The show was over, just like that. The company was now looking forward to stability once again and all was made healthy in one single evening. It would have been a bit too much to say that a miracle had been done, but there was a definite upswing now that the surprises had made themselves apparent. The internet was already buzzing at the idea of ECW being right on the threshold of becoming the #2 promotion in the United States if such shows as this would repeat themselves in the future. Meanwhile, as such visions of grandeur danced in many a website reporter's head, three individuals were wandering the emptying halls of the old and tired arena.
"That was classic," Lance said proudly as he gave CJ a few good swats on the back. "Instant heat from the minute you two got out there."
"I got to admit, it felt good," Chris said, rubbing Stephanie's shoulder. She'd been quiet since the match was over. Thinking. Remembering. Glad to be herself once again.
"You know Paul's gonna want to talk with you now," replied Lance. "He's bound to drool all over you now."
"Yeah," Chris answered. "Hope not tonight though. I can gladly go another night without seeing his smiling face."
"But you saved the show," Lance went on, praising his friend's work. "You know it was pretty subpar out there, even when the Outlaws were around on the stick. You were what they were looking for." He paused then and noticed Stephanie. "But maybe not necessarily what they were looking at..."
Stephanie hardly noticed his joking. She preferred at the moment to stay by Chris' side. To have anything interrupt this closeness now was unthinkable. All that was needed now was a night alone back at the hotel, where she could take their awful words out of his thoughts and let him know that she was still the same, that she still belonged to him. Then it would be okay.
"Honey," she said, barely above a whisper, "can we go now? Can we go back to the hotel?" Stephanie looked up at him, her blue eyes pleading as if she were a child.
"You mean you want to leave when we're having so much fun?" Lance chided her as she continued to look up at her lover hopefully, not even noticing she was being talked to. Chris grinned and was about to nod, but the aforementioned Paul Heyman was already on his way down the hallway.
"Oh Christ," she heard him breathe as she leaned against him. "Lance, take Steph back to the hotel for me, please...I'll be there in a little while."
Stephanie looked up at him again, a slight hint of fear in her eyes at the thought of leaving him. "Chris..."
"I'll be with you in just a little while, babe. Promise. You won't even know I was gone." CJ stroked at her hair and gave her a quick kiss.
"Come on," Lance smiled, taking her hand. "I don't drive nearly as fast as him, anyway. At least when you're with me you know you'll at least get to the hotel."
Reluctantly, Stephanie followed him, looking back at her lover as she left him there with Paul Heyman, who was calling after her about what a great job she'd done and how he'd be in touch with Lance later.
"I'm sure," Lance murmured. "Problably gonna hit me up for some ideas as usual." Stephanie hardly heard him. Instead, she was concentrating on the wrench that had just been so easily thrown in her evening plans. Damn it, she thought. He doesn't understand how much we need this...
"You okay?" He was glancing over at her now that he realized she wasn't listening.
"I'm fine," she whispered as they walked towards the rear exit of the arena. As they came upon it, she realized that there was a huge crowd milling around the once-deserted doors.
"Lovely," Lance sighed wearily. "They've found where everyone's leaving. Wonder how many autographs we'll get asked for?"
Stephanie could only think of what they'd say when they saw her exiting those doors. "Lance," she whispered softly, staring at him, trying to convey her concern with just her eyes.
He understood. "Just stick close to me, nothing'll happen. They're just harmless and stupid drunks right now, most of them."
His words comforted her a little, so she decided to follow his lead as the door opened and they both stepped out into the cold night air, now laced with the heavy scent of alcohol and cigarette smoke. Once the throng of fans realized who'd just come outside, they started up with cheers and yells of every kind. Lance pressed forward, merely smiling and saying hello every now and then as a few lazy security guards earned their pay by somewhat keeping the crowd away. Stephanie found herself suddenly scared out of her wits. Here she was, after all, with a man she barely knew and with what seemed like hundreds of drunks surrounding her. The situation was, to say the least, completely new to her. So she kept silent as she walked a pace or two behind Lance.
