Part 1

"And this is something you've thought through? Completely?"

The young woman nodded her head, attempting to convince him that she had put a lot of time into this proposal before coming to him. The truth was that it had been a quick decision, one that she viewed as her only option. She wasn't a dumb girl, no matter what some people in this company might think about her. She knew what she had to do. "Of course," she lied, "I wouldn't be here if I hadn't."

He sat quietly for a minute or two, carefully studying the woman across from him. It had been months since he'd seen her at an arena. And before that, they were certainly never even close to being friends. Actually, they'd been enemies a time or two now that he thought about. So when she stopped him in the hallway and asked him if she could talk to him privately, for a moment he thought it may have been some type of setup. He wouldn't put it past Nash and Michaels to convince some good-looking woman to help them out in luring him where they wanted him.

"What's in it for me?"

She raised her eyebrows at his blunt question, though it didn't surprise her. He wasn't the type of person to beat around the bush. "What?"

Triple H leaned back in his chair, adjusting the title belt lying over his leg. "I asked what is in it for me?"

"Don't get any ideas Hunter, you won't be getting *that*. Ever."

He rolled his eyes at her response, though something inside of him twisted at the realization that that's what she thought of him. "I didn't meant *that*," he mocked her tone. "Why should I agree to this?"

The young woman sat up and straightened her shoulders, she was waiting for this and had practiced her response several times. "What's in it for you is complete control of the gold on Raw, if we don't include the tag titles, which are basically a joke anyway now that those French guys have 'em. Obviously you've taken care of the big one," she motioned to the Championship in his lap. "I'm assuming that Randy will soon be entering the race for the IC title?"

He hesitated before slowly nodding, impressed that she would be thinking ahead and along the same lines as he already had.

"We would have the Heavyweight Championship, the Intercontinental belt, and the Women's Championship. You're all about control Hunter, everyone knows that. With three belts and Ric Flair on our side, we'd be unstoppable."

He had to give it to her, the girl had put a lot of thinking into this. Hunter was already preparing Orton for the IC hunt and he himself had just managed to secure the belt for a little while longer at Bad Blood, but he hadn't given much thought to the women's division. Mostly because it wasn't a threat to his title�but oh how sweet it would be to have that in his power too. "I may be pointing out the obvious here, but you don't *have* the Women's title belt."

"That's right," she agreed, "But I've been out for over fifteen months and all I could think of when I was rehabbing was coming back for my title. I *will* get that belt, have no doubt. You know better than anybody how it feels to sit at home watching someone else wear your gold." She hoped she was coming off as confident as she planned, because Lord knew that inside she was shaking.

"Lita," Triple H sat forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I know you probably practiced this hard sell you're doing here, but let's cut to the chase. You're not doing this to put me in control. Tell me what you really want, why are you here? What's in it for you?"

"What's in it for me," she swallowed, "is protection."

"Protection?" He looked skeptical. "From what?"

"Jazz has my belt," she answered without hesitation. "She's tough but I know I can handle her. But it's no secret that she's running with Rodney Mack and that Nowinski kid nowadays. We both know that when I beat her, it'll be like painting a bull's eye on my back and those two guys won't hesitate to take me out if she tells them to. If I'm with you, that's less likely to happen." She gave a slight shrug, "You get the power, I get protection. It's a win-win." She did her best to hold his intense eyes as he sat silent, she hoped that meant he was at least considering it.

"I don't play games out there Lita," his tone was serious, almost sounding like a warning. "It's a whole different world than your little Hardy Boys played in." He saw her give a slight twitch at the mention of the brothers. "The guys I fight usually weigh what those two did put together. If you went out there for one of my matches, you could seriously hurt." She didn't know if it was intentional or not, but his fingers traced over the bandages on his forehead where he'd been busted open just the night before. "I won't be responsible, and certainly won't be sympathetic. You're a big girl, you know what you're asking by getting involved with us."

"I do," she nodded sharply. "You should keep in mind I've been gored, beat with a chair, 3D'd, put through tables, Stunnered, thrown off the stage and still came back for more. I was even pedigreed once or twice." If he wouldn't have seen the slight twitch of a smile on her lips, he would have almost felt bad about that. "But those things were almost always AFTER I helped Matt and Jeff win their matches. I'll do what it takes to win, even if I pay for it afterward."

"Aren't we the team player?" His words were sarcastic and dry.

"Joke if you want, but you damn well that I can be an asset to you. And to Flair and Orton. So it's your decision Hunter."

