Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Anything that is recognizable, does not belong to me.
Summary: When one of the RAW Diva's is attacked, it brings the unlikeliest group of people together.
Pairings: All worked out for plot purposes.
Thanks to: together, DeViOus86, CNIMBWM, Losing Grip, Latisha C., sassy and Myth for the reviews!
Chapter 10
April 10, 2004
Lita sighed, gathering her hair into a messy ponytail as she scrutinized her reflection in the mirror. It wasn't that she cared what she looked like at that moment; just that she was finally starting to take note of the bags under her eyes. All the same, she had agreed to meet Randy after the house show --although now she questioned why-- and the clock was reading 6:55. She had already told Stacy and Victoria that she had other plans..well really she had outright lied and said she had a date with Rob. That seemed to sedate their curiousity long enough..and after a quick phone call and a desperate plea to Rob; Lita was set to go. All the same, as she exited her hotel room; the redheaded Diva could only hope that whomever was after her..would stay away for one night. But, even as she made her way down the hotel corridor, she couldn't shake the feeling that something would happen. Lita frowned, stepping inside the elevator..the doors just starting to close when a hand stuck between them. And perhaps she shouldn't have been so surprised to see who it was, but none the less; Lita blinked as Randy Orton stepped inside the elevator.
"Any preferences for dinner?"
Randy shook his head, straightening out his shirt sleeve. "Not really.."
The redhead nodded, "Alright..I guess, we'll just drive around aimlessly until we find somewhere?"
Randy shrugged, "Whatever..H and Ric are out and about somewhere..Dave's staying in so.."
"Good to know," Lita stated quietly, "Stacy, Victoria, Lillian, Chris, Chris and Edge are heading to Applebee's so..I'd suggest we stay away from there."
"That works for me," Randy leaned back against the wall of the elevator; blue eyes flicking upwards to the paneled ceiling.
Lita inclined her head, "So..did Trips blow up cuz you weren't around?"
The Legend Killer shrugged nonchalantly. "I was expecting it.."
Lita smirked, "You'd think you were incapable of taking care of yourself or something."
Randy rolled his eyes, "It's not like that..Evolution is like a family. We look out for each other."
Lita snorted, "More like a well oiled machine to ensure that y'all always have gold."
Randy shrugged, "That's not entirely true..Flair and Dave don't have it..H doesn't have it.."
"That doesn't mean y'all aren't gunning for it." Lita raised a brow, "Or am I wrong?"
Randy sent her a pointed look, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that what this business is about? Being the best and staying the best?"
"That's part of it," Lita conceded easily. "The other part, I think, is to grow as an individual. And as far as I can see? Evolution isn't about that."
Randy's forehead etched in confusion, "How do you figure?"
The redhead shrugged, pushing off the wall as the elevator came to a stop. "Just that, if it really was about growing as individual? Wouldn't Trips be encouraging you and Batista to go after the World Heavyweight title instead of stopping short?"
"You wouldn't understand."
"Whatever..it's not like I really care anyway." Lita shook her head, the two exiting the elevator then. "Just seems to me that Evolution's purpose is to protect Trips."
Randy blinked, following after the redheaded Diva with a puzzled expression. Given, he didn't know how Dave felt about things, but he was content with how things were in Evolution. He had the Intercontinental Title, Dave and Ric stuck to the tag titles. It was just how things worked in Evolution and it worked well. So well, that maybe..just maybe; he started to question why Ric, Dave or himself never went after the World Heavyweight title. The Legend Killer could recall, on more than one occasion, when Ric would wax sentimental about his days as World Heavyweight champ. But whatever the case, he shook the thoughts from his mind; following the redheaded Diva out of the hotel and to the parking garage.
xxx
By the time Lita had pulled the rental car into the parking lot of a local Olive Garden; the only words that passed between the two were about the radio station. Of course, it wasn't like the redheaded Diva expected for the two of them to have much to talk about. After all he was part of Evolution and she had her own circle of friends. But still, some part of her had to admit..it was nice to some extent to be away from that circle of friends. If she had been with one of them, they would've started questioning her from the moment she set foot into the elevator. So maybe Randy Orton wasn't half that bad..
