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: and here we go with the Rumble.. I know that the Rumble match is supposed to be the focus of the pay-per-view, and I'll cover that a bit, but, the main focus to this chapter will be the RAW title match…and I'm sticking the Rumble match at the end of the Rumble (like it is traditionally) with the RAW title match before it….and taking out Cena's special entrance.

-x-x-x-

Once she had arrived to the arena, the first thing Lita had done was find Victoria…mostly to check on Maria and partly to let her friend know that she was okay. Finding Victoria had been the easy part, the older woman informing the redhead that Maria was currently in Vince McMahon's office to speak with him about a minor injury. That news in itself bothered Lita, the redhead proclaiming that if it hadn't been for her, than Maria wouldn't have gotten hurt. But, Victoria assured her…and told her that Maria had said the same last night, regardless of what was going to happen, they were sticking by her. Of course, Lita didn't quite understand why Maria was suddenly so adamant about helping out, but, she wasn't about to question it either. Whatever the case, Victoria informed her that Maria would be back to the locker room once she was finished in McMahon's office.. Lita opting to head back to her own locker room for that night…the redhead not sharing with anyone, but still within close distance to Chris Masters and the Smackdown superstars. Meanwhile, Maria had been told to wait outside of the office until Mr. McMahon was ready to meet with her.. The blond woman entering with some confidence before that fell when she saw who else was in there. But, instead of letting their presence get to her, she did her best to ignore them; standing in front of the desk to speak with the Chairman. The news she subsequently received wasn't something that she was quite expecting, but…she took it in stride none the less. Due to her appearance or maybe it was for other reasons, Mr. McMahon felt it was best that Maria stay off the camera tonight… even though the young woman had assured him that she was fine and that the make up department could do wonders.. But, Vince would hear nothing of it, giving Maria the night off and re-assigning her interviewing duties to Todd Grisham.. And perhaps it had just been her mind playing tricks on her, but the blond woman swore she saw a triumphant look on Edge's face…the WWE Champion and Bischoff also in the office when she had spoken with Vince. Sighing inwardly, the young woman bit her lower lip, nodding in acknowledgement to Vince's decree before she left the office.. Edge hot on her heels. Maria barely had the time to scream before a hand was clamped over her mouth, dark blonde locks caught tightly in another hand. . The young Diva soon finding herself in a more isolated area of the hallway.

Edge sneered, bending slightly to speak to the now frightened woman. "Do you honestly think that you can help someone like her? I know this won't be easy for you to understand, Maria, but she's not worth it."

Thinking quickly, Maria bit down on his hand, "she doesn't deserve to be treated like that!"

The blond man turned her, a sinister smile curling at the corners of his mouth. "I really don't think you want to do something like that, Maria.. Don't you know what I can do? What I have done?" Reaching out, he cupped her face, "pretty little interviewer already has a split lip.."

"Let go of me!" Maria screeched out, a quick sigh of relief released when the pressure from her hair being yanked on was relented…only to wince in pain when her arm was wrenched behind her back. "Please, just let me go.."

Edge smirked, "that's it you stupid bitch…beg." He applied more pressure to her arm, "on your knees and beg."

"You sick son of a bitch," Randy Orton narrowed his eyes at the older man, "get off of her!"

The WWE Champion took the cowards route, releasing the frightened woman, shoving her to the ground as he left the area.

The Legend Killer ran a hand over his hair, crouching next to Maria. "Hey, hey…calm down, okay? He won't come after you again tonight." Wrapping an arm around her waist, he assisted her to her feet. "Vicki is already in the Smackdown locker room and so is Lilian.. You can hang out with us as long as you want to, alright?"

Maria nodded hesitantly, leaning heavily against the blue eyed wrestler. "Vince gave me the night off.. I won't be able to do anything to help her now.."

Randy stopped a moment, sending the blond woman a small smile. "You've already done a lot, Maria.. Don't doubt that." He frowned a touch when she held her arm to her chest, "do you need a trainer?"

"I…I should be okay, maybe some ice would help though."

Orton gave a sharp nod, "then we'll head over to the trainers first. I was just wandering around anyway, trying to figure out where Li ran off to."

Maria smiled slightly, "she means a lot to you," it was more of a statement than anything… "she's lucky, but, I'm not sure if she understands.."

Randy shrugged, checking the hallways carefully before they turned the corner. "She knows that she has friends, knows that we are here for her but.. It's hard to explain I guess.. Lita is just Lita."

Maria fell silent for a moment, her nerves finally calm after her run in with the Champion. "Do you…or did you.." She trailed off, shaking her head when Randy sent her a questioning look, "never mind.. I really shouldn't--"

The Legend Killer raised an eyebrow, "why so many questions?"

"It was only two, thank you very much," she told him with a tiny smirk, "as for why? I'm an interviewer.. It's a part of my job to ask questions."

Randy smirked at that, figuring at the very least, she wasn't trembling with fear anymore.. "True enough… so, Ms. Maria, what would you like to know?"

The young Diva was silent a gain, biting down on her lower lip, not really sure if she should ask….but her curiosity was really starting to get to her.. "do you love her?"

Orton paused in his tracks, not really expecting that question.. "Yes and no.. at one point, yeah, I wanted to be with her… told her I loved her and she laughed at me.. Said that it just wouldn't work, that she had too many issues or something and that I didn't need that holding me down."

"But you still care about her, right?" Maria pressed on, the two nearing the trainers room though neither one seemed like they were in any rush to get there. "You don't have to answer that, I just--"

"It changed after awhile…now, I love her like she was a sister. I just want to help her, keep her safe." Randy rolled his eyes then, "plus…having that big intimidating brute of a big brother like hers after me? That wasn't too appealing."

Maria only nodded to that, the two finally approaching the trainer's room…the door left open, allowing them to hear what was going on in the hallway.

"You know something Cena, I am perfectly capable of walking through the hallways to find a stupid vending machine."

"So you think, woman.. Or are ya already forgetting 'bout what happened the last time ya did that?"

"That still doesn't mean that you had to follow me," Lita tossed back, annoyance clearly evident in her voice. "Don't you have a match that you need to prep for?"

John snorted, "my game plan for that match is pretty damn simple.. I go in there, kick his ass, toss him into the cage once or twice … make the bastard tap out in the center of that damn ring and I get my title back."

"Uh huh," Lita took a step back, sweeping her hair out of her face. "But it's still a pretty important match, right? Don't you think you should prepare just a little bit?"

Cena arched an eyebrow, "you doubting my ability to kick that son of a bitch's ass?"

"And if I am?" She questioned in a half joking tone, arching an eyebrow when John didn't reply, "then what, hmm?"

"Then I guess we got ourselves a problem." He waited a beat before adding, "and no, that doesn't mean that you should interfere in the match.. You need to worry 'bout that big fucker Henry."

"Like I told you already, I am more than capable of taking care of myself at ringside.."

Randy shook his head as the voices grew distant, the two still arguing…in a friendly manner, as they continued on their way. "That is going to be one hell of an interesting situation."

-x-x-x-

Per the request of Chris Masters and Chris Benoit, and under strict orders from her brother, Lita was more or less confided to her locker room once she had returned from her trip to the vending machines. Maria and Victoria also staying with her, since neither Diva had anything to do that night. Thankfully for the Diva trio, the night was more or less uneventful, save for Maria's previous encounter with Edge anyway…Lita hoping that it would stay that way, full well knowing that it wouldn't. even with most of the focus on the actual Rumble match that night, the redhead found herself pre-occupied with another match…specifically the WWE Championship match, hoping that Cena would prevail. Heaving a sigh, hazel eyes flicked to the monitor.. The redhead already dressed in what was 'appropriate' attire. Lita wanting nothing more than to burn the stupid shirt and say screw going out to ringside.. But, on the other hand, she wanted to be out there…wanted to witness the match first hand instead of in a locker room.. Wanted to see Edge suffer, wanted to see him bleed and scream for mercy. But that would only be the tip of the iceberg where the redhead was concerned.. Only a little bit of retribution for the hell that he had put her through…her hands clenching into fists as she fought an inner battle. Trying desperately to rid herself of the memories…some of the distant and some of them fresh, but all at the hands of Edge. Squaring her shoulders, Lita rose from her spot on the couch in the room…receiving a strange look from Victoria at her sudden change in demeanor.. Lita waving it off to nothing before she focused her attention solely on the monitor…counting down the seconds before the stagehand would arrive, letting her know that it was time for the match. But before that moment came, Hunter entered the locker room, heading straight for the redhead.

The blond man set his hands on her shoulders, "listen to me.. I know you've heard this from Dave, I'm pretty sure you've heard it from Masters and Orton as well but, you take care of yourself. Don't do anything stupid, got it?"

Lita managed a nod, hazel eyes already distant. "I got it…nothing stupid. I'll keep my distance from the match--"

"And from Henry." Hunter smirked a bit, "I was going to say, go ahead and use my sledgehammer, but I don't think D would appreciate that too much."

