Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Anything that is recognizable, does not belong to me. I'm debating if I'll use all wrestling people or toss in some OC's.
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! Skipping over the last two days storyline wise. Originally I was going to write it out, but when I tried.. I came up terribly short.
Chapter 24
April 16, 2004
While Wednesday had been spent in L.A, Thursday had been spent with Dawn and Jeff in Cameron. Dawn had originally wanted to head to New York City, but Lita managed to talk her out of that.. At least until they had to meet up with John and Randy. The two Diva's figured they could always stay another day in the City if it came down to it. Nidia also made plans to meet the Diva pair in New York City, Lita wondering if perhaps, Dave would also be along for the ride. Not that Lita was overly curious to know, just that it would make some sense for him to be there if Nidia was also going to be there. Added to that, and presuming that Hunter didn't know the real reason as to why Randy would be in New York City, Dave's presence could possibly ward off some curiousity from their Evolution cohorts.. Or something like that, anyway. All Lita really knew, was that John and Randy were supposed to meet her and Dawn at the airport. The Diva pair knew already from John, that Randy had taken care of hotel reservations. All that was really left for Dawn and Lita to do was pack enough for the overnight stay in the City. And of course, pack whatever else they would need for the upcoming WWE related events. It was on the short plane ride from Raleigh to New York City, that Lita and Dawn arranged for a time for Lita to meet up with the Smackdown crew. Granted, the redheaded Diva hadn't heard back from Stephanie yet about the specifics of the roster switch.. Lita figuring she'd find out either at the pay-per-view or the day after.
Dawn glanced around the airport terminal, "I hope they didn't forget.."
"When's 'Dia getting in?" Lita swept her hair from her face, hands reaching back to gather her red locks into a ponytail. "She is meeting us, right?"
The brunette nodded, "If not today then tomorrow." She hefted up her carry on. "Maybe we should start heading over to the baggage claim."
Lita shrugged, "Whatever.. It's not like we have anywhere we need to be right away."
"I know," Dawn replied simply. "Who know's though, we might run into them on our way there."
Lita rolled her eyes, "They aren't exactly hard to miss.." Smirking slightly, she added: "Just look for a throng of screaming teenage girls and chances are good that we'll find John and Randy."
"Hey, look.." Dawn nodded up ahead, "I'm pretty sure that's them."
The redhead spared a glance in the indicated direction, "Unless you know of two other guys who are that height, both with brown hair.. One who dresses like a runway model and the other who dresses like--"
"Help us.." John pleaded when he and Randy reached the Diva pair. "We got held up by this--"
"Group of admiring ring rats?" Lita suggested with a smirk. She raised an eyebrow at the two, "What's wrong? Can't handle the attention?"
John shuddered, "One of 'em almost ripped my jersey."
Dawn rolled her eyes at the two males before them, "Come on.. We have to get our luggage." She grabbed John's elbow. "Well? Let's get a move on.. Or we'll throw you two at the mercy of--" The brunette cut herself off, casting a curious look at Randy. "What's wrong with you?"
The third generation wrestler blinked, "They stole my sunglasses.. And they tried to take my shoes."
"We're in New York City," Lita pointed out bluntly. "I doubt it'll be very hard to find a new pair of sunglasses." Rolling her eyes, she grabbed Randy's wrist. "And unless you'd like them to come back, I suggest we start walking."
"Nidia said she'll meet us either today or tomorrow," Dawn mentioned as the four started off for the baggage claim. "So.. Whatever it is you needed to talk to us about, sooner is better then later."
Randy nodded absently, "Dave said something about meeting me and John.. He's flying in tomorrow."
Dawn flicked a piece of lint from her shirt sleeve, "So tell me why we're meeting again?"
"The plan," Randy stated shortly. "I was wondering if you might have a better idea of how long it'll take."
The New Jersey native frowned thoughtfully, "Things are probably going to change a little bit time wise.. Considering well.." She glanced cautiously to Lita, "I mean I--"
"He already knows about the roster switch," Lita interrupted softly. "If it's important.. I'll explain later, Dawn."
Dawn merely nodded, "With Li being on Smackdown now, I have to make a few phone calls.. Re-arrange some things but for the most part.. I don't think too much will change."
John raised an eyebrow, "Remind me again.. Jus' what does this crazy ass plan call for again? An' why am I still bein' dragged along?"
