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: I do not claim to know any statistics about the shelter.. It is based on a real one, but for sake of the piece any places of employment are pretty much made up.

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

xoxox

While all six occupants of the apartment had to be at the same brunch, that didn't necessarily mean they were all awake in time. Somehow, Lita found herself awake before the rest of the impromptu room-mates, thus securing her spot as first in the shower. The next fortunate soul turned out to be Jeff and once he was out of the shower, the two made themselves comfortable in the living room to wait for the others. Suffice it to say, by the time the last person had moved from a sleeping spot and to the shower, they had a little under fifteen minutes to get to the brunch site. Normally, that wouldn't big deal.. Especially if it had only been Lita, Trish and Victoria. But, with the added presence of Chris, Jeff and Randy, some re-arrangements in transportation were called for. It made sense that Randy would hitch a ride with the redhead, taking into consideration that all of his luggage was still in the trunk of her car. The problem, trivial as it was, came up when Chris, Jeff, Trish and Victoria were trying to determine who would hitch a ride with who. That 'argument' shaved another five minutes off of the window of time they had to get from the apartment to the brunch site.. Lita growing more impatient with each passing second. When it became apparent that the four still arguing wouldn't stop their argument any time soon.. Lita took it upon herself to intervene. Subsequently, Jeff, Chris and Victoria soon found themselves within Trish's car.. Lita and Randy trailing close behind as they finally left the apartment.

"Kill joy.." Trish muttered under her breath, "It looks like Christian's absolutely charming step-brother is here…"

Victoria blinked, craning her neck to peek through the seats in front of her. "Huh?"

The blonde woman rolled her eyes, "He's right over there.. With Christian and Dawn.." A sigh later, and Trish found herself pointing to a display of flowers, "See? Right there."

Chris scowled openly, "I thought he would've gotten the hint the last time." The blonde man shook his head, exiting the vehicle once Trish had parked. "Don't get me wrong, Christian is cool.. It's his step brother I have a problem with."

"We all do," Trish remarked dryly. "But, for Christian's sake, I guess we better play nice."

"Hey look.." Lita grinned brightly once she had caught up with the four, "It's an elusive Tommy and Rob sighting."

Jeff nodded, "Well that's one good thing, yeah? Christian's step-brother is here too."

Randy cursed under his breath, "Damn it.. I was hoping I wouldn't have to deal with him again."

Victoria raised an eyebrow at the dark haired male, "I take it you don't like him either.."

"It's mutual," Randy replied casually. "The last time I saw him was at Christmas.. Some blood was almost spilled, but no big deal."

"No big deal," Chris echoed incredulously. "What'd he do to piss you off?"

Before Randy had the chance to respond, Dawn and John made their way over.

"Good morning.." Dawn greeted first, "I think everyone's here already so.. We're just having cocktails before we head inside." Dark eyes flickered to the redhead, "How'd everything turn out at the shelter?"

Lita smiled tightly, "I'll fill ya in later, Dawn.. I'd rather just forget about it right now."

The brunette woman nodded hesitantly, the six soon following after Dawn and John to join the others for the brunch.

"Ladies.." Christian greeted smoothly, "And gentlemen.. Please, we're just enjoying cocktails before we head inside for brunch." The blonde man gestured to the bar in the corner, before turning back to them. "I believe you all are acquainted with everyone already.. As you can see, only close friends and family members are here this morning."

Trish smiled warmly, "Thanks Christian.. I think we could all use a good strong kick of something to help us wake up."

"Good morning," a new voice chimed in shortly. "It's good to see you all again."

Victoria nodded shortly in response, "Good morning, Adam." A smile alit her face, though dark eyes sparked with malice. "How have you been?"

"Well thank you," the smile on his face didn't quite reach his eyes as he took in the sight before him. "How have you all been?"

Randy only offered a short smile, "I'll just be over there.." he gestured offhandedly to the bar, before making a swift departure.

The five remaining blinked at the departure, but shook it off none the less.. Jeff finally replying to Adam's question. "I can't speak for everyone, but things are going good.. Aside from the plumbing issues at the apartment, anyway."

Chris nodded absently, "I'm set to start my internship with the Chronicle in a few weeks.. I'm hoping that'll lead to a full time position."

Lita offered her best smile, addressing her friends first. "I think I'm gonna go catch up with Tommy and Rob.." Turning back to Adam, hazel eyes waxed cold. "Good to see you again, Copeland."

Jeff frowned at the retreating back of the redheaded woman, green eyes turning back to the blonde man before them. "Why don't you do us all a favor.. Stay away from her."

Adam scowled, "Look, it's not my fault that she--"

"Shut up," Trish interrupted sharply. "Don't even try to half ass your way out of this, Adam. We all know what happened." Tossing her hair over her shoulder, she smiled. "Like Jeff said, stay away from her and we won't have any problems."

