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 20th edition of Smackdown, just my way.. Treating it like it's actually filmed live on Friday night, even though I probably have stated it as a Tuesday taping before hand….eh. I'm the author, I can change things when I want to.. So, with that in mind, the RAW superstars appearing would have been taken off a house show (presuming one was scheduled for January 20th)

-x-x-x-

Even though she was arriving to the arena with her brother, Lita knew full well that she would be sticking with Team RAW for the evening.. And that in itself wasn't entirely bad…even with Edge, Henry and Daivari around, she still had Kane, Show and Masters. The only one she wasn't really sure about was Carlito, but.. She figured that Chris would keep the man in line. Or at least she hoped anyway, because the thought of dealing with Edge, Henry and Daivari was enough for her to just say screw Smackdown and head home. But, tonight she couldn't do that since Team RAW would be in tag team action, again, against Team Smackdown. Only this time around, the main event would be different.. The two teams being allowed to pick their combatants for the evening, with the rest of the team banned from ringside. And Lita was pretty certain that Team RAW would pick Kane and Show, simply because of the substantial size difference it would give them. Whatever the case for the main event, Chris was there to meet the redhead and Dave.. The young wrestler escorting Lita to Team RAW's locker room for the evening.. Chris remained by her side while Team RAW discussed strategy for that night…the Diva looking utterly bored and somewhat out of place in the locker room.. At the very least, she was thankful that Eric Bischoff was not in attendance that night.. Not that she was entirely comfortable with most of the present company anyway but, there really wasn't anything she could do about it.

Chris tapped the Diva on the shoulder, "Li.. Were you listening at all?"

Lita smiled sheepishly, "not really.. It's a habit from working with Edge for so long."

The young wrestler shook his head, "well you might be interested in knowing that you're going to valet tonight."

An eyebrow raised, "for who and against who?"

Chris gestured between himself and Carlito, "we're taking on Orton and Angle. I'm not sure if they'll have anyone valet for them, but.. Since you're still with Edge, you valet for Team RAW."

"Sounds fun," she quipped evenly, "though I would've thought that Show and Kane would've gone out there--"

"They will," Edge interrupted sharply. "Even if the teams are supposed to banned from ringside, we'll wait until the match is over… and these two will take it to Angle and that punk Orton." He smiled then, "plus we have another surprise waiting in the wings.."

Lita pressed her lips into a thin line, "you do realize that Team Smackdown is gonna retaliate right?"

"With who? The shrimp, Mysterio? We already know we can take out Batista and JBL is no concern of mine." Edge gestured between the men in the locker room, "I'm not worried about what that team of losers is going to do."

Lita bit her tongue, to refrain from pointing out that the so called team of losers beat them earlier this week.. Instead, just nodding like she had full confidence.

Edge crossed his arms over his chest, "you should also be aware that the inter-brand war is going to be extended to everyone on the rosters."

Carlito raised an eyebrow at that, "say what? I thought it was just supposed to be the teams."

The blond man smiled cockily, "as I just said.. It's being extended so everyone on the rosters is involved. After the Rumble and going to Wrestle Mania, RAW will invade Smackdown and Smackdown will invade RAW."

Show sent the blond man a questioning look, "when was this decided and why are we only being told now?"

"Eric just ran this by Mr. McMahon and Long…met with them on Tuesday, got approval on Thursday."

Carlito blinked, "and you know this how?"

"Because, I'm the Champ." Edge patted the title belt, "I know these things because it's important to my title reign."

Chris, Lita and Kane exchanged a look at that, the Big Red Machine clearly wanting to say something but..

"Ya know something, that is not cool." Carlito gestured to the Champ, "why should you get any special treatment? Unless of course, you're giving Bischoff special treatment in return.." He held up his hands in mock defense when Edge glared, "hey listen here.. Carlito did not volunteer to be on Team RAW this time, Carlito was forced to be on Team RAW. I don't like you, I just want your title."

Edge snorted, "yeah? Get in line pal. I already have to deal with that chump stain Cena.. Maybe, if you can prove your worth? I'll defend this baby after the Rumble."

Chris smirked, "that's assuming you win the match at the Rumble.."

"I will win that match, don't doubt that." Edge gestured to Henry, "I'll have him in my corner, Bischoff calling commentary and the match itself? It's going to be a street fight."

