Authors Note: Update. Thank you guys for all the reviews and points of view on what's going on with the story. I really appreciate, so please read and review.
Kimberley - Thank you very much for you support and comments, you really made my day today with your message. I hope you like this chapter.
Electra54 - Hey there! Thank you for the reviews, I really appreciate it. I'm so pleased you liked 'Follow Me Home', and I'm thrilled you're sticking with me for 'Some Kind of Bliss'. I hope you like this one too :)
As ever, I don't own anything, but would love some more reviews!
Oh!…It's Time to Rock and Roll!…This Time I'm In Control!
The rowdy Miami crowd exploded into frenzied cheers at the opening notes of 'Time to Rock and Roll', leading to the arrival of the company's only seven time Women's Champion. Appearing at the top of the staging, blonde hair gleaming in the arena lights, and the title belt slung over her left shoulder, Trish Stratus raised her arm, pointing at the baying crowd in appreciation. Resting her hand on her low riding jeans, Trish took in the fans enthusiastic response.
Making her way down the ramp, Trish tagged hands with several fans' outstretched arms, who screamed and cheered wildly at her arrival. Making her way around the ring, Trish headed towards the announce table to join RAW's broadcast team Jerry 'The King' Lawler and Jim Ross. Offering a short wave to the front row seat fans, Trish lowered herself into the seat next to Jerry, placing her belt on the announce table.
Trish wasn't exactly thrilled at the news that she wouldn't be competing tonight. Shane McMahon had pulled her aside as she had been giving Lana the tour of the backstage areas, telling her that she 'had the night off' from competition. The information wasn't readily welcomed by the Women's Champion, as she had come to arena this evening ready to fight and was being prevented from it by needless bureaucracy.
In truth, Trish guessed things hadn't gone well between Vince and Randy. She knew something had happened between, and was more than a little disturbed by the fact Randy wouldn't open up on what had happened. Was he already keeping secrets from her? Didn't he trust her enough to tell her the truth. What else could Randy be lying about?
Stop it Trish! He's just dealing with it in his own way. You know how it works. Don't be so fucking paranoid all the time.
Reassuring herself, Trish knew better than to push her boyfriend. Randy would open up to her when he was ready to. In the meantime, Trish had to find a way to deal with bubbling adrenaline she had been feeling since she was told she couldn't wrestle tonight.
Being the hot-headed woman that she was, there was no way she could do nothing tonight. Not content to simply sit backstage and sit the night out, Trish knew there was a Diva's match on the card this evening, and saw no harm in giving her point of view during the match. As far as Trish was concerned, Shane could stuff his 'night off' in places she didn't dare think about.
Placing the head set on, Trish was greeted by a gale of conversation from the veteran commentators.
"Trish," came The King's exclamation, "welcome! What brings you out here tonight?"
"Well Jerry, it seems our General Manager, in his wisdom, gave the Women's Champion the night off," Trish smiled sweetly, "so I figured I'd come down here and give everyone at home my own critique of the Diva's match tonight."
"Well Trish, you're always more than welcome down here with us," JR assured, "you're looking very well I might add."
"Thank you JR." Trish smiled, focusing her attention on the monitor.
The arena lights dimmed slightly, heralding the beginning of the evening's contest. The pulsating techno/dance music filling the arena caused Trish to scowl as she recognised it as the entrance theme of Mickie James.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, Mickie…James!"
True to form, the brunette came skipping to the top of the ramp, hoping up and down before skipping down the ramp to the ring. Trish often wondered if Mickie was on some kind of medication, because she seriously needed some if she wasn't. Grinning wildly, Mickie scaled the turnbuckle to salute the crowd. Her response was mixed, but it didn't seem to phase Mickie, who moved towards the opposite ring rope, engaging in a staring contest with Trish, who by now had risen from her seat to stare down the woman in the ring.
When it seemed as though Trish would leap into the ring to attack Mickie, an unfamiliar entrance theme filled the arena. Forcing herself to break her glare, Trish checked out who was now entering the arena. The surprise on her face was evident as she recognised the competitor.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, making her RAW debut…Lana!"
