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 everyone who reviewed the last chapter!
See any previous chapters for applicable notes.
Chapter 19
April 13, 2004
Velocity hadn't even started taping.. and already, Lita was bored out of her mind. It wasn't that backstage wasn't a fun place to be.. Far from it. The people she knew on Smackdown were just as much fun to hang out with, if not more fun at times. But, in spite of Eddie's jokes, Rob's forever lame attempts at flirting and Bubba, John and Devon doing their best 'Waaazup' impressions- Lita was bored. Her fellow RAW Diva had disappeared.. and Rey was also missing from the crowded locker room. And despite her innermost want to find them, Dawn had been persuaded to stay put. Stephanie had stopped by once to inform Lita of the latest developments in the plan to move her from RAW to Smackdown. So far, all the redhead knew was that, when Torrie had her promo with the Big Show, Lita would be involved. Exactly how, Stephanie wasn't quite sure but the brunette woman promised she'd let her know by the time Smackdown started taping. That had initiated a short conversation on Lita's becoming a Smackdown Diva.. and all the implications of that change. Rob knew how much the redhead loved being on RAW. Not just for her friends over there, but because RAW had the women's division. Lita wasn't just another pretty face, she was over there to wrestler. Of course, Rob figured that anyone with the right training and time could wrestle.. but where Lita was concerned.. Not seeing her wrestling just didn't seem right. And judging by her slightly crestfallen face, the redheaded Diva shared those sentiments. But given the current company in the locker room, she wouldn't be very likely to talk about anything. Not that she didn't trust the people there, just that it was how she was.
"Hey Li?" Rob pushed off from the wall, his arms swinging by his sides. "Tome una caminata con mí." Take a walk with me.
Lita blinked, "¿Por qué?" Why?
The Battle Creek native rolled his eyes, "Porque, Eddie y yo sabemos hay algo mal. Algo tu no nos está diciendo." Because, Eddie and I know there's something wrong. Something you aren't telling us.
She rolled her eyes right back, "¿Como dije antes, allí es nada incorrecto, aceptable? Todo es apenas fino." The redhead trailed off with a slight shrug, "Soy justo un poco cansado." Like I said before, there is nothing wrong, okay? Everything is fine. I'm just a little tired.
Eddie raised an eyebrow from the opposite side of the locker room. "No creo eso por un minuto. Algo le ha estado incomodando desde que tu consiguió aquí." I don't believe that for a minute. Something has been bothering you since you got here.
Lita smirked, "Es apenas diferente aquí, eso es todo. Significo, allá sé siempre qué se está encendiendo y cuál está en el almacén para la noche." It's just different here, that's all. I mean, over there I always know what's going on and what's in store for the night.
Rob scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "Ésa tiene que ser la excusa más débil todavía." That has got to be the weakest excuse yet.
Lita shook her head, "Pozo es la verdad." She made a sweeping motion with her arms, "Tome una buena mirada alrededor, Rob." Well it's the truth. Take a good look around
D'von raised an eyebrow, "Ya know.. it's considered rude to talk about people in another language."
Lita swept her hair from her face, "We're not talking about anyone.. chill. We're not talking about anything important, so-"
"Not true," Rob interrupted softly. "We're worried about you Li."
"There's nothing wrong Rob," the redhead let out a sigh, "I'm fine- see? Breathing, talking, walking.. I'm fine."
Dawn raised an eyebrow at that, "Are you really, Li?"
"I was until y'all started breathin' down my neck." She jammed her hands into her back pockets, shifting her weight from foot to foot. "There is nothing wrong."
Bubba snorted in disbelief, "Then why are you acting like that?"
"Like what?"
"Like that," Eddie gestured with a wave of his hand, "You always act like that when you're trying to avoid something."
"Or when I'm annoyed," She pointed out tartly, "There is nothing wrong so just drop the damn topic."
Dawn let out a short sigh, "Look Li.. all we know, is that since Stephanie came in here, you've been quiet. That's not like you."
"You're right Dawn, that is all you know." Lita grabbed her light jacket and her wallet. "I'm going for a walk.." She slipped her jacket on, standing near the door for a moment. "Alone, I might add, so please? Don't follow me."
The New Jersey native frowned as the door slammed shut. "Damn it."
"So what now?" Rob sent a look around the room, his eyes flicking back to the door soon enough. "There is something bothering her, I'm sure of it."
