TITLE: Truths and Lies.
AUTHOR: Cathie McMath.
EMAIL: penrithpanther_03@yahoo.com.au
RATING: PG-13..
CONTENT: Slight swearing, and the usual WWE violence.
SUMMARY: An unfortunate accident causes the lives of a few WWE superstars to turn upside down. Jeff, Lita, Jericho, and more.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anyone or anything related to the WWE. Vince McMahon has that honour, and I am extremely jealous.
DISTRIBUTION: Just email me first and let me know if you want it.
FEEDBACK: Oh, please! Pretty, pretty please with Jeff Hardy and whipped cream on top! I'd love to know what you guys are thinking about this fic so far. I haven't recieved alot of reviews as of yet for this one, so I'd just like to hear what you guys think! Like it? Love it? Hate it? Let me know!
~-~-~-~-~-~-~
"So.. what's Mr Bischoff like?"
The young, redheaded woman looked over at the older man walking beside her as they made their way through the arena hallway. She glanced over at him occasionally - her eyes flicking back and forth, surveying their surroundings.
Chief Morley kept his gaze forward, his tone level and steady. "Mr Bischoff is a great boss. He genuinely cares about the superstars here on RAW, and tried his very hardest to make everyone happy."
Lita bit her lip nervously, keeping up with Morley as he walked towards Eric Bischoff's office. "Okay, that's good. And how long has this brand extension been going on, exactly? I know that it happened, but the details are just kinda fuzzy..."
Still not looking over at the diva beside him, Morley turned a corner, noticing that Bischoff's office wasn't far away. "It began in April, last year. So it's been a while now." Morley paused for a while, thinking about it himself. "Over a year now."
"A year..." Lita was quiet as they neared Bischoff's office, but as they approached the door, she turned to Chief Morley, her eyes questioning and scared. "Does Mr Bischoff like me? I mean... does he think I'm a good wrestler?"
Sean really looked at the woman for the first time since he had picked her up from the hospital earlier that night. Until this moment, he had avoided all direct eye contact with Lita. He felt extremely uncomfortable around her - he wasn't sure what to say, or how to act. He just wanted to get her to Mr Bischoff as quick as possible.
And now, with her asking him a question like that, he couldn't help but feel sorry for the diva. The poor thing had no idea about what her career had been like; she didn't know if she was well liked; she didn't know who her friends and her enemies were - she was helpless.
"Lita, Mr Bischoff thinks you're the best female wrestler he's ever seen. I think that as well. Alot of people think that." He said softly, his hand on the doorknob. "You don't need to worry about what people think about you. They all love you."
He watched as a rosy blush blossomed in Lita's cheeks, and she ducked her head, tucking her long hair behind her ears. "Um, thanks Mr Morley."
A warm smile spread over Morley's face as he watched the modest woman look up at him. He reached out to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. It was almost as if he had no control over his own actions. He just needed to touch her, comfort her - let her know that she had someone here that was looking out for her. "Please Lita. My name is Sean, and I'd like you to call me Sean."
His gaze still upon her, she smiled brightly at the man standing in front of her. "Okay, Sean. Thank you." Morley felt his heart go out to her as she looked up at him so tenderly. She looked so small, delicate and fragile. He hoped that he would be able to be there for her during this difficult time...
And then Sean realised that he was having way too much compassion for Lita. He had only gone to pick her up from the hospital because Mr Bischoff ordered him to. He was only helping her to the arena because he was told to. His smile faded, and his eyes fell to the ground. Him and Lita were not friends. No where near it. She may not be able to remember that, but he could.
Mentally kicking himself for feeling so much for this woman, Morley slow opened the door to Mr Bischoff's office, and ushered Lita inside.
Lita glanced around the office quickly, her head lowered and her eyes downcast. She felt small and lost in the spacious room. She knew that Mr Morley... Sean... had told her that Mr Bischoff was a great boss, who was warm and generous and truly cared for the superstars that worked for him. But she still couldn't help but feel nervous and self conscious. She felt as though she were meeting him for the first time in her life.
Eric Bischoff stood up from the large leather chair behind his desk, and walked around to greet Lita. With a wide grin on his face, he approached her with his arms outstretched. He folded his arms around her, holding her tightly. Lita returned the hug awkwardly, finding it uncomfortable to be hugging a man who she considered to be a stranger so intimately. But soon, she found herself relax in Eric's arms. She hadn't been hugged in so long... she was craving some kind of comforting touch. And here was this man, holding her tightly and making her feel so cared for.
When they seperated, Eric brushed some hair off her face, tucking it behind her ears. "Lita. Oh, sweetie. It's so good to see you here. How are you feeling?"
Biting her lip slightly, Lita looked over at Chief Morley who was standing beside her, in front of the door. He was watching them both with an unreadable expression. She thought she detected some curiosity in his features, but she couldn't be sure. She turned back to Eric, and nodded. "I'm doing okay, I guess. I'm still having some problems with headaches, and I get dizzy spells sometimes. Dr Hart told me I'd be experiencing those for a week, maybe a bit longer. They'll go eventually."
"That's good to hear. You're doing well, physically." Bischoff reached for the redhead's hand, and held it in his own. He lead her over to the couch, and the two sat down. "How about mentally?"
Lita looked down at her feet quickly, taking in a quick breath. She returned her attention to the dark haired man beside her. "It's hard." She stole a quick glance at Morley. "It feels as though I'm meeting everyone for the first time in my life, you know? But they all already know me. They all know the history I have with them. It's like everyone knows my life, but me. They all know who I am. But... I don't."
Eric's blue eyes focused on Lita as he squeezed her hand tightly. "I understand that it must be hard for you, Lita. And no one can ever imagine what you're going through at the moment. But you have to remember that you have people here who care about you, and want to look after you and make sure you're okay." He glanced over at Morley, still standing at the door. "Myself and Sean are here for you. For anything, okay? If you need to talk, or just need a hug..."
Morley kept his position, standing by the door as Bischoff continued to comfort Lita. He watched intently as he saw Eric give Lita a hug, and smile at her warmly. The big man frowned slightly, unsure of his boss' motives. Eric was never one for concern and caring for other people besides himself, unless there was something in it for him. He wasn't exactly the most tender human being he'd ever met. But watching him with Lita now confused him. Eric seemed to be genuinely caring for the redhead, and wanting to make sure she was happy.
He'd never seen Bischoff this way. He continued to watch, and with each passing minute grew more and more confused. Maybe Eric truly felt for Lita? Maybe he was authentically worried and concerned about her health, and realised that she was this amazing woman who deserved respect and care and love. Morley knew that she deserved all that... and more. But had Bischoff finally realised this? Had he realised that she wasn't a pawn to be used to play with. She wasn't an item. She wasn't something to be used to attract fans or increase profit.
She was a woman. A beautiful, loving and amazing woman. A woman who had just been through an incredibly traumatic injury - and at the present moment didn't even know who the people that loved her the most were.
Sean broke out his thoughts, and concentrated on Lita and Bischoff once more. He wanted to be there for the diva, as much as he possibly could.
"... so if you need anything, even if it's in the middle of the night, just give Chief a call, or give me a call, and we'll be there for you before you even put the phone down."
Lita smiled at Eric's words, feeling safer and secure with each word. Suddenly, she frowned and stood up from the couch. "Oh, oh that reminds me!"
"What is it?" Morley asked from across the room.
"I was given a message just before I left the hospital. The nurse told me I was supposed to ring, um, Chris Jericho and Jeff Hardy?" Lita's face was filled with puzzlement, and uncertainty. This proved to Morley that was still unsure of who Jericho and Jeff, two of her best friends, were. He studied her, feeling horrible at the look of doubt etched onto her features.
Bischoff frowned deeply. "Oh, you're joking. I can't believe that!"
Morley felt his stomach roll at his boss' words. Why couldn't Eric believe that Lita's two best friends in the entire world would want her to call them once she was out of hospital? What was so hard to believe about that? Sean took a few steps forward, walking away from the door.
Lita stared at Eric. "What?"
He shook his head, rubbing his forehead as if he were in pain. "I just can't believe they would do this to you. Not now. You're still recovering, and vulnerable, and you can't remember absolutely everything... I just didn't think they could ever sink so low."
Now Sean knew something was wrong. He stepped even closer towards the other two people in the room, his eyes flicking from Lita, to Eric, and then back to Lita again. What was going on in that head of his?
"Eric? What.. what's going on?" Lita asked the RAW general manager. "I don't understand what's going on."
Eric held Lita's hand in his, holding it tightly. "Oh, Lita. You probably don't remember. Although I guess those two are something I'd rather you forget." The dark haired man paused for a few seconds, before continuing. "Jeff Hardy and Chris Jericho are two of the most despicable guys here on RAW. The only reason I keep them on the roster is because they're also two of the best wrestlers here on RAW."
Sean's blood pumped with adrenaline as he realised what Eric was planning on doing. This was why he wanted Lita brought here. This was why he was acting to caring and concerned. This was why! And Sean Morley didn't know if he could just stand by and watch him do it.
"Mr Bischoff, I think Lita needs to --"
"Yes, I know what you're going to say Chief. Maybe Lita would be better off if I didn't tell her. Maybe that would save her some pain." Eric looked pointedly at his friend. "But I can't take that chance. She needs to know what those two are really like." He turned back to the redhead beside him. "Jeff and Chris have always hated us."
"Us?" Lita asked, finding this new information slightly overwhelming.
Bischoff nodded. "Me, Morley and you. They've always been envious of the close friendship we've shared, and have always tried to split the team apart. They've come close on a few occasions, but we always win out in the end."
"Mr Bischoff I really don't think that --"
"Again, maybe you're right, Morley. Maybe I shouldn't go through the old, painful memories."
Lita spoke up, focusing entirely on Eric. "No. No, please tell me. I can't remember.. I wish I could.. but I can't remember a thing. Please tell me all about Chris and Jeff."
"We'll go back to my hotel room, and I'll tell you all about them, and your history as part of the Bischoff Administration, once we get back there." Eric explained, standing up from the couch and buttoning his coat. "But before we leave, promise me one thing Lita. Promise me you won't contact either of them. And if they try to talk to you - ignore them. I don't want them to hurt you."
The diva quickly looked over at Sean, who stood beside her with a distraught look on his face. She realised that the big man must've really cared for her, if he tried to protect her from even hurtful memories. Lita looked back over at Eric, taking his hand as they made their way out of the office and into the hallway.
"I promise, Eric."
AUTHOR: Cathie McMath.
EMAIL: penrithpanther_03@yahoo.com.au
RATING: PG-13..
CONTENT: Slight swearing, and the usual WWE violence.
SUMMARY: An unfortunate accident causes the lives of a few WWE superstars to turn upside down. Jeff, Lita, Jericho, and more.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anyone or anything related to the WWE. Vince McMahon has that honour, and I am extremely jealous.
DISTRIBUTION: Just email me first and let me know if you want it.
FEEDBACK: Oh, please! Pretty, pretty please with Jeff Hardy and whipped cream on top! I'd love to know what you guys are thinking about this fic so far. I haven't recieved alot of reviews as of yet for this one, so I'd just like to hear what you guys think! Like it? Love it? Hate it? Let me know!
~-~-~-~-~-~-~
"So.. what's Mr Bischoff like?"
The young, redheaded woman looked over at the older man walking beside her as they made their way through the arena hallway. She glanced over at him occasionally - her eyes flicking back and forth, surveying their surroundings.
Chief Morley kept his gaze forward, his tone level and steady. "Mr Bischoff is a great boss. He genuinely cares about the superstars here on RAW, and tried his very hardest to make everyone happy."
Lita bit her lip nervously, keeping up with Morley as he walked towards Eric Bischoff's office. "Okay, that's good. And how long has this brand extension been going on, exactly? I know that it happened, but the details are just kinda fuzzy..."
Still not looking over at the diva beside him, Morley turned a corner, noticing that Bischoff's office wasn't far away. "It began in April, last year. So it's been a while now." Morley paused for a while, thinking about it himself. "Over a year now."
"A year..." Lita was quiet as they neared Bischoff's office, but as they approached the door, she turned to Chief Morley, her eyes questioning and scared. "Does Mr Bischoff like me? I mean... does he think I'm a good wrestler?"
Sean really looked at the woman for the first time since he had picked her up from the hospital earlier that night. Until this moment, he had avoided all direct eye contact with Lita. He felt extremely uncomfortable around her - he wasn't sure what to say, or how to act. He just wanted to get her to Mr Bischoff as quick as possible.
And now, with her asking him a question like that, he couldn't help but feel sorry for the diva. The poor thing had no idea about what her career had been like; she didn't know if she was well liked; she didn't know who her friends and her enemies were - she was helpless.
"Lita, Mr Bischoff thinks you're the best female wrestler he's ever seen. I think that as well. Alot of people think that." He said softly, his hand on the doorknob. "You don't need to worry about what people think about you. They all love you."
He watched as a rosy blush blossomed in Lita's cheeks, and she ducked her head, tucking her long hair behind her ears. "Um, thanks Mr Morley."
A warm smile spread over Morley's face as he watched the modest woman look up at him. He reached out to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. It was almost as if he had no control over his own actions. He just needed to touch her, comfort her - let her know that she had someone here that was looking out for her. "Please Lita. My name is Sean, and I'd like you to call me Sean."
His gaze still upon her, she smiled brightly at the man standing in front of her. "Okay, Sean. Thank you." Morley felt his heart go out to her as she looked up at him so tenderly. She looked so small, delicate and fragile. He hoped that he would be able to be there for her during this difficult time...
And then Sean realised that he was having way too much compassion for Lita. He had only gone to pick her up from the hospital because Mr Bischoff ordered him to. He was only helping her to the arena because he was told to. His smile faded, and his eyes fell to the ground. Him and Lita were not friends. No where near it. She may not be able to remember that, but he could.
Mentally kicking himself for feeling so much for this woman, Morley slow opened the door to Mr Bischoff's office, and ushered Lita inside.
Lita glanced around the office quickly, her head lowered and her eyes downcast. She felt small and lost in the spacious room. She knew that Mr Morley... Sean... had told her that Mr Bischoff was a great boss, who was warm and generous and truly cared for the superstars that worked for him. But she still couldn't help but feel nervous and self conscious. She felt as though she were meeting him for the first time in her life.
Eric Bischoff stood up from the large leather chair behind his desk, and walked around to greet Lita. With a wide grin on his face, he approached her with his arms outstretched. He folded his arms around her, holding her tightly. Lita returned the hug awkwardly, finding it uncomfortable to be hugging a man who she considered to be a stranger so intimately. But soon, she found herself relax in Eric's arms. She hadn't been hugged in so long... she was craving some kind of comforting touch. And here was this man, holding her tightly and making her feel so cared for.
When they seperated, Eric brushed some hair off her face, tucking it behind her ears. "Lita. Oh, sweetie. It's so good to see you here. How are you feeling?"
Biting her lip slightly, Lita looked over at Chief Morley who was standing beside her, in front of the door. He was watching them both with an unreadable expression. She thought she detected some curiosity in his features, but she couldn't be sure. She turned back to Eric, and nodded. "I'm doing okay, I guess. I'm still having some problems with headaches, and I get dizzy spells sometimes. Dr Hart told me I'd be experiencing those for a week, maybe a bit longer. They'll go eventually."
"That's good to hear. You're doing well, physically." Bischoff reached for the redhead's hand, and held it in his own. He lead her over to the couch, and the two sat down. "How about mentally?"
Lita looked down at her feet quickly, taking in a quick breath. She returned her attention to the dark haired man beside her. "It's hard." She stole a quick glance at Morley. "It feels as though I'm meeting everyone for the first time in my life, you know? But they all already know me. They all know the history I have with them. It's like everyone knows my life, but me. They all know who I am. But... I don't."
Eric's blue eyes focused on Lita as he squeezed her hand tightly. "I understand that it must be hard for you, Lita. And no one can ever imagine what you're going through at the moment. But you have to remember that you have people here who care about you, and want to look after you and make sure you're okay." He glanced over at Morley, still standing at the door. "Myself and Sean are here for you. For anything, okay? If you need to talk, or just need a hug..."
Morley kept his position, standing by the door as Bischoff continued to comfort Lita. He watched intently as he saw Eric give Lita a hug, and smile at her warmly. The big man frowned slightly, unsure of his boss' motives. Eric was never one for concern and caring for other people besides himself, unless there was something in it for him. He wasn't exactly the most tender human being he'd ever met. But watching him with Lita now confused him. Eric seemed to be genuinely caring for the redhead, and wanting to make sure she was happy.
He'd never seen Bischoff this way. He continued to watch, and with each passing minute grew more and more confused. Maybe Eric truly felt for Lita? Maybe he was authentically worried and concerned about her health, and realised that she was this amazing woman who deserved respect and care and love. Morley knew that she deserved all that... and more. But had Bischoff finally realised this? Had he realised that she wasn't a pawn to be used to play with. She wasn't an item. She wasn't something to be used to attract fans or increase profit.
She was a woman. A beautiful, loving and amazing woman. A woman who had just been through an incredibly traumatic injury - and at the present moment didn't even know who the people that loved her the most were.
Sean broke out his thoughts, and concentrated on Lita and Bischoff once more. He wanted to be there for the diva, as much as he possibly could.
"... so if you need anything, even if it's in the middle of the night, just give Chief a call, or give me a call, and we'll be there for you before you even put the phone down."
Lita smiled at Eric's words, feeling safer and secure with each word. Suddenly, she frowned and stood up from the couch. "Oh, oh that reminds me!"
"What is it?" Morley asked from across the room.
"I was given a message just before I left the hospital. The nurse told me I was supposed to ring, um, Chris Jericho and Jeff Hardy?" Lita's face was filled with puzzlement, and uncertainty. This proved to Morley that was still unsure of who Jericho and Jeff, two of her best friends, were. He studied her, feeling horrible at the look of doubt etched onto her features.
Bischoff frowned deeply. "Oh, you're joking. I can't believe that!"
Morley felt his stomach roll at his boss' words. Why couldn't Eric believe that Lita's two best friends in the entire world would want her to call them once she was out of hospital? What was so hard to believe about that? Sean took a few steps forward, walking away from the door.
Lita stared at Eric. "What?"
He shook his head, rubbing his forehead as if he were in pain. "I just can't believe they would do this to you. Not now. You're still recovering, and vulnerable, and you can't remember absolutely everything... I just didn't think they could ever sink so low."
Now Sean knew something was wrong. He stepped even closer towards the other two people in the room, his eyes flicking from Lita, to Eric, and then back to Lita again. What was going on in that head of his?
"Eric? What.. what's going on?" Lita asked the RAW general manager. "I don't understand what's going on."
Eric held Lita's hand in his, holding it tightly. "Oh, Lita. You probably don't remember. Although I guess those two are something I'd rather you forget." The dark haired man paused for a few seconds, before continuing. "Jeff Hardy and Chris Jericho are two of the most despicable guys here on RAW. The only reason I keep them on the roster is because they're also two of the best wrestlers here on RAW."
Sean's blood pumped with adrenaline as he realised what Eric was planning on doing. This was why he wanted Lita brought here. This was why he was acting to caring and concerned. This was why! And Sean Morley didn't know if he could just stand by and watch him do it.
"Mr Bischoff, I think Lita needs to --"
"Yes, I know what you're going to say Chief. Maybe Lita would be better off if I didn't tell her. Maybe that would save her some pain." Eric looked pointedly at his friend. "But I can't take that chance. She needs to know what those two are really like." He turned back to the redhead beside him. "Jeff and Chris have always hated us."
"Us?" Lita asked, finding this new information slightly overwhelming.
Bischoff nodded. "Me, Morley and you. They've always been envious of the close friendship we've shared, and have always tried to split the team apart. They've come close on a few occasions, but we always win out in the end."
"Mr Bischoff I really don't think that --"
"Again, maybe you're right, Morley. Maybe I shouldn't go through the old, painful memories."
Lita spoke up, focusing entirely on Eric. "No. No, please tell me. I can't remember.. I wish I could.. but I can't remember a thing. Please tell me all about Chris and Jeff."
"We'll go back to my hotel room, and I'll tell you all about them, and your history as part of the Bischoff Administration, once we get back there." Eric explained, standing up from the couch and buttoning his coat. "But before we leave, promise me one thing Lita. Promise me you won't contact either of them. And if they try to talk to you - ignore them. I don't want them to hurt you."
The diva quickly looked over at Sean, who stood beside her with a distraught look on his face. She realised that the big man must've really cared for her, if he tried to protect her from even hurtful memories. Lita looked back over at Eric, taking his hand as they made their way out of the office and into the hallway.
"I promise, Eric."