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For the first time that night, Lita found herself able to smile. She was standing out in the arena hallway, waiting for Edge and Chris Benoit as they emerged from their tag team title match.
The two Canadians had been victorious - they were the new World Tag Team Champions, and despite their odds. After Edge had risked himself by coming out to rescue her from the monster Kane earlier, the challengers' odds had definitely been lowered in their favor. But Edge and Chris had done it - they'd really won!
The redhead was beaming as the two familiar voices grew nearer. And then, there he was - the tall blond man held his tag team belt over his chisled right shoulder, his lean but muscled body glistening with a sheen of sweat. Lita eyed him with appreciation and stepped closer.
"Lita..." The Canadian looked surprised as he caught sight of the young woman, who seemed to be making a beeline directly toward him.
"Congratulations!" she said, putting herself into his arms. Edge instantly wrapped his arms around her to eagerly return the hug. "I'm so happy for you guys!"
Chris Benoit eyed the two questioningly, arching a brow as his gaze went to his tag team partner.
"Thanks," the blond man said almost sheepishly. Somehow, he never would have expected the diva to greet him like this. In reality, he thought she would have been long gone from the arena after her horrifying experience with Kane earlier in the night. He was touched that she'd thought of him to stick around and watch the match and congratulate him afterward.
Edge grinned down at the redhead, nearly all but forgetting about his friend and new co-tag team champion - until Benoit spoke.
"What's going on?" the Crippler asked, gesturing at Lita.
The redheaded diva pulled out of the tall blond man's embrace and looked over at Benoit, surprised. Evidently, Edge hadn't told Chris what had happened earlier, and the Wolverine had apparently not caught wind of it nor seen it on a TV monitor, either.
"I, err... I saved her from Kane tonight."
The three of them started walking down the hall to the locker rooms.
"Come again?" Benoit said.
Lita turned toward the man who was not only a new World Tag champ but also the current World Heavyweight Champion as well.
"I think I can explain this, Chris... Earlier tonight, I had a match with Val Venis - against Matt Hardy and Gail Kim," the diva said. "But it never happened - because Kane came out and went after me." Her hazel gaze traveled up to Edge's handsome face. "And then Edge ran out from the back to save me..."
"What?" Benoit asked. "Why didn't you tell me about this?" he demanded, directing his question at Edge.
The tall blond man ran a hand through his hair and swallowed hard.
"I didn't want you to get mad or think I was risking our title shot," the Canadian spoke.
"Well, you *did* put us in jeopardy!" the Crippler cried. "I won't argue that you did a noble thing in rescuing the girl, but-"
"Chris, please don't be mad at Edge..." Lita pleaded, her eyes meeting the blue ones of the World Champion. "You two came out the victors, after all."
Chris eyed the diva, then looked up at his longtime friend. Then, meeting the redhead's eyes again, he nodded resignedly.
"Okay, okay... you're right." He raised a hand and gave Edge's shoulder a friendly smack. "You did good tonight, buddy."
"You too," the blond man replied, slapping the shorter man on the back. He turned back to Lita.
The Crippler gave the two a nod.
"Well, I'm going to hit the showers now. See you later."
When Benoit was gone, Edge turned back to the diva. He resisted the urge to place his hand on her cheek.
"I'm surprised you didn't leave already," he said.
"Oh, I wanted to watch your match," she explained. "And maybe we can go back to the hotel *together*?" Her voice was small and tentative, and it tugged at the blond man's heartstrings.
"I'd like that," he said. "Why don't you wait in the women's locker room, and I'll meet you after I take a shower?"
Lita nodded, her eyes shining as she gazed up at him.
"Okay... I'll be there."