"Oh, the bitch is too fucking good to say anything to us, huh?" Before she could instinctively turn towards the voice, Stephanie felt something or someone grab her arm hard enough to cause pain. Immediately, she panicked, screaming and trying to pull away from whatever or whoever it was. She was close enough to smell liquor and feel a hot and deep breath against her hair.
"Jesus Christ, let her go!" Lance growled this as everyone's attention was now suddenly on a drunk and angry fan that had Stephanie McMahon by the arm and was pulling at her jacket sleeve. The inert security guards then sprang to life, pushing people away and trying to get to the guy. Stephanie hardly realized that she was now screaming and hitting at anything that she saw, acting in both fear and fury. The fear diminished when she felt the grip release and saw her attacker fall back after Lance had pushed him away.
"We're getting the fuck out of here," Lance shouted to her over the noise the crowd was making. She stumbled along after him as he held tight to her hand, pulling her away from the commotion. "Christ, we should have taken the front exit. Chris is gonna kill me...but Jesus, to hell with me, Stephanie, are you okay?"
Stephanie couldn't find the words to answer, as she was completely breathless and scared to death. They didn't stop until they reached Lance's car, where he checked her over.
"Bastard ripped your sleeve...you're not hurt, are you?"
She found the presence of mind to speak then. "I'm okay...it just...Oh God, Lance, get me out of here..."
Sometimes it's said that when it rains, it pours. Meaning that whenever one thing happens, it's sure to snowball itself into another instance that grows and grows...perhaps causing an avalanche in effect? It's funny how nature and natural things, however beautiful, hold the most power over everything that exists. But nature is whatever it will be, and human nature and all it's unpredictable trappings is at times the most dangerous of it all.
Lance apologized for what seemed like a thousand times to Stephanie on the way back to the hotel. She'd told him repeatedly that it wasn't his fault at all, yet Lance felt obliged to show his sorrow.
"I mean, I didn't want your first experience to be that bad," he said. "I know how scared you must've felt out there tonight, being your first time here and all. I just didn't mean for the night to end this way."
"It's over though," she replied, really not wanting to rehash the horrific incident anyway. "It's over and it wasn't you that caused it to happen."
"I could have done something different," he sighed. "I don't know...but I'm glad you're all right." He pulled the car into the parking lot of the hotel and brought it to a halt. Stephanie realized then that she'd now have to go into that empty dark room all by herself now...
"If you'd like, you can come up to my room for a little while until Chris gets back." Somehow, Lance saw or felt her hesitation and decided to act upon it.
She shook her head. "No...I wouldn't want to intrude. I know you're tired."
"There's no intrusion," he said with a smile. "Besides, I don't want to send you up there by yourself. That wouldn't be very thoughtful of me, now would it?"
"I guess only for a little while," she assented. "I just really don't want to interrupt you just because...you know..."
Lance didn't answer, instead getting out of the car and opening her door. "Come on, don't change your mind now, it's freezing out here." He extended his hand to her and they were immediately out again in the late evening chill.
The two of them hurried inside the warmth of the lobby, where they were spotted by Tammy, ever-present and armed with a smile. "Hey you two," she called. "If you're up for it, there's a get-together in the bar downstairs."
"You keep them in line," Lance called back. "And find someone else to keep you in line!"
"Don't have time for that kind of search," said, waving them off.
Lance scoffed a little. "I really don't want to go downstairs just to see her get drunk." He glanced over at Stephanie. "Do you?"
"I've seen her drunk before," Stephanie shrugged, even though it was only once, and the last time at that. "No big deal to me."
"It is to Heyman. Pray to God he doesn't find her down there partying or she'll be in it deep yet again."
After a quick elevator ride they were at the door of Lance's hotel room. As she stood there, Stephanie couldn't help but feel a sort of shyness and, yes, even fear take control of her thoughts. It's just the situation, she told herself. It's been one of those nights, obviously. Calm down already. In a moment, they were past the threshold. Come on...there's no going back now, you don't want to look like an idiot in front of him.
"Have a seat, get warm," he said, tossing his jacket onto one of the beds then sinking down onto the mattress with a moan. "Good Lord that was one hell of a show." Lance then looked over at Stephanie, who was perched on the opposite bed. "You doing okay?"
"Just a little nervous," she said, almost whispering, not returning his stare. Something is going to happen to me...
"I can't blame you. That was pretty scary out there, huh?" He got up then, remembering his gentlemanly duties and sat next to Stephanie, putting a comforting arm around her. Stephanie settled only slightly, still unsure of her situation. Lance continued talking. "Don't feel too bad though, idiots come around after the shows all the time. It's not you personally, you know." He began to stretch out then, stopping quickly and inhaling sharply all of a sudden. The sudden motion now caught Stephanie's attention.
"What's wrong?"
"Damn pains again," he muttered, rubbing at a sore area on his back. "There's something going on with the muscles back there...tonight didn't help any, I'll bet."
"Can I help?" Stephanie was quite used to having to assist in taking care of various aches and pains, having come from a family centered around the ring. Lance smiled slightly through the ache. "Sounds like my little girl. Always wanting to help daddy when something hurts."
She positioned herself behind him. "I've had to do this with my dad before. I remember when I was little, rubbing his back after some of his tougher workouts." Her hands began probing at his back then, searching for the problem area. She felt a little more comfortable now that she was with him, actually doing something, talking about the people she loved. "I've done this with Chris before too," she went on, speaking more easily now as she rubbed Lance's shoulders and upper back. "I guess you can say I'm an expert."
"I'd agree," he said, halting the process all of a sudden. "But let me get a little more in position first. It's hard to get a good rubdown in this damned shirt." Before Stephanie could say anything, Lance had slipped his shirt over his head and tossed it onto the floor. After he'd done the deed, he noticed her uneasiness as she stared at him.
"Did I do something wrong?" He was smiling, trying to ease her obvious shyness. "Or do I just look that awful?"
"Lance," she began, but couldn't finish. Something is going to happen to me... "I appreciate everything you've done for me tonight, but I really think I should..."
"I hadn't noticed it until now, Steph," he said, interrupting her yet talking as if she hadn't even been speaking to him. "You look so much like her."
She was caught off guard. "Like...?"
"My girl." He pulled his wallet out and flipped right to a picture of a child that shared her father's smile. "I've looked at this so many times lately...every time I open this thing it goes right to her face, you know?"
"Lance..."
"Your eyes. Just like hers." He neared her a little to make a more accurate comparison. "Yes. Very much like hers."
He wouldn't hurt me... "Lance, I'd better go. Chris will be back soon."
He continued. "It just gets so lonely out here. Especially now." Lance reached his hand out and stroked at Stephanie's hair. She shied away, almost too afraid to stop him.
Stephanie's point of view
Lance was close to me. He was touching my hair, and I was so afraid I couldn't hear him speak. It's that kind of afraid when you know that you're about to lose it, you're about to be penetrated but you knew it was coming from the first minute you were with that person. God...oh God, why didn't I just go...Chris...Chris, whatever happens, I am so sorry...
You're afraid of me.
Lance, no, I'm not, I just have to go...I mean I really do...this isn't what I wanted.
I need you. He was so close now. Reaching around me, his hands on my back...he was pulling me to him. Gentle, but I could tell there was something inside him that was waiting to just go wild on me. And I didn't want it to happen. But I let him hold me. He was whispering things to me and I couldn't tell what he was saying. I wasn't listening, either. The only thing I felt was his warm breath on my ear and neck. Otherwise, I was numb.
