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 to add at this time..

-x-x-x-

It was right after Kane's elimination…or shortly after, that Lita realized she was still wearing the clothes she had arrived in.. specifically, she was sporting one of her brother's shirts, an old sweatshirt and worn blue jeans. But, soon enough.. She'd have to be out there in the 'appropriate' attire, which meant some cover-up for the bruise on her arm. The ones on her back were starting to fade, but, for her sake…the redhead figured she should cover those up anyway. And while she really didn't want to go out there to begin with, she also knew that there was no way out of it. Lita also knew that, she should've been out there for Edge's match with Ric.. The Diva figuring that the Nature Boy had something to do with her not being at ringside. Thankfully, everything she needed was in the locker room.. The redhead holding the 'Rated R' shirt between her fingertips like it was going to attack her. And in a sense, it did…just not in any physical way, but it did serve as a reminder.. One that she would have to live with for the next three weeks, at the very least. Sighing slightly, Lita made her way to the bathrooms in the locker room, locking the stall after she had entered…not wanting for anyone to barge in on her. Not that she felt any of the men would, just…she didn't want the wrong person to see. That wrong person in this case was her brother of course.. Since only Randy and Chris Masters, well and one other person too, knew about the newest bruise on her body. The Diva also requested that they steer clear of the bathroom area until she was ready to leave the locker room.. Just to be on the safe side. It was while she was changing, that Lita began to think of the role reversal between herself and her brother.. While it wasn't a true role reversal, it was in the sense that, he had always protected her…from what, always depended on the circumstances, but now.. She was protecting him…from the truth. Even though she knew she couldn't keep the truth from him forever, for now…it was necessary. Her brother didn't need to know everything, because then she would have to face them herself. And at this point in time, Lita wasn't so sure she was ready to do that.

Giving her reflection one last look, Lita pressed her lips into a thin line…her shoulders squaring as she walked out of the bathroom. "Alright.." One by one, she met their gazes, the Smackdown wrestlers having changed while she did. "I guess this is the point where we leave.."

Dave nodded shortly, the World Heavyweight title draped over a chair. "Just remember, it won't be very long until we're out there.."

Lita nodded, toying absently with a strand of hair, "Chris said he'd wait until we got there.. To be on the safe side or whatever."

Rey gave a slight nod at that, "like Dave said, it won't be too long before we're out there.. And I'm thinking the 'match' won't last for very long."

"Hopefully not," the Diva said quietly, frowning when she sent another glance to the monitor. "I should get out there though…otherwise, he'll come looking for me.."

Carefully, Randy rested a hand on her shoulder, keeping in mind which shoulder not too touch.. "I'd doubt he'd come looking for you here Li…and if he did? He'd have to answer to us."

"Yeah.." she sent him a tiny smile, the redhead rolling out her shoulders before she opened the door.. Dave and Chris soon taking flanking positions as they made their way to the curtains.

As he had promised, Chris Masters was waiting for them.. The young wrestler not bothering to mask the dirty looks sent to Edge. "I was beginning to wonder if you were going to show.."

Lita rolled her eyes good naturedly, waiting until she was more or less standing in front of him to speak: "well… you heard what the boss said.. I really didn't have a choice in the matter.."

Before Chris could reply to that, the redhead was yanked away; the tall blonde man holding Lita's wrist. "I'd like to have a word with you.." Sparing a glance to the others, he moved to a semi-secluded spot, his voice dropping to a whisper: "now, I really don't know why muscles for brains Batista and that pansy ass Orton are involved.. And I really don't care.. But, if you even think that they're going to help you? You're dead wrong."

The redhead arched an eyebrow, "you might want to care…because, like it or not.. I do have people who give a damn about me."

"Whatever," Edge replied without a thought, "you still belong at my side, get it? And there is nothing that you or your little friends can do about it."

Lita had to bite her tongue to keep herself from replying, her mask soon in place as Vince McMahon marched past…a microphone in hand.

Chris Masters sent a look over to Dave, taking note of the anger in the older man's eyes. "I really don't think he'll pull any of the same shit he did on Monday."

The Animal cracked his knuckles, eyes narrowing at the blonde man ahead of him. "I'd like to see him try…if that bastard puts a hand on her, hurts her, hits her…I will tear him apart. I don't care what Stephanie said I could and could not do…he hurts her? His ass is mine."

The younger man nodded, "I wouldn't stop you…" he frowned slightly, "has Stephanie said anything about that contract?"

Dave waited until the bastard and his sister had disappeared beyond the curtain, a frown appearing on his face. "There's only one way.. Either the contract is terminated, which likely won't happen as long as she's with that asshole…or it transfers."

