• Survivor Series 2005
• More backstage politics are highlighted.
• Payback is a huge bitch and so are some of my ladies and I love them because of it.
• A drunken stupor and the morning after, ain’t they a bitch?
• I know I am playing fast and loose with the timing of Survivor Series, but it’s my story and I can do what I want, so there! 
• Special thanks to my “anger” coach.  Not anger management, just anger.  Love you, Nan!
• As always, thanks to Nan for her great graphics!
• Also, special thanks to Nan for letting me again play with her characterizations from BTS. 

Feedback: always appreciated! In other words, yes please, even if you hate it, let me know.

"That one's eyeing you," Edge teased John as he brought their beers back.  John swiveled in his chair to see who.  He grimaced as he turned back around.  She was blonde and busty and probably very willing.  But that wasn't what he wanted, at least not any more.  Edge watched his friend's reaction to the open invitation of the rat.  She was exactly the type John used to snag without a second glance, but not now.  Now something was different.  Edge had a funny feeling he knew exactly what was different. 

Edge set their glasses down and reclaimed his chair.  He picked his beer up, smiling at the amber liquid because the bar had Molson on tap.  What was the point of drinking beer if it wasn't Canadian beer?  That was his theory anyway.  After a swallow of the luscious liquid, he set his glass down regretfully.

 "Hey Johnny," Edge started. 

John's brows drew down in silence.  He knew some shit was gonna come out his buddy's mouth and he was guessing he wasn't gonna like it, he could tell.  Months on the road together and many many beers together had given him clues to the lanky blonde's behavior. 

"What the fuck're you doing down here crying in your beer when your non girlfriend is upstairs," Edge teased the champ. 

"Fuck off, she's not my girlfriend," John said as he sampled his beer. 

"I know," Edge said with an evil grin.  He was still trying to puzzle that one out.  He knew Johnny was hot for her months ago when he first switched shows.  He'd damn near jumped her at the bar that night. 

"Still, she's up there, probably relaxing on her big bed, all alone...and you're down here with me."  Edge picked up his glass to take another sip.  He set it back down as he looked his friend straight in the eyes.  "That's fucked up, my friend.  Just fucked up," Edge said with an evil smirk.   

John shook his head at his friend in silence.  He wasn't going to let him bait him about Carrie, no way.  What they had was too private, too personal to let someone fuck with.  Even if it wasn't exactly all that he wanted it to be, he still hadn't given up hope and he wasn't gonna let Edge or anyone else shit all over it or them.  Edge watched his friend's face shut down at his words, piquing his curiosity even more.  That's okay.  He had the time and he knew exactly how to get Johnny to talk. 

*** 

"David," Carrie opened the door in surprise at seeing her brother in law standing at her hotel room door with his bags in tow.  He nodded and shrugged at the unexpectedness of it. 

"Sorry, but can I room with you?  Melina's entertaining tonight and I just need to get some sleep," David said.   

Carrie stepped away from the door without another word.  She understood exactly what David didn't say.  That particular diva's night time entertainments were legendary, for many reasons.  In part due to the sheer number of guests some nights and also due to her banshee like screams during the height of things.  It was enough to keep the dead awake, especially if you happened to be unlucky enough to room next to her and you weren't an invitee. 

"Damn, sorry about that.  If I'd have known, I wouldn't have booked that room," Carrie apologized.  "The hotel's full, no other rooms," she reminded him. 

"I know, I remember.  We'll make do, like in the old days," he said with a small smile.   

She nodded and grabbed some clothes to change in to after her shower. 

"David, do you need anything from me?  I'm gonna take a shower so the room's all yours for now.  The girls are tucked up tight, right through that door," she said as she pointed at the connecting door.   

She hadn't heard any giggling for a while and guessed that they might finally have exhausted themselves enough to sleep. 

"No, thanks, I'm good.  I'll call Kris while you're in there," David said.  They both knew it wouldn't be the kind of night time call he usually had with his wife, since he now had a room mate.  "You need me to tell her anything," he asked her retreating form.   

She shook her head in silence, closing the door behind her.  She did not lock the door, mainly because if David had to use the toilet while she was in the shower, she thought it was rude to make him wait.  She didn't have anything he hadn't seen before.   

Letting the water heat up gave her a chance to let her mind drift finally and reflect on the long day, including some of her own not so stellar actions.  She winced, stepping into the spray as she remembered the hurt look on Old Man's face as she slapped him.  God, she was a piece of work.  He wasn't hers to worry about anymore but she still treated him like he was.  Must be old habits.  She hoped his wife gave him hell for that fire shit.  She drifted back to watching John take the girls down to the ring.  They'd run into Hunter and Nan on the way. 

"Hey, where are you taking my favorite niece," Hunter demanded of the champ.  John grinned as he watched Liz wrap her arms around the ferocious man.

"Uncle Hunter," Liz gushed.  Hunter's face softened noticeably. 

"Sweetheart, you get prettier every time I see you," he said as he kissed her cheek. 

Carrie remembered thinking that Liz had so much power at her fingers tips and God help her if she ever discovered it.  John made the introductions of the girls to both Hunter and Nan.  Nan quirked a delicate brow at her, sending her message clearly - heaven help David and Kris in a year or two. 

"Uncle Hunter, Mister Cena," Liz blushed.  "I mean John, was taking us to the ring.  He said we could go in it and stuff.  You wanna come," Liz asked innocently.   

David opened his mouth to remind his daughter that Hunter had more important things to attend to than trailing along with them, but Nan's words stopped him. 

"We'd love to, honey.  It's been a while since I stepped inside it myself," Nan said with a mysterious smile for the teen.  Hunter looked at her sharply, trying to read her.   

The rest of the short trip out to the arena floor was filled with banter between Hunter, David and John, much to the delight of the young ladies they were escorting.  Nan trailed along with her, smiling indulgently as the boys played.  She saw and heard the teens giggling to each other as they walked up the aisle to the ring. 

"Ladies," John said expansively as he swept his arm to the ring.  His lips turned up but he managed to hold his grin in for the time being.  He bounced up the steps first and sat on the second rope, holding it open for the girls.   

"Careful," he said as they stepped through. 

Carrie’d tried to hang back and let the girls have a few moments to look around the ring, with out distractions.  She watched Nan accept John's help through the ropes.  Hunter and David were the last to step through, excluding herself, but she didn't have any plans on joining the eclectic mix in the squared circle.  She watched as John looked around, counting heads or something and frown.  He finally found her, seated several rows back, content to watch.  She watched as he mouthed Baby at her and crinkled up his face in a serious frown. 

"Carrie, come play.  We won't let you get hurt, just come play with us," John teased with a wink.   

He was quickly joined by her nieces, something that she was certain John had engineered.  In spite of her gentle refusals, the girls begged her to come in the ring with them.  Sighing she got up from her almost comfy seat and walked up the stairs.  John immediately jumped to sit on the rope for her.  As she stood up, she caught a glance at Hunter.  His unguarded expression was all too easy to read.  He was in his big brother protector mode, heaven help all of them.  John & David were entertaining the girls with stories, making both of the girls loose their inhibitions enough to laugh at some of the more outrageous ones. 

"Relax, Hunter," she said quietly as she touched his arm.  "I've been in the ring before.  I have no desire to put myself in any danger," she informed the couple in front of her.  Her hands slipped unconsciously to her barely rounded tummy. 

"That was a long time ago," Hunter speculated.   

She nodded, but noticed Nan lifted a brow to her in question.  She raked her fingers through her hair before she said a word. 

"It was.  And I was stupid."  At their curious looks, she continued.  "I was responding to a dare, of all things," she said in disapproval at herself.   

Nan's look clearly said she better continue or she'd have to tear her from limb to limb just so she could finish the story. 

"Somebody bet me they could make me tap or pin my shoulders," was the only explanation she gave.  Hunter frowned.  He knew who the somebody was that she was referring to, or at least he thought he did. 

"Why were you stupid," Nan asked.   

She sighed before continuing. 

"I hate violence, even mock violence," she said waving her arms to encompass the arena.  "But I let myself be goaded."  Hunter widened his eyes, waiting for the rest of it.

"Damn it Lil' Sis, it's like pulling teeth," he hissed at her. 

"Let's just say I wasn't pinned, I didn't tap and I won the bet.  Is that enough for you," she asked, not wanting to say anything more. 

"Depends.  Was this a male or a female," Hunter asked.   

Nan snorted, she could imagine the scenarios her husband's mind was creating if Carrie was talking about a women. 

"Male.  Big," was all she said.  

Nan blinked as she absorbed that tid bit.  Hunter stroked his chin in silence as an evil smile curved his lips. 

"Do I know him," was all he asked.   

She nodded.  Hunter's lips twitched as he ran through the short list of suspects.  He knew Lil' Sis wasn't about to boast about who she'd bested, it wasn’t her style.  But he might have to ask her about it later, away from other ears.  Their attention was brought back to the center of the ring as John landed on his back with a loud bang.   

