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!
I'm altering events on Smackdown and RAW as I see fit- don't complain.
...
Chapter 20
April 13, 2004
By the time Lita was needed for the segment.. she wasn't as bored as she had been. Granted yes, there were still some traces of boredom lingering; but for the most part she was in a far better mood. Whether that had to do with being relatively Dawn free or finally talking to Eddie and Rob.. She wasn't quite sure. As it stood right now, she was currently back in the locker room and playing a game of bullshit with Eddie, Bubba, D-von and John. Rob had been participating but since he was needed for the final match of the evening..Eddie had taken his place. Rey and Nidia had shown up at the locker room not long after Eddie's match against the Big Show. Speaking of the Big Show, he had also stopped by after the match to see if the redhead knew what was going down later that night. Lita had nodded, informing the 'Giant' that all was set on her end of things. Torrie had also stopped by to run through things with the redhead.. The blonde woman then thanking her profusely for giving her the chance to be on RAW. Granted, Torrie didn't know if she would be competiting for the title belt.. But the prospect of being closer to her long time best friend was certainly sweeting the deal. She had stayed a little bit longer after that; she, Dawn and Lita chatting amiably about how much the women's division sucked on both rosters. Lita also promised Torrie that she would go shopping with her at her next available free day.. though when that free day exsisted she wasn't too sure. Whatever the case, Lita was just about to call Eddie's bluff when a stagehand knocked briskly on the locker room door. Rey answered, the cruiserweight then informing the redhead that she was needed in the parking lot. In turn, Lita set her cards down, brushing off her pants as she stood.
"Okay.." Stephanie began as Lita stepped into the hallway. "I know I went over this with you already, but I just want to clarify everything again."
Lita nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as they navigated the corridors.
"Now, originally.. Show was supposed to go after Torrie. With you added in, we'll have you create a distraction-"
"And lure Show away until we're back in the arena.." Lita finished with a nod, "After which he and I are standing on a ledge.. he tosses me over the side into a stack of cardboard boxes and Kurt."
The brunette nodded, "I just want to be sure that you're comfortable with this. Especially since we haven't had a chance to practice it you know?"
The redhead bit her lower lip, "Would we have enough time for a run through?"
Stephanie frowned as she checked her watch, "If we can find Show first, yeah.. I don't see why that would be a problem."
Lita nodded in turn, the two turning the corner only to collide with a soft wall. Stephanie glanced upwards, a smirk sent to the tall man.
"We were just looking for you," Stephanie mentioned to Show, "Is Kurt-"
"Right here.." Kurt stepped out from behind the Big Show. "We figured it might be in all of our interests to give this a run through.."
"Well, lets make it quick then." Stephanie clasped her hands behind her back. "Is Torrie already in the parking lot?"
Kurt nodded, "Yup.. Camera's are in place there too."
"Good." Stephanie lead the way to the designated drop point. "Alright.. Li, Show up on the ledge.. Kurt by the boxes."
The brunette spared a glance to her watch as they set up, Show picking up the redheaded Diva by the shoulders and holding her over the ledge. "Everyone set?"
"Ready as I'll ever be." Lita managed shakily, "Let's just get this over with."
Stephanie nodded, stepping back a few feet before she gave the go ahead to Show. And on cue, he dropped her off the ledge and straight into the boxes, the padding within and Kurt. Kurt's back took the initial blow as he landed on the first padded box. Lita was soon nestled between boxes, padding and Kurt's chest; the two playing possum for a few moments before Stephanie voiced her approval.
"Alright- that's exactly what we're looking for .. Except of course, Show'll be angry, Kurt will be negotiating and Lita-"
"Will be screaming for her life," the redhead joked as she picked herself out of the pile. "I'm gonna go meet Torrie now.. so, I'll see you in a bit."
The three remaining nodded, waving farewell as the redhead set off. And once she was out of sight, they re-assembled the stack of cardboard boxes; Show taking off in the same direction as Lita had.
As soon as Torrie was in view, Lita put her poker face on; the redhead reminding herself it was all for the best.
"Oh my god," Torrie expelled shakily, "Have you seen Show?"
Lita shook her head, "Can't say I have, but he shouldn't be too hard to miss, ya know?"
The blonde woman gulped, "He's after me.. I mean, all I was doing was walking past him and-" She cut herself off, a spine tingling scream escaping her as Show entered the parking lot.
"Torrie- get out of here. I'll take care of the Jolly Green Giant."
"But-"
Lita glared, "Just go alright? I can handle him."
The blonde woman nodded shakily, making a hasty retreat out of the parking lot. And as the Big Show was starting to close in on her, Lita picked up the nearest object and tossed it at him.
Show turned angry eyes to the redheaded Diva, "That wasn't very smart."
"So?" Lita snorted, "Neither are you."
Show's hands clenched into large fists, "You'll pay for those words little girl."
She rolled her eyes, "You'll have to catch me first." She stuck out her tongue, tossing one more item at the angry man before she skittered off.