He was stone quiet for the umpteenth time before leaning back in his chair once more. "No promises?"

"No regrets."

Triple H wasn't sure why, but for some reason he thought it was a good idea. "Fine." He saw the slight hint of surprise register on her features before she quickly covered it up. "You should sell used cars," he extended his hand to her, noticing how small hers seemed when it slipped in to shake his own. "Welcome to Evolution Lita."

The smile grew over her painted lips, this had been easier than she thought. Now that it was actually happening, Lita wondered just what she was getting herself into.

Part 2

Triple H put on his game face as his feet moved over the cold steel of the ramp. He patted the Championship belt around his waist when a fan at ringside yelled 'you suck' in his direction. He was one of thousands on their feet to boo him when he made his way to the ring for his match. That's ok though, he figured, as long as he was wearing that title, it didn't matter what they thought of him. Let them hate him as far as he was concerned, as long as he was still number one.

Once through the ropes, he motioned for a microphone and waited for his entrance music to end. He lifted it to his lips only to let his hand fall back to his side as the crowd steadily chanted 'asshole'. Think what they want, but he knew they loved to hate him. When a break arose, he finally spoke. "Before we get started with my match tonight, I have some business I want to take care of. You see, someone came to me today with a proposal. One that will surprise you even more than it did me. This person came to me, *asking* to belong for once in their life, asking to be close to someone of my championship stature, asking stand next to the three greatest wrestlers this business has to offer. After much convincing, I decided to let them be part of THE GREATEST FACTION to ever sign with the WWE. Lets bring out the. Newest. Member. Of Evolution!"

There was a moment of confusion when new and unfamiliar music rang out through the arena, but it quickly passed when the familiar redhead bounded through the black curtain. The crowd erupted, rising to their feet for the return of one of their favorite divas. Lita couldn't stop the smile on her face as she bounced in place at the top of the stage, allowing the familiar adrenaline to wash over her completely. It had been fifteen long months since she stood where she was at, she could feel the goose bumps rise on her skin. She drank in the moment, knowing that it probably wouldn't last long once it sunk in that she was now on the same side as the most hated man in the business.

The young woman bounded down the ramp and slid into the ring, only to climb the turnbuckle and play to the crowd. When she hopped down she turned to Triple H, seemingly studying him for a moment before letting a grin appear on her face. She took his hand when he extended it and shook. That's when the fans began to turn. One by one the cheers turned to boos and Lita knew that her career would never be the same.

Taking the mic, Lita swallowed and turned back to the crowd. "While I was away, I had a lot of time on my hands. A lot of time to think, to reflect back on my time here in the WWE." She paused, allowing the crowd to settle down before she continued. "I watched a lot my matches and realized something. I realized that when I came back, I would have to make some serious changes. Changes in the way I wrestle, the way I act, and most importantly in who and what I spend my time on. I'm tired of being second fiddle to the now defunct Hardy Boyz." She stopped at the mixture of cheers and boos at the mention of the brothers. "I'm not going to worry about people's feelings anymore," she said, mock disgust filling her voice and she looked over to see Hunter grinning with approval. Well, at least he was buying it. "From now on, I'm putting myself first. That's why I made some new friends," she motioned to Triple H, hearing the boos grow at the confirmation that she did in fact join Evolution. "I needed someone who was cut throat and brutally honest. Someone who doesn't allow history between people to effect his business, his quest for gold. So with Triple H and the rest of Evolution," she was once more interrupted by negative outbursts from the fans. "I'm back and ready to get down to business. And Hunter," she turned to the large man behind her knowing that she had to solidify their new team in some way. It was after all the only reason she was there with him now. "Just to reiterate what we already talked about, you scratch my back and I *will* scratch yours." He nodded with a sly grin. "Oh and Jazz," she turned her attention toward the camera, hoping the other woman was watching in the back. "Enjoy that belt while you have it, because it won't last long." Dropping the mic to the mat, Lita did her best to match the cockiness that exuded from Hunter's very being, knowing that she had to if she was going to follow through with her plan. She shook his hand again and nodded affirmatively when he asked if she was ready.

His opponent's music hit and Lita did her best to keep her jaw from dropping slightly open. The familiar countdown hit zero and he stepped onto the stage, his back to the arena like he always did. She felt the weight of Hunter's gaze and looked to meet his eyes, straining to hear what he told her when he leaned down to her ear.