Chris raised an eyebrow at that, "transfers? Are you trying to tell me that, the only way she can get out of that stupid contract.."

"Is if someone beats the holy hell out of Edge for it.." The Animal shrugged slightly, "of course, the holy hell part is optional, but that's the general idea.. Stephanie said, the contract will be on the line at the Rumble."

"So she still has to wait," Chris shook his head, running a hand over his short hair. "Wait…who is that bastard facing at the Rumble?"

Randy nodded towards the ring area, "we're guessing it's Cena.. Unless someone else challenges the asshole for the title."

Chris couldn't help but grimace at that, "well…it might be three more weeks or whatever, but at least after that.. She'll be free."

Chris Benoit nodded his agreement, "that's what I'm hoping for.. But, it also depends on Cena…and whether or not he accepts the terms of the match."

Randy sent him a questioning look, "what do you mean by that?"

The Crippler rolled his shoulders, arms crossing across his chest. "John doesn't have to accept all terms for the re-match.. All he's really doing, is invoking his re-match clause. If he doesn't accept the transfer of the contract…"

"She's still stuck," Dave concluded with a grim smile. "But.. He doesn't have to honor the contract…he can just have the damn thing terminated."

Benoit nodded shortly, "then you might want to let Cena know about that before tomorrow.. Otherwise, he'll more than likely reject that one term of the match."

Dave nodded sharply, his attention flickering to the monitor. "I'll talk to him…and make sure he understands."

-x-x-x-

Her face was really starting to hurt from keeping up the fake smile but…the Diva reminded herself that it was only three more weeks.. It wasn't a matter of hoping for three more weeks, or if it was three more weeks. Lita was doing her best to convince herself that it would only be three more weeks. Of course, that all depended on the man that currently held the WWE Championship…someone that she didn't really know at all. Going from earlier, however, she had at least come to the one conclusion that he wasn't the type to hit a woman. And while he was certainly outspoken, she didn't think he was the type to be as degrading as Edge. It troubled her, more then she ever cared to admit, that her fate was lying in the hands of a relative stranger but.. At least now, she had some sort of exit. An end and an escape…one that couldn't come soon enough. Forcing herself to concentrate on the 'match', Lita sent her best smile over to Edge as he went for a second spear…trying not to wince at the blood on John's forehead. His eyes were glazed and it was apparent that he was out of it.. Not that she didn't expect that…the man had just been through one of the more brutal matches in the business, only to have this happen. But, it wasn't like she could cheer him on or anything.. That just wouldn't sit very well and it would just be a flat out stupid move on her part. So, instead, she forced herself to cheer for Edge…just like she had been doing…cheering more when the three was counted, the referee declaring Edge the winner. Taking the belt herself, Lita climbed up the stairs…having to hold back on her base instinct of slamming the belt against the side of the blonde man's head. She reminded herself that it would soon be her brother's fist.. The Diva smiling fully as that thought crossed her mind. Of course, that smile would be short lived…or at least it was to her… Edge grabbing the title belt from her quickly, an arm banding tightly around her waist to draw her to his side…and she could've sworn that his hand was digging into the soft flesh above her hip, a warning look hidden in his eyes when she finally met his cold gaze. Reminding herself that it wouldn't be too much longer before her brother appeared, Lita wrapped her arms around the newly crowned champion…trying desperately to ignore the hatred and loathing surging through her inner being.

"Go get me a microphone and make it quick."

Lita let him go quickly, sliding a glance to the still dazed Cena in the corner as she accepted the microphone from Lilian. And as he requested, she handed the microphone over…but before he could say a word, Dave's music was blaring over the sound system.

Yanking the redhead in front of him, Edge bent his head down to whisper to her: "If you even think of trying something? You will pay.. Remember that."

Disregarding the fact that Edge was more or less using his sister as a shield, Dave played through with his normal entrance.. Rey, Chris and Randy soon following behind the World Heavyweight champion as he made his way to the ring.. The Animal smirking as he entered the ring, grabbing the microphone from the blonde man.

"You punks on RAW thought it all ended at Survivor Series when we proved our dominance, but.. That was only the beginning." He waited until Chris, Randy and Rey were in the ring, though his gaze never left the WWE Champion's face. "And since you just so happen to be the champ…we thought we'd throw down another challenge."

Edge scoffed, keeping one arm around Lita's waist as he walked backwards to the ropes, grabbing a new microphone. "Like hell I'm taking you up on any challenge.. I just had a damn match."

Dave raised an eyebrow at that, "who said anything about tonight? I'm talking about Friday Night Smackdown.. You get your team together, show up if you all think you're man enough to do it."

Edge shook his head, "and just why would I want to do that, huh? Do I really look that stupid to you?" Smirking broadly, the blonde man continued: "I only care about one thing on RAW…well two things actually, and that's me and this title. To hell with everything else."

