emotion. "Chris, talk to me."

"I don't know if I can."

She breathed a heavy sigh, her heart sinking at his words. "Why?"

"I don't know how to say it."

She tightened her arms around his neck, pulling him closer and letting him tuck his head in the crook of her neck. "I have to know. It kills me that I see you so troubled and I can do nothing to help you."

"There are a dozen red roses in your hotel room," he admitted softly. "I know it's not the ideal Valentine's Day anything. I had no plans for dinner and I didn't buy you anything fancy or expensive. I ... I refuse to be superficial like that and do it just because it's expected. I ..."

"I don't care about that stuff." She told him, rocking slightly against him. "I just want my Chris back. Tell me what I have to do. If you won't tell me your thoughts and your fears, how can I know you. Baby, please. Help me."

"Just hold me tonight," he said, softly. "Hold me so that I know you're here."

Trish nodded, tightening her arms and pressing close to him. "Feel me, Chris. I'm here for you and I'm real."

"I love you," he sighed.

"Will you tell me ... soon?"

He didn't answer her at first, his mind racing, his heart fluttering. Gathering his will, his courage, he pressed a kiss to her ear. "Yes."

(Short chapter, but I've been really busy lately. I hope you like this update.)