Backstage Survivor Series, 2004 

"God I hate waiting!"  Rosie swore as she paced around the room.

"Hon, it doesn't get any easier," Nan commented as she watched Hunter's team lose their match on the closed circuit TV.  "Boy things are going to be tough for him for the next four weeks."

Rosie stopped next to Nan's chair and placed a hand on her shoulder.  "I imagine Chris, Maven, Chris and Randy will all go for the title.  Hunt will have his work cut out for him, won't he?"

Nan sighed heavily, "No more than usual, I guess."

"Well at least he's got Dave and Ric to watch his back."  She dropped into a vacant chair and slumped back.  "How is it possible that I feel so good that Chris won but disappointed that Hunter lost?"

"That's something else that doesn't change."

"How have you managed to do this for so long?  I've only been coming to the shows for about six months and it's already driving me insane."

"Rosie, what is wrong with you tonight?  You're usually not this wound up."  Nan asked in her usual forthright manner.

Shaking her head slightly she shrugged her shoulders.  "Something is not right; I feel it in my gut.  This woman keeps ringing home asking for Chris.  Funny thing is she only rings when he's not there, almost like she knows he's not home.  It's got me stuffed how the hell she got our number in the first place."

"I guess she could have gotten your number off one of the other guys, but I find that hard to imagine.  What does she sound like?"

"I've never heard such a sugary sweet voice in my life!  And I can tell she's Canadian because she talks like she's got a mouth full of marbles."

Nan didn't laugh at Rosie's attempt at humour, instead a scowl settled on her features and a nasty thought entered her mind.  Goddamn it, Chris, when are you going to tell her!

"Maybe you should change your phone number," Nan suggested.

"I've thought about that, but that's such a hassle.  Maybe we should just get the damn thing disconnected and just use our mobiles."

"What are Chris' thoughts about the caller?"

"Now that's the real puzzle.  I get the feeling he may know who it is but he isn't telling me.  Just one more secret he feels he needs to keep to himself."

"One more?"  Nan queried, cocking her head to one side.

"There's something going on that he's not telling me.  It's been going on for months but he won't talk about it.  I mean most of the time he's fine but sometimes he gets that far away look in his eye and goes really quiet.  I don't know, I suppose he'll open up in his own sweet time, I just wish he'd hurry up."

Knowing she had to tread carefully here, Nan hesitated before replying.  "Honey, have you and Chris talked about each other's pasts?"

"What do you mean?"

Throwing the proverbial shovel away before she dug herself into a hole too deep to get out of, Nan shrugged.  "I mean how much do you actually know about each other's early years?"

"He knows all about my childhood, practically told him everything the day we met," she laughed, "and I know all about how things were for him growing up.  I obviously also know you and Chris were an item many moons ago."

But there's a huge black hole in the middle there somewhere, Nan thought to herself.

Loud voices outside the door heralded the arrival of Chris, Hunter, Dave and Ric.  As Chris walked through the door Rosie got up and threw her arms around him.

"I'm so proud of you, babe." 

"Thanks sweetie." Chris replied, holding her tightly.

"You know, if you're seen hanging around these guys too often, people will start to think you've joined Evolution," Rosie laughed when she pulled back.

"Not bloody likely!" Chris replied, laughing also.  "In any case, it's all your fault, you're always with Nan and she's always with Trips."  Still smiling, he kissed her lightly on the lips.  "It's ok backstage, just not in front of the masses."

More people poured into the room, Randy and Rebecca and the rest of his team, William Regal and Eugene, Edge and Karen, Christian and Stef and various guys from the Smackdown roster.  Bringing up the rear was Vince and when everyone was settled he gave his usual post PPV speech.  No-one could deny that it was a very successful show and everyone was on a high. 

Rosie scanned the room in the hope of seeing her friend Emma, who was Kurt Angle's girlfriend.  She'd seen Kurt standing near the door but there was no sign of Emma.  Leaving Chris' side she walked up to him and enquired about Emma's whereabouts, but got told in no uncertain terms that she was not to go near Emma.  More than a little puzzled by Kurt's attitude, Rosie exited the room to find a quiet spot away from everyone.  She knew Chris would want to shower and have a bevy of interviews to attend to before leaving the arena so she had a bit of time to be by herself. 