"Doesn't that hurt," Jess asked, finally brave enough to find her voice. 

"Oh yeah, especially when it's from somebody's shoulders," John said from his prone position. 

"You mean like a choke slam," Liz ventured.   

John grinned at her and nodded.  He got to his feet in a quick motion and waved his hands at Liz.  Carrie watched Liz frown in confusion, not understanding John's gesture. 

"Hit him.  Go on, he wants you to," David spoke up. 

Liz looked in alarm at her dad.  He didn't mean that, did he?  She looked back at John and saw his answering grin.  He meant exactly that. 

"But Dad," Liz protested.   

John stuck his chin out for her, egging her on, letting her know exactly where to punch him.  Jess was silent in response to John's antics.  Her eyes were wide in disbelief at what she was seeing.  John Cena, the WWE Champion, was telling Liz to hit him?  It didn't make sense.  Carrie giggled. 

"Here sweetie, let me show you," she said as she stepped up to John. 

His eyes flicked to hers in understanding.  He knew she wouldn't hurt him, and possibly she understood what he was trying to prove.  John heard her warm him with in a whisper -  lefty - just before she took a swing at him.  He went down like he'd been shot.  In fact, she hadn't even touched him.  He was impressed with her control and aim as he went down unscathed.  He ruefully wished that all his co workers had as much control.  

Hunter's brows went up without a word at her actions.  Didn't she just say she hated violence of any kind?  Women, he fumed.  Who the hell could understand them?  Nan touched his hand to bring him back to the present and shot him a look so full of heat and promise that he almost growled in response before his brain kicked back in.   

Carrie turned to look at the pair, sensing the tension.  She quickly looked away again, knowing they were generating their own special kind of violence, oblivious to outside distractions.  She watched Nan lick her lips as her eyes slowly swept the ring.  They were at it again, she mused.  It was nice to know that marriage hadn't dulled their appreciation of each other.  

Turning off the shower and reaching for a towel, she flashed back to one of her major blunders and her happy surprise of the night, funny that they were one and the same. 

Nan and Hunter left them shortly after the shenanigans in the ring.  Hunter tossed out that since women pinned Cena in the ring, he wasn't sure it'd be too much of a challenge. 

"Asshole, you're just jealous," John called after the couple.  Nan turned her head briefly and quirked a brow at him, letting him see how wrong he was. 

“Never mind them, where was I," John asked the girls.  They looked up at him in wide eyed wonder, ready for whatever else he was going to say. 

"Proto, we've got to get our butts in gear," David said, laying a hand on the champ's shoulder and squeezing. 

"Party pooper," John teased with a broad wink for the young ladies.   

Giggles told him his efforts were rewarded. 

"Go on, John.  We can make it back by ourselves," she said to the flirting goof ball. 

"You sure?  I told you I'd make sure you stayed safe.  Plus, Mike would kick my ass if anything happened to you tonight," John said seriously.  His eyes had lost their humor as he spoke. 

"Never mind about Mike.  He worries too damn much," she said quietly, not wanting to get into that kind of discussion with him in their present circumstance.

 "You heard her, DB?  So if he kicks my ass, you'll back me up, right," John teased. 

David shook his head with a grin as he reached for his daughter to give her a quick hug before leaving them. 

"Be good, Peanut," David said as he released her. 

"Dad," Liz exclaimed in mortification, complete with the big eye roll.  Carrie kept her grin hidden; knowing now was not the time to chuckle at her brother in law's discomfort. 

"Don't worry, I'll beat the hell out of them if they give me any lip," Carrie quipped. 

Jess's shocked gasp was loud enough for all of them to hear.  John grinned at her. 

"She's kidding," Liz said quietly.  Jess blinked at her words and slowly nodded, still unsure. 

"I am kidding, honey.  I haven't beat the hell out of Liz in years," Carrie said with a grin. 

The men left her with their laughter echoing off the empty seats.  Finally alone again with the girls, she turned to both of them with a smile. 

"Well?  What do you want to do next?  The concessions will be open soon, you wanna check them out," she asked.   

Both girls nodded, still a little dazed from their John Cena encounter, she was betting.  They made their way quickly out of the ring, but paused as she pointed out their seats for the night. 

"Right there, in front, right where all the action is," Carrie said quietly. 

The girls were still quiet, but she could see they understood her words.  Maybe they were just over whelmed, she worried.  Hope they snapped out of it in time for the show.  Their seats were on ground level, on the hard camera side, exactly as she'd asked John to get.  He'd teased her brutally over the phone about not wanting to be on camera on the other side of the ring.  She finally had to get snippy with him and tell him in no uncertain terms that it was the hard camera side or no side.   

They continued up the aisle, out in to the main concourse.  She had a vague idea where the merchandise folks set up, but she hadn't bothered to look for so long that it took her several minutes of looking until they found it.  She went up the wrong aisle initially, she realized. 

The girls squealed over all the items and revived at the thought of all the Cena gear in front of them.  Carrie watched them indulgently as they debated the finer points of this jersey over that t shirt in all seriousness.  They reminded her so much of herself and Kris at that age, debating their daily attire before school like it was as important as world peace.  And to them at the time, it was. 

'"How are we gonna get it signed," Liz wailed, clearly upset. 

"We'll see him again, honey.  I'll make sure you get to see him before you go home tomorrow.  Don't worry," Carrie said patiently.  Liz nodded and took her at her word.  Both girls resumed rummaging.  After more minutes that she thought possible, the girls were finally finished.  They seemed to have purchased every available John Cena item, right down to rubber bracelets and wrist bands, she noted.  All was stuffed into her own bag unceremoniously for safe keeping. 

"Time to get back stage quickly to see your dad, then we have to find our seats soon," Carrie reminded them.   

The doors hadn't opened yet, but they would be shortly.  The girls turned obediently to follow the small woman through the mazes that led to the back stage area without a word, just simple head nods.  Carrie smiled to herself, thinking that they'd wind back up for show time. 

A few minutes later, they were in the backstage area looking for a specific tall dark head but not yet finding it.   

"Let me know if you see him, okay girls," Carrie asked. 

"We will.  Why is there so many people back here, Aunt Carrie," Liz asked.  Carrie rolled her eyes briefly and grinned at them. 

"It's because it's a pay per view honey.  Normally it's not so crazy back here," she said as her eyes continued to scan the crowd.   

She had a half a second's warning before someone grabbed her from behind in a bear hug and said in a male voice she didn't recognize, "Miss Carrie!" 

She reacted instinctively, letting her knees crouch for half a millisecond before she bent at the waist and flipped her unknown assailant over her shoulders.  He landed unceremoniously on his back in front of her.  She frowned as she looked down at his surprised face.  He blinked in surprise and quickly blushed in embarrassment.  She put his age, plus his coloring together with what he called her and could only come up with one name. 

"Mattie," she asked quietly. 

The young man blinked and nodded.  She swore under her breath and reached a hand to help him up.  The girls had stayed silent at their guide's quick action.  Liz knew her aunt trained in martial arts, but she'd never her seen her do anything to bring the point home before.  The teen took her offered hand and stood up, all the way up.  Carrie started to reach to brush off his shirt and straighten his hair, as she used to do when he was a kid, but stopped herself, realizing he wasn't a child any more.  She saw his deep crimson blush was still staining his cheeks, so she decided to talk through his embarrassment. 

"You know I hate it when you do shit like that," she chided him.  "I could've hurt you, honey." she continued.   

He kept his head down to hide his embarrassment in front of Miss Carrie and the two pretty girls standing in shock with her.  Why did he have to do something so stupid in front of pretty girls?  He didn't know, but it wasn't like he wasn't used to it by now.  Realizing that she was deepening his discomfort instead of helping, she shut up and wrapped her arms around him instead. 

"It's good to see you honey," she said quietly, giving him a squeeze.  He was still mute, but he did return her hug.  "I am so going to kick your dad's ass for not telling me you were coming," she said as she pulled away and chuckled. 

"Thanks," he mumbled as he met her eyes.  She grinned into his familiar pale green eyes, just like his daddy's.  She spun him around, ready to introduce him to the girls but was interrupted.  Their little fracas hadn't gone unnoticed. 

"Where the fuck is Vince?  Vince, we need to sign this little gal up," JBL said loudly.  Others surrounding him laughed at his suggestion, ready to go with the big Texan's joke.   

She stared a hole in him at his words.  He knew it wasn't going to happen, but he never lost a chance to needle her about it anyway.  They were never going to be friends, thankfully. He was under the mistaken impression that she provided other services to David.  He'd said as much when he asked if she was available to 'service' him many months ago.  David had been drawn to the commotion, and at JBL's words, pushed his way through the crowd.  He knew JBL would only say that about one person and that one person was likely to be pissed if she did something big enough to draw JBL's attention. 

