Tears in the Rain

Disclaimer: Vince owns the personas, people own themselves.. I own pocket lint and the story idea.

Spoilers: Nope… it's A/U.

Rating: M.. for language and adult situations.

Summary: A high school reunion answers questions and stirs up countless memories. When all is said and done, can they survive the aftermath? Or has the drama only just begun?

Characters: Lita, Trish, Victoria, Dawn, Lilian, Stacy; Jeff Hardy, John Cena, Batista, Randy, Chris Jericho, Tyson Tomko, Triple H and Christian. Many others will also be making an appearance, but, my main characters are the ones previously listed.

Notes: All in the previous chapters.. And my apologies for the time between updates.. I've been posting a lot at the litafics community at livejournal. The link is on my profile page if you're interested. I had notions to cover the other bus, but, my main group of people is on this bus...if that makes sense anyway.

-x-x-x-

By the time the tour group had re-boarded, John was waking up...Lita, on the other hand, was still fast asleep.. Her head nestled comfortably on John's shoulder. Unbeknownst to the pair, Trish and Dawn watched, the two women resisting the urge to take another picture.. Even if the temptation was building with each passing second. Still, it gave them the opportunity to watch them.. Or rather, to watch their cousin watch Lita. It was sweet, seeing the unguarded expression on his face...the raw emotion in his eyes.. Something that Lita was apparently blind to or just chose to ignore. They weren't sure why she acted like that, but she did and it only confused them. Certainly, they knew that John and Lita had been at odds for most of their childhood, but, now it was clear.. Beyond the petty arguing and troublemaking, John and Lita were inseperable. Through the banter, they had become the best of friends instead o the worst of enemies as they had previously thought. He cared about her, Trish and Dawn would say he loved her possibly still loved her, but they didn't know if those feelings were reciprocated. From what they knew, she did care about him before...maybe she still did but maybe she didn't. The problem there, aside from their redheaded friend refusing to speak about it, she was just too damn stubborn. For reasons they couldn't quite figure out, she was refusing to even try a relationship with John. On one hand, her reasoning almost made sense.. After the reunion was over, it would be a long distance relationship and those could be tough. But, on the other hand, they were adults...no longer in high school, not even in college and certainly they were mature enough to handle the intricisies of a long distance relationship, weren't they? Whatever the case, they couldn't question Lita on the matter since she was still sleeping.. And asking John, well, it was pretty clear to Dawn and Trish that he would be willing to give it a try.

Lita yawned, blinking sleepily as she finally started to stir. "I need to sleep for a week."

The man beside her raised an eyebrow, "somehow I doubt that'll happen. There's still a lot to do."

She lifted her head from his shoulder, "well if this isn't awkward..."

"You've done it before."

Lita rolled her eyes, "that's not the point John."

"Good morning, Li." Jeff sent his step-sister a smile. "We're heading over to the Out of Bounds Adventure Center now."

Lita managed a half nod, "I'm sorry I missed the ATV trails."

Ivory sent back a smile, "it's quite alright, darlin'.. You looked mighty exhausted."

The redhead stretched out her arms, "yeah well.. That's what I get for staying up all night."

"So long as you're up for the dance," Trish quipped with a grin, "because you have to go. Don't argue with us, Li.. You missed Senior Prom and--"

"I know Trish," Lita waved it off without a care, "I missed Senior Prom, I missed most of the dances Senior year, which means I have to go to the reunion's version." She smiled slightly, "but I did wear my dress for the Senior Prom."

Jeff conceded with a nod, "you did but...it wasn't too the Senior Prom, it was to the wedding."

Dawn smiled at that, "and the dress was gorgeous from what I remember."

Lita quirked an eyebrow, "then you should approve of my dress for tonight.. It's just like that one, just a darker shade of blue."

Trish wrinkled her nose, "you'll be cold in a dress like that."

"That's what gloves are for," the redhead stated with a roll of her eyes. "It's floor length, halter top style which is why I bought elbow length gloves. The dress has a matching shawl, but, that thing is annoying."

The blonde woman nodded, "so.. You have your dress, you have your shoes, limo's are being provided by the reunion committee.." She sent a sly look between the redhead and her cousin. "You just need a date."

Dawn sent a questioning look over, "you do have a suit, don't you?"

John rolled his eyes, "actually.. I found a tuxedo with my bags. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you Dawn?"

She feigned innocence, "I have no idea as to what you're referring to."