Steph, I want you. He pulled away from me, taking hold of my hand then and running my fingers down his bare chest. His skin was warm..very warm. I could feel myself getting warmer, feeling a little less uneasy now. Lance could tell I wasn't as scared now. Good girl, he whispered to me. Pretty girl. His hand went from my hair down to my left breast, which he began to fondle slowly through my shirt. I felt my nipples start to harden, and Lance took notice of it. Jesus, you're so beautiful, little girl, he murmured, reaching down and unzipping his pants. My mind became a little less hazy then, and I had to say something.
Lance, no...
Please, Steph. I need it so bad...I need you so bad. The next thing I knew I was touching him, feeling his hardness against my fingers, stroking him through the thin fabric of his underwear as he moaned softly. After a moment he pulled me closer, just to where my lips were slightly against his. He flickered out his tongue against my lips. The warmth inside me was almost uncontrollable now...I couldn't believe my body actually wanted this. I wanted him...I was so aroused for him at the moment yet I knew it was wrong.
And then I thought of Chris. Chris. My Chris. Lance, I can't do this. I pulled away from him. I could already tell without really knowing it that I was crying. I stood up.
Steph, he said, looking at me longingly, baby, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking.
I've got to go, Lance, I said, trying to keep my voice low as if someone would hear me and catch us here like this. I'm sorry too...
With that, I left. I left him there and once I was out of the room, I felt confused. More paranoid than anything, though. All I could think of and hope for was that no one was watching me. I prayed to God no one caught me going in or exiting the room...that way they'd know. Chris would know. Chris would hate me.
Stephanie's point-of-view continued
I walked around the corner to the elevator, trying to put distance between myself and Lance so I could think of what I'd do next or what I would say. The whole thing was going too fast...it was just so uncontrollable and it was scaring the hell out of me, so much to the point where I didn't realize that I was still breathing hard or shaking slightly. I hadn't even noticed that guy standing there staring at me. That guy that looked so familiar to me.
Are you okay? Red hair. God, why does he look so much like someone I'm supposed to know? He was standing beside the elevator door by the ashtray, smoking a cigarette. He didn't look as curious as he did earlier on.
I'm just a little nervous.
I heard about what happened.
I looked at him, shocked and scared. What?
Those kids can be real assholes out there sometimes.
My heart didn't beat so fast now. All I could do was nod. I didn't feel like talking, and I wasn't feeling so warm anymore. In fact, I think I was shivering, but he didn't notice. He didn't pick up on my hint that I didn't want to talk anymore either, because he went on after I barely answered him. You don't remember, do you?
I don't remember much of anything lately, I sighed, not in the mood to play guessing games or any other kind of games for that matter. I wished he would go away so I could be alone.
I mean you don't remember me.
Now I was looking at him, trying to get past the red hair. I saw you earlier today, I said. I thought I knew you but I don't know.
Red chuckled. I figured you wouldn't. Anyway, Jacob, or Jake. Jake Harter. We had Business Com together back at Boston. He looked down and away then, seemingly somewhat ashamed that he'd remember something that he problably thought was trivial to me. It was a big class, I wouldn't expect you to remember.
Well I knew you were familiar looking, I said, trying to recall his face. But I would have remembered that hair.
He looked at me again and smiled. Heh, well, it wasn't this color back then. It's just my gimmick. Back at Boston though...you were a senior when I was a freshman.
Really, I said, trying to think back to those less confusing days before I was involved in any kind of a relationship. You're still there then?
Oh God no, he said, looking embarrased again. Right after fresher year was done I was out of there...I never was much for ivy league. My parents were pushing me to stay, but you know. Here's where my heart is.
I was somewhat intrigued now. You quit school to wrestle?
In a nutshell, he said, his face now coloring about as red as his hair. Look, I know it sounds like a loser thing to do but I really think I know what I'm doing. I mean, even back in school...I always knew who you were and honestly, I really wanted to talk to you or your dad about breaking into the business. He paused. I think he realized how bitter he was starting to sound. I just didn't get the chance and so I'm starting from the bottom up. But I like it this way. I'm not blaming you. He extinguished his cigarette and folded his arms, trying to appear confident to me.
