Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: No
Disclaimer: I own nothing that you recognize.
Pairings/Characters: Dawn-Batista, Victoria-Chris J., Lillian-Chris B., Randy, Lita, Trish, John Cena and many others.
Summary: How much time does one need to figure out what they want? How much time can pass before it's too late?
Notes: See previous chapters.. All friendships/alliances/etc are by my choosing. Basically, I'm making up my own storylines and stuff.
Chapter Eight
As he had expected, the extra day spent in Honolulu had been nothing short of full. To start the day, they had gone on a hiking trip to see a secluded waterfall after which they went to Diamond Head. They had returned to the hotel to get lunch.. And then it was off to the Polynesian Cultural Center. But, even with all of this non-stop sightseeing to some of the top tourist destinations the city had to offer; neither of them seemed to be enjoying it. The underlying tension that came from tenative boundries provided for a rather awkward day. To Lita, it was became obvious that close proximity right now just wasn't a good idea. It had seemed like a good idea before the day started, but by the end of the day, it was painfully obvious that she had been wrong. And had she asked, she would've found out that Randy was in complete agreement. Perhaps it was too soon, trying to become something they never had been.. Even it was something as simple as a friendship. Which was why, the next morning, Randy decided he was going home.
"Look.. Even if I wanted to stay another day, I do need to go."
The redhead nodded, "I know.. House shows start on Friday and you probably want to rest up."
"Yeah.." He zipped up his suitcase, "When are you coming back?"
Lita shrugged, "I'm not sure yet.. Probably soon though." She smiled wryly, "I doubt I'll be able to miss that much time."
Randy looked up from the suitcase, "Just don't stay away too long."
"Don't tell me you'll miss me.." She swept her hair from her face, "I'll probably be back for RAW if not sooner.. Honestly, I don't see Vince or Linda approving of me staying away that long."
"You know I'll miss you," he held her unwavering gaze, "And I'm sure Dawn'll want you back soon, too."
Lita rolled her eyes, "I know she will.. I'm supposed to help her plan her wedding."
Randy raised an eyebrow, "When did you become a wedding planner?"
"It's a long story.." she shook her head, settling on the edge of the bed. "To sum it up though, Dawn made a mistake when she scheduled the wedding.. So she pushed it back, has to re-schedule just about everything and--"
"And she requires your help, why?"
"Because she doesn't want to hire a wedding planner when she has her bridesmaids and maid of honor." Lita pursed her lips, "Which means.. She's roped me, Vikki, Ivory and Lillian into helping."
Randy couldn't help but laugh, "Let me get this straight.. You, Victoria, Ivory and Lillian are going to help her plan this wedding.. Even though none of you have a clue about planning one?"
"Correct," Lita confirmed with a wry smile. "Dawn already had everything planned, it's just with the schedule change she has to get all new stuff... Except the dresses."
"I'm thankful that I'm serving as best man then.." Randy shook his head, "The only thing I have to worry about is making sure I have my tuxedo."
Lita raised an eyebrow at that, "Don't speak to soon there. We might just need your help.. and Chris, Chris and Eddie of course."
"You mean Tyson, John and Eddie." Randy leaned back against the dresser. "Because Dave picked Tyson, John and me.. He and Dawn bargained over the last person."
"Whatever. That still doesn't mean boyfriends can't help.. Like Chris and Chris." She tossed her hair over her shoulder. "All I really know at this point is that, I've got one of the supposedly important roles."
He nodded, "Which is another reason you shouldn't stay away too long."
She snorted, "Right.. Because the first thing I want to do when I get back, is help plan a wedding."
Randy shrugged, "I should probably call Dave.. See if he can pick me up from the airport or something."
"I can drop you off.." she chewed thoughtfully on her lower lip a moment, "I did rent a car, not that I've had a chance to use it or anything but--"
"It's up to you," he interrupted her with a small smile. "I need to call Dave anyway, so just let me know."
Lita nodded in turn, hopping off the bed then to find the keys to the aforementioned rental car. And while she waited for Randy to finish up his phone call, she debated over what she would do for the rest of the day.
"Alright.. Dawn and Dave are picking me up from the airport in Jersey."
She eyed him curiously, "You aren't going back to St. Louis?"
