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.. Will go up in later chapters.

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 previous chapters and.. Sorry for the length between updates.. I thought I should let you all know that, there is only one set pairing in this piece.. That is Dawn/Christian. Everyone else, hehehehehe.

xoxox

Fortunately for Lita, the traffic from San Francisco to Palo Alto wasn't as bad as usual.. Unfortunately for Lita, there was still a good amount of traffic. Perhaps that was just one of the downsides to living in the Bay Area, but it was a price she was willing to pay. It was where she had grown up after all.. Though technically, she grew up in the East Bay and was now living in the West Bay. Just like Victoria and Chris, the redheaded woman had grown up on the 'other side' of the Bay Bridge.. Or what they liked to call the better side. Naturally so; Trish, Dawn and Jeff were quick to argue that the West Bay was the better side of the Bay Area. On the East Bay side of the argument were Tommy and Rob, while Christian argued for the West Bay. But regardless, they had all come to know each other…mostly through the connection formed by Dawn, Trish, Victoria, Lillian and Lita. The five females had all met at girl scout camp the summer they were six years old. And over the years, their friendship had been tested, but in the end it always remained strong. Their friendship was the one stable thing in all of their lives.. And one that Lita was very grateful to have. For the most part, it had kept her sane and at times it had driven her insane. And now, here they were, ready to start the next phase of their lives….their crazy friendship as strong as ever.

Lita shrugged out of her jacket as she entered the one story building, "Ivory?" the redhead sighed, hoping she wasn't late. "I wonder where they are.. Meetings are usually right in the lobby."

"Li.." Ivory appeared in one of the doorways leading to the back area, "we're all meeting up in the common room." She gestured for the redhead to join her, "come on.. We just started, so you haven't missed that much." The brunette paused, pushing back a few strands of hair, "basically.. We need to go over the staff shortage, a possible change of location and what that ultimately means for us."

The redheaded woman nodded, "I kinda figured that would be covered today…usually you don't call an emergency meeting unless it's something big."

Ivory grimaced, "Believe me when I say.. This is big. I'll explain more there though, that way I'm not repeating myself. But, before we get to any of that, the new staff member needs to be introduced." The elder woman raised an eyebrow, "You up for doing an orientation and possible training session later this week?"

"Sure.. All I really have to do is pack and that's not happening for another week or so." Lita jammed her hands in the front pockets of her jeans, "Does this mean we're hiring again?"

Ivory rolled her eyes good naturedly, "We're always hiring, Li.. But yeah, I'm thinking we're heading that way. Hopefully, we can find some qualified people this time around."

"One can only hope," Lita said with a smile, the two women then heading into the common room for the meeting. Hazel eyes glanced from person to person, falling finally on the one face she didn't know. "Hi, I'm Lita Dumas."

The brunette glanced upwards, offering a polite if not shy smile. "I'm Molly Greenwald.."

Ivory cleared her throat, waiting until she had the attention of all present. "Okay, everyone, let's get this meeting started.. First, I want to apologize for taking away some of your weekend time and I appreciate it that you're all here." She clasped her hands together, taking a breath before she continued: "First, I'd like to introduce you all to our newest staff member- Molly Greenwald."

Molly stood then, tucking a strand of loose hair behind her ear. "As Ms. Moretti has mentioned, I'm Molly Greenwald. I moved to the area two weeks ago from Minneapolis, Minnesota.."

The brunette at the front of the room smiled warmly, "In case you haven't met everyone yet.." she gestured to the semi-circle of people, "from left to right.. That's Jackie Gayada, Terri Runnels, Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler." Pausing at the redheaded woman she added: "And the one you've just met, of course, is Lita Dumas." Another pause, "and I really do hate to rush you all here but.. Why don't we move on."

The gathered employees nodded, waiting until their supervisor had seated herself before the meeting commenced.

"Okay.. First order of business is the staffing issue. Obviously, we just got a new staff member and that certainly helps us tremendously. But.." Ivory let out a heavy sigh, "that doesn't help us as much as we need. We're looking to add one more full time staff member, a few part timers, one or two floaters and then we'll need some specialized staff."

Jackie raised her hand, "We could have another recruiting drive.. Or maybe some of us could make a visit to the colleges. I mean, I can't speak for everyone but that's how I found out about this job."

"What sort of positions for specialized staff?" Torrie brushed back a few strands of stray hair, "I thought all we needed were staff members, nursing and that was it."

"It ties into our review.." Ivory frowned slightly, "we're coming under review in a month.. And in order for us to qualify in the next category up, we need to add more staff and expand our services. Right now, we're only offering services to homeless and runaway children.. But, if we expand to serve families and troubled youth.."

Terri nodded slowly, "So we'd need counselors, social workers and stuff."

"And tutors for the kids, along with establishing some connections with local businesses for job placement.. Possibly some temporary housing.." Ivory trailed off with a nod. "I mean, if we can add some stuff to our existing program, it puts in the next category.. That would get us more funding and less risk of getting shut down."

Stacy blinked, "But how can we do that with the existing shelter? We don't really have the space as is and if we want to expand, I'd think we'd need a larger building."

"I was just about to cover that," Ivory sent a grin to the long legged blonde. "There's a piece of property a few miles south of here. That property was previously used for a similar shelter to the one we're hoping to become.. But, because of the lack of funding a few years ago, they had to shut down."

Lita raised an eyebrow at that, "That all sounds great, but how are we going to afford it? Our budget is tight as is and--"

"I've got a meeting set up with the county," Ivory interrupted with a reassuring smile. "If that all goes well, we have the funds to get the property, make any necessary renovations and get ourselves up and running." The brunette paused again, a thoughtful frown crossing her features. "The property itself has four buildings.. One for emergency housing, one for children, one for women and one central building. There's a courtyard, a great playground, a garden and a pool."

Terri regarded their supervisor skeptically, "So how much work are we looking at to make it useable? You said this place hasn't been used for a few years so I'd think there's a lot of work that needs to be done."

"There is," Ivory stated bluntly. "A lot of work will be needed to make it usable and livable but I don't think it's anything we can't handle. It would mean we'd have to shut down for a few weeks or however long it'd take but--"

"What would happen to the kids?" Torrie bit her lip in concern, "I mean for some of them. This is the only home they know."

Ivory pinched the bridge of her nose, "That's the problem.. I don't want to shut down because of the kids, but.. I don't know what else can be done."

Molly cleared her throat, the woman hesitant to voice her opinion. "In the shelter I was working at, we had a similar problem.. What we ended up doing was, keeping the shelter open while the other was being worked on." She shrugged slightly, "Then in the final stages, we let the kids come with us to have some input. It did stretch the staff out, but it was worth it, you know?"

"That could work.." Ivory sent a questioning look to her employees. "But it all depends on you."

Jackie was the first to nod her agreement, "I say we go for it.. If we can get through this, that means we can get through anything."

"You mean, when we get through it." Terri winked to the blonde woman, before sending a look to their supervisor. "Count me in too."

xoxox

With the added consent of Lita, Stacy and Torrie; all plans were set to go. The next order of business for the shelter staff, how to expand their current staff. As Ivory had previously stated to the redhead, they were always hiring but.. Finding the qualified people as posed a problem. Terri volunteered to lead up the recruiting drive at the local colleges, with Jackie and Stacy agreeing to help. Ivory and Torrie would handle the interview process while Lita would help with orientation and training.. And with all luck, they'd be able to expand to the necessary number of qualified staff to open the new shelter. Of course, there were still many doubts amongst the employees, but that didn't mean they couldn't pull it off. It took another half hour before Ivory declared the meeting over; Jackie, Stacy and Torrie staying on for the afternoon to late night shift. Both Lita and Terri would be returning later to take the late night to morning shift, the two women along with Ivory and Molly bidding the three staying a temporary farewell. Luckily, the traffic wasn't as bad going back to San Francisco, Lita more than thankful for that fact. Still, seeing her brother's car parked across the street from the apartment building was a surprise for the redheaded woman.. Lita wondering just what had happened now.

"Alright," Trish glanced to the front door, "we're just waiting for Li to get back.. And then we can go. Maybe we can figure out who's room will be who's today."

Tyson shrugged indifferently, "So long as we aren't there too long.. Dave and I have to be at the club by 9:00."

Victoria nodded, "I don't think it'll take too long, Ty.. Last I knew, Li is working overnight tonight, so she'll probably want to be back here well before 9:00."

Jeff peered through the living room window, "Well unless someone else drove her car.. She should be up here in a bit."

