*What is life but a series of moments? Sure, you can make plans, have ideas about what you want to do or where you want to go. Ultimately, though, it's up to fate. Or sometimes you just have a change of heart at the last minute. On this particular Saturday afternoon in Detroit, Trish Stratus and Shane Helms were holed up in a hotel room, getting themselves all gussied up for the evening's festivities at Joe Louis Arena, home of this year's Slammy awards. Trish found herself in a sleek red dress, a deep V-neck with a strap that wrapped around the back of her neck, with the bottom cut at just a slight angle just above her knees. Shane wanted to avoid clashing so he strayed from his typical purple shirt, and went with a very deep red, nearly black, button up shirt that sort of shimmered in the light, casting off some light blue and reddish/pinkish tones in just the right shadow, along with some perfectly fitting black slacks. Of course, Trish had her hair done up beautifully, looking almost ready for Prom, and Shane's head was... well, Shane's head. His short hair done up like it always was, and his facial hair neatly trimmed. As he sat on the end of the bed putting his shoes on, he heard Trish's voice call out from the hotel room bathroom.*
Trish Stratus: *Finally standing in the doorway.* So, how do you feel about the Slammy Awards?
Shane Helms: The Slammies? Hmmm... well it's fun, we have some good times. Sometimes feels like a big popularity contest but... well, I guess that's really what it is.
Trish Stratus: So it's an honor just to be nominated when you think about it.
Shane Helms: Pretty much. I mean... does anybody really think I'm going to win Hottie of the Year when I'm up against Wes, Alex, and Jeff?
Trish Stratus: No, not really. *She chuckled* And I'm definitely not Female Wrestler of the Year.
Shane Helms: In my book, you are. *With his shoes firmly on his feet, he stood up and walked over to her* But I guess we pretty much gotta go show up and do the job, eh? At least it's an excuse to get all dolled up. *he smiled*
Trish Stratus: You know what... *She looked kind of indignant.* We bend over ass backwards for those people. I say you and me got better things to do tonight.
Shane Helms: *he cocked an eye* You.... want to ditch the Slammies?
Trish Stratus: Tomorrow... is going to be intense. And this relationship is still fresh... I don't know... just seems silly to put it all out there when at the end of the night all we're going to walk away with is each other. We already have that.
Shane Helms: *he gave her a faint smile* You make a good point. *after a moment of thought* And on the weird, off-chance that one of us does win something?
Trish Stratus: Then we'll get our award tomorrow night.
Shane Helms: *in the back of his mind, he wondered if there was some hidden reason she didn't want to go... but he decided not to push the issue* So I guess we're all dressed up with no place to go, eh? *he sat down on the end of the bed, gently taking her hand and pulling her down to sit on his lap* So what are we gonna do? *he looked at her with a smile*
Trish Stratus: Let's go dancing! *She smiled, and put her head on his shoulder.* I don't feel like going to the Ikeda Parade.
Shane Helms: Aww... *he turned his head just slightly and his lips met hers for a quick kiss* Well then you don't have to. Dancing does sound kind of fun, I haven't done that in a long time.
Trish Stratus: You CAN dance can't you... *She questioned playfully.*
Shane Helms: Me? Sheeeeyuut... *he laughed* I put Samoa Joe to shame.
Trish Stratus: *She laughed.* Well come on, there was a club right around the corner! *She looked at her watch.* Maybe we should have dinner first... it is early.
Shane Helms: Whatever you want to do, my dear. But I do agree, I am a bit hungry.
*They left hand in hand, and were snapped by photographers outside the hotel. They walked a few doors down to the lower level of the Hilton where they were staying and ate at a jacket and tie restuarant, which in itself was fun as they made funny faces at each other, acted totally inapporpriate and Shane might have thrown a roll at the water, but who's telling? They left there at 8, long after the Slammy Awards had started, and smiled when they realized that all of the photographers that had decended on the Hilton were away at the Slammy Awards. They walked hand in hand about a block and a half to Tonic, and were out on the dance floor, and being comfortably close, the two were working up a sweat.*
Trish Stratus: See! This is actually fun!
Shane Helms: *in his best Kaientai voice* Indeeeeeeeeeed!
