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: this is the January 16th edition of RAW, just my way.. Main event covered for the second half of the chapter and I made a slight error where it concerned Team RAW and the lumberjacks.. Said error is corrected. And I know, Lita's acting a little weird towards the end, but hey…at least she's showing signs of life, right?

-x-x-x-

Dave Batista let out a breath, counting down the minutes before the main event that night.. A main event that, under normal circumstances, he wouldn't be participating in since he wasn't on this roster anymore. But, thanks to a few strings pulled by the siblings McMahon… the inter-brand war was renewed which meant he could expect more matches like this in the future. But, it wasn't the main event that was bothering him at this point.. Rather, it was just a feeling that he couldn't shake.. That something was going to happen and that it was going to be something bad. Since he and Lita had been children, it had just been one of those things.. Brotherly instinct or something along those lines, but…whatever it was, it was usually right on target. But, tonight, he hoped that instinct was wrong… the last thing he wanted or needed to deal with now, was Lita getting hurt again.. Or any member of Team Smackdown or any of the redhead's friends. He felt, however, that as long as Lita stayed far away from the ring.. Nothing would go wrong. Or so he could hope.. The man frowning at the entire situation.. If she came down to the ring, there was potential that she could get hurt. Not by any of the lumberjacks on either team but by his opponent for the night. On the other hand, if she stayed in the back like she planned…and if Edge and Bischoff had someone else lurking around.. Well, then he wouldn't be able to do anything about it. As he thought about it, he would be able to do something about it, but…that would mean using one of two options. Either he could have Lita at ringside, walking down with Edge or he could try to convince her to leave the arena.. The likelihood of either scenario happening didn't look to high in his book.. Dave back to wondering just what in the hell could happen…and hoping that nothing would happen to his sister. But, before he could think any further on the matter, his thoughts were put on hold..

Theodore Long sent a look between the members of Team Smackdown…or at least most of them. "As per request of Mr. Layfield, the Boogeyman will be the first lumberjack out there for Smackdown. And since we were not permitted to attend the pre-show meetin' for RAW, I've been informed that the lumberjacks for RAW are the members of Team RAW, along with Triple H, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels and Snitsky."

Randy sent the G.M. a questioning look, "now.. I know we really aren't supposed to mix it up, but.. Say the referee's back is turned and whoops? Low bridge?"

Dave shook his head, "we want this fight to be clean, Orton. Sure, I'm not exactly expecting for Team RAW to play nice out there, but.. We're on their territory."

"So?" Randy waved it off without a care, "it's only cheating if you get caught.. And we might be on the same Team here, but.. Shouldn't we be playing off our on-screen characters? You're going to have three top level heels at ringside Mr. Long, and I think we should use that to our advantage."

"It's risky," Theodore stated after a moments pause, "if y'all want to pull that then I will look the other way, but.. Just keep in mind, there's top level heels on their side."

Dave raised an eyebrow, "so where will you be? You and Bischoff can be at ringside, right?"

"You betta believe it playa, I will be there unless I'm banned by Mr. McMahon."

Dave smirked slightly, "it's too bad we can't make this a tag-team match.. Champion and Manager vs. Champion and Manager." Shaking his head, he added: "they just seem so damn confident that they are the better brand.."

"Too bad it won't happen," Angle put in with a smirk of his own, "Bischoff's too much of a coward to step into that ring with real competition."

Randy gave a slight shrug, "well there's really only one way to find out.. We ask McMahon and see if we can get this match changed."

Batista stood, shouldering his title belt, "I'll go ask.. The match is scheduled to start in fifteen so.. It shouldn't take me too long."

Just outside of the Smackdown locker room, Maria bit her lower lip.. Just raising her hand to knock when the door was opened, the World Heavyweight Champion stepping out.

Dave frowned slightly, taking in the blond woman's appearance.. "I take it this isn't about getting a pre-match interview."

The young woman shook her head, "I .. I overheard Edge and Mr. Bischoff talking and.." Her hands clutched together in front of her, "I don't know where they are right now and--"

"Then we'll talk quick.. I was heading to McMahon's office but, I have a feeling I need to hear whatever it is you overheard."

Maria nodded tentatively, tugging back a few loose tendrils of hair. "They were talking about someone.. Edge wanting to know if he was going to be here tonight, to take care of some unfinished business. And I don't know if it's someone from RAW or what but.."