"Hey Trish," the dark haired woman sent a look to the blonde, "just how are we assigning rooms? I mean, I can't remember the exact layout of the house but.. There's going to be you, me and Li plus--"

"We'll figure it out, Vikki," Trish interrupted with a shrug. "If it all comes down to it, we'll just number the rooms, put the numbers in a hat and draw lots." The blonde woman opened her mouth to continue, when the front door swung open. "Hey Li!"

The redhead in question blinked as she shut the door behind her, "Hi Trish.. And everyone." She let her bag fall to the floor with a thud, "what's going on?"

Trish gestured to the those seated in the living room, "Well.. We thought we'd go take a look at the house.. Vikki is starting her internship next week, Chris starts on Wednesday so we're not sure when we'd have the time and--"

"Whatever," Lita interrupted, a yawn following after. "If someone could just grab me a bottled water, I'm ready to go."

Jeff held up the necessary bottled water, "Already done.. Trish and Vikki figured you might want one." He tossed it over to her, before glancing between the blonde and raven haired women. "So, who's driving?"

"Well, since me, Trish and Li are the only one's who know where the house is.." Victoria shrugged, "How about one of us goes with each of you?"

Tyson raised an eyebrow, "That doesn't make much sense.."

Trish rolled her eyes, "It does when someone.." a pointed look to the redhead, "thinks she has the best route to get there."

The bald man chuckled, "I should've known.. Must be a family trait."

"If it means getting lost," Dave finally spoke up, "then it's one bad family trait."

Victoria shook her head, "Then I guess the shortcut Queen can go with her brother and whomever else is going with him.. Me and Trish can go with Jeff, Chris and--"

Tyson thumbed over to John, "He's coming with me and Dave actually, we were going to tell him more about the job."

"Then we're set, we're all here.." Chris gestured to the door, "so let's go."

In turn, they all filed out of the apartment, splitting up when they reached the sidewalk.

Tyson waited until he had the directions, a questioning look sent to his sister. "So tell me something, sis.. How did three college students with loans, manage to get a six bedroom house?"

"Dawn," the redheaded woman replied simply. "Her mom is our real estate agent.. Thanks to our dear friend, we got a pretty good sale. Plus, our loans aren't that bad.. I had a partial scholarship, plus work study. Trish had a partial scholarship and grants and Vikki got a full scholarship. And we've got personal savings."

Dave raised an eyebrow at that, turning in the passengers seat to glance back at the redhead. "So where is this piece of property?"

"Menlo Park, so it's not that far, ya know?" Lita shrugged, "it might mean leaving a little early in the morning for anyone who works the 9 to 5 deal, but it's not too far."

Beside her, John raised an eyebrow. "So what's all in this house? I'm no real estate agent, but it sounds expensive.. An' when it sounds expensive, there's got to be a reason why."

"Well, I'm not sure how much Trish or Vikki have told you but.." the redhead paused for thought, trying to remember the exact specifications. "It's a two story, finished basement, storage space in the attic, four car garage plus a car port.. Six bedrooms in the main house, another two bedrooms over the garage, one bathroom downstairs and two bathrooms up.. Backyard has an in ground pool, barbeque area and a patio." She paused again, frowning in thought. "Family room, dining room, kitchen with a breakfast area, home theatre, recreation room, central air conditioning and hardwood floors… I'm probably forgetting something.."

The Boston native let out a low whistle, "Now that sounds real expensive.." he regarded her suspiciously, "so how much of a discount did y'all get from my aunt?"

"Enough," Lita replied vaguely, "and you'll see the house in a bit.. We're almost there."

"A gated community," Tyson almost looked impressed. "This should be interesting." He waited a beat, glancing around as they finally neared the house. "Where's everyone else?"

"Still on their way probably," his sister shrugged, "I told you I knew the best shortcut, didn't I?" Lita pointed to the curb, "just park here.. We have to wait for them anyways, because Trish has the key."

Dave gave the house the once over as they convened on the sidewalk, "Well it at least looks big enough for everyone."

Lita nodded, "After living in that cramped apartment for the past four years.. Me, Trish and Vikki wanted a big place. Trish saw the ad for the house and then we talked to Dawn."

Tyson stretched his arms overhead, "Since we're waiting.." his attention turned to John then, "why don't I give ya a few details about the job.. Aside from Dave and myself, there are three other guys who work there. Chris is the doorman, while me, Dave, Hunter and Luther are floor man.. Ya with me?"

The dark haired man nodded, "Ya, I'm with ya so far.."

