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, Lilian/Batista, Victoria/Tyson Tomko, Trish/Jeff, Candice/Not telling, Maria/Not Telling

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

Notes: See previous chapters for all applicable notes

.-x-x-x-

Just as she had intended, Lita wandered through the hallways in search of the nearest vending machines…or the catering hall, whichever area she happened upon first. Absently, one hand trailed upwards to touch the bandage on her forehead, a frown soon appearing as her hand dropped to her side. Maybe if she'd just gotten away from him earlier, than she wouldn't have the stitches…but if she had done that, than who would've helped Ric? The redhead didn't doubt for a second that someone would have tried to help the Nature Boy, but, she did have to wonder…would they have gotten down there in time? The main reason she had been able to help was because she was already at ringside. Given, she had been down there rather reluctantly, but no one really knew that.. Most of the people backstage and in the audience wanted to believe that she was happy at Edge's side.. That she had been happy just playing the part of dress up doll and convenient company whore. In reality, that was far from the truth…but only a handful of people knew that. Aside from her brother, of course, Victoria and Chris Masters knew how much she truly despised her role…Trish and Lilian taking their own guesses while Randy, Rey and Chris Benoit just went from observation and what they knew about the redhead. But, it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that she was unhappy or that she was getting frustrated. Unfortunately, it was plain to see that she had changed.. outwardly, of course, the differences were obvious but…the other changes in her. Those were only detected by those who knew her best or those whom she had allowed to get close to her. Since she had started walking down to the ring with Edge, Lita had slowly changed…withdrawn into herself.. But, she wasn't broken, not yet anyway.. As her brother had stated….she was lost. She wasn't sure how lost she was from her former self, but the redhead knew it was enough…the damage had been done, scars may fade but the wounds….some wounds might never heal. Heaving a sigh, Lita dug into her pockets for change, the Diva currently standing in front of one vending machine near the catering hall.

In his mind, this couldn't be more perfect…he knew she was here, but he didn't expect to see her alone. Smiling slightly, he approached her, grabbing a fistful of hair as he spoke: "Well, well, well…I wasn't expecting to see you here so early.."

The bills in her hand drifted to the floor, "damn it.. What do you want?"

Edge tugged sharply on her hair, "did I say you could speak? You listen to me, bitch, I don't know what the hell you were thinking Monday night, but, I'm willing to forgive you this once.."

"To hell with that," she spat out, despite the pain, the anger ebbing on the surface fueled her. "I don't have to explain myself to you."

He released her hair suddenly, grabbing her roughly by the shoulders, turning her so she was facing him. "Do I have to remind you again, Lita? All I asked you to do on Monday was get me a chair, pretty simple right? But I guess you're just too stupid to realize that--"

Lita narrowed her eyes, her chin lifting defiantly. "I know what you told me, bastard. All I've been doing is listening to you bitch, bark out orders and degrade me for the past six months. And you know something? I'm sick of it, sick of listening to it and sick of you."

With one hand firmly grasping her shoulder, he raised the other…just about to strike her before his hand was suspended in mid movement.

"Normally, I wouldn't give a shit where you're concerned but.." John Cena raised an eyebrow, "I can't stand by an' watch you this time."

Despite the fact that his wrist was in a near vice like grip, Edge sneered. "What's it to you Cena, huh? You said you don't give a shit about me, so why would you show any interest in a piece of trash like her?"

The WWE Champion shrugged, "now that really ain't any of your concern, is it? If I was you? I'd be more worried 'bout whether or not you'll be able to wrestle tonight."

Edge couldn't help but wince when the pressure was intensified on his wrist. "And why's that?"

"Because, asshole, I'll break damn wrist if you don' let go of her."

Perhaps it was the look in John's eyes or perhaps it was because he was starting to lose sensation in his hand…but whatever the reason, Lita was soon released.. Edge making a quick exit, but not before he sent a sharp look back to the redheaded Diva.

One hand went to her shoulder as Lita slumped down to retrieve the fallen bills. "I…I'm not even sure that I want to know…but.." Eyeing the man in front of her hesitantly, her arms wrapped around her waist. "Thanks…"

He shrugged slightly, one hand removing the baseball cap from his head long enough to run a hand over his short hair. "Well, it's like I told him… I couldn't stand by an' watch him do that--"

"I heard you," she interrupted him quietly. "And I'm sure you have somewhere important to be so.."

After a moments pause, he reached out to her, gently grabbing her wrist. "Are you alright?"

The Diva nodded shortly, "I'm fine… you stopped him before he could--"

"Hit you," the dark haired wrestler finished for her, her wrist released when she started shifting uncomfortably. "Well look, if ya want.. I'll walk back wit ya to wherever it is that you're goin'.."

Lita shook her head, "I'll be alright… I'm sure my search party will be here soon anyway."

John raised an eyebrow at that, "search party?"

The Diva nodded, opening her mouth to elaborate on that when Randy and Chris Masters appeared.

"There you are," Randy approached the pair first. "I was beginning to think that something happened to you."

