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/Hunter, Trish/Jeff, Maria/Randy, Candice/Unsure

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…my writing style may vary now from chapter to chapter... Intro. paragraphs might be longer or they might be shorter...all depends on the muses. That said, chapter length will also vary...

-x-x-x-

Hunter had only been asleep for a few minutes when a soft whimper from the hospital bed caught his attention. Obviously, he knew who it was since their was only one person in the aforementioned bed, he just didn't know what was wrong with her. A quick glance around the room let him know that Victoria, Randy and John were still sleeping.. The dark haired woman shifting to her right, Randy's shoulder becoming a temporary replacement pillow.. And then, because of the dim lighting in the room, Hunter nearly tripped over Cena's feet as he made his way to the bed, reaching the redheaded diva just as her eyes were opening...confusion swirling at the surface, tears threatening to spill.. The blond man seated himself on the bed, waiting for some sort of clarity to reach her hazel eyes before he reached out a hand, smoothing back a few strands of hair from her face. He refrained from speaking just yet as he didn't want to inadvertantly startle her, his hand moving back quickly when she flinched. And then she blinked, her gaze shifting towards him after a long moment, realization slowly finding it's way to her eyes.

"Li?" Hunter waited for her to fully look at him, "Red are you alright?"

"As I'll ever be," she told him softly, "you know I don't like the hospital thing too much."

Hunter took one of her hands in his, "at least it's only for tonight.. You can go home tomorrow, bug the shit out of your brother."

The diva's nose wrinkled, "still doesn't mean I want to be here.."

Hunter nodded easily, "I know baby girl, but... doctor's orders."

She made a face at that, "are you sure you can't sneak me out of here?"

Hunter rolled his eyes, "you know I would if I could...but, someone would probably kick my ass to hell and back for that."

Lita blinked, her gaze instantly looking around for her brother. "Where's..."

He smiled just slightly, his expression softening a bit...revealing a side of him that many never knew existed.. "Dave went back to the hotel with Lilian, Stacy and Maria.. It's me, Randy, Vicki and Cena."

A tiny smile formed at the corners of her mouth, "I already knew John was here.. kinda surprised that you're here though."

Hunter arched an eyebrow, "and just why is that? I told you a long time ago, even if you didn't want me to.."

"You would still watch out for me," Lita finished for him, hazel eyes glancing around briefly, settling on each of the sleeping forms before returning to Hunter. "You have competition now."

The blond man smirked a touch, "I always have...and he's your brother."

The redhead wrinkled her nose, continuing as if she hadn't heard him. "Just now.. it's more people. You, Randy, D, Chris...John." A tired sigh escaped her parted lips, "I don't know how much more of that I can take."

Hunter frowned a bit, "you know we're just trying to look out for you, Li.. And I can't speak for everyone else, but, it might be a bit difficult to de-program that."

"I get that part, I just.." Lita shook her head, "I'm not used to it...having this many people say they're going to protect me, look out for me.."

"And care about you?" Hunter suggested evenly, the man shaking his head when she frowned. "Because, that's part of it too.. We all care about you, care about what happens to you."

Her frown deepened, "my problems shouldn't be your problems though.. And you know, I don't want to depend on people the rest of my life. That's why I have D."

"And me," he stated, even though he knew it was making her just a tiny bit angry. "Li.. I don't know the best way to explain this but.. I want to help you because you're my friend. That's all there is to it."

"Then you don't get it, H.." Lita bit her lower lip, hazel eyes moving to the window in the room. "At first it didn't bother me as much, because it was mainly you and D.. Randy was always trying his lame attempts at flirting, so in a way, he didn't count.. And then things changed where he's concerned and now, he's just like you and D."

Hunter rolled his shoulders, "so...why don't you just tell Masters and Cena to back off? Problem solved, right?"

She shot him an incredulous look, "and do you really think that would work? You've seen how they can both get."

