Title: Haunting Me
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.
More downtime here, the next chapter and possibly the next.. but of course with a few plot seeds sprinkled in for fun..or information.

-x-x-x-

Chapter 26

April 17, 2004

When Randy, John and Lita returned to the hotel, they realized that Dawn was in no mood to go anywhere. Of course, that was mostly due to the fact that she was still sleeping; the three convening instead in John's hotel room to figure out what they would be doing in the meantime. At first, Randy had pointed out that they could just stay at the hotel, order room service or head downstairs to the restaurant on premises. That idea was soon shot down, however, by both John and Lita.. The two pointing out that Dawn's taking a nap could result in a late night experiancing the night life. A propsect that Lita wanted nothing to do with, while John was indifferent on the matter. The three eventually found themselves arranged around John's hotel room, a wide array of room service spread out on the dresser. Mid room service meal, there was a knock at the door.. A still sleepy but revived Dawn Marie stepping inside when the door was opened. Somehow, Lita managed to talk the brunette out of hitting the town later; Dawn taking a spot on the bed as she joined the three. Their conversation drifted between the visit to the toy store and Dawn's crazy plan.. Lita and Dawn trying to figure out how they could possibly take Dave into participating.. Even if it was only to have him as the cover story. In the midst of that conversation, the redhead realized they did have a trump card so to speak in Nidia.. But, since Dawn didn't know of the family relations between Dave and Nidia.. she didn't bother to bring it up. During this particular conversation, John also tried to talk his way out of participating.. Dawn stating rather firmly that it just wasn't possible. And when the West Newbury native tried to question why, she waved him off.. The Diva's left the hotel room around 10:00.. Dawn letting them all know that Dave and Nidia would be arriving at 9:00 a.m. the next morning.

"What airport are they flying into?" Randy questioned the brunette; the two waiting on John and Lita. "I know you and Lita flew into J.F.K but--"

"They're also flying into J.F.K," Dawn pushed back a strand of hair, "so as soon as Li and John wake their asses up, we'll go."

The door to Lita and Dawn's hotel room opened, "I don't see how picking people up from the airport become a group activity." She yawned, leaning against the doorway, "and aside from that.. How are all of us going to fit in the rental car?"

Dawn rolled her eyes, "Maybe Nidia and Dave can rent a car? Li.. Come on, get dressed so we can go."

Lita crossed her arms over her chest, "Do the words 'not a morning person' or 'sleeping in' have any meaning to you?"

Randy shook his head at the two, the third generation wrestler in the midst of knocking on John's door. "I know you're in there," he called out. "Come on, get dressed so we can go."

"An' jus' why am I goin'?" John questioned as the door to the hotel room was flung open. "Havin' me there yesterday.. I can understand, what wit havin' Dawn an' her million suitcases, but .. today? I don' think so."

Randy rolled his eyes, "Look.. Dave said something about meeting the two of us, Nidia is meeting Dawn and Lita.." he sent a pointed look to the redhead before his attention shifted back to John. "That is why the two of you are coming with us."

The West Newbury native huffed, "Like hell I'm comin' wit y'all.. I am tired, it's a freakin' Saturday mornin' an' that gives me every right to sleep in.. It's just one of them American things to do."

"Exactly," Lita spoke up before Randy or Dawn could argue otherwise. "I'm exercising my right to sleep in on a Saturday morning...or to watch cartoons on a Saturday morning."

"Unbelievable," Dawn pinched the bridge of her nose. "Look, if you two come with us like you're supposed to.. We can just get breakfast after we pick up Dave and 'Dia.. Otherwise we have to come back to the hotel to get you two." An eyebrow raised as she glanced between them, "Any questions?"

The redhead snorted, "That's still not a good a reason to go with the two of you.. Besides which, y'all are already dressed.. It'll take me another fifteen or twenty minutes to get myself organized and--"

"Then I'll help you," Dawn cut her off, sweeping past the redhead to march back into their hotel room. "Come on Li, either you're going to help me or I'll pick out your clothes." She sent a look back to the U.S. Champion, "same goes for you, John.. so I suggest you get your ass back in that hotel room and get dressed."

Lita and John rolled their eyes at the brunette, but complied with her requests none the less.. The last thing either of them wanted was for Dawn to pick out their clothing.