The remainder of the segment went as planned, the Big Show catching up to the redhead when she tripped over a piece of carpeting. He then stalked her towards the designated ledge, the Diva scrambling quickly up the ladder. As planned, he followed after her, cornering the still determined redhead in the corner. A dangerous smile crossed his face as his hands closed over her shoulder; Lita's feet leaving the ledge soon enough. She dangled over the edge, the boxes in plain sight for a minute or two until Kurt appeared on the scene. Once again, as planned, Kurt started negotiating with the Big Show, the redhead placing her hands on the 'giants' wrists for saftey measures. Her hazel eyes were wide with fear -mostly from acting, but partly from true fear- as she continued to hang over the concrete. Kurt finally gave one last command for Show to set her down.. And in accordance with the command- he did so. Only instead of setting her down on the ledge he tossed her over into the pile of cardboard boxes. Kurt moved just in the nick of time (or so it would seem) to cushion the fall for the Diva. The three remained in their respective positions until the camerman called for the end.
xxx
It was on the way back to the locker room that Stephanie elaborated a little bit more on the 'moving' angle. What would happen is that, Lita would be 'injured' thus forfeiting her match at Backlash. And while that bit still stung to some extent, the idea was slowly starting to grow on Lita. Stephanie went on to explain that, she would appear on RAW one week from the following Monday to make it look legit- and when Evolution called her out to the ring.. She would be missing. The plan called for a 'kidnapping' of sorts- with Lita ending up on Smackdown in the clutches of the Big Show. GM's Kurt and Eric would then negotiate.. calling for a Giant vs. Giant match but eventually agreeing to a Diva for a Diva trade. And when they finally reached the locker room, Lita queried as to the 'missing' period. What exactly would she be doing for that week? To that, Stephanie shrugged.. suggesting that Lita had earned herself a week off from the shows. In that period of time they'd work on a new angle for her on Smackdown, the brunette then suggesting that Lita be present for next week's tapings and the house shows. The redhead agreed with a bit of hestitance, but accepted the offer none the less; offering the brunette a quick hug before she re-entered the locker room. She was greeted with the sight of everyone ready to go- Dawn stepping forward to check over Lita just to be on the safe side. And once she re-assured her friend she was fine, they set off for the hotel.
"So, how are we getting to the Tough Enough house?" Lita queried as they reached the parking lot. "I mean, we're in Indiana.. the house is in-"
"L.A., I know." Dawn stated as she set her stuff down. "Steph said she'd have the information for us before we-" the brunette interrupted herself as a limo pulled up.
"I've got you all booked on flights.. but you'll need to get the airport quick." Stephanie stated as she stepped out of the limo. "You'll have another limo meeting you at the airport in L.A.. take this one to the hotel, but be quick about getting your stuff, alright?"
Rob blinked, "What about the rentals?"
The brunette waved it off, "Don't worry.. We'll take care of it. Just get back to the hotel, get your stuff and get out of here." She smirked at the dumbfounded faces, "And no messes in that limo, you understand?"
They all rolled their eyes good naturedly, the Diva's entering the limo while the guys tossed as many bags as they could in the trunk.
"Dude," Rob stated as he piled in, "This is so totally cool."
Eddie let out a low whistle as he piled in, "I could get used to this essa.. But it needs some improvements."
"Yeah," John stated as he entered the limo, "Like a kickin' stereo system."
"Move it or become one with the limo." D-von mock threatened as he entered the vehicle. "I mean it, I'll sit on ya."
Eddie rolled his eyes, Latino Heat subsequently wedging himself between Dawn and Lita. "You big bully."
"Of course," Rey shook his head as he entered the limo, the cruiserweight taking the back bench seat with Nidia. "Ever since day one."
"Shoot," Dawn snapped her fingers as Spike and Bubba climbed in. "I should call Chris, let him know that we're on our way to L.A tonight."
Lita raised an eyebrow as the limo started out of the parking lot, "That would be helpful Dawn.. if they're supposed to be there."
The brunette rolled her eyes as she brought out her cellphone, shutting herself out from the random conversations as the limo continued on its way to the hotel. And by the time they arrived, she learend that, the RAW counterparts were receiving the same treatment and were scheduled to arrive in L.A that night. Suitcases were gathered in record time -to the surprise of the guys- and when they had all of their belongings in hand, they were back in the limo. Check in was left to Dawn as she had the necessary information, the brunette calling Stephanie from the airport so she could confirm things with the woman at the counter. And once they had their things checked and boarding passes in hand, the group set off for the terminal.
"Li-Li?" Eddie queried as they dispersed themselves amongst the chairs. "When are you becoming one of us?"
"Two weeks from today," Lita replied with a small yawn, "I'm out on 'injury' for a week so creative can figure out what I'll be doing.. Steph said I could travel with y'all if I wanted."
Dawn perked, "Will you? Come on Li, please? Being the only female in the traveling group is killing me."
"An' just who's in this crazy group?"
"Us two," Eddie gestured between himself and Rob, "John, Rey-Rey and sometimes D-von, Bubba and Spike."
An impish grin formed at the corners of the redhead's mouth, "Van?"
D-von chuckled, "Mini van actually. 'Cept when we go along, there's two mini vans."
Lita let out a chuckle of her own, "That doesn't sound half that bad actually."