He let out an uncharacteristic sigh, "then tell them that, Li. Explain it to them, not me.. Because, I'm just as stubborn as you are and no matter what you say to me? I'll still be there, just like Dave."

"I know," she stated somewhat wryly, "and I already figured out that Chris is the same way...just a little bit less than you or D."

Hunter followed her gaze as it drifted, "then what about him?"

The frown returned to her face, "I don't know Hunter." The diva's forehead furrowed, "earlier...before you three got here I guess, we were talking about what happened during the match. He also asked me why I never said anything.." Shaking her head a little, she continued: "anyway, he never really said anything like you or Randy have, about protecting me...being there for me, but I guess he was implying it and--"

The blond man sent her a questioning look, "does that bother you? That he wants to do that?"

Lita closed her eyes momentairly, her reply coming out on a near whisper."More than you realize.."

And again, Hunter shook his head. "Then you should tell him that.. Li, look.. I'm not one of the 'girls', I can't hold a candle to that Dr. Phil bullshit, but.. knowing you like I do? You wouldn't hesitate to just say whatever it is you're feeling."

"I guess," she shrugged marginally, fingers toying with the thin hospital sheet. "It would just be nice, if someone other than Vicki or Candice or Steph or even Maria for that matter...if they'd just treat me differently than some helpless little girl."

The blond man smirked, "if that was the case with him, I doubt he would've said what he said in the locker room."

Lita rolled her eyes, "please.. he just has a big mouth...might be missing a few brain cells."

Hunter scoffed, "well he wasn't the only one thinking it...he's just the only one who said it."

"That's because D knows you and Randy too well," Lita yawned just a bit, "but that's not the point.."

He watched her gaze drift back to Cena, "then what is the point?"

"I don't know yet," she replied truthfully, hazel eyes eventually drifting back to the blond man. "I'm still trying to figure that part out."

Hunter watched her for a moment, he could see that she was confused about something.. "Well, when you figure it out.. don't tell me." He nodded towards John's sleeping form, "tell him. I don't do the 'well she told me to tell you' shit so good. I'd probably find a way to screw it up."

An eyebrow arched, hazel eyes glinting playfully. "On purpose?"

The blond man winked, "only where Randy's concerned."

She smirked a bit, "that's the second time you've called him Randy...usually it's Orton, snot nosed brat or loud mouthed jerk.." Her smirk broadend, "and that's the nice version."

Hunter shrugged it off, "yeah well...he's not so bad...when he isn't speaking."

Lita rolled her eyes, "well it makes it easier...when you two aren't acting so pissy with each other."

The blond man made a face, "if it means that much to you...Then I'll leave him alone. I won't promise that I won't say anything because--"

"You suffer from 'open mouth, insert foot' syndrome?"

Hunter rolled his eyes, "for your sake...and because I really don't want D bitching at me.."

Lita snorted softly, "D doesn't bitch.. He kicks your ass first, asks questions later."

"You know what I meant," Hunter said with a slight smile, the blond man finally moving from the bed. "Get some sleep, alright? My ugly mug will still be here when you wake up."

The redhead smiled sleepily, "good night Hunter.."

"Li?" He questioned before she could fully fall asleep, "just don't forget.. If you want us to back off, say so.. I won't make any promises that we'll listen, but, it never hurts to try."