 His hand descended on to his daughter's shoulder as he muscled his way through the minor crowd.   

"You okay, Peanut?"  Liz nodded, but didn't get a chance to say anything before JBL started in again. 

"Hell, you don't have to worry about anything, Dave.  That little gal of yours is some sort of fucking freak!  She took this boy down," JBL said as he pointed at the gangly teen in front of Lil Sis.  

David frowned at the kid, trying to recall if he knew him or not.  He watched the boy blush at JBL's words and decided he'd had enough of his shit for the night, particularly in front of the girls. 

"Mine," a deep voice rumbled from behind him.  He turned his head as 'Taker strode past him to stand toe to toe with the obnoxious Texan.  David nodded imperceptibly and stayed put, hand on his daughter’s shoulder and his other arm wrapped around the other teen.  He felt just as responsible for her as if she were his own.  Her parents entrusted her care to him and he wasn’t about to let some asshole like JBL ruin their evening. 

JBL opened his mouth to utter some more shit, but he stopped as he noticed ‘Taker walk into the fray.  He frowned briefly, the Dead Man didn’t normally involve himself in backstage shit so why now? 

“You wanna finish what you were saying, Boy,” ‘Taker asked in his most dangerous growl.  Mattie glanced up at his dad and realized how pissed off he was.  He didn’t normally see him pissed and was grateful he wasn’t the object of it.  He stepped away from the other man and shifted to stand almost behind his dad.  He tried not to be too obvious about it, because the girls were still there and he didn’t want them to think he was a chicken.  But his dad was in one of those kind of moods and he knew it was best to just get the hell out of his way, regardless of his own pride.  

JBL watched the young kid step behind ‘Taker and blinked. Oh fuck, he must be one of his kids, he railed to himself.  Smooth one, JBL.  Trying to deflect some of the anger from his own words, he focused on one of his favorite targets. 

“I was saying, this little gal of Dave’s needs to be watched, man.  She’s fucking dangerous.  Does Vince know she’s here?  I bet she wouldn’t be allowed back here if he knew,” JBL said with a smirk.   

He was proud of his little speech and how he shifted the blame to Dave’s little female whatever she was.  He never bought the fact the Dave said she was his sister in law.  There had to be more to it than that and he wasn’t done digging to find it.  JBL blinked again in surprise as the little gal, whatever the fuck her name was, touched the Dead Man’s hand quickly, drawing his attention.  No words were said, but some understanding seemed to pass between them, worrying JBL more. 

“Are you so God damned feeble that you’re worried about a lil’ gal like me, JBL,” Carrie asked, her light tone mocking him.  “Before you open your mouth and more shit spews out, let me tell you a few things.  Try to keep up,” she said sweetly.   

JBL flushed in anger at her maternal tone.  She was disgusted that JBL still hadn’t grown up yet, still felt it was his God given right to do what he wanted to whom ever he wanted backstage, without fear of reprisals.  Today she was going to burst that little bubble.  She knew a lot more about him than he was aware. 

“These young ladies are guests of John Cena.  You know who he is, right?  You remember,” she asked as she batted her eyelashes at him, without a trace of flirtation.  She saw the Texan’s jaw clench.  “But more importantly, they are Batista’s girls.” 

JBL risked a quick glance at the two ladies in front of him and realized his mistake.  They were kids, not women, and he’d fucked up in a big way.  Oh fuck, how the hell was he gonna get around Dave now?  They’d never been buddies, keeping the animosity level low for the sake of their mutual friend, Eddie.  He lifted his eyes and saw anger simmering in the World Champ, directed at him. 

“Oh, and one other thing,” she tossed out to the now shaken big man.  She saw she definitely had his attention again.  “This young kid, as you called him,” she waved a hand in Mattie’s direction, knowing full well he was safe behind his dad, “is his.”   

She smiled as she jerked her thumb over her shoulder at Old Man.  She was betting JBL was being subjected to one of his glares, making him wish he would’ve shut his mouth initially. 

JBL opened and closed his mouth a few times, trying to think of anything to say to reverse the damage his credibility had taken.  He was aware of the crowd that was listening intently to every damn word that woman said, waiting for his response.  But he was more worried about the two big men standing opposite him in silence.  His southern manners won out over his ego, this time. 

“Ladies,” JBL said, taking off his hat.  “Sorry for the misunderstanding.  Sorry for my comments,” he said with a nervous smile.   

He reached out his hand to them automatically.  Liz nodded in confusion, trying to smile as she shook his hand slightly.  Jess managed to shake his hand but was unable to do anything else.  JBL shifted his attention to David.  He started to reach his hand out, but knew the other man was not going to accept his apology so quickly, so he let his hand drop.   

Carrie stood off to the side and watched as JBL dug his hole deeper, first by touching David’s kids, then by not offering to shake his hand.  JBL was so off his game that he turned with out comment and left, completely ignoring the little gal, the gangly teen and ‘Taker.  Carrie shook her head as she watched him go, noticing who he had as his cronies following him faithfully.  JBL was never without his sycophants, that hadn’t changed. 

“He’s still an ass,” Carrie asked ‘Taker.   

He nodded in response, never taking his eyes off the other man.  She sighed and turned back to the girls, since she could feel their curiosity about Mattie.  

“Ladies, let me introduce you to Matthew, one of The Undertaker’s boys,” she said as she urged him forward with a look. He mumbled but reached his hand out to Liz first. 

“Mathew, Liz Batista,” Carrie said quietly as they shook hands.  Mattie blushed as he looked at her, unable to say anything.  Carrie’s lips twitched, but she continued.   

“Jess Ngyuen,” she supplied as he gave the other pretty teen his hand.  She felt rather than saw Old Man’s irritation at his son.  She didn’t know what was going on, but she’d find out later. 

“Ladies,” ‘Takers said quietly in preparation for leaving with his son in tow.  A large hand on his shoulder told Mattie he was leaving too.  They turned without another word down the same hallway JBL and his bunch had used.  David was staring off in space, deep in thought, she noticed.  Carrie looked back at ‘Taker and Mattie just before they turned a corner.  Mattie turned around and waved at the girls, who were also watching him.  They waved back with grins.  He stopped walking briefly but managed to smile at them from the safe distance.  He suddenly realized he needed to pay attention to wherever he was going and turned back around.  He promptly walked in to a closed door.  The girls giggled at his action. 

“You okay,” Liz called out.  Mattie nodded and rubbed his nose.  Carrie heard David’s low rumble, causing her to risk a glance at him. 

“Get used to it,” she said quietly. 

“Not fucking yet,” he replied in an equally quiet voice.   

She sighed, but let it drop.  Kids grow up, irrespective of their parents being ready, she mused.  It was one thing to know it was happening but something completely different when it was one of your own.  How would she feel if Liz was hers or if she had girls and boys started ogling them.  Simple, she’d lock them up, she thought silently.  God, she wasn’t ready, she worried for the millionth time.  Would she ever be? 

*** 

She stepped back out of the bathroom, hoping that David was decent and done with his call.  David was decent but he was still talking to Kris.  She could tell by his soft voice. 

“Oh shit honey, you wouldn’t have believed it….No, right behind her and she says loud as can be, and you know how clear her voice is, Dad says she has an odor problem.”  David laughed at the response he heard through the phone.  “Swear Babe.  I swear!”  He laughed again, causing Carrie to lift a brow in question. 

“Kris, I gotta tell Carrie, she thinks I’m losing it or something, hang on,” David said as he swiveled the hand set, pulling the microphone away from his mouth.

“Liz said that as we were walking around back tonight,” David explained.  Carrie frowned, waiting for the other shoe to drop, explaining the hilarity of the whole situation.   

“Melina was right in front of us, Lil Sis!  There was no way she didn’t hear her and she couldn’t have been mistaken about what she was talking about.”  As Carrie started to grin, David continued.  “We ran into her and Nitro earlier and I introduced them,” David said as he started to grin again at the diva’s unfortunate issue. 

“That’s classic,” she said giggling.  David nodded and resumed his phone call with his wife.  “David, I’ve gotta got down and get some stuff from the store if it’s open.  You need anything?”  She just needed some dental floss, something that drove her crazy if she didn’t have any.  Stupid of her not to have grabbed some earlier when she made her morning shopping spree. 

David shook is head with a smile.  He watched her slip her shoes on, make sure her tracks pants were tied and grabbed a baggy sweatshirt to complete her intentionally unattractive ensemble.  She didn’t want to have to deal with any more assholes from the company tonight.  One dose of JBL was enough for her.  As the door shut behind her, he grabbed the ear piece so he could chat longer with his wife, now that he was alone for a while.  He knew Lil Sis well enough to know she left for a reason and would be gone for a while since he was still talking to Kris. 

