Love, Lust and Lunacy

Disclaimer: Nope, not mine…never will be.

Spoilers: la la la la, I can't hear you… it's Alternate Universe

Rating: T for language

Characters: Trish, Dawn, Victoria, Lillian, Lita, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Tyson Tomko, Batista, Christian, Jeff Hardy and John Cena…appearances by many others.

Summary: Bad plumbing, a need for room-mates and a mutual friends wedding brings them all together.

Notes: See the prologue.. And let me say this one thing about the pairings: Only one pairing is absolutely set in stone…and that is Dawn/Christian. Also, the primary genre's might be romance and humor, but you know me.. I can't resist some drama. Also, any children will be OC's.

Thank you all for the kind reviews! I have ideas, many, many ideas for this piece.

xoxox

With the time now going on 6:00 p.m., the mini visit to Ghiradelli Square came to a close. As planned, the group made their way to Pier 43 ½ for the sunset cruise, walking down to the Hyde Street pier in order to walk along the waterfront. Of course, that particular route to warrant some complaining from a few…the overwhelming smell not sitting well with Dave, Tyson or Randy. It didn't really bother the females though, nor did it bother Chris, Jeff or John.. Not that any of them knew why, but Trish and Lita had figured it would be the best route to take. Aside from being a direct route to their destination, it also squeezed in a little more sight seeing for the out of town visitors. Suit jacket sleeves that had been rolled up were now rolled down, hands tucked into pants pockets as they continued on their way. Lita, Tyson, Dave and Jeff taking the lead of the oddball bunch with Chris, Victoria and Trish took up the rear. That arrangement, of course, left Randy and John to take the middle; John taking the side closest to the waterfront. And on the way to the designated pier- future housing arrangements and employment situations were discussed. The only two with a steady full time job were Dave and Tyson.. Chris and Lita could both claim near full time employment while Trish, Jeff and Victoria were painfully unemployed.. For the time being. Once Victoria's internship started, she too would have full time employment status…Jeff claimed he was looking, but the job market was about as bare as the cupboard in his apartment. And in Trish's case, it was a matter of time and stress.. Since she would be starting her first year in medical college, most of her time would be devoted to studies.

Trish bit her lower lip, "I would get a job.. Maybe something part time, but.. My schedule is packed. When I'm not in class, I'm cramming for class. Plus, there's the Scholarly concentration.. Which is mandatory for all medical students. I got into Stanford by the skin of my teeth as is and I didn't think I was going to but I did and--"

Lita held up her hands, the redhead turning to walk backwards. "Trish.. Take a deep breath and calm down, okay? No one is asking you to get a job, part time or full time.. We're just trying to figure out who's gonna have a job and who won't." She tucked a rampant strand of hair behind her ear, "And the only reason we need to do that is to figure out grocery money and stuff."

Victoria nodded, squeezing her friend's shoulder for support. "Don't worry about it, alright? I mean, I have a paid internship, Chris has a paid internship.. Li is going to start full time, plus--"

"Ty has a full time job and so does Dave." Lita finished for the raven haired woman, a smile sent to the blonde. "I'm just trying to think ahead, once in my life, and figure out what's what."

"I know.. I'm just really worried that I'll screw up somehow and get kicked out of Stanford." Trish smiled meekly. "I can't afford for that to happen."

Chris nodded, "Don't sweat it Trish.. Look on the bright side- you got into the Stanford School of Medicine. That's not an easy task."

The blonde woman let out a heavy sigh, "I'm sorry for being such a worry wart.."

Jeff rolled his eyes good naturedly, sending a look back over his shoulder. "It's just who you are Trish."

"Everything will work out fine." Lita grinned, "I mean we survived one hellacious senior year of college…I think we're just about ready to take on anything."

Tyson rolled his eyes, "You'll find out eventually but.. That's a nice outlook to have."

The redhead stuck out her tongue, "Gee and when did you get all cynical, big brother of mine?"

"I've always been cynical," the bald man informed her seriously. "You just never noticed until now." He waited a beat before adding: "And I'm not that much older."

"Fifteen seconds," she replied without missing a beat. "Which still makes you older."

Dave raised an eyebrow at Tyson, "You never told me you had a twin sister.." He waited a beat: "And why do you have different last names?"

"She took mom's last name, I took dad's." Tyson made a face, "If you had a sister like her…you'd probably deny it too."

"Anyway," Victoria nodded up ahead, "There's Pier 43 ½ .. Which is exactly where we're supposed to be."

