"This going to suck big time..." Chris griped as he paced the locker room.  He ran a hand through the hair on the top of his head, not mindful of the tight braid he was wearing.  He stopped in his tracks to stare at the woman standing a few feet away.

Stephanie McMahon's blue gaze was fixed to a faraway spot on the floor, her head turned in his direction.  She appeared to be completely lost in her thoughts - but Chris knew that what was on her mind matched what was on his - well, almost.

Finally, the brunette raised her gaze so that the Undisputed Champion was her focus.

"I hate all of this, too, Chris...Paul's ego is out of control - he's got Daddy wrapped around his little finger..."

"Couldn't you have at least tried to make a case for me?" the blond man asked, his arms spreading in a disappointed gesture.

"I...I wanted to," Stephanie admitted.  "But how would it look if I protested against my boyfriend and made a plea for you to win tonight's match?"  She shook her head.

Chris ran a hand down his face.  Sometimes, this woman could be maddening.

"Look, Steph - we both know your relationship with Paul has become shit over the past couple of months..."

Surprisingly, the brunette's expression didn't falter or change to one of shock at Jericho's outspokenness.  "So, what's the deal?"

"I...I'm sorry, Chris..."  Stephanie edged closer to him, her eyes full of compassion - and something else the blond man was unable to read.  "It's jus that...Well, you're right about what you just said about Paul and me...I..."  She glanced away from his face as she continued.  "I've been wanting to end it with him for real, but..."  She raised her blue eyes to meet his.  "I don't know how.  Can you believe I've never broken up with anyone before?"

Chris blinked as he gazed into her lovely face.  "Just do it," he said softly.  "Make it quick, like ripping off a bandaid...Steph..."

The tall brunette winced as she raised a hand to his face, her fingers gently stroking his cheek.

"I want you to know...it's been a pleasure...working with you, spending time with you...You're a good friend, Chris - a true friend..."

Jericho placed his hand on hers, his crystal-blue eyes locked on the woman's.  Then, without thinking, he leaned the few inches forward and pressed his lips to hers.

To his pleasant surprise, Stephanie didn't pull back - on the contrary, she welcomed his kiss and even returned it...

*

Adam and Jay were somber as they sat in their locker room.

Both men were preparing for their matches for the night, neither of them speaking much.  Adam knew identical thoughts were penetrating his best friend's mind.  Jay was terrified of Trish being placed on one show while he was placed on the other.

Finally, Adam couldn't take it anymore.  Raking a hand through his long blond hair, he cleared his throat.

"Wouldn't it just totally sick if all the couples were split apart?"

His best friend looked up sharply.  "Do you always have to be so pessimistic?"

"Me?  That's more your style, man..." the tall Canadian retorted, and he instantly regretted it.  "I'm sorry, Jay...I'm just in a real foul mood tonight..."  It didn't help that he reminded himself that he and Amy were not a couple - well, not really...

"I know, man...I know," Jay replied on a sigh.  "Hey, your match is up next, isn't it?"

"Yeah, you're right...I'd better get moving," Adam said, and he stood up and headed to the door.

"Good luck..."

"Thanks...I guess I'll see you back in the room..."

All the superstars had been congregated to a large back room in the arena to listen to their fate.  So far, the Rock and Undertaker had been chosen - the former by Mr. McMahon for SmackDown, the latter by Ric Flair for RAW.

As Adam made his brisk way down the hall, shrugging into his trenchcoat, he had to acknowledge that he was not looking forward to the rest of the draft picks.

He had the most uncomfortable, sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach...