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…just that the next update to this will more than likely be on Sunday as I have a lot of stories that I want to update…the updates for this have been more frequent because the ideas and creative drive have been amazingly high for me… anyways, just wanted to let you all know. And I don't know anything about this hospital, just that it's there.. Do they have a room 301? I don't really know.

-x-x-x-

As Chris made his way closer to the ring area, Triple H made his way closer to the Diva.. Dropping to his knees when he reached her. The sledgehammer was now on the outside of the ring once more, the blonde man presuming that RAW was off the air since the crowd seemed to be trickling out very slowly. Not that the crowd being there or the cameras being on would have changed anything…he was going to stay out there anyway. Granted, Edge may have turned tail and left the ring but that didn't mean that he could be hanging around backstage…Hunter doubted that the Canadian would try his luck and attack the Diva again.. But, should he have any crazy inclination to do so…well, he wouldn't get very far. Very carefully, he reached out a hand, grasping on her hands in his…taking note of the slight rise and fall of her chest. That at least was a good sign…the Diva was still breathing, but she had obviously lost consciousness. And given the way she had been slammed into that ladder, well.. It was no wonder that she was laying unconscious in the ring. The sound of approaching footsteps caused Hunter to move his gaze from Lita, meeting the hesitant gaze of Chris Masters as he came closer to them. Neither man really knew the reasons as to why the other man was in the ring, but the younger man was fairly certain that Triple H wasn't out here to attack the redhead. Triple H, in fact, had helped her…prevented any further damage at the hands of one blonde bastard…Chris adding yet another reason to kick the shit out of the WWE Champion to an ever growing list. Still, the young wrestler wasn't sure what he could say at this point.. Instead, waiting for the medics to get down to the ring so Lita could get the proper help that she needed. From the spear into the ladder, it was likely that she had another concussion, but there were also her ribs and possibly mild injuries to her back. Frowning heavily, the young man started a bit when a small hand fell on his shoulder.. Lilian Garcia nodding to the approaching medics…quietly telling the two that they needed to step back. And while Chris did step back, Triple H rolled out of the ring, waiting on the outside next to the stretcher. The two in the ring soon joined him, walking with the medics to the back once Lita was secured. The trek through the back was in silence, Hunter waving off anyone who tried to approach them while Lilian lingered long enough to take her things and Lita's from Trish.

Dave ran his hands over his hair, pushing off from the column he had been leaning against. "I--"

Randy glared openly, blue eyes filled with distrust at the blonde man. "Why the hell are you here? It's not like you give a damn about anyone but yourself."

Triple H raised an eyebrow at the young man, "now is not the time, kid." He shifted his attention to Dave then, "I'll take your rental over there… just need to get my--"

"Here," a voice spoke up as a duffle bag was handed over, "an' Chris? If you're headin' over to the hospital, you might want this." John Cena handed over another bag, the former Champion dressed and apparently ready to leave as well.

All but ignoring everyone else, Dave tossed the keys to his rental over to Hunter. "It's a black S.U.V… take whomever else is going.. Benoit and Rey are already in the car, Orton should be going with you." With that out of the way, the Animal climbed into the back of the ambulance, speaking long enough with one of the E.M.T's before he stuck his head out, "Hershey Medical Center…just meet us there."

Lilian let out a sigh, glancing cautiously to Hunter, "I'll hitch a ride with Victoria or Trish.. I'm sure they'll want to come anyway."

Hunter nodded slightly, his gaze shifting to Chris.. "are you coming with me or what?"

"We'll follow ya over there.. Or meet ya over there, whateva.." John spoke up before Chris could reply. "My rental's real close so.."

The young wrestler nodded, "we'll meet you at the E.R… or wherever they're taking her so we can see her."

"Right," after a moment Hunter sent a look towards Randy, hoisting his duffle bag up as he made his way further into the parking lot. "Unless you feel like walking there Orton, I suggest you follow me."

Randy rolled his eyes at the older man's back, "whatever.. I still want to know why you even showed up.. This has nothing to do with you, Helmsley."

The Game smirked just slightly as he glanced back, "don't pretend to think you know me, Orton…because you don't. There are plenty of things that have gone over your head."

Chris Benoit raised an eyebrow as the driver's side door was opened, "where's Dave?"

