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Chapter Twelve: Flying Highxxxxx
The arena was quiet, completely empty and silent compared to the uproar it had housed only an hour or so before. He knew that there were likely fans waiting outside at the gates, hoping for autographs, he knew that he was probably holding up his friends who were probably ready to head back to the hotel, but he really didn't care. He needed his moment; just one moment to let it all sink in.
"I can't believe I did it," Chris said, staring reverently at the titles in his hands. The titles he'd won without any help, or any interference - on his behalf, anyway. "I really did it."
"She knew you would."
He turned around, almost falling off the turnbuckle in his haste. To say that he had been surprised to see the other man arriving at ringside earlier that night would be an understatement, but he really shouldn't have been. Steph had assured him that everything was going to be fine, with that little knowing smirk and a mischievous glint in her eye. It should have clicked then, really. But then, she had kissed him before they came out for the match, that had really been enough to completely empty his head of all thought.
"Then she knew more than I did," Chris said, wryly, slipping to his feet. He threw both belts over one shoulder and took a step towards The Game. "Thank you for helping her tonight. I couldn't get to them in time."
"I think I'm the one that should be thanking you," Hunter said, running a hand through his hair. "I promised to protect her and then I got taken out. I don't know what they threatened her with to get her to join them, but I'm guessing it was something she cared about for her to-"
"It was you," Chris said and Hunter closed his eyes, seeming to deflate somehow. Chris didn't think he'd ever seen The Game look so defeated.
"You know, I tried to convince myself she wouldn't do that for me. That she'd know I'd be able to take care of myself, I shoulda known."
"She cares about you," Chris said, trying not to think about the fact that those words left a horrible taste in his mouth.
"I know." Hunter smirked and suddenly Chris was looking at the man he recognised. "She did marry me after all."
"It was convenient." He could see a smile playing on the larger man's face and he scowled. "What's wrong, Jerky? You know it's true."
"Oh, yeah, I know it is." Hunter nodded, his smile fully forming now. "But the fact that you know that and you're still jealous about it, well, that's kinda funny."
"I'm not jealous."
"Right."
Chris glared. Hunter just laughed. A moment later, though, he held out his hand.
"Congratulations, jackass. You had a good match." Chris nodded and shook his hand. Hunter's smiled widened. "Just have fun while it lasts. When I'm done with Heyman, I'll want my shot."
"Anytime, jerky. I'll be happy to kick your ass. And as for Heyman, make sure there enough left that I get a few shots in as well."
Hunter nodded. "Deal."
The two men exited the ring, Chris taking one last look around before falling into step with the other man.
Hunter glanced at him sidelong. "You hurt her and I will kill you."
"I'm not planning on it."
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"We have to celebrate," Stephanie said, bouncing on the balls of her feet. She gripped hold of his sleeve as they walked along the corridor and he grinned at her. "Oh, please, we have to."
He laughed, pulling out his key card and letting them into his hotel room. She followed him in, still tugging at his sleeve and shut the door with her foot.
"Please?"
"You'd think you were the new Undisputed Champion," he said, momentarily affecting an air of conceit.
She smiled. "Well, I'm the manager of the new Undisputed Champion; I think I have the right to celebrate, too." He conceded her point, frowning when her face grew troubled. "Besides, I…I feel free." She shook her head and looked at the ground, bashfully. "I mean, I know you guys got me out of it, away from Heyman and Shane, but…I feel like it's come full circle now that Hunter's back. He got me away from it all the first time, it feels right that he's here now, you know?"
Chris cleared his throat and turned away from her. "Yeah," he said, putting his bag on the floor and his titles on the nearest chair. "Yeah, I get it. I mean, he's your husband, after all."
He grimaced the moment the words left his mouth. Hunter was right, he sounded completely jealous. He had spent the last few months slowly getting to know her, getting to understand her, and he loved spending time with her. The fact that he was falling for her had always been second to his need to be her friend. Until now, it seemed. The fact that she was currently laughing at him wasn't helping.
"Hunter said it, but I didn't believe him."
Chris frowned. "Believe what?" he asked, turning around. She grinned at him predatorily and he almost gulped - cartoon style.
"This."
She walked up to him, placed her hands on his face and stretched up on her toes to kiss him. He wasn't exactly the sharpest tool in the box when it came to women, but it didn't take him long to kiss her back. It didn't compare to anything else, not even winning the title for the first time, or winning them both tonight.
He was pretty sure he just flew right past cloud nine.
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End of Chapter Twelve
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Well, that's it folks, all done. It only took me about five years. Holy crap, five YEARS? Meep.
Hope you enjoyed the ride, anyway!
Also, I'm still looking for writers who might beupfor taking part in a Lita Ficathon. Interested parties should check out the post on my LiveJournal (it's open to be viewed by all).
kyizi (dot) livejournal (dot) com / 111443 (dot) html