Hunter had seen the encounter between Kurt and Rosie and quietly asked Dave to follow her.  Dave found her sitting amongst some audio equipment, her back against the wall and her forehead resting against her bent knees.

"Rosie?"

She lifted her head at the sound of his voice.  "Hi Dave.  Hunter send you after me?"

"He just wanted to make sure you're ok.  Kurt giving you a hard time?"

"He wouldn't tell me where Emma was.  I haven't seen her for ages and every time I ring her all I get is her machine.  I'm worried about her."

"Is that all?"

"Of course.  Should anything else be wrong?"

"I don't know, you tell me."

"Don't get all cryptic on me, big man.  What are you getting at?"

"You don't seem your usual happy self lately."

"A girl can't be cheerful 24/7."

"Yeah, but you usually are.  Chris ok?"

"Everything's just peachy."

"Then what's wrong?"

Rosie sighed and stood up.  Not usually one to blurt out her inner feelings, she found herself confiding in Dave, purging herself.  She explained to him how she knew Chris was keeping something from her, the mysterious caller, and all her deepest thoughts. 

"Honey, it sounds to me like you've both got to sit down and talk about things.  It's not healthy to keep secrets from each other."

"Dave, I've tried!  He closes up tighter than a clam shell.  If I didn't know better, I'd swear he was having an affair!"

"I don't imagine that's his secret."

"Then what!"  Rosie stamped her foot in frustration and to her horror felt the sting of tears. 

"I'm not the one you need to be asking," Dave said quietly.

As the tears flowed, Rosie covered her face with her hands, her shoulders shaking in silent sobs.  Dave embraced her and rested his cheek atop her head, rocking her back and forth like a child.  "That's it, let it all go," he soothed.

Rosie clung to him, unable to stop crying.  "I love him so much, Dave," she whispered brokenly.

Dave cupped her face and tilted it up until she was looking at him.  "He loves you too, darlin, any fool could see that.  You've got to understand that guys sometimes find it hard to express their true feelings.  Hang in there; I'm sure you'll get through it." His thumbs stroked her cheeks as he spoke, catching her tears as they fell.

Rosie slid her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his massive chest; the strong beating of his heart comforting her as her sobs slowly subsided.  When she lifted her head again she gave a small chuckle.

"What's so funny?" Dave enquired.

"Here I am blubbering all over you when you haven't even changed out of your ring attire yet, let alone had time to shower."

Dave peered down at his naked chest and laughed softly.  "Not true, it seems you've taken care of the shower bit," he indicated the big wet patch just below his left pectoral muscle.

Rosie reached up and gently wiped the offending wetness away.  "Thank you." She whispered. 

"For what?"

"For listening to me ramble on tonight, for being such a good friend."  She stepped away and sat on a black trunk, digging in her pocket for a hanky to blow her nose on.  "I really hate complaining about my life because I'm so lucky with everything I have, but I needed to get things off my chest.  It was nice to transfer them to yours instead; it's big enough to handle it."

Dave laughed as he reached out to tuck a stray bit of hair behind her ear.  "You're looking tired," he commented.

"I haven't been sleeping too well, most unusual for me.  I feel like I've been hit by a truck, and I've got the starting of a migraine headache."

"Do you want me to take you back to the motel?"

"Thanks, big man, but I can't do that to Chris, I want to help him celebrate his win.  I think I'll just go to his locker room and have a rest, it's the only was I can combat a migraine.  Will you tell him that's where I've gone?"

"Sure, hon." Dave grabbed Rosie's hand to help her up then hand in hand the two of them headed for Chris' locker room. 

***** 

Chris along with Hunter, Nan and Dave entered his dark locker room.  Switching on a light they saw Rosie laying on her side on a couch, eyes closed, head resting on her clasped hands.

Chris moved to her side and crouched down and gently stroked her forehead, concern evident on his face.  "She hasn't been too well the last few days," he said quietly.

"She told me she hasn't been sleeping," Dave said.

Taking matters into her own hands Nan stared pointedly at Chris.  "Well she'd obviously worried about something if she's not sleeping."

Chris deliberately avoided Nan's glare and continued stroking Rosie, a confused Hunter watching the byplay between the two.

"What's going on, Nan?" Hunter asked.

"Don't worry, Hunter, it's none of our concern," she replied, a hard edge to her voice.

"If it involves Rosie, then I'd say it IS of our concern," he hissed softly.

