Tears in the Rain
Disclaimer: Vince owns the personas, people own themselves.. I own pocket lint and the story idea.
Spoilers: Nope… it's A/U.
Rating: M.. upped to be on the safe side as there's some stuff that's not so happy ahead.
Summary: A high school reunion answers questions and stirs up countless memories. When all is said and done, can they survive the aftermath? Or has the drama only just begun?
Characters: Lita, Trish, Victoria, Dawn, Lillian, Stacy; Jeff Hardy, John Cena, Batista, Randy, Chris Jericho, Tyson Tomko, Triple H and Christian. Many others will also be making an appearance, but, my main characters are the ones previously listed.
Notes: Nope.. Nothing new to add yet.
-x-x-x-
- Flashback -
Late Fall, Junior Year
While they were going to be in Italy for the cultural immersion bit for Latin class in the Spring; half of the students in the AP History class now found themselves in London, England. Currently they were studying the Colonial period of America… and their history teacher -- Professor Piper -- had divided them into social classes according to the era. For one week, they would be re-living history, either as well to do or dirt poor. At the end of the week, they would be put on a ship heading back to Virginia…where they would spend another week studying in Williamsburg. At that point, they would be split up again.. This time into loyalists to the Empire or as Rebels. The students who had started in Williamsburg would then go to England, Professor Piper expecting a five page essay and presentation on their experiences after the two weeks were over. And at first, the entire class had thought their professor had gone insane.. Especially when he mentioned the clothes they would be wearing. The girls, however, soon learned that he hadn't lost his mind…or perhaps he really had. Whatever the case, they were now sporting corsets while the guys were sporting the traditional breeches, stockings and a tri-corner hat. And, depending on their social class, some of them were also wearing white powdered wigs. But, the 'punishment' didn't stop there… oh no.. Professor Piper had also arranged to have two of the students in the class 'engaged'.. Only to have the family conflicted over that engagement when they returned to the States. Needless to say, the two students he had picked were none to happy about it…both protesting, but to no avail.
"Damn it," John frowned at his reflection, the brown haired teen currently in the well to do get up. "I thought the uniforms for Tandem were bad… this is just…"
"Wrong?" Jeff offered from his spot across the room, "yeah well.. If you think we have it bad, you should hear the girls."
Chris raised an eyebrow at the two, "have either of you started that diary thing?"
John rolled his eyes, "man… I don't even understand why we hafta keep that.. I mean, the clothing, the tea lessons and the dance shit is enough."
Christian shook his head, "but you do understand that the diary is worth half of your grade, right? And Professor Piper doesn't want a few words…he wants a detailed entry."
Jeff opened his mouth to reply to that, when a soft knock at the door caught his attention. "May I ask who's calling?"
"It's Trish.." the blonde teen in question sighed softly, "Professor Piper just told us to tell you all, that the dinner is starting soon…and the dance is still on."
Jeff nodded at the door, "we'll meet y'all in the hallway." Green eyes turned back to the three in the room, "well that's our cue.. I guess we do have something to be thankful for.."
John snorted, "so you say… you ain't the one who's 'engaged' for this stupid assignment."
Jeff rolled his eyes, "look.. I was gonna say, at least we aren't livin' as beggars in the street. Ya know, at first I didn't think the professor was serious about that, but. I talked to Matt…and they are really living in the street." An eyebrow raised slightly, "an' just what is so bad about, Li huh?"
John made a face, "don't even get me started where that she-devil is concerned.. She tripped me, on purpose, at the dance lesson.. Almost spilled hot tea on me and she--"
"Guys?" Dawn beckoned from the hallway, "they're starting introductions right now and if we don't get down there…"
Chris picked up his cane, "now my good boy.." the blonde man smirked slightly at his 'son' for the assignment. "Mother and I expect nothing but the best of behavior from you."
"Man, you just wait until this is all over.." John scowled, "I'm gonna kick your ass."
Chris rolled his eyes in response, waiting until their room servant -- Hunter Helmsley -- opened the door. Chris' 'wife' and John's 'mother' for the assignment was none other than Victoria Varon. Lita's parents for the assignment, just happened to be Trish and Jeff.. Christian playing the role of Lita's brother while Dawn was playing John's sister. And while John had been complaining previously about the strawberry blonde teen, he stood stupefied in the hallway when she made her reluctant entrance.
"My darling daughter," Jeff took both of Lita's hands in his. "I can not express the joy that this night brings to me." He kissed her cheek, gesturing shortly to John. "Our families shall be--"
"Save it for the dinner, dearest.." Trish ground out under breath, "if we're late for this.. Professor Piper is going to flip."
Lita sent her friend a grateful smile, though her ribs were aching from the damn corset. "If you even think--"
John held up his hands in defense, "relax.. I'm not about to put my grade average on the line because you have to be a bitch."
"Asshole," the strawberry blonde squared her shoulders, "if I fail this class… so help me, I will kill you."
John offered an arm to her, "did you start the diary?"
"Duh.. I've been keeping one since we got here." An eyebrow raised slightly, "don't tell me you haven't been keeping one.."