"This doesn't change anything." His words were sharp. He knew that at one point in time Lita and the man he was facing were friends, but if she was going to be part of his faction than she would be facing greater tasks than this. He thought that maybe he should have told her whom he was wrestling beforehand, but it was too late for that now. "It doesn't matter who he is, you do what you said you would."

Lita pressed her eyes closed for a minute and nodded. "If I'm needed, I'll be here."

She met Hunter's hard stare. "You better be."

Lita looked up in time to see Chris Jericho turn towards them. Even from her spot a long distance away in the ring, she could see the confusion in his eyes. Lord only knew what kind of thoughts and questions were running through that man's head seeing her out there with someone the likes of Hunter Hearst Helmsley. Lita glanced away from his gaze when Chris stepped into the ring, not able to stand the distrust and bafflement written on his face with furrowed brows. She wouldn't feel guilty about this. She didn't owe anyone anything. If she needed to, she would take Jericho down. She would interfere to give Hunter the win, by any means necessary. She quickly ducked out of the ring when Triple H took advantage of his preoccupation and took Jericho down.

Carefully watching the match from her spot on the floor, it looked like Lita may not have to jump in after all. The upperhand switched from Chris to Hunter and back again several times. She cringed when Jericho hit a bulldog late in the match, sending the Game hard into the mat. Instead of going for the Lionsault like she thought he would, Chris quickly got into position and grabbed both of Hunter's legs, trying to lock in the Walls of Jericho. She knew Hunter was too far from the ropes for even him to make it there, she had to do something. She quickly hopped onto the apron, climbing the ropes and making her way to the top turnbuckle. She quickly assessed his position and knew there was no way she could get him with a Hurricanrana. She called out his name loud enough for him to hear, and leaped from the rope attempting to hit him with a crossbody when his attention turned to her. She wasn't sure how he did it so quickly, but Jericho released Hunter and caught Lita in mid-air. Fear ran over and she tensed, waiting to be slammed hard into the mat.

But that never came.

Instead she found herself being set down on her feet, quite gently actually, Chris's hard blue eyes trained steadily on her. She took a step back and away, and swallowed hard at the intensity in his deep pools. "Just get out of here Lita." His voice was stern and she knew it would have been best to do just that. Anyone else would have taken their aggressions out on her for interfering, but Jericho had actually set her carefully down and gave her a chance to get out of the ring on her own accord. From the corner of her eye, she saw Hunter moving behind the blond Canadian and her senses came back to her. She had her own agenda now, and allowing her emotions to guide her decisions was not part of it. Jericho's eyes were still trained cold on her, and Lita did something she knew she would regret. Reaching back, she slapped Chris hard across the face with everything she had in her.

His hand flew to his face at the surprising contact and he shot his eyes to her once more, an intense fire burning within them. And if Lita guessed right, it was fueled by disappointment. The distraction was enough to allow Hunter to grab Chris from behind and roll him up for the pin. Hunter, always one to rub it in, pulled the other man to his feet, positioning him for the pedigree. Lita looked away at that moment, not sure if she could stomach seeing someone she once considered a friend drove into the mat and stand by and do nothing. But she knew she had to, for her own sake.

Her stomach twisted in a tight knot when the ring bounced at the impact and for a moment, she thought she was going to be sick. Was this really what she would be faced with night after night from now on?

"Lita," her head snapped up at the sound of Hunter's voice calling her name and she looked to see that he had dragged Chris to the corner. He pointed to her and then to the tope rope. Though every part of her being told her not to, she once again climbed the ropes and this time executed a perfect moonsault. She tried to block the grunt from her ears that escaped from Jericho's lips at the impact of her weight, but knew it was no use. Rolling off of his form, she had to blink away the prickling of tears that threatened to form. Before climbing to her feet, and knowing that the Champion wouldn't be able to hear, she whispered "I'm sorry Chris." She wouldn't have thought that he heard her if he didn't flick open his pained blue eyes at that moment, instantly focusing on her as his arms came up to protect his midsection.

She felt a strong arm around her waist, pulling her to her feet. She plastered on a fake bright smile to match Hunter's when she turned around, surprised when the big man lifted her around the waist to celebrate their first victory as the new and improved Evolution. When he set her back on the mat, she lifted his arm as he held up his title belt. "You did good," she heard him say but didn't acknowledge it. Lita wanted out of there and fast, she needed to be alone for awhile.

Forming inside her was the beginning of a long hard cry.

Part 3

"I'm sick of you guys never telling me what the hell is going on!"