As Carrie closed the door, she spotted one of the newest call ups, Bobby Lashley leaving the elevator.  She smiled at him to let him know that whatever he heard about her, and she was sure he already had, might not be all true.  He saw her smile and returned it automatically.  She hadn't officially met him yet, since both of them tended to keep to themselves.  From the looks of it, that was about to change as he walked toward her.   

"Excuse me, Miss Martin," Bobby said as he reached her.  She waited with a slight smile.  His voice was soft and low, typical for a large man, at least typical to her.  "Can you tell me where room number 1516 is?"  Carrie knew instantly what his plans for the night where.  He was going to get an initiation of the kinky kind, thanks to the screeching banshee. 

"Sure, Melina's room is just two doors down," she said quietly.  She thought she detected a blush under his dark skin.   

He nodded as he met her eyes.  He saw she was still smiling at him, surprising him even more.  He knew what the word around the back about her was.  She was supposedly the world's biggest bitch, likely to fuck you over as soon as she looked at you, so he was a little taken back at her helpfulness and lack of comment about his destination. 

"Thanks," he said quietly as he turned to the appropriate door.  He didn't have to knock since the door opened before he reached it, spilling out Johnny Nitro.  Johnny looked up in surprise at the large quiet man standing in his way. 

"She's waiting for you, my man," was all Johnny said as he stepped aside to let Lashley in.  Johnny saw Carrie and winked at her as he closed the door behind the bigger man. 

"Is it gonna be one of those nights," Carrie asked the young superstar.  Johnny shoved his hands in his front jeans pockets and nodded without a word.   

"C'mere," she said, wrapping her arms around him.  She was one of the few that knew the truth about Mister Johnny Nitro.  He returned her hug and felt himself relax.

"Thanks Carrie," he said quietly.  "Where are you off to at this time of night," he asked.  He almost never saw her prowling the halls during prime bed hopping time. 

"Gotta snag some stuff downstairs, if they're open," she explained.   

He nodded without another word, but followed along as she walked to the elevator.  He didn't really have anywhere to go, and he didn't want to stay in the room tonight as an audience.  Sometimes he didn't mind, but other nights, like tonight he just wasn't up to it.  He remembered Melina's derogatory comments chasing him out the door.  She could be such a sweetheart, but she could also be a huge bitch.  Right now the huge bitch was showing up more often than the sweetheart, making their charade even more of a trial for him.  He was living his dream job, doing what he loved, but he was supposed to keep up the charade with Melina while they were on the road.  That was the one downside.  He had been up front with Vince before he'd signed his long term contract, since he'd heard through the grapevine about the McMahon family openness and tolerance of homosexuality.  Vince hadn't batted an eye, he'd gripped his hand in a firm shake, welcoming him to the WWE family.  The challenge was to decide if it was relevant to the storylines or not.  So far it was not, so they pushed him and Melina together, saying they looked good together on camera.  He couldn't fault them for that, the definitely did.  The wrinkle was the fact that they had to keep it up in private, to keep up the charade for the fans, since Vince thought they were everywhere and would find out somehow.  Johnny didn't give a shit if fans found out, but Vince thought it might tarnish his marketability, so he played along.  He was still new enough to the game to not want to rock too many boats. 

Carrie was quiet as she watched Johnny muddle through something that was obviously bugging him.  He'd followed her without a word onto the elevator and was content to follow her out, through the lobby.  She wasn't surprised as she noticed the store closed up for the night.  She could easily go to the concierge desk and ask to have them purchase it for her and send it up, but she was feeling restless. 

"Can you tell me the closest drug store, walgreens, cvs..." Carrie asked the woman behind the concierge desk.  The young lady glanced quickly from her to Johnny and back again, guessing incorrectly the reason for the request.   

"Certainly, it's just two blocks down," she said quickly, hoping to help the two love birds in front of her. 

"Two safe blocks," Carrie asked pointedly.  She'd learned her lesson years ago.  Johnny coughed behind her, causing her to turn to him. 

"It's okay Carrie, I'll go with you," he said quietly.  No use chewing over something that he couldn't fix, he thought as he heard Carrie's request of the woman, so why not tag along? 

"Okay thanks, Johnny," Carrie said and reached for his hand.  He nodded, threading his fingers through her small hand.  They turned and walked out the front doors, looking for all intents and purposes like two lovers going out for a late night stroll.  

The concierge was correct, it was only two blocks.  Carrie was able to grab her dental floss quickly.  Johnny perked up once they were in the store.  He gravitated towards the men's toiletries.  Carrie watched him try all manner of scents, spaying in the air and sniffing. 

"Oh, smell this one, Carrie.  This one I've got to have.  If my man wore this, he'd be naked every day," Johnny said. 

"Naked," she teased with a grin. 

"Well, except for this," Johnny laughed.  He grabbed a bottle of whatever it was, she didn't see, and marched to the lone checker.  As they left the deserted store at two am, Johnny spoke up. 

"You wanna get a cup of coffee or something," he asked. 

"Thanks for the offer, Johnny, but I'm dragging as it is.  I need to get my old lady butt to bed, she laughed. 

"Old lady, yeah whatever," he smirked.  He grabbed her hand again for the quick walk back to the hotel, taking her rejection for what it was, nothing more. 

"Seriously, I'm tired.  Plus I can't drink coffee until sometime after 'Mania anyway," she said quietly.  Johnny frowned and stopped her with a tug on her hand 

"Why is that?  You pregnant or something," Johnny joked.  She grinned at him and nodded.   

"No shit," was all he said before he wrapped his arms around her, in the middle of the sidewalk.  "Congratulations, honey!  Do I know him," Johnny teased as he released her.   

She shrugged noncommittally.  Johnny quirked a brow at her, but let it drop.  He didn’t know her well enough to know how much he could mess with her.  He was pleased that she seemed to be one of the few genuine folks that traveled week in and week out.  That thought brought up another comment as they resumed their short walk. 

"You gonna keep doing this," Johnny asked as he waved his arm around. 

"No, this is one of the last ones for a while.  I'm here because of David's daughter.  After this, I stay home for a while and try to get fat so people stop nagging me," she joked.   

"Sounds fun to me," Johnny said as he held the large door open for the momma to be.  As they crossed the lobby toward the elevators, they linked hands again.  Johnny was grinning to himself the entire elevator ride, happy for her and her impending motherhood.  He didn't have many friends in the company, thanks to the damn charade he was involved in, so he was happy for one of the few that he did have. 

"Speaking of that," Carrie said out of the blue.   

Johnny turned to her as the elevator stopped, letting in a group of mixed male and female drunks.  The drunk party was trying hard not to be loud, but one of them started to giggle and before the doors had closed all the way to the next floor, which was the button they pushed, they all started.  Carrie smiled at Johnny, letting him know it didn't bother her so he shouldn't let it bother him.  She noticed he'd tensed as soon as it started, for whatever reason.  The giggling party was out on the next floor, mercifully. 

“How’s Blair,” Carrie asked, resuming their interrupted conversation.  Johnny grinned at her. 

“He’s good, but this being away all the time?  It fucking sucks.  He makes sure I know what I’m missing when I get home,” Johnny said with a wink. 

"I'm jealous," Carrie said.  Johnny did a good imitation of a very lady like snort as his response.  "No, really," Carrie insisted.

"Carrie, I find that hard to believe.  You can't tell me that Daddy isn't  baby-ing  you all day long," Johnny asked with a grin.  He watched her smile slide away as she blinked at his words.

"No, you're right.  He is," she said quietly.  Carrie stared past Johnny’s shoulder at the blank wall behind him for a second or two.  She brought her eyes back to him quickly and pasted her smile back on.  "Thanks, Johnny and good night." 

Johnny wrapped his arms around the tiny woman and held her close, sensing she needed comforting.  She pulled away and smiled into his serious gaze.  She kissed his cheek before turning to slide the card into the lock.  Johnny watched her retreat in silence.  He wandered several steps down to his room and paused, listening.  No noises were emanating from inside so he might be safe to slip back in quietly.  He knew that all the guys thought he was totally whipped by Melina since he shared her with everyone.  He didn't give a shit, since it was total fiction.  He was still sorting through Carrie's odd reaction to their conversation as he closed the door silently behind him. 

****

Carrie closed the door behind her and waited for her eyes to adjust to the dimness of the room.  David had left the television on, more for light than anything else since the sound was off.  She knew he was sleeping by his deep even breathing and the fact that he was a large immovable lump in his bed.  Kris always told her he was next to impossible to shift once he was asleep.  She said he was like a fucking rock.  A rock that she knew her sister loved to distraction and fretted over, more so now that he'd hurt himself again.

She was just slipping her shoes off when an odd sound outside the door stopped her movements.  She listened, trying to determine what the hell the noise might have been.  A knock at the door caused her to jump.  She cursed her nerves and peeked out the spy hole.  She frowned, recognizing John's face in front of the door.  What the hell was he doing and what the hell was he thinking?  Before she had a chance to open the door, he knocked again, louder and longer.