Trish nodded, "And with ten minutes to spare too.. We should probably find Dawn or Christian."

"There you are!" Dawn declared with a grin, the brunette shortly making her way over. "I was starting to think you had forgotten.." She paused, scrutinizing the group. "Where's my highly annoying yet still loveable cousin?"

John rolled his eyes, stepping between Tyson and Lita. "Nice to see you too Dawnie."

Dawn rolled her eyes right back, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "I'm glad you could make it.." Her gaze shifted to Randy, "Christian's near the gangplank with my parents and his parents."

Randy nodded shortly, stepping between Tyson and Dave. "Thanks.. I need to speak with my uncle anyway."

"Oh.." Lita glanced to the brunette, "This is Dave.. He's a co-worker of Ty's."

Dawn smiled prettily, extending her hand to him in greeting. "I'm Dawn Psaltis.. Soon to be Dawn Psaltis-Reso."

"Dave Batista," he shook her hand gently "Just a co-worker of Tyson's."

Dawn turned questioning eyes between Trish, Lita and Victoria. "Have either of you heard from Lillian? I left a message for her at home this morning but.. I haven't heard back from her yet."

Heads shook in the negative, the blonde woman replying: "I haven't talked to her or seen her since Wednesday.."

Dawn frowned, concern flooding her eyes. "I hope everything is alright.."

Chris nodded confidently, "If it wasn't.. I'm sure one of us would've heard from Lil. So, we shouldn't worry too much."

The brunette nodded, "I guess.. I'll call her before dinner starts, just to be on the safe side." She smiled brightly to John, "So.. How do you like San Fran.?"

John shrugged his shoulders slightly, the group slowly making their way to the gangplank. "It's different from Boston.. Not a lot different but still different."

She nodded, linking arms with her cousin. "Any luck with that job search?"

He shook his head, "None at all.. Dad wants me to get a job back home and I have looked but I haven't found anything."

Dawn patted his arm comfortingly, "Something will turn up I'm sure.. You can always look for a job here too, you know."

John raised an eyebrow, "I'm only going to be here until Tuesday, Dawn.. That doesn't give me a whole lot of time."

"I know.." She shrugged casually, "It's just something to think about.. I'm not really sure if there are many jobs around here either, but it can't hurt.." A thoughtful frown, "Come to think of it.. Christian's dad is looking for some interns."

"Good evening everyone," a slightly distressed Christian greeted the group. "We're going to start the boarding soon."

xoxox

They all fell silent then, feeling slightly out of place amongst Dawn and Christian's co-workers. Not that they could really help that part.. It was just that their circles never really mixed. While most of the co-workers were from different parts of the state or from different parts of the country, they had all grown up in the Bay Area. Added to that, while their co-workers were mostly corporate yuppies, they were recent college graduates. But they didn't let that part phase them…and really they had no reason to. It wasn't something that should bother them anyway.. Even if the co-workers at the party had an upbringing similar to Christian and Dawn.. Life on a silver platter, anything and everything handed to them at the drop of a hat. But despite that, they weren't jealous nor did they envy the corporate yuppies. Like the corporate yuppies, they had much to be proud of…and they could say that they actually worked for it. Would they say those exact words to their faces? No.. that because that would just be petty. Rather they found comfort in those thoughts and that comfort allowed them to mingle with the corporate yuppies.. If only for this one occasion.

"I swear," Trish muttered under her breath as the boat passed near the Golden Gate Bridge, "If I have to listen to one more 'success' story I'm going to jump off this boat."

Victoria snorted, "You and me both, Trish.. Up until I met these people.. Ugh. I never realized how full of themselves people can be."

Lita nodded from her spot next to the blonde, "Tell me about it.. Honestly, I thought Christian's cousin was full of himself but these people take the cake."

Victoria glanced to the man in question, "Is he really that bad? I mean I haven't gotten the chance to talk to him or anything but--"

The redhead rolled her eyes, "He did nothing but complain from the moment he set foot in the airport until we got to the apartment."

The dark haired woman shrugged, "Well if he just had a non-stop flight here.. Who knows, he could've been sitting in front of a screaming child."

"Whatever," Lita replied with an indifferent shrug. "Like I said, he's not as bad as these people but.. Given the choice of sitting in a dentist's chair and having a root canal over spending another afternoon with him? I'd take the dentist's chair."