"The building is undergoing renovations." Randy removed his flight intinerary from a pants pocket, "I'm staying with Dawn and Dave for tonight, then heading over to John's.""
Lita held up the car keys in her hand, "Well.. Whenever you're ready.."
He raised an eyebrow, "Eager to get rid of me?"
"No, not really.. I just figured you'd need the time to check in or whatever."
At that, Randy merely nodded, the two opting to say farewell now rather then at the airport. And it figured, that even a simple act like that, would present a small challenge. A handshake would be far too informal where as the previous manner in which they departed would just be too awkward. Eventually, however, they compromised.. Lita finding herself locked in a silent embrace in the middle of the hotel suite. Idly, she wondered, if this how all of their farewells would play out. Not that this particular scenario bothered her, rather the simple gesture brought her some comfort. It also brought about a sense of closure.. Closure on what, she wasn't exactly sure. It occured to her, however, that yesterday had also been about closure. Yesterday had been the first step in moving on from their past. A step that would eventually be necessary if they were going to have any future.
"We should probably get going.."
He rested his chin atop her head, "I know.. But, I'm comfortable right here."
Lita srunched up her nose, "But that still doesn't mean you should stay."
Randy pulled back just enough to look at her, "I didn't say I was going to stay.. I just said I'm comfortable."
"But if we just stand here," she rolled her eyes. "It's not like you won't see me ever again, ya know."
"I know," he cracked a lopsided smile, "But, it could be awhile before this happens again."
A hand reached up to cup his cheek, "I'll miss you.."
He smirked slightly, "Now who's acting like we won't see each other again?"
"You are so close to walking to the airport or something, you know that right?"
A hand reached out to toy with her hair. "Just don't stay--"
"Away too long," she finished quietly. "I won't." Her head inclined, "Try to stay out of trouble."
"I'll do my best.." he brushed her hair from her face, "I know trouble seems to follow you--"
She smirked, "I could say something about that.."
Randy rolled his eyes, kissing her forehead before he spoke. "Stay safe, alright?"
Lita nodded, her hand dropping from his face. "Now, we really should get going."
Blue eyes sparked with mischief, "And this time you won't ask me to stay, right?"
"I would've asked already.." She perched on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. "I guess I'll see you when I get back."
With one last hug, they parted.. Lita following after the third generation wrestler as they exited the hotel suite.
"I'm guessing the rental car was charged to my credit card.."
Lita shot him a look that clearly read 'duh'. "I'll pay you back."
"I'd appreciate it," he replied evenly. "Especially if you'll be staying in that suite for the rest of your stay."
"Well..." Lita paused as they entered the elevator. "I can find another hotel to stay at. And it's not like I'll need any more clothes.."
Randy raised an eyebrow, "Just how much have you charged to my credit card?"
"Not too much," she stated carefully. "Which is why I'll pay you back."
He shook his head, "I don't know if I should be thankful for that or worried about how much this statement will be for."
Lita grinned innocently, "It really shouldn't be that bad, Randy.. And look on the bright side: You got to enjoy two days in Oahu."
"Now that's reassuring.." Randy quipped sarcastically. "Li.. How much did you spend?"
The redhead waited until they had exited the elevator. "The suite, the rental car.. A few changes of clothes, two new bikini's, room service, phone calls and--"
"You owe me," he interrupted smoothly. "And please.. Keep the spending to a minimum? I'm not made of money."
She huffed, "Well aren't you just a regular Scrooge.." Lita held up her hands at his mock glare, "I'm kidding, get a grip."
Before she could say another word, he kissed her. "That wasn't part of the payback."
Lita rolled her eyes in response, the two falling silent as they exited the hotel to seek out the hotel parking garage. And that silence continued to reign when they found the rental car and up until they reached the airport. Granted, it wasn't outright uncomfortable silence but it wasn't exactly comfortable silence either. It was the same silence that surrounded them for most of the day yesterday. A silence that they would probably get used to. But they weren't sure how long it would last.. Nothing lasted forever, after all. Neither silence nor people could last forever. The same thing could be said about feelings really. Lita knew her feelings wouldn't just disappear over night.. Nor did she really expect for them to do so. She wasn't sure how long they would remain. All she really knew at that point, was that she needed time to figure things out.