"Open up," John's voice carried through the door to her.  Was he fucking insane?  People might hear.  How would they explain him pounding on her door at this time of night? 

She opened the door in haste.  John stumbled through the open door, like he'd been leaning against it.  She pulled him in quickly and closed the door.  He blinked at her and grinned.

"You're still up?  Good.  I was....hoping so," John managed to say.  He blinked at her and continued to grin in the darkness.  "Why's it so fucking dark in here?  Turn on a light so I can see my baby.  I love to see my baby," John said loudly.

"No John.  Let's not turn on a light," the tiny woman said in a whisper.

"What?  I need to see the woman I love.  I need to see her as I kiss her, make love to her," John said as he stumbled toward her.  She caught him quickly and leaned him against the wall.

"No, John," she said again.

"God damn it, you're always saying no," John complained loudly.

A click signaled a bed side light being turned on.  Carrie rolled her eyes in the semi darkened room.  Great, just great.  She saw David roll over and sit up in silence, worry clearly visible on his face.

"You need any help, Lil' Sis," David rumbled.  John's head turned in surprise at hearing the World Champion's voice.  He obviously missed the sound of the lamp turning on.

"What the fuck?  What the fuck are you doing in her room," John demanded loudly, outrage visible.  David sighed, knowing that his long time buddy was suffering from too much beer and too little sense.

"David, I'm fine.  I got this," Carrie said as she turned back to the outraged man who was huffing himself up to continue the battle.  David nodded at her, but directed a particular look at his friend.  "John," she said as she tugged at him, without any discernable effect.  She slid her hand into the front of his always too loose jeans and gripped the waist, pulling him to her.  "John!" 

"What," he almost bellowed.   

She stared at him, knowing he was shit faced so reasoning was unlikely to work.  Dumb shits.  Men.  All of them at one time or another.  She grabbed the other key card and slid it in to her pocket.   

"Follow me," was all she said, tugging him again by his jeans.  He had no choice but to follow or fall on his face.  He followed.   

The door closed on John's voice asking Lil' Sis something, David wasn't sure exactly what.  He sighed into the semi darkness, knowing exactly why his buddy was in the state he was in.  Most of the RAW roster was aware that John enjoyed his beer, but he'd been enjoying it a little more frequently recently.  David knew John well enough to understand exactly why he was in his current state.  He understood about wanting to be numb and not feel anything.  He'd been through that crap with his first wife.  But he'd learned that the pain was still there when you woke up the next morning, sometimes considerably worse.  John would figure that out too. 

"Carrie, what," was all John got to say before she shushed him.  She reached behind him and closed the door on the unused room before uttering a word.  She turned without a look at the WWE Champion and flipped a light on. 

“Better,” was all she said, glancing back at the inebriated champ. 

“What the hell was DB doing in your room?  In your bed,” John demanded. 

“Grow the fuck up, will ya,” Carrie said irritably as she set the card on the unused dresser.  John blinked at her words.  She wasn’t normally so abrupt with him.  He started to say something, but all the words left his brain as he watched her sit down on the bed.  Carrie knew he was drunk, but she also knew he was confused…about a lot of things.  She sighed and raked her fingers through her hair. 

“Sit,” she said pointing at the bed next to her.  John nodded without realizing it as he felt his anger and confusion fade.  He sat next to her on the bed.  He slid his arm around her without thought.  She scooted away and turned to him so she could look into his baby blues. 

“Not that it’s any of your business,” she started.  John opened his mouth to protest her words but she put her hand up, signaling him to be quiet so she could finish.  “David was booked into this room tonight.  Unfortunately, Melina’s room is next door and she was on a tear tonight.”   

Understanding relaxed the frown John didn’t realize he’d been holding.  

“David is my brother in law, married to my sister.  Why you or anyone else would think I’d sleep with him is beyond me.  That’s just gross.  It’d be like sleeping with a brother,” she said seriously. 

“Baby, I’m sorry.  I wasn’t thinking.  I was just surprised at seeing DB in your bed,” John said. 

“In his own bed,” she corrected automatically.  She took his hand in hers and traced his long fingers with a smile.  “Since when did you get jealous,” she asked quietly. 

“Since day one, baby.  Always,” John said simply. 

Carrie blinked, knowing that he was too shit faced to be lying.  If that was the case then how did he cope with staying in her condo, knowing that her and Mike were sharing a bed under the same roof? 

“You hide it well,” she said quietly. 

“That’s because I don’t have any choice,” John said simply. 

She kept her thoughts to herself and let the silence grow between them.  He was someone who usually didn’t try to force her to talk, preferring to let her keep quiet if that was her choice.  Her fingers were still tangled with his, caressing his large calloused palm.   

John was struggling inside.  He knew he’d originally come upstairs, knocking on her door so he could make love to her.  But having DB in her room had thrown him, plus he didn’t want her to say no to him again and he had a feeling that was going to be her answer again. 

“Baby,” John said taking her hand and bringing it to his lips.  She watched his actions, not sure of his intent.  He tried again.  “Carrie, I love you.  Let me love you.”

 She sighed in frustration.  She thought they got this shit all talked out?  She didn’t like hurting him but he kept putting his heart out there for her to stomp all over.  Maybe it was just the beer talking?  The more she thought about it, the more likely that became. 

“John, I’m sure you say that to all the women,” Carrie said quietly as she shook her head.  He frowned at her and the meaning of her words. 

“Are you kidding?  Most of them barely tell me their names.  They don’t give a shit if I even like them. They just want something from me.  They couldn’t care less about how I feel about them,” John said.   

Carrie looked away from the raw emotions on his face.  She could see how much his fame cost him, how much he was missing out on and he knew it.  Without thinking about it, she turned back to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. 

David was still trying to get back to sleep and the dreams his wife had inspired on the phone when a loud thump startled him.  It sounded like something or somebody fell next door.  He debated briefly about getting up and seeing if Lil’ Sis needed his help.  With a smirk, he realized she didn’t need his help dealing with his buddy, she’d managed well enough on her own before now. 

********

Randy rolled over and grunted in pain.  He’d forgotten about that stiff shot until his body reminded him in no uncertain terms that he’d have to baby his ribs for a few days.  That thought was followed almost instantly by another.  He threw the covers back and sat up quickly.  He knew he was alone so he wasn’t worried about waking anybody.  Hell, he wouldn’t normally be worried even if he wasn’t alone.  If they were still in his bed in the morning, they just had to deal with a man who didn’t give a shit about anything except himself in the mornings.  He reached for his phone and flipped it open.  Frowning, he didn’t see that he’d missed any calls.  That didn’t make sense.  He had good reception at the arena last night, he’d checked.  He saw he had a few voice mails, so maybe.  He flipped his legs over the edge of the bed, taking the sheet with him.  His bed was a shambles, but that was normal for him.  He didn’t see how anybody managed to sleep in a bed and have it stay all tucked in.  It was un natural as far as he was concerned. He dialed his voice mail impatiently and waited.   

He sat through all of his messages impatiently; none of them were from her.  Her of the haunting green blue eyes.  Her of the face that showed up in all of his dreams.  Her of the impish grin as she watched him.  Get a grip on yourself.  You sound like a love struck kid.  He had his pick of women so why would this one continue to haunt him?  He’d even broken his number one rule last night with the twins that shared his bed.  He’d actually called one of them a name.  He’s slipped and called one of them her name.  Rebecca.  She blinked at him, but he managed to cover up for it, or so he thought.  He always called women baby, honey, sweetheart, or any other nonsense name deliberately so he didn’t slip up and use a wrong name.  But he’d fucked up last night.  No wonder since he’d been waiting all damn day for her to call.  Maybe they forgot to include his number on the card?  Maybe her mom signed for them yesterday and she’d see them this morning when she came in?  That thought cheered him, giving him enough energy to drag his ass into the shower. 

***

David closed the distance to the hotel door in a few strides.  He peered through the spy hole to make sure it wasn’t some fan.  He wasn’t up for that this morning.  He was a grouchy as a hibernating bear and he knew it.  All because he’d had his sleep interrupted by the exact same person who was standing outside the door right now. 

The door opened just as John raised his hand to knock again, thinking that maybe Carrie was still asleep.  He blinked in surprise at seeing DB standing in the doorway.  Maybe his memories from last night weren’t a dream. 

“What now,” was all David said to the surprised man at the door.  John backed up, sensing his buddy’s temper was simmering just below the surface.  He’d seen DB blow a few times and knew he could go the rest of his life without ever seeing it again, thank you very much. 

“Um, is Carrie awake yet,” John asked.  He kept his tone as inoffensive as possible, knowing that he wasn’t in any shape to spar with his buddy, verbal or physical. 

“Funny.  I think you’d be the one to know that better than me,” David snarled.  John frowned, considering the other mans words.   