"Now, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Dawn sent the two a triumphant look as they met up in the hallway. "Let's just hope their flights haven't landed yet."

Lita scowled, "I still don't see why you had to drag me along.. You and Randy are perfectly capable of getting Dave and 'Dia from the airport."

"Not the point," the New Jersey native said as they filed into the elevator. "I told 'Dia that you and I would be meeting her."

"So, I'm here because?" John glanced between Randy and Dawn. "I wasn' told shit 'bout meetin' anyone.. I should be able to go back to my hotel room and get some damn sleep."

"Forget it," Dawn pressed the button marked for the lobby. "You're dressed and out of the hotel room.. Like I said to Li already, after we pick up Dave and 'Dia we can get breakfast."

The West Newbury native rolled his eyes, mimicking the brunette Diva behind her back as the elevator made it's way to the lobby. Of course, neither John or Lita could see the logic behind Dawn and Randy's reasoning.. But neither John or Lita were awake enough to argue with the other two any further. So, rather than argue about it, the two opted to just keep quiet about it. But, if you had asked either John or Lita, they would've been in agreement about their presence just not being necessary. It wasn't like Dawn and Randy or just Randy could go to the airport to meet Dave and Nidia.. Sure, it would've meant a trip back to the hotel but they would've had to have come back to the hotel anyway to drop off their luggage. Whatever the case though, the elevator had reached the lobby; Dawn grabbing Lita's wrist in one hand and John's wrist in the other to assure that they wouldn't be returning to their respective hotel rooms. The two in turn scowled the whole way through the lobby, Randy and Dawn telling the two to just suck it up and deal with it.. They were all going to the airport whether they liked it or not.

-x-x-x-

While John and Lita had been protesting the trip to the airport earlier.. The subsequent ride to the airport was silent. And when Dawn took a glance back from the passengers seat, she noted that the two had fallen asleep. Needless to say, the brunette was thankful for that development.. Dawn deciding that it would be for the benefit of them all if she just let them be. She knew from experiance that waking up Lita usually meant hell to pay.. And while she didn't know what would happen if she tried to wake up John.. The thought of dealing with Lita's temper was enough for her to back off. The end result was a peaceful trip the airport for Randy and Dawn.. Save for the soft snoring coming from the back seat of the vehicle. It remained that way through the light traffic to the airport.. And would've stayed that way if they hadn't had to wake the two up when they got to the airport. Granted, by that time at least, John was starting to stir.. But the redhead was still asleep. They waited in the car a few minutes.. to see if John would fully wake up and of course to see if Lita would wake up on her own accord.. And if she hadn't after those few minutes had passed.. Then one of them would be assigned to the task. Of course, the moment that Randy parked the car was the moment that Dawn's cell phone started to die.. Not that it would've mattered too much anyway because Randy wasn't able to get reception on his cell phone at the moment.

The brunette Diva frowned as she glanced back to the still sleeping redhead. "My cell phone just died.. 'Dia has Li's cell phone number but.."

"There's no reception in here anyway," Randy held up his cell phone. "I think mine just got all fuzzy when we pulled in to the garage."

"Someone needs to wake her up though if we're going to meet Dave and 'Dia." Questioning eyes fell on John. "You're the closest one to her right now.. You wake her up."

"Hell no," John protested instantly. "Jeff was the one that talked me into wakin' her up at the house.. An' she nearly took my freakin' head off. I ain't 'bout to go through wit that again."

Dawn rolled her eyes, "She wasn't that--"

"Psshh.." The West Newbury native scoffed, "you wasn't in the room, right? Jus' ask Rob the next time you see him."

"If y'all dont shut up right now.." Lita yawned broadly, "makin' enough noise to wake up the damn dead."

The New Jersey native shook her head, "Well it worked then.. No one wanted to wake you up for fear of what you'd do." She finally unbuckled her seatbelt, "so now that you're awake.. Let's get inside so we can meet up with Dave and 'Dia."

Lita rolled her eyes in response and once she had unbuckled her seatbelt, the four were out of the car and heading towards the main terminal.

"Are you sure they're meeting you, mamacita?" Eddie sent a questioning look back to Nidia. "I know you talked to Dawn and all that before we got on the plane, but that's no guarantee."

The brunette nodded, "Yes Eddie.. I'm sure they're meeting us. They just don't know that you and Rey were coming with us."