Sending a quick and pleading look to John, Lita was silent for a moment before she nodded to Randy. "I couldn't make up my mind about what to get."

The Legend Killer eyed the West Newbury native suspiciously but… "Right well.. We should probably get back to the locker room."

Lita nodded her agreement, going to Chris' side, while Randy stayed behind a moment.

"Before you even say what you're 'prolly thinking? I didn' say shit to her, alright?"

Randy rolled his eyes, "I wasn't going to accuse you, dumb ass.. I was going to ask you about what really happened. Because, I know her and she never takes this long to get something from the vending machines."

The WWE Champion hesitated before shaking his head. "It was nothing man.."

The younger man shot him a skeptical look, "I don't believe that John.. And somehow, I doubt she'll tell me what really happened so--"

"Then I guess you'll just be in the dark for awhile, huh?" John jammed his hands in the front pocket of the hooded sweatshirt he was wearing. "Look, I ain't gonna tell ya what happened, 'cos, for whateva reasons? She don't want ya to know." He left it at that, offering Randy a short nod before he left

-x-x-x-

Frowning, the Legend Killer could do nothing more but head back to the locker room…and hope that Dave hadn't gone back while it was empty. For one, Lita wouldn't have been in there and for two, Randy had no idea as to why she had been away from the locker room for as long as she had. A part of him suspected that she just wanted some time alone, considering that she had been more or less monitored by at least two people since Tuesday. But, he also knew how much she cherished her privacy and her freedom…and considering whom she had been shackled to for the past six or seven months, well.. Randy couldn't really blame her for wanting some time alone. Still, when he and Chris had finally managed to locate her, she clearly hadn't been alone…in fact, the redhead was with one of the last people that Randy would've ever have expected to see. Granted, Randy had some suspicions as to why John would've been there, mainly having to do with an unwanted appearance by a certain blonde bastard…but even that was a mystery. Why would John Cena care at all? The Legend Killer did know that John wasn't the type to just stand by and watch a woman get hit, regardless of what he may have thought about her. Randy doubted that John really knew the redhead at all, further deciding that he didn't want to know.. Perhaps it was because the WWE Champion felt guilty or because he didn't want to be on Dave Batista's shit list…and quite frankly, Randy wouldn't fault him for that. Being on Dave's shit list just guaranteed an ass kicking or two, whenever the Animal deemed necessary. Whatever the case, Randy decided to question Lita or John about it later…hoping that one of them would tell him something…and preferably before Dave found out. And luckily for Randy and Chris; Dave, Rey and Chris Benoit returned to the locker room a good ten minutes after they did.. Lita having put on a long sleeved sweatshirt, her arms wrapped around herself as if she was cold.

Dave parked himself on the couch, "we would've been back sooner but… we had to wait for asshole to get to his locker room."

Randy faked a yawn, "so that's what took you so long? I almost thought we'd have to deal with a police interrogation or something."

Chris Benoit raised an eyebrow, "why would you think that?"

The Legend Killer shrugged, "murder? I mean honestly man, if I had the three of you suddenly showing up at my locker room? I'd lock the door."

The Animal smirked, "well shit head didn't have the time to lock the door. As I said, we were waiting for him." He rolled his shoulders, one arm draping over the back of the couch. "Did you get to the vending machines?"

Lita nodded, looking so much smaller than she really was from her spot between her brother and Chris. "Yeah.. Couldn't make up my mind though.."

Dave raised an eyebrow at that, "are you hungry? Li.. Do you want Chris or Randy to get you something from catering?"

Quickly she shook her head, "I'll be alright D.. I'm sure I can grab something when Vince gathers the superstars like cattle anyway."

Chris Benoit smirked slightly, "you still don't like those pre-show meetings I take it?"

The Diva's nose wrinkled, "not at all.. It just gets so boring and it's like they just say the same things at each meeting, you know?"

Rey sent her a smile, "we can come with you, chica.. We have guest passes, but technically, we're competing tonight too."

A genuine smile touched the corners of her mouth. "I'd like that.. So long as you guys are sure you won't get in trouble or something.."

Dave grinned, "like Rey just said, technically we're competing tonight, so we have every right to be there."

"Okay," Lita leaned against her brother, near curling into his side. "Who am I staying with then… when you guys go down to the ring?"

Randy opened his mouth to reply, only to shut it quickly.. The third generation wrestler soon realizing that Chris was in the Chamber match. "Well.. We.."

"If I can be down here in time, you'll be with me." Chris spoke up from the other side of the redhead. "But, if not.. We'll ask at the meeting…after the meeting's over anyway so it doesn't look too suspicious."

The Diva blinked, a look of fear flashing briefly in her hazel eyes. "I was supposed to walk down with him….for his match against Ric.. And if he's facing Cena after the Chamber, then--"

Dave held up a hand, "if you do have to walk down with that asshole after the Chamber match, it won't be too long before we're out there as well. I promise you, Li, if you're out there at all with him.. It won't be for very long."

Hesitantly, she nodded…starting to say something before a knock at the door cut her off.

"It's just Stephanie.. I wanted to let you all know that the meeting is about start. Just be in catering in five minutes, okay?"

Randy stood the moment the footsteps started, "I guess we should head there now.. Make sure we're all sitting together and away from that no good piece of shit."

Dave smirked, "I doubt he'd come near us, Orton.. The point of going to his locker room earlier, wasn't to inquire about his health….it was to issue a threat to his health."

Chris Benoit stretched his arms overhead, opening the door as he spoke. "And additional warnings…but without letting him know how Dave is connected. If he remembers anything, he should know that you and I are friends."

Lita nodded slightly, "he remembers….and he knows who my friends are on RAW…most of them anyway."

Chris Masters shrugged, "if he didn't know we were friends, he's probably figured it out." Offering a hand to her he continued: "not that I care anyway."

The Diva's forehead furrowed momentarily as they clustered near the door. "You don't think he'll go after Vicki, Trish or Lil do you?"

Dave smiled menacingly, "if he even thinks about going after Lil? He has another thing coming. If he went after Vicki, well that would just give Ty another reason to rip him apart."

"I still wouldn't put it past him though…to go after them, get to me in some way."

Her brother shook his head, "those days are over, Li.. He won't touch you, won't come near you… and that applies to your friends as well. Stephanie said the rosters will more than likely join after the Rumble so, it's only three weeks, give or take."

Chris nodded as they stepped into the hallway, "and until that point.. You have me. Now that dumb ass has probably realized that we're friends, I can walk down to the ring with you or at least be closer to you."

Lita quirked an eyebrow, "and what about Carlito? He won't ask questions or anything?"

"Li.. You're my friend. If Carlito can't understand that, too bad." The young wrestler rolled his shoulders as they finally started walking to the catering hall. "I'm going to do everything I can to make sure you're safe."

The Diva nodded, chewing on her lower lip as they walked. "I just wish there was a way out of that stupid contract.. I know Steph said she'd come up with a way to get me out, but…how?"

"I'm sure we'll find out soon, Li.." Dave squeezed her shoulder lightly, frowning heavily when she flinched. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing," she told him quickly, "just…not looking forward to being stuck with him."

He regarded her suspiciously, but nodded none the less… the group heading into the catering hall.. Met with more than a few confused looks from the RAW roster. Purposely, they ignored everyone's questioning stares…the redhead in the center of the group as they sought out a table.

Vince McMahon cleared his throat as the last of the arrivals settled in. "Good evening everyone.. As you can see, we have a few guests tonight… and I'll get to that later."

Despite the fact that Dave and Chris Masters were more or less shielding her from everyone's view.. Lita could feel eyes on her…hazel orbs locking shortly with questioning blue, but she turned her face away quickly…tuning out the meeting and trying to tune out the environment in general.

"Tonight, there will be a title change…the WWE title to be specific." Vince glanced between the current champion and soon to be champion. "This match will take place after the Chamber match has been completed. And once the title change has occurred, our guests from Smackdown will make their appearance." Shrugging slightly, he went on: "We're reviving the Smackdown vs. RAW rivalry for purposes of leading up to the Royal Rumble…at that point in time, we will be unifying the rosters again and adding a new belt to the women's division." His gaze settled shortly on the redhead, "while you will not be required to walk out for the first match, you will be needed at ringside for the championship match."

Lita bristled, but nodded none the less. "Alright.. I'm not interfering or anything though…right?"

The Chairman shook his head, "no.. but you do need to be there to help Edge celebrate his victory."

The redhead frowned, biting her tongue to keep herself from commenting.

"If there are no questions about tonight, then you all are dismissed. Listings for the matches have been posted in every locker room and in every hallway. Remember to give it your all out there, especially since this is the first pay per view of the year.. We want to start the new year off with a success."

At that, the catering hall started to empty…albeit slowly since it was near capacity, but, eventually every superstar was heading back to their respective locker rooms. Before Lita could get away completely, however, the WWE Champion stopped her…not with words or by grabbing her wrist, but with a questioning look. And while she could see the unspoken question, the redhead knew that now just wasn't the time. Aside from the fact that Randy was regarding them both suspiciously, she had Dave hovering over her…and the last thing she wanted at this point was her brother questioning her about why John Cena was even looking in her general direction. So instead, she shrugged it off, shaking her head slightly before she, Dave and Randy caught up with Rey and Chris Benoit. The evening, so far, had started off on shaky ground but.. Lita could only hope that it would get better. Really, she knew it wouldn't since she did have to walk out with Edge at some point, but at least she didn't have to be in the same locker room with him, nor was their locker room anywhere near his. That fact, at least, brought her some comfort…but knowing that tomorrow it would go back to the way it usually was…well that was enough to damper her mood considerably. The redhead could only hope that nothing else would happen tonight, Lita comforted by the fact that her brother, Randy, Rey and Chris Benoit would be at ringside not long after she was…but that didn't guarantee anything where tomorrow was concerned. She knew full well that Edge wouldn't be in a good mood…even if he was the newly crowned champion, he'd want some sort of revenge…something to show that he still had her under his control.