Batista frowned heavily, "who are they going after?"

"Lita," she told him quietly, the Diva's gaze on her feet…not realizing that they had stopped until she ran into his much larger body. "They know she's with Rob, saw him coming to RAW, watched him walk around with her and Chris earlier."

"Fucking shit," Dave ran a hand over his short hair, "and you're sure they didn't see you? Absolutely sure?"

Maria nodded, finally meeting his worried gaze. "Positive.. It's like I told Lita and Victoria, they don't pay a lot of attention to me unless I'm wearing something like this.." she gestured to her low cut dress, frowning after a moment. "What should I do now?"

Dave smiled grimly, "you go find somewhere to hide or at least keep safe. Even if they didn't see you there, there's a chance that they could come after you as well.. Just for helping Li."

"Should I tell Victoria?"

The Animal nodded sharply, "find her and then find Tyson.. Tell him that it's best for the two of you to hang out with him until RAW is over, alright? And if he gives you any problems.. I'll deal with it later."

"Okay," Maria sent him a small smile, starting to head towards the Diva's locker room when Dave reached out, a large hand resting on her shoulder. "What is it?"

"Thank you, for giving a damn.. And for helping." He offered a small smile of his own, before his hand dropped to his side, Dave making a quick path towards McMahon's office.

-x-x-x-

Fortunately, Dave was able to get to Mr. McMahon's office in time to request the slight change to the main event, unfortunately.. Mr. McMahon was still undecided by the time he left the office.. And since Dave had to get back to the Smackdown locker room, all he could do was wait. Another unfortunate problem, he didn't know if Lita had been informed of the danger she was still in.. or if Rob knew. Not that the two would have any major way of knowing, save for Maria or Victoria but.. He could still hope that someone would warn the two so they could find another place to hide. Still, he at least managed to inform Randy, Rey and Chris Benoit about the situation brewing backstage.. Letting Triple H and Chris Masters know when the respective Teams met up before the main event.

Main Event

"The following is a Champion vs. Champion, non title lumberjack match!" Lilian let the microphone drift away, just bringing it back to her mouth when Mr. McMahon's music sounded over the speaker system.

"Now, I know you all are expecting to see a Champion vs. Champion match.. And you will." Mr. McMahon glanced out over the near capacity crowd, "you should know that this match is between Team Raw and Team Smackdown…and that it is now a tag-team match. In that very ring.. In one corner, representing Team RAW- WWE Champion Edge and his partner Head of Creative Eric Bischoff and their opponents, representing Team Smackdown.. World Heavyweight Champion Dave Batista and his partner, Smackdown's own General Manger.. Theodore Long!"

Dave and Randy exchanged a triumphant look behind the curtains, the World Heavyweight Champion's intense gaze settling soon on Edge. "Well, well, well.. I guess it's time for you two to put up or shut up.. Or get your asses kicked, either way.. I look forward to this match."

Edge snorted indifferently, "yeah whatever.. You'll be singing a different tune when I pin you."

Dave just shook his head, forgoing any verbal reply as Lilian started the introduction for Team Smackdown's lumberjacks.

"Representing Team Smackdown, they are the challengers.. Smackdown General Manager, Theodore Long and the World Heavyweight Champion…Batista!"

The Animal tossed a look over his shoulder, "I'm going to make you my bitch, Edge.. Get ready."

Chris, Bobby and Rey cheered as their champion and team captain made his way down the ramp.. Randy, J.B.L and Kurt cheering half heartedly…if at all. Dave squaring his shoulders as he stood in the ring, eyes trained to the top of the ramp as Team RAW and RAW's chosen lumberjacks made their way to ringside. For show, Triple H narrowed his eyes at the World Heavyweight Champion, the gaze becoming a little more meaningful as he caught the blue eyes of the Legend Killer.. The Game smirking at his former protégé.

"And their opponents, representing Team Raw.. The head of the creative team, Eric Bischoff and the WWE Champion… Edge!"

"If you folks at home recall, the last time Eric Bischoff faced Theodore Long was at Survivor Series.." the King paused, "and he lost!"

Dave leaned against the ropes, watching Edge and Bischoff like a predator stalking it's prey…and in some sense, he was.. The World Heavyweight Champion pointing to Edge, making a gesture for him to start the match.

