Pairings - EB/VKM, SMH/HHH, HHH/SM

Series - TNA/WWE

Rating - M

Warnings - Language, Slash Themes

Disclaimer - I don't own anything. It is all owned by the WWE.

Summary - Eric violates the code and lands himself in a rather unusual situation.

Author's Notes - This is a work that involves slash fiction. If this is not your thing, consider yourself officially warned.

Word Count -

The ride was quiet enough as Eric spent most of it lost the thought of the consequences for his little scene back at the McMahon Family Mansion. 'Smart, Eric, real smart. You just had to stick your foot in your mouth didn't you? You know what she's gonna do the minute you get to the hotel don't you? The first thing she's gonna do is go crying to her father and Vince is going to call you up and ask you what in the hell you think you were doing talking to his little girl like that and then he is going to fire your ass. Way to go!'.

Eric spent a good hour mulling those and similar thoughts around in his head before being snapped out of it by Stephanie yelling at him as he pulled into the hotel's parking lot.

"Just because I am on the outs with my husband doesn't mean that I am going to just hop into bed with you to get back at him!" Stephanie fumed as she turned and smacked Eric hard in his right shoulder, causing him more pain than he would ever admit too.

At this point Eric had had enough. If he was going to get fired for pissing off the bosses' daughter then so be it. He was at least going to let the crime fit the punishement.

"Fucking typical of you Stephanie, always thinking that the world revolves around you but it doesn't! I didn't bring you here to fuck you! I'm here for my meeting with the rest of the RAW creative team. Honestly Stephanie I mean your own husband doesn't want to fuck you what makes you think anyone else would? ESPECIALLY ME!?" Eric shouted, attracting the disparaging and reproachful looks of people entering and exiting the hotel as the two of them pulled into the nearest parking spot.

Stephanie went quiet instantly, trying to hold back her tears as Eric hopped out of the car and quickly made his way to the other side, opening the door for Stephanie, slamming it shut as soon as she got out and rushed to open the trunk so she could grab her things, uncaring of the scornful looks being shot his way from those nearby.

The minute Stephanie grabbed her bags Eric almost ran into the hotel lobby and up to the service desk, having already made their seperate reservations Eric turned around to silently hand Stephanie the key to the room next to his and told her to wait there until he got back from his meeting before turning back to the desk clerk and asking where the hotel's meeting room was located.

After learning the route Eric headed off in the direction of the conference room, turning his head back towards Stephanie as he carried on, watching her lift her bags onto a bellhop's cart and thinking to himself yet again how ridiculous it was of her to haul around that much luggage before walking out of sight.

"Good afternoon everyone." Eric said as he walked into the conference room. 'Right on time thankfully' Eric thought as he took his seat at the round table between Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco who were acting creative consultants alongside himself.

After taking turns to lean over and shake both men's hands they settled into the usual line of business, confirming the nights matches and making any last minute changes that needed to be made in order for the show to run smoothly. After seeing that all of the Superstars had made it safely to the arena and that no substitutions had to be made the meeting carried on as it normally did. This month was October which meant that the yearly 'Hell In A Cell' Pay Per View was being held on the 28th in Atlanta, Georgia and every match booked needed to build up to that night.

For tonight's RAW in Stamford, Connecticuit it was decided that the night would start out strong with the Tag Team Championship Belts being put on the line which meant the team of Kurt Angle and Tajiri, who had formed an alliance based on their belief that they would make the best Champions because they are the best America and Japan has to offer, would be facing the newly formed team of Brian Kendrick & Sean O'Haire with Roddy Piper in their corner. Not to be outdone Angle and Tajiri had gotten a manager of their own, The Genius Lanny Poffo, who is the younger brother of Macho Man Randy Savage, to be by their side as they figured it would take a Genius to out think Roddy Piper.

That match was to be followed up by a Women's match between Torrie Wilson and Molly Holly to decide who would go on to face Stacy Keibler for number one contendership to face reigning champion Trish Stratus at the Pay Per View for the Women's Title. With Trish being a Smackdown Superstar, this would be Eric's chance to bring another Championship over to his show which would make another fine young feather in his cap.

By now Jim Ross had entered the room, with his position as Talent Relations Consultant, it was his job to listen to the Superstars about their careers and gripes and with his soft heart and penchant for sympathy he had come to the conclusion that William Regal deserved a title shot against Mr. Perfect for the Intercontinental Title tonight. Having none of that after Regal had thought it wise to shield Eugene from Triple H with his 'Power Of The Punch' last week, but not wanting to override Good Ol' JR and get himself into any more backstage politics, Eric agreed to the match but decided to make it a non-title bout out of sheer spite. 'If he won't help me get rid of Eugene then why should I help him become a Champion?' Eric privately reasoned with himself.

"I think Spike Dudley, who is our European Champion, should get a chance to become one of the few Eurocontinental Champions in the history of the business." J.R. said in his southern drawl accent.

"I don't know about that." Said Gerald. "I think the boy's a little small don't you?"

"Size is important to Vince I'll give you that but he's proven himself and is more over with the fans then alot of the other boys in the back." J.R. countered.

"Yes but that is why he's our European Champion. Doesn't mean he deserves to be in the ranks of Kurt Angle and Jeff Jarrett." Anderson added.

"I agree with you. There is only so far you can get in this business without the right size though and Spike Dudley just isn't a big guy and you know Vince would never allow that to happen. He can draw but he isn't on that main event level, you know that." Eric finished. 'No need to risk having a Smackdown member win a RAW owned Championship either' Eric thought to himself as he waited for the verdict to be reached.

"Alright then." J.R. noted, the disappointment for the smallest Dudley evident in his voice, before moving on to the next match which was for the Hardcore Championship. "As you know RVD is our Hardcore Champion and he's had the belt on him for just over two months now and under Hardcore rules the belt can be won anywhere at anytime."

"Yes and RVD is having a great run and I think he can keep the belt for quite awhile longer." Eric said, unsure of where the conversation was heading.

"When I met with Vince the other day he told me that the title should be made available to be won by a Smackdown Superstar at 'Hell In A Cell' and he suggested that during the course of the night anyone on both the RAW and the Smackdown rosters should be able to win the title off him." J.R. stated matter of factly.

"That's fine by me." Eric began. "RVD's a fighting champion and since no one on RAW has been able to get the title from around his waist that means no Smackdown Superstar can either." Eric smiled as he sat up straight in his chair, hands folded neatly on the table, confident that no one in the Smackdown lockerroom could take the title if their career depended on it.

"Now you know Triple H's contract is set to expire at the end of this month and we've all heard about the unfortunate business between him and Stephanie which is why Vince wants to use him to push Brock Lesnar on his way out the door and have him drop the title." J.R. said as he looked at the other men around the table.

"No way." Eric said at once, the idea of losing the main Championship to Smackdown not one he was willing to accept. "Triple H is a troublemaker, I'll give you that and we are going to get rid of him, but why should I just give the title over to Smackdown? Triple H is a RAW Superstar and it is on my brand that the belt is going to be kept. Period." Eric finished, having made his view crystal clear to the other men in the room.

"Well Eric, then who do you suggest as the main contender and what about the main event match at 'Hell In A Cell'?" Gerald asked point blank.

"I suggest Triple H Vs. Edge. Edge has proven himself time and time again and he can handle a world title run. Actually I'm gonna do you one better. Tonight it will be Triple H Vs. Edge in a non-title match and you can see for yourselves that Edge is ready for his time in the spotlight." Eric explained as he leaned forward in his chair, slightly anxious to see if he could persuade the rest of the room to agree with him.

"That sound's fine but don't you think the title should be on the line at 'Hell In A Cell' against a Smackdown Superstar? I mean Edge Vs. Triple H in a Hell In A Cell match? That's a brutal way to give Edge his shot don't you think?" Arn said, drumming his fingers on the table as he looked over at Eric.

"True, it is, but it will give Edge a chance to solidify himself as the rightful Champion. The fans believe he has paid his dues and no one will be able to diminish his run and say that he was only made Champ because Triple H is leaving. If you give Brock the title it will make him look like the new guy coming in, not having paid his dues and you will ruin his push because the fans won't buy him as Champion in a match where Triple H has alot more experience and it will weaken the main title which is the last thing our company needs right now." Eric pointed out, convincing himself and the others to see things his way.

"Alright then, sounds fair. You built up the title on RAW and on RAW the title will stay for now." J.R. wrapped up as everyone rose to say their goodbyes and carry on with their own pieces of business for the day.

Taking his leave Eric left the conference room and headed off to find Stephanie, convinced that she was probably whining to her father and trying her damndest to get him fired, he got in the nearest elevator and found his way to her room.

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

"Stephanie?" Eric inquired, knocking once again to make sure she heard him. "Stephanie?"

'She's not in there or she would have answered me.' Eric thought to himself before a new thought struck him. What if Hunter had found her?

Suddenly seized with panic Eric made his way down to the hotel lobby to begin his search. Surely he hadn't found where they were staying had he? 'No that couldn't be it. She's just getting back at me for earlier and making me sweat it out. That's right. This is just her way of getting to me.' He thought as he entered the lobby and took a look around.

"Excuse me." Eric said as he approached a rather busy looking bellhop. "Have you seen a tall woman? Long brown hair, wearing a suit?"

"Sir, You just described most of the women here. I can't help you." The bellhop said, not even bothering to turn and look at him before continuing to busy himself with
his cart.

"Alot of help you are!" Eric quipped before walking up to the front desk and frantically pounding on the service bell, trying to gain someone's attention.

"Can I help you Sir?" Came the voice of the desk clerk as he walked out of the back room, a rather snippy look upon his face.

"Yes, The woman who I walked in with have you seen her?" Eric asked, hands pressed flat against the front desk, displaying his urgency.

"I cannot give you that information Sir."

"And why not?" Eric asked in a quietly annoyed voice.

"Because of privacy laws." The clerk said before walking into the back room again, blatantly ignoring his request for information.

"I just love how helpful the staff is here!" Eric yelled at the now closed door of the back room, heading off to search the rest of the hotel for Stephanie. She couldn't have left without taking a cab as he had the keys to the rental in his pocket which meant she was probably hiding out somewhere in the hotel just trying to scare him.

Making his way to the pool there were no signs of the Billion Dollar Princess which didn't surprise Eric as it wouldn't be like Stephanie to hang out at a somewhat public pool with the children of vacationing families.

Walking back inside Eric passed the laundry room and catering before finding the workout room along with Stephanie, who was running like a hamster, on an old model treadmill.

Almost sighing in relief Eric's anxiety quickly changed to an increasingly familiar feeling when it came to Stephanie McMahon, frustration.

"Decided to just go out on our own did we?" Eric inquired in an inquisitive tone as he strode up to the treadmill and folded his arms upon the machine, tilting his head back to watch Stephanie who was jogging along without a care in the world.

"Didn't know I needed your permission to workout." Stephanie panted as she pressed a button on the machine, slowing down her pace slightly as she uncorked her water bottle and took a gulp.

"Alright, I deserved that." Eric admitted as he took a calming breath and smiled up at Stephanie, clasping his hands together and resting his forearms on the top of the machine once more before attempting to dissipate the tension between them. "I know I haven't always been as nice to you as I should have."

"Cut the crap Eric." Stephanie said as she shut off the treadmill, wrapping a towel around her neck, grabbing hold of the ends as she stepped off the machine to face him. "You don't like me, you never have and the feeling is mutual."

"You're right. I want to get this over with just as much as you do and for this to work I need to know where you are at. I don't care if you fax me, call me or text me but you need to tell me where you are at and where you are going. What if Hunter had been down here huh? Did that thought ever enter that pretty little head of yours?" Eric asserted as his eyes followed Stephanie to his side.

"What if he had Eric?" Stephanie said as she steadied her breathing. "What if Hunter walked in here right this minute? What would you do? What COULD you do Eric?" Stephanie countered. "As a matter of fact you shouldn't be worried about me half as much as you should be worried about you." Stephanie finished, taking another sip of water.

"Uncle Eric!" Came a voice that washed the cold drench of dread over Eric as he turned to see his favorite nephew, Eugene.

"Hello Eugene." Stephanie smiled, genuinely pleased to see Eugene. "I'll just be going now since it looks like you have your hands full, that is, if it's ok with you, Eric." Stephanie mockingly asked, waving a quick goodbye to Eugene and taking her leave before Eric could get another word in.

"Bye Bye Mrs. Triple H!" Eugene yelled at Stephanie, provoking a snort from Eric as he watched her stop and visibly cringe at the title before continuing on her way.

"Master Eugene!" William Regal scolded. "What have I told you about wandering off?"

"Sss Sorry." Eugene replied as he chewed nervously at a thumbnail.

"That's alright, now enough of that. Remember what I told you about germs?" Regal said as he batted the hand from Eugene's mouth.

"I thought I told you to watch him." Eric said, annoyed that his attempt at a mea culpa with Stephanie had been interrupted and hoping to make himself less miserable by making someone else miserable.

'Yes I'm dreadfully sorry about this Sir, won't happen again." Regal said with all of the false sincerity he could muster. "Come along Eugene. Follow me now."

"See that it doesn't!" Eric demanded before leaving for his own hotel room.

Making his way to the elevator, up to his floor and down the hall Eric stopped before the door he had been knocking on earlier, repeating his actions and hoping that this time he could work out some sort of agreement with Steph so as to make their time together somewhat bearable, wondering if she had called her father yet to complain about what a lousy host he had been thus far.

"Yes Eric." Stephanie said as she popped her head out of the doorway, waiting impatiently for him to get on with whatever he was going to say.

"Get dressed if you're not already. I'm taking you out to lunch in five minutes. Meet me at the car." Eric said before walking next door and entering his own room, needing a few minutes to get himself ready and get his mind back on the task at hand.

'I can do this.' Eric thought to himself as he exchanged his suit and tie for blue jeans and a leather jacket. 'I've gotten myself out of tighter spots than this haven't I? I can handle anything that spoiled brat can dish out. I'm gonna smooth things over with her, avoid that beast she calls a husband and his loser friend and find a way to get rid of my nephew while managing to keep my job by keeping Vince happy. No problem. I've got this.' Eric finished getting his thoughts in order before plucking the keys from the pocket of his suit jacket and heading out the door.