“I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about, DB,” John admitted.  David finally stepped aside to let the other man in, preferring to have their little “come to Jesus” meeting in private.  David waited until the door closed behind John before turning back to him. 

“I’m talking about you and her.  Last night,” David said cryptically.  John looked confused.  “Last night,” David repeated slowly as one would to a dim witted child.  John shrugged.  “God almighty!  You fucking show up here at who knows what the fuck time last night, drunker than a fucking skunk, whining and crying to her.”  David waited, in part to see if any recognition showed on John’s face and also to let his temper simmer down a notch or two. 

“I showed up here?  Um, sorry about that.  I thought that I dreamt that,” John admitted with a grimace. 

“No, you didn’t dream it, Proto.  You showed up here, talking about all kinds of shit.  Shit that she doesn’t need to hear, from you or anybody,” David said and clenched his jaw to keep any more words from spilling out. 

“How the fuck did I get next door, in your room?  And what are you doing here, in hers,” John asked, finally starting to connect a few things.  David sighed loudly.  

“Melina,” was all the world champ said.  John nodded in understanding, no other explanation needed. 

“But, I woke up in one of those beds,” John said.  He deliberately left out the fact that he’d woken up naked, knowing his buddy wouldn’t appreciate hearing that shit right now. 

“Proto, I have no idea what you two did after you left here.  All I know was some sorry ass knocked on the door and woke us both up.  She took you next door so I could sleep,” David said.  He opened the curtains on the large sliding doors, letting in the natural light.  John winced in pain as the bright light hit him.  His head throbbed.  David grinned to himself at his buddy’s pain, thinking he deserved to have a major headache after getting shit faced last night.  He turned to say something witty to his friend and stopped. 

“I don’t remember you taking a chair shot to the face last night,” David said as he spotted the large black eye his buddy was sporting.  John frowned as he reached to touch his face. 

“Ow, that fuckin’ hurts,” he said as he touched his tender eye.  David tried to recall if he remembered John’s black eye from last night.  Because of the early hour, or because of his lack of sleep, David jumped to a conclusion quickly. 

“Where the fuck is she?  If you hurt her, I swear to God,” David growled at the other man.  John blinked in surprise. 

“I don’t know,” John said quickly, holding his hands out in surrender.  David stared at the other man in silence, willing him to remember. 

“Fuck it,” David said finally and reached for his phone.  If anyone knew anything about Lil’ Sis, it’d be Kris.  They usually talked in the morning, so if something bad did happen, his wife would be the first to know, he reasoned. 

“Hi honey,” David said warmly as his wife answered from a thousand miles away.  David smiled as he listened to his wife’s morning catastrophe involving his youngest and a whole lot of toilet paper.  “Baby, I called to see if you’d talked to Carrie yet this morning,” he finally managed to ask.  His brows went up at the answer.  “Yeah?  Oh.  Okay.  No, she wasn’t here this morning so I wondered.”  He listened to more from Kris, smiling at her voice and some of the images she shared. 

John shifted on his feet, feeling like an intruder as his buddy chatted with his wife.  He didn’t leave because he wanted to know where Carrie was this morning too.  He worried that some of his fuzzy memories from last night might be true the more he waited.  He remembered drinking with Edge last night.  He remembered Edge bugging him about Carrie.  He thought he knocked on her door after they were tossed out of the bar at closing.  He knew he had to talk to her, but after that he wasn’t sure where reality stopped and fiction started.  Did he?  If so, where was she so he could make sure she was okay?  The only way he would’ve been naked in bed was if they’d made love last night, but he wasn’t clear on if his memory was real of just a beer induced dream. 

John tuned back in to hear David say, “Yeah, I let Jess know.  Yeah, I’ll be dropping them off in a little while and I’ll call you.  Okay, babe.  Yeah.  Soon….I love you too.  Bye.”  David said, closing his obnoxious phone and turning to look at an anxious man that was trying unsuccessfully to appear calm.  David quirked a brow at his friend and shook his head. 

“Seems you’re off the hook.  Kris talked to her this morning and she said everything was fine.  She said she slept like shit, as usual, but other than that, she’s fine.  She’s next door with the girls.”  David pointed at the adjoining door, reminding John of his two fans next door.  John nodded, trying to keep his grimace hidden from his buddy.  He wanted to talk to Carrie, but knew he’d have to play John Cena for the girls first.  Damn.  He rubbed his stubble roughened chin and grinned. 

“Good.  I was a little worried,” John admitted. 

“You should be, dumb ass.  If you think my temper’s bad, don’t piss off Mike.  He’s got a temper that can only be described as nuclear,” David said.  John frowned, not sure if his buddy was kidding.   

David stepped up to the adjoining door and looked back at the WWE Champ. 

“You ready for this shit,” he asked quietly.  John nodded in silence as he pulled his jeans up and swallowed.  He’d already made use of some the complimentary toiletries in the other room, so he knew he didn’t have beer breath.  David knocked and waited at the door.  He grinned at some of the noises her heard through the door.  He turned back to his buddy and winked. 

“Is everybody decent,” he asked as he opened the door a crack.  A shrill female squeal was his answer as two teens ran into the bathroom.  He grinned and opened the door all the way, stepping through since the teens had disappeared in to the bathroom. 

“Ladies, there’s someone here to see you before you leave.  He wanted to say bye,” David called to the girls in the bathroom.  John’s eyes had locked onto his baby the moment he stepped into the room behind David.  She was grinning at David’s teasing and hadn’t yet met his eyes, causing him more than a little worry.  Some muffled squeals and giggles emanated from the closed door of the only bathroom, leaving no doubt as to who made the noise.   

John managed to smile in spite of his worry at the girls antics.  If only he’d had that same effect on girls when he was that age, things might be different.  He might actually know how to talk to a woman without feeling like a total idiot.  He wouldn’t be worried right now looking at the only woman he’d ever felt a deep connection with.  He was completely tied up in knots and wanted her desperately to look his way, just once.  He watched as she winked at David, without making eye contact with him, and opened the bathroom door.  Both men could hear her quiet voice, but the words weren’t distinct enough to make out.  David guessed she went in to give them a pep talk or something.  Maybe tell them their hair was fine or some other trivial thing that was desperately important to his daughter right now. 

“Think she’ll be able to get them to come out,” John asked quietly.  David nodded as he leaned against the door frame and waited.  If they came out in time to snag breakfast, that was another story. 

“If they’re in time, is another story,” David said with a quiet sigh.  He was used to his teen taking an inordinate amount of time to get ready.  He wondered where she got it from, it wasn’t from Kris.  Did young girls get quicker as they got older?  Would she figure out how to do her hair and make up in a timely manner as she got older?  He hoped so or her future boyfriends better be blessed with a ton of patience.  He’d ask Kris, along with a ton of others things he’d observed last night.  His little girl was growing up on him and he wasn’t prepared to let her go just yet. 

“Don’t make me come in there to get you ladies,” John spoke up.  Silence met his words.  Shit, did he just step into it?  He didn’t know, he was trying to be funny and it looked like it bombed.  Damn.  

The door to the bathroom opened, letting Lil’ Sis out first.  She winked at David and smiled broadly at John.  He breathed a sigh of relief at her actions.  So he hadn’t fucked up after all, or she wasn’t pissed at him about it.  Either way it was a good thing.  He felt a genuine smile start as he saw the two young girls step back out into the hotel room.  They both looked at him and blushed, unable to articulate. 

“Ladies, you look lovely,” John said to them.  Liz’s head snapped up to stare at him like an adoring puppy.  Carrie watched her niece and groaned inwardly at her actions.  Just what David and Kris didn’t need, another crush.  Jess smiled shyly at him and managed to mumble something.  Several seconds of embarrassed silence filled the air.  Carrie sighed and moved to Liz’s bag. 

“John, the girls were wondering of you could sign a few things for them before they have to go.  They have a flight leaving soon, and I’m sure their dad hasn’t eaten breakfast yet,” Carrie said as she handed him some of their stash of Cena stuff from last night.  The girls inched closer as John searched for a pen.  David pulled one out of his pocket and handed it to his buddy without a word.  John started to sign a hat, but he paused and asked Jess if this was hers, forcing her to talk to him.  Carrie smiled at his tactics, he knew exactly what he was doing.  She stepped away so she could have a quick chat with David about their arraignments today. 

“You’re on your own this morning, David.  I’m catching a ride with Nan and Hunter, remember,” Carrie asked quietly.  David blinked, he’d forgotten that.  He’d been so distracted with Cena this morning. 

“Yeah, I remember,” he lied.  “You okay?  I was worried,” he said and left the rest of the sentence off, not wanting to smother or piss her off. 

