Title: Appearances Can Be Deceiving

Author: Luna

Feedback: Always appreciated!

Archive: Full Moon Romper Room, WWEATSBTVS, anyone else just ask I'll probably say yes.

Rating: PG-13, for the moment. I, however, reserve the right to up the rating should the need arise!

Type:

Pairings: Lilian?

Disclaimer: Vince McMahon owns the WWE. Nothing is being gained from this, except a need to pass the time.

Summary:

Spoilers: None that I'm aware of.

Anything else: Oh we must thank Paulena for this little bit of fun. (This is in response to the second Lilian challenge.) It was her challenge that made the plot bunnies multiply. I'm still not too sure whom I'm going to be pairing Lilian up with but as soon as I know so will you! LOL. I'm using these characters as I see fit. I'm not going to be going against the nature(s) of those involved. At least I hope I'm not. Any comments are welcome as long as they are constructive.

Author's Notes: All your encouragement has meant the world to me. It gave me courage to go on when I didn't think I had the talent. Thank you to everyone that reviewed. YOU'RE THE BEST!

Chapter Six

The company was alive with excitement. The boss was throwing a big shindig. No one was quite sure why and they weren't about to question it either. All they knew was that it was scheduled to happen at the end of the week. It was a black tie affair. Dinner would be served. Rumor had it Vince was worried about losing his wrestlers to the other companies and this was his way of making sure no one jumped ship.

The shy young wrestler stood around twiddling his thumbs for two weeks. Now he had to work up the courage to ask his favorite blonde to the party. He valiantly hoped that no one else had already asked the pretty announcer already.

With a sigh he checked his reflection once more in the mirror. His dark blue Levis were wrinkle free and his emerald green silk shirt was tucked neatly into his jeans. The shirt brought out his eyes. There was nothing he could do about the shoes though. They were scuffed and well worn. He looked pretty good if he did say so himself.

His gaze dropped down to his hands. Unlike some men his nails were neat, even, and clean. It had always been his pet peeve. It bothered him to see unkempt hands, like it said something about the person that they couldn't even take the time to take care of their hands. His palms and fingers were roughened and calloused but that was because of his job. He couldn't keep them like an executive.

Turning away from the mirror he sighed again. It should have been so easy. He liked her and by all accounts she didn't mind spending time with him. Why couldn't he just gather his courage and ask her out? He plastered a smile on his handsome face and walked out of the locker room. He had a lady to see.

It wasn't long before he found the blonde announcer. Lilian was laughing at something the man in front of her had said. Jealousy flared brightly in the young man. It took all his self-control not to storm over and punch Shelton Benjamin in his smug face.

He was brought out of his stupor when the African-American wrestler ran his hand down Lilian's shoulder to her elbow. The other man strode toward the pair, hoping his face showed none of the emotions that were currently roiling through his gut at this precise moment.

"Looks like we've got some company," Benjamin said to the blonde in front of him.

Lilian turned her lovely face to him. Her eyes seemed to shine at him, her smile even brighter than the one she had bestowed upon Shelton. His heart stopped then began to pound a staccato in his chest. He halted a few steps from the beautiful woman before him.

"I'll just leave you two alone," Shelton said after a long pause. The pair stared at one another like a school kid with their crush. 'Oh yeah, those two got it bad,' he thought as he strolled away, a goofy grin on his face.

"Hey you," Lilian greeted him. The smile never left her face.

"Hey," he returned. His hand went up to rub the back of his neck.

"How are you," the blonde inquired as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

"I'm good," he responded with a small smile. "You?"

"Can't complain." She gave a small laugh then lowered her voice to a stage whisper. The young man leaned in playing along with her. "Well, I could but it wouldn't change anything."

"What would someone as good looking as you have to complain about," he asked then quickly shut his mouth. His eyes widened as he realized what he said.

Lilian threw her head back and her tinkling laughter echoed through the hall. He could feel a blush climbing up his neck, staining his face. She laid her small hand on his arm. His heat stopped beating. Her fragrance wafted over him. She smelled of strawberries and a hint of something floral, roses perhaps.

Without thought he caught her hand in his larger one. He stared into her azure eyes and was struck again by how beautiful they were. "Lilian," he said softly. "Will you do the honor of accompanying me to McMahon's dinner?"

The blonde was stunned. She'd never thought in a million years that he would ask her to the dinner. Secretly she had hoped he would, but was far too realistic to expect it. His crestfallen expression told her that she'd been silent too long. "Someone's already beaten me to it, haven't they," he asked dismally.

She raised her free hand and cupped his cheek, gently forcing him to meet her eyes. "No. No one has asked me." The young man gaped at her. Her smile widened. "I would love to go with you to the dinner," came her earnest reply.

"Really," he asked hopefully.

"Really Shane. I couldn't think of any other superhero I'd rather go with."

The Hurricane could barely suppress the urge to jump, whoop, and shout. Without warning he scooped Lilian up in his arms and swung her around. He'd done it! He'd asked Lilian out and she'd said yes. The young wrestler pulled back and flashed her a million watt smile.

That smile had been known to melt divas at a hundred paces and now that it was directed at her she wasn't sure what to do with it or him. Her face and neck were heating up. She dropped her gaze from his face, though the giddy feeling that had entered her system since he'd asked her out was still thrumming through her veins.

"What time should I pick you up," Shane asked the announcer in his arms.

Lilian threw him a dazzling smile. "How does eight sound?"

"Sounds good to me," he replied with a smile. The smile slipped as he thought of something. "This isn't going to bother you is it?" He raised a hand to the green tipped spikes on his head.

The announcer leaned up on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "Not at all." She stepped out of his embrace. "See you Saturday?"

"Saturday," he said flashing that sinful smile. He watched her as she walked down the hall and turned a corner. Whistling to himself he strolled off in the other direction.

At the end of the hall a little redhead did the happy dance. 'It's about time,' she thought. Lita was glad that her two friends were finally getting together. "Just wait till I tell Matt," she cried and dashed off to their locker room.