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 a bit of a filler….

-x-x-x-

When Chris started to wake the next morning, he half expected to see Dave and Randy hovering over Lita's bedside…or an empty bed. He knew that the redhead wanted to leave the hospital, sticking out for the sole fact that her brother would be returning.. Even in this state, the Diva knew her brother really wouldn't like the fact that she checked herself out…and added to that, Chris posing as the younger brother, well.. He was under strict orders to keep her there. But, as he yawned, eyes focusing first on the hospital bed.. The young man realized that neither Randy or Dave were present, but, the slew of late night guests were still there. After Cena had left the hospital, both Hunter and Chris were pretty much ready to sleep…figuring that no one else would show up, considering that it was already going on 10:30.. And that hospital visiting hours really didn't provide for late night visitation. But, Victoria…under the guise of being Lita's cousin and Lilian, under the guise of being Lita's sister-in-law, had managed to slip into the hospital. The two Diva's were sitting on either side of Triple H, while Chris was sitting between Stacy and Maria. Both Hunter and Chris had been more than a little surprised to see the latter two Diva's.. Lilian informing the two men that they were her little sisters…and thus, sisters-in-law to Lita. But, it wasn't just the fact that they were there, nor did it really matter about the excuse the ring announcer had used.. What had been confusing for them, mostly to Hunter anyway, was the presence of Stacy Keibler. As many of the superstars on RAW and Smackdown knew, Stacy was participating in the current season of Dancing with the Stars. And from what they had seen on television, whether they wanted to admit to it or not, the leggy blond kept to a very tight practicing schedule. But, as Hunter thought about it.. Maybe it wasn't that big of a surprise to see Stacy…considering that the blond woman was pretty close to the redhead. Whatever the case where the two blond women were concerned, Chris and Hunter's attention soon turned to the Diva laying in the hospital bed.. A soft groan, followed by a string of curse words causing both men to try to rise to their feet.

Chris sat back in his seat, "Li? Is something wrong?"

Lita winced a little as she turned her head, "I want to go home now. But.. I don't see Dave here so.."

Hunter, after an unsuccessful attempt to move from his chair, shook his head at the Diva. "Li.. I know you want to leave, but, Dave wouldn't like that too much. And besides which, you still have guests."

The redhead blinked, hazel eyes slowly focusing on the sleeping forms of her friends an Maria. "When did they get here?" Her forehead furrowed slightly, "how did they get in here?"

Chris nodded first to Lilian, "she told the nurses on duty that she's your sister-in-law.. Maria and Stacy are her younger sisters and Vicki is your cousin. As for when they got here? I'd say around 11:00 last night." Smiling slightly, he added: "D also called last night, but you were sleeping."

After a moments pause, Lita nodded. "I see.. I remember falling asleep last night, but.."

"He stayed until you fell asleep.." Chris smirked slightly, stretching out his legs before he continued. "John actually talked to D last night, got to the phone before I could."

Hunter raised an eyebrow at that, "and how did that conversation go?"

The young wrestler shrugged slightly, "I don't know because I only heard one side of the conversation. I guess it went okay enough.."

Lita's eyes flew shut for a moment, lips pressing into a thin line as she sat up. "I wish D would get here already.. I'm sick of being here."

"I'm sure he's on his way, Red.." Hunter sent her a tiny smile, "and besides.. Now that Lil's awake, you can talk to her."

The blonde ring announcer yawned slightly, "remind me.. Falling asleep in hospital chairs does not feel good in the morning.." Lilian's gaze shifted to the redhead, "hey girl.."

"Morning, Lil.."

Lilian yawned again, reaching across Hunter to gently shake Victoria. "Vicki.. Come on sleepy head, time to wake up."

Victoria mumbled in her sleep, staying that way until Lilian tried again. "Lil.. Is that really necessary? We got here late, we slept in these really uncomfortable chairs and--"

"I'd trade with you in a heartbeat if it meant I could leave," Lita's soft spoken voice interrupted the dark haired Diva. "When did Stacy get here?"

Lilian frowned in thought, "she got here .. Right after we got back to the hotel. She called from the airport, needed someone to pick her up."

Lita gave a tiny nod in acknowledgement to that, "and why is Maria here?"

"Because she's worried," Lilian explained simply, "Li.. I know you don't know her, but.. When we got back to the hotel, we ran into her and she just.. She seemed so concerned and--"

The redhead nodded, "I was just curious Lil.." an amused smirk started to form at the corners of her mouth, "but really.. Her and Stacy as your younger sisters?"

Lilian rolled her eyes, "it was actually Maria's suggestion.. I knew I could play it off as the concerned sister-in-law, it was just a matter of getting Stacy and Maria in here."

Lita nodded, starting to say something in reply before she shut her mouth.. Stacy and Maria starting to wake.

Stacy stretched her arms outwards, a light blush staining her cheeks as she turned to look at her 'pillow'. "Well, this is awkward.."

Chris shrugged a touch, "it's not a big deal.. Li falls asleep on me all the time at the pre-show meetings." Glancing to the woman to his left, the young man continued: "though, I will admit, I haven't had two people fall asleep on me.."