Before Lita could reply to that, there was a knock at the door… a stagehand informing the redhead that she was needed at the curtains in five.

RAW Title Match

Lilian Garcia stood on the outside of the ring, the steel cage already lowered, a microphone in hand. She had already reminded the audience about the stipulations for the match and how the match had to be won…the ring announcer awaiting the arrivals of the champion and challenger.. Mr. McMahon showing some initiative by having Bischoff banned from ringside for this match.. And it was like music to Lilian's ears when Lita's music sounded over the speaker system, the redhead making her way out to the ring first.

"Well, it would appear that there's already trouble in paradise, Styles.. Lita has just come out to ringside on her own."

"I can't say I'd blame her, King.. Not after what he's done to her over the past two weeks."

"And here comes the Champion, with Henry not far behind."

"Edge has entered the cage…and it looks like Henry has his eyes on Lita…and not in a friendly way."

"And here's the former champion, John Cena.. And he looks more than ready to fight!"

Once John had entered the steel cage, the doors were locked.. Lita doing her best to keep some distance between herself and Mark Henry.. Granted, he wouldn't be able to toss her into the ring steps, but the steel cage was a deadly weapon in it's own right…her attention going to the combatants in the cage as soon as the bell rang.. Edge and Cena locking up almost instantly. A dark smile crossed John's face as he shoved Edge back, the blond man falling to the mat before he pushed himself up, going after Cena again…only to have the action repeated, John glaring down hatefully at his opponent before coming after him.. Edge barely able to get to his feet, side stepping the former champion. The Canadian growled as Cena shook his head, the two locking it up once more before Edge got a quick thumb to the eye, using that to his advantage…shoving John to the ring ropes.. Attempting to follow it up with a clothesline, only to have Cena duck and hit a clothesline of his own.. Lita having to restrain herself from cheering at the action, noting that Henry was keeping an eye on her…the redhead shuddering at the memory of being chased around the backstage by that brute.. She turned her attention back to the match, just in time to see John grab a handful of Edge's hair, bringing the older man to the turnbuckle before bouncing the Champion's head repeatedly off the top turnbuckle…stopping after ten, then repeating the action at the next turnbuckle. He was just about to introduce Edge's head to the third turnbuckle when the blond man kicked him in the gut, sending Cena stumbling backwards and giving Edge a chance to catch his breath and re-group.

The two recovered at almost the same time, Edge advancing on Cena, only to be met with a harsh fist to the face.. The two men soon exchanging blows in the center of the ring, Lita fighting the urge to cringe when Edge tossed John into one side of the steel cage.. Going to repeat the action on the opposite side of the cage when Cena put on the brakes…using the blond man's own momentum to send him flying towards the steel. Of course it would figure that Edge would slip out of the ring then, the blond man searching near frantically underneath the ring for a weapon of some sort.. Finally finding a steel chair, sliding into the ring chair first.. The redhead wincing as Edge brought the chair up and then down, connecting harshly with John's upper back. But, as the older man went to repeat the motion, John brought up his hands…the two men the fighting for control of the weapon. The former champion raised the steel chair above his head, returning the favor by landing a harsh blow to Edge's upper back, then following it up with a chair shot to the blond man's forehead.. The blond man standing on shaky legs before falling flat on his face, blood trickling onto the mat. And then the crowd started to scream, yelling for Cena to get out of the cage and win the match. But the former champion had other ideas.. John rolling out of the ring to search underneath it for another weapon.

Cena had just gotten back into the ring, a pipe now in hand, the West Newbury native circling his fallen opponent, something deadly in his blue eyes.

It was at that point that Henry couldn't stop himself.. Intimidating the referee's surrounding the ring…forcing them to unlock the steel cage.. The big man preparing to enter it when a chair hit him in the back. With vicious intent, Henry turned around, Lita hitting him over the head with all of the strength she could muster…the cage door shutting as Cena continued his assault on Edge. The blond man was bleeding profusely from the cut on his forehead, John helping things along by landing a quick series of closed fists to the open wound.. Dragging the Canadian to his feet and hoisting him on his shoulders to deliver the FU.. And just as Edge hit the mat with authority.. Lita found herself trapped by Henry…the man taking away the steel chair she had been using, reaching out to grab her arm…yanking her towards him. He started to drag her towards the steel cage door, opening it before going to toss her inside.. At least that was his intent anyway, the man managing to toss her inside…going to follow her before he was hit over the head again with a steel chair. .Cena standing in the entrance to the steel cage.. Hitting Henry once more before the big man finally fell, motioning for Lita to exit the steel cage when he realized that she wasn't standing behind him anymore.. The redhead now standing over Edge's fallen form.. The former champion couldn't help but wince a little as Lita let out some of her aggression, kicking the blond man where it counted.. John watching in shock along with the crowd and the announcers at ringside; Lita removing the Rated R Superstar shirt she was wearing, tossing it down to the mat before she finally left the cage.. Cena following behind her.

