The Fan
Monday Night: Scottrade Center
Randy checked his ticket once more as he made his way to the front row floor seat he'd splurged for. Normally when WWE was in town he never sat this close but at the insistence of a friend, here he was. He reached into his pocket for the vibrating phone
Codes: you there yet?
Randy: you have some nerve talking to me after you bailed
Codes: I had to work! And imagine how I feel not being there!
Randy: whatever
Codes: so are you there?
Randy: I'm here. Yes
Codes: hopefully I'm home by the time RAW starts so I can watch. I'll be looking for you
Randy: yea. Okay
Randy slipped the device back into his pocket as Lillian Garcia welcomed everyone to the Scottrade Center and assured them that they were in for a great show tonight
"I better be for $345." He muttered to himself. Randy got comfortable in the padded seat as the opening theme of Monday Night RAW started. To the surprise of no one, that nights show opened with The Authority. Triple H was droning on about whatever he normally blabs about when John Cena's music came blaring from the arena's speaker system. "Oh God." Randy groaned. He hated the John Cena character but from what he understood, he was a pretty decent guy outside the business. The tall man tried not groaning outwardly as the heavily muscled man went on one of his now infamous promos
"You suck!" Someone yelled as there was a brief pause between Triple H and John Cena. Randy wasn't too sure who it was directed at but was almost positive the comment was for Cena. They always were. He chuckled as he brushed a piece of wayward lint from his dark denim jeans. When he looked up he caught, or so he thought, the man in question looking at him. Randy shook off the feeling and listened as Stephanie McMahon made a match for later that night that pitted John against Seth Rollins and the two men who had been dubbed as J&J Security. During a match he had no interest in Randy got up for a bathroom break and a beer but more for the beer.
Despite Cody telling him last minute that he was unable to attend the show Randy found himself enjoying the night anyway. It was nearing time for the night's main event when Randy was approached by a man in a shirt marked security
"This is for you." He said. Randy frowned a little and took the slip of paper. "Discretion is advised." The security added before the other man was able to even read the paper. Curiosity piqued, Randy unfolded and looked at the slip
You are incredibly good-looking. See you later?
JC
"Who the fuck?" Randy questioned as he looked around. Mr. Security tapped him on the shoulder and held up a finger. The opening notes and lyrics of John Cena's music blared and Randy's jaw dropped. "No." He said eyeing the paper again and looking for his delivery man but he was already gone. John ran to the ring as he usually does and went through his routine. When it came time for him to toss his shirt Randy watched him move to the side where he was seated, make sure the shirt was balled tightly and toss it directly to him. Instinctively Randy caught it and the wink that came his way. He covered his mouth so that no one could see him smile but his eyes gave him away. The match went by in a blur and before he knew it, it was over and he was being approached by Mr. Security again but this time he saw him coming
"Yes or no?" Was all the man asked
"Why the hell not?" Randy said standing. He followed the silent but efficient man through a throng of chairs, behind what appeared to be a central hub and down a ramp that took them behind the Titantron. He saw some wrestlers milling about but they paid him no attention. Security brought him to a door marked John Cena, gave a short wave and walked away. What the hell was he supposed to do now? What the hell was he even doing? Just as Randy was about to wander his way out and to his car the door opened and there stood a smiling, and sweaty, John Cena
"Hi." He said
"Hi." Randy replied
"I'm John."
"I know who you are. My name's Randy."
"Nice to formally meet you Randy."
"So…you're gay?"
"I certainly felt gay when I saw you." That made Randy laugh
"And you assumed that I was gay?"
"I did and you pretty much confirmed it by coming here. Do you want to follow me to my bus and go grab a bite to eat?"
"It's almost 11:30 at night and I have work in the morning."
"That's a no then? I'll buy."
"What about my car?" John started walking and Randy followed
"So you'll follow me in your car, we'll find a spot, you come aboard and my driver gets us food while I shower. I really need to shower."
"Yea you do." John smiled and Randy, though he would deny it if asked, melted a little
"Tell me no if you want to tell me no."
"I've come this far so why not?"
"Do you want a ride to your car?" The tall man thought about how big a personal bus could be and its maneuverability
"No. I'll walk." John showed Randy a shortcut back to the parking lot and told him that he would wait. In no time Randy found the lot and all the cars trying to leave. He located his own car and was directed by someone in a vest to go around the building. "Damn he works fast." He said to himself when he realized he had been given special treatment. Just as John said the bus was waiting and when it moved he moved his car right behind it. They didn't drive too far before reaching Joe Buck's. Randy parked in one of the regular parking spaces while the huge bus parked in the back of the lot. He exited the car and approached the bus whose door seemed to magically open
"So I looked up the menu and have it right here if you want to take a look." John said as soon as the other man was in his line of sight but Randy didn't hear. He was taking in how large the vehicle was and its opulence and trying not to look like a country bumpkin in the process. "Randy?"