Triple H set his jaw tight, every feature on his face made his emotions quite clear. He was really starting to sick of this kid, he was almost beginning to wonder if he was more trouble than he was worth. There had been more than one occasion that Ric had to stop him from snapping the kid in half. What Flair saw in him to call him the next great superstar, the future of the business, he didn't know. Sure, he'd come in handy a few times but rarely when it counted the most.

"Listen Orton," Hunter began, he couldn't be bothered to yell at the kid. Raising his voice would use too much energy, and he certainly wasn't worth the extra effort. After his match with Jericho, he just didn't have the strength. "You don't call the shots around here. I do." He paused, making sure the younger man was even bothering to listen to him. "This faction runs on a need to know basis. You'll get information when I feel you need it, got it?"

Randy stared the older man dead in the eye, knowing that he probably wasn't a man he wanted to cross. He hadn't been with the company long, and most of that time he was out injured. But the time he did manage to get in, Orton had almost gone out of his to piss people off. If he didn't run with Triple H and Flair, he'd have nobody to watch his back. For him, that would be a dangerous situation.

Randy took a step back, deciding it was a bad idea to be that close to an irate Triple H. "I'm not saying I want a vote in what goes on around here�"

"Good thing, 'cause no said this was a frickin' democracy."

He continued, ignoring Hunter's comment. "It would be nice to know major things before thousands of other people do. That's all I'm saying. Especially when it directly effects Evolution."

"Like I said�need to know basis."

"Fine," Randy threw his hands in the air. "Have your fun with the hired help, parade her around as your piece of ass, or whatever it is you have planned to do with her. But I'll tell you one thing, I don't want her out there during my matches."

Ric Flair cleared his throat, unbuttoning the suit jacket he wore. The look on his face made it clear to young Orton that the oldest member of their group wasn't happy with what he was saying either. "What if it's our match, as you and I tagging, and I want her out there? You gonna challenge me on that too?"

Randy shot the older man a dirty look. "The ring is no place for a woman. 'Specially not when I'm out there."

Triple H lifted his brows, accentuating his point with a poignant look. "She proved that she's willing to do what I ask, that's all you need to worry about."

"She helps you in one match and that's it takes to get on your good side? Doesn't seem like the man I know."

"Don't you think there was a reason I made that match with Jericho tonight?" He stepped forward, closing some of the distance between himself and Randy. "They have a history, they were friends." He watched as the younger man's features didn't register his point. "Let me spell it out for you. It was a test. Tonight," he paused as realization came over Randy's face. "Tonight was a test. Without her little Hardy Boyz running around here, Jericho was the only other person she was close to. If she turned on him I knew she was good for her word." He smirked, knowing that Randy didn't realize that was part of his plan tonight. Sometimes the kid was sharp, and others times he needed a longwinded explanation. "Got it now, kid?"

Orton held his hard stare for a moment longer before turning away, waving his hands in the air before dropping them to his side. "I still don't want her out there for my matches."

"Remember that when she's saving your ass during matches you can't handle, all right?"

Randy shot a look at Hunter's comment, "What are you saying now? I can't handle my own matches? Is that what you're getting at?"

"Natche," Triple H turned to the older man, "Get him out of here before I pound his ass through the floor. I don't need this shit."

He watched as the oldest of the three men ushered the younger man out of the locker room after some protest on his part. When the door shut behind them, he let out a heavy sigh, dropping his title belt to the table in front of him. He reached for the outfit he had worn earlier that night before his match, finding it neatly hung over the back of a chair, just the way he left it. He lifted one foot onto the chair, bending to undo the laces of his boots, unable to stop his mind from going back to her. To Lita.

The newest member of Evolution.

She had done her job tonight, proving to him that she was serious about joining the stable. She did what was needed tonight, but he'd keep a close eye on her, for a while at least. She might have interfered on his behalf, but Hunter wasn't blind to the fact that it was something she wasn't comfortable doing. Like he told Randy, other than Matt and Jeff, Lita wasn't friends with too many people on the roster. With Jeff gone and Matt over on Smackdown, he knew that Jericho would be her one true test. Not one to waste time, he wanted to see if it was a test she would pass right away. He didn't have time to wait around and play games with the girl. He wanted to know what she was made of right from the start, if she would do as she promised. He was happy that she did.