"That might be the case but," Bubba shrugged, leaning back against the wall. "What can we really do?"
"One of two things," Dawn began, a strand of hair tucked behind her ear. "We can either wait and let her talk to us.. or we can follow her."
Eddie snorted, "Yeah right, mamacita. We all know that she won't talk to us.. Rob and I already tried."
"And she already said she didn't want anyone following her," D'von pointed out with a shake of his head. "And no, I'm not following her..because the last time I did? She kicked me."
"But.." Dawn trailed off, the brunette Diva biting her lower lip. "What if.."
"What if what?" Rob raised an eyebrow, "What has she told you?"
"Yesterday, before RAW went on the air.. Nidia and Lita were walking around.." The New Jersey native toyed with the ends of her hair. "They got approached by some guys and-"
"The same people?"
"She doesn't know, Eddie." Dawn shook her head, "They're always masked."
"So, she's being stalked by some psychopaths..and she won't even talk to us about it." Rob shook his head, "Well that's just great."
Dawn nodded then, "She might not be talking to us about it.. but that doesn't mean she won't talk to someone."
Eddie shook his head, "You heard her Dawn, she doesn't want anyone following her. Maybe we should-"
"Well, look.. she might not be talking to us." The brunette Diva gestured between herself, D'von, Bubba, Rob and Eddie. "But that's not to say she won't talk to..say you?" She raised an eyebrow at Cena. "So, will you talk to her?"
John held up his hands, "I barely know her.. What makes you think she'll talk to someone she don't know?"
"Well, she really doesn't know Randy either." Dawn stated tactfully, "Please? Just this once."
The U.S. Champion shook his head, "Nu uh Dawn. I ain't doin' it."
Dawn stuck out her lower lip, "Please? I'll take you out of the plan.."
"Keep talkin'."
"And I'll cancel the joint birthday party."
"Alright, for the fact that I don't feel like arguin' with ya.." He raked a hand over his hair, jamming a hand in his pocket as he made his way to the door. "But I ain't makin' no promises that she will talk to me."
The Diva beamed, "Thank you so much John, I really appreciate it."
"If I get kicked? I blame you."
It was on that note that the West Newbury native exited the locker room to seek out the redheaded Diva. Of course, given that she wasn't a part of the regular roster, he figured it wouldn't be too hard of a task. And although he really didn't know Lita, he did know of her.. thanks to the many stories that Eddie, Rey or Rob would tell on the travels between the shows. Still though, he didn't think him going to talk to her would help matters any. If she wasn't talking to people she did know well, why would she talk to someone she didn't know that well? The fact of the matter was, he didn't know her and she didn't know him.. so would she even trust him enough to talk to him? If it was a reverse situation, he wouldn't feel that comfortable.
xxx
Five minutes later found John Cena standing in the parking lot, seeking out the redheaded Diva. He had already checked the hallways, the empty locker rooms and the trainers room. He had even checked Stephanie's office, the brunette then informing him that Lita had passed by not too long ago. She wasn't sure which direction the RAW Diva was heading in, but it looked like it was as far from the arena as her feet could take her. He used that bit of information to walk past the remaining occupied locker rooms, instead heading for the double doors leading to the parking lot. And now as he walked towards her, he could only hope that she was in a talkative mood. Otherwise this mini-trip through the arena would be a waste of time he could've used to prepare for his match.
"Whoever that is," Lita began as she leaned against the concrete wall. "Just leave.. I'm not in the mood, and I just want to be left alone."
Undaunted he continued onwards, stopping a few feet away from her. "I gathered that.. You sure did put some effort in distancin' yourself from the locker room."
She smirked, "That's usually the point of wanting to be alone."
"Look, all I know is.. There are a few people back there who are worried 'bout you." His shoulders lifted lightly in a shrug, "An' for whatever reasons or another, they thought I'd be the best one to come out here an' talk to ya."
An eyebrow raised, hazel orbs flicking absently to him. "And that would be a good idea why? I thought I had made it clear.. I'm not in the mood and I just want to be left alone."
"So, why don't ya just leave or somethin'?"
She snorted, sweeping her hair from her face. "If I could, then I would.. but I caught a ride here with Dawn. I'm pretty sure the walk to the hotel is a long one so.."
"So, why'd you come here in the first place?" He leaned back against a nearby pillar. "I mean, Smackdown ain't exactly your show or nothin'."