"Huh?"
"Did you want to take a look at the menu?"
"Oh, no. I live in St. Louis and always order the same thing."
"Which is?"
"The beef brisket, mac and cheese with coleslaw." John nodded, placed the order then asked Randy to hang tight while he took a quick shower. The other man had to physically stop himself from getting his phone out and taking pictures. He couldn't believe he was in awe of a bus
….
"We're going to be in the area for a while and I was wondering if you wanted to be my guest to the show on Saturday…I know you need to get home since you have work in the morning as you've mentioned." Randy chuckled. He had mentioned it a lot
"I'm up for that on one condition and one confession."
"Oh we have conditions now along with a confession?"
"Yes. Just the one."
"Let me hear it."
"That my roommate be allowed to come too."
"Cody…because he missed tonight's show. That's fine. I'll send a car for you guys."
"You don't know my address."
"I was getting to that. Now what's this confession?"
"I don't like John Cena." John smiled
"You better get at the back of the line because you're not the only one."
"I like you though."
"Well that's good." The men exchanged information and shared a hug before Randy left the bus. He didn't remember driving home because he was on cloud 9
"And just where have you been?" He jumped at the voice that came from the darkness
"Cody!" Randy said flicking the light switch and seeing his roommate sitting there drumming his nails on the arm of their couch. "What the hell?"
"I'm asking you the same thing. What the hell?"
"I got invited backstage."
"Stop lying."
"I did."
"How? By who!?"
"You'll never guess."
"I know so just tell me."
"John Cena."
"He's gay!?"
"Apparently. Threw his shirt right to me then had someone come out after the dark match and take me back to his locker room. We got some food from Joe B's and ate on his bus."
"Now I'm even more pissed about not going. This is bullshit."
"About that,"
"What?"
"They're doing shows nearby and he invited me to the Saturday house show. I asked if I could bring a friend. That's you. He's sending a car for us."
"Get out of town."
"I don't know how to respond to that but yea, that's happening. Goodnight."
"No goodnight."
"Cody I'm tired and both of us have to work in the morning."
"Not until I hear about what else went on, on this bang bus." Randy laughed
"It is not a bang bus…at least not while I was on it."
"So he didn't get any?"
"Not from me."
"A kiss."
"Not these lips."
"The fuck then?"
"What?"
"You had the opportunity to bang John Cena."
"I didn't want to bang John Cena."
"Why not?"
"Goodnight Cody."
"Wait!"
"Goodnight." The tall man said shutting his bedroom door and locking it making sure he jiggled the handle so Cody knew
"Goodnight."
Next Morning
At 5:30 the next morning, Randy's alarm rudely sounded waking him from a very restful night of sleep. He rolled over and slapped at the clock until the shrill cries stopped. The tall man yawned as he swung his legs around, stood up then made his bed before going to the en suite bathroom to brush his teeth and wash his face. When he finished the man rolled out his yoga mat and turned on the daily morning yoga program. Randy didn't need it since he was an expert at this point but he liked to have Joanna's lovely voice in the background. After the 45 minutes he took a few deep breaths then rolled the mat up and headed back to his bathroom but this time for a shower
"Good morning." Cody said already in the kitchen
"Morning Codes."
"The VitaMix is all cleaned out so you have nothing to yell at me about this morning."
"Give it time." Randy said getting his fruits and veggies from the refrigerator
"Where are you going this morning? Clearly it is not to the gym dressed like that."
"No. I have to go over to Golden Living Center in St. James to check on my residents there and update their diets as needed. Then I'm over to Frene in Owensville for a total of two, count them, two, new residents. I'll take a break after that, swing by one of the gyms and then I'm done."
"What a fabulous life you lead." Cody ho-hummed. Randy only stared at the other man before he pushed the button to blend his smoothie. "Have you spoken to lover-boy since last night?" Cody asked after the machine stopped
"Who is lover-boy? I don't know anyone by that name."
"You know I mean John. Stop being difficult."
"John?"
"Randy!" The other man yelped tossing his crumpled paper towel at Randy
"He sent me a good morning text."
"Oh really?"
"Yes."
"Let me see."
"Cody it says good morning."
"I still want to see." Knowing that the younger man wouldn't give up Randy went in his pocket for his phone and slid it to his friend
Felix: good morning :)
"Aww, you have him saved as Felix! Why?" The taller man shrugged
"In the off chance I lose my phone I guess…and Felix is a cute name."
