Dislcaimer: I own not. Title lifted from the song- And All That Could Have Been by Nine Inch Nails.
Rating: T (for now)
Summary: In the war between the WWE and TNA, the lines have been drawn.. Where does she stand? See my author note, keep it in mind. Still don't like it? Don't read it.
Spoilers: Some current angles/storylines from the WWE/TNA are being used, most will be ignored eventually, as the plot is all mine.
Author Note: See the prologue for all of my notes. And I know, I take them OOC at times, but it's the way I write. Don't get all preachy with me for it.
Lita stiffled a yawn as she shuffled out of the upstairs bathroom at Chris' house.. The smell of coffee brewing stirring her from her light slumber. Of course, the blonde man had said there was no coffee to speak of at the house.. That thought not entirely registering in her mind as she made her way to the kitchen. Lita sweeping her messy red locks back from her face, hazel eyes widening slightly when she was met with the sight of Terry.. Or at least it was Terry's back, the man in question currently standing in front of the stove; calmly scrambling eggs as if he actually lived there.
The diva arched an eyebrow, "umm.. Not to be rude, but.. Where's Chris and why are you here?"
Terry smirked, though she couldn't see it. "If you can believe this, well actually you probably can.. Chris decided to stop by Christian's to see if he had coffee.. Chris walked out of Christian's house with the last of the coffee grounds, Christian followed him... And they somehow convinced the other to go grocery shopping."
Lita rolled her eyes a little, "I do believe that actually. And that explains why Chris isn't here, so why are you here?"
He turned from the stove, "do you honestly trust either one of them to cook breakfast? Sure, they might be grocery shopping but.. That doesn't amount to much."
"I take it you've experianced the culinary wonder that is 'extra crispy bacon, burnt toast and scrambled eggshells?" Lita smirked when Terry nodded, "I feel your pain. But, in Chris' defense, he can grill a mean steak."
"Are you trying to tell me Christian can cook?"
The redhead simply shrugged, seating herself at the table.. Terry taking a moment to finish the eggs. "You can't just leave it there, you know. Maybe I've known him longer than you but--"
Lita shook her head, "I've been sworn to secrecy."
Terry made a gesture to the stove, "I'm making pancakes. Enough for myself and one other person.."
"Hmm.. You make those chocolate chip pancakes and we've got a deal."
He grinned, "just what kind of pancake maker do you take me for?"
"Just checking," she replied in a somewhat conspiring tone, the redhead leaning forwards a bit to rest her elbows on the table. "And those are chocolate chip pancakes, right? 'Cos this story is worth at least three chocolate chip pancakes."
"That good huh?" Terry almost snickered, "then it seems like I'll have some great blackmail by the time they get back."
Lita snorted softly, "I'm honestly surprised that Chris hasn't told you yet.. Or my brother for that matter."
Terry half shrugged as he poured out the pancake batter. "That's because your brother isn't as much of a gossip for blackmailing purposes. He's a storyteller for entertainment purposes."
"Published for anyone who visits his website," Lita returned with a slight smile. "We both agreed though, I wasn't going to write anything nasty or embarrassing about him in my book, he doesn't get to write anything embarrassing about me on his website."
"And you two are half siblings, right?"
Lita nodded shortly, moving from the table to take out coffee cups, plates and utensils. "I took my mom's last name, he took our dad's. That was without even realising we'd both end up in the business at some point... Well, Lance always seemed determined about that, but it took me a little bit longer."
Terry nodded absently, "so it was convenient then.. After both of you ended up in the WWE.. And the brief stint you had in ECW."
"Very convenient." Lita poured out two cups of coffee, leaving enough room in each cup for sugar or cream. "Not too many people know that we are related. You being one of them, of course."
"Chris, Christian, Adam.."
"Victoria, Lilian, Trish, Benoit and the Hardy's." The diva pursed her lips in thought, "I'm guessing the McMahon's since they kinda do know those things but they never really said anything about it to me. Or Lance for that matter."
Terry shook his head, "there are still times I find it hard to believe you two are related at all."
Lita smirked, "well he is the more serious of the two of us."
"Don't even start," Terry warned jokingly, the man then plating the pancakes and the eggs. "Breakfast is served."
The redhead eyed the plate appreciatively, "and I guess I owe you a story."
Terry grinned, "Christian.. Cooking. I'll allow you to sample the bribe so you can decide how much of the story to tell me."
Lita rolled her eyes, "how very generous of you." She cut into the pancake with her fork, taking that bite before a smile creased at the corners of her mouth.. The diva making sure she wasn't spewing pancake before she spoke. "Okay, that's worth at least half of the story."
"Please, help yourself to more pancakes.."
Lita stuck out her tongue, taking another bite of the pancake before she began her story..
Flashback- August, 2002
Since injuring her neck on that damned television show.. Lita had been forced to rely on her friends while she got better. Of course, she appreciated their help and their concern for her well being but.. Sometimes, it was just a bit much. Especially when the well meaning caregivers happened to be Chris Jericho, Christian and Adam..
"Guys, honestly.. I don't need you to cook for me. Mom sent a bunch of frozen, home-made meals.. Lance even--"
"Tut, tut.." Chris interrupted shortly, "we are here to take care of you just like we promised Matthew and Jeffrey. Come on Leets, we have the time off, we're here to pamper you."
Lita eyed the mystery goo in the pot that was supposed to be sauce. "Are you sure you aren't trying to poison me?"
Adam waved here away, "now you listen here young lady, we were assigned to take care of you this week and that's exactly what we're going to do."
Lita let out a huffy breath, "what you three are going to do is burn down my house or drive me insane. Or both. If you really want to help me out? Take care of the dog, mow the lawn.. There's a list of things I need from the store and--"
"Then one of us is going to stay here and help you," Christian cut her off, his blue eyes gentle. "We're not trying to be pushy and overbearing, but.. Li, honey.. You just had major neck surgery four months ago."
"I know that Chriskel, but it's not like I need to be waited on hand and foot."
Chris coughed, "well.. I guess Edgeward and I will handle the shopping and whatever else it is that you needed done." He nudged the taller man towards the front door, "come on. If we aren't cooking, we don't have to clean up the mess we already made."
Lita rolled her eyes as Chris and Adam left, the redhead turning her attention back to Christian. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?"
The blonde man scoffed, "of course I know what I'm doing." He put one arm around her waist, "you just go, sit down and watch television. I'll have dinner ready in no time at all."
Thirty minutes later found Lita back in the kitchen, the redhead somehow covered in flour while Christian had sauce all over his cheeks and in his hair.. The pair actually managing to get some semblance of dinner ready during the fiasco.
"Well?" Christian prompted her, "how is dinner?"
"Aside from the fact that you've made a royal mess out of my kitchen?" She dragged her finger through some of the sauce on his cheek, licking it off of her finger without a second thought. "It's not half that bad."
Christian smirked, "and yet you doubted me.. I think someone owes me an apology."
Lita snorted, "I am not apologising to you, buddy. You made a mess out of my kitchen."
"This mess is half your fault."
Lita shook her head, wiping her hands off on a dish towel. "So why did you call Chris and Ads?"
"Eh.. I'd rather have them not holding this over me."
"What, that you can cook?" Lita blinked, "I hate to break it to you, but.. You jump into a ring wearing tights. How that's exactly considered to be totally masculine--"
"Are you calling me a girly man?"
Lita smiled sweetly, "you said it, not me."
He smiled wickedly, sticking a finger into the nearly empty sauce pot.. Lita's cheek soon covered in sauce. "Redhead, red cheeked."
Lita stuck out her tongue in response, another mini food fight ensuing; Christian giving in when she started to tickle him.. Though, neither escaped entirely unscathed.. Lita was still sporting a streak of sauce on her face while Christian had sauce on his nose... And despite the fact that her kitchen looked like a mini disaster area.. It was what she had needed. Just a break from the normal 'pamper the redhead' routine.
End Flashback
"And that's basically what happened."
Terry eyed his friend closely as she finished her story.. Certainly yes, that was a smile on her face but... Her eyes were shut tightly, glistening with a distinct moisture as she finally opened them. Truth be told, he'd heard more of Christian's side of the story than Adam's but, he also knew that Lita and Chris were right in the middle of it. And judging by the look on her face, despite the smile that was now fading.. Terry began to wonder if those two blockheads had any idea as to what they were doing to her. Speaking of one of the devils..
"Lucy.. I'm home!"
"Ethel and I are just finishing breakfast!" Terry returned in his best falsetto, "is Fred with you?"
Lita wiped hastily at her eyes, busying herself with clearing the table when Chris and Christian entered the kitchen. "Hey guys."
Chris blinked at her back, "are you wearing one of my old Y2J shirts?"
Lita forced a short laugh at that, "actually it's a Captain Charisma shirt.. Your sweats are kinda big on me, but.. I had to make do." She let out a breath, turning around only to find herself face to face with Christian.
"Hey."
"Hi."
A long moment of silence.. Chris glancing between the two.. "Now where's that sagebrush and cricket noise in a can when you need it." He cleared his throat, sending a pointed look over to Terry. "Can you help me with the groceries, Lucy?"
Terry nodded slowly, "certainly, Ricky, let me just get my house slippers and my apron on."
Lita twisted the hem of the shirt in her hands, closing her eyes; counting backwards in her mind before she met Christian's gaze. "I umm.. I would've called but.. McMahon has this really crazy appearance schedule for us now and since I won at Survivor Series, I doubt it's going to get any better and--"
"It's okay Li," Christian reached out a hand, settling it lightly on her shoulder. "I know how crazy the WWE schedule can get.. You don't have to make up excuses all right?"
Her nose wrinkled, "yeah well.. I told you I would call you at least twice a week and I haven't been very good at that recently and--"
He held up his free hand, "Red.. It's all right." Christian gave her forearm a gentle squeeze, then trailed that hand down her arm. "How have you been?"
"Not so good," she nearly whispered, the redhead leaning against him as they made their way to the living room. "I was supposed to be visiting Adam this week."
"Sweetie," Christian pulled her against him almost instantly, "I'm sorry that you're in the middle of all this mess."
Lita shook her head, "it was my choice, Christian. As I've always told Ads, you're my friend. I just don't get why he's taking this so personally and why he's been going on about it for so long."
Christian grimaced, "well he is a stubborn bastard. He'll say the same about me and I know you will too, so just hush. I didn't mean for you to get caught up in this."
"I know," she let out a sigh, resting her head on his shoulder. "Before it was Matt and Jeff, now it's you and Adam.. Chris thinks I should bash your heads together."
He toyed with a strand of her hair, "Chris thinks that's the perfect solution for everything." Christian smiled suddenly, "and now I know where my one shirt went."
Lita managed a tiny smile, hazel eyes wide and innocent looking.. "How was I supposed to know I left it here?"
And then he grinned, "it looks good on you.. My shirt."
"Christian--"
"I know Li.." He rested his forehead briefly against hers, "call me next time you're in Tampa.. Visit once awhile, okay? You know I wouldn't mind driving up to Atlanta just to see you but.. You could come visit me too."
Lita opened her mouth to reply to that, words just on the tip of her tongue when the front door was opened.. Not many people had a house key to Chris' house.. And those who didn't, knew where the spare key was hidden..
Adam's jaw clenched, green eyes seemingly staring a hole through the pair on the couch. "I just wanted to see you.. Apologise for acting like an asshole last night. But, I can see that you're busy, so.. Some other time."
The redhead let out a sigh, "Adam--"
"No, you're here with him. I can see that perfectly fine. You ditched me to go hang out with him."
"It's not like that, Adam. I ran into Chris.. He's the one who called you, isn't he?" Lita frowned, unconsciously leaning closer to the blonde man at her side. "I spent the night here, Terry was making breakfast when I woke up and--"
"You don't need to explain yourself. I saw myself in, I can see myself out." Adam sent one last glare towards his former best friend, but speaking only to the redhead. "I'll see you at the house show, Lita."
Lita sniffled as the green eyed wrestler stalked out of the house, the door slamming shut behind him... Tears starting to spill from her hazel eyes. "Damn it."
Chris shook his head as the diva started to cry freely, Christian all the comfort she could need at the moment.. "I still say we bash their heads together."
Terry nodded solemnly, "I highly agree."