Dave raised an eyebrow at that, "Speaking of.. Why are you two here? I thought you had a house show or something to be at."

"We did," Rey replied for himself and Eddie. "Stephanie told me I could have the day off and Eddie.. I'm not sure what she told Eddie."

Latino Heat rolled his eyes, "Because I have the letter, essa.. Stephanie asked me to give it to Li-Li. It's important stuff, you know."

"Whatever," Dave replied with an indifferent shrug. "All I know, is that I'm supposed to be meeting Randy.. Then we, along with Lita and 'Dia, are heading up to Alberta for Backlash."

Nidia nodded in confirmation, "From what I understand though.. Lita won't be appearing on RAW.. She's supposed to be hanging out with the Smackdown side of things for a bit."

"We'll find out soon enough," her brother nodded to a spot in the distance. "I can see Randy and John."

Lita blinked, rubbing her eyes as they approached the group. "I thought we were just meeting up with Dave and 'Dia."

"We were," Dawn replied first, "is there something wrong?"

Lita gestured before her, "Unless I'm seeing things.. Rey and Eddie are also here."

At that bit of news, Dawn's face lit up, the brunette pushing between Randy and John to go ahead. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

Eddie shrugged, "Surprise? I'm not really sure why Stephanie gave Rey the night off.. But I have a letter for Li-Li.." at Dawn's concerned look, he continued: "From Stephanie.. About her moving over to Smackdown."

The New Jersey native nodded at that, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Well I'm glad you're here." She unlocked her arms, in favor of taking one of his hands in hers. "'Dia, Rey.. Dave.. Morning."

John raised an eyebrow as he finally joined the group, "An' jus' why are y'all here? I thought it was only gonna be Dave an' Nidia."

"Change of plans," Rey explained quickly, "which we can talk about later.. I'd like to get my luggage."

"And I would like to eat," Dave spoke up, just as Randy and Lita joined the group. "So, we'll get our luggage.. get ourselves a rental car and be on our way."

That idea was met with a round of agreement, Dave taking care of the rental car while the others gathered near the baggage claim. Of course, with the addition of Rey and Eddie, the second rental car was a necessity.. Along with a possible change in hotel room arrangements. But all of those details could be worked out later, the priorty at the moment, obtaining breakfast. Whatever the case though, the car arrangements found Rey, Eddie, Nidia and Dawn in one vehicle while Lita found herself with the two Evolution members and John. And when Nidia and Dawn tried to argue with the redhead.. Lita waved it off, stating that it really wasn't a big deal and it wasn't that long to get back to the hotel anyway. And once they got back to the hotel, it took them a good ten minutes to figure out the new rooming arrangements. At first, Dawn was ready to just call for a few cots.. have Nidia share the room with herself and Lita while Rey and Eddie shared with John. But, once again the idea was nixed by the redhead.. Eddie, Rey and Nidia ending up in one of the rooms with Dawn, while Dave was staying with Randy. Subsequently, that left Lita to room with John.. but it was only for a night and it wasn't like they were sharing a bed anyway.

-x-x-x-

Once the suitcases had been moved and some clothing unpacked, the eclectic mix of inviduals left the hotel to seek out breakfast. But rather than go with the rental cars, they opted to walk. Because really, it wasn't like any of them absolutely had to be anywhere until tomorrow.. And the only one's who had to go somewhere were Dave, Randy, Nidia and Lita. Not that the redheaded woman was really looking forward to the prospect.. Since it signaled her last RAW related appearance for quite some time. How much time, she still wasn't sure.. But if it meant sleeping soundly at night and not walking around the arena in fear.. It was something she was willing to part with.. For now anyway. While she did know it wouldn't last forever, it was bothering her that she wouldn't be able to compete for the belt. Unless of course they had the belt defended on both shows.. But that would be putting some strain on Victoria. On the other hand, it would also give Lita and Dawn the chance to compete and hopefully in something other than a bra and panties match. But, if she did have to 'compete' in a match like that.. Lita was prepared to do it. She wouldn't be happy about the prospect, but if it meant keeping her job then.. all she could do was deal with it.

"Hey mamacita," Eddie pulled the redhead out of her thoughts, "I have a letter for you from Stephanie.. It's about what you'll be doing on Smackdown."