I understand, I said finally. What about this gimmick of yours?
He brightened then. Oh, it's all mine. I planned it out since high school. I go by 'Kid Red Dragon,' right? My big thing is that I'm supposed to be this big blaze of fire in the ring, all kick-ass and lightning fast. I back it up too, you know. I've trained really hard for this, and now that I've got my foot in the door, things are looking up.
I could tell he was basically asking me to refer his name to my father. Nice, I said, smiling a little, then deciding it was time to go and wait for Chris. If I got to our room soon enough maybe I could figure out how I was going to look him in the face ever again. Before I could even say goodbye, however, Red was speaking again.
Hey, there's a party going on down at the bar. You game?
I really don't think I should. I'm waiting...on someone.
He was lightning fast all right. Ohh, your boy, he grinned. What did you do, take him off the short leash? I must've looked a little miffed at that, because Red quickly covered his tracks. I'm playing, really. But you know you guys are like the biggest thing going in this company right now. I got to admit to you though...I got to be honest...if I show up there tonight with you with me, I'm gonna get noticed. And that's what I want.
I was now about two steps past annoyed. Good night, I said, maybe a little too coldly but I didn't care. I was starting off when he called after me.
Hey, hey now...Ste--Ms. McMahon, don't be pissed. I was just being honest. Come on, don't be mad. Come on and I'll buy you a drink.
Look, can you not tell that I haven't had the best of nights tonight?
That shut him up. At least for a second. Okay then...I guess if that's the way you feel. I seriously didn't mean to make you mad though. I mean, ever since I heard that there was even a possibility that WWF people would show up at the pay-per-view I've been waiting for a rub like this. I'm not just some ring boy, honest...I work shows and pay my dues and all that business shit.
It was easy to tell he'd been a Boston student, however brief, by his choice of words. I had to smile. Maybe I'll get to talk to you again soon.
As I was walking off, I could hear a slight but muffled exclamation of joy as I left him behind.
CJ's point-of-view
Thank God that was over. Thought the little bastard would never let me go. Just sitting there and babbling on and on and on about how 'good' it was. Guess he realized a little too late he was boring me.
After the bull session with Paul E. was over, I couldn't get back to the hotel quickly enough. I'd felt so bad for leaving my Stephie, my baby, behind, even though it was only for a little while. She needed me, I could tell it by the way she'd been clinging to me all night tonight. I should have been there for her, tonight being her first night here. I shouldn't have been so down on her because of the change. I should have stayed with her. But Lance is a good guy. I knew he'd take care of her.
Once I'd opened the door, I saw her there, lying on the bed, looking at me. She was normal now. She was mine again, the same girl I'd fell in love with. Not who I saw running around in the ring tonight. To say the least, I was pretty pleased now.
Chris, I barely heard her say it, but the next thing I knew she was up and instantly in my arms, crying.
I missed you, she said to me while she gave me a tight hug around the waist.
Same here, I said, kissing at her hair. Even the smell was normal now. It wasn't that spicy scent anymore. I'm sorry I had to leave you like that.
She looked up at me then, staring at me with those big blue eyes that could melt me in a second. Make love to me?
The desperation that was in her voice had me silent for a moment. She started to repeat herself, but this time I silenced her with a kiss. Of course I will, I whispered afterwards. She pulled at me for another kiss, deeper and a little hotter than the first one. It was so damned enticing that I didn't even hear the knock at the door.
Don't answer it, she whispered. Chris, don't...
I gave her a grin. Don't be selfish, love, I said, sneaking a quick kiss. Go lay yourself down, I'll be right there. Let me tell them to go away, at least.
Or at least that's what I planned to do. I didn't expect Lance to be there when I opened the door.
Aren't you asleep yet? I joked. He didn't look to be in a very joking mood.
Can we have a talk? He was speaking quietly, as if he didn't want anyone around to hear.
Now?
If that's okay, yes. I really need to talk to you.
Then talk, I said, getting exasperated. Lance was the last person I wanted to carry a conversation with while I was sexually excited.
He shook his head. Not here, he said, lowering his voice even more. Let's go get a drink. I really need one.
I rolled my eyes. Christ, Lance...fine...whatever. Give me a second. I closed the door halfway and looked back at Stephanie, but there was really no need to explain to her. I think she knew that I'd be leaving her for a second time tonight.
Chris... She stood and came over to me. I shushed her and held her one more time.
I'll be back soon, angel, I whispered. Promise.
There were still tears in her eyes. I really hated to leave her behind.
But I would be right back, anyways...
Lance and CJ soon found themselves amongst the rest of the workers and other hangers-on in the downstairs bar. It was loud, crowded, and full of smoke, yet Chris managed to find an empty booth at the very back of the room. After the two had a seat, Lance leaned across the table to speak, slightly raising his voice over the din of the crowd.
"Sorry I interrupted," he said as he looked around at people passing by, not really noticing either of them. "I just felt that this was important enough to do so."
"What's going on?" This was Chris, still somewhat irritated at having a romantic evening intruded upon.
Lance sat back then, trying to put his words together. After a moment, he spoke again. "Why don't I buy you a beer first?"
Chris didn't take the bait. "This is bad, isn't it Lance?" He was looking at his friend now with some concern, which Lance expected. However, he didn't quite know how to answer the question. Chris prodded him a little. "Something's wrong...isn't it?"
"I don't know how to explain it, really..." Lance couldn't find it in himself to even look Chris in the eye at this point. Jesus, what have I done... "It's just...you know...I get to where I'm so damn lonely sometimes, and..."
CJ softened a little. "It's about her, isn't it?" Lance looked up quickly then; he was afraid that Chris had already found out. His heart beat a little less quickly when he realized that it wasn't Stephanie to whom Chris was referring, but his long-suffering wife.
"I guess you could say that," he answered, finding an easier exit than the one he'd had planned. I'm sorry, Chris, I just couldn't tell you. Not tonight, at least. "It's really, I don't know...really messing me up lately." His mind racing, Lance then found another way out of the subject, and quickly took up on it. "I mean, especially after tonight, what happened with Stephanie and all, I've just been so on edge..."
As he expected, Chris interrupted him. "Something happened? Tonight?"
Lance blinked. "You..no one's told you yet, Chris?"
"What happened?"
He sighed, putting all his frustration into his words. "After the show tonight...Steph and I were headed out the back doors, and there was this big mass gathering of people out there, per usual. We were making our way through and then some punk decided to lose his head..." He paused then, making sure he had Chris's full attention. "He grabbed her. Scared the holy hell out of her, too."
Chris was silent for a moment, then swore silently to himself and looked away. "He didn't...hurt her, did he, Lance?"
"No, she said she was okay. I got her out of there pretty damn quick. But God, things like that, you know? Makes a guy kind of think. I mean, it made me think at least. It felt good knowing I could take her away from those bastards. It felt good knowing I could do something, instead of being helpless and lonely like I've been lately."
"Lance," Chris began, shaking his head. "I apologize...I didn't mean to make it sound like I didn't want to listen to you earlier..and thank you for what you did. I mean, God knows what would have happened if she were by herself..." He stopped, not wanting to continue the thought.
"I just did what came naturally...I was helping a friend," Lance answered solemnly. "I'm no hero."
"You deserve so much more than what you've got handed to you, Lance," Chris continued. "I'm sorry you've had to go through so much here lately...the long road trips, the out-and-out loneliness, time away from her. You deserve better."
He couldn't bring himself to answer, feeling like too much of a traitor to even think of words to say. He wouldn't have wanted to know, though. I know Chris, and he wouldn't have wanted to know the truth, even if I did want to tell it... Lance was hardly listening as CJ continued.
"Let me find a way to thank you...and make up for all the crap you've had to go through."
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