*Not sure what came over him, but the closeness and the sweating and the pounding music, and the next thing he knew, Shane had Trish turned around and he was grinding on her backside, his hands on her hips and his head over her shoulder, hot breath cascading over her ear and down her neck.*
Shane Helms: *breathy* ...VERY fun....
*She threw her head back and laughed, and then grabbed his wrist and checked his watch.*
Trish Stratus: Let's head back... they'll be getting back from the show soon, and ask us a million questions about where we were...
*"Hypnotize" by Notorious B.I.G. began to play, and Shane's eyes grew wide.*
Shane Helms: OH SNAP! One more dance? I love me some Biggie! *he was already moving his body to the rhythm*
Trish Stratus: Okay... okay... *She faced him and hiked her knee up on his hip.*...but just one more.
*Shane put his hand on her thigh, helping to hold that leg up there and balance her. He held his other hand around her waist, and looked down at her, giving her "the eyes." You know, the look you give when a woman is about to be.. uh... "visited?" The song wasn't exactly sexual in lyrics, but the beat was amazing. They both got heavily into the dancing, and on more than one occasion, Shane leaned in to give her just that little teaser kiss... the one where you just touch lips, then move your head up and away. Once the song was done, though, he begrudgingly left the dance floor and led her out of the club. Upon reaching the door, though, they discovered it had started to rain. Not a heavy downpour, but a steady enough rain to get two people wet.*
Shane Helms: Oh wow... this rain is gonna be nice and cooling, but it's gonna be a pain in the ass after about 30 seconds.
Trish Stratus: *She leaned down and removed her heels.* Then maybe we should run! *She laughed and took off ahead of him.*
*With a devilish twinkle in his eye, he began to jog after her. When he realized that she wasn't just jogging, he picked up the pace. About half a block later, her caught up and passed her.*
Shane Helms: C'mon pokey, what's the holdup?!
Trish Stratus: Awww you! It's totally no fun if you let me win!
Shane Helms: *he shrugged* Okay! *he took off in a sprint and got a little ways ahead of her, then looked back and gave her a wink as he ducked off into an alley*
Trish Stratus: *She stopped and peered in.* Hmmm...dark alley in Detroir... enjoy getting shot. I'm going to our room!
Shane Helms: *slipping his arms around her waist, he pulled her up to him* Don't you want to live with a little hint of danger?
Trish Stratus: Ummmm... no.
Shane Helms: You mean to tell me it's not even the slightest bit hot that I just want to hold you up against this brick wall in the rain and take you right here and now?
Trish Stratus: Ummmm...slightly, but... *She sized him up.* Probably not to die for.
Shane Helms: Oh, we're not gonna die! *he reached up to brush some wet hair out of her face and leaned over and started kissing her neck*
Trish Stratus: Definitely not worth losing sleep over then! *She pushed him away.* Come on, we both have to show up tomorrow.
Shane Helms: It's not even late! What time is it? *he looked at his watch* ....shit.
Trish Stratus: I don't mean to rush you. It's just there all going to be getting back... and we can't exactly fake sick with... *She stopped mid sentence put both hands on his cheeks and bombarded him with a passionate kiss.*
Shane Helms: *he was struck stupid. He didn't know what to say back to that, so... in lieu of a good witty comment, he just kissed her back and then, once they pulled back from the kiss, he wrapped his arms around her and gave her a big strong hug.* I love you so much.
Trish Stratus: You know I love you, because this is a 1500 dollar dress.
Shane Helms: And that 1500 dollar dress is gonna look even better all balled up on the hotel room floor. *he winked* Shall we head back?
Trish Stratus: *She took his hand, and they strolled toward the hotel.* You try to hard. Let me give you a hint Shane, you already won the girl... now why don't you go win something else.
Shane Helms: I most certainly plan to. I just hope the match can stay singles and not get all mired down in the nWo crap.
Trish Stratus: Well believe me, Lacey will be too incapcitated to get involved in anyway.
Shane Helms: *he looked at her and smiled* She better be. *they began to approach the hotel again, and Shane noticed some of the paparazzi back around the entrance* Aw hell, it is later than I thought...
Trish Stratus: Quick, let's pretend like we're really unimportant. Tell them you don't speak English. *She stopped and as she approached began to speak* Donde esta el bano?!