"Guys, guys, cool it.  We don't want to disturb her," Dave interjected.

As he spoke, Rosie turned onto her back and opened her eyes.  "What's this, the welcoming committee?" she murmured, noticing that the men had showered and changed their clothes.

"More like the collecting committee, we're ready to leave." Chris smiled. "How's your head?"

"Feels like someone's inside with a hammer, trying to get out.  Are you missing a sledge hammer, bro?"

"I didn't know you suffered from migraines," Hunter commented, squatting beside Chris and taking hold of one of Rosie's hands.

"Hunt, we've still a lot to learn about each other."  She squeezed his hand.  "I only get them occasionally thank goodness."

"I'm going to take you back to the motel," Chris decided, standing up.

Rosie grabbed his shirt.  "No, I'll take a cab, you need to go and celebrate."

"You will not take a cab," Hunter growled.

"Honey, I don't want to go out without you." Chris added.

"Well you're going to!  Everyone will be expecting you, and you can't let them down."

"But you're more important than everyone else."

Rosie smiled as she pushed herself into a sitting position.  "Chris, I know you feel that way, but at least go and make an appearance.  You needn't stay long, but show your face.  I'll just go back to the motel and go to bed.  Hunt, tell him he has to go, there's no need for us both to miss out on having a good time."

Everyone laughed at that comment, amused that Rosie sounded so much like a little girl putting all her faith in her big brother.  "Chris, you have to go," Hunter said, "little sister says so."

"Ok, Rosebud, I know when I'm licked," Chris conceded "but I'm only staying for an hour at the most."

"Fair enough.  I can live with that."

"Dave, I want you to take Rosie back to the motel in the limo.  Nan and I will catch a ride with Chris," Hunter instructed.  "Just wait until everyone else has gone, we don't want anyone starting shit because Rosie's leaving with you."

Rosie's eyes lit up.  "I get to ride in the limo?"

"Sure thing, Peanut.  And you should feel honoured, only special people get to ride in the Evolution limo," Hunter teased.

Rosie held her arms out to Hunter and he bent down to embrace her.  "Will you make sure Chris enjoys himself?" she asked softly.

"We'll do our best.  You just make sure you rest until your head feels better."

She kissed him tenderly on the cheek before releasing him.  "I will," she promised. 

Hunter and Nan bid Rosie goodbye then left to wait for Chris at his car.  Dave also left, but advised he'd be back soon.

"You sure you'll be ok?" Chris asked his brow creasing as he frowned.

"Will you stop worrying?  I'll be fine," she smiled, reaching up to soothe the frown lines.  "You're gonna get wrinkles if you keep frowning." 

Chris leaned over and softly brushed his lips over hers.  "I love you."

"I love you too, now go."  Rosie gave him a slight push in the direction of the door.

He gave her a lingering look before disappearing.

Rosie chuckled to herself as the door closed behind him.  She laid her head back to rest on the back of the couch and closed her eyes.  This is how Dave found her a short time later.

"Rosie?" he asked his voice soft.

"I'm not asleep, just resting my eyes."

"You ready to go?  The arena's just about empty and the limo's waiting right outside the door for us."

"Just let me grab my handbag and I'm all yours."

Rosie stood up and instantly sat back down, clutching her head.  "Oooooh,"

"It's worse than you let on, isn't it?" Dave shook his head.  Without hesitation, he bent over and scooped Rosie up, cradling her in his arms.  "No wonder Hunter calls you Peanut, you're hardly bigger than one," he commented.  "Now, where's your bag?"

"Over there," she indicated across the room. 

Dave walked over and Rosie picked up her bag then they headed out into the deserted corridor.  As they walked along, she rested her aching head against his neck.  "You're my knight in shining armour tonight, aren't you?" she murmured closing her eyes again.

"Just call me Lancelot, milady,"

As they passed the media room they came face-to-face with a stunning blonde woman.  Her green eyes widened in shock at the sight of Batista with Rosie in his arms, her head tucked neatly under his chin.

"Hi Carly," he greeted her with a slight nod of his head then moved passed her to continue down the hall.

"Hellooooo, Dave," she replied, turning to watch them as they walked away, a slow smile forming on her perfectly made up lips.

Rosie opened her eyes and peered over Dave's shoulder.

"Who is she?  I've seen her somewhere before."

"That's Carly, she works for the company.  A journalist or a photographer can't remember which.  She hasn't been here for long."