"Lita?" Randy nudged the silent redhead. "Lita? They're seating us now."
The Diva offered a sheepish smile, following after the hostess.
For his part, Randy shook his head, offering the hostess a charming smile once they were seated. "Thank you."
Lita rolled her eyes from behind her menu, "Is that how you always act?"
Randy raised a brow, "What are you talking about?"
Lita set down the menu, "Do you flirt with every woman between the ages of say..18 and 30 or.."
"If it was a date, no I wouldn't..but..since this isn't a date." Randy smirked, opening his menu then. "Why does it matter?"
The redhead frowned, "It doesn't matter."
Randy just shook his head, glancing over the laminated pages. "So..how was your day off?"
"Can we not talk about that right now?"
"Would you rather talk about the weather? Your clothes, your upcoming match?" Randy raised a brow, setting the menu aside. "Or childhood memories, favorite movies.."
"No." Lita cut him off abruptly, setting her menu aside. "You wanna hear about my day off? Fine."
Randy rolled his eyes, resting an arm on the table. "You can start anytime now."
Lita glared, but none the less..after a moment's pause to place their orders; the redhead recounted the day she had spent at home.
Randy frowned, "Did the police find anything?"
The Diva shook her head, a hand grasping a nearby glass of iced water. "They'll call in a week."
"And you're sure it's such a good idea for your to go home?"
"Did I ever say that?" Lita pursed her lips, "I'm well aware that home isn't exactly the best place for me to go, but where else can I go?"
"How about your friends?"
"And if I get followed?" Lita shook her head, "I am not putting anyone else in that kind of situation."
Randy shrugged, "Alright..so instead, you set yourself up for another attack."
"What else can I do Randy, huh?" Lita shrugged helplessly, "If I just head home then at least I'm not putting anyone else in harms way."
"Then how can you be so sure that it won't happen to any of your friends?"
"Excuse me?"
"Just saying.." Randy made an open gesture with his hand. "What if Dawn or Victoria or Lillian get attacked.."
Lita frowned, but before she could reply the waitress arrived with their food.
"Look, all I'm trying to get at is..even if you take all of these precautions? That's no guarantee."
Lita scowled, picking at her plate of pasta. "That's not very reassuring Randy."
"Well think of it this way," Randy paused to take a bite of his food. "You say you don't want to put your friends in danger..that's understandable. But, Jeff was with you during the aftermath, what if Jeff becomes the next target?"
"Your point?"
"If you start putting up this act that you're seemingly untouchable..what if this psychopath uses those around you?"
Lita fell silent, chewing thoughtfully on a bite of food. "I'm starting to think that just leaving all together is my best option."
"Or you just get yourself a better plan."
Lita rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her iced tea. "Then what would you suggest hm? That I start surrounding myself with bodyguards?"
"It's not a bad idea.."
"Right so I just make myself look weak." Lita shook her head, "Sorry but I think I can handle things just fine without any outside help."
Randy frowned, "H wants you in Evolution."
Lita blinked, nearly spitting out her iced tea. "Excuse me?! Why would he want me?"
"You're facing Victoria at Backlash for the women's title."
"Then he should ask Victoria."
Randy shook his head, "Damned if I know...but if you're in Evolution..you gain the same level of protection as the rest of us."
"I'll hire bodyguards instead."
"That won't stop H." Randy mentioned evenly, "He's already talked to Bischoff."
Lita scowled, "It doesn't make sense..Trips has always been..how do I say..dead set on making my life a living hell. Why would he want me in Evolution?"
"You'd have to ask him."
Lita set her fork down, wiping the corners of her mouth with her napkin. "I guess it would make things easier..for Dawn's stupid idea anyway."
Randy nodded in agreement, "If I can find out why between now and Monday? I'll let you know."
"I'd appreciate that," Lita stated quietly. "I still don't get it though.."
xxx
"It's best not to question H's actions." A voice stated from the table next to them. "It's also not best to talk about H's plans without his approval."
Randy blinked, sending a look over to the table. "What the hell are you doing here?"