He flicked a quick glance over his shoulder when he heard the door open, expecting to find Ric coming back. He stopped when he saw the flash of red hair, a nervous looking Lita pushing the door open with caution. He motioned with his fingers for her to enter when their eyes connected. She came in, quickly stuffing her hands into her pockets. The silence of the near empty room seemed almost deafening to her ears, and it was clear that Hunter wasn't going to be the first to speak.

"So it sounded like Randy's a big fan." Her sarcasm wasn't hid well.

Hunter met her eyes before sending a dismissive wave toward the door. "That kid�let's just say if it wasn't for Natche I would've killed him a long time ago."

She let a small smile come over her lips, hoping that it didn't look too fake. She wanted to seem comfortable and at ease, but Triple H wasn't someone that brought about the most relaxing feelings in her. Truth be told, if she let him, he'd probably intimidate the hell out of her. It was no secret what the man was capable of, she had experienced that first hand. She tried to stop the shiver from running over at the memory of the excessive chair shots she received from him and Austin.

"So you heard that, huh?"

She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and nodded. "Yeah, I caught most of it."

"And?" He prodded, knowing that if she caught Randy's comments, she probably heard his as well.

"And what? I didn't find out anything I didn't already know."

He lifted his brows at her, a skeptical look on his face. "Really?"

"One thing you'll learn about me Hunter, is that I'm a lot smarter than most people think. I figured it was you who asked for the match tonight. I knew it was a test. You wanted to see if I'd be loyal to you, and I was."

Triple H eyed her as she spoke, trying to determine if she really knew or was going along with it to prove a point. Something told him that she was going to be a hard one to stay ahead of. He turned back to the chair, continuing to untie his boots.

At his lack of response, Lita took it as a sign that their conversation was through. "Jazz isn't here tonight so I'm assuming it's safe to walk to the parking lot by myself. I'll uh�I'll see you next Monday then."

"Yep," he rattled off coolly, sounding completed unaffected by her presence. "Oh and Lita?" He turned his head over his shoulder, waiting until she turned to face him again before continuing. "You see the way we carry ourselves," he glanced at his folded dress clothes on the chair before turning away from her and back to the task at hand. "Your little punk rock look or whatever it is you're going for doesn't fit. Find something else."

He missed the narrow angered glare the redhead sent in his direction before leaving the room.

Part 4

"Where is she?"

Ric Flair patted the Champion's arm, trying to cool him down, "Randy went to see if she arrived yet. She was no where to be found when I went and looked for her."

Hunter set his jaw tight and shook off Flair's hand, beginning to pace the room with his championship belt in his grasp. "Our match is up in ten minutes and she's not here. She better get her ass here. Now."

Ric did his best not to roll his eyes, not wanting to anger the much younger man. If there was one thing he knew not to do, it was piss off Triple H. But really, it hardly seemed necessary to be that worried about the girl. "If she doesn't show up, me and Randy will go out to the ring with ya. It's not a problem."

He stopped his pacing, shooting a hard look at the man he once idolized. "That's not the point. I told her to be here and she's not. I can cancel our little agreement as quickly as I made it, she seems to have forgotten that."

"If you ask me we don't need her in the first place."

The Game's features seemed to harden even more at the comment and he took a step closer to Flair, nearly in his face. "Let me tell you the same thing I told Randy. I call the shots around here. I make the rules. You got a problem with that Ric?" He emphasized his name, sounding all the more threatening.

The older man stared him down for a long moment, eye to eye with the Champion before taking a small step back. "No," he said, "No problem at all."

"Good. Make sure it stays that way." Hunter's eyes snapped to the door when it began to open slowly, his attention fully consumed by the sight before him as an unsettled feeling formed in his stomach.

Randy pushed open the door with his shoulder as best he could, using his back to hold it open as he shifted his grip and carefully eased through the door way.

"What the fuck happened?"

The young man looked up at the question to meet the eyes of the Champion. Even in his frayed state of mind, he didn't miss what had looked like genuine concern in the eyes of the leader of Evolution. He watched as Hunter shoved Ric out of the way, clearing a path to the couch. "Here."

Randy moved with careful strides, frowning when a small groan sounded against his neck. He risked a quick glance down at the woman he carried in his arms, not liking the small trickle of blood that rested at the corner of her mouth. "I found her like this." As gently as he could he set her down on the large couch, reaching for the shirt that had been laying over the arm and balling it up, carefully placing it beneath her head. Before his actions were barely complete, he found himself being roughly nudged to the side and stood up, letting Triple H take his spot.

"Lita," he said, the odd sound of concern slightly tingeing his voice. "Lita what happened?"