"In the ambulance with Li," Randy replied as he opened the passengers side door. "Masters is hitching a ride with Cena and Lilian should be there with Trish and Vicki."

The Crippler nodded hesitantly, a questioning look sent to the man in the driver's seat but instead of saying anything…he kept it to himself.. The passengers and driver falling silent for the trip to the hospital.

Victoria blinked as the vehicles parked near one another started to empty.. "Why are Triple H and Cena here? Everyone else, I can understand but.."

Lilian only shrugged, the blonde woman locking the car with the keyless entry system. "I'm not sure Vicki.. But, if it hadn't been for Triple H? For whatever reasons, he saved her tonight."

"I know that Lil, I just don't understand why.." the older woman frowned, as she Trish and Lilian caught up with the passengers of the SUV. "I also find it strange that Cena's here.."

Rey nodded to the two ahead of them, "that's because he gave Chris a ride here.. I don't know if he intends on staying or whatever, but.. That's why he's here right now."

Chris Benoit glanced over to the Diva trio, "why don't we just save all of our questions until we get in the hospital, alright? This really isn't the time or the place to start asking."

Trish frowned, her arms wrapped loosely around her middle. "I can't believe Bischoff is back.. I thought after he was fired, he would be gone for good.. And now? How is Li gonna get out of that stupid contract with the Bisch around?"

The Crippler shrugged slightly, "I'd like to think that Stephanie will figure out something.. From what I understand and from what Bischoff told us earlier, he's just in charge of creative."

Triple H paused at the front of the group, nearly causing Chris Masters and Cena to run into him. "If Bischoff even thinks of giving Red a hard time? He'll answer to me." A pointed look was sent back to Randy, "and no.. I'm not explaining myself to you right now. I want to see her first."

Chris Masters hesitated a moment, the young man currently sporting a pair of track pants and a shirt. "I'm not sure why you were there…or why you did what you did. .but.. Thanks."

"It wasn't--"

"Don't say it wasn't a big deal," Victoria interrupted before the Game could continue. "If you hadn't gotten there when you did? She would be in the hospital for worse injuries."

Before Hunter could reply to that, he found himself in the middle of a hug…with all three of the Diva's.. the others looking on, some in amusement while Randy just looked flat out annoyed. And once the group hug had dispersed, they made their way into the hospital.

Dave stood as they approached, his hands jamming into the pockets of his jeans. "Another concussion, two bruised ribs and the same whiplash like stuff where her back is concerned.. They're waiting for her to wake up…then we can see her. Or at least immediate family."

Trish bit her lower lip, "I guess we should head back to the hotel then, right? I want to see her but…if we can't get in then.. Well.."

Randy parked himself in the nearest chair, "I'll wait.. I know we have to leave in the morning to head over to Philadelphia but… I'll wait here."

-x-x-x-

Eventually, the Diva trio went back to the hotel.. Randy staying behind with Chris Masters, Cena and Hunter. Of course, they weren't sure who would be able to see the redhead, aside from Dave. Added to that, no one knew why Hunter or Cena was there. Where the former champion was concerned, perhaps it was because of the contract…or perhaps it was because of the light traces of blood on his knuckles. They knew he hadn't been anywhere near the ring during the match, but…when Chris Masters voiced some concern over Edge making an unwanted appearance, John assured him that if Edge was in the hospital, it was for treatment. Aside from the light blow to the back thanks to the sledgehammer, the blonde man had left the arena with a bloody nose and a black eye. Naturally, Randy and Dave had to question why the former champion had taken such actions.. John explaining that the blonde man looked ready to head to the hospital or wait for the stretcher to deal more damage. Next on the agenda, so to speak anyway, was why Triple H had done what he had done.. And why he was sticking around now. Currently, the five were waiting in the lobby on another floor of the hospital.. Randy leaning against the wall, a dirty look tossed in Hunter's direction every now and then. The Game was currently seated between Chris Masters and Dave, while John was leaning against the wall with the Legend Killer. And as they waited for news on the redhead's condition, silence reigned…albeit a somewhat tense silence, given Randy's obvious distrust of Triple H, but the Game's presence seemed accepted by Chris and Dave. Where the young wrestler was concerned, it was a matter of gratitude…Chris knowing full well that if Hunter hadn't shown up when he did, Lita would be a lot worse off right now.. And where Dave was concerned.. Well, no one really knew why…except for Dave himself and Triple H. But for all of the questioning, though not voiced yet, of Hunter's presence, Cena was just…there. Certainly, he may have a partial reason…as he had been the one to take Chris to the hospital. But, he could have left when the Diva trio, Chris Benoit and Rey did.