"Welll…"
"You're an idiot," Lita shook her head, the two last in the line of pairs lined up. "I can't believe you.. And you know that diary counts for half the grade.. Twenty five percent is participation and the other twenty five is the essay."
John gritted his teeth, swallowing down his pride for a moment. "Can you help me then? Look, I know it's asking for a lot, especially since--"
"Since I helped you with the A.P. Bio project.. And the Latin homework, not to mention the numerous times you've already copied my Pre-Calculus homework." The strawberry blonde rolled her eyes, "you owe me big time Cena.. And this is the last time I'm helping you."
Lita learned that she would be wrong about that last statement.. With all of the stress from his parent's divorce, not to mention the pressure to keep his coveted spot as co-captain for the basketball team; John ended up relying on her for the rest of the school year. Of course, she didn't do all of his homework for him, but when he needed to study for a test, she was there. When he hadn't done his homework because of a game… she had let him copy it in study hall or before school. And then during the spring, when there was a school wide talent show, she had helped him again. But it hadn't just been school related…when his car had broken down, he had called her first.. And she, for reasons that neither of them could figure out, had driven the three hours to get him. Lita had also kept him from getting suspended for fight in the cafeteria…taking the blame for him because he had a baseball game that he couldn't miss.
- End Flashback -
-x-x-x-
While the dinner continued meticulously slow, the Tandem alumni talked about the classes they had, the unforgettable teachers and the amount of homework that those teachers assigned. Lita had the current misfortune, of being stuck at the same table with Adam.. But, fortunately enough; Kurt, Dave, John, Matt, Jeff and Ashley were there with her. John had even switched places with Adam, putting at least one body between the redhead and the tall blonde man. At any rate, the alumni at that table, were currently discussing the hell that had been their Junior year at Tandem.. In particular, they were discussing the many trips they had taken and the school sponsored dances. All was going fairly well, despite the overwhelming tense atmosphere, until Adam decided to talk about Spring break. The Junior class had taken a camping trip for Spring break…and while that had been a week to remember in itself, the party that followed after was something that a few people at the table wanted to forget.
Adam smirked broadly, ignoring the cold looks he was receiving. "You all remember that, don't you? Aside from that one party up at Hunter's place during Senior year.. That party was one of the biggest of the year."
Matt narrowed his eyes, "I don't know where you're going with this, Copeland, but I suggest you stop…now."
Adam waved it off, "I'm merely trying to have a conversation with my fellow alumni, Matthew."
"I'm sure that's it, you bastard." Jeff clenched the napkin in his hand, "but like Matt said.. Stop, before I make you stop."
Ignoring the irate brothers, Adam focused his attention on one person. "Lita… you remember that night, don't you?"
Lita forced a smile on her face, her hands clutching at the table cloth. "Actually, my therapist and I worked very hard to repress most of my Junior year from my memory."
"So it was true.." Adam smirked, "I always thought you were insane.. And then when I overheard you talking to your little boyfriend here about having to see a shrink--"
Lita clenched her jaw, "he was not my boyfriend, you ass."
"Oh?" Adam sent a sideways glance to a silent John. "Then why did I see him climbing out of your bedroom window?"
"You.." Lita tossed her napkin down on her plate, "bastard.. I should've had you arrested for stalking."
Adam smiled condescendingly, "unfortunately, that won't work now.. If you had just paid more attention back then… maybe you would've been able to do something about it. Now, back to what I was saying about this party.. I'm sure you must remember it, Lita… because I know I do."
"If you all would excuse me," Lita pushed back from the table, "I need some fresh air."
Jeff watched as the redhead walked out, frowning when he saw her lower jaw trembling. "Damn you Copeland.. You just had to--"
"Listen to me, you piece of shit.." John turned his sole attention to Adam, "if you ever go near her again, I will see to it that you don't live to see another day.. I mean, I'll admit, I wasn't the nicest guy to her for a good while but you? I can't recall the number of times I've seen her in tears because of the shit you pulled or the shit you said." He pushed back from the table, "you hurt her more than I ever did…and you're right, she can't do a damn thing about it now.. But you go near her again? You're gonna regret it." At that, he left the table.. Exiting the dining hall to find the redhead.
Trish raised an eyebrow, the blonde woman utterly confused as to why Lita had left…and now John? She bit her lower lip, excusing herself to speak to Jeff.
"Trish.." Jeff shook his head when she arrived to their table. "I know you're worried about Li…so am I, but.. I think we should just stay here."
"But.." the blonde woman sighed, "Jeff.. Why would she just leave like that? What if she needs us?"
Jeff shook his head once more, "I think the person she needs the most right now, is already going to find her. We can wait until later.. Talk to her when we get back to the house, alright?"
Trish nodded hesitantly, "alright.. I'm just really worried about her."
While Trish and Jeff worried about their friend; the very woman in question was outside…wanting to leave and at that point, just wanting to be alone.. But, that just couldn't be..
"You know, he's just an asshole…"
Lita turned teary eyes towards the speaker, "I'm well aware of that. He made my life a living hell."
John smirked in spite of it all, "an' here I thought I was the cause of that.." He fell silent when she just shook her head, walking until he was standing next to her. "But, you also know, he can't do anything to you now."