Adam held up his hands in mock defense, "Fine.. Have it your way. I won't talk to her, I won't go near her and I won't even look at her."

"Hey Vikki, Trish.." Rob greeted as the two joined them. "What's up?"

The dark haired woman shrugged, "It's going.. We're finally moving out of that hell hole and into a real house."

"So I've heard," Rob grinned. "I'm remodeling my place, actually.. Putting on an expansion, finally working on the garden."

Trish smiled, "Well that's great news, Rob.. How're things at the dojo?"

"Busy as ever," Tommy supplied with a wry smile. "But, I'd rather have it busy then dead."

Chris chuckled, "Well it's good to see you two.. Considering you've bailed on just about every trip we've planned in the past year."

Rob held up a hand in mock defense, "Dude.. So not our fault, alright? One of us always had to be at the dojo, and we can't help it if everyone wants to join."

xoxox

A good natured laugh filtered through Jeff, Chris, Trish, Vikki and Lita.. The six soon realizing that the brunch was finally starting. That resulted in the gathering of beverages while everyone made their way inside. As expected, Dawn's parents had rented out the restaurant for the occasion.. The upscale establishment relatively empty, save for the small party. Not that a party of nearly thirty people was on the small side, but it went without saying that the chosen establishment was losing some money.. Or perhaps they weren't considering whom they had rented it out to. Whatever the case, family members from either the Psaltis or Reso were split up amongst close friends. The lone exception to the arrangement, was Dawn, Christian and their parents taking the head table. Trish currently found herself with Jeff, John, three of Christian's cousins and one of Dawn's uncles. Victoria, meanwhile, found herself with Tommy, Chris, two of Dawn's cousins, one of Christian's cousins and one of Christian's aunts. And while they were apparently enjoying the present company, Lita was not. She could most certainly tolerate Rob and one of the distant relations of Dawn that were there.. The redhead could also say that she could tolerate Randy. The persons she had a problem with, however, were Adam and his equally annoying cousin, Christy.

"So…" Christy drew the word out, her attention falling solely on Lita. "How've things been with you, Li?"

Lita smiled thinly, stabbing at a piece of fruit on her plate with added force. "Good, actually.. I'm thinking about going for my master's next year."

"That's great news!" Christy chirped brightly, "And have you heard from…oh what was his name again…Jeff's brother?"

Lita set down the fork in her hand, "I haven't.. but from what Jeff has told me, Matt and Ashley are doing great. They just bought a condo in Phoenix."

"I see.." Christy nodded slowly, the smile never leaving her face. "Last I had heard.. They were engaged."

Rob masked a glare at the bubbly woman, his attention falling to Randy shortly after. "You look familiar, but I can't place from where.."

Randy rolled his shoulders, "Unless you went to Washington University in St. Louis.."

Lita turned slightly amused hazel orbs to Rob, "Remember Osaka? Sophomore year of high school?" Nodding back to Randy, she continued: "He was there too."

Rob let out a low whistle, "Man you've changed.. I think anyway, because I never really had the chance to talk to you back then."

Randy chuckled, "More like you didn't want to.. We weren't on the best of terms, back then."

"That too," Rob admitted easily. "But, whatever man.. That was then, this is now. I don't even remember what happened so.." He shrugged it off, "How's life?"

The dark haired man shrugged, "It's going.. Trying to figure out what I can do with a degree in Earth and Planetary sciences but.. I can't complain."

Rob frowned thoughtfully, "There's always the Lawrence Hall of Sciences.. I'm not sure what they have in the job department, but you could look into that.. If you're staying out this way, anyway."

Randy nodded, "Lita mentioned that, actually.. I'm not really sure what I'll do, but I'll figure it out. And in the meantime, I work for my uncle."

"Do you really?" Adam questioned with false interest. "I'm doing the same while I finish grad school."

"Good for you," Randy quipped dryly. "Really, Adam.. I'm looking forward to working with you."

Christy set down her napkin, "Are you still working at the shelter, Lita? Or have you found something else?"

Lita pushed her plate of half eaten food aside, "Still at the shelter.. And are you still working at McDonald's or have you found something better?"

While the atmosphere at that table was tense, the atmosphere at Trish's table was quite the opposite. "So, John.." the blonde woman sent a glance across the table, "Have you given any thought to seeing the house with us?"

John rolled his eyes good naturedly, "I thought I didn' have a choice in that.. You pretty much insisted I at least take a look."

Jeff snorted, "If it's any consolation, me and Chris will be there too.. I know how much of a handful those girls can be."

"We aren't that bad," Trish pouted playfully at the green eyed man. "And besides which, when we got news that we got the house, you and Chris asked about moving in with us."

"Yeah? That's because our apartment isn't much better than yours." Jeff shrugged casually, "We can't let you three live all alone in a big house like that, anyway."

The blonde woman rolled her eyes, "Honestly Jeff.. Living there is far safer than living in the city. I'm sure we could manage perfectly fine without you and Chris."