Dave handed the microphone back to Randy, taking a few steps forward so he was in front of the Canadian.. Grabbing his wrist, "what's wrong, Edge? You aren't a coward…are you?"

"No, but I'm not an idiot either." The new WWE Champion rolled his eyes, "consider this challenge declined."

Shrugging, Dave stepped back…making as if to leave the ring before he turned, gently pushing his sister out of the way before his fist connected with Edge's face.

"I wouldn't move if I was you…"

Lita blinked, glancing to the body that she had apparently landed near. "Same could be said for you.." She frowned as the title belt was tossed at her, holding it to her form as Randy, Chris and Rey joined in on the attack.

"Masters… Carlito…" The former champion tried to gesture to the ramp, but.. The redhead and the crowd soon realized what was going on.

"Well damn.." the redhead moved further back to the ropes, near sharing the small space at the turnbuckle with John as Chris Masters, Carlito, Big Show and Kane hit the ring.

In the ensuing chaos, Lita could clearly see Chris Masters restraining himself from hitting Edge…instead targeting Randy. The fight went on until the RAW wrestlers had gained the upper hand…

"Hey!" Edge grabbed the microphone once the ring was cleared, his eyes narrowing at the retreating Smackdown superstars. "You know what? It'll be me, the Masterpiece, Carlito and the tag team Champions taking your asses on."

With that, the wrestlers in the ring…save for the two still at the turnbuckle…got into a stare down with the Smackdown wrestlers on the ramp.. Dave sending one last look to his sister before he, Randy, Chris and Rey exited to the back.

Reaching down first for the belt and then for her wrist, Edge growled. "Let's go… now." Without giving her a chance to reply, he yanked her up to her feet.. Lita and Edge soon making their exit.

Dave cracked his knuckles, waiting for the first signs of his sister and the bastard…eyes narrowing when they appeared through the curtains. "Just don't think you'll be so lucky, because come this Friday? We pick up where we left off."

"You're hurting me.." the redhead winced when Edge just intensified the pressure, "let go of me. We're not even--"

"Shut up," Edge hissed tightly, unaware of the fact that not only Dave was glaring at him, but so were Randy, Chris, Rey and Chris Masters whom just so happened to be standing behind him. "We have places we need to go, Lita." Sliding a glance back to Dave, the blonde man shrugged. "See you on Smackdown."

The redhead sent a pleading look over her shoulder as she was dragged away, still trying to remove her arm from the blonde man's grasp as they turned the corner.

"That fucking--"

"I'll get her," Chris Masters rolled his shoulders, "just…if I don't come back in about five minutes or so with her? Look for a trail of blood."

Dave nodded sharply, wanting to go after the bastard himself but…there was another piece of business he had to attend to. His gaze fell shortly on the former WWE Champion, the wrestler being helped to the back by the tag team champions. "Go follow Chris.."

Randy, Rey and Benoit didn't need to be told twice, let alone once.. The three soon taking off in the direction that the young RAW wrestler had just gone.

"You stupid bitch." Edge let go of the title long enough to bring the Diva closer to him. "I don't know what you're trying to pull or what games you're trying to play here, but it won't help. You belong to me."

Lifting her chin defiantly, Lita shook her head. "I don't belong to anyone, you ass."

No sooner had the words left her mouth, did Edge's free hand connect harshly with her face, letting go of her simultaneously; Chris Masters just finding them as the Diva fell to the floor, her face hitting the cold concrete surface. The blonde man had a fistful of her hair, pulling her to her feet to hit her again when the young wrestler got between them, shoving Edge back. Of course, that inadvertently caused Lita to fall to the floor again, but at least this time.. She hadn't gotten hurt before hand, nor was she hurt in the process. Still, it didn't take long before Chris was crouching down, helping the redhead to her feet as Edge left the hallway. Not but a few minutes later and Randy, Rey and Chris Benoit were there, Lita's smaller form engulfed in Chris Masters arms. Her tearstained face, the blood trickling from her nose and the newly forming bruise on her cheek were enough for Randy, Rey and Chris Benoit to almost go searching for the blonde man…but Chris explaining the situation and Lita requesting that they just leave prevented any bloodshed that night. Chris had just finished filling in the Smackdown trio when Dave appeared, the small smile on his face fading quickly when he caught sight of his sister. As such, he held off on telling them about the results of his brief conversation with the former WWE Champion…the group heading back to the locker room so they could get out of the arena and more importantly, so they could get Lita far away from Edge. It was clear to see that the damage had been done, though to what extent…none of them really knew for sure. For tonight, she would remain safe…tomorrow, however, was another matter all together.