Hunter cleared his throat, waiting until Maria was more awake and had moved. "I think a cup of coffee is in order.. Chris? Why don't we hit the cafeteria or something."

The younger man nodded, a look sent over to Lita. "They should be bringing the non-edible breakfast soon.. But, if we can sneak something up, we'll do that."

The redhead only nodded, hazel eyes shifting between the four women opposite the hospital bed. "I really don't want to sound rude but.."

"There's something you need to know.." Maria's soft spoken voice was heard first. "The other night on RAW.. I overheard Mr. Bischoff and Edge talking about next week."

Lita frowned slightly, "what's going down next week?"

Maria tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear, "they're challenging Team Smackdown, but in a one on one match.. Lumberjack if I recall correctly. Then, on Smackdown, Team RAW is supposedly fighting them in an actual tag match.."

"What else?" Lita prompted when the interviewer trailed off, "Maria.. I'm not mad, I just.. I don't know what to say right now and--"

"The last RAW before the Rumble, they're planning on a series of gauntlet matches.. And that same week on Smackdown, they're having another series of gauntlet matches." She paused then, her forehead furrowing as she thought back.. "that's all I heard, the door was shut after that but.. I just managed to hear something about the RAW title match for the Rumble."

After a long moment, the redhead sent her a tiny smile. "Thank you.."

-x-x-x-

Before Maria could reply to that, the four women were ushered out of the hospital room so the nurse on duty could attend to the redhead. And while they convened in the hallway, Chris returned from the cafeteria, which suspiciously resembled Dunkin Donuts.. The young wrestler had also brought sugar packets and creamer packets from the cafeteria, passing around the cardboard tray so the four Diva's could take the offered coffee. Hunter appeared shortly afterwards, the blonde man bearing donut holes, donuts and other assorted goods. And now, well after they were allowed back in to the hospital room, it was just a matter of waiting for Dave and the others to arrive. Or it could just be Dave, though Hunter doubted that Randy would stay behind. As much as the two didn't get along, they did have one thing in common…and that was helping out the redhead and her brother. Outside of that, the two really wanted nothing to do with the other.. Their ties had been severed after Randy had become the youngest world heavyweight champion in WWE history.. And now? Well, now Hunter was perfectly fine with the third generation wrestler being on Smackdown…out of his hair and away from the title that he would eventually go after. But, the title could wait for the time being.. Hunter willing to bide his time, fully scout the competition…not that he thought that Edge was really that much of a threat.. His focus was more on the former champion. By that point, the blonde man reasoned that Edge would be more or less out of the picture…unless the Canadian was really that stupid, in which case.. Hunter didn't mind in the slightest. Having the opportunity to beat the hell out of someone was something that he did like once in awhile…and from the looks of things, Edge was well overdue on an ass kicking. The approaching sound of footsteps and two familiar voices shook Hunter from his thoughts.. A frown barely crossing his features as Dave and Randy came into view.

Dave approached first, the teddy bear he was carrying passed off to Chris for the moment. "Good morning, Chris.. Hunter.." His gaze shifted between the four Diva's, "and good morning ladies," a smile quirked at the leggy blonde woman, "I'm surprised you're here.."

Stacy smiled warmly, "well.. I was going to practice more this week but.. I had to see her. Li's always been there for me, so the least I could do was return the favor, you know?"

The big man nodded, "I'm sure she appreciates it.." dark eyes shifted back to Chris, "she hasn't tried any escape attempts, right?"

Chris shook his head, "no but she wanted to leave right after she woke up.. Can't say I'm too surprised by that part, but, maybe we'll find out when she can leave.. The nurses are in there now, checking on her."

Again Dave nodded, seating himself beside Lilian. "just thought I'd let you know.. The RAW superstars really are cowards. Either that or they didn't show because Chris wasn't there but.. The fights been moved to next Monday."

The Diva's nodded at that, Lilian chewing at her lower lip…worrying the soft flesh. "I doubt she'll be able to go to ringside for that though.. If she's got a bruised rib, she really shouldn't be walking too much."

"Bruised rib or not, she wouldn't be at ringside.." Dave rolled his shoulders, "I'll have her locked in one of the locker rooms for that match if I have to." Glancing to the three silent Diva's, an eyebrow raised. "Now.. What's going on that you all aren't telling me, hmm?"

Victoria nodded to Maria, "she overheard something the other night on RAW.. About the matches between now and the Rumble."

Maria sent a tentative look to Dave, "they don't really pay much attention to what I'm doing backstage. I guess I'm not that much of a threat to anyone.." She cleared her throat, tucking back a few strands of hair. "The match for RAW is a one on one lumberjack match, while the match for Smackdown is a team vs. team fight. Then they're calling for gauntlet matches."

Randy nodded slowly, "so they're trying to isolate a member or two from Team Smackdown…smart, but it still won't be of much use. Even with one of us not at one hundred percent, we're still taking it to them.."