Dawn rolled her eyes, the four stepping onto a nearby escalator. "Dance lessons, a few 'test' dates and cooking lessons." A glance to John, "You're being 'dragged' along just because."
"Just because?" John echoed incredulously. "You're gonna need a better reason then just because."
Randy glanced to his side while Dawn and John argued. "I figured out what H has planned."
The redhead raised an eyebrow, a curious glint in her hazel eyes. "And that would be?"
"He's 'expanding' Evolution.." Randy rolled his shoulders as they stepped off the escalator. "A trade will be taking place.. Dave and I are going to be shipped over to Smackdown for Eddie, Charlie and Jackie."
Lita blinked, "And just why is this taking place? I mean you're holding the Intercontinental title right now and--"
"I'm dropping the title on RAW to Edge." Randy replied evenly, "Dave and Ric are dropping their titles to Benoit and Jericho."
The redhead made a face, "And you're telling me that the three of you are okay with this? Just because Helmsley says so?" Lita shook her head, "I'm sorry.. But that's just a load of bullshit."
"I didn't say I was okay with it, did I?" Randy frowned, but shook it off quickly enough. "We're 'recruiting' Rene Dupree and JBL for the Smackdown side of things."
Lita eyed him wairly, "So when do you and Dave make the jump?"
"Next Monday.." Randy paused as the four made their way to the baggage claim. "I'll explain more when Dave gets here." He smirked slightly, "Apparently Dave has been deemed more trustworthy than me."
Lita snickered, "Well you have been 'sneaking' off latley.." A blink, "What have you been telling Helmsley anyway?"
A query from Dawn and John in regards to Lita's luggage spared Randy from having to respond. All Randy had really been telling Hunter, was that he had a family emergency or that he had things he wanted to take care of at home. The blonde man had seemingly bought those excuses, but Randy knew that Hunter still held his suspicions. And that was why, Dave was going to be meeting him tomorrow. All things considered, it did work out more to their advantage. Added to that, Dave wanted to keep a closer eye on his baby sister. Especially since he wouldn't have the opportunity to do so after the roster switch. Ric had openly questioned two of Evolution's members would be shipped to Smackdown, but both Dave and Randy had just silently agreed. Granted, they didn't know who would be taking their places in the elite group on RAW.. But Hunter had stated he would take care of it. The only thing that Dave and Randy really knew, was that they were going after the tag titles on Smackdown, with Rene going after John's U.S. Title. Presumably, JBL would go after the WWE title.. Thus re-creating Evolution's uncanny success.
Once they had gathered Lita's luggage, the four left the airport in search of food. They didn't need to worry about checking in, the third generation wrestler having been in the City since yesterday afternoon. It was in the rental car that Randy handed over a pair of keycards to Lita and Dawn; the dark haired wrestler informing the two that their hotel room was across the hall John's. Randy, on the other hand, had the hotel room next door the Diva pair. When Nidia arrived, the Diva pair reasoned she could room with them.. Randy figuring that Dave would room with him. Whatever the case, the four stopped first at the hotel to drop off luggage, the small group then convening in the hallway to discuss brunch options. Given the varied tastes between them, what started as a short discussion ended as a long discussion taking place from the hallway to the elevator and to the lobby. By the time they reached the lobby, they had come to some sort of compromise, the four then setting off for the chosen restaurant. On the way there, they also discussed plans for that night.. Dawn pointing out that since they were in Manhattan and it was a Friday night.. There was no way they could just sit around their hotel rooms. Once they were safely inside a taxi, the four went over their options for that day and possibly the next.
"Li.." Dawn rolled her eyes, "All I'm trying to say is that, we're in Manhattan on a Friday night. We can't let this opportunity go to waste!"
Lita rolled her eyes right back, "And I'm telling you, the last thing I want to do is club hop in Manhattan." She made an open gesture with her hands, "I don't even have the right kind of clothes with me."
Dawn beamed, linking arms with the redhead. "Which is why you have me, silly. After we get brunch, we'll go shopping."
Lita pinched the bridge of her nose, "Dawn.. We just spent two days in L.A, we were up until 3:00 a.m. this morning hanging out with Jeff and Shane.. I do have a match at Backlash--"
"Which isn't until Sunday," Dawn pointed out tactfully. "And today is Friday. That gives you all day Saturday to rest up."
Lita snorted, "Yeah right.. 'Dia and Dave are arriving tomorrow. Somehow I don't see us spending Saturday night in."