Batista shrugged, taking a sip of his iced water. "Having dinner moron, what does it look like?"
Randy rolled his eyes, "Did H send you to spy?"
Batista chuckled, "No. But, I saw the two of you leaving..so I thought, why not."
Lita set her hands on the table. "How much did you hear?"
Batista shrugged, scooting his chair over. "Enough."
Lita frowned, "I think I'm heading back to the hotel now."
Batista held up his hands in defense, "Hey don't let me ruin your date.."
Lita scowled, "It's not a date."
"Really?" Batista raised a brow, "He said he had a date." He waited a beat before adding: "With Stacy..so why are the two of you here?"
Lita sent the Legend Killer a look. "Care to explain?"
"It was the easiset way to get H off my back." Randy stated evenly, "But she's right..it's not a date."
Batista just shook his head, "Hey whatever man..that's your business, not mine."
Randy raised a brow, "You won't say anything to H will you?"
Batista smirked, clapping a hand over Randy's shoulder. "No worries bro, your secret's safe..I won't say a thing."
Lita opened her mouth to say something when her cellphone started to ring. "Excuse me please.."
"One way or another, I'm gonna find ya'"
Lita bristled, rising from the table then. "How did you get this number?"
"I have my ways.."
Lita scowled, stepping into the hall leading to the bathrooms. "Leave me alone."
"That's not an option."
Lita pressed her lips into a thin line, ending the phone call then. And just as she was making her way back, the phone rang again.
"Leave me alone!"
"Li?" Dawn Marie's voice rang through puzzled. "Li honey it's Dawn."
The redhead let out a shaky breath, "I'm sorry..it's just..nevermind. What's up?"
"Dia's being released tonight..and Rey and I just wanted to know if you can meet her at the airport."
"Yeah..I can do that." Lita shifted her weight from foot to foot. "What time do I need to pick her up?"
"Tomorrow morning at 7:00." Dawn stated then, "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, everything's fine Dawn." Lita leaned back against the wall. "Just a little jumpy that's all."
Dawn nodded uneasily, "Alright well..that's all I needed. Rey and Dia should be down any minute so--"
That was the last words Lita heard before an ear piercing scream filled the receiver. Lita's eyes grew wide with fear, the redhead slumping down against the wall. "Dawn...Answer me Dawn.."
"I'm okay.." Dawn managed between shaky breaths. "We just hada car heading right at us.."
Lita sighed, "Dawn..please..be careful. All three of you, just be careful."
"I'll call you soon, okay? I've gotta go."
"Alright..talk to you later then." Lita hung up, pocketing the phone swiftly. And by the time she returned to the table; Batista had left.
Randy raised a brow, pushing back from the table when Lita approached. "Is everything alright?"
Lita forced a smile, "Yeah..I just..I need to get going now. I've gotta be up early so I can meet Nidia at the airport."
"Dinner's paid for," Randy mentioned with a casual shrug. "So we can leave anytime."
Lita just nodded, "Guess I still owe you dinner then?"
Randy waved it off, "Dave won't say anything..so don't worry about that."
Lita nodded, the two exiting the resturaunt then. "That's probably the least of my worries right now."
Randy rubbed the back of his neck, "Um..do you want me to drive back or.."
Lita shook her head, "Nah..I think I'll manage.." The redhead forced another smile, digging the keys from her pocket.
The two fell silent as they got into the car, Lita's hands shaking visibly as she started the car. But, rather than say anything; Randy turned his attention to the car stereo. It was obvious that something was disturbing her, but at the same time..it really wasn't his business. All the same, Randy couldn't help but wonder. He was curious as to why Hunter wanted Lita in Evolution, when really..he could've asked for Gail, Molly or Trish..any of the Diva's really. And especially given the hate filled relationship between Lita and Hunter. Did Hunter have a sudden change of heart? Or was it for reasons all his own? The Legend Killer knew for a fact that Hunter couldn't stand the redheaded Diva. So why then, would he want to make her a part of Evolution?
xxx
By the time they returned to the hotel, Lita still hadn't uttered a word. And it remained that way when they stepped into the elevator..and for the duration of the elevator trip up. Perhaps it would have stayed that way as the two walked down the corridor, but no sooner had they stopped at Lita's hotel room; did their attention avert to the doors leading to the stairs. The first thing they heard was Chris Jericho, followed by Edge. And that was enough for Lita to hear; the redhead quickly opening the door and promptly dragging Randy in after her.