Chris slid a glance to the silent former champion, "I don't mean to sound rude here but.. Why are you still here? I can hitch a ride back with Dave whenever he leaves."

John shrugged, arms crossed over his chest.. "I can't really say why I'm here, 'cos I don't really know. Guess I jus' wanna see for myself that she's alright." Smirking a bit, he added: "an' I'm kinda curious to see if that bastard did end up at this hospital."

Chris nodded at that, "thanks for that…you saved us a bit of trouble, assuming that ass would have attacked her--"

"That's what he was waitin' for.. Had a chair ready an' all that.." John rolled his shoulders, "guess he jus' didn' count on me bein' right behind him with a chair of my own."

Randy raised an eyebrow at that, "I thought you said…and I quote, 'I hit the bastard once or twice.. Nothing too bad though'.."

John gave a slight shrug of his shoulders, "that was after I let him know I was there.. The chair jus' kinda came down over his head.. Thought it might knock some sense into him or whateva."

"Uh huh," the third generation wrestler stated with a hint of disbelief. "I won't question your motives and I'm not gonna question why you're here.." Blue eyes settled on the Game, "you…I want to know why you're here."

The blonde man rolled his eyes, "why are you so pre-occupied with my being here, huh? Think about it, Orton.. If I was going to attack her, I would've done back at the arena when I still had my sledgehammer and when there were plenty of weapons and witnesses around."

Randy scoffed, "you aren't exactly a candidate for Samaritan of the year award, Helmsley.. So I want to know, why did you help her and why are you here?"

Hunter gestured to the Animal, "I helped her because he asked me to help her.. As for why I'm still here? Did the thought ever occur to you, that maybe…just maybe.. I give a damn about how she's doing? That it hasn't bothered me, just as much as it's bothered you.. The way she's been treated, everything that's happened to her--"

"Then why didn't you do anything about it before?" The Legend Killer pushed off from the wall, standing directly in front of his former mentor. "If you claim to care so much, why haven't you helped her.. Huh?"

"Right, I'll play hero for her so she can have my enemies coming after her.. Smart, Randy.. Really smart." Hunter shook his head, "there's a reason why I'm called the Cerebral Assassin…unlike you, I actually think about things before I do them."

Randy shook his head, his gaze turning next to Dave. "Why did you ask him to--"

"Because he's a friend, Orton.. And he's just as protective of Li as I am." Dave cracked his knuckles, a pointed look in his eyes. "When I got shipped off to Smackdown, I asked him to keep an eye out for her.. Sure, I knew that he couldn't do too much, but at least he was there. Even before that… he's looked out for her just as much as I have."

A baffled expression crossed Randy's face, "I thought he didn't know.."

Dave shrugged, stating rather calmly: "I lied.. And before you ask why, it's pretty simple.. You may not have a big mouth or anything like that, but you have a tendency to just talk without thinking about who's listening. I couldn't take any risks so…I lied."

Before Randy could reply to that, one of the nurses approached to ask for Dave.. And while he excused himself to check on the redhead, the others continued to wait.

"I still don't like you and I don't trust you."

Hunter scoffed, "like I care what you think.. Face it, kid…Dave asked me to help.. And you know he doesn't ask for help that often. And like he also said, I care about her and I care about what happens to her. I will be damned if that little slime Bischoff thinks he can do anything to harm her."

Chris raised an eyebrow, "and what about Edge? Or was that just a one night thing.."

The Game nodded over to the former champion, "Dave told me that he has that covered… but that doesn't mean I won't help.. A chair shot here and there when the bastard is least expecting it."

That garnered a smirk from the young man.. Chris starting to say something when Dave returned.

