Disclaimer: I own Robin... The rest of them, yeah, I wish...
Characters: Kane, Undertaker, Sara, mentions of others here and there. ...and of course, Robin. (don't worry, she's not so bad...lol)
Rating: M for abrasive language and some good old dirty rotten fun.
Distribution: Originally posted on , however, if you want it ask. I could use the publicity. lol
Author's Note: This is a VERY long work in progress. I'll get as much up as I can. So far it's pushing 40 chapters lol. Hope you like it, by all means R and R.
"It sure looks like a long way down…" She thought to herself as she watched the crew set up for the night's event. She took a deep breath and absentmindedly removed the rubber band holding back her bright red and black hair.
"It IS a long way down your first night." She jumped and turned to see who could possibly be reading her mind. She had to look up, way up to find an answer.
"I didn't realize I was thinking out loud." She stammered, trying her best not to look star struck to the man before her.
"Don't worry, after tonight it's all a cakewalk. If ya make it through tonight that is…" He said chuckling to himself and staring down as the road crew begins to erect the posts for the turnbuckles. He rubbed a big hand over his short rusty hair and squeezed the back of his neck as he remembered something she could only fathom.
After an uncomfortable silence she started, 'well, I uh… I guess I'd better go. They told me to get here early for help with costume fittings and stuff. To tell you the truth, I'm a lot earlier than they told me to be…" She rambled, her cheeks reddening as she came to the realization that this big man probably had something better to do than listen to her. "Sorry, I tend to ramble when I get nervous." She confirmed his suspicion looking sheepishly up into his smiling face. (Funny, he didn't look so mean in person.)
He laughed again and said, "Don't worry about it, happens to us all darlin'. The first night out feels like a dream, no matter how long we've been in this business. This is the big time… And you're just trying to soak in as much as possible in case you wake up tomorrow with a pink slip. Right?" He was smiling down at her and she couldn't help but laugh herself.
"Yeah, I'd say you're pretty much right on." She blushed again and let her eyes fall back toward the ring. "OH!" she started as if she had just remembered herself. "By the way, my name is Robin. Thanks for listening to me. I feel a bit better now." She put out a hand of chipped black nails and he took it, shaking easily.
"Ah, I heard about you comin up. I'm Mark, glad to meet you darlin."
"You heard of me? Wow, now I feel special." Robin laughed losing her nervousness in this big man's engaging Texas accent.
"Well, I hate to burst your bubble there kid, but you're the only newbie on tonight." He teased. "Phoenix right?"
"What? Phoe… Oh yeah, my ring name. Yeah that's me." Robin Looked away again, her face as red as her hair.
"And Ms. Phoenix I keep an eye on things around here so if you have any questions, as me."
The sounds of footsteps make them both turn.
"Hey there baby girl." Mark's smile widened as a tall shapely blonde walked up and tossed him a helmet.
"Hi there." She said reaching up to kiss him.
"Sara, this is Robin. She's our newest practice dummy." Mark grinned at the horrified look on Robin's face. "Robin, this is my wife Sara." Robin smiled and immediately liked the woman.
"So you gonna let these big sissies win once in a while?" Sara asked elbowing her husband just under the ribs.
"Hey now!" Mark protested and picked her up off the ground laughing as she squirmed.
"Alright Mr. Big Bad Undertaker… We women were attempting to have a conversation here." She reprimanded unconvincingly as she laughed.
"So, do you have any idea of your storyline yet?" Undertaker says once he's replaced his wife.
"Storyline? Oh, well as far as I can tell I should be working with Kane. That is, if all goes well tonight." Robin crossed her fingers unconsciously as she spoke.
Mark laughed and hooked an arm around Sara's shoulder giving her a little squeeze.
"Working with my little brother eh? I wonder what Vince is plotting now."
"Hon, I thought Kane preferred to work alone." Sara mentioned frowning. Mark just shrugged.
"I was wondering about that too…" Robin said, the pit of nerves in her stomach knotting tight again.
"I wouldn't worry about him. He's pretty harmless outside the ring. But, I wouldn't say anything about the mask. He doesn't need it but he's still very touchy about it." Mark sighed, rolled his eyes, and nodded his agreement.
"That's good to know." Robin said laughing slightly to hide the apprehension in her voice.
"Well, I guess I should go get myself set up in the locker room and everything." Robin started, brightening considerably as she reached out to shake each of their hands again.
"Alright kid, looks like we'll see you tonight." Mark shook back, his hand dwarfing hers. Sara waved good-bye following her husband as he led her out to their bike. They were going to find some lunch before the show.
Robin again leaned against the entrance to the arena. Standing about half way up through the seats, it DID look like a long way to fall.
Robin took a deep breath and opened the locker room door. It was empty but there were some personal effects lying around.
"Guess I'm not the only early bird." She whispered looking around for some place to put her stuff. She walked past two gym bags and found a note addressed to her. Robin smiled at her name on the company stationary. She couldn't help but smile and squeak. This was it! She was really here. Suddenly the door squeaked behind her and she's jolted out of her revelry.
"Oh, sorry. I didn't know there was anyone in here." The tall redhead said.
"No worries, I was uh, I was just getting settled in." Robin stammered. "You're Lita right?" Dropping her bag, she smiled and nodded.
"I take it you're the newbie?" Lita said reaching out to shake her hand.
"You guys really do hear everything don't you?" Robin said smiling. "I'm Robin."
"Well, it looks like you and I are gonna be roommates." Lita said rummaging around in the bottom of her bag. "Did you check in at the office? You know, to see what Vince has planned for you?" The woman inquired.
"Uh no actually, that was next on my list. Then I've got to go check on my new ring gear. Apparently, my old ring stuff wasn't big league enough."
"Knowing this company, your old ring gear probably covered too much." Lita snorted. "Vince is an ass and a pervert but, he does know how to run this show." She rolled her eyes. "Mind you, I'm not saying I like him."
"From what I gathered, no one does." Robin said taking a brush from her bag and turning to the mirror.
"You learn quick girl."
Robin smiled at Lita from the mirror. She still couldn't believe she was standing there.
"Well, I'm going to hit the gym before the show. Want me to show you where the office is?" The tall red head asked grabbing a towel and heading for the door.
"Oh sure, that'd be great." Robin said following her out. "So, is everyone here this nice?" Lita raised an eyebrow at her as they rounded a corner.
"Whatever gave you that idea?"
"Well…" Robin paused feeling suddenly very self conscious. "It's just that so far, everyone I've run into has been extremely helpful."
"Like who?" Lita asked leaning in conspiratorially.
"Not a whole lot I guess. I just ran into Mark and his wife earlier. They seemed really nice." Suddenly Robin felt foolish for trusting them so easily.
"Mark? Oh, Taker. Yeah that's okay. Those two are good people." Robin sighed relaxing, glad her instincts weren't failing her.
"Anyone you would suggest I avoid?"
"I'm not sure. I suppose I should let you make up your own mind. Sorry Robin, forget I said anything." Lita looked over apologetically.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Thanks anyway."
"Oh, I will tell you this though. " Lita leans in close. "Don't let Kane scare you. He only looks mean." She giggled. "Just don't EVER tell him I told you that." She grabbed Robin's arm and tried to laugh quietly.
"Anyway," Lita said regaining her composure. "Here's Vince's office. Good luck. I don't think I have to tell you how far to trust him." Robin nodded, smiled a thanks, and knocked on the door while Lita retreated to the weight room.