“Fine,” she said quietly.  At his disbelief, she continued,” Really, I’m fine.  He was fine,” she said.  What the hell?  When did everyone start to get so damn protective?  Damn it.  First Mike.  No wait, scratch that.  First Hunter, then Mike, then John and now David.  Kris and Wease didn’t count because they were always in that mode.  They were a family and as such, looked out for one another.  That’s exactly why the guys were being so protective and possessive.  Family.  Damn.  Her thoughts strayed to the one man she purposely didn’t include in that bunch.  She closed her eyes briefly, forcing her mind away from those thoughts.  Not today, not now.  Not ever. 

The giggles of the girls pulled her attention back to the present as she watched John hug each one in turn and asking if there was anything else they wanted him to sign.  Both shook their heads.  Jess looked around to make sure they hadn’t forgotten anything.  Carrie sighed theatrically.   

“Cameras?  Where are they?”  Both girls had their tiny cameras out of their bags and in their hands in seconds.  John smiled at their actions.  Without prompting, since he knew the drill, he went to stand between them.  He wrapped his arm around both of them and pulled them closer.  He saw Carrie with a camera, readying to take a picture. 

“Thank you both for coming and letting me spoil you,” he said seriously.  There were several flashes as the girls tried to thank him for inviting them.  “You sure there’s nothing else you want me to sign,” he continued to ask and distract.  More flashes followed his question, capturing the girls’ animation at his words.  David stood in good natured silence as his buddy flirted with both girls, letting them forget that their aunt was taking pictures of them.  They made a good team.  He stopped and mentally slapped himself at that thought.  No, they don’t.  It’s why she’s not with him.  She chose Mike instead, you dumb shit.  He must be tired.  Hell, he was tired.  Tired and hungry. 

“Hey, you guys trying to let me starve to death,” David teased the group. 

“No, Dad.  We’re just waiting for Aunt Carrie to take our pictures then we can go,” Liz said quickly. 

“Too late, Peanut.  She already did,” David said with a grin. 

“You did,” Jess said in shock.  Carrie grinned and nodded, prepared to hand their cameras back to them. 

“Wait,” she said.  She nodded at David.  “You don’t get off that easy.  Get your hungry ass over there so we can take a few pictures.”  David put his arm around his daughter, forcing John to remove his.  “Say cheese whiz,” Carrie said as she snapped some pictures.  David started to pull one of his goofy faces and John reached over and pretended to choke him.  Carrie caught all of it on camera with a smile.  With very little fuss, David managed to wrangle the young ladies and their overnight bags out the door.  As David held the door open good naturedly, Jess and Liz hugged their aunt in thanks. 

“I’ll be home tomorrow, then you can tell me everything,” she winked at both of them.  David urged them out the door before Liz could wind up in to any long conversation.  He nodded and waved at the two left behind, closing the door behind them. 

“God almighty, heaven help me if they’re girls,” Carrie said touching her tummy.  John looked at her sharply and grinned. 

“What?  You were great.  What’s the problem?  I can see you taking them shopping and shit,” John laughed.  Carrie directed a look at him, telling him he must be confusing her with someone else.  He shrugged.  “Yeah, maybe not.  So, maybe they’ll be into something else,” he offered. 

“Let’s hope so.  I don’t have the energy for that shit,” Carrie said, sitting down on one of the beds.  John sat next to her, reaching for her hand. 

“You mind,” he asked, taking her hand in his and caressing her palm with his thumb.  It was an unconscious gesture, something he did to her hand all the time, but it was also extremely sensual and provocative, something she wasn’t sure he was aware of. 

They sat in silence for several moments, enjoying each others company, but also the silence. 

“I don’t know where they get the energy,” she said slowly.  John barely heard her words.  He was lost in last night’s memories. 

“Baby,” he ventured.  She looked into his serious face.  “Did we?  Um, did I?”  John struggled to find the right words without sounding like an asshole.  She stayed quiet next to him, waiting for the question, not wanting to presume exactly what he might be trying to say, even though she had a pretty good idea.  John blew his breath out and tried again.   

“Carrie, did we make love last night?  Did you give me this black eye?  Did I deserve it,” he finished. 

She pulled her hand away from his tormenting fingers, touching his cheek fondly.  She tipped his chin down to her with her thumb, much the same way he did to her.  She rubbed her thumb across his rough face, enjoying the feel of him for a moment.  She needed a few seconds to find the right words.  She didn’t want to hurt him any more than she already had. 

“John,” she started.  He opened his mouth to say something, but she placed a small finger against his lips to still them.  “We didn’t make love last night.  Not that you didn’t want to.  I don’t know what got into you last night, but you had to tell me you loved me.  You had to make sure I heard you and you wanted to prove it to me.”  John blinked at her words, he knew he’d drank too much last night, but he didn’t normally get stupid drunk. 

“Sorry, Baby,” he said.  He leaned over and kissed her forehead. 

“Not your fault, honey.  You had some help getting there.  You told me all about it.  Mister Ontario has some explaining to do when I see him next.  Lucky for him it; won’t be for a while.  As to how you got naked,” she started, noticing he still had questions.  “You took you clothes off when I ran to the bathroom.”  At his headshake, she continued.  “Yeah, you wanted to.  You just had to show me, but you managed to trip over your own feet and landed on the floor.  I don’t know what you hit on the way down, but something gave you that black eye and it wasn’t me.  When I came back out, you were on the floor, naked, holding your eye and swearing.”  She tried to keep a straight face, but a giggle escaped.  He looked at her sharply, realizing she was laughing at him.  He grinned. 

“Ah hell,” he said knowing he’d made an ass out of himself.  He sat and thought for a second at the sight she must have walked back to and he started to laugh too.  “What a dumb shit,” he said as he calmed down again.  No wonder, he privately added. 

“I do love you, Carrie,” he said seriously.  It was getting harder for her to pretend that it didn’t affect her.  The damn hormones and their fucking with her emotions and control were really getting to be a huge pain.  She nodded at him as she drew in a shaky breath, trying to remain calm.  He wrapped his arms around her and whispered, “I always will.”  She leaned into his chest, soaking up his strength as she fought her own battle.  A knock at the door pulled them apart.  John looked at her.  Who the fuck is that, his look clearly said.  She glanced at the clock and sighed. 

“It’s Hunter.  Time for me to go,” she said going to the door.   

“I thought you were kidding.  I thought you might want to catch a ride with me,” Jon said as she opened the door.  Hunter grinned at her, but managed to glare at the man on the bed too. 

“Why the fuck would she want to do that,” Hunter asked.  Carrie exchanged a glance with Nan.  They both sighed at the blonde’s words.  He must have woken up in a surly mood, Carrie privately thought.  John shook his head, not rising to the bait.  Hunter’s brows shot up at the champ’s lack of reply.  He narrowed his eyes as he took in the room, and the two occupants. 

“Glad you found me in the girls’ room,” Carrie said quickly, sensing Hunter might be warming up to start in on John. 

“No one answered next door, so it made sense,” Nan explained.  Carrie nodded and darted through the connecting door to grab her shit.  The quicker they were out of the room, the better.  As she came back with her bag, John grabbed her arm, stopping her.  Hunter’s nostrils flared as he tried to control his temper.  A slight touch on his arm from his wife reminded him to behave today or at least try hard. 

“John, Nan and I have a score to settle.  You notice I didn’t introduce the girls to that stupid bottled red headed bitch?  There’s a damn good reason.”  At John’s look of understanding, she finished.  “Today is the day that woman gets a taste of who and what she doesn’t want to fuck with, ever again,” Carrie said quietly.  John blinked in surprise at her vehemence.  He also knew there was no talking her out of whatever she had planned. 

“Just be careful,” he said, bringing her hand to his lips.   

“Count on it,” she said smugly.   

“Do I need to get bail money?  A good lawyer,” John teased as the trio walked back out the door. 

“For her, maybe,” Nan laughed.   

“She’s with us, she’ll be fine, sport,” Hunter said over his shoulder.  The door closed after them, leaving John to his thoughts and worries.  Their payback of Christy just added more for him to worry about. 

“So,” Nan said as the walked away.  Carrie frowned briefly, then smiled in understanding. 

“I got all of it.  I took care of the case and the rest?  Well, she’s fucked, but we already know that,” Carrie smirked.  Hunter carried all their bags as he led the way.  He kept quiet in hopes of understanding what their plan entailed.  Nan hadn’t been very forthcoming on the subject, telling him she wanted him to enjoy the surprise. 

“No, not that,” Nan said, waving her hand in dismissal.  She nodded back at the door they just left and grinned.  “That,” she said with a direct look at her small friend.   

Carrie’s eyes widened in understanding.  Shit, she didn’t know how to explain it, but knew her fiery friend and knew she’d never let her off the hook.  Not once she’d asked about it.  She was like a dog with a bone once she got an idea in her head.  And she knew Nan had been dying to ask her more about John and all the shit that went with since their breakfast yesterday. 

“Well,” Carrie started.  “That is complicated.”  Hunter perked up, but kept his opinions to himself for the time being.  He’d made his opinions known to Lil’ Sis about her questionable judgment. 