Trish watched in pure amazement as the brunette had appeared at the top of the ramp, making her way towards the ring. Trish knew Lana was making her debut tonight, but to go up against Mickie James? Trish wondered who's decision it had been to place the 'new girl' up against the intense Mickie. Stratus only prayed that Lana would be able to get through the match without getting too badly beaten.
She needn't have worried it seemed, as Lana launched herself into the ring, spearing Mickie down to the mat. Mounting the more experience diva, Lana hammered hard fists down onto Mickie's temple. Thrashing beneath her, Mickie managed to escape from Lana's grip, scooting back into the ring corner, putting the referee between her and the taunting new girl.
"Well Trish, what do you make of RAW's newest diva? She certainly seemed to get the jump on RAW veteran Mickie." JR observed.
"Definitely." Was Trish's only response, instead focusing on the monitor as Lana was performing a picture perfect head-scissors on Mickie. Randy had said Lana was good, but so far she looked awesome, and was having no problems getting the best of her opponent.
Lana remained on the offensive, taking Mickie to mat soundly with a swinging neck breaker, before latching onto her with an arm bar. Mickie screeched in pain as Lana applied a great amount of pressure on her shoulder joint. The look of intensity on Lana's face was nothing less than frightening, as she looked more than prepared to separate Mickie's arm from her body with the force she was applying.
Mercifully, Mickie reversed the pressure being placed on her. Using tremendous lower back strength, Mickie pushed herself into a bridge, before rolling into a cover on Lana. Getting a close two count, Lana kicked herself out, but Mickie used her momentary advantage to sink a stinging knee into the new diva's chest. Gasping for air, Lana rolled to safety beneath the bottom rope as Mickie seemed to regain control.
"This could be Lana's inexperience coming in to play here ladies and gentlemen. Impressive as she is, Lana can't match Mickie for ring experience." JR commentated, speaking animatedly into his head set.
"I agree JR," Trish nodded, "Mickie is very dangerous in the ring. She knows how to use it to her clear advantage. It's gonna be interesting to see if Lana can counter her experience with raw ability."
"I think she is! Man, look at that little firecracker go! She's hot!" The King practically salivated as Lana twisted herself out of Mickie's grasp, before planting her with a face buster. Rousing the crowd behind her, Lana clambered to the top rope. With a final arm wave for approval, Lana launched herself into the air, performing a stunning Corkscrew moonsault.
Crushing down with a bone-shaking thud, Lana hooked the motionless' Mickie's leg to gain the pin fall over her opponent.
"Here is you winner…Lana!"
Lana exploded in a series of cheers as she leapt up and down in the ring in excitement, much to the appreciation of the crowd.
"An impressive first outing in her first match," JR surmised, "it looks like there may be a new contender for your title Trish."
"I hope so JR," Trish grinned, "Lana took care of business in the ring, and she did it with style. We'll cross paths I'm sure in the future. And when we do, you can be sure the Women's Champion will deliver 100 Stratusfaction, Guaranteed."
Lana grinned at Trish as she slid beneath the bottom rope to exit the ring, backing up the entrance ramp. Her green eyes shining with excitement, it was a big moment for her, and she hoped Trish was proud of what she had achieved. Nodding at Lana in approval, Trish removed the head-set, taking up her title belt to leave ringside.
Saying her goodbyes to JR and the King, Trish was stopped by a ring theme that was much more familiar to her than Lana's.
Hey!…Nothing You Can Say…
Puzzled, Trish stopped mid step as she watched her boyfriend appear beneath the Titan Tron, a shower of sparks raining down behind him. Stripped down to his wrestling trunks, Trish guessed Randy was out here to compete.
Trish enjoyed a good, naughty stare on her boyfriend, as he came towards the ring. Arms extended, Randy basked in the massive ovation he received from the crowd all around him. It felt good to have the fans behind him again. Although playing the bad boy was a lot of fun for him, no-one could deny the feeling you had when 20,000 people leaped to their feet for you. There was no experience in the world like it, and it sent chills down his spine every time. Sauntering down towards the ring, Randy kept his blue eyes focused on Trish who had left the announce table, and was now at the side of the ring.
Sliding beneath the bottom rope, he took the microphone from Lillian, holding it to his lips.
"Baby, you wanna get up in here with me?" Randy offered, extending his hand out towards Trish with a smile on his face. Climbing the steps, Trish got to the ring apron and stepped beneath the middle rope.