The redhead opened her eyes, wincing as she tried to sit up.

"Maybe you shouldn't move."

"I-I'm ok," she dismissed his statement, trying once more to sit up. He moved quickly at her side, helping her into a sitting position, surprising Lita with the tenderness of his touch.

Hunter made sure she was steady, helping her as best he could without touching her too much. He didn't know where or what hurt and didn't want to do any further damage than someone had already done. Once he was satisfied that she was as comfortable as she was probably going to get, he sank back to sit on the coffee table in front of the couch. "What happened? Who did this?" Gone from his words was the concerned tone that only moments before had filled voice, he was back to the stern Hunter that everyone could easily identify.

Lita winced as she brought her hand to the back of her head. "That stupid bitch."

"Jazz?"

She lifted her eyes to meet Randy's, standing behind Triple H with his arms crossed over his chest, an expression she couldn't quite read on his face. "Is anyone else stupid enough to jump me?"

"Stupid enough? Yeah, there's several. But she's only one with a reason."

"It was her," Lita confirmed, her voice did little to hide her physical pains. "Rodney was with her too but Jazz did most of the damage." She winced as she tried to roll her shoulders, the tightened muscles aching beneath her skin. Her neck felt ok, that was the real relief. She may have been cleared to return but this attack had been it's first real test since the fusion over a year ago. "I got turned around looking for the locker room," she winced as she straightened her back, her muscles protesting. "It's been so long since I've been in this arena�I didn't see them coming and the next thing I knew I was on the ground."

"Here."

She looked up at the object being handed to her, surprised that Flair was even bothering with her. It was no secret that he didn't like her involvement with Evolution. She took the water bottle from him, mumbling a quiet thanks when she met his eyes before uncapping it and taking a quick drink. She shifted her gaze to Hunter seated in front of her, unable to read his features, set seemingly with no emotion whatsoever. "You uh," she tried to waver under his stare. "You're match is up soon, right?"

He nodded. "Yeah."

She stood from the couch, stopping halfway up with a breath sucked in between her teeth. She waved off his assistance when Triple H reached a hand out for her. "I got it." She stood completely, taking a moment to let her body catch up on the movements and met his eyes again. "Let's go."

"What?"

"Your match," she said matter-of-factly. "Let's go."

"You shouldn't go out there like this."

Lita turned her head to fact the youngest member of Evolution. "I've gone out there in much worse conditions."

"You stay here and I'll go out with Trips for his match."

"Randy I said I'm going out there."

He frowned when she refused to stay back, "Lita you're in no condition to-"

"Don't tell me what kind of condition I'm in. I know whether or not I'm capable of walking down a ramp and standing next to the ring."

"And if for some reason you need to get involved?"

"Then I do it," she answered quite simply. "It's that easy."

"But if you're hurt-"

"Hey," Triple H held a hand up to the younger man, signaling for him to be quiet with a authoritative glare. "She said she's going."

Orton let out an irritated sigh with a shake of his head. "You know what, fine. She gets hurt out there and it's not on my conscience."

"I never expected more," she spat, carefully moving around the end of the table and toward the door. She twisted the handle and pulled it open, turning back to look at Hunter. "We going or what?"

He let a small smirk tug at the corner of her lips. He liked her resilience, her attitude. She wouldn't be pushed around. He knew in the back of his mind that it might cause problems for him later down the road, but right now, it was something he liked about her. He quickly crossed the room and followed her out, falling in step next to her as they made their way down the hall and toward the curtain.

It was a silent walk, filled only with the questioning and speculative stares of those backstage clearly trying to figure out just how it was that these two people had come together to form a team. As the neared the curtain, he snuck a quick glance at the redhead, noticing the discomfort etched into her features with each step. He cleared his throat before speaking. "They were right, you know, you don't have to go there�if you're hurting"

She didn't look at him, instead choosing to stare straight ahead as they continued their walk. After a moment they came to a stop near the entrance way, it was then she finally spoke. "Would you?"

"Would I what?"

"If you were me, would you sit in the back? If someone else had that belt and you were after it and they jumped you, would you stay back there and let them think they won? That they beat you?"

He studied her for a moment, thinking about her words, then shook his head. "No."

"Well see then, that's something we have in common. Jazz tried to take me out tonight and I need to let her know that she didn't. She hasn't, nor will she ever, get the best of me."

Hunter nodded, liking the intensity and determination that flared in her hazel eyes. "Good. That's what I wanted to hear."