"Then we'll put it to a vote," The New Jersey native glanced between Randy and John. "Guys? What do you say? Do the utterly boring thing and stay in or hit the nightlife?"
John shrugged, "It don't really matter to me."
"Then you're in.." Dawn grinned, turning her attention to Randy. "Well?"
The third generation wrestler shrugged, "I don't really care.. I'm not the biggest fan of house music and that other crap but--"
"Then it's decided." Dawn cut him off, sending a triumphant look to the redhead. "We go out."
Lita sighed, "Fine.. So, now that we have our plans for later settled.. Can we go eat?"
Dawn rolled her eyes good naturedly, "Of course we can. We do have to do some shopping after this, but.. What about after that?"
John shook his head at the two, "Well we're in the Big Apple.. I'm sure we'll find somethin' to do."
"We are not going anywhere that's a tourist trap." Lita spoke up crisply. "So no Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building or whatever."
Dawn shrugged, "Well.. How about hitting midtown to go shopping. After that, I guess we can--"
"We'll figure out over brunch." Lita broke in before Dawn could continue. "So, let's just go find this place and--"
"Can we hit that toy store?" John spoke up then. "Ya know.. The one from the movie?"
Randy raised an eyebrow, "You want to go to a toy store.." He rolled his eyes, "Do I even want to know why?"
"Why not?" The West Newbury native shrugged. "It ain't like we gotta be anywhere."
Dawn bit her lower lip in thought, "I think that's by Central Park.." Her eyes lit up suddenly. "Which means we can hit Midtown first, then go to the toy store."
"Lovely," Lita muttered dryly. "I'm really looking forward to going to a freakin' toy store."
John sent her a questioning look, "You gonna tell me you ain't ever gone into a toy store just for the hell of it?"
"I have, but that doesn't mean I want to visit one today."
"Well.." Dawn glanced between the two, "There's tons to do around that area. You can always go to Central Park or the Museum of Modern Art or something."
The redhead shrugged, "I'll probably hit the Museum of Modern Art.. Central Park sounds like a great option, but how much time do we really have? And where the hell are we going now?"
"Tao.." Dawn supplied in the blink of an eye, "It's on East 58th St., which puts us close to Central Park.. Plus TriCo isn't too far and I'm sure there are plenty of other places to shop near by." Shrugging slightly, she added: "And in the event that Tao is packed, we'll just head somewhere else."
Randy eyed the brunette Diva wairly, "No offense here.. But are you always like this?"
Lita smirked, "Dawn's a bit of a control freak. Most of the time she's pretty laid back about things but--"
"I'm just trying to be a little organized.." Dawn stated in her defense. "Honestly, if we just wander around Midtown, who knows how long that'll take."
"Point," Randy conceded with a shrug. "Well it looks like we're here."
John sent a look back, "So who's payin' for this cab ride?"
Dawn batted her lashes innocently, "You're sitting up front with the driver.."
He rolled his eyes in response, reaching for his wallet to pay the driver none the less. Randy also reached for his wallet, the third generation wrestler taking care of the driver's tip. And once that was all taken care of, the four set off for the designated restaurant. To their surprise, the upscale establishment was not overly packed. And since they had nothing better to do at the moment, they filed in line to wait for a table. While they waited, they discussed the after shopping plans.. John still set on going to the toy store with Dawn wanting to sight see a little bit more. Eventually they reached an agreement.. the four hitting the toy store at John's request, after which they'd head to Central Park. Of course, they weren't exactly sure when that would take place.. Nor did they know how much time they would have to spend there. That, of course, would all depend on how long it took to find suitable attire for the redhead. By the time they had their post-shopping plans squared away, they had reached the hostess. It took another ten minutes before they were seated.. And once they had menus in hand, Dawn decided to go over more details of the 'plan'.
As Dawn had pointed out earlier, things would have to be re-arranged somewhat since Lita was switching rosters. Randy also brought up the fact that he and Dave would be making the roster switch, leading to a short question and answer session between the New Jersey native and the third generation wrestler. Through it all, Lita and John remained silent, the two concentrating instead on consuming their meals. It was Dawn's plan, after all, and for the benefit of Randy.. John and Lita just happened to be along for the crazy ride. At least for the time being, anyway. Once Dawn had learned that Batista was switching rosters, she questioned if perhaps, he should switch places with John in the grand scheme. To that, Randy had snorted incredulously.. Informing the brunette that if she wanted Dave to take John's place, she would have to ask Dave. John, of course, was all for the idea.. The West Newbury native offering to bring up the prospect with Dave. But, having both Randy and Lita on Smackdown, did complicate the plan. At the very least it brought up some complications were the end goals of said plan were concerned. To the redhead, it was obvious that Randy's being on Smackdown would lessen his chances.. Especially with Adam taking every opportunity to spend time with the long legged Diva.