"And here is your winner and NEW WWE Champion.. John Cena!"

One of the referees at ringside raised John's hand, another retrieving the title belt.. Lita starting to make her way to the back before Cena stopped her.

"I won," he said first, smirking a bit as he hefted the title belt on to his shoulder. "That means, you're my manager now…which means, you're staying right here and celebrating wit' me for a bit."

Lita shook her head, but stayed at ringside none the less, the two eventually making their way up the ramp, walking backwards to watch Edge crawl to the ropes…using them to haul himself to his feet. "This isn't over you know.. He's going to want revenge."

John smirked, "I'm counting on it. That son of a bitch can come after me all he wants to.. I'll just keep kicking his ass." He waited until they were backstage, an eyebrow raising at the Diva. "But didn't we talk about you not interfering?"

"Technically, I didn't interfere.." she reminded him first, a mischievous glint in her hazel eyes. "And sure, we may have discussed it, but if I don't listen to my brother? What makes you think I'm gonna listen to you?"

John rolled his eyes, "we're gonna hafta work on that. Granted, I can't blame ya for wanting some bit of revenge on that bastard but.. You really gotta be careful out there."

The redhead rolled her eyes right back, "I was careful.. Honestly, I didn't intend on getting involved but, I couldn't exactly do nothing and let Henry destroy me, could I?"

"I ain't saying that you shouldn't have done nothing." John rolled out his shoulders, the two taking their time as they made their way back to the locker rooms. "I'm saying what I've been saying.. You need to look out for yourself."

"Which is exactly what I did," Lita reminded him with a smirk, "he was coming after me, I had to defend myself and--"

Dave crossed his arms over his chest, meeting the pair in the hallway. "You know, if you pull another stunt like that? I'm telling mom."

Lita arched an eyebrow, hands soon on her hips. "And this would accomplish what exactly?" She shook her head when Dave said nothing, "Dave.. Stop worrying. I'm fine, I didn't put myself in harms way, harm came to me. Like I was just telling Cena here, I was acting in self defense."

"Yeah well, just because he won…congratulations by the way…doesn't mean that this is over." Frowning, he added: "And go put some clothes on, you're in your bra for crying out loud."

"For your information, it's not just a bra, it's a sports bra." Lita stuck out her tongue when her brother glared, "fine Dad.. I'll go change and sit in my locker room like I'm supposed to."

Dave shook his head as the redhead skittered off, muttering under his breath.. "she'll be the death of me, I just know it."

John shrugged to that, "well look at it this way, she's finally rid of that asshole an' if he thinks 'bout coming after her? He's got another thing coming."

The older man's expression waxed serious as he turned his attention to Cena. "I'm holding you to that and trusting you to keep her safe. I just have this feeling that things will get worse."

The WWE Champion nodded sharply, "you ain't got a thing to worry 'bout. I won't let a damn thing happen to her, alright? I'm gonna take care of her."

"I'm holding you to that," Dave informed him solemnly, "she means the world to me and seeing what's happened to her…knowing that I couldn't do a damn thing about it." He smirked suddenly, "good luck, by the way."

Cena raised an eyebrow, "good luck with what…Edge? I'll just beat his ass again and--"

Dave snorted, "I meant good luck dealing with her.. She's a handful, stubborn, has a temper.."

John rolled his eyes, "trust me I know that.. She almost kicked me earlier, walking down to the vending machines."

At that statement, Dave could only laugh.. Knowing how his sister could be when she felt that people were being too protective.. Despite everything she had gone through recently, she was still Lita.. Stubborn, temperamental and with a fierce independent streak. Dave could only hope that things would get better for his sister and that she would get back to the way she was.. He had seen a little bit of it tonight when she was out at ringside and again when she had gotten into the steel cage. Granted, at that point, he had one hell of a time trying to keep Randy and Chris Masters in the locker room…but then, the three had been cheering her actions. And even though she was keeping secrets from him, Dave wanted to think that would also change…that she would finally open up to someone about what had been going on. Somehow, he knew that person wouldn't be him.. Lita always had a way of keeping the biggest things from him, whether she did it intentionally or not. And of course, if he finally knew about what had been going on…then he could have even more reasons for going after Edge.. Not that he needed anymore to begin with, but he would take whatever justification he could get.