Victoria shook her head, a curious glance sent to Trish next. "And what about Dawn's cousin? He seems like a pretty laid back kinda guy."

"He is," Trish replied simply. "I mean I didn't really get the chance to talk to him in depth or anything but, yeah.. He's pretty easy going."

"Someone save me please," Tyson pleaded as he joined the three at the railing. "This boat cruise is nice and all but I want to jump."

Victoria smiled thinly, "Join the club.. Let me guess, you got to hear the 'success' story from Jillian?"

"Worse," Tyson confessed with a smirk. "I got to hear the success story from that city cowboy over there." Idly he gestured to a male with a big cheesy smile, "If you want to save your sanity…stay as far away from him as you possibly can."

Trish nodded solemnly, "Thanks for the tip.." A curious look to the bald man, "What do you do for a living? I'm sorry if I sound rude or something, but I've known you for years and never asked."

He crossed his arms over his chest, "I'm a bouncer part time, security guard full time." He nodded then to Dave, "I met Dave after I started working at the bar."

Lita rolled her eyes, "If you ever bothered to pay attention when you came to one our gigs, you would've seen Ty." The redhead shot the blonde a look, "He works at the club upstairs."

Trish rolled her eyes right back, "Well forgive me, but you know full well that I don't like rock music. I can't help it if I'm bored to pieces at those gigs."

Victoria nodded, "Uh huh.. Either that or you're just paying too much attention to Jeff to notice anything else."

Trish raised an eyebrow, a challenging glint in her hazel eyes. "Speaking of people paying too much attention to others…"

"I love my cousin dearly, but man.." John shuddered as he joined the group at the railing. "I don't know how she can stand these people."

Lita smirked, "That's because she either works with them or they're employed by her.." Shrugging she added: "Or they work with Christian or they're employed by his father. Either way, she has to deal with them.. But that doesn't mean she likes it."

"Which she doesn't," Trish pointed out matter of factly, "Dawn complains about them at least twice a week.. Speaking of Christian though.."

John made a face, "I talked to his dad about interning with him or something.. I don't think I can do the sitting in the office, suit wearing thing."

Tyson sent him a look, "The building I work at is looking to hire a few temporary spots.. Plus the bar is always looking for another bouncer."

The brown haired man raised an eyebrow, "Doesn't that require some kind of training?"

Tyson snorted, "Most of the people who work there are morons.. But yeah, you either go through a training course provided by the company or you go to the local community college to get certified."

John nodded absently, "And how long does that take? The training course I mean.."

"Nine months," Tyson replied with a thoughtful frown, "I think anyway.. I can't remember offhand. But, it's paid training."

He nodded, "That could work for me.. I just gotta find a place to crash. I doubt Dawn'll let me stay with her for nine months."

Trish, Lita and Victoria exchanged a look.. The raven haired woman speaking first: "You know.. We do have space at the house we just bought.. And if not in the actual house, there's a one bedroom pool house. Possibly a bedroom over the garage that's pretty separate from the rest of the house."

John eyed them cautiously, "And what would you ask for rent?"

Trish frowned thoughtfully, "Well if you're working then you chip in for grocery money and standard utilities.. If you have your own television and phone, you pay your own bills…clean up after yourself and do your own laundry."

Victoria nodded, "The way we're figuring.. The more people we have living there, the less everyone is going to chip in.. the house has already been paid for, we just have to worry about taxes and stuff. But even that, you won't have to worry about."

John remained doubtful, "Let me get this straight. You'd invite me.. A complete stranger to all of y'all to live with you? Who else is living in this house?"

Lita nodded to her brother, "My brother Ty, his co-worker Dave, our two buddies Chris and Jeff.. Plus the three of us.. It's a six bedroom, but we've got a full basement plus the pool house and possibly that one bedroom over the garage."

"Possibly," he echoed dubiously, "But that's not definite."

Trish nodded, "Well yeah.. But we're going to see the house again next week. Figure out who's going to take which bedroom and all that. You can come with us if you want, not like a commitment sort of thing but just to see.." She pouted playfully, "At least think about it.."