The smirk on Chris' face only broadened, "and you're so confident that you can still beat Cena? In a street fight? Please."

"Mark my words, Masters.. I will beat Cena at the Rumble." He slanted a glance towards Lita, "which means you'll still be in my corner, where you belong."

The young man just shook his head, "I don't know about that, pal. I mean, you had to wait until the Chamber match was over to win the title in the first place.. And now? You're just stacking the deck.. Unless you can beat Cena fair and square? Let's face it…you suck."

Edge's jaw twitched, "you know what? This tag match for tonight, is now a handicapped match. What do you think about that, huh Masters?" His eyes glinted slightly, "or I could make it really interesting.. And have Lita as your partner--"

"She's not cleared to wrestle this week and you know that," Chris narrowed his eyes, "in case you forgot.. She was put in the hospital last week with a concussion and bruised ribs because she was in a title match. If I go alone in this match, fine I go alone. If I have another partner, fine I have another partner, but she will not be my partner."

Edge shrugged it off, "whatever. I need to head down to Long's office.. Let him know who's facing Angle and Orton tonight."

Chris rolled his eyes as the Champ left the locker room, an eyebrow raising at the look Henry was sending his way. "What? You have something to say, say it now. I'm not afraid of you."

"You should be."

The young wrestler shook his head, he and Lita exiting the locker room shortly after so they could seek out the vending machines and so they could speak with Dave.

-x-x-x-

En route to the vending machines, Chris and Lita ran into the tag team champions.. Though not the tag champions from RAW, they ran into MNM.. Melina offering a few words of sympathy to the redheaded Diva before challenging her to a friendly match for the first edition of RAW after the Rumble. Of course, Lita was a little hesitant to agree to it, since it would be a six person tag match and really the only person she could count on was standing next to her. Not that she didn't trust two other members of Team RAW and she also had Triple H, but.. When she logically weighed her options, there was Chris…and there was Chris. Still, after some more hesitation over the whole notion, Lita agreed to the match.. Letting Chris know that she would find another tag team partner or two if necessary. In return, the young wrestler let her know that he would be her tag partner so all they had to do now was find a third partner. Easy enough idea in air, but finding said partner would be another matter all together. Still, it would also mean Lita would be able to get into a match that she stood more of a chance in.. and hopefully without Edge at ringside. But this match, like all matches on RAW, had to be run by Eric Bischoff first.. The redhead fairly certain that the man would approve of it…especially if Edge could work in any special stipulations. Frowning heavily at that thought, the pair was just about to leave the vending machine when Randy and Dave appeared.. The two wanting to know why they weren't in their locker room and why they were openly wandering the hallways.

The Diva arched an eyebrow, "honestly.. If you were in the same locker room with Edge, Mark Henry and Daivari.. Would you want to stick around?"

Dave shook his head, "no.. I can't say I'd want to.. Unless of course, I was able to bash their heads into the lockers a couple times. But, that still doesn't explain why the two of you are just wandering around."

Lita rolled her eyes, "for your information, we weren't wandering.. We were looking for a vending machine. Melina, Nitro and Mercury just happened to stop by…and she challenged me to a tag match for RAW.. After the whole invasion stuff starts anyway."

Randy raised an eyebrow, "what invasion stuff?"

"Oh.. The grumpy old man in charge of RAW's creative stuff, decided that after the Rumble.. RAW will start invading Smackdown and vice versa.." Lita ran a hand through her hair, "basically.. It's just extending the inter-brand war to everyone on the roster."

If possible, Randy and Dave blinked in unison.. The younger man's forehead furrowing deeply. "When the hell did this happen and why haven't we been told about it?"

Chris shook his head, "apparently Bischoff went to McMahon on Tuesday, got the final approval yesterday. But, like Li said, it won't go into effect until after the Rumble." He smirked slightly, "which, by the way, bastard boy seems pretty confident that he's going to win."

Dave snorted in disbelief, "over my dead body he'll win." He sent a questioning look between the two RAW superstars, "what kind of match is it going to be? And how do you two find all of this stuff out?"

"Straight from the asshole's mouth of course," Chris said then frowned a little, "the match is going to be a street fight which means.. No DQ. Edge said he's going to have Bischoff on commentary with Henry in his corner."