"And it looks like it will be the Champion's starting out the match! Referee Mike Chioda is calling for the bell.."

Locking eyes with his opponent, Dave stepped forwards to the center of the ring.. Locking up with Edge after a moment…shoving the blond man to the mat with a force. He smirked when the Canadian glared, brushing himself off before locking up again… this time with Dave shoving him back into the turnbuckles. And when Edge came charging blindly, Dave took the opportunity to deliver a clothesline, knocking the man flat on his back.. It wasn't until Edge went to the ropes for support…and unfortunately for him on the Smackdown side, that Randy decided to use the low bridge.. The WWE Champion finding himself surrounded by a mob of Smackdown wrestlers. Randy managed to get to the blonde man first, Kurt assisting him for the time being…the pair sending Edge flying into the ring steps. The beat down continued until Lashley tossed the blond man over the top rope.. Batista grabbing the dazed man by the arm, holding out his wrist to Bischoff…slapping the former G.M. on the back to 'tag' him in.

"Time for some payback." Dave whispered to Bischoff as he tossed him into the ring, shoving at his shoulders until he had the former G.M. backed up into Team Smackdown's corner.

And unfortunately, that seemed to be a turning point of sorts for Team RAW.. Or so it appeared anyway, as Bischoff tossed Theodore to the RAW lumberjacks, the Smackdown G.M. landing at Triple H's feet. In turn, Hunter looked up to Bischoff, shrugging before tossing Theodore back in the ring.. And when Eric went to yell at his lumberjacks, Teddy took advantage…returning the favor, with Bischoff soon at the mercy of Team Smackdown while Batista went after Edge again.. Dragging the man into the ring via two fistfuls of blonde hair. And judging from the glazed look in Edge's eyes…that little run in with the stairs was starting to take effect.. Dave helping the problem along by introducing the blond man's head to the top turnbuckle a few times.. Turning him to pound at his face until the referee forced them apart. The two in the ring were soon joined by an equally woozy Bischoff and a very refreshed Theodore Long.. RAW taking it's last commercial break at that moment.

And that was when all hell broke lose.

Team RAW, not wanting to look completely weak, decided that now was the time to aid their champion and whatever Bischoff was to them.. Team Smackdown following suit, with the remaining lumberjacks brawling on the outside of the ring. And their collective attention likely would have stayed with the match, had the Titantron not shown the backstage area… where RAW interviewer Maria and RAW Diva's Candice Michelle and Lita were running…from what, they couldn't see just yet though.. The Titantron fading out as the camera was pushed away. Swearing quite liberally, Dave sent a look to Randy.. The Legend Killer setting up Bischoff for the RKO while Dave got his own finishing move ready for Edge.. The two noting absently that Chris Benoit and Rey were keeping the ring cleared from Team RAW.. Thanks to Bobby, J.B.L and Kurt wielding steel chairs…quickly so, they tossed Edge on top of Bischoff as Theodore made the pin for Team Smackdown.. Dave wanting to get this over with quickly so he could get to his sister before…well frankly, before anything happened to her.

Backstage..

While Team Smackdown was taking care of Team RAW.. Lita, Candice, Victoria and Maria were running blindly through the hallways, Mark Henry and Daivari hot on their trail. The big man had managed to take out both Tyson and Rob.. Leaving the four Divas to fend for themselves until Team Smackdown, Team RAW or anyone could help them out. And it wasn't until Lita decided to play decoy that the Divas managed to give their pursuer the slip.. Candice and Victoria hitting Henry in the back with chairs while Maria delivered a low blow to Daivari. And while they did manage to get Daivari down first, Henry also managed to get a hand on the redhead…pulling her back to him, tossing her to the floor when the steel chairs hit his back. But, that only seemed to slow the big man.. Daivari writhing on the floor while Henry set his sights on the redhead.. And she would have been caught, had a locker room door not opened in time…Lita yanked inside while Candice, Victoria and Maria quickly followed…taking their weapons with them.

"Are y'all out of your minds?" John Cena shook his head, looking between the four shaken Divas. "He ain't someone you should be messing wit' on your own."

Lita made a face, "we know that Cena.. It's not like we asked him to chase after us like that anyway.. We had Tyson and Rob with us and… shit. Rob's still out there and so is Tyson."

Cena grabbed her arm as she tried to leave, "and just where in the hell do you think you're goin? He's 'prolly still out there an' pissed off."