The brown haired man nodded slowly, "I'll think about it.. I'm not gonna say yes or no, just yet because I don't even know if I will be sticking around here."

xoxox

The three women nodded at that, the entire group at the railing more than ready for the boat to get back to the pier. While they admitted yes, a sunset cruise around the bay was a nice treat.. They wished it could've been under better circumstances. But there were still some positives that resulted from the cruise.. Not only did John have a potential place of employment, but he was a possible house-mate. Granted, they would admit that the more people living there would make for more cramped living space…but even that had to be better then previous living arrangements. Added to that, the more people that lived there would mean the less that everyone would have to chip in for grocery money and utilities. Of course, the wide range of personalities might make for awkward moments.. But so would a mixed gender household. All in all, none of them really knew what they would be getting into. To some extent the thought scared them and on the other hand, they didn't care. At any rate, they all suffered through the rest of the cruise, suffering a little bit more through the engagement dinner. And by the time dessert was being served, Lita was more then ready to run for the hills.. But, thanks to a phone call, she was saved from taking such action.

"I'm sorry about that," she offered an apologetic smile when she returned to the table. "Emergency at the shelter.."

Trish eyed raised an eyebrow from her spot across the table. "Is everything okay?"

Lita shook her head, gathering her purse from the chair. "I have to get down there quick.." she trailed off, biting her lower lip. "I'm really sorry Dawn, it's just--"

The brunette smiled, "It's alright Li.. I mean, it's your job.." she stood, offering her friend a quick hug. "You'll be at the brunch tomorrow, right?"

The redhead nodded, "I wouldn't miss it for the world, Dawn." She squeezed her friend's hands. "Congratulations." Lita offered a wave to John and Victoria, turning again to exit the restaurant.

Tyson sent his sister a questioning look as she filed past, "Sis? What's up?"

She squeezed his shoulder, "There's an emergency down at the shelter.. I have to go." Hazel eyes shifted to Dave, "It was nice meeting you!"

Christian met her at the exit, the blonde man also fielding a phone call. "Something wrong Li?"

Lita smiled, hazel eyes glinting apologetically. "There's an emergency down at the shelter, I'm on call tonight so.." She squeezed his shoulder quickly, "Congratulations C.. I'll see you tomorrow at brunch."

The blonde man nodded, "Thanks for coming and drive safe, alright?"

"I will.." She wrapped her arms around herself, making her way quickly out of the foyer.. And no sooner had she gotten to the sidewalk, did a voice beckon from the restaurant.

"Hey!" Randy called out from the sidewalk, "Where are you going?"

Lita paused where she was, "I'm on call tonight at the shelter and there was an emergency.." She fidgeted, "I have to go."

Randy frowned, closing the distance with long strides. "I guess you forgot that you have my stuff."

"Shit.." the redhead let out a sigh. "I have to be there.. Can't you get someone else to take you wherever you need to go?"

He shrugged, "Unless it's Christian or his dad.. I'm staying with them."

"Damn it.." her cell phone beckoned again, Lita promising her shift supervisor she would be there. "I--"

"Unless your supervisor minds--"

The redhead held up a hand, indicating for him to wait.. And while he waited, she talked to her supervisor. Finally she turned to him.

"You'll need to sign a release form when we get there.." She dug through her purse, grabbing her car keys. "Absolutely nothing you see leaves that building."

He held up his hands, walking beside her. "I promise, alright? It's not like I know many people around here to talk to."

Lita rolled her eyes, the two quickly covering the distance between the restaurant and the parking garage. "This job means a lot to me, alright? I can't afford to screw up in any way."

Randy rolled his eyes right back, "I won't touch anything, I won't talk to anyone.. If it'll make you feel better, I'll sit in the car."

The redhead huffed, the two coming to a brief stop before they dashed across the street. "That might be the best route to take."

Randy eyed her warily once they had crossed, "So after you're done with whatever you need to do.."

"I'll take you to Christian's alright?" She let out a low sigh, "Damn it, I don't know where he lives."

"I'll call him now or when we get there," Randy stopped when she did, waiting until she had unlocked the car. "Look, I'm sorry for being such an ass earlier, it's just.. I'm under a lot of pressure from my dad right now."

The redhead blinked, "Where the hell did that come from?"

He waited until they were both in the vehicle, "Under the advice of Christian and Dawn.. That's where."

Lita rolled her eyes, but rather then retort the 'apology' she merely nodded. "Well I can't make apologies for being me so.." the redhead left it that, the two falling silent as she pulled out of the parking spot.

Randy was silent until they reached the highway, "Just where is this shelter?"

"South Bay Area," she replied out of instinct, "It's in Palo Alto and as long as traffic isn't bad, we'll get there in about half an hour."

"Is that all?" He replied sardonically, "So what time are we gonna get back into San Francisco?"