-x-x-x-

Hunter waited until she was sleeping again, still watching her for a moment.. And once he had finally started to fall back asleep, Victoria shifted again...her head once more using his shoulder for a pillow. Not that he minded too much...the blond man stretching out his legs, trying to find a more comfortable position to sleep in before giving up. Hunter, however, was unaware that he hadn't been the only one awake. Victoria, yes, had been sleeping...and so had John. Perhaps, Randy's overhearing the conversation wouldn't amount to much.. Or maybe it would. Whatever the case, Randy had also woken up when Hunter had...but, once he saw Hunter heading over to the bed, the third generation wrestler stayed put. And now, as he watched the sleeping diva...he went over the conversation. He was well aware that, at times, he could be a bit over protective of her...but he couldn't really help that. Granted, he was more protective of her now than he used to be, but regardless.. All Randy wanted to do was help her, look out for her like Hunter and Dave. It was clear to him, and to Hunter apparently, that John was trying to do that as well. But, if he gathered it correctly, that was exactly what Lita didn't want. And if that was the case, Lita would be more likely to push John away from her. Of course, it did puzzle him to an extent.. and on the other hand, it also made perfect sense. The redhead was still a free spirit at heart, independent to the core and having himself, Chris, Dave and Hunter hovering over her...it was a wonder that she hadn't snapped at them yet. She was also stubborn as hell when she had her mind set on something.. And then again, John was the same way.. free spirit yes, loud mouthed definitely...and stubborn as hell. Randy figured that could either hurt or help the situation...whatever the situation was, anyway. Another thought crossed his mind then...when those two went at it, because that was just inevitable, he didn't want to be anywhere near it, lest he get caught in the crossfire. At any rate, he was starting to get a headache from thinking about the whole situation...and from not sleeping yet...Randy smirking to himself as went back to sleep.

Victoria yawned broadly, glancing behind her quickly before looking to either side of her.. She smiled slightly, her gaze then shifting to the bed. "Morning Li.."

Lita half nodded to her friend, a look of disdain on her face when her attention turned back to what the hospital was trying to call 'food'. "I'm not sure if they're trying to make me sick or if they're encouraging me to start a food fight."

The older woman wrinkled her nose, "I think it's a little bit of both...there's no way that stuff could pass for food though."

Lita nodded again, "unfortunately.. if I want to get out of here, it's part of their check-out procedure.. I have to eat something or drink something since this is all liquid and goo."

Victoria blinked, "when did the doctor get here?"

"Nurses," Lita corrected first, "and they just left about five minutes ago.. They were gonna wake y'all up, kick you out and whatever but.. I promised to co-operate and not scream bloody murder so.."

The dark haired diva nodded easily, "I appreciate it then.. And I'm sure the guys do...or they would if they were awake."

Lita rolled her eyes, "well we both know how grumpy Hunter can be in the morning."

Victoria made a face, "don't remind me.. I'm starting to think that if I wasn't a female, he would've hurt me."

"Probably," Lita conceded all too easily, "which is why Randy said one of us should wake him up."

Victoria nodded through a yawn, "do you want me to call Dave? Give him an update on everything?"

"Yeah.. I'd call him myself, but, I can't reach the phone." Hazel eyes glanced around quickly, "and besides.."

"They're still sleeping," Victoria finished for her friend, the older woman already on her feet. "I'll give him a call...Maybe Stacy will know what's going on about the mini-promo tour."

Lita raised an eyebrow, "mini promo tour?"

Victoria ran a hand through her slightly tousled hair, "yeah.. Stacy said that, this weekend starting Friday actually, you and John start a mini-promo tour.. Test things out or whatever. And Hunter will be going with you two, I might be."

The redhead nodded slowly, "that won't be too bad then...as long as Hunter stays far away from my laundry."

Victoria smirked, "trust me.. if I have any say in it? Hunter and the word laundry will never be in the same sentence."

Lita giggled at that, her attention turning back to the non-food on the tray in front of her as the dark haired diva making a quick exit to call Dave.

"Where'd Vicki go?"

Hazel eyes shifted to Hunter, "she went to call Dave.." A hint of amusement played in her hazel eyes, "don't tell me you can't sleep without her.."

The blond man rolled his eyes, stretching his arms out before he spoke. "No.. I was just wondering. If she was going back to the hotel, you know.. we took my rental here..or.."

"Uh huh," Lita shook her head, running a hand through her messy red locks. "I'll just smile and play along."

Hunter's eye twitched, "ya know something Li... if you weren't, well...if you weren't you. I'd hurt you." And then he yawned, "any word on when you're getting out of here?"

