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 (possible change to Victoria/Hunter), Trish/Jeff, Maria/Randy, Candice/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…intro paragraphs will be a little shorter (at least for this chapter).. And shifting Ashley over to Smackdown now, even things up a little bit.

-x-x-x-

Despite the fact that she had asked for him to be there, John hesitated in the doorway, simply watching her before he made his way further into the room. And once he had done that, Cena seated himself in one of the chairs near the bed, guilt ebbing at the surface when he noticed the bandage on her face. He wasn't sure if she had needed stitches for it, but.. Shaking his head, John removed the hat he was wearing, setting it on the table next to the bed…Lita still watching him, her expression mixed. As Dave had stated back in the waiting area, she had an I.V going and she was also hooked up to a heart monitor. And while he knew he wasn't the cause of that, John couldn't keep himself from frowning at the sight…but this time, it was anger, not guilt that started to surface.. The wrestler suppressing that as best he could, figuring that it really wasn't something that Lita needed to see or deal with at the moment. It wasn't until she looked away, pressing a button on the control unit on her bed…the television turning off that one of them decided to speak.

The diva cleared her throat, the fingers on one hand twisting the material of the bed sheet. "Dr. Griffin thinks I may have broken my wrist…they couldn't see anything on the x-ray but, I have to get a splint…wear that for a week or so then go for another x-ray."

John nodded a bit, "what about your face?"

Lita winkled her nose, "just an overdone, un-necessary band aid really.. You were bleeding more than I was though.."

Cena shrugged, "got a few stitches to close it up.. Doc told me to avoid the steel chairs for a while, or at least the psycho's swinging 'em."

"I'm sorry," she told him softly, the redhead starting to say more when John smirked.

"That's my line," he informed her first, "an' trust me alright? You ain't gotta apologize.. It's part of the business."

Lita frowned at that, "still.. It's another person who gets hurt because they're trying to help me."

John shook his head, "it's something we all knew or at least had to consider, ya know? And it's like I said already, part of the business." He held up a hand when she opened her mouth to probably argue, "look.. Victoria's already been on my case 'bout not feeling guilty, alright? So, I'm gonna say the same to you. You got no reason to feel guilty."

The redhead shrugged marginally, "I guess.. Not that you or Chris really asked to be in this whole mess to begin with."

Cena shrugged, leaning forwards a bit, his elbows resting on his thighs. "Maybe not, but, we're in it now. Don't really know if I wouldn't have gotten involved anyway."

Lita sent him a curious look, "and just why is that? Nobody on the roster really knew anything and--"

John smirked, "a few of us have had our suspicions 'bout it, believe you me. I know Shawn's been thinking it, same wit' Flair."

The diva smiled slightly, "I'm actually surprised that Ric hasn't tried to do something.. Or that D didn't ask him."

The West Newbury native blinked, "where is that connection? Obviously, I know you and D are related but, how does Flair fit into that?"

"Ric's like a father figure to me and Dave," Lita closed her eyes momentarily, her hands resting atop the hospital bed sheet. "Before the Evolution thing, he's always been looking out for us. Making sure we're doing alright, that we had a hotel room if we forgot to make a reservation.. That sort of thing."

Cena frowned slightly, "an' he never knew? You didn't tell him nothing?"

Lita pressed her lips into a thin line, averting her gaze as she spoke. "I didn't tell anyone for a few reasons... I wasn't sure if anyone would believe me.. I didn't want my friends to get involved because then he would go after them.. And my brother didn't need that distracting him."

John shook his head, "he's your brother.. An' I don't know if you know this, but, by not telling him? You were distracting him. D's worried 'bout ya, frustrated 'cos he couldn't do a damn thing 'til now."

"Are you trying to make me feel guilty?" Lita questioned him quietly, her gaze still focused elsewhere. "I know he's frustrated, I know he's worried but.."

"I ain't trying to make ya feel guilty 'bout it, just thought you should know." He shook his head when she just shrugged. "Lita, if anyone, he's the last person that's gonna judge ya 'bout what's happened. He's the last person who would feel any sort of--"

"Obligation?" The diva suggested then, a hint of bitterness in her tone. "I don't want pity, and I don't want people to feel obligated."

John moved from his seat, walking to the other side of the bed until he was in her line of sight. "I wasn't implying that, alright? I was trying to say, if anyone, maybe you shoulda told him first."

"So he could worry mom?" Lita shook her head, "I can't do that to her."

Cena frowned, "woman.. You have really got to start thinking 'bout yourself. I can understand that you don't wanna worry your family and all that, but, what about you?" He held up a hand when she opened her mouth to interrupt, "let me finish and then ya can bitch at me all ya want to.. I may not know you that well, but, earlier tonight? That scared me."

Lita blinked, "and what does that have to do with anything?"

"Maybe, if you had something before. If you had gotten some help wit' this earlier? You wouldn't be in that hospital bed now."

"It's too late to change that," she replied ruefully, "I can understand what you're saying but, there's no guarantee and--"

John nodded , seating himself in one of the chairs. "You're right, you can't do nothing 'bout the past 'cos it's all in the past. But, ya can do something now.. Stop pushing people away from ya."

The diva nodded slowly, "I just hate relying on people.."

Cena smirked, "you can't do everything by yourself though."

Lita was silent for a long moment, her forehead furrowing slightly. "Are you mad at me?"

The WWE Champion blinked, "why in the hell would I be mad at ya?"

"During the match.. That one interference with Henry, before Edge got involved.. You looked angry."

John rolled his eyes, "I wasn't mad at ya, a little annoyed that ya got involved like that, knowing what the big idiot is capable of." He raised an eyebrow at her, "which reminds me.. I really think we need to make a list or something of what ya should and should not be doing."

Lita smirked at that, mischief briefly sparking in her hazel eyes. "And you really expect for me to listen?"

"Not really," he admitted easily, "but it's an idea.. Until all this shit with that asshole is done."

The redhead shrugged, "it's something to keep in mind.." Her nose wrinkled slightly, "and as long as wardrobe regulations are kept off this list.."

Cena grinned, "I'll admit, I really wasn't sure if ya'd look alright but.."

"But?"

"As I said in that locker room, you looked damn fucking hot."

Lita laughed softly at that, a yawn escaping her soon after. "Thanks, I guess.. But, it's still not me."

John shrugged in response, "ya want me to get D?"

Lita started to nod, but then, she blinked.. "I could be wrong, but they aren't there.. Unless they found a stash of invisible paint."

At that, Cena sat back in the seat, "then I'll stay up 'ere until they decide to get back from wherever it is they went."

The diva yawned again, "you don't have to do that.."

And again, he shrugged. "Maybe not, but I'm gonna stay anyway."

The redhead closed her eyes, "suit yourself then." Her eyes opened briefly, "and thank you."

-x-x-x-

No sooner had John entered the hospital room, did Lilian, Stacy and Trish arrive, the three women sporting identical expressions of shock and concern. And while they wanted to see their friend now, they also understood that they would have to wait. Partly because someone was already in there and partly because they didn't know how long of a time Hunter had managed to bargain for. But, rather than sit around waiting, Lilian suggested they head to the cafeteria and grab some coffee.. And while that suggestion was initially met with some resistance, they soon found themselves heading to the elevators to find the cafeteria.. Granted, a few of them looked ready to fall asleep at any moment, but, instead of returning to the hotel they ordered coffee.. Stacy and Lilian claiming a table big enough to accommodate all of them. Once they were all seated, Stacy cleared her throat, glancing between the two Smackdown wrestlers before her gaze moved between the one RAW wrestler. When she still wouldn't say anything, Dave raised an eyebrow, the Styrofoam cup he had been drinking from pushed to the side.

Dave smiled just slightly, "you really aren't known for being quiet, Stace."

Stacy rolled her eyes, tucking back a few strands of loose hair. "Just starting to wish I had brought my notes.. Or that it wasn't so late."

Randy sent her a questioning look, "does this have to do with next week's RAW or this week's Smackdown?"

The long legged diva shrugged, "well, technically it doesn't have to do with either show, but, it does.. Stephanie is in charge of running the RAW vs. Smackdown war. She books the matches, takes care of the storylines, stuff like that.. Neither Theodore or Bischoff really have anything to do with it, aside from providing the superstars to compete in the war."

Victoria blinked, "does that mean they're discarding and ignoring all storylines until the war ends?"

Stacy shook her head, "not entirely.. Title situations will go on, tag team division and the women's division will be re-vamped after the rosters join up and I think Steph mentioned something about the Intercontinental title and the U.S Championship merging."

Dave nodded slowly, "so what news do you have that pertains to us?"

"It's about Friday," Stacy said first, "with the war going on full scale now, the three of you will be competing. Lita was supposed to be in a divas tag match, but, with her injury tonight.. RAW needs to find a replacement."

Trish smiled, "you know I'll do it.. Unless Stephanie has other ideas."

Stacy sent a look over to Maria, "Steph actually mentioned the idea of Vicki and Maria teaming up. You'd be taking on Melina and Jillian, hopefully with Mercury and Nitro barred from ringside. And it's not that Stephanie doesn't trust them, just, that we don't know who to send you two out with.. Torrie might be shipped back over to Smackdown, to even things up a little."

Maria bit her lower lip, "I haven't had that much in ring experience--"

"On RAW," Victoria interrupted evenly, "but you have been training. I know you can hold your own in a match, Maria, I'm not worried about it and you shouldn't be either."

Trish nodded her agreement, "honestly Maria, you don't have much to worry about. .and if you want, Vicki and I can train with you."

Randy cleared his throat, "so. .what else is scheduled? If the war is going, Team RAW needs to fight Team Smackdown."

Stacy nodded shortly, "the main event depends on Edge's condition. If he's able to wrestle, one member of Team Smackdown will face him. There's going to be a tag team match on the card and I think that's it for the war segments."

The Legend Killer sent a look over to Dave, "I know you want to get your hands on that low life bastard, but.. With your own 'injury' don't you think someone else should take it?"

Dave rolled his eyes, "you can take it Randy, just don't hurt him too much."

Hunter smirked, "you're not encouraging total destruction? I'm shocked."

"Well, that can't exactly happen anyway.." Stacy frowned then, "unfortunately, with Bischoff still in charge of the RAW creative side, Edge will be in the title hunt for awhile. Unless Stephanie can get a temporary G.M. appointed, then there's really nothing that can be done."

Lilian shrugged, "you could always suggest Shane.. I mean, it would make sense for him to take over temporarily and I doubt there are many logical options backstage."

The Baltimore native nodded easily, "that's who Stephanie is pushing for, but, no official word on it yet. And even if she can get Shane appointed as the temporary G.M., Bischoff is still in charge of creative."

Hunter growled, "if we could take out that little slime…put him out of commission until the war was over."

Chris rolled his shoulders, "is there any way to put him in a match? I mean, can someone bypass his authority or something?"

Stacy shrugged, "I don't really know but, I can ask Steph."

Dave sent the leggy blonde a questioning look, "so.. Since Li can't wrestle, does she need to be at Smackdown?"

Stacy shook her head, "unless John is competing, and since he's not on Team RAW.. No, she doesn't have to be there." The blond woman bit her lip, "but I think she's supposed to have her first appearance…or rather, they have their first appearance.. With another scheduled for Saturday before the house show."

Victoria blinked at that, "Li was bitching about the appearance schedule that was starting next month.."

"It's a test," the leggy diva said with a shrug, "or something like that.. Just to see how the crowd will act." She slid a glance over to Hunter, "from what I understand.. You'll be on this too, possibly with Candice, unless Stephanie decides on a double switch for the RAW team in the divas tag match.."

Hunter shrugged, settling back slightly in his seat. "I can deal with that.. But four people for one appearance?"

