Forgive My Hesitation

Rating: M for language, violence

Disclaimer: I don't own a thing you recognize.. That should cover it properly.

Spoilers: From RAW, January 2nd.. A few on back and up to RAW, January 16th… just not like you might expect.

Eventual Pairings: Lita/John Cena, Stacy/Chris Masters, Lillian/Batista, Victoria/Tyson Tomko, Trish/Jeff, Candice/Not telling

Summary: When Lita takes a stand, she finds help from friends and from people that she never would have expected.

Notes: so.. Here's a usual note from me.. All friendships/alliances backstage are by my choosing. For the most part I'll stick with what's portrayed on screen, but I'm making up a few for my story… I'm also going to be ignoring Dave's triceps injury… just trust me on this.

-x-x-x-

Despite the amount of people making the trip to the hospital; Dave, Randy, Chris and Victoria only went fifteen minutes over their promised time limit. Not that they had intentionally planned on that, but with the slight hold ups back at the hotel.. It really couldn't be helped. Still, separately, they figured that Lita wouldn't mind too much… Dave and Victoria knowing how much the redhead didn't like people hovering over her and worrying about her… and Dave also figured that his sister would want some time with Ric. As Randy knew, Ric Flair was like a second father to Dave and Lita.. The Nature Boy had taken both of them under his wing, though it had been more visible where the World Heavyweight Champion was concerned. But, that couldn't really be helped, since Evolution and Lita really didn't mix. Of course, she got along with three of the four former members…but Triple H was a different story. That, however, was in the past… like so many things, it had come and it had gone. Idly, Dave wondered if this incident would pass, the Animal having a sinking feeling that it wouldn't. While some things were obvious where Edge was concerned, some things weren't so obvious.. That was partly because Lita never went into much detail and Dave didn't want to press her too much…knowing full well that it would have the opposite effect. If his sister was going to open up about it, she had to do it on her own terms and on her own time. And as much as that drove him crazy, not knowing everything….he respected his sister's wishes. Dave could only hope that she would open up about it soon…even if it wasn't to him. He just felt that she needed to talk to someone, let someone inside that damn wall of hers. The only problem was figuring out who that person would be.

Randy paused as they entered the hospital, "I'm gonna head to the gift shop really quick.."

Dave raised an eyebrow, "why? If you're just getting a candy bar, use the vending machine."

"Well, what if it's out of order?" The Legend Killer glanced back to the gift shop, "it won't take me long… I'll just meet you guys upstairs."

The World Heavyweight Champion still wasn't buying it completely but.. "See if they have daises…maybe a dragon beanie baby or something."

The younger man nodded, heading over to the gift shop quickly…he really hated lying like that to his friend but.. "Why the hell are you here?"

John Cena shrugged, "seein' if they carry the new Jakks Pacific line.." blue eyes rolled, "why do you think I'm here? I owe D an apology."

Randy raised an eyebrow, "in all the years I've known you… I don't think I've ever heard you say that."

John shot him a look that clearly read 'duh'. "I think this time it's necessary… so, why don't you just tell me where I can find him."

Randy shook his head, "were you listening when I told you that you should avoid him? Dave's out for blood, John.. And at this point? I don't think he'd really care if your DNA was a perfect match with Edge."

"I got that, Orton.." the WWE Champion shoved his hands in the front pocket of the hooded sweatshirt he was wearing. "It'd just help me sleep a little bit easier if I apologized to him. I didn't know and--"

"That much is obvious," Randy shook his head, carrying out with his original task of getting a candy bar. "And normally, I'd say yeah.. Go ahead and apologize to him, but… Dave is pissed off. You know how he is.. Whether you're a friend of his or not, I really don't think he'll care."

The West Newbury native frowned slightly, "that's something I can't quite figure out.. I mean, I've known you as long as I've known him an' yet.. I jus' found out about…"

Randy shrugged, grabbing a beanie baby from the shelf. "Yeah well, it's not something that Dave was about to broadcast. He's trying to look out for her, not gain more enemies for her."

John blinked at that, "say what?"

Randy rolled his eyes, "and people say I'm stupid. Even if the rosters aren't joined and even though they're on separate shows…when Evolution was still around, his enemies would've become hers. If people knew about it, they could've used her as a target."

"So, you're telling me that Bugle Beak knows?"

"Hell no," Randy made a face, the two wrestlers pausing before a display of flower bouquets. "That probably wouldn't have stopped H."

The older man raised an eyebrow, "so how does Ric know?"

Randy shrugged, "I don't know the whole story because I've never asked. I just know that those two are really close to Ric."

John nodded slowly, one hand reaching out to re-adjust his hat. "So how'd you find out? Or did he just tell ya when I wasn't around."

The Legend Killer smirked, grabbing a bouquet of daisies. "I actually found out after D threatened to kick my ass for hitting on his sister." He shrugged slightly, "not that it stopped me.. I just did it when he wasn't around."