"Uh-huh." Cody said looking at his watch. "I have to get going. Have a good day and I'll catch you later."
"You have a good one too." When he'd finished the oatmeal and smoothie, Randy grabbed his laptop case, patted his pockets making sure his phone and wallet were there then picked up his keys and left the house. He drove over to Golden Living Center nursing facility where he was contracted as the dietitian/nutritionist. He spent the better part of three hours interviewing the residents, nurses and entering all his new findings into his laptop. He took the USB marked GLC and slipped it into a computer at the facility, uploading the information so they would have it on file as well
Later: The Fountain on Locust
"Randy Orton speaking." Randy said into his phone after choking down some water
"So your last name's Orton? We've had some Orton's in the business."
"Yea, I hear that a lot. No relation."
"It's such an uncommon name though."
"I realize that."
"What are you up to?"
"I finished with the first half of my day so I'm having lunch. What are you doing?"
"Trying to have some lunch myself. This is the first time I've been able to sit down since getting out of bed."
"Surely you've been in a car since then." John huffed
"You know what I mean." Randy laughed a little
"Hey I have a question."
"Shoot."
"Do your shirts have to be so…fruity?"
"You're odd."
"Odd is a wrestling shirt that's orange."
"Is that against the law?"
"It should be. Those things should only be black…maybe dark gray."
"I will pass that along. But no, my shirts are designed to catch the eye."
"Of children?"
"I won't say that."
"Mmhm. I get it."
"Are you chewing in my ear, Orton?"
"It's my lunch break!"
"Bring it down there, soldier. What do you have to do after lunch?"
"I'm going to one of the gyms for a little bit and then I'm done. I'll probably workout afterwards…tan after that then head home."
"Okay but try not to be orange, okay?"
"Like your shirts you mean?" That made John laugh
"Yes."
"I happen to look good orange but I'll tone it down for your sake."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Anyway, I just wanted to check in…maybe hear your voice. I'll let you get back to your grilled cheese." Randy looked at his plate
"How did you,"
"What?"
"You…"
"Are you really eating a grilled cheese!?"
"They call it an adult grilled cheese but yea."
"I really don't even want to know." John said laughing. "Bye."
"Bye."
Days Later: Saturday
"What's this?" Cody asked entering Randy's room
"What?"
"This here. This bag."
"Oh this?" The younger man narrowed his eyes
"Yes that!"
"I'm packing a bag."
"Don't make me cross this room Randy, I swear to God."
"John asked me if I wanted to go on the road with him for a few days. I need clothes for that."
"What!? When were you going to tell me?"
"Now?" Randy said adding a goofy smile
"Idiot. How long will you be gone?"
"Until Tuesday probably. I want to see RAW." Cody smiled
Black River Coliseum
Felix: did you get your tickets at will call?
Randy: now's a fine time to ask. Yes
Felix: okay. Seats are okay?
Randy: yep
Randy took a picture of the ring from his seat and was pretty sure if he reached out he could touch it. He sent the picture to John
Felix: oh. You could probably reach out and touch the ring from there
Randy: I'm pretty tall so yea
Felix: I won't be out until near the end but let me know if you guys need anything
Randy: I'm sure we'll be fine but thank you
"Speak for yourself." Cody said having read the text over his friends shoulder
"You have money and legs. If you need anything then you are more than capable of going to get it."
"You're really sucking the fun out of this…and speaking of sucking,"
"Shut your mouth."
"Just lick the tip. Give the man something…shit." Randy let out an exaggerated sigh
"I hate you so much."
"No you don't but I get it." The men sat through the show. Cheering their favorites, booing those they didn't like and just having a good time
"I've been giving you a hard time but thanks for inviting me along. Attending RAW would have been better because I paid so much for that ticket but this is way awesome too."
"We've been friends forever so it was a no-brainer."
"Keep him around for a while. I'm trying to go to WrestleMania."
"You are so terrible." It was time for the main event and when he heard John's music a knot formed in the pit of Randy's stomach and all of a sudden he felt a mix of nervous excitement coursing through him
"You alright?"
"Yea."
"You're blanching so get it together because he's getting closer." They watched John slide into the ring and go through his routine. John came to Cody and Randy's side of the ring and winked at the tall man as he sat calmly. The left corner of Randy's mouth twitched into a smirk. "That tan does look good." John thought to himself
Randy watched John's match against Seth in less of a blur than he had watched him days prior during the Monday Night RAW match-up. At the end John came around high-fiving and hