Title High-Speed Stakes (5?)

Author Cristal

Email PG13

Disclaimer All character names belong to the WWE and their respective owners: the rest really does belong to me… ;)

Distribution Interested in hosting this fic? Please ask permission.

Notes Totally AU. (oh, and watch 'The Fast and The Furious' for reference material )

Summary Christian and Lita are working on drag cars (although not publicly referred to as such of course ;) in a garage…

Lita had finally finished running new wires in the engine housing of her Corvette. And, happily, she and Christian were dropping the engine back in tonight. She smiled brightly as she watched him expertly maneuver the engine on the engine hoist, before slowly lowering it back to its rightful spot in the car. He grinned back at her as they both stepped over, looking down. She left it primarily how it originally was, but changed out a few things for racing stock, as well as adding a hood scoop for the engine intake.

Christian went to work bolting the engine down once more one side while Lita began reconnecting wires on the other side after they loosened the ties holding it to the engine hoist. She bit her lip as she connected wires, quickly matching up everything properly. "Thank you for helping me Christian…"

He shrugged as he tightened the bolt. "No prob." He finally finished that and moved to the next.

Lita continued snapping wires together quickly as she glanced up at him. "What's Edge to you?"

"An asshole. You?"

"Christian…"

He sighed as he looked up at her. "Listen Lita, he's bad news, all right?"

Her eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about…?"

"Taker was right Li. You were flashing those big gray eyes of yours and smiling that million-dollar smile that makes men turn into lap dogs." He propped his arms across the side of the car, looking seriously at her. "I just want you to be careful before you fall for him. Do your research Li. I can guarantee you'll find a lot about him."

She stopped her wire snapping as she looked up at him. "Are you trying to keep me away? Because if you are, it doesn't matter because I'm not interested. He's a dick. I just want to know why you're all stressed out about him being in this area on the circuit."

He looked down at the bolt and started working again. "Fine. I'll answer any non-personal questions about him: okay?"

"Fine. Since that's probably the best I'll get this time around."

"Correct." He moved to the next bolt. "Now. What do you want to know?"

"I told him he didn't have a chance in hell of winning the race. He said to ask you about that to 'know what I was dealing with'. What did that mean?"

Christian smirked. "He's good, that's what it means. Being perfectly honest, he doesn't race a lot Lita."

"Then-"

"When he does, he has a tendency to win."

"Most people can't get sponsors or something for it, but he seemed-"

"Like he was set?" he asked and she nodded as he continued. "He probably was Lita. He bought that car, he'll make the additions, drop a new engine and have the race entry fee paid for. All by his sponsor I'd bet my bottom dollar."

"But how-? I mean, he's new!"

"Not really. He started in this area. Moved out after awhile and hit other race areas. But, he doesn't race as much as he used to Lita."

"Then how does he stay known…?"

"Works on cars." He stated evenly, although she could tell he was gritting his teeth with a frown. "Damn good at it too. He's built cars for himself, for me, Test and Jericho too."

"Really…"

"Yeah. Really. And he's good at it. I could always drive and he could always build 'em."

"When you won against that Ferrari before…?"

His smile held only traces of humor. "Correct. He built it for me. And that thought annoys me to this day. Knowing my big race was won because of a car HE built."

"Not only that, but you're a fantastic driver Christian."

He shrugged. "I'd like to think so. Anyway, what next?" he switched sides with her; beginning to tighten the engine bolts on the other side.

"Do you know where he's from? I mean, yeah he may have started racing in this area, but I doubt he's from here."

"Canada."

"What?"

He looked up with a laugh at she wrinkling her nose. "Toronto, Canada. Needless to say, on his way down, he spent a lot of time in the Motor City getting his kicks."

She bit her lip, looking at Christian's bent head as he looked down at the engine bolts. Something about the two of them…she had every intention to find out what was up. In some respects they acted very much alike. In others it was like looking at different men. But the idea of two sides of the same coin struck her as odd. "Oh."