Stacy rolled her eyes, "same time slot, same city but with different locations." Glancing to Victoria, she smiled. "If you aren't scheduled for the tag match, you're going on this mini-appearance schedule."

Victoria let out an overdramatic sigh, sending a mock look of disdain in Hunter's direction. "Great.. That means I have to put up with him."

Hunter sent her a hurt look, "you mean to tell me that you'd rather be in an actual match over spending time with me?" And when she nodded seriously, he huffed. "Fine, see if I ever do your laundry again."

Victoria smiled wryly, "that would be a blessing.. Let's face it H, you can't do laundry to save your life."

Randy nodded his agreement," that's for damn sure." At Hunter's baffled look, the Legend Killer smirked. "Don't you remember? You lost that one bet when we were in Evolution.. You had to do our laundry for a month."

Dave grimaced, "don't remind of that.. I ended up replacing everything that the genius over there claimed he could wash."

Hunter held up his hands, "in my defense.. I never said I could do laundry. Go to a dry cleaners, sure, but do laundry? Never said I could do that."

"Excuses, excuses," Victoria quipped dryly, "just face the facts Hunter, you aren't perfect and you can't do everything."

The blond man smirked, "which is what I was just saying, Vicki.. I admitted to the fact that I can't do laundry. Now, as far as being perfect is concerned--"

Lilian shook her head, "maybe we should head back upstairs.. See if Lita's still awake or not and if she is, I'd like to see her.. If she isn't…and as much as I'd like to stay, I'd rather go back to the hotel and sleep."

Chris smiled wryly, "I'd stay too but.. Those chairs really aren't meant for sleeping in."

Victoria glanced between Lilian and Dave, "if you two want to head out of here, I'll stay overnight with her."

The Animal raised an eyebrow, "you sure about that Vicki?"

"It's not a big deal, Dave.. I can't say I like the hospital chairs either but, it's really not a big deal." Smiling slightly, she added: "you need to take care of yourself too."

Randy handed the keys to his rental car over to Lilian. "You can take my rental back."

Lilian pocketed the keys, "Trish and Stacy are taking our rental so.." She sent a look over to Maria and Hunter, "are you two staying or leaving?"

Hunter shrugged, "I'll stick around here.. Make sure the children don't get into any trouble."

Victoria snorted, "then it must be hard to baby-sit yourself, huh?"

The blond ring announcer shook her head, "Maria? You can ride back with Stacy and Trish if you're going now."

The young diva yawned broadly, "I think I'll do that.. And come back first thing in the morning."

Dave sent a look to Hunter, "just let Li know that we'll be back in the morning.. And that's if she's awake, because if you even think about waking her up--"

"You'll kill me, I know," Hunter jammed his hands into the pockets of his pants. "Don't worry, I won't wake her up if she's sleeping and I'll tell her that you'll be here in the morning."

The D.C. native nodded shortly, sending a smile to Victoria. "Thanks Vicki.. For looking out for her."

Victoria smiled easily, "she would do the same for any of us.. It's the least I can do for her."

While Stacy, Chris, Trish, Maria, Lilian and Dave left the hospital.. Hunter, Victoria and Randy made their way back upstairs to check on the redhead. Not to their entire surprise, she was sleeping when they entered the room, Cena sleeping in one of the chairs next to the bed. Or at least they thought he was asleep.. The WWE Champion nodding to them when they approached the bed.. Informing the trio that Lita had fallen asleep a good fifteen minutes ago. And at that bit of news, Randy, Hunter and Victoria arranged themselves in the remaining chairs in the room.. Both men conceding the more comfortable looking chair to the diva. And as they started to drift off, John continued to watch the sleeping redhead…almost trying to assure himself that she would be okay after all was said and done. He wanted to believe that she would be, after time had passed anyway, but.. He wasn't sure if she had convinced herself of that. Cena still didn't know the extent of her problems, but he had seen the damage it had caused. And maybe his involvement wouldn't help her much, but, that didn't mean he wasn't going to try.