“No shit,” Nan said, her voice laced with sarcasm.  Things were not going as smoothly as she’d hoped.  She wanted to use their time together this morning to find out exactly what the hell really was going on.  Hunter pushed the elevator button and the doors opened instantly, surprising all of them.  Carrie opened her mouth again, trying to think of where and how to start. 

“Lil’ Sis, why don’t you wait until we get in the car?  Then my lovely wife can grill you mercilessly, uninterrupted,” Hunter supplied helpfully.  Nan smiled at him, reminding him of the morning’s smile they’d shared over coffee.  Carrie nodded in silence as she blew her breath out in relief.  Nan surreptitiously watched her friend’s relief.  The wheels in her mind started turning. 

**** 

Nan waited for the first few miles to pass by in silence, waiting for her friend to appear to relax before she grilled her on her favorite topic of the moment.  Carrie watched Nan shift subtly in her seat next to Hunter and knew what was coming. 

“Care to tell me what’s really going on with Cena,” Nan asked without any lead in.  Carrie sighed slowly, not sure how to explain her relationship with John.  It wasn’t what everyone, including Nan, thought. 

“It’s complicated,” Carrie started. 

“Yeah, yeah, you said that already,” Nan waved her hand dismissively.  Hunter’s brows rose at his wife’s tactics with his lil’ sis.   

Carrie smiled and crinkled her nose at her feisty friend.  There was that terrier with a bone attitude. 

“John could be the father of these babies.  He’s fucking thrilled about that.  He wants that and more,” Carrie’s voice trailed off as the last of her words left her mouth.  Nan’s lips had been partly open in preparation for her next question.  At her friend’s tone, she closed them and rethought her next question.  Hunter watched his wife shift her line of thinking.  He could almost read her mind sometimes.  Carrie held up her small hands to forestall any further questions. 

“I know what you’re thinking.  You’re thinking what does Mike think, right,” Carrie asked the two occupants facing her.  Neither said in word, in part because Nan was in shock.  That was the last thing she had been thinking.  Carrie continued on in the deafening silence.  “Mike knows that if John is the dad, I’m not cutting him out of his children’s’ lives and he seems okay with that.” 

Hunter covered his mouth and coughed.  The sound that escaped his lips sounded suspiciously like the word bullshit.  Nan quirked a brow at him in agreement. 

“That’s lovely, but that’s not what I was going to ask you,” Nan said watching apprehension appear in her friend’s eyes.  “You can’t tell me that what I saw,” Nan waved her delicately painted nails in the air vaguely.  “What I saw in the restaurant didn’t mean something.”   

Carrie blinked.  What did Nan think she saw?  She purposely walked past John’s table yesterday, intent on not embarrassing herself with Kevin, knowing that John understood their rules.  Nan blew her breath out in a supreme effort at keeping her composure. 

“Honey, John damn near had an orgasm the minute he spotted you,” Nan said bluntly.  Wordlessly, Hunter reached over and flipped the switch, ensuring the privacy window was up.  Things were about to get interesting. 

“No,” Carrie breathed quietly. 

“Oh hell yeah,” Nan assured the small woman.  She grinned into the shocked expression staring back at her.  Carrie shook her head slowly, trying to deny what she knew was true. 

“But he knows,” Carrie said uselessly.  Nan stayed quiet, sensing more might be coming.  Silence met her tactic.  Nan couldn’t stand the silence for long.

“Knows what, Honey?  That he wants to fuck you as soon as look at you?  That he’s nuts about you?  That he doesn’t care if you’re pregnant or not, he’s still in love with you.”  Nan continued on relentlessly.  “Don’t tell me you two aren’t hopping in bed every damn chance you get?  I saw the way that man devoured you.  Millions of women would kill to have their men look at them like that.  Don’t tell me it’s done.  If it is, you’re a damn fool!” 

“I guess I’m a damn fool, then,” Carrie said quietly. 

“You can’t be serious,” Nan asked without thought.  Hunter pulled her in close to distract her before she said too much. 

“Yeah, it’s been over for months and he knows it,” Carrie admitted without any humor. 

“Months?  And he’s still like that?  Carrie, are you sure?  Is it because of Mike,” Nan asked quickly.  She tried to keep her opinion out of her voice, but Carrie’s expression told her she wasn’t successful.  

“No, not because of him.  Because…well because John doesn’t need any distractions right now.  He’s got the world to conquer and he needs to focus all of his attention on that.  He needs to stay safe,” Carrie said stubbornly. 

“He tell you that,” Nan asked with an arched brow.  Nan was betting John had said no such thing, not with his actions yesterday and from Hunter’s reports, his continuous calls to Carrie. 

“No, he didn’t.  But we didn’t plan on this,” Carrie said as her hand rubbed her still flat tummy. 

“Jesus, Carrie!  You don’t think babies on the way aren’t a distraction?  Babies that might or might not be his?  Damn it all, woman!  About the only bigger distraction would be if you’d dance naked for him,” Nan finished with an irritated glance at her clueless friend. 

“Planned or not, he’s damn distracted,” Hunter spoke up. Carrie blinked at her blonde protector.  Hunter laced his fingers with his wife’s, signaling her to table her comments for now.  She learned what she’d wanted, although it wasn’t the answer she hoped for. 

“Damn it.  It wasn’t supposed to be like this.  It was just supposed to be fun, no strings, no commitments,” Carrie admitted. 

“Didn’t fucking work,” Nan said with an irritated head shake.  Hunter’s continued touching and interruptions of her was starting to irritate the hell out of her.  She flashed a glare at him and he winked and nodded at Carrie with his chin.  Nan looked at the other occupant and realized she had gone quiet and pale, something that was out of character for her.  Or at least it used to be before all this shit started.  Hunter’s caresses made sense now.  He was trying to sooth both of them before some sort of explosion happened.  Damn him anyway, Nan grumbled to herself, not ready to let the issue drop.  Another look at her silent friend told her she was finished for now anyway.  

Hunter let several miles of silence settle the ladies before he approached his question of the day.  It had been bugging him for weeks and finally he was going to find out what his wife and lil’ sis had planned for that obnoxious red head.  He was betting it was going to be loud and very public if he knew his wife. 

Carrie looked up quickly as Hunter shifted in his seat, knowing he had something he wanted to say.  God help her if he was going bitch at her about John.  She just might bitch right back. 

“You ladies going to tell me what you’ve cooked up for Christy,” Hunter asked both of them with a wide grin. Carrie blinked in surprise.  She’d been braced for more attacks that she’d completely forgotten their upcoming airport fiasco.  Nan snorted at his gentle probe. 

“Don’t tell him.  He has to wait and experience it like everyone else.  I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise,” Nan giggled. 

*** 

Randy found a quiet spot to wait in the lounge of the airport, away from any of his co-workers.  He couldn't stand it any more and was going to break down and call her, breaking his own number one rule - do not call them, let them call you. 

He glanced around quickly before flipping his phone open and dialing the number from memory.  He cracked his neck as he waited for an answer. 

"Pea Pod, how can I help you," Rebecca's voice carried to him loud and clear.  A grin instantly lit his face. 

"Rebecca?  It's Randy," Randy said quickly.  Silence was her only response.  Sensing she might be shy, he plowed on.  "How are you, sweetheart?  Did you like the flowers?  I saw them and thought of you," Randy said as he stared off into space, thinking only of her beautiful eyes smiling back at him in gratitude.  Randy finally realized Rebecca hadn't uttered a word since initially answering the phone.  He frowned and pulled his phone away from his ear.  No connection?  That didn’t make sense.  He had a good signal so what the hell happened? 

Rebecca hung up and walked out the door with a wave to her mom.  "I'm going to the post office, Mom.  You need anything?"  The older woman looked up in confusion at her daughter's sudden change in plans.  She'd stated earlier her desire to stay in today, avoiding the winter rain.  She shook her head as she watched her daughter wave in acceptance of her answer, walking out the door quickly. 

Rebecca's mom picked up the ringing phone automatically. 

"Pea Pod, how can we help make your day a little brighter?" 

"Um, yeah.  Is Rebecca available," Randy asked.   

"No, she just left.  Can I help you?"  Randy stood up at that news, frowning as he listened. 

"Thanks, but no.  I was trying to reach Rebecca.  We were talking and we got cut off.  Do you know when she's coming back," Randy asked.  He hated the slight desperation he heard in his own voice. 

"I'm not sure.  I can take a message if you like," Rebecca's mom asked. 

"Okay, sure.  Can you let her know Randy Orton called?  Somehow we got cut off and I'd really like to talk to her," Randy said.  He rattled off his cell number to the older woman, smiling as she repeated it back. 

"Okay, I'll let her know," she said, remembering the tall nice looking young man from a few days ago. 

"Thanks," Randy said and closed his phone with a snap.  What the hell happened?  Did she get cut off a