Shane Helms: No speaka Ingles.... Taco Bell.... catorce... GRINGO BILOBA!!! *he put an arm around Trish and they forged their way through the crowd, and back into the hotel... once inside, he turned around with a big grin, waved, and yelled out* SABADO DOMINGO!
Trish Stratus: Ahhh! Muy Bueno! *She laughed.* Ick.... I need a shower after all that rainy grossness. This is the Motor City... we're probably covered in gasoline and sheet metal from the rain.
Shane Helms: Would it still be trying too hard if I suggested we take one together? *he raised an eyebrow*
Trish Stratus: Hmmm... *She lowered her voice.* I might prefer a nice quiet bath with you and the new copy of Green Lantern #844 that MIGHT be in my duffle.
Shane Helms: *his eyes went wide, and he over-dramatically dropped to one knee* You wouldn't pull my leg, would you?
Trish Stratus: No... I'll even let it take my place tonight. I know it's that important to you. It can have my pillow and everything!
Shane Helms: *he looked up quizzically* I was talking about the bath. *he grinned and stood up* Well c'mon, let's just head back to the room and relax for the night. *he glanced at a row of vending machines* You need anything to drink before we head up?
Trish Stratus: None for me... but you go for it.
Shane Helms: Allllllrighty then.... *he went over and got himself a bottle of that Lipton green tea stuff, and a bottle of water for her for later in case she changed her mind, and then took her hand as they walked back to the elevator and back to their room. Once inside, he realized just how wet his clothes were, and pulled his shirt off* Man.. I need a place to dry this out. *he looked around the room, and shivered* And wow, that air is cold when the skin is still damp...
Trish Stratus: Here... I'll take it... *She walked closer to him, and reached out for his shirt, but didn't immediately disconnect from him. She met his eye, and then took the shirt.* You better warm up.
Shane Helms: *he was quiet for a moment... not quite sure what to say at this point. She could be so unpredictable sometimes... but so hot with that wet hair and the 1500 dollar dress... he reached out and smiled at her, once again wrapping his arms around her waist and holding her close* You want to help me warm up?
Trish Stratus: *Leaving a trail of kisses on his sternum.* I think I do.
Shane Helms: *closing his eyes, he licked his lips, leaving the tip of his tongue to linger out there in the air for a moment* Mmmm...
Trish Stratus: *She nuzzled her nose into his neck, the faint dim of one lamp light illuminating the scene.* If you think that's good... you should see what else I can do with it... *It was a joke... but she said it in a faint whisper, so it was one of those jokes with some truth to it.*
Shane Helms: *he opened his eyes, and brought his hand up to the side of her face, partly on her neck and partly on her cheek.* Well I'd like to find out, cause... well... I'm pretty talented myself. *He could smell her hair, and it was a strange faint mixture of sweat, rain, whatever is in the Detroit air, and just a tiny leftover hint of hairspray... it was intoxicating.*
Trish Stratus: *She turned from him and sat her damp self down on the freshly made bed. She leaned down taking her red high heeled sandals off. She crossed one leg over the other.* I don't know why I ache. It's been a couple weeks since my last match. *She shrugged, and reached up and pulled her hair out of the clip, falling to frame her face it was mostly dry since most of it had actually been protected by the do. She fell back onto the bed, and ran her hand over the opposite collarbone. She snuggled into the comforter, and reached behind her and untied the knot. The dress was form fitting enough that the action alone didn't disturb its placement on her body.*
Shane Helms: *dropping to one knee at the foot of the bed, he took her left leg into his hand and began to gently massage the muscle* Where does it ache?
Trish Stratus: *She put her hand over her heart.* Right here...
Shane Helms: Aww... *his face fell just slightly, as he stood up to lean onto the edge of the bed, looking up at her* Why is that?
Trish Stratus: Getting let down, I think you can fix it though.
Shane Helms: I know I can. *he smiled as he straddled her body and leaned up to her, face to face, their noses so close the microscopic hairs brushed together.. his soft doe eyes met hers again*
Trish Stratus: *She leaned up on her elbows and kissed him.* You're one in a million, you know that?
Shane Helms: Nah... I'm just me. *he dropped his head and began to kiss her chest just below her neck, then returned her neck-nuzzling from earlier*
Trish Stratus: So... can I get all...serious for a minute?
Shane Helms: *still laying on her, he rested his chin on her chest and looked up at her* Of course, love. What's on your mind?
