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 for any applicable notes…I'm sorry for the time between updates… I promise no regular updating schedule for any of my stories.. Otherwise I'll burn myself out again.

xoxox

While Lita wasn't exactly thrilled about having to work a double shift, she also knew that they really didn't have the staff that they needed at the shelter. It wasn't the first time she had done a double shift and the redhead figured it probably wouldn't be the last. Even after they did hire more people, the possibility was always there that she would have to pull a double shift. But, working a double shift also meant that she could spend more time with the kids when they were awake.. In particular, she could hover over Devon, Matthew and McKenzie. The three usually attached themselves to her hip when she arrived at the shelter anyway, not leaving her side unless it was absolutely necessary or if it was time for bed. Not that she didn't have some of the other children with her, just that those three stuck to her like glue. In some ways, she was a surrogate mother to them…in particular to McKenzie who had never really known her birth mother. Where Matthew was concerned, Lita didn't know how much he remembered… or if he just remembered his father and grandmother. And then there was Devon.. Since he was the oldest -- and since he had told her about his birth mother -- Lita knew full well that he remembered. The redheaded woman also knew that Devon's life had taken a sharp turn for the worse after his mother died. Just from the reports that the shelter had pieced together, their father had lost his job…lost the house shortly after and then.. He had given up the kids to their maternal grandmother. Their father hadn't been in the picture much since that day, save for the rare phone call or letter. And due to their grandmother's poor health and equally poor living conditions.. It was no wonder that they ended up at the shelter. Idly, Lita wondered if that was one of the reasons why she hovered over the three siblings like she did. While she hadn't lost her mother, she could certainly relate easier to their situation. She related pretty well with all of the children at the shelter but…where those three in particular were concerned…the bond seemed to be unbreakable.

"Hey.." Ivory greeted as the redhead made her way over. "I'm sorry about the extremely short notice and all.. But I have to be at City hall in half an hour…we have the staff, but I need someone to fill in for me." Grimacing slightly, she held up a thick binder. "And I also need someone to look over this, plan out the activity schedules for the rest of this season and Winter, check financial records and--"

"I've got it," Lita interrupted with a reassuring grin. "I've filled in for you before, so it's not a big deal." She took the binder from her supervisor, "how many kids?"

The brunette pursed her lips in thought, "Seven.. They're at the park right now with Stacy and Jackie.. Torrie and Terri will be working the second shift with you and hopefully, I'll be back well before then." She flicked a glance to her watch, "I've gotta run.. Thank you so much for coming in, Li…you're a lifesaver."

The redhead grinned in turn, waving to her supervisor before heading inside. She hung up her jacket in the closet, her arms swinging by her sides as she made her way into Ivory's office. "Okay…the binder can wait, financial records are a pain…" Lita rummaged through the desk drawer for a planner, the computer turned on shortly after. "Let's get that schedule started.."

While the computer was turning on, Lita took a moment to read over the materials that had been provided from various corporations, professional sports teams and the City.. Going from that information, she could provide an accurate schedule.

"Okay…tickets to a few home games for the Warriors and a meet and greet.." Lita smiled to herself, using the mouse to bring up the scheduling program. "That's a definite…I know Devon, Scott and Jamie would love that. And the tickets for the A's games and Giant's games.." She pursed her lips, hitting the tab key to get to the next week of September. "Hmm.. What else do we have…"

Adding a few more sports games, trips to the zoo and to Monterrey, plus on special trip to Disneyland.. Lita was left with a few workshops, camping trips, horseback riding and visits to the children's museum.

"Devon, Scott and Alexis.. No running in the halls!" Stacy Keibler swept her hair from her face, "are you listening? If you can't listen, that means no special snack.."

Lita could hear a muffled oomph as the three children apparently ran into each other at their hasty stop.

"Okay, Matthew, McKenzie and Jamie.. Go wash your hands." Jackie smiled down to the three younger children, toting the seventh child in her arms. "And let's get you a band aid for your knee."

Devon blinked, "I thought Lita was supposed to be here.."

Stacy smiled, "You can find out, after you wash your hands D. go on.." She opened the closet in the main hallway, noting that Lita's jean jacket was already there. "Li? Where are you?"

"In the office," the redhead replied as she started printing out the activity schedule. "Ivory wanted me to take care of a few things while she went to City Hall."

The tall blonde swept her hair from her face as she entered the office. "Stuff like what?"

Lita made a face, "Financial records, re-organizing the records…and getting the schedule ready for Winter."

Stacy nodded absently, "Devon's been asking about you…wondering when you're gonna get here so you can finish that puzzle with him."

Shaking her head, Lita started to organize the schedule sheets. "Is there a time he's not asking about me? Don't get me wrong, Stace, I love him to bits but…he can be a little--"

"Clingy?" Stacy offered with a shrug, "I guess he can Li, but.. He adores you. And sure, the same can be said for all of us, but you're like the center of his world."