Jeff let out an overdramatic sigh, "You wound me.. And I know you can't possibly mean that. I mean really, what would you three do without us?"

"Lead lives that are a little less on the insane side?" Trish supplied without missing a beat. "But, yeah.. You're right.. Something just wouldn't be right without the two of you around to pester us."

Green eyes rolled good naturedly, "You three pester us just as much, if not more so.. And you three have been doing it longer."

Trish nodded solemnly, "You just keep telling yourself that.. Maybe one of these days, you'll believe it." Raising an eyebrow, she added: "Do you or do you not remember who started the playground war in kindergarten?"

"That was revenge for the three of you invading our tree house," Jeff reminded with a playful tone. "Remember that?"

John glanced between the two, "Has it always been like this?"

"Pretty much," Trish sipped her orange juice. "Or at least for as long as I can remember.. Jeff and his brother grew up across the street from me. Chris grew up next door to Li and--"

"So how did y'all meet?"

The blonde woman bit her lower lip in thought, "Well.. Me, Vikki, Dawn and Li were in girl scouts together.. And before we started going to girl scout camp, we went to another summer camp. That's how all of us pretty much met.. Plus, our parents knew each other through work or something.."

John nodded, glancing then to Jeff. "When do I meet your brother then?"

Jeff coughed, "Unless you plan on taking a trip to Phoenix, you probably won't.. he moved down there a few months ago." The green eyed man rested his forearms on either side of his plate, "He said he'd try and come up for the wedding though.."

xoxox

Whatever John was going to say to that, he was spared.. Or stopped. Whatever the case, he was interrupted as Dawn stood from her spot at the front of the room. Quite graciously, she thanked everyone for attending, her parents joining her shortly after. Before all of the guests could leave, however, a few were asked to stay for a moment. Fortunately for Lita, Christy was not amongst those asked to stay behind.. Unfortunately for them all, Adam was. At any rate, those remaining waited until the dining room had been cleared, then gathering near the head table to speak with Dawn and Christian. Trish was guessing that it had to do with the wedding in some form or another.. Why else would they be asked to stay? Especially since the engagement party had been the night before.. Something to do with the wedding would make the most sense. And if that was the case, the only question remaining was why were they being asked to stay behind?

Dawn cleared her throat, "Okay.. Christian and I want to start planning the wedding party. And, when I was trying to figure out who to appoint as my maid of honor, I couldn't decide." She glanced between Victoria, Lita and Trish. "I want to ask all three of you, but that would mean Christian would have to have three best men."

Victoria nodded absently, "So why don't you just appoint someone else as your maid of honor.. And the three of us can be bridesmaids. I mean, Lil isn't here right now, but that doesn't mean she couldn't take that spot.."

"That's what I was thinking," Dawn replied with a grin. "I want the four of you to have important roles in this.. I mean, you four mean the world to me and.."

"We get it," Lita cut her off good naturedly. "And thanks Dawn, it means a lot to us."

Christian nodded, "That brings me to the groomsmen issue.. My best man will be my step-brother, Adam." Glancing between Chris, Randy, John and Jeff, he continued: "I would be honored if you four would--"

Trish raised an eyebrow, "But that leaves you one woman short where the bridesmaids are concerned.."

Dawn nodded, "Christian was going to ask Adam's cousin, Christy, to fill that spot. But, the main reason I wanted the three of you as bridesmaids, is because we don't know how often Lil is going to be around. I don't want to put all of the 'associated' pressures of maid of honor on her and--"

"We'll help out as much as we can.." Victoria broke in then, "No worries, okay? Between us and probably the best wedding planner that money can hire.. This'll be the wedding of the century."

"Was that all?" Lita spoke up almost hesitantly, "I hate to just run off like this, but.. I'm needed at the shelter for a meeting.." her nose wrinkled slightly, "I'd like to change before I got there so.."

Dawn rolled her eyes good naturedly, "Yeah that's all.. Call me later, alright?"

The redhead nodded, "I can do that.." hazel eyes flicked to Randy, "Your stuff.."

The dark haired male nodded, "Yeah.. Christian? Do you have room in your car to haul a bunch of luggage?"

Christian glanced between the two, "I should.. But why does she--"

"Long story," Lita interrupted first, car keys already in hand. "Which, I'd love to explain now, but I can't."

The blonde man nodded in response, the three making their exit shortly after. And while three had left, two returned.. The redhead departing the restaurant to return home to change. As she had stated earlier, she did have a meeting to get to at the shelter.. What this meeting was about, Lita wasn't exactly sure, but she reasoned that it had to do something with the fate of said shelter. Granted, she had learned last night that, they did have one more staff member. But, she also knew that having one more staff member would not guarantee the shelter staying open. There was a lot of work to be done on the shelter and whether that work would get done, depended on how the budget vote went. So far, it wasn't really looking good.. But that didn't mean that things couldn't change.