"Plus, we have a little surprise for them.." Dave put in when Randy trailed off. "I've asked and received approval from Stephanie and Theodore… for the brand extension to go until 'Mania. It just needs to go to Bischoff and then it's set."

Hunter raised an eyebrow in question, "and what does that accomplish? Aside from the obvious, which would be the inter-brand war.."

Dave shrugged, "that's the gist of it.. I want to kick Edge's ass and the way it was looking, I'd only be able to do that for two weeks.. Now, while that is somewhat satisfying, it's not enough."

"Point," the blonde man conceded easily, waiting a beat before asking: "and what does Li think of that? Because, even with us around.. I highly doubt that bastard is going to leave her alone."

"I'm aware of that, H.. which is why the contract will be kept in place until it's necessary to have it terminated." The Animal leaned forwards, resting his elbows on thighs, "as for Li? No, I haven't talked to her about it yet.. But, I don't think it will be a big deal. I haven't talked to Cena about it either really, but again.. I don't see any problems there."

Victoria quirked an eyebrow at that, "and why do you say that with such confidence, huh? Last I knew, you were trying to hurt Cena.."

Dave rolled his eyes, "because. I talked to him last night when I called Li. He was here most of the day, I'm guessing.. Stayed overnight the night before. What's more, she's the one who asked him to stay with her."

Victoria, Lilian and Stacy looked surprised at that bit of news…the leggy blonde speaking first. "You're serious.. She asked him to stay?"

"Yup," Chris confirmed with a nod, "he left about…ten or fifteen minutes before you all got to the hospital last night."

"Well," Victoria couldn't help but smirk a little, "that's an interesting bit of news.. I guess this contract thing will work out."

Dave shot a triumphant look in Randy's direction, "see? There's someone else who agrees with me."

Hunter rolled his eyes at the look of disbelief on the younger man's face. "He's probably just against it, because he wants to work with her."

"More than likely," Stacy agreed, a mischievous look in the blond woman's eyes. Sure, it had taken a bit for her to see Randy as a human being again but after that point.. "Oh get over it, Randall.. It's pretty plain to see, you're jealous."

"I'm not jealous," the Legend Killer retorted indignantly, "and what is it with you people calling me Randall, huh?"

Stacy reached out a hand, pinching his cheek as if he were a child. "Because, it's fun.. Maybe if you wouldn't get so worked up about it, we would stop calling you Randall."

Victoria snickered, "no we wouldn't.. we have to entertain ourselves somehow. Picking on you just happens to be the easiest way."

"I feel so used," Randy stated overdramatically, "find another person to pick on.. Like Chris, he's younger.."

"So?" Stacy shrugged it off, "what does that really have to do with anything, hmm? You're our target, deal with it."

Dave shook his head, standing when the nurses started to exit the hospital room. "Anyway. I'm going to talk with one of those nurses, see when we can't get Li out of here.. Get her home."

Hunter was first to enter the hospital room, Randy and Chris not far behind while Lilian remained in the hallway with Dave.

Victoria sent a questioning look to Maria, "what's up?"

The blond interviewer bit her lower lip, self consciously looking down at the floor before meeting Victoria's gaze. "I'm really not sure if I should be here.. It's obvious that all of you are connected to her in some way, but.. I don't really know her and--"

Stacy gave the shorter woman's shoulder a comforting squeeze. "Maria.. I haven't really been around that much either, but that doesn't mean I'm going to stay away now, you know? And sure, you and Li might not be friends, but you care enough to be here."

Maria nodded after a moment, "I suppose that's true.. I guess, I just wanted to help. I know I can't do much, but.. If people don't really suspect me…I might be able to find things out ahead of time."

Victoria grinned, "and that's good enough.. It's better then our usual method anyway.."

"And that would be?"

"Kicking someone's ass until they tell us what we want to know." Victoria shrugged when Maria blanched a little, "don't worry.. We won't go after you, you're on our side now. It's the bad people.. Like Edge and Bitchoff."

While that did ease Maria's hesitance about being there, it still took a good ten minutes before she finally entered the hospital room.. Straying near the back, eventually finding herself standing with Chris and Randy while Victoria and Hunter took the chairs on either side of the redhead's bed. And the group in the room remained like that until Dave and Lilian entered.. The Animal informing them all that Lita would be going home after the attending doctor had seen her.. And given her the after care instructions. The instructions, in Dave's mind anyway, were fairly important since it would be key in keeping Lita away from ringside next Monday and off of the house shows that weekend. Granted, she would be doing some light traveling, but .. Nothing that involved wrestling or standing for extended periods of time. Dave already knew that his sister wouldn't be too happy about that, but at this point, he really didn't give a damn. With her most recent injuries, and the injuries from two weeks prior, he didn't want to take any chances with his sister's health. Lita was already too thin for his liking and she just looked…well, she looked to be on the verge of breaking. Hopefully, after she had gotten away from Edge, his Lita would return.. The Lita that had been instead of the near broken Lita in the hospital bed now. But, only time would tell on that.. Dave trying to remain optimistic for sake of his own sanity.