Trish Stratus: I want to hear about the girls you've dated, and why this is different.
Shane Helms: *shifting off of her, he laid down just to her side, still in a cuddling position, still face-to-face... he was quiet for a moment, and when he finally spoke, it was more like a whisper* This is different because it's real. I never really did much dating until I was already in the business, and by then it seemed girls were just into my characters. You're in this because you know Gregory... not Sugar Shane or the Hurricane.
Trish Stratus: What kind of... *She got that cute attitude again.* Who'd want to date the Hurricane?!
Shane Helms: *with a playful grin* Maybe that cute little superhero chick he had running around with him a few weeks ago? What was her name, anyway?
Trish Stratus: To hell if I know... you're the creative one. Now quit changing the subject. I want to know about them... Names, looks, social security numbers...
Shane Helms: *he sighed* Well let's see... there was Janet From Another Planet, she was... *he shuddered* I think I was drunk when I met her and agreed to see her again. That one didn't last long. Let's see... this crazy redheaded girl, she'd always talk like some medeival warrior. It was cute at first, I thought she was playing around, but it went on for weeks and I finally had to break it off. She said she was gonna send some crusade of Orcs after me, but they never did show up... umm... who else... oh! One time when I was about 13, I was out at this restaurant and we saw Madonna there. I waited till she was gone but I ran up to the table and took her glass of water and sipped it. I don't know if that still counts as a date, technically, but I did get some of her germs so I still say it counts. *he grinned at her*
Trish Stratus: Okay... okay... you don't want to talk about it. That's fine.
Shane Helms: I just don't like dwelling on the past, that's all. You put them all to shame, and you don't need to worry about how you compete with them, or anything like that. Today is today, and you have me because we've clicked and bonded and we love each other and that's what really matters. *he smiled*
Trish Stratus: That... THAT... sounds like a whole lot of spin.
Shane Helms: Well what do you want to hear, Trish? About all the times that I've treated women like gold and they've left because they got bored or found somebody more exciting or got sick of hearing about wrestling and comic books? There's alot of painful shit back there in my past that I've left behind, and now that I have you and I'm happy again, I just want to leave it back there and focus on moving forward.... why do you want to know about them, anyway?
Trish Stratus: Oh, please! *She sat upright and pushed herself off the bed, pacing.* You've been with way prettier women like Carmella or Christy who aren't against baring everything they've got for a little more consideration. And you've probably fucked women with a lot more potential then I'll ever have... and you hate celebrity... so you'll settle for me, because even though you could be with Shannon James... I'm a lot less of a distraction. *She stomped off into the bathroom and slammed the door.*
*He sat there on the bed for a moment, dumbfounded. "Where the fuck did THAT come from?", he thought to himself. He stood up, walked over to the bathroom door, and leaned against the frame. He tried not to raise his voice too much, but it was a little hard not to.*
Shane Helms: I'm with you because you respect yourself. You have an amazing body and you're proud to show it off, but you have that respect to do it in a classy way and not go parading yourself around like a 2-bit slut. THAT'S one of the things I dig about you. It's kind of a GOOD thing you're like that. I don't hate celebrity, and nobody I've dated has been even remotely prettier than you. But if you want to sit in there and throw yourself a pity party over a bunch of issues that don't exist, you're more than welcome to!
*He was sick of it. Plain and simple, he was tired of her going hot and cold on him all the time. Out of absolutely nowhere, it seemed. He went back over and flopped backwards onto the bed, kicking off his shoes, picking up the remote, and flipping on CNN.*
Anna Nicole Smith! Why in the fuck were they still talking about this Larry Birkhead is so obviously that baby's dad... Shane's phone started to vibrate in his pocket. He looked at it, seeing the boss' number. It was pretty late, so maybe there was a change in the match... either that our Shane was in big trouble.
Shane Helms: *flipping the phone open, with a slightly impatient tone in his voice* Yes?
Wes Ikeda: You wanna do over?
Shane Helms: In more ways than one. *he sighed* I'm in trouble, aren't I?
Wes Ikeda: Nah, it'd been more fun with you there... but it was a good evening. Everyone wanted to know where Trish was after she won... I just told reporters that your flight had been delayed.
Shane Helms: She won?
Wes Ikeda: Female Wrestler of the fucking Year...
