Authors Note: Thank you for the reviews guys...although I think I'm making some enemies due to your reactions. Well here's another update for you, I hope you enjoy this chapter. As always, I appreciate your views on what I write.

Electra54 - Lana's connection to Randy will be revealed soon. Thank you for the reviews and I hope you enjoy the rest of the story.

Kimberley - you know you love me really :p

As ever, I don't anything in this story, but keep the reviews coming :)

The one night Trish had planned to sped apart from Randy, soon became two…then three…and eventually lasted a week long. It wasn't that Trish wanted to be away from Randy. Far from it. That was her idea of hell. She wanted nothing more to go back to their hotel room, and just collapse into his arms. If she could just to feel his warmth next to her, feel his gentle hands caress her skin and listen to him whisper that everything was going to be okay. To let her know that her fears were unjustified and that she was the one he really loved. If she could just hear his voice, feel the beat of his heart and the soft rise of his chest. But it wasn't going to happen.

For whatever reason, Trish couldn't bring herself to go to Randy, and by the same token, he had made no effort to contact her since she walked out a week ago. It had slowly dawned on her, that since he had come back to RAW, Randy had gently distanced himself from here. Trish could feel the wall that had built between them, and it crushed her spirit. She had taken a huge leap of faith to be with Randy, and now…Trish felt herself beginning to wonder the possibilities of if she had made a mistake in opening her heart to him.

Arriving at the arena, Trish didn't know how tonight's RAW was going to go down. As a Tag Team Champion, she knew that she would have to face Randy sooner or later, it was undeniable logic. More than likely, Vince had schemed some way to put Trish in harms way again. And that didn't bother her. Trish knew she would face whatever challenge came her head on. What bothered her was that she was going into every match with Randy handicapped.

His secrecy and evasion was acting as a blindfold to her. Trish had no idea what to expect or how to overcome any threat which came her way. If Randy couldn't be honest, at the very least so she could prepare herself for a challenge, how could Trish be expected to do anything tonight?

And more than that. Could Trish learn to live with Randy hiding things from her? Could she be in a relationship where Randy couldn't be honest with her? Lies, dishonesty and ignorance had ruined her and Jeff, could Trish live with herself if another man she loved felt he couldn't be honest with her?

What made it hurt more, were the looks and glances she received, entering the arena by herself. Superstars and backstage workers alike found it very unusual for Trish to be arriving by herself, without Randy at her side. Having just returned from a prolonged hiatus, everyone had assumed that Randy and Trish would be attached to the hip, inseparable and totally in love. And that clearly wasn't the case. Many suspected that something had happened between the pair, but none had the audacity to come forward and ask Trish. Instead, the blonde Canadian simply wandered into hallways, ducking her head away, not wanting to be subjected to the curious looks and whispered rumours from all around.

Hurrying around the corner, Trish stopped dead, her heart catching in her throat.. Huddled together, mostly out of view, whispering into each other's ear were Randy and Lana. His hand rested on her shoulder, hers on his waste. The intimate touches and lack of space between the two caused jealousy to flare in Trish like never before. Not only had Randy failed to make any attempt to talk to her since she had walked out their hotel room, but now as excruciatingly predictable as it could have been, he was with Lana. Again. Why was it that whenever Trish was with Randy, Lana was never far behind? She was either already there, or interrupting them in some way. Feel betrayed and emotionally exhausted, Trish felt her shoulders sag wanting nothing more than to just give up. What was the point in loving someone if all they could do was disappoint you? Breathing a silent sight, Trish was fairly certain the pair weren't aware that she had seen them together, and she dearly wanted to keep it that way.

Carefully backing out of corridor, Trish's foot collided with whomever it was standing behind her. Whirling around, biting down on her lip to stop her yelping in surprise, Trish rolled her eyes in the face of the sneering Shane McMahon.

"There you are Trish," his voice was sickeningly false, "I've been looking all over for you."

"Not now Shane." Trish growled, trying to push her way past. Landing his hand on her shoulder, the General Manager kept her in place. Glaring up into his eyes, Trish could feel a mouthful of abuse building in her throat.

"Not just yet Trish. We need to talk." Slinging his arm around the petit Canadian's shoulder, Shane guided the visibly distressed Stratus into a side room, firmly closing the door behind him. Dropping into a leather chair, Trish crossed her legs, glaring at Shane with all the contempt her tiny body could find. And it was a lot.

"I know you don't like me Trish." Shane began, sitting himself down on an empty bookshelf, extending his legs for support. Curling her lip into a false smile, Trish chuckled.

"Whatever gave you that idea?" Shane surveyed her smile, forming one of his own onto his lips, crossing his arms across his chest.

"I wonder. That aside Trish, it's a shame that you lost your Women's Title last Monday Night." Shane's smile hinted at a malevolent grin.

"Isn't it just," Trish replied, "but I'll get it back." Her confidence radiated from her like a beacon in the dark. Confident in her ability, Trish knew she had it within her to take Jazz down, and by god would she enjoy doing it. Trish was fed up of being jumped. She was fed up of sneak attacks and deceit from those she trusted the most. If they were going to take on Trish, they'd better be prepared to bring it, because she would sure as hell come out fighting.

"I'm sure you will. But not tonight," licking his lips, Shane continued, "it seems the fans have gone wild at your winning the Tag Titles along with your boyfriend. Looks like your popularity is on the up. And we're going to capitalize."

"Meaning?" Trish shot. She was well aware he was trying to shake her up by taking his time in revealing whatever evil scheme he had cooked up, but she wouldn't fall for it. She was better than petty mind games.

"Tonight, you and Randy will be defending your Tag Team titles against a team of my personal selection," Shane's feeling of superiority filled Trish's lungs like a toxic sludge, choking her completely. "do well Trish. My father will be watching most closely. You've made a real impressions on him recently, catching his eye with your recent activities. He thinks Trish Stratus is transcending past the Diva ranks. He says you're becoming a Superstar."

Shane smiled once more, and Trish simply rolled her eyes. It was true, in the past seven years her popularity had sky rocketed past anything the WWE had known previously for a female. No other diva in the history of the company had captured the fans admiration and love like Trish had. The fans loved her because she was the culmination of everything diva.

She had the beauty of Torrie Wilson mixed with the sex appeal of Sable. She had the spunk of Lita but conversely the innocence of Stacy Keibler. Trish displayed more in-ring technical ability than Molly Holly and Ivory combined, and still maintained the tough-as-nails resilience of Jacqueline, her intensity surpassing that of Victoria and Mickie James. And she still held the respect that Chyna had commanded from the male and female locker room alike. Trish was known for displaying more defiant aggression than Jazz could ever hope to show. Her seven runs as Women's Champion could attest to that.

In short, Trish was the Diva of the WWE. The fans knew this, and they loved her the world over for it. It was plain for anyone to see that Trish couldn't remain at the Diva level forever. Her popularity demanded she be give a chance to progress and grow, and her winning the Tag Titles with Randy was the first step towards this goal. The only way forward was into the men's division.

"It's about time he figured that out," Trish nodded nonchalantly, "and remind your father, I don't care what he throws at me. I don't care who puts in match against me, what stipulations he adds, who he picks to jump me, and however else he tries to stack the odds against me. You remind me of one thing Shane."

Biting to Trish teasing statement, Shane could only ask "What's that Trish? You've got Randy protecting you?"

"Not even close Shane. Tell your daddy," she smiled sweetly, licking her lips in a playful seduction as she paused for real dramatic effect, "that I'm Trish fucking Stratus. And I don't back down for anyone."

Gripping her tag title, Trish slung it over her shoulder, exiting the room with a slight nod to Shane. Marching down the hallway, Trish headed straight for the women's locker room, a grim smile of determination on her face. If nothing else, Shane's plan at scaring her had reminded her of one thing. She didn't need a man. She was Trish Stratus. The best god damn female wrestler ever to be apart of the WWE. Not one single person could hold a candle to her, and she was going to prove that to anyone tonight who dared get in her way. She knew she was a Legend in her own right.

And god help any fucker who forgets it Trish grinned.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Standing in the ring, 'Burn in My light' blaring around the arena, Randy stared at the ramp way, more than a little concerned. Of course, it was custom for a Tag Team to enter the ring together, but this was the first time that Randy had come down to the ring by himself, with out Trish at her side. He felt a debilitating emptiness, like he'd left half of himself behind. His better half. Randy realised that without Trish he wasn't anything. He'd always seen himself as unworthy of her love from the beginning. He knew he didn't deserve Trish at all, and yet she was the best part of his life. She had been for so long now. She created the need in him to better himself, to become something more than he was. Trish pushed Randy, made him go that extra mile, take that final leap so he could be the man that Trish already saw in him.

So why are you hiding from her? Why didn't you to her when she walked out last week? You saw how hurt she was, and you just let her go.

Randy swore to himself, that no matter what happened tonight, he would make things right with Trish tonight.

Oh! …It's Time to Rock and Roll!…This Time I'm in Control…

Randy breathed a sigh of relief at Trish's theme. And, as the elation of the crowd suggested, Trish appeared beneath the Titan Tron. Holding her Tag Team Championship high above her head, the crowd became ecstatic. Slinging it over her shoulder, Trish made her way towards the ring, purposely not making eye contact with Randy.

She felt confident. She felt unbeatable. She felt alive. And that wasn't because she was with Randy. It wasn't because she was in love with and amazing. It was because she was Trish Stratus. And it was about time everyone remembered it.

In the ring, Trish walked straight past Randy, to get to the top turnbuckle, raising her title belt high above her head. The collective screams where like a bomb exploding, as Trish became bathed in a strobe lighting effect, with thousands of tiny flashes of light from cameras illuminating her face. Basking in the adulation fro her fans, Trish grinned. She was ready for this.

Dropping back to the ring, Trish turned into the embrace of Randy. She opened her mouth to speak, but Randy didn't allow it, pressing his finger to her lip to quieten her voice.

"I know you don't believe in me Trish. But I still believe in you," his expression was honest and open, "please let me take you to dinner tonight. Just meet me in the lobby of the hotel after the show, and I promise I will explain everything. Please Trish. Please be there."

Unable to hold back, Randy lowered his head to Trish's, gently brushing his lips against her. Trish felt him sigh against her lips, before he pulled back to face the ramp to see who their opponents would be.

Left breathless, a thousand questions rushed into Trish's mind. There was so much she could say to Randy right now, but wasn't given the chance.

The electric guitar screeching from the speakers of the arena heralded the arrival of the 'World's Strongest Man'…Mark Henry. Feeling her body stiffen in anticipation, the Canadian bombshell realised that with Vince McMahon as your father, there no limit to who you could chose to do your dirty work. However, Trish's jaw dropped even further at the sight Henry's tag team partner.

Hulking about from behind the curtain, trailed by his sneering long manager Estrada, emerged the Samoan Bull dozer 'Umaga'.

Grimacing at the sight of the two giants, particularly the hideous expression on Umaga's face, Trish dropped her shoulders into a defensive stance, preparing the best way she knew how for this match. Licking her lips in anticipation, Trish couldn't help but chuckle to herself.

"This is gonna hurt." She mused.