"I know," the redhead pressed her lips together as she stapled the sheets into a makeshift packet. "How are the kids doing today?"

The blonde woman shrugged slightly, seating herself in one of the few chairs in the small office space. "Well.. Devon, Scott and Alexis were really wild at the playground, but I'm thinking that's just because they want to go somewhere else, you know? McKenzie was really cranky at the playground, so of course Jamie just had to join in.. Matthew was following in his brother's footsteps and Aaron skinned his knee on the playground."

Lita bit her lower lip, "maybe we should plan on a trip to the beach or something…hold them over until the new activity schedule kicks in. But, the older kids will be starting school at the end of the month so.."

"Right.. I'm sure the kids would like it though.. I mean, there are only so many times we can go to the playground and well.." Stacy frowned slightly, running a hand through her blonde locks. "I'm not sure when we'll be moving to the new shelter, but.. That'll at least give them something else to look forward to."

"Speaking of that," Lita crossed her arms loosely over her chest. "We need to talk to the kids at some point.. I'm not sure if the younger one's will really understand, but for the older ones…this shelter has been there home for the better part of their lives."

Stacy nodded her agreement, the two women exiting the office when they heard approaching footsteps. "Has Ivory given you any set time as to when we move and when we start hiring? I mean, I know she covered this stuff at the meeting, but.. I kinda figured that she'd tell you first."

The redhead opened her mouth to reply when three small bodies collided with hers, nearly sending her to the floor.. Lita managed to keep her balance until another body came barreling at her.

"Lita!" McKenzie exclaimed, giving the woman a toothy smile, "me missed you."

"I missed you too, McKenz.." Lita reached out a hand, ruffling the child's chestnut colored curls before her gaze slid over to Matthew and Jamie. "I can't help y'all get your snack if you don't move.."

The small pile pinning her down soon moved, Devon hugging her fiercely before he stepped away. "Where were you? Ms. Ivory said you were gonna be here this afternoon."

Lita shook her head, "it is afternoon, D.. and I wasn't supposed to be here until tonight so.." She winked at him, taking hold of Matthew's hand while McKenzie was scooped up. "We'll go get the snack started and after.. How about we finish that puzzle?"

xoxox

While Lita was in Palo Alto, Trish and Victoria were waiting on Chris and Jeff so they could figure out what they would be doing for the night. Of course, that meant waiting for Jeff to actually get himself together.. The man having developed a reputation since childhood for being notoriously late. But, despite his few flaws…which really not one of them was perfect and they knew that…Jeff was also one of the more reliable in terms of having someone to talk to. Specifically, he was someone of the opposite sex whom was willing to dispense advice, listen to them whine and moan…one of the girls, in one sense, but also one of their best friends. To some extent, the same could be said for Chris.. Though, Jeff was more likely to be sympathetic and offer advice while Chris started plotting someone's demise before finding out the full extent of the situation. None the less, the two had consistently been there for Victoria, Trish, Dawn, Lita and Lilian for as long as they had been friends. The same could also be said about Tyson and Christian…since Rob was more Lita and Jeff's friend from high school. But, that wasn't to say that Rob hadn't been there for them…or Tommy for that matter, whom had gone to the same schools as Victoria and Chris in Oakland. Tonight, though, they weren't meeting with Tommy, Rob, Christian or Dawn.. They were meeting with Chris and Jeff…although, at the last minute, Trish did end up calling Dawn to see if she and Christian wanted to hang out with them.. The engaged pair agreeing to meet up with them, but only if they could take the 'party' across the bay to Berkley.. Which didn't make too much sense since they were all currently residing in San Francisco or one of it's suburbs, but…it did provide for a slight change of scenery. Whatever the case, by the time Trish had confirmed plans with Christian and Dawn, Jeff and Chris had arrived at the apartment.. The four then setting off Bay Wolf in Oakland….thanks to one last minute call from Dawn as they were leaving.

Chris sent a questioning look to the blonde in the driver's seat. "Don't you need reservations for Bay Wolf?"

Victoria rolled her eyes good naturedly, "duh Chris.. It's called, we're meeting Dawn and Christian… since when have you known either of those two to be denied a table? Remember, that the birthday dinner for Lil last year? We wanted to have it at Cliff House and had it not been for Dawn…we never would've gotten the tables."

Jeff nodded, "plus…we always rely on them to get the best cabins when we go to Tahoe or whatever.. They've also gotten us into Vail…and you know how hard it is to get into there unless you've got the right connections--"

"Or if you're loaded," Trish pointed out as the car joined traffic. "But, that isn't the reason why we hang out with them.. They just happen to have the best connections out of all of us."

Chris nodded slightly, running a hand through his blonde locks. "Whatever.. Are you two free next weekend?"