Lita nodded shortly, "hopefully whenever Dave gets here.. I'm pretty much cleared to go, just need to prove that I'll be alright without the I.V...and I have to get my after-care instructions."

His expression took a serious turn, "and you're going to follow them right?"

"Yes," she said with just a hint of definance. "I don't like this either, H... I hate it."

"I don't think any of us do, Li.." He held her gaze for a moment, "just don't push us away.. I know it's tempting, especially when we act the way that we do but.."

Lita sighed, "I know.. you're just trying to look out for me." Smiling slightly, she added: "just don't forget what I told you, alright? I don't want to be treated like a helpless little girl."

The blond man nodded his agreement, opening his mouth to say more when the body nearest the bed started to stir...two sets of hazel eyes watching, then one as John stretched out his arms. "Fuckin' hospital chairs.."

The redhead quirked an eyebrow, "good morning to you too.. And if you think those chairs are uncomfortable, try sleeping in these stupid hospital gowns, in these stupid beds."

The West Newbury native looked sheepish for the briefest of moments, "s'long as it don't become a habit.."

Lita half shrugged, speaking quietly...mostly to herself. "You didn't have to stay."

John opened his mouth to argue that, but, shut it...not awake enough to have any real conversation yet. "When're you gettin' outta here?"

"Hopefully after Dave gets here," Lita pushed the tray away from her, "Vicki's calling him now...so, if he's awake, it shouldn't be too much longer."

"Good to know," Cena replied, rolling his shoulders as he stood. "But, if y'all don' mind.. I'm gonna see if they got descent coffee at one of 'them vending machines.."

The redhead frowned at his retreating back, glancing over to Hunter...she was just starting to say something about it when the blond man interrupted her.

"And that's why I wanted to know if you had figured it out yet." Hunter stood, crossing the short distance between them. "You're already pushing him away, Li."

"I can't help that," she stated honestly, "it's a habit from dealing with you, Dave and Randy."

Hunter half shrugged, "that might be the case, but, Cena doesn't know that, does he? And he won't know that unless you say something. He doesn't know you, doesn't know how you react to certain things and--"

"For someone who says he's not good with the Dr. Phil bullshit.." Lita sent him a tiny smile, "I get what you're saying H...and once I have this figured out, I'll talk to him."

The blond man nodded shortly, "good.. Now, I'm waking up Randy and dragging his skinny ass to the cafeteria." He held up a hand when Lita shot him a look, "I'm not saying talk to him now.. but, if the topic comes up.."

The diva rolled her eyes, "you're worse than the girls sometimes."

Hunter gave her a winning smile, "you love me and you know it."

Lita made a sound of disbelief, watching with mild amusement as Hunter did in fact wake up the sleeping Legend Killer. Of course, that task was easier said than done... And once Randy was awake, he was none too happy about being woken up. But, before he had the chance to really question why Hunter was waking him up.. the blond man was dragging him out of his seat. The diva continued to watch as Hunter managed to interecept Victoria as she was returning from calling Dave.. Lita presuming that Hunter was inviting the dark haired diva to join them on their trip to the cafeteria. It didn't take much longer before John re-appeared with coffee in hand, the WWE champion seating himself in the same seat he had slept in. A near uncomfortable silence was hanging between them, Lita showing more interest in the non-food on her tray, while John had taken a keen interest in the coffee. But, the silence would have to be broken at some point... the redhead clearing her throat in a half hearted attempt to get his attention. Before she could speak, however, the phone near her bed rang.. Lita reaching for it in vain, John reaching around her to hand the object to her. She muttered a thank you before picking up the receiver, Stacy informing her that the mini-promo was starting Friday...and that it would be herself, John, Hunter and Victoria participating. The leggy blond continued to ramble off the details for the mini-promo, further stating that she would bring along a more detailed schedule when she arrived to the hospital. And by the time that conversation ended, the phone rang again... Dave soon letting his sister know that he would be there in an hour with Lilian, Stacy, Maria and Chris in tow.