She started clipping all the wires on the other side as soon as she finished. She was taking the car out for a test run tomorrow to make sure everything was running good. Maybe she'd take a side trip to Chris' place too…They only had a couple more days to get everything set…

The two had left early that morning to run home for sleep, intending to get back to work as early as possible. Lita got to take her car out of the garage for the first time since replacing some component parts. She was up at an ungodly early hour and dressed quickly that morning, speedily making her way to the garage. She stepped in with a grin at her boss who looked like he was only on his second cup of coffee. "Good morning Taker!"

He shook his head. "You're chipper this morning."

"We're taking my car out today!" she giggled uncontrollably. "We finally got the engine back where it belongs! And Christian finished with the dashboard a couple of nights ago."

"Did he already get the interior reinstalled?"

She nodded. "Mostly. The dash is back obviously, the telescoping steering column is working and everything seems to be working with the buttons inside. The only thing not done inside is that the passenger door paneling is still off. He wants to fix the window."

He arched an eyebrow. "You only have two more days Red. Then I need to know."

She nodded as she took an apple out of the small refrigerator under the desk. "I know. We're done with all the technicalities of the car's engine and underside. Everything's good to go. The only thing is the passenger door and then painting it."

"Is Christian painting it?"

"Nah. He needs to prep his car. Test said he'd do it for me though."

He nodded. "Sounds like a good plan. Did you install everything for the NOS boosters in your car?"

She hesitated biting her bottom lip. "I wasn't sure that was a good idea…I mean, I'd hate to totally blow a racing engine like that-"

"So, no?"

"Nah, Christian talked me into it." She pouted slightly. "He turned those big blue eyes towards me and I fell under his spell of course. The ass. He needs to stop being so easy on the eyes."

Undertaker laughed. "Right. I'll be sure to mention that to him."

"Don't you dare! He'll never let me live it down if he found out I actually called him 'handsome' or something!" she laughed.

"Well, I'm glad you decided to run the wiring and tubing for the nitrous. I'm thinking you're gonna be needing it…"

"Did you find out if there is a Ferrari or not?"

He shook his head. "Won't know for a fact until the deadline."

Both looked up as the door jingled, Christian letting himself in with a bright, yet sleepy smile. "Morning!"

Undertaker looked at him like he grew another head. "You both are too chipper this morning."

Lita smiled as she filled his third coffee cup. She turned a bright smile towards Christian who handed her a bagel. "Thanks! Are we ready to go!"

He chuckled; slipping the sunglasses he wore off, setting them on the table. "Soon as I eat. I'm starved."

She pouted before both sat down eating. She looked back at Christian. "Does Test know I'm coming today?"

He nodded, taking a bite of bagel. "Yeah. Talked to him last night. He's ready to go on it. All you have to do is pick your final color. Speaking of which, did you ever decide on one?"

She bobbed her head excitedly with another smile. "He showed me this fantastic metallic blue! I want that with silver pin striping! It'll kick ass!"

"That's cool." He finished his sandwich before drinking part of a can of Coke that Undertaker had set in front of him. "Test said to be at his place about five. That'll give him time to set up. Hopefully he'll just work on it tonight and you'll have it back in a couple of days after the paint and clear coat dries."

She nodded as she finished both her sandwich and drink. "Do you need any help today with your car?"

"Nah." He grinned. "I figured you'd just be out test driving until 4:59pm today."

She grinned back at him fluttering her eyelashes. "Yeah, because I wanna pick up guys doncha know!"

"You got one right here Red! I'm hurt!" Christian smirked at her, arms out to the side.

"You know, I'll never understand either one of you…" Undertaker shook his head as he started back towards his office. Both just grinned at the other.

Lita eagerly rubbed her hands together as she looked at her car. It was still an icky mustard yellow, the original color actually, with splotches of primer on it and the pin striping gone from the sides. But it was true love. Christian watched her with a grin as he pushed a button, the heavy metal garage door opening, letting in bright sunshine. She jangled the keys nervously in her hand as she watched the door stop. He came over with a smile. "So. You want the t-tops off or not?"