Slinging his arm around Trish's waist, Randy was glad she was out here. As tough as he was, it felt good to have Trish at his side as he addressed the crowd. Nerves taking hold, Orton could only hope his knees weren't shaking like he felt they were, as his voice began to echo out through the speaker system.
"Man it feels good to be back on RAW, and back in Miami." Randy knew he was using cheap tactics to get a response, but the wild cheers brought a smile to his face, "I'm back after a hard two months of rehabilitation, and ready to kick some ass! …Edge…man I know you're listening back there. It's just a matter of time. I'm hungry for the gold, and I'm coming for you, so you'd better be ready. I will smash my way through anything and anyone to get that belt, and right now that means you. So suggest you get ready to bring it, because I will take you out."
The crowd cheered wildly in support of Randy as he turned to face Trish. Her smile was broad, her eyes expressing all the pride and admiration she felt for her boyfriend.
"Tonight, I'm out here because I've got myself a shot for the World Tag Team Championships, against the Spirit Squad. This is a big match for me tonight, I'm getting my first chance at gold. Three of those cheerleaders against me and a partner of my choice. Obviously, I've thought long and hard about this, and I realised there's only one person who I'd trust enough to have my back out here tonight."
Randy licked his lips, as the crowd waited in baited breath as to whom Randy had chosen for his partner in tonight's match.
"Ladies and gentleman…my partner tonight…Trish Stratus!"
The crowd seemed to hit fever pitch as they cheered and screamed in unison at Randy's decision, practically taking the roof off the arena with their collective sound. Everyone approved of Randy's choice, to see Trish in action at his side, ready to take on the Spirit Squad and become the new, historic Tag Team Champions. The only person who seemed less than thrilled…was Trish herself.
Her face had dropped at the mention of her name, her eyebrows arching in unabashed shocked. Gripping Randy by the waist, pushing the microphone away so no-one could over hear, she raised her head to his so he could hear every word over the din of the screaming audience.
"Are you out of your fucking mind?" She hissed.
"Come on baby. I need you out here with me." Randy soothed, holding her head between his hands.
"Baby…this is stupid. How can I help you win those belts? In case you haven't noticed, those Squad boys are a few hundred pound heavier than me and a hell of a lot taller. They'll break me in half! How can I help you win the titles? What possible use can I be?" Trish's eyes looked desperate, causing Randy to pull her into a hug. It was a new experience to see Trish doubt herself, and Randy didn't like it at all.
"I can deal with those goons baby. And I would never let any of them hurt you. I'd fucking die first. Besides, you're more than capable of holding your own Trisha. I just need to know you're out here with me, okay?" Trish moved mouth to protest, but Randy cut her off with tender kiss. Losing herself in the sensation of his lips on hers', Trish forgot what she was saying, why she was arguing…pretty much everything other than Randy's name.
"I believe in you. There's no-one else in the world I trust more to have my back in this." Pulling his head back, he searched Trish's eyes for understanding.
Sighing in exasperation, Trish knew there was no arguing. She was in this now whether she agreed or not. Knowing that Randy was at a disadvantage anway with the match being three-on-two, not to mention the other two members of the Squad who would no doubt get involved, Trish only hoped she wouldn't disappoint him in this match. She thought he was insane, but Randy's mind was made up.
Randy believed every word he had told Trish. He didn't trust anyone else more to watch his back in this more than her. But of course there was more to his decision. Randy knew the Chairman and his son were out to get him, and by proxy Trish was in the line of fire too. Rand knew Trish would vulnerable when he was out wrestling and she was backstage alone. At least with her out here with him, he could keep an eye on Trish, and if Vince tried anything, he would be there to stop it.
If by some miracle they did win the Tag Team Titles, then they would have to wrestle together anyway, and would have to stick together at all times. This way, Trish could never leave his sight. And that was a comforting thought.
Staring down into his girlfriends chocolate eyes, Randy kissed her forehead lightly.
"You still my girl?" He questioned, his voice soft in her ear. For some reason, Trish's reassurance was always enough to make him find his centre again, to focus and get his head back in the game.
Trish responded, hugging him tighter, "Always."
With one more kiss, the pair separated, warming themselves up as the sounds of the Spirit Squad's fight theme invaded the arena…