Lita smiled tightly, "that doesn't help…what's done has been done and I'm still.." She sighed heavily, her arms wrapping protectively around herself. "All of those years in therapy…all of that money wasted."
"Lita.." John shook his head, "it wasn't a waste.. It got you the help you needed. I remember you telling me how much better you felt."
"I lied," she told him smoothly, "one of the few things I was good at."
John frowned, "now you know that isn't true.. You made honor roll every year, would've made the Headmaster's List if it hadn't been for me and--"
"So?" She shook her head, leaning heavily against the railing. "That just means I knew what I was doing where it concerned homework and all that.."
"No, it means you're smart.. And because of you, I had a damn good grade average." He held up a hand when Lita opened her mouth to argue, "now you just hush and let me talk, alright? You saved my ass from getting in trouble on more than one occasion.. Helped me with my homework, I don't know how many times, even after you swore that you wouldn't."
Lita raised an eyebrow, "that's because I didn't want to listen to you whine and bitch."
John rolled his eyes, "why do you have to be so damn stubborn? Look.. Do you remember that one time, summer before eighth grade? We had a summer reading project to do… you stayed up all night helping me, knowing that you would get in trouble for it."
Lita sighed, "John.. .what's the point? Okay, so I helped you out when you needed the help.. I'm not as heartless as you think I am."
He raised an eyebrow, "I called you many, many things…but I never once said you were heartless."
"Then what's the point?"
He smiled slightly, "I seem to recall having a discussion with you this morning…asking you what in the hell I did to you that would cause you to hate me so much and--"
"Actually, you asked me why that… and I quote… 'crap still matters'." She fell silent for a moment, lips pressing together in a thin line. "I'll explain this to you once… I spent nearly every weekend from sophomore year of high school to my senior year in college trying to forget about everything….and sure, I might not have been the nicest person to you at all times, but you weren't exactly a saint."
John crossed his arms across his chest, "then I'll ask.. Why does it still matter? What did I do that was so bad?"
"You tormented me, John…called me names, pulled my hair, teased me about every damn little thing." She smiled wryly, "maybe that doesn't mean a damn to you, but it hurt. I mean, one minute were actually being nice to each other and then the next…you were right back to being an asshole."
"Then what would you like me to do about it now, huh? You want an apology?" He shook his head, "if that's what you want.. Then fine, I'm sorry for being an asshole to you--"
"I don't want an apology for what's happened because it really isn't necessary--"
"Then what do you want from me?"
She raised an eyebrow, "I want a reason.. I want to know why, out of all of the people that we grew up with, I was your target. I want to know why, even after the many times I helped you out? You were still a dick. That's what I want from you.. Not an apology…I want a reason."
"A reason," John echoed after a few seconds of silence. "You really want a reason?"
"I didn't stutter, Cena."
He stood there, holding her gaze…well aware of the fact that she was wearing a tight, clingy black dress.. "Here's your reason.."
Lita barely had the time to react before she felt his mouth on hers, her eyes widening in shock. But, instead of pushing him away like her brain was telling her to do, she found herself giving in; blinking when he pulled back.
"There's your reason.." A hand reached out, fingers gently touching her cheek. "You…I don't know how to say this without sounding like a complete idiot, but you.. There was just something about you. I--"
Hazel eyes regarded him suspiciously, "are you trying to tell me you had a crush on me or something?"
"Or something.. I wouldn't say it was a crush… hell, I thought it would go away after a year but.. You were the one girl I wanted… but I couldn't have."
Lita raised an eyebrow at that, "I don't buy that for a minute…if you were so…I don't know how to say it, but if that's true.. Why didn't you just say something? You could have said something, God.. You didn't know that I was going to say no, did you? I thought you hated me."
"Hated you?" John smirked, "Lita.. I swear to you, I never hated you.. I just didn't think you'd believe me if I told you I liked you."
A smirk tugged at the corners of her mouth, "you're right… I never would've believed you.." She shook her head, putting some distance between them. "But if you had asked…if you had said something.." Lita trailed off at that, preparing to go back inside before he caught her hand in his.
"If what?"
"Then I would've said yes.."
She offered a smile, her arms wrapping around her middle as she hurried back to the reunion. And for his part, John stood there… trying to process what had just happened and what she had just said. A part of him also wondered why he was standing there alone, without her… but.. Maybe that's just how it was supposed to be. All of those years, that he had teased her…that she had been a little devil.. That was just how they were. Not that it meant that they had to be like that now.. After all, they were adults.. They had moved beyond the teasing, the name calling…and all of the other stupid stuff they had done. So why then, was he standing out here without her? He had tried, rather unsuccessfully, to just forget about her.. Forget that he, at one point, had loved her. But now…seeing her again.. Actually kissing her without her pushing him away. This wasn't supposed to happen.. He wasn't supposed to be feeling like this again. .. He wasn't supposed to be confused by some woman. But, then again, she wasn't just some woman… frustrated, John shook his head, clearing his thoughts for the moment so he could head back inside. Maybe, if he just forgot about it again, it would go away.