She gripped the steering wheel, "Whenever I'm done, plus another half hour, alright? I don't know how long it's gonna take." Lita gritted her teeth, "And you were the one who suggested you come along for the ride, so don't even start with your little drama queen routine."

Randy huffed, "Oh so now we're back to name calling, huh?"

Lita rolled her eyes, "You were the one who called me.. Oh now, what was it? A psycho bitch?" The redhead scoffed, "I can honestly say, you are just about the rudest asshole I have ever met."

Randy snorted, "Well that's just the pot calling the kettle black, now isn't it? I hadn't even been in this famed city by the bay for more than five minutes when you--"

"Before you even think about saying whatever it is you were going to say?" Lita spared a glance, jaw clenching before she finished: "Just shut up. I have enough to worry about right now."

He shot her a withering glare, crossing his arms over his chest as they continued down the highway. And this time, the silence held until they arrived in Palo Alto.

Lita let out a heavy sigh as she parked the car. "Now, you go ahead.. Sit tight, keep the doors locked. Call Christian while you're waiting.. I don't know when I'll be done, but--"

"Is it safe for me to be here?"

With a causal shrug, she replied: "As long as you lock the doors, yeah.. I mean, I know my car doesn't look like a prime target or anything… but with all of the crap that's piled in the backseat--"

"Then I'm going inside with you," Randy unbuckled his seatbelt. "I'll call Christian from there…who knows, maybe I'll find a nice book to pass the time with."

Lita couldn't help but laugh at that, "I'm sure there are some books that'll be right up your alley.. This is a children's shelter and Dr. Seuss is in high demand here."

"Ha ha," he supplied dryly. "And here I was hoping they'd have some books on tape."

She paused as they reached the steps, "I'd say something but.. I'm in a rush."

A slim brunette greeted the approaching two. "Thank goodness you're here.." She raised an eyebrow at Randy: "Who the hell are you?"

Lita pinched the bridge of her nose, "Ivory this is Randy Orton.. Christian's cousin." She motioned before her, "Randy this is my supervisor, Ivory Moretti."

Ivory nodded, "Uh huh.. Well, I'd say it's nice to meet you, but.. We're in a bit of crisis right now." She hustled the two inside, reaching shortly for a clipboard. "If you could just sign these release forms.."

The redhead glanced to her supervisor, questioning her when they were out of hearing range. "So what's up?"

Ivory grimaced, "Six new arrivals.. Within minutes of each other if you can believe it.." She raked a hand through her hair, "One set of two siblings and four singles.. We've also got a set of three siblings who returned." A beat passed: "He's got a nice ass."

Lita rolled her eyes, "And he's an asshole.." the redhead kicked off her shoes, sitting next to peel off her stockings. "Where am I needed?"

The brunette thumbed to a nearby hallway, "Terri's with the siblings, a new girl is taking on two of the singles and Jackie has the other two.." She waited until the redhead was on her now bare feet. "Devon and his siblings were the three who returned."

Hazel eyes flooded with concern, "Not again.." she trailed off, biting her lower lip. "Who brought them here?"

The elder woman smiled sadly, "Devon.. They were with their dad and.. Something happened." She shook her head, "D won't talk to anyone, Li."

Lita mustered a smile, "I'll do my best, Ivory, but I can't make any promises."

Ivory rolled her eyes good naturedly, nudging the redhead. "He refused to talk to anyone until you got here.." She opened her mouth to say more, when Randy approached the two. "I do have some files that need to be put away and there's always cleaning that needs to be done.." An eyebrow raised, "Or you can give Lita a hand."

Randy's response was to follow behind the redhead, the two soon disappearing through one of the doors. Just as Ivory had stated, Devon and his two siblings were waiting in the hallway. Randy estimated the boy couldn't have been more than nine years old, but.. Lita quietly informed him that Devon was turning twelve on Christmas. A younger boy and a little girl were on either side of the now smiling eleven year old; Randy soon learning that they were Matthew and McKenzie respectively. And while Devon talked to Lita, McKenzie and Matthew requested a story. The dark haired man soon found himself seated on the floor, six year old Matthew to his right while three year old McKenzie was leaning against his left knee. Of course, he had already started reading a fourth story to the two when he realized he hadn't called his cousin yet. It figured that Lita and Devon were in another part of the shelter when that realization came to him.. And since neither McKenzie or Matthew seemed willing to let him leave…he continued on with the story.