"Figures," John muttered under his breath, waiting until Randy had paid before he spoke again. "Well look.. All I want to do is apologize to D so I can sleep easier.. And so I won't hafta worry 'bout him tryin' to take me out or something on Sunday."

"I doubt he'd do that, John.." Randy put his change in his wallet, the gift bag hanging idly from one hand, flowers in the other. "If he goes after anyone at Revolution, it'll be Edge."

John shrugged, "ya never know.. I'm gonna have my hands full as is. The last thing I want or need is a pissed off Dave Batista after my ass. And besides, now that I know.. I ain't gonna say something that stupid."

Randy snorted in disbelief, the two making their way to the elevators. "We'll see about that… you don't exactly think before you speak, Cena."

The West Newbury native smirked as they entered the next available elevator. "Same could be said for you, Randy.."

The two fell silent during the short trip up, John opening his mouth to say something as they stepped out…only to be cut off.

Dave raised an eyebrow, glancing between the two before his attention fell on Randy. "This is a candy bar?"

Randy shrugged, "well I would've had him gift wrapped but they ran out.. And they didn't have any boxes big enough so.." He held out the flowers and the bag, "I did get the daisies and the beanie baby."

Dave shook his head, taking the flowers and the bag. "Vicki, Lil, Trish and Candice are visiting her now, Tyson and Chris are in the hallway down there.."

-x-x-x-

Just as Dave had said; Tyson and Chris were standing in the hallway just outside Lita and Ric's hospital room. Victoria, Lillian, Trish and Candice were currently inside the hospital room.. Three of the Diva's walking in to an unexpected surprise at the sight of one Jeff Hardy. And after they had recovered from their initial shock and made proper introductions; Trish went to Lita's side; the blonde Diva perching on the side of the bed with her friend. Lillian turned her attention to Ric while Victoria caught up with Jeff. Specifically, she wanted to know why he was there… especially when he had TNA tapings to do. He informed the entire hospital room that he was currently suspended…and that if he screwed up again, his contract was null and void. Of course, that didn't mean he would automatically come back to the WWE, but the possibility was definitely there. Candice seemed out of place in the hospital room, save for her ties to Victoria. But after a moment of standing there, Trish traded spots with Victoria.. In turn, Victoria beckoned Candice over. At some point, Lita also asked where Dave was, since she could clearly see Tyson and Chris waiting in the hallway.. Victoria excused herself for a moment to get the two in the hallway, an eyebrow raising when she saw the three at the other end of the hallway. It was unlikely that John had a death wish…or that Dave would kill him.. At least Victoria hoped, a frown on her face as she, Chris and Tyson entered the hospital room.

Randy shifted back slightly, "I think I'll head over there.." Sure, he knew Dave wasn't pissed at him, but that didn't mean he was about to take any chances. "I can take the stuff over to her.."

"You do that," Dave handed him the bag and bouquet, "just keep your distance."

Randy rolled his eyes, the bag and bouquet back in his possession. "Like I said before, I learned my lesson."

The Animal shook his head, his attention shifting back to the WWE Champion. "I'd ask you why you're here but.. I think I can figure it out." His arms crossed over his chest, "I take it you know."

John held up his hands in defense, "by accident.. You was kinda yelling back at the hotel."

Dave shrugged, "I can't help that… when people talk shit about my sister, it makes me angry."

"So I noticed," the younger man cleared his throat. "Look, all I wanna do.. Is say I'm sorry. You know I really don't apologize that much, 'cos there ain't that much that I regret.."

An eyebrow raised slightly, "I'm well aware of that.. I've known you for what…four years at least." His shoulders lifted in a marginal shrug, "you should just be thankful that getting my hands around Edge's neck is my top priority.. Or I would squash you like a grape."

"Well, it won't happen again, I can assure you of that.. I ain't that stupid."

Dave snorted, an amused smirk playing on his face for a moment. "We'll see." His expression grew serious then, "if you say anything about her or if you say anything about what you heard?.. I will find out. Don't forget that."

"Like I told ya man, I ain't gonna say shit." John rolled his shoulders, "I'm sure you wanna see her so, I'll leave now.."

Dave nodded, "just don't forget John.. You say one word and you will pay. I don't need that kind of trouble for her."

The WWE Champion nodded, more than ready to get back to the hotel so he could just head home. But, just as he was entering the elevator, another body was stepping off.

"John?" Stephanie McMahon raised an eyebrow, "what are you doing here?"

"Well.." John shrugged, "long story short.. My big mouth got me in trouble with the wrong person.."

Stephanie shook her head, "you said something about Li didn't you.."

The outspoken wrestler blinked, "how is that you know.. An' I don't know?"

Stephanie smirked, "maybe because I'm friends with Lita? Sure, we've had our fair share of moments where we've been at odds, but she's one of my best friends in the company."

"Well shit, ya learn a thing or two every day."