Turning her head to look again, Rosie noticed Carly was still watching them, and then it hit her.  "That's where I've seen her!  She was at the show in Winnipeg.  When Chris and I left the arena she threw me a filthy look but I thought nothing more of it. I've never met the woman so I don't know why she'd have reason to hate me."

"Maybe she's got the hots for Chris," Dave joked.

"She'd better not have, I'll scratch her eyes out if she lays a finger on him," Rosie retorted fiercely.

"Settle, petal, don't want to raise your blood pressure," he laughed, dropping a kiss on the top of her head as they rounded a corner.

As promised, just outside the entrance door, the limo was waiting.  The driver opened the back door and Dave gently placed Rosie on the seat.  Once satisfied she was settled he went around to the other side and slid into his seat.

As they drove away Carly walked out the door, a smug expression on her face. 

***** 

When the limo reached the motel, Dave insisted on carrying Rosie up to the room, refusing to take no for an answer when she argued that she could walk.

"I don't think I'll call you Lancelot anymore," she grumbled as they entered the elevator, "you're acting like a caveman right now.  I guess I'm lucky you didn't throw me over your shoulder."

"Quit complaining, darlin, it ain't every day I act so noble, so enjoy it while you can."

"You've been hanging around Hunter too long," was Rosie's only reply.

When they reached her room she fumbled around in her bag for the key to let them in.  Once that was found they entered the room and Dave put Rosie down onto the couch.  Without a word he bent down and removed her shoes, massaging each foot before he released it. 

"You really don't have to play nursemaid, you know," she commented.

"I'm just trying to make you feel a little better."

"Well it's working, that foot massage was rather nice."

"Do you want something to drink or eat?"

"No thanks, I'll just take some pain killers and go to bed."

Rosie slowly stood up and went to her suitcase to get some tablets.  "Bugger it," she swore when she realised she didn't have any.

"What's wrong?"

"I seem to have forgotten to bring my headache pills.  I'd forget my head if it wasn't screwed on tight."

"I'll go down to the pharmacy and get some for you.  Which ones do you take?"

Rosie told him the preferred brand and he picked up the room key and left.  She smiled to herself as he shut the door.  Having Dave around was like having another big brother, but he was more than that; he was also a great friend.  She didn't regret opening her heart to him earlier; in fact was glad she had.  She truly felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. 

All at once she became aware of a heavy ache low in her abdomen.

"Oh terrific!  That's just what I need." She groaned, once more going to her suitcase.  This time she looked for, and found, her sanitary pads.  "No wonder I've been an emotional wreck today.  Bloody PMS."

When Dave returned Rosie had changed into her pyjamas and was in sitting up in bed.  She was watching TV with the volume low. 

"Doesn't that make your head ache worse?" Dave asked as he poured water into a glass and shook two tablets from their jar.

"Not really, when you leave it will put me to sleep.  Chris always teases me about falling asleep in front of the telly."

Dave walked over and sat on the vacant side of the bed, the side closest to the door he absently noticed, and handed Rosie first the pills then the water.  She downed the pills, throwing her head back each time, and then finished off the water in the glass.  She placed the empty glass on her bedside table turned to Dave.

"Thank you so much for looking after me," she said, covering the big hand that rested on the quilt with her own.

"You're welcome, hon.  You know I'd do anything for you."

"You're a good friend, Dave, one I'm very lucky to have."

"No, Rosie, we're the lucky ones.  Lucky that Chris found you and made you part of our lives."  He leaned over and gently kissed her on the forehead.  "Now lay back and close those baby blues and get some rest.  I don't suppose Chris will be too long," he chuckled.

Rosie did as she was told and a moment later was sound asleep.

Dave quietly left the room and made his way down to the limo.  After instructing the driver where to take him he sat back in his seat and closed his eyes.  He was prepared to get the third degree from the others, especially Chris, about Rosie's condition and was satisfied he could assure them she was ok.  As his thoughts turned to Rosie he took a deep breath.  On reflection he realised that Hunter had been right all the times he had ribbed him about having the hots for Rosie, for a while he had been smitten with her.  Hell, if he was honest with himself, in his deepest thoughts he'd even tried to devise a way to get her away from Chris.  Although he was glad that had never happened, he cared deeply about her and woes betide anyone who tried to hurt her.

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