The redhead's face etched in confusion, "I thought she was going to call.."

Eddie shook his head, "She didn't want to take any risks.. something about it leaking out or whatever." He removed a thick envelope from his pocket, handing it over to the redhead then. "She also wanted to remind you that, you are more than welcome to hang out with us at the tapings on Tuesday."

A genuine smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "I didn't forget about that part." She took the envelope from him, "I'll just save this for later."

"Hey!" Dave stopped in his tracks from the front of the group, "there's a few places down that way.. And if no one speaks up, I'm choosing where we go."

"Like any one of us is gonna argue wit him," John shook his head, the West Newbury native at the rear of the group with Lita. "I know I ain't got no death wish."

The redhead rolled her eyes, "Dave's just a big teddy bear anyway."

The dark haired wrestler snorted, "Have you ever wrestled against him? Granted, that was back in OVW an' whateva'.. but--"

"Does it look like I'd stand a chance?" She cut him off, her tone sarcastic. "Use your brain, Cena.. He outweighs me by I don't know how much."

"I was jus' sayin' that's all.." John rolled his shoulders, deciding it would be safer to switch the topic of the conversation. "You think Dawn is still gonna try an' drag all of us out tonight?"

Lita rolled her eyes, "Is the sky blue?"

"Not all the time," he replied seriously, "I mean.. when it's 'bout to rain or snow? The no, the sky ain't blue."

"We're heading over to the next block," Nidia entered the conversation before Lita could retort. "Dave decided that there was nothing suitable here so.."

The redheaded Diva shrugged, "Whatever.. I just want to eat."

Nidia nodded her agreement, "I'm pretty sure that's what we all want right about now." She pushed a few stray curls behind her ear, "and according to Dawn.. Yes, we're all going out tonight."

"I wouldn't expect anything less," Lita jammed her hands in the front pockets of her jeans. "I just hope she picks one place and sticks with it. I really don't feel like going from club to club to club."

John smirked, "That's usually the point of club hoppin'.."

"Did I ask for your opinion?" Lita shook her head, "And I know that's the point, smart ass, I'm just saying I really don't feel like it."

Nidia shook her head at the two, "Do you all have any plans for the day? I can't speak for Randy, Dawn, Eddie and D.. But, me and Rey just want to take it easy."

The redhead grimaced, "Yesterday.. Dawn shopped us all out.. So as long as no shopping is involved, those are my plans."

"I thought you said you wanted to go to the museum," John reminded her then, "somethin' bout the Met or whateva."

Lita shrugged, "I can't say I really care.. As long as Dawn isn't dragging us into store after store--"

"I was thinking of Central Park," Dawn informed the redhead as they all gathered at an intersection. "But, if you want to head over to the Met, then do that."

Again, Lita shrugged. "Like I said.. I don't really care. The Met's right on Central Park anyways, so.. it's not like I'd have very far to go. And if it all comes down to it, I'll just go there by myself.. I'm a big girl."

"I never said you weren't," Dawn raised an eyebrow then, "but do you think it's really wise for you to be going anywhere by yourself? I mean, just given what's happened and--"

"I'd rather not think about that, right now," Lita cut her off quietly. "But I can see your point. If no one else is interested in the Met, then walking around Central Park is fine by me."

At that, Dawn nodded.. The conversation soon switching to the plans for that night. As Nidia had stated and as Dawn was planning on anyway.. They would be club hopping. And when Lita tried to talk her way out of it, Dawn put her foot down. With the added coaxing of Eddie and Rey, the redhead found herself giving in.. Not really in the mood to argue with either of the three about it. Of course, she wouldn't have had much time to argue about it anyway.. Dave having found a suitable place for breakfast. They still had a good amount of time to wait, however, Lita using that short window to skim over the letter that Stephanie had sent. And as she did so, a smirk curled at the corners of her mouth.. Lita soon finding out the reason for Stephanie sending a letter and not calling. While Triple H had intended for a trade to happen.. it seemed that Stephanie had taken matters into her own hands. There would still be a trade involved, just not as extensive as Triple H had planned on. Instead of two Evolution members going to Smackdown, it would only be one...with Eddie staying on the Smackdown roster. The smirk on her face broadened as she continued to read over the contents.. Lita silently thanking Stephanie McMahon as she settled in at the table.