"She's staying overnight, possibly tomorrow night depending on how she's feeling…and just like last time, she can't remember a damn thing." the Animal grimaced slightly, "of course she wants to go home now…even though she couldn't move a damn inch without some pain." His gaze settled on Chris, "she'd like to see her younger brother.."

Randy sent a questioning look to his friend, "since when is he family?"

"Since I told the nurse on duty.." Dave shrugged it off nonchalantly, his gaze shifting between Hunter and Cena, "and after I told her who was here.. She wants to see the two of you."

The Game gave a slight nod, "I'll wait.. I'd like to see her alone, if that's alright with you."

"Whatever," the Animal sent a look between Chris and John. "She's in room 301.. The nurse might kick you out if Li gets out of it."

While Chris and John made their way down the hallway, Hunter excused himself to find a vending machine.. Randy using that opportunity to question Dave a little about why Hunter was involved…and if it was really necessary.

Lita winced as she turned her head towards the sound of approaching footsteps, squinting as John and Chris made their way closer to her. "Hey.."

Chris stood next to the bed, "hey yourself Li.." he bent forwards a bit to kiss her forehead. "I'm just gonna grab something from the vending machines, alright? I won't be too long."

Hesitantly, John settled in one of the chairs near the bed, resting his hands on his thighs for the time being. "I uh.. I don' really know why I'm here an'.."

"With Bischoff back…it'll be harder.." She paused then, her eyes shutting for a moment. "He hates me…"

"He ain't too fond of me either.. An' I can't say I'm happy to see his ass back."

She smiled just slightly, her eyes opening…hazel eyes meeting blue as the smile faded. "The contract…he was the one who had that approved…I don't think he'll let it expire…or transfer."

John shrugged at that, "if the contract was on the line at RAW or something then yeah, Bitchoff might be able to do something 'bout it.. But it's gonna be on the line at the Rumble an' Vinnie Mac is the one who has final say over that."

Lita managed a tiny nod, "but there's still two weeks until the Rumble.."

Cautiously, he reached out a hand, grasping one of hers in his…absently taking note of how tiny she was compared to him. "I ain't gonna let him do nothing to ya.. Now, I know I told your brother I'd help out after the Rumble match, but there's no sayin' that I can't help ya out sooner.. I'm gonna be fightin' with that bastard 'til then anyway." He paused, a thought occurring to him then. "an' Triple H said he'll take care of Bitchoff."

Another smile lifted at the corners of her mouth, the Diva giving his hand a light squeeze. "D tells me…that you clocked Edge…with a chair."

"Well yeah, I did do that.. He needed to be reminded of a few things.." John trailed off at that, starting to say more when he glanced up at her face.. Lita having fallen asleep. "Good night, Red.."

Chris stood in the doorway, Hunter not far behind him while Randy and Dave were still at the grouping of chairs.. And while Chris went inside the room, Hunter went back to inform Dave that his sister had fallen asleep. That revelation lead to Dave and Randy heading down to the hospital room…noting that Chris had taken one of the chairs against the wall, while John was seated next to the bed. Hunter opted to take the chair on the other side of the bed with Dave sitting on the other hospital bed in the room. Randy was left with two options…opting to seat himself next to Chris rather then standing or sitting on the bed with Dave. Every now and then, the Legend Killer would shoot a dirty look in Hunter's direction… the blonde man ignoring any such looks that he was receiving. Eventually, they fell asleep in their respective spots.. Since the one person that they all wanted to talk to was sleeping. Somewhat peacefully, her brother noted.. Dave the last of the five to fall asleep. His eyes were settled on the joined hands on the hospital bed…the Animal wondering how that came to be. And it wasn't that he didn't trust the West Newbury native…anyone at this point would be an improvement over the blonde bastard that his sister was currently walking out with. Rather, it was a matter of why he was there.. Certainly, if it was as simple as Chris needing a ride back to the hotel.. Dave could understand that. But, with his rental there.. Getting back to the hotel really wasn't an issue. And unlike himself, Randy, Chris and Hunter.. John didn't know the Diva that well. Come to think of it, John didn't know much about Lita…and vice versa. As of this point in time, John was just one part of a plan to get the redhead away from Edge…nothing more and nothing less. But, as the Animal allowed himself to succumb to his body's demand for sleep.. He couldn't help but wonder if there was something beyond that.