Shane Helms: You're shitting me. Wow. I mean.. well that's cool. Kind of a letdown for Amy I guess... Holy Mixed Feelings, Batman.
Wes Ikeda: Eh, she didn't care. I walked out of there with the babe of the year on my arm tonight... as if there was a doubt. *He laughed*
Shane Helms: *he gave a slight chuckle, and then his tone went serious* Wes, has she ever asked you about your past?
Wes Ikeda: My wife?
Shane Helms: Mmhmm.
Wes Ikeda: She's got a new question for me everyday... and I tell her everything I can remember... because hell... she still loves me anyway.
Shane Helms: Trish and I just had the best night ever. We went out for dinner to a great restaurant, I went dancing with her, we ran home in the rain, it was awesome. Then we were laying here on the bed, and she starts asking me about the women I've been with. Just out of nowhere.
Wes Ikeda: That my friend is because you're about to get some, if you're worthy enough, and not scum... which you're not. But if you went the typical Shane route and made a comedy act of your answer to her question... you made her feel like what she was asking you wasn't important... or you were trying to hide something.
Shane Helms: That's the thing, I don't get WHY it's important. Right here, today, I love her, and only her, so why isn't that good enough for her? And besides, isn't it a little scummier to go listing off all your little trophy girlfriends from your past? I figured all that was going to do was make her feel less important.
Wes Ikeda: It's different for them. Don't ask me how I know it. Because I'm not sure myself... but this complicated relationship thing... ask Amy... she'll tell you. It's really different for them. Men are strange... I'll be the first to admit it, because we don't take to committment the way that they do... but believe me... she's tired of playing games, and wants to be sure you're the one. She's not judging you. She's testing you. She wants to know that you trust her enough to tell her stuff. I hope I made sense.
Shane Helms: You make perfect sense. I just don't get why women have to pull this instinctual caveman testing bullshit here in the 21st century. If she wants to know how committed I am to her, why can't she just come right out and ask me instead of pulling all this beat-around-the-bush crap and make me wonder why she wants to know all of this?
Wes Ikeda: She wants to know who she's sleeping with. Something tells me she didn't do that with the last two...
Shane Helms: Well how many times do I have to tell her I don't have much experience? She keeps on assuming I've been with all these playboy bunnies and supermodels and shit, and all I've really ever been is this little comic book nerd who grew up and learned how to take care of myself and how I look. There's not that much in my past to talk about except a handful of painful memories that I don't like digging up, and she thinks I'm hiding something by not wanting to talk about it.
Wes Ikeda: Give me a number... and I'll tell you if you're under or over reacting.
Shane Helms: Three and a half.
Wes Ikeda: Well it's not 30 - but it's probably less than her and that freaks her out a little bit.
Shane Helms: *deep sigh* It just feels like I can never win with her. You know, 95 percent of the time we're just fine, we're happy, we have fun, we laugh, we joke around, we flirt, we do all that good stuff. As soon as the idea of sex comes up, she clams up and starts asking questions or picking fights or something......... that's it, isn't it?
Wes Ikeda: What's it?
Shane Helms: Sex. Everything is sunshine and puppy dogs with us till it comes time to get intimate. She's... scared of it, or something.
Wes Ikeda: Okay... listen to me. I'm the man that waited until the month before I got married to sleep with my wife okay... really... Shane. Of course she's scared.
Shane Helms: So if she's scared, then why is it that she seems to get all offended on the occasions when she's the one who brings it up and I'm the one who backs off? See? I just can't win.
Wes Ikeda: Shane, you're an idiot. She's offended because when she brings it up she's obviously ready.
Shane Helms: So just cause she's ready, I'm supposed to drop every inhibition I have and be ready at the drop of a hat? Regardless of how hot she may be or how badly I may want her, contrary to popular belief, not all men can just be turned on at the flip of a switch.
Wes Ikeda: ...And that may be where I can't help you anymore.
Shane Helms: *he sighed* Exactly. I should be having this conversation with her. Thanks for the talk, man. And sorry for hijacking your phone call to talk about my little problem here.
Wes Ikeda: Shane... once it's over... if you two are meant for each other... the awkwardness will be gone... and we'll never be able to get a hold of either of you.... *He paused* But... please come to Wrestlemania tomorrow.
Shane Helms: Don't worry, we'll be there..... later man.