"Dawn.. Not that I doubt your abilities or anything but.." Lita set down her chopsticks, a questioning look sent across the table. "Are you sure this plan of yours will work?"
Dawn took a sip of her iced tea, "Why wouldn't it? I mean sure, you're both switching rosters but--"
"Wouldn't that cause a problem?" Lita brushed a few rampant strands of hair from her face. "Speaking from experience here, dating someone on the other roster isn't exactly easy."
The brunette Diva nodded, "If you're already dating.. Which Stacy and Randy aren't. His being on a different roster, actually makes this easier."
John, Lita and Randy blinked in unison, the third generation wrestler speaking first: "How does it make things easier?"
Dawn rolled her eyes, "Duh.. It makes it easier because you don't have to make excuses when Stacy questions where you are and who you're spending time with."
Randy nodded slowly, "So you want to include Dave, why?"
"Because.. It would also make things easier." Dawn rested her forearms on the table. "Presuming that Lita will be in Smackdown's Evolution.. The three of you will already be traveling together. I can always travel with you three, so.."
"That's presuming that Dave will agree to it," Randy pointed out matter of factly. "Quite honestly, I don't see him agreeing to this."
Dawn shrugged it off, "Then we just have it the way it started.. If anything, Dave can be a cover story."
Lita raised an eyebrow, "And just how would that work?"
"Like I said already.." Dawn glanced between Randy and Lita before her attention fell soley on the redhead. "Presuming that you're part of Smackdown's Evolution.. You, Dave and Randy will be traveling together. If anyone starts asking questions, then you just have Dave make something up." She sent a questioning look to Randy, "If Dave doesn't know already--"
"He does," Randy interrupted then. "I still don't understand how this is going to work though.. I mean, regardless if we're on RAW or Smackdown, we're still in Evolution."
"So?" Dawn rolled her eyes, "It's not like Hunter dictates every single minute of your time."
Randy nodded, "I never said he did.. It's just when are we going to find the time to do all of this? Sure, the three of us being on Smackdown might make it easier but--"
"We'll figure something out," Dawn cut him off with a wave of her hand. "There's always time between Smackdown tapings and the house shows."
Lita snorted, "Yeah.. Presuming that there isn't anything scheduled between. Autograph sessions and whatever."
Dawn shrugged, "I'll just ask Stephanie for a schedule." She glanced between the two opposite her, "Unless you want to back out on this."
Lita smirked, "You already know my answer.. But, it's not my choice." Idly so, she nodded to Randy. "It's his."
The brunette Diva raised an eyebrow, "Well? Do you want to back out on this or not?"
He shrugged, "I'm willing to give it a shot.. I still have my doubts, but it could work."
Dawn nodded, clasping her hands together. "Then we'll go through with it.. It'll still be the four of us and possibly Dave."
"Right," Lita chewed absently on a mouthful of food. "So.. Now that we have all of that out of the way.."
"What should we do tomorrow?" Dawn questioned the three with her, "Or do you think we should wait until 'Dia and Dave get here?"
Lita rolled her eyes good naturedly, "That would probably be our best bet, Dawn. I mean, if the four of us had a hard time figuring out what to do.. We'll probably have a harder time when they get here."
Dawn stuck out her tongue in response, the four falling silent to finish their meals. Granted, both Randy and Lita had their respective doubts about Dawn's plan.. And both for different reasons. Not to mention the time issue, since Randy and Dave would be gunning for the tag titles on Smackdown. Their jobs left them with little free time as it was and with the additional factor of scheduled appearances.. Free time was luxury. But still, even when they had been given the chance to back out, both Randy and Lita stayed on with the plan. How it would turn out in the long run, none of them really knew.. But all they could do was wait and see. Once they had finished their meals and split the bill, the four set off to do some shopping.. Or at least Lita and Dawn would be shopping, the two unfortunate guys designated to carry bags. And much to everyone else's dismay, Dawn decided that going in nearly every store in Midtown would be sufficient enough for their needs. Such began the afternoon for John, Dawn, Randy and Lita.. Only the beginning of what would be yet another long day.