"Nah." She shook her head. "I'm not gonna have them off during the race."

"That's cool. You shouldn't have any problems, but if you do give me a call. And have a good time." He smiled at her.

She grinned back as she sat in the low seat, looking down the sloping hood of the car. "Thanks! I'll call when you can pick me up from Test's place."

He nodded, patting the hood of the car. "No prob. Talk to you later."

She nodded before turning the engine over, grinning as it came to life with a loud rumbling purr. Lita put the car into gear, pulling out, chirping the tires as she left the garage. Pulling into the street she took a right onto the main strip, happily driving down the ride. She turned on the radio that Christian had so sweetly installed for her, listening to the pop station on.

She reached to the center counsel, rolling down both windows with another smile. She bit her lip in thought before stopping at a gas station and killing the engine. Hopping out, Lita filled the tank with high octane and was on the road once more, destination in mind. She finally blew through the last light on the outskirts of town, leading almost directly into an almost arid wasteland.

Lita turned the car swiftly onto a side road that appeared to lead nowhere… her vision finally adjusted to the bright glare of the sun as she stopped at a gangly tree at the roadside. She looked into the distance, catching glimpses of a similar tree, two miles away. She turned, hearing the smooth sound of a running engine. She grinned, flashing a peace sign as the silver blur slid to a stop near her. He rolled the window down with a grin and a nod. "Hey."

"Hey! I was gonna stop by your place today Chris!"

"Well, I figured you'd be out today so I called Christian. This was his guess. Good guess I suppose…" he trailed off with a shrug.

"I wanna see how fast I can go. You got a clock on you?"

"Honestly woman! Of course. What do you wanna do?" he asked, holding up the small silver clock in hand, still smirking.

"It's two miles to that tree to the right. I want to see how quick I can get down there and back." She stated, looking at the tree in the distance.

"No prob." He fiddled with a clock a moment, getting out of his car. "I'll say when and you gun it, sound good?"

She nodded, still watching the tree. She bit her lip, revving the engine. "GO!"

She hit the gas easily to keep from spinning and immediately set out at a quick clip. She punched the gas, feeling the gears shift as she did so. The wind whipped her hair back as she saw the quick approach of the tree gritting her teeth with a grin. Lita pulled the emergency brake, feeling the car slide out and around the tree before she released the brake and hit the gas again, clearing the offending tree in her way. She picked up speed and blew past Chris who stopped the clock.

Lita smiled as she slowed down, turning the car and driving back. She hopped out of her car with a smile at her blonde friend. Who was viciously chewing in his gum at that point. She pouted slightly. "Was it that bad?"

He shook his head. "I know YOU can do better, but it is the first dry run with this car. I know you'll smoke most of the people if you pop the NOS on the last stretch. Otherwise, not too shabby." He smiled at her.

"Only most?"

"Well…" he hesitated a moment. "Christian will be a bear to beat. The track the race is on is practically his Red."

"Uh huh. I have no problem losing to Christian. You know that. So who else were you talking about?" she arched an eyebrow, arms crossed over her chest.

Chris bit his lip, tucking his favorite watch in his jeans pocket. "I don't know if you know a whole lot about the man, but um, Edge will probably be just as tough as Christian to beat…"

She nodded, thinking about what Christian had told her before. "I got that impression. I wanted to speak to you about that too Chris…"

Chris bit his lip nervously, knowing she was going to ask questions he wasn't going to like…he sighed. He couldn't say no to her even if he tried: pathetic really. "Fine, but its hotter than hell here. You wanna head back into town to that ice cream place in the park and talk?"

She nodded. "Sure. I'll race you there." She grinned, jumping back into her car, Chris quickly doing the same and both were gone in a blast of heat and gravel. They quickly made it back into town and proceeded into a game of duck and weave around the other cars on the stretch of asphalt. Unfortunately, Chris had the advantage she pouted slightly as he whipped that small car around the left and slid in front of her.

Both drove down into the park after their little game, on the lookout for any nice police officers that might have taken notice. Breathing a sigh of relief they parked at the edge of the small creek running through the park, sharing a grin. Chris wrapped an arm around her, leading her over to where an ice cream vendor was. "Well that was fun."

She crossed her arms over her chest, nose in the air. "You had the advantage. City street racing is your thing."

"True. But I'm also just damn good."

She laughed as she looked over at him. They grabbed ice cream and started walking again. Some of the guys liked to come down showing off their cars: and it wasn't long until the race so there was probably a lot of guys down there. Chris looked over at her after a bite of ice cream. "So. What did you want to know?"

She pointed at a bench and they had a seat as she sighed. "Tell me what you know about Edge. Christian answered only questions pertaining to a non-personal level. I KNOW you know what happened Chris…"

He shrugged slightly, watching a sporty Honda drive by. "It's really not my place to say-"

"You know, Edge said the same thing and Christian won't tell me what happened!" Lita spat as she stood, pacing. "Hence, I don't know what's going on because nobody's talking. So talk."

He looked down her finger as she pointed at him, pushing her hand aside with a smirk. "A true redhead. Sit then and I'll give you all the necessary details, okay?"

She nodded, having a seat, looking at him expectantly before he began. "Okay."

"Well, they stopped talking about, what three years ago or so. The reason was bad because it was a bad situation that neither of them should have been in."

"What would make someone totally stop talking to their friend like that though? I mean-"

"Here's a question Red. Have you ever, I mean EVER since you've actually known Christian, seen him date anyone?"

"…no, but what does that have to do with-"

"Well, back in the day, Edge and Christian were the team to beat. Probably before you came to this area. One built one race. Although they could both do each task. Another question: did you know Christian was engaged?"

"…what?" she looked over, surprise vivid on her face.

Chris smiled wryly. "Yeah, learn something new every day, huh? Anyway, yes, he was. Beautiful girl too: she wasn't into the race scene, but she appreciated his interest in it. Was at all the races. Happy for him when he won. But…well, she was also at the garage needless to say when the guys worked on the cars. Let's just say, Christian had no idea just how close his fiancé and Edge were."

"Oh my God…" she held a hand to her mouth in surprise, things about the man she thought she knew becoming painfully clear with this explanation.

"Yeah. That's about what he said." He bit his lip. "Both guys ditched her. Obviously Christian did: she was cheating on him before they even got married. And Edge dropped her because he didn't want Christian to completely despise him. Came a little too late though…"

"Poor Christian…no wonder he hates the guy…I would too…"

"Don't feel bad for him Lita." He looked over seriously. "He'll have my hide if he finds out I told you this. He says its done and over and wants to move on. Which is good. He didn't want you to know really though-"

"But why not! I know everything else!"

"I know. But…you hated him when others were feeling bad for him. He showed you the same dislike because it let him leave that little place of discomfort for awhile. He also has a lot of respect for you…just like he knows you had respect for him even when he WAS being an ass." She chuckled slightly as he grinned. "Yeah, you two have a really messed up relationship. It's weird. Everyone thinks its weird."

She calmed down slightly with a nod. "I know…but why did it happen? Why did Edge sleep with that girl when he KNEW she was engaged? And to one of his friends nonetheless…"

"I don't know. I never really got around to asking him actually…he felt bad enough about it. Claimed it was only a one-night thing but…well, who knows? No one really does for sure. I still talked to him even after he left the area. He hasn't had an actual relationship since then either."

"As far as you know."

"Nah, I KNOW he hasn't. Because that's just how he is. His big mouth gets him trouble and he'll insult anyone, male or female, consequences be damned." Chris sighed.

"Oh." She looked at her empty ice cream cup quietly. "Sounds bitter."

He shrugged with a sad smile as he glanced at the redhead. "He is. He hurt his best friend. And his brother."

End Chapter 5