"Just sit tight for a bit..and hope that they don't stop by." Lita mentioned quietly as she locked the door. "I doubt you'd want Stacy walking in here right now."
Randy nodded, settling in one of the chairs. "Do you always leave your hotel room like this?"
Lita blinked, turning her attention away from the door; hazel orbs taking in the dishevled state of her hotel room. "Damn it."
Randy shrugged uneasily, "Well at least there aren't any pictures this time.."
"Not helping." Lita stated bluntly. "I just don't know if I can take this anymore."
Randy opened his mouth to respond when there was a knock at the door.
"Li?" Stacy Keibler called from the hallway. "Li do you have a minute?"
"Um..not really Stace, I was just about to turn in."
"It won't take long, I promise." Stacy sighed, "It's just I need someone to talk to.."
Lita pursed her lips, "Give me a sec okay? We'll talk in the hallway."
"Okay."
Lita turned her attention back to Randy. "I'll be back." The redhead let out a breath, unlocking and swiftly opening the door. "Hey Stace..what's up?"
"It's about Randy." Stacy began, leaning against the wall. "I don't know what I should do."
Lita raised a brow, shutting the door then. "What about him?"
Stacy frowned, "It's like he's not interested in me."
Lita rolled her eyes, "Stace..just give it some time, alright? I'm sure things will work out for you."
"Do you really think so?"
"Of course Stace." Lita shrugged, jamming her hands into her pockets. "Just give it some time..he's a guy. Most guys don't know what they want."
"Yeah I guess you're right," Stacy shrugged awkwardly. "I just get the feeling he's interested in someone else or something."
Lita blinked, "What gives you that idea?"
"I talked to him earlier about coming with us for dinner..and he got all distant."
Lita nodded slowly, "Well I'm sure that's because of the other company you know? He and Edge aren't exactly the best of friends."
Stacy rolled her eyes, "Isn't that the truth..all throughout dinner all he did was talk about how much of a jerk Randy is and how I could do better."
Lita smirked, "Maybe he's jealous."
"Maybe," Stacy shrugged as she pushed off the wall. "You up for a movie with me, Vikki and Lil?"
Lita faked a yawn, "Maybe some other time, okay? I'm really tired."
"Okay Li," Stacy gave her friend a quick hug. "See ya in the morning."
Lita waved shortly, a hand grasping the doorknob. "Sleep well Stace!"
"Li, can I talk to you?"
Lita pursed her lips, "Edge..I really want to--"
"I'll make it quick..please? I need a favor from you."
Lita sighed, "What?"
"Can you talk to Stacy for me?"
The redheaded Diva blinked, "I think you're perfectly capable of doing that yourself."
Edge frowned, "I meant like..can you find out if she likes me?"
"Is this high school?" Lita rolled her eyes, "Ask her yourself."
"Li, please..just ask her."
Lita sighed, "I'll think about it okay? Good night."
Edge grinned, squeezing her shoulder. "You're the best Li."
The redhead merely shrugged, pushing the door open then to come face to face with Randy. "Unless you want my knee in your groin, I suggest you take a few steps back."
"You aren't gonna help Edge..are you?"
"Randy.." Lita shrugged, "I at least hafta humor him..he's my friend."
Randy frowned, "Is it safe for me to leave now?"
Lita sent a backward glance to the hallway. "It should be."
"I'll see you around then." Randy stepped past the redhead. "Night."
"Night."
Lita shut the door as soon as he had left; the redheaded Diva turning her attention to the clothes that were strewn all over the room. Life was starting to get even more interesting than it already was..and the redheaded Diva couldn't help but think that it would only get more interesting. She could only hope, however, that the pyschopath would leave her and her friends alone. But, as she put away her things; she had the sinking feeling that this was only the beginning.