Randy frowned, "I don't like the sound of that.. Sure, street fight is all good and well but…with that big blob out there, Li's a sitting duck."

Dave smacked the younger man on the back of the head, "idiot. It's a street fight, which means no DQ.. That means we can interfere if we so choose and you can damn well bet I will."

"You didn't have to hit me," Randy said first, "but I'm just saying. Even if we can get down there and take out the creature from the blue lagoon, who's to say that something else can't happen? We're dealing with Bischoff here, Dave.. And you and I both know how he works. Hell, he could even change his mind between now and the Rumble."

Dave rolled his eyes, "then we come up with another plan, genius. Don't forget, we do have H on our side."

Chris coughed before Randy could reply, "anyway.. Li and I should probably get back to the locker room. I have a handicapped match I need to prep for and she'll be at ringside with me."

Randy raised an eyebrow at that, "handicapped match?"

Lita nodded, sweeping her hair back from her face. "Chris told Edge that he sucked and Edge apparently took offense to that.. Changed the tag match for tonight into a handicapped match."

At that, Randy and Dave smirked.. The two men bidding Chris and Lita a brief farewell so they could head back to their respective locker rooms.

Main Event

Lita sucked in a sharp breath, squaring her shoulders before Chris' music hit the speakers…the two planning for her to disrobe him before he did his signature string of poses. And while that all went well, Chris found himself with a surprise partner.. Not Carlito as originally planned, but none other than Mark Henry.. The man coming down to the ring just as Chris and Lita were entering it…the two exchanging a look before shrugging it off to nothing. But, just as Team RAW hadn't walked down without some back up.. Team Smackdown was accompanied by the tag team champions and Melina.. The rules, after all, had said that the team members would be banned but said nothing about anyone else in the locker rooms…and both Henry and MNM were exceptions to that rule.. And while Lita certainly wouldn't wish any ill will against MNM, she hoped that Henry would remember that they were both there for RAW. Whatever the case though, Randy ended up starting the match against Henry.. The third generation wrestler sizing up his opponent before sending a quick look towards the redhead…that moment giving Henry a slight edge, as if he needed any more of an advantage.. Shoving the Legend Killer to the turnbuckles with a force. That continued until Randy got a quick thumb to the eye, the man following it up with a quick series of upper cuts in hopes that he could at least knock some wind out of the much larger man…that seemed to work long enough for Randy to get Kurt into the ring.. Melina distracting the referee while Team Smackdown and the Smackdown tag champs got a four on one attack in.

Of course, Lita wanted to join in on the attack but.. That was not to be…hazel eyes narrowing sharply when Daivari ordered for her to help out Team RAW. The Diva and Daivari started their own little game of cat and mouse on the outside of the ring, while Henry finally made the tag to Chris in the ring.. The younger wrestler locking up with Kurt Angle just as Lita grabbed a steel chair to use against Daivari. And perhaps she would have gotten a small dose of retribution, had Mark Henry not noticed her stalking his manager.. The man inserting himself between the two while Lita paused in her tracks, debating on what to do. There was no saying that there had to be absolute peace between all members of Team RAW, right? Keeping that thought in mind and disregarding the fact that this was the same man whom had been stalking her on Monday.. Lita brought the chair upwards, only to have Henry swat it away from her.. Lita finding herself in a similar position as she had on Monday.. Henry advancing towards her with a purpose. He had just managed to get the redhead cornered as Chris was tossed unceremoniously out of the ring…taking the legal man, Kurt Angle, with him.. That action allowed for Randy to get involved, the Legend Killer shoving Lita behind him so he could take a shot or two at Henry.

It was at the point that the referee lost control.. Calling for the bell, much to the disappointment of the crowd…those boos turning quickly to cheers as the locker rooms started to empty.