"No, not yet anyway." She let out a short sigh, "I'm here because Dawn wanted me to be here.. said I could use the break or whatever."
An eyebrow raised just slightly, "Things that bad on RAW?"
She shrugged, slumping slowly until she was sitting on the pavement. "Not RAW persay.. just other things."
"Other things, like you an' Randy bein' followed." He stated then, and when she sent him a questioning look; he held up his hands in defense. "Randy talks to me, alright? He's one of my best friends."
The corners of her mouth twisted into a smirk, "Randy sure has a big mouth.. First he talks to Dave about that stupid plan of Dawn's.. Now he's talking to you about the shit that's happened?"
"Not all of it," John admitted easily, "But a little bit of it an' from what I've heard, it ain't pretty."
Lita rolled her eyes, "You probably don't even know the half of it."
"Prolly not," he half shrugged, turning his attention away from her. "But enough to know that Randy's pretty scared."
The redheaded Diva fell silent for a moment. "He's lucky.. luck that he isn't going through what I'm going through.. lucky that he's staying on RAW."
He sent her a look, "If you want to stay on RAW, just tell Stephanie. It's obvious you don't wanna move from RAW to Smackdown-"
"There's more to it, than just switching shows." Lita replied vaguely, "And I don't really feel like getting into right now, but.."
"But, it'll still be a big change for you," he rubbed the back of his neck in thought, "I mean.. there ain't no womens wrestling here."
"You're not telling me anything I don't know." She stated wryly, "Probably the only thing good about this, is working with Dawn on a more regular basis."
"But sometimes change is good." His voice held a touch of optimism, "I mean.. who knows? Maybe they'll put a belt over here or-"
Lita rolled her eyes, quipping sarcastically. "Yeah, when pigs fly. The chances of them bringing in another women's title belt are as good as me winning the WWE Championship."
"So, like I said before.. if you don't wanna switch shows, just tell Stephanie."
"And like I already told you, there's more to it than just switching shows." She raked a hand through her hair, said hand fisting in the ends. "Someone is out there, trying to make my life a living hell.. and doing a pretty damn good job about it. This is the first time since it all started, that I haven't been looking over my shoulder.. that I haven't worried about someone stepping out of the shadows."
He nodded slowly, "I see.." The West Newbury native sent her another look, "I got a match that I need to prepare for.. I'm gonna leave you alone now, but if you really wanna leave? Walk back with me an' I'll give you some car keys."
"I don't need your-"
John smirked, a mischevious twinkle in his eyes. "Who said anythin' 'bout my car? I just said car keys."
The redhead expelled a short chuckle, "I appreciate that.. but, I do have to stick around. Remember? Stephanie said I was needed for some promo."
"Then come back inside with me, hang out with me an' Eddie for a bit." He pushed off from the pillar, jamming his hands in his pockets. "We're gonna hit the trainin' room after he's done his promo."
She raised an eyebrow, "And no Dawn?"
"We'll do our best."
Hestitantly, she rose from her spot, dusting off her pants as she straightened. "Alright.. I guess I can do that."
He nodded in response, waiting until she had her bearings straight before he took off for the arena. The two walked on in silence, Lita lost in her own thoughts while John was already preparing for his match later that night. It felt odd to the redheaded Diva that she had even talked to the U.S Champion about her problems. And even if she hadn't really elaborated, she felt she had said too much. She didn't know why she felt that way, but after they had re-entered the arena, realization hit her. Everyone who had been targeted was friends with her or friends with someone who was friends with her. And seeing as how she had just talked to John, and since Randy was one of his closer friends.. that would put him in danger. She tried to keep her hopes up though, that the stalkers hadn't decided to follow her to the arena, but she couldn't help but send a look over her shoulder as they navigated the hallways. John had sent her a questioning look, the West Newbury native stopping in his tracks when Lita stood there. She had waved it off as nothing, the two continuing on their way to collect Eddie. And as they reached the hallway, she came to another realization. Really, if John was going to be a 'victim', the stalkers would've made thier attack already. And it wasn't like he was really her friend so.. she had nothing to worry about and thus, John would have nothing to worry about. It was on that thought, that she then found herself walking through the hallways with Eddie and John. The three also toted Rob with them, then making their way to the training room. And it was in the training room that Lita spent most of the night, away from the camera and avoiding the topic of recent happenings all together. So far, her visit to Smackdown hadn't been that bad.. and she could only hope it would stay that way.