"Good," Dawn grinned, "I really owe you for this Li."
The redhead raised an eyebrow, "Speaking of.. You owe me for wakin' my ass up early this mornin'. So, what are ya gonna do for me?"
"Well, I-"
"The joint birthday party has already been called off," John informed the redhead with a smirk. "Just thought I'd let ya know."
Lita smirked in turn, "Then since I won't be on RAW, it'll be kinda hard for me to carry through with this plan of yours, right Dawn?"
Dawn whined, "You can't back out on me too! I don't know Randy at all."
The redhead rolled her eyes, "An' I do? Here's the deal then- You take my place in the plan, I'll supervise."
The New Jersey native made a face, "Fine.. if that's what it's gonna take.." She glanced between Lita and John. "But I still need both of you there, otherwise it'll just look really suspicious."
John snorted, "You still want me there? You pay me more."
"Ditto," Lita added as she stood. "Pay me more and I'll tag along."
Dawn rolled her eyes at the two, the group falling silently shortly after as the attendant at the counter called for boarding. The flight to L.A proved to be not too packed, D-von securing a row of seats to himself with Bubba behind him and Spike before him. Nidia and Rey were across the aisle from D-von, Rob and Eddie before them with Dawn and Lita behind them. John was also the lucky recepient of a full row to himself- the Dr. of Thuganomics behind Dawn and Lita. Small talk filtered between John, Dawn, Lita, Nidia and Rey- while across the aisle the Dudleys three took a nap. And by the time the plane passed over Colorado, everyone was napping with the exception of two. Lita passed the time peering through the window while behind her, John was engrossed in his mp3 player.
xxx
As promised, a limo was waiting for them when they arrived in L.A., and due to the time difference it was just going on 9:30 p.m. But, thanks to the light jet lag, most of them were still tired, some falling asleep on the way to the Tough Enough house. People were shaken when the limo pulled into the driveway, and as that group settled into the living room another limo pulled up. They had just settled themselves on the couches, chairs and carpet when the RAW crew stepped into the house. Jeff also arrived with the RAW crew, the group at large then deciding on room arrangements for the night. After all was said and done- Dawn, Victoria, Nidia and Stacy ended up in one room with Eddie, Chris J., Edge and Rey in another. Chris B. and Lillian took the last bedroom; the remaining settling in the living room. And no sooner had the arrangements been made did Lita and Jeff declare themselves bored; the two then retreating the living room to wander around in the backyard.
"How're things, baby girl."
Lita shrugged, "It's going.. nothing really new to report."
Jeff raised an eyebrow, "I don't buy that.."
The redhead rolled her eyes, "I'm switching shows in two weeks.. I talked to Steph about it today and she managed to pull a miracle."
The green eyed man nodded, "Do they know yet?"
She shook her head, "The only one's who know are the ones from Smackdown."
Jeff nodded, resting his elbows on his thighs. "It won't be too bad.. Change is always good, ya know? People need change."
"I know," she wrapped her arms around herself, her chin inclining skyward. "The thing I'm most upset about is not being able to compete for the belt."
He wrapped an arm over her shoulders. "You'll get the chance again, baby girl.. Don't you worry 'bout that."
"I'm not really," She stated with a light sigh, "To be honest.. I'm actually looking forward to swtiching shows."
He sent her a questioning glance. "Why's that?"
Her eyes fluttered shut for a moment, "When I was backstage tonight.. I didn't have to look over my shoulder, I didn't have to walk around in fear.."
"You felt safer."
She nodded slightly, "Yeah.. I mean, I have more friends on RAW-"
"For now."
"But I wasn't walking around in fear."
He nodded, pulling her closer to his form. "You have friends on Smackdown too an' I know they'll look out for ya, be there for ya.. Just like the guys on RAW. What matters baby girl, is that you're happy."
"I'll get there eventually," She stated with a small yawn, "I feel happy right now anyway."
He kissed her temple. "I'll always be with ya, baby girl. If not in person, than in spirit."
"I know," She smiled softly as she wiggled out his one armed embrace. "I'm gonna turn in though.. it's been a night."
Jeff nodded, watching on as she stood. "I'll be in shortly.. you just get some rest, ya hear?"
Lita rolled her eyes good naturedly, ruffling his hair then. "I will dad.. 'night." She jammed her hands in her back pockets as she made her way back to the house, pausing on her way there to glance to the sky again.
When she re-entered the house she found D-von, Rob and John sitting around the kitchen table- an open carton of ice cream, and a two liter bottle of soda in the middle. She spared a glance to the living room, noting that Spike was curled up in a chair while Bubba was sprawled out on a couch. That left one more couch, plus the carpet for the rest of them. Jeff entered the house not long after the redhead, the two making themselves comfortable at the kitchen table. They exchanged road stories and jokes while they consumed the late night snack, and though slightly sugar high- sleep called to them more. They allowed the redhead to take the couch, the four then arranging themselves around the living room until they were comfortable. Such started the a restful sleep for Lita. The first night since she had stayed in Evolution's hotel suite in fact. But instead of being with near strangers, this time she found herself in the company of friends.