Amidst the chaos, and thanks to Randy's quick thinking, Lita had been more or less overlooked during the fray.. Narrowly avoiding being squashed by Chris Masters as Kurt, Johnny and Joey tossed the man into the barricade. And just as she thought it was safe to leave the ringside area, she found herself face to face with Mark Henry… or more like her eyes to his massive chest, the man blocking one escape route while the others seemed to be filled with fighting superstars. It wasn't until the rest of Team RAW got down to the ring that Lita found a little leeway… slipping around Henry only to be yanked back as the man had a fistful of her hair.. But, no sooner had that happened was she released.. Dave showing up to pick his own fight with the big man.. She then retreated to the Smackdown set, hoping that would be one safe area…and as it turned out, she was right.. The rest of Team RAW eventually joining her there.. Chris Masters beside her with Kane and Show in front of them as they made their way back to the locker room.

Lita sent a concerned look to the man next to her, "are you okay?" She winced when he grimaced, "stupid question.. I'm sorry Chris.."

"For what?" Chris tried to shrug off the pain he was feeling in his upper back, "Li.. You know you weren't supposed to get involved and for the most part, you didn't." He sent a dirty look back to Henry before his gaze returned to the Diva. "Just be careful, alright? I don't want you around Henry without me near by."

Lita made a face, "trust me, I don't plan on that happening anytime soon.. The gorilla might be on our side but.." She waited until the rest of Team RAW had passed them by, her tone dropping a bit so only Chris could hear her. "It's pretty obvious as to why he's here.. When we were trying to ditch King Kong Dummy and his handler, Maria told me that he's after me…to take care of Edge's unfinished business."

"Shit," the young wrestler uttered first, frowning as the Diva was leading him to the trainers room. "Li, I don't--"

"You are in no condition to argue with me, young man." Lita arched an eyebrow, a challenging look in her hazel eyes. "I didn't arrive to the arena with anyone on Team RAW and you can just hitch a ride back with me and D." She gestured plainly to the trainers room, shutting the door behind her while Chris got settled. "Now.. Yes, I know.. It's not looking so good with Henry around, especially with some time left between now and the Rumble, but.. I think I can handle it."

Chris shot her a disbelieving look, answering the trainer's questions before speaking to her. "Li.. That's not a good idea. He's a challenge for me and you? I mean no offense, Red.. I know you're tough and you can handle your own, but it's not safe.."

The Diva heaved a sigh, "well.. What else can I do? There's no way I can sit out another week, unless I get injured and I've filled my personal hospital visit quota already. But honestly, what else can I do? With Bischoff back, I can't leave that asshole's side until the Rumble and--"

"Then we'll think of something," Chris promised her, taking the ice packs from the trainer as he stood. "We can talk to Cena, talk to H…we'll figure something out, alright? And look at it this way, there's only one more week to deal with that contract and then you're free…sort of, but at least you're away from Edge."

Lita bit her lower lip, nodding after a long moment. "Yeah I guess.. I just want it all to end now, you know? I'm so sick of doing this."

Chris grimaced, wrapping his good arm around her shoulders. "Trust me Li, I'm sick of having to see you go through this."

She sent him a weak smile, returning the one armed hug as they exited the trainers room.. Only to have their patch blocked.

"What do you want?"

Henry sneered at the younger man, "you won't be able to help her all the time, kid." His eyes cut dangerously to the redhead, before returning to Chris. "There will be a day that you won't be able to save her."

Chris snorted, "we'll see about that, now won't we? I already told you, I'm not afraid of you and you can come after me all you want to. But just remember this.. We are both on RAW, we both fight for RAW…save your breath until the war is over."

His arm tightened a little around Lita's shoulders.. The two leaving the area after one last glare was exchanged between Chris and Henry. And not to their entire surprise, most of Team RAW had already left.. Their things and presumably Henry's the only signs that the locker room had even been occupied that night.. Lita waiting while Chris got dressed…the young man stating he'd just shower at the hotel to avoid any more run-in's with Henry. The two making their way to the parking lot, Lita removing the car keys that she had swiped from her brother…the two RAW superstars waiting in the car for Randy and Dave so they could leave and put the night behind them. As Chris had stated earlier, there was only one more week to go until the Rumble match.. But that was one week that Bischoff, Edge and Henry could very well put to good use…or not so good use in Lita's case. And one week that Bischoff had to change his mind about the title match at the Rumble. The contract would still be on the line as would the title belt, that was already signed and squared away… but, unbeknownst to everyone…save for Edge and Bischoff, the stipulations for the match had not been made official. And those remaining details, however small they could be, could also result in a big problem for both the challenger and the redhead.