"Whatever," he stated after a moment, "as long as there's no tie or that stupid thing to deal with."

Dawn beamed triumphantly, "tie-less and with a vest. Trust me John, you'll look fine."

"So?" Trish prompted then, a pointed look sent between the pair. "Are you going to ask her or not?"

Victoria rolled her eyes, "he shouldn't ask her just to spite you two. Seriously, get your noses out. We aren't in high school anymore."

"Thank you Vicki," Lita sent the woman in question a grateful smile. "And ditto to what she said. Just because I have the dress, doesn't mean I absolutely have to go."

John sent her a questioning look, "you said that it was a darker shade of blue, right?"

The redhead nodded slowly, "correct.. The dress I wore for my mom's wedding--"

"Was a pale blue, with flowery shit on the bottom. Your hair was done up, except for a few curls.. You said the curls were bothering you, but, you did it for your mom." he finished for her. "I remember."

Lita smiled slightly, "and I remember... The gardenias in my bouquet made you sneeze."

He chuckled softly, "something fierce."

While they recalled the wedding, Chris turned his attention to Victoria.

"Look, I know we haven't spoken to each other much since the reunion but.."

"Much?" Victoria smirked, "try one e-mail every three months."

He rolled his eyes, "now don't get too technical.. I've never been too good at keeping in touch with people."

"Date for the dance?"

He nudged her playfully, "I haven't asked you.. But would you Victoria Marie Varon, being in not so sound mind, do me the honor of accompanying me to tonight's dinner and dance?"

Victoria grinned, "in the spirit of getting dressed up in stuffy clothing and mingling with jerks? I accept."

Jeff couldn't help but shake his head at the two, turning his attention back to Lita and John for a brief moment.. The pair seemed to be in their own little world again, still talking about the wedding and the reception that followed.

-x-x-x-

- Flashback -

The Senior Prom was two weeks behind them and this weekend they had a wedding to attend...or be in, depending on the situation. In his case, Jeff was going to be in the wedding.. Along with his twin brother and future step-sister. And many of their friends and parents had been invited to the wedding. He already knew that Lita didn't like her dress, he also knew that he wasn't looking forward to two straight weekends of wearing a tuxedo but.. It was for his father's wedding. Jeff let out a sigh, the sky was already overcast and the wedding was slated to happen in two hours.. The last thing they wanted or needed was rain.

"Hey Li.." Jeff sent a look over to his soon to be step-sister. "Where did ya run off to the night of the prom?"

Lita blinked, tearing her attention away from the dress in her lap. "What are you talking about? I was there when you and Matt left."

He rolled his eyes good naturedly, "I know that.. I'm talking about after. We stopped by the house after Prom was over, but, you weren't here."

The strawberry blonde teen smiled, "I was out, that's where."

"Come on Leet, you know I'm not Trish or Dawn.."

She rolled her eyes this time, "John stopped by.. Not too long after y'all had left actually."

"So you were with him?"

"Yes, is there a problem with that?"

Jeff held up his hands in defense, "no there isn't a problem with that.. I just find it odd that you were with him."

Lita shrugged, "well.. I would explain more and all of that good stuff but.. I need to get to the salon to get my hair done." She quirked a smile, ruffling her soon to be step-brother's hair as she stood. "I'll be back in a bit, okay?"

He waved as she left, questions running through his mind.. He wanted to know more. It just didn't make sense to him...Lita willingly spending her time with John? He had always thought they hated each other. But, he couldn't ask her now and he would feel to awkward questioning John like that so...all he could do was wait until a better opportunity presented itself. Hopefully that would come soon, lest his forgetfulness get the best of him.

Two hours later found the green eyed teen shifting uncomfortably, the wedding guests were all seated in the backyard...it hadn't rained yet, but the sky was still threatening. And worst of all, it was humid. Maybe it wouldn't have been so bad if he wasn't in a tuxedo but.. "Damn, it's hot."

Matt shook his head, "Jeffro.. It's almost summer. And it won't be too bad.. Just relax."

"I get that Matt, I'm just.. It's hot."

"Don't complain," Lita grumbled as she exited her bedroom. "You think wearing a tuxedo is bad? Try walking in these heels."

Jeff rolled his eyes, stepping forwards to kiss his soon to be step-sisters cheek. "You look gorgeous Li."

"Whatever," she quipped easily. "If all of the guests are here.. the minister is waiting.."

"I believe we're ready, kids." Gilbert Hardy appraised the three teens, "I'm heading out first, then the three of you." He smiled comfortingly before he exited the house.

Lita's discomfort lessened slightly, "I can't believe it's finally happening."

"Believe it," Matt winked to her, "let's get this show on the road."

Jeff made a face at his twin brother's back, he and Lita following him outside. "Only he would say that at a wedding." He plastered on a smile, waiting for his turn. "Can they walk any slower?"

Lita elbowed him in the side, "Jeff.. Quiet. The guests aren't that far away." Her nose wrinkled slightly, "what happpened to your boutonniere?"

He frowned, "it made me sneeze."

The strawberry blonde rolled her eyes, "Jeffrey Nero Hardy. You can't go out there without it." She frowned, plucking a white rose and a sprig of baby's breath from her own bouquet. "Use this." Her eyes narrowed, "use it or I'm sticking this bouquet where the sun doesn't shine."

Matt turned to face the two, "would you two be quiet? We're getting wierd looks."

Lita stuck out her tongue, her attention on the empty button hole on Jeff's tuxedo. "There.. I just hope no one notices that my bouquet is lopsided."

With Jeff's makeshift boutonniere in place, Matt started forwards...his brother following him.. Lita waiting until Jeff had reached the front of the aisle before she made her way down. Her little brother had gone after her, playing the role of ring bearer.. The soon to be step-siblings exchanging looks as Christie Dumas approached. Fortunately for everyone in attendance and participating, the rain held off for the duration of the ceremony.. Jeff offering his step-sister a goofy grin as he extended his arm to her.. the pair following their parents down the aisle.

- End Flashback -

As he recalled, the rain had actually held off until late that night.. Wedding guests mingling in the barn and on the proprety for the reception. The dance floor had been set up in the barn to be on the safe side, while the buffet tables were in the backyard. All in all, the wedding and the reception had been a day and night to remember. Jeff had claimed the first dance with his step-sister, relinquishing her to his father for the second dance.. Much to his surprise, it hadn't been Matt that had asked for the third dance.. It hadn't even been Christian or Chris...no, to their utmost surprise, it had been John. But, looking back on that now and seeing how close they apparently were.. Maybe it shouldn't have been a surprise.

-x-x-x-

A good deal of their time at the Out of Bounds Adventure Center was spent eating.. Trish and Dawn declining any activities in favor of lounging at the picnic tables, Lita joining them because she was still exhausted. Of course, Dawn and Trish tried to question the redhead but, as per usual, she ignored their questions. For one, it really wasn't their business and for two... she wasn't sure if she knew the answers to their questions. Well...maybe she did know, but, speaking those answers aloud would mean admitting them to herself. And for whatever reasons that she couldn't put a finger on, Lita wasn't quite ready to do that. Perhaps, over time, that would change... But for now, it wasn't going to and as such Lita kept everyon else in the dark. Whatever the case where she was concerned, Victoria and Chris enjoyed their time at the Center, dragging the Hardy twins, Ashley and John with them. And by the time Dawn, Trish and Lita felt like going anywhere...it was time to leave. The occupants of the bus chit chatted about the upcoming dinner and dance on the trip back to Tandem.. Trish and Dawn discussing dress details with Ashley while Victoria got the details on the venue and decorations from Lita.. And once they got back to the Dumas home, Ashley, Dawn, Lita, Trish and Victoria assembled in Lita's bedroom.

"Alright," Dawn frowned deeply, "we don't really have the time to use hot rollers.." She sent a questioning look to the redhead, "do you have a curling iron?"

Lita shrugged, "if I do, it's in the bathroom. " She rolled her eyes when Dawn shook her head, "do I look like the type to use a curling iron on a regular basis?"

"It's an essential item," the brunette stated simply. "At least for me."

The redhead smiled sweetly, "well it isn't for me. Honestly Dawn, I was just going to leave my hair down."

Trish shook her head, "Li.. You missed Prom, you're dressing up for this." She exchanged a look with her cousin, "we'll do your hair."

She eyed them skeptically, "if you let me do my own make-up, we have a deal."

Victoria let out a low whistle, "you are a far braver soul than I."

"Well, I might as well indulge them...this once." Lita seated herself on the bed, Trish sitting in front of her while Dawn sat behind her. "Who knows when we'll really have this chance again, you know?"

Dawn pursed her lips, "well there is Lilian's wedding.." She sent a look to her cousin, "up or down?"

Lita grimaced, "for what it's worth, I was going to do my hair like I had it for my mom's wedding. It's simple, not too complicated and--"

"It fits you perfectly," Trish declared with a smile. "We need bobby pins, a ponytail holder and a curling iron."

Victoria handed over one of the necessary items, "I'm leaving my hair down so I don't need it.. And don't give me that look Trish, I like my hair the way it is."

Dawn raised an eyebrow, "and you're going with Chris tonight, right?"

Victoria rolled her eyes, "yes, I'm going with Chris.. Which we have done before...not the Senior Prom but we did go to a few dances together."

Trish moved from the bed, "is there anything you need ready, Li? Necklace, earrings, bracelet...date?"

Lita pointed to her desk, "in the top drawer, I have a jewelry box.. That has my necklace, earrings and I'm not wearing a bracelet."

"Date?" Trish prompted before she took another step, "I mean yeah, it's okay if you do go alone...well, really it's not since I think everyone is going with someone else.."

"Stephanie's going with Kurt," Dawn piped up, securing her friend's red locks into a bun. "We know Vicki is going with Chris, I think Ivory is going with Christian.."

Lita smiled when all eyes fell on her, "I'm not discussing this with any of you... You'll find out soon enough anyway. At least when we get downstairs."

The two cousins pouted, Dawn stating first. "Well that's not very fair."

"Maybe not," the redhead conceded as she moved from the bed. "But, that's all I'm telling you." She grinned impishly, promptly shutting herself inside of her private bathroom to get her make-up ready and put the finishing touches on her hair.

Dawn rolled her eyes as she moved from the bed, "well.. We might as well get ready. I doubt we'll get any more answers out of her."

Trish conceded the point with a shrug, the bedroom falling silent...save for the sounds of the five women getting ready. Two hours later found Lita still in the bathroom, the redhead exiting once so she could get her dress from the closet before going back in. And while she got dressed, Trish, Dawn and Victoria could hear Lilian and Dave entering the house. Ashley and Victoria lead the way downstairs, followed closely by Trish and Dawn.

"Li should be down soon," Victoria explained the woman's absence, posing for a quick picture for Lilian before she seated herself on the couch. "Limo's will be here.."

"In fifteen minutes," Jeff stated from his spot near the door. "Which means, she better hurry up."

Lita rolled her eyes as she stood on the landing, "honestly Jeff.. Even if I would rather skip out on this stupid dinner and dance, I'm dressed and ready to go."

He grinned at his step-sister, "Li.. You look--"

"Beautiful." John moved from his spot on the couch, meeting the redhead at the bottom of the stairs. "But, you're missing something."

"Like a date, maybe?" Trish suggested from her spot near Jeff, smiling innocently when Lita shot her a glare. "I didn't say anything."

Lita shook her head, placing her hand on John's outstretched arm. "I already have a date... that was taken care of on the way to the Out of Bounds Adventure Center."

"I was talking about this," John held up a delicate silver charm bracelet. "A very belated birthday present."

Dawn arched an eyebrow at that, "just how belated?"

"Ten years, give or take a month."

Trish shook her head, "it's too bad we don't have someone to take a picture of all of us.."

Ashley grinned, "I wasn't there the first time around, so I can take one or two."

They waited long enough for Lita to put her bracelet on, the couples then lining up near the stairs so Ashley could get a picture or two. Trish was ready to ask for another picture when a horn beckoned from outside.. The group making their way to the door so they could head to the anticipated reunion dinner. And admittedly, Lita still wasn't looking forward to the dinner or to the dance that was to follow but... For now, she was content. A part of her was still finding it hard to believe that she was going to this dinner and dance with John Cena, but.. Maybe it shouldn't have been too much of a surprise. She had long since admitted to herself that, if he had asked and if she had been able, she would've gone with him to the Senior Prom. But, due to circumstances beyond her own control, she had been unable to attend. And yet, she still ended up spending that particular evening with him...just not at the Senior Prom. Whatever the case, that was then and this was now.. Ten years had passed since that time, at times in a blur and a times...it had felt like everything was moving in slow motion. But, even with all of the hell they had put each other through, Lita wouldn't trade those memories for the world. Whether she wanted to admit to it or not, John was a part of her life.. Exactly what part, she wasn't sure nor did she want to think about it yet.. The woman figuring that would answer itself in time, just like everything else.