Victoria blinked, craning her neck slightly to peer at the blonde man. "You are aware that we need to start packing and stuff, right? I mean, now that we've figured out who's room is who's… all that's left is the actual move. And I don't know about you two, but we haven't even started packing yet."

Trish shook her head as they approached the Bay Bridge, her brow furrowing slightly. "We do need to know.. What are you two bringing to the house? I mean, like in terms of furniture, appliances….stuff like that. We figured you wouldn't have a vacuum, but whatever furniture you can bring would be great.. The less we need to buy, the better."

Victoria nodded, "and Dawn said she has some old stuff from her house…well, it's not like really old, but it's used in terms of her standards. She and Christian are buying everything new for the house they're having built."

Jeff rubbed the back of his neck in thought, "well.. I've got my bedroom furniture, my own television and my computer.. Plus all my art supplies in storage. We have dishes and all that, but uh.. They aren't in the best shape."

"What he said," Chris bridged his hands behind his head, "basically.. I've got my bedroom furniture, my own television and my computer. Our couch is really beat up and we don't have a dining room table."

Trish frowned thoughtfully, "we never figured out what we're going to do about internet connection, did we? I know we have the phone and cable thing figured out, but … if all of us have computers.."

Victoria shrugged, turning her attention to the bay, "I'm sure we'll figure that out Trish.. Internet connection isn't much different than figuring out cable and phone."

"I know that, it's just.. We need to schedule a time for all of this to be installed, make sure someone is there to tell these people where these things need to be installed and--"

"Trish.." Jeff interrupted shortly, "we'll get to it, when we get to it.. We aren't moving in for another two weeks or so, right? Just let it go until then."

The blonde women let out a soft sigh, "I know we don't have to worry about this until we move, it's just… all of us are going to be really busy, really soon. Li's already swamped with her unreliable schedule, you two are starting internships and.. I just.. .it would help me sleep easier if we had all of this under control." Shrugging slightly, she continued: "there's a lot that needs to be done. We need to hire movers or rent moving trucks, get everything installed, get everything moved in…plus we have to figure out food, because I don't know if many of us are really going to be willing to do a lot of cooking right after we move in and--"

"We're here.." Victoria announced before Trish could go on, the three passengers letting out separate sighs of relief. "Trish…take a deep breath and don't think about the move for the rest of the night, okay? We're here to meet friends and have fun."

Dawn smiled brightly as Trish, Victoria, Jeff and Chris approached. "Hey guys.. I'm sorry for the last minute location change.. I was just craving Bay Wolf." Her smile broadened a bit when they were closer, "I also wanted to know.. Do you all still want or need furniture? I'm going through everything at my old place, and I'm probably going to get rid of everything."

Christian nodded from his spot beside her. "The same can be said for me.. We're currently staying in one of the family penthouses, so.. Everything within my former residence will more than likely be put up for sale."

Victoria blinked, "and you two are sure about this? I mean, I don't want to sound ungrateful here, because believe us…we are. It's just…I wouldn't feel so right just taking this, you know?"

Dawn waved it off without a care, "it's no issue between friends, Vicki.."

Trish regarded the pair skeptically, "true as that might be, I'm with Vicki on this.. I wouldn't feel right and I know Li wouldn't either. .you have to let us pay you somehow."

"We'll work out something," Dawn re-assured with another smile, "I'd just feel better if it was going to friends then a complete stranger.."

Jeff made a gesture to the restaurant, "why don't we talk about it over dinner then? And if you'd feel better if it was going to friends.. Li was talking about how the shelter is expanding. I'm sure they could use some stuff too."

The brunette nodded easily, tucking a few strands of loose hair behind her ear. "I'll speak with her about this…I'm sure father has some old office equipment if they need that.."

With all of that temporarily settled, the four went into the restaurant.. Dawn and Christian requesting their usual table. And it was over dinner that they discussed the handing over of furniture and the like.. Trish, Victoria, Chris and Jeff insisting that they couldn't just take everything from their friends. It wasn't that they didn't appreciate the generous offer…especially considering that between Dawn and Christian, they were getting nearly everything else that they would need for the house. From Dawn alone, they were looking at two complete sets of expensive bedroom furniture, carpets, dishes, and practically brand vacuums, mops and brooms. From Christian they would be receiving two living room sets, a home theatre system and a pool table. In return, the group agreed to pay full price for one of the bedroom sets and one of the living room sets.. Dawn and Christian refusing to let them pay for everything. And where the items for the shelter were concerned, Dawn reasoned that it could easily be written off as a charitable donation. Granted, the brunette didn't go into any details where it concerned the amount of items that would be donated…but she figured that she could talk about that when Lita was with them. And after dinner was over, the six decided to get dessert in Berkley…further discussing wedding plans and the whole moving situation. All in all, the night was relatively relaxing.. .the six heading their separate ways shortly after 10:00 p.m.