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: Nothing new as it relates to the story, but for those of you who are interested in knowing these things… I'm going to be devoting the next week to updating alternate universe stories (Love Lust and Lunacy, Once Upon a Time, Tears in the Rain, etc..) followed by wrestling universe that haven't been updated in awhile.

-x-x-x-

Since she didn't have to be out there until later, Lita was more or less confided to the locker room with Chris, Rey, Randy and her brother. Not that she minded the company too much…and it wasn't like they were completely alone at all times. Ric Flair stopped by for a bit and Chris Masters seemed pretty content to sit in their locker room until the Elimination Chamber. Victoria and Trish had also stopped by, Candice and Maria accompanying the two…much to the surprise of the occupants in the locker room. And it wasn't that they didn't appreciate the concern.. It just truly was a surprise to see the two newer Diva's stopping by. Aside from the hospital visit, Lita had never really interacted with Candice…even less with Maria, save for the occasional conversations at the photo shoots. But, they had stopped by, and been received warmly enough.. The two, along with Trish and Victoria, sticking around until Ric's match with Edge. It was at that point that, Dave decided that Lita really didn't need to watch the match…ushering his sister towards the door, with Randy, Chris, Chris and Rey not far behind. The rather unlikely looking group found themselves in one of the more secluded hallways, Dave checking the area to make sure there were no television monitors or people in the near vicinity. And it was during that time that Lita found herself thinking back to the vending machine incident.. She hadn't been prepared to see Edge that early or she would've had Chris and Randy go with her when she went to the vending machines. But, what had come as an even bigger surprise…was her highly unlikely rescuer. Really, she didn't want to call him a rescuer because…she didn't want to think that she needed to be saved. But, reality was, and she knew it…if it hadn't been for John Cena showing up when he had….well, things would've been a lot worse.

Chris Masters raised an eyebrow at the quiet redhead, the Diva currently perched on a traveling crate with Rey. "Li? Hello…ground control to Lita.. Red, are you there?"

Hazel eyes slid over to him, though not the one's he was really expecting. "Why are you acting like an idiot?"

Lita shook her head at her brother, finally snapping out of her own thoughts. "Dave.. Chris has been nothing but nice to you, since you threatened to hurt him. Leave him alone." Her gaze shifted to the man across from her, "I'm fine.. Just thinking about later, that's all."

The young wrestler nodded shortly, "if there was a way out of that…you know we'd take it. If I could have had you walking down with me, I'd want you there but--"

"I know," she smiled slightly, "and I appreciate that….believe me, I'd rather walk out there with you. Even though I don't know if they'd let me stay but…I'd feel safer out there with you."

"I'd feel better," Dave admitted all too easily, a pointed look soon sent to his sister. "I want you to be careful out there, Li.. We don't know if he'll try to pull something between the match and whenever we hit the ring."

The redhead couldn't help but roll her eyes at that. "I know he's probably planning something, but I doubt he'll do it tonight…I'm supposed to be out there helping him 'celebrate', remember?" A soft sigh escaped her then, Lita quipping sarcastically: "after all.. It's such a hard fought victory."

"Cena and Michaels are starting the match," Masters mentioned next, his forehead furrowing slightly. "Followed by Carlito, Angle and then me.. Kane has last entry."

Lita shook her head, "so…not only is he waiting until after the Chamber match is finished, the champ just happens to be one of the first participants? No wonder he wanted to cash it in tonight."

Randy raised an eyebrow at the redhead, "since when did you really care about that stuff? I'm not trying to say that you don't pay attention or anything, I just didn't think you really--"

"Paid attention to anything except where the asshole was concerned?" Lita offered with a slight smirk, shrugging as she continued: "I can't say I pay attention to much because I'm not really involved in anything else, you know? I just think it's pretty unfair."

Chris Benoit shrugged slightly at that, the Crippler currently leaning against the same crate that Lita was seated on. "Life isn't always fair, but…knowing Edge like I do.. Or like I did, rather.. I can't say I'm too surprised that he's cashing in his money in the bank tonight. It's the perfect opportunity for him to do so."

Dave nodded shortly, "and besides.. It just means there'll be another body kicking Edge's ass from now until the Rumble.. Or however long they carry out that feud."

Lita frowned, her legs swinging slightly against the crate. "I guess I'll find out soon enough…thanks to that stupid contract."

Chris Masters crossed his arms over his chest, "I don't know why they didn't have us working together longer.. I mean, I thought that went pretty well, you know?"

"It did," the Diva conceded easily, "I think that was the problem.. Things were working too well for his liking, so he probably complained to Vince or Bitchoff about it."

Randy smirked at that, "well at least this time you don't have to worry about Bischoff intervening, right? I'm sure Stephanie will figure out a way for you to get out of the contract and Cena….well…he's.."

"He has a big mouth, really doesn't think before he speaks, reckless, rash.." Dave directed a smirk towards the Legend Killer. "Kinda like you, except a few years older…maybe a little bit more mature."

The younger man rolled his eyes, "you can also add that I'm better looking to that list.. And taller, but I was going to say.. He's not that bad of a guy. From what I know of him, he won't put you in any danger.." A frown touched his face momentarily, "at least I hope he wouldn't.."

Dave chuckled lightly at that, "if he does.. He'll answer to me…and that's if you're working with him for very long and--"

Lita shook her head, hopping down easily from the crate. "Before you two start plotting his demise? Why don't you wait until we've found out what's going on with that contract, hmm? For all I know, I could be a free woman."

The Animal eyed his sister skeptically, "and where are you going?"

"Duh.. The match is probably over, Dave.. That means we can go back to the locker room."

Randy and Chris exchanged a quick look, the Legend Killer pushing off from the wall first. "Hey Li.. Since you didn't get anything from the vending machine last time, how about we go now?"

Chris nodded before Dave or Lita could say a word.. "Yeah.. My treat." He smirked a touch then, "or Randy's since I don't have my wallet with me…"

-x-x-x-

Lita sent a suspicious look between the two, but nodded none the less…the trio soon leaving the hallway to find one of the vending machines in the back. And it was on their short trek through the hallways that Randy and Chris decided to question the redhead about earlier…specifically about why she was with the WWE Champion. At first, Lita was reluctant to say anything.. Mostly because she didn't want the information getting back to her brother. While she knew full well that it wouldn't really effect anything for that night, the last thing she wanted or needed was Dave acting even more over protective than he already was. The redhead had a feeling that for the next few weeks, she wouldn't be able to shake her brother at all…or if she managed to do that, Chris Masters would be hovering over her every second he had. Not that she minded the gestures too much, she really did appreciate it, but she wanted to hold on to whatever privacy and independence that she could. But, it wasn't like she could keep this from them forever, especially since she didn't know if John would say something to Randy or even to her brother. So, after she had assured secrecy from both men…the redhead rolled up the sleeves of her sweatshirt…not saying a word, instead letting the hand shaped bruise on her upper forearm do the talking. And while Chris didn't say anything immediately, Randy wanted to know why she hadn't said anything earlier.. And of course, how John Cena got involved. To the first part, the answer was pretty clear…she didn't want her brother to know… which in turn, would've lead to problems for Chris and Randy. The second part, however, well.. That was still a bit of a mystery to the redhead herself.

The Diva bit her lower lip, the trio currently parked in the hallway near the catering hall. "I don't really know why he was there…one minute, he had his hands on me and then the next.. He was just about to hit me and then Cena showed up."

Chris clenched his jaw, "he almost hit you? Even after the shit he pulled on Monday, he was about to hit you?"

Lita shot him a pointed look, one hand coming to rest on his arm. "We both know that wouldn't amount to anything.. I could be in a wheelchair and I doubt that he wouldn't think twice before going after me."

Randy rubbed at the back of his neck, confusion evident in his blue eyes. "So.. John just showed up? You didn't scream or anything?"

"No, I didn't really have the chance to.. Plus, I didn't know where the two of you were, or I would've screamed in his ear." The Diva rolled the sleeves of her sweatshirt back down, arms wrapping protectively around her middle. "And yes, Cena just showed up.. I don't know from where and honestly, I don't know why he did what he did but…"

"If he hadn't shown up when he did.." Chris frowned heavily, "I have half a mind to stick around after the Chamber match… kick some sense into that bastard."

Randy smirked, "don't worry.. I'm sure Dave will take care of that.. Or maybe Rey or Benoit. Point is, he'll get a taste of what's coming to him tonight."

Chris nodded shortly, opening his mouth as if to say more when one of the stagehands passed by; informing the trio that they were setting up for the Chamber match.

Lita let out a low whistle, "well…time certainly flies.. I wouldn't say this is my exact idea of fun, but.. It'll do for now."

Chris shook his head, shaking out his arms a bit as they started to walk. "I should probably head over to the curtains.. I'm not sure about who's going out there first, but--"

"Better to be safe than sorry," the Diva pointed out with a slight smile. "We'll walk you over there."

The trio walked in companionable silence until the curtains, Chris offering a short nod to Carlito while Lita sent a hesitant nod to Kane.

Randy coughed as the remaining participants approached the area. "We should probably get back to the locker room, Li.. I know D will ask questions anyway about why it took us so long.."

The Diva nodded, hazel eyes landing shortly on Chris. "Good luck out there.. And try not to get hurt too much."

Chris nodded, "you stay safe until you need to be out there, okay? I'll hang around here after the match."

Lita sent him a quick smile, turning on heel to head back to the locker room with Randy when she ran into a soft wall; muttering an apology under her breath before her eyes drifted upwards. "I'd say good luck but.."

"Yeah well.. There really ain't a damn thing I can do 'bout that bastard cashin' in his contract, right?" John Cena rolled his shoulders, the title belt hanging at his side. "I figure I'll just hafta wait until the Rumble.. Or I might just invoke that re-match clause tomorrow."

"Yeah.." she quirked another smile, sending one look back to Chris before she and Randy finally left the area.

Randy raised an eyebrow as they neared the assigned locker room, "what was that about?"

Lita blinked, threading a hand through her loose red locks. "What was what about?" The Diva rolled her eyes when Randy gestured back to the area they had just left. "I said what? Five or six words to him? I don't see the issue here, Randall.."

The third generation wrestler grinned, holding the door open for her when they reached the locker room. "Now.. I can clearly remember having this conversation with you already.. You are not, under any circumstances, to call me Randall."

"What took you so long?"

The redhead rolled her eyes good naturedly, "well.. We got held up, trying to decide what to get at the vending machines.. And by the time we got everything.." she tossed down a few snacks to prove her point, "it was time for Chris to head out for the Chamber match.. So, we walked there with him and now we're here."

Dave nodded skeptically as his sister flopped down on the couch with Rey and Chris. "Uh huh.. Well, you'll be happy to know that Ric won his match… bastard got himself counted out."

Chris Benoit smiled grimly, "not that it will help him much later.. It just means he'll be a little bit fresher when we get to him."

Lita quirked an eyebrow, glancing between the four Smackdown superstars. "I thought you weren't putting your hands on him tonight…? Or did Stephanie stop by and give you the go ahead for that?"

Her brother grinned, "she gave me permission…I can't kick his ass tonight, but I can at least get my hands on him.. Maybe throw a punch or two." Sliding his gaze to Randy, he continued: "we've also been given permission to appear tomorrow night, but.. We have to wait until tomorrow afternoon to find out when."

Lita bit her lower lip, a near hopeful look in her hazel gaze. "Did she say anything about that contract?"

"There's a possibility that it'll be decided at the Rumble," Dave frowned when her expression fell. "If Stephanie can manage, it'll be earlier then that, Li.. But, she just doesn't know how to work this in."

The Legend Killer raised an eyebrow, "wait a minute.. Are you telling me they'll put the contract on the line? Like she's some piece of property?"

Dave grimaced, his hands bridging together behind his head. "Unfortunately, yes.. And it doesn't matter what type of match it is, that's the only way that Stephanie could get Li out of that damn contract."

The Diva sighed heavily, leaning into Rey's side. "So, I'm stuck with him until the Rumble…and even then.. I'm still stuck in that damn contract. If he wins, I stay with him and if--"

"If Cena wins, assuming that's who the shit head is facing…then you start walking out with Cena." Dave shrugged his shoulders marginally, "or.. If he has a shred of human decency, he'll have that contract terminated."

The hopeful gleam returned to her eyes, "do you think he would? I know Edge wouldn't.. he's having too much fun with this.."

"At your expense," Chris pointed out with a dark look, "but I don't think John is that kind of person. He might be a bit rough around the edges, but…he's a pretty good kid."

The World Heavyweight champion shrugged, "and even if he isn't.. there's this little thing called negotiation.."

Randy scoffed, "Dave.. Your idea of negotiation is threatening to break every bone in someone's body until they agree to your terms."

The Animal raised an eyebrow, "so? It works doesn't it? I can't help it if people are scared of me."

"Chica?" Rey sent the silent redhead a questioning look, "Li-Li? What's wrong?"

The Diva nodded absently towards the monitor. "Kane just got eliminated from the chamber…once it's down to just Cena.."

Dave moved from his spot near the door, "Li.. We'll walk there with you and stay with you until you have to go down there. Then, I promise you, it won't be long before we're down at ringside."

Lita nodded slightly, her eyes closing tightly for a moment. "I just don't want to be near him…having to go out there with him. It makes me look like a complete fool.." Hastily, she wiped at her eyes, inwardly cursing herself for crying again. "I hate this.."

Not a second later, and Dave was standing before her…easily drawing his sister into his arms. "Li.. I promise, this is the last time you have to feel like this.. The rivalry starts again, which means that me, Randy, Rey or Chris could be on RAW more often.. And when we aren't there.. You have Chris, Vicki, Lil, Trish, Ty.." He waited until her sniffles had ceased, holding her out a bit so he could look at her. "And who knows.. Maybe working with that loudmouth Cena won't be so bad."

At that, Lita smiled just slightly.. The thought of having to walk down with Edge still on her mind. And it wasn't just this night, but from tonight until the Royal Rumble. She didn't even want to think about what those three weeks could hold.. The torment and torture he could put her through…because she didn't doubt for a second that he wouldn't take advantage of every last opportunity to extend her time in her own personal hell. It was just the type of person that he was and that was yet another reason that she hated this entire situation. All thanks to that contract, she was stuck…and while the end hopefully wasn't very far away, it was still three weeks that she was stuck with him. At his side, pretending to be someone she wasn't…another three weeks for her to become lost.. Or perhaps, things would start to change.. Now that Chris Masters could be more involved and that the rivalry was starting again…maybe it wouldn't be as bad as it had been before. Or she could just be setting herself up for another string of disappointments. And it wasn't that she doubted her brother, Chris, Rey, Chris Benoit, Randy or any of her friends.. It was just that, they couldn't be there at all times.. They weren't there in the locker rooms, even if she did have her own locker room now…that could easily change. She knew that her brother and her friends would be around more, it was just the times that they couldn't be there that she feared. Those were the times when she was most vulnerable…the times when it was easiest for him to pick her apart.