"Hunter also works security at the same place I'm at," the bald man crossed his arms over his chest. "He might give ya some hell the first two or three days, but once you get to know him.. He's a pretty cool guy. I can tell ya that if ya didn't know me and Dave, you'd probably take over as doorman.. But, we might be able to work something out."

Dave cleared his throat, "Tyson should also mention that we work the upstairs.. Downstairs is where the live music is at, upstairs is the dance club.. But, you could be assigned to either area depending on business."

"What he said," Tyson thumbed to Dave, his attention still on John. "The dance club is open Friday through Sunday from 10 to 3.. Downstairs is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 to 1.. Most of the guys on staff also work full time."

"Which Ty can tell you about later," Lita gestured to the car parking nearby, "they're here, which means we can finally see the house."

Jeff rolled his eyes as he made his way over to the four, "Would you believe that Trish forgot how to get here?"

Lita nodded solemnly, "Yup.. Which is why I told you all to follow my directions.. But do you listen? Nooo."

Trish rolled her eyes, "Yeah, yeah, whatever.. I got us here, didn't I? That's what matters."

"Sure you got us here," Chris seemingly agreed as he joined the group on the sidewalk. "You also got us lost."

In a mature gesture, the blonde woman stuck out her tongue. "If you had just taken the directions I gave you the first time around, we wouldn't have gotten lost."

"She's got ya there Chris," Victoria chimed in as she made her way over. "But, like Trish said.. We're here and that's what matters."

Trish held up the house key, leading the way to the front door. "It's a good thing it's still light out.. Otherwise we wouldn't be able to get a good look inside." She paused to unlock the door, swinging it open with a flourish. "If Li hasn't told you.." she glanced back to Dave, Tyson and John, "there are two bedrooms downstairs with one bathroom.. Four bedrooms upstairs with two bathrooms and two bedrooms over the garage with one bathroom."

"And a finished basement," Jeff added as they all filed inside, "which is gonna be used for practice space for the band.. And for my art studio."

Victoria turned in her spot, glancing between everyone. "Does anyone have a preference for their room? They're mostly the same size, it's just a matter of where you are."

Tyson shrugged, "I can't say I have a preference so long as I have a spot to sleep."

"I'd rather be downstairs," Lita smiled wryly, "after the last earthquake.. I'm not crazy about the idea of being on the second floor."

"Earthquake?" John echoed questioningly, "how bad was this earthquake?"

"They usually aren't that bad," Chris shrugged it off easily, "but then again.. We're more used to it than you are so.."

The dark haired male nodded, "For what it's worth then.. I'll take downstairs."

Trish nodded in turn, "So that's two bedrooms spoken for.. Anyone else? Because here's what I'm thinking.. Me, Vikki, Jeff and Chris can take the four bedrooms upstairs while Tyson and Dave take the two bedrooms over the garage." Smiling slightly to Dave and Tyson, she added: "I think it might be better for you two that way."

Dave shrugged, "That works for me.. Can we see the house though?"

"Right.." the blonde woman made an open gesture with her arms, "obviously we're standing in the living room now.. The dining room is to the left, with the kitchen next to it.. Those double doors lead to the patio and the backyard." She then gestured to one hallway, "The two bedrooms and the bathroom are down that way.. And that door next to the stairs leads to the basement."

Victoria made a gesture to the second hallway, "And if you go that way.. There's a home theatre, the recreational room and a family room. That's basically it to the house."

Lita sent a glance to the hallway leading towards her bedroom. "Well, if you all don't mind, I think I'm going to check out my room."

At that, they all split up again.. Victoria, Trish, Jeff and Chris heading upstairs to check out their rooms, while Tyson and Dave opted to explore the house a bit more. The redhead was soon joined by John, the two soon discovering that their respective rooms were separated by the bathroom. All that really meant was that they would be sharing the aforementioned bathroom.. Not that it bothered either one of them since they had both grown up sharing a bathroom with siblings. Once that was out of the way, they also opted to explore the house a bit more.. Eventually finding Tyson and Dave in the home theatre. The eventual group of housemates all ended up wandering outside, taking in the backyard and in ground pool before they decided to leave. Now, it was just a matter of figuring out when they would all be moving in and what they would be bringing with them. Not that they had to figure it out right then and there.. And even if they were going to, the need for dinner took priority. Subsequently, they found themselves piling back into the respective cars to head back to San Francisco.