Sweet Misery

________________________________________________

Edge was onstage, tuning his guitar, the myriad of aches and pains from his bruises causing him to wince. He wondered how he would be able to perform later that night. A day after the incident with Batista, he was naturally feeling the effects of the fight - although it hadn't been much of a fight since he'd barely been able to defend himself at *all* - the day after.

He scowled as he caught sight of Torrie Wilson flitting about the club. The blonde was nothing but trouble. He should have known better, especially when he'd liked Lita all along. He had behaved like a fool. If there was anything in his life he wished he could take back, it would be what he'd done with that skank.

His mood brightened as, just then, the beautiful redhead emerged from the stairs leading up from the lower level. She'd gone to speak with Ric about an idea she had for their future album.

She was smiling as she seemed to head straight toward him. The tall blond man couldn't help but smile himself as he recalled the other night. She was so intense, so amazing. When they were apart, he couldn't stop thinking about her. Hell, when they were *together*, he couldn't stop thinking about her. She hadn't been in his life all that long, but damn it, he couldn't imagine his life without her in it.

Amy's attention was suddenly elsewhere as she noticed a familiar form entering the club. Her happy smile faded, a wariness taking over her.

Sean... He, along with the rest of Evolution, were due to play a gig tonight. Since she'd seen Torrie around earlier, she knew Dave was already here, but she'd been fortunate not to have encountered or even seen him thus far. She wished she'd been equally as lucky where O'Haire was concerend. And that *did* suck in a big way, as she still considered him a close friend and didn't want that to change. But things were so awkward now, after that night. She hated herself for it, and for allowing it to happen - drunk or not.

As difficult as it was, she ignored Edge for the moment, instead making a beeline for the shaggy-haired, muscular man. They hadn't spoken since the morning after that night, and she felt she had to be absolutely sure of where they stood, and be one-hundred percent certain of Sean's feelings and intentions. Also, though she hoped it would not be additionally awkward, she felt she needed to tell him about her current situation.

Biting her lip, she approached him, and O'Haire's blue eyes instantly caught her. He was lugging his bass in a hard case, a backpack slung over one shoulder.

"Hi, Amy," the man said warmly, though there seemed to be a genuine hint of surprise in his voice and countenance alike.

"Hi," she said. She raised one hand up to her head, in her hair for a second. "Sean, can I speak to you for a minute? Just... You know, one-on-one?"

"Of course." He wondered what was on her mind, though he knew it had to be about the other night. There was such anxiety in her face, and he was sorry for that.

"How about... Downstairs, maybe?" she suggested, unable to stop herself from chancing the quickest glance toward the stage. Oh, he was watching them, all right. Damn, it she felt so bad.

"That's fine," Sean replied. "Let me just unburden myself first." He glanced down at the bass in its case he still held.

Amy nodded.

"Look, I'll wait for you down there. Just come and meet me when you're ready."

O'Haire nodded.

"Gotcha."

Then, as the redhead turned, going in exactly the same direction which she'd come, the dark-haired man headed for the stage. Evolution were slated to play first tonight, so it wouldn't hurt to put his stuff down there.

Edge's green eyes were full of suspicion as the other man approached. He had all but forgotten about tuning his guitar, instead setting the instrument down on a stand. Now, he stood there, questions swirling through his head as he eyed the bigger man. What the hell had that been all about?

Sean said a quick hello to him, but the tall blond man didn't even respond. He merely watched as O'Haire set his things down, then turned and walked across the club floor - only to go down those same stairs Lita had taken not even a moment earlier. His suspicion grew to epic proportions, to say nothing of the intense jealousy that had gripped him as well.

Amy was relieved when Sean appeared, meeting her just at the foot of the staircase. She gestured to him to follow her, and they walked a small distance away when she began to explain.

"Sean, I... I really feel badly about what happened the other night." She swallowed and ran a hand through her long red hair. "Well, you *know* how I feel about that. But... Adam and I, we..." She paused and met his blue eyes in the semi-darkness. It was difficult to read him in the lack of light. "... We've gotten closer in the last couple of days. I went to his house and admitted my feeling."

O'Haire nodded, listening. It did hurt a little because he'd always liked the redhead as more than a friend - but he didn't want to lose her friendship.

"We slept together," she admitted.

"Oh," Sean said, not really knowing what to say. "So, things are good with you two?"

"Yes," the redheaded guitarist said, "they are. I just..." She closed her eyes, letting out a breath. "... Please don't say anything to him about us. I trust you and all, but... *please."

O'Haire blinked, noting all the nerves with which the young woman's hazel eyes were filled. She was just so worried. She obviously cared a great deal for the blond man.

"Don't worry about it, Amy," he said honestly. "I won't."

Lita let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Sean."

Neither of them noticed the person at the top of the stairs, spying.






Part 35

Back