"But Rob is still out there!" Lita protested instantly, trying to yank her arm free, "I can't leave him!"

John raised an eyebrow, "are you forgetting that you're still recoverin' from bruised ribs and a concussion? You ain't leaving this locker room 'til Dave or Randy or someone gets 'ere to go wit' you."

Lita narrowed her eyes, a challenging glint forming.. "you aren't my keeper, Cena.. Let me go."

"No," he told her firmly, the grip on her arm tight enough to keep her there but not enough to hurt her. "You ain't leaving this locker room unless ya can get by me." John rolled his eyes when she scowled, "that ain't gonna work, Lita. I ain't letting you leave."

"But--"

"Look, I get that you're worried 'bout Tyson an' Rob, alright? But answer me this.. Was Grape Ape after them or was he after you?" And when Lita said nothing, John shook his head. "S'what I thought."

Maria sighed heavily, "that's who they were talking about earlier." She turned wide eyes to Victoria, "Edge and Bischoff were talking about having someone on their side…to take care of their unfinished business."

"Lovely," Victoria quipped dryly, the Diva running a hand through her hair, "that's the last thing we need to deal with." She crossed her arms over her middle, "we should probably try and find Randy, Dave and all of them.. So they know we're safe." Tossing a look over to the pair that was still locked in a silent battle of wills, the dark haired woman gestured to the door.. Candice and Maria toting the chairs while they exited.

Lita huffed, "you can let go of my arm at anytime Cena."

"And? You could start using my first name, I know ya know it."

"Oh for crying out loud, I doubt Henry is going to come barging in here and in case you haven't noticed? Vicki, Maria and Candice already left."

"Your point?" John loosened the grip on her arm, "that don't mean you hafta go out there too, right?"

Lita rolled her eyes, "you are such a pain in the ass, you know that?"

John rolled his eyes right back, "I'm the same pain in the ass that got ya away from Henry just now.. What do you think woulda happened if I hadn't done that, huh?"

"Like you really care."

Cena smiled wryly, the next words coming out of his mouth before he could think: "ya know something.. Maybe I should just say I don't want the damn contract."

Lita's mouth dropped open in shock, her jaw trembling with rage while hazel eyes flashed briefly with fear. "Bastard… get the hell off of me!"

"I--"

Not giving him the chance to finish and just wanting to get away from him, she did the first thing that crossed her mind.. Lita slapped him. "Let go of me."

John blinked, rubbing his cheek with his free hand. "I guess I deserved that one."

Hazel eyes narrowed, the Diva wiling her resolve not to crumble. "Just let me go."

"No, I ain't letting ya go, 'cos if you run out there and Henry's waiting for you--"

"Don't pretend to care, Cena." She replied bitterly, Lita averting her gaze then, her arms wrapping around her middle as he finally let go of her.

"If I didn't give a shit, I wouldn't have dragged your ass in here when you was running from Henry, I wouldn't have stayed at the hospital overnight." Sighing a bit, John shook his head. "Look, ya can be mad at me all ya want to--"

"You're right.." she interrupted him quietly, the Diva heaving a sigh before she continued. "You were there, when you really didn't have to be…you were there after I asked you to stay."

"but I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said.. I'm just frustrated about a whole lotta shit."

The redhead turned a teary gaze towards him, "you aren't the only one John."

Her resolve crumbled, the tears started to fall.. Cena standing in front of her for a moment before tentatively reaching out for her.. Lita fighting him at first before her hands came up to clutch at his shoulders.. And that was how Dave, Randy, Rey, Chris Benoit, Chris Masters, Triple H, Ric, Victoria, Maria, Candice and Trish found them.. The redhead going to her brother once she realized he was standing there.. The Animal sending a questioning look to the former WWE Champion. But, before John could say anything Lita spoke up.. Quietly enough for only Dave to hear her…the siblings exiting the locker room with everyone else following behind. RAW was in the books.. A victory for Team Smackdown recorded, but with a new threat in the game. As if dealing with just Edge and Bischoff wasn't enough.. Now they had Mark Henry to contend with. And the big problem where that man was concerned, he was apparently in the pocket of Bischoff and in Edge's corner…which meant, until that contract was up, Lita would be near him, and at the mercy of two men who already wanted to destroy her. If things could have gotten any worse, they more than likely just did.