Stephanie rolled her eyes, "well I'm sure you've already been warned by at least one person.. But just don't do it again." She smoothed down her shirt, a file folder tucked beneath on arm. "I'll see you at Revolution.. Try to stay out of trouble until then, hmm?" She offered a smile, her attention falling on the figure that was walking further down the hallway. "Dave!"

The World Heavyweight Champion stopped in his tracks, waiting until she had caught up. "Do you have--"

"Yes," she held up the file folder, "it got to the hotel about five minutes ago, but I haven't taken a look at it yet… I wanted to get here as soon as I could."

Dave nodded, "I'm not sure if she'll be up for talking about it, but.. I'd like to see what's in this contract."

Stephanie pursed her lips, "believe me I want to know too.. All I do know is that Bischoff made the final approval over it.. And my father signed it when he was a little out of it."

Dave shook his head, "well that doesn't sound very good.." he motioned to a nearby grouping of chairs. "She doesn't have to be at Revolution, right?"

"Only if she wants to be, Dave.. But I'm not about to force her to be there." Stephanie seated herself, waiting until Dave had taken a seat before she pulled out the contract. "If she does want to be there, you can go with her." She set the contract on her lap, "what we're really looking for is an end date, clauses that may get her out of this early.. This isn't a standard contract but .. Like I said, he went to Bischoff to get this approved."

The Animal frowned, "I really don't like the sound of that.. .why go through Bischoff to get some special contract?"

Stephanie could only shrug, quickly skimming the first page. "The only person who knows is Edge.. And since he isn't here right now.." she paused when she flipped to the second page, "ahh.. Here we are.. Length of contract…to be determined." A frown creased at the corners of her mouth, "that little shit.." Her frown deepened as she continued to read over the page, "well.. He certainly did his homework with this thing… she only has two ways to get out."

Dave raised an eyebrow, silently indicating for her to continue.

"Either they have to have the contract terminated, which is unlikely since there's no end date. Or.. It gets decided in a match or tournament, depending on what he wants.." Stephanie chewed thoughtfully on her lower lip, "and according to the contract, all of the terms and such are transferred to the winner."

Dave made a face, "it's like he's making her a slave.."

Stephanie nodded slowly, "pretty much.. I'm guessing the tournament he has in mind, would be along the lines of money in the bank."

Dave frowned, "which would favor him…." he growled shortly, "that bastard.. Why is he doing this to her?"

Stephanie shrugged, "my guess would be, it's because he wants to show who's in control.. Total power over another person."

"And it's worked," Dave admitted reluctantly, "she just follows him around.. Up until last night, anyway."

"Yeah well, now we know the terms of this stupid contract and how we can get her out." Stephanie sighed softly, "I'm just not sure when we can get that match scheduled, but sooner rather than later…because she's still stuck with him."

The Animal's hands clenched and unclenched, "how soon can you get this match? And are there any specifications for it as far as who can compete?"

"Not that I'm aware of, but.. It'll probably be limited to RAW." She smiled slightly, "unless the rosters re-joined after the Rumble…in which case, roster affiliation wouldn't amount to anything."

Dave was silent for a moment, "if that's not the case.. I can't say I'd want someone from Smackdown competing.. Sure, I'd like to have her closer to me, but … there's no women's title on Smackdown."

She sent him a reassuring smile, "we'll work something out Dave, don't worry.. Lita means a lot to me, too."

"Yeah.." He managed a small smile in return. "Thanks for your help Steph.. Although now, I wish the RAW vs. Smackdown feud was still going… I'd like to get my hands on him in the ring.."

Stephanie smirked, "that could be arranged.. Either at the Rumble or at 'Mania. Maybe sooner."

Dave rose from his seat then, "do you want to see her?"

Stephanie nodded easily as she stood. "Yeah.. I wanted to see her last night, but I also wanted to get the contract."

At that, Dave nodded.. The two making their way down the hallway to the crowded hospital room. Candice, Chris and Tyson were all standing while Lillian and Jeff were seated between the beds. Victoria and Trish were now perched on the bed with Lita, Randy leaning back against the wall nearby. And much like the Diva's earlier; Stephanie and Dave greeted the Cameron native in surprise. But, no sooner had they gotten settled, did one of the nurses shoo them all out.. The nursing staff assisting Ric with his discharge. Shawn showed up not long after, the Heartbreak kid checking on Lita first before he and Ric left the hospital. And once they were let back inside the hospital room, they all resumed their previous spots. Quietly so, Stephanie let Victoria know about the terms of the contract and how it could be ended. Granted, it wouldn't be completely ended, but at least it would mean Lita would be free from Edge. Unfortunately, until that match happened, the redhead was more or less stuck with the tall blonde. Still, they at least knew that she could get away from him and even if she was stuck for a little bit longer, at least it would happen. Now, it was just a matter of planning revenge and waiting for the match.. One of the nurses on duty informing Dave that Lita was cleared to go home, but only after the attending doctors ran one more string of tests. With that information in mind, most of the group in the hospital room went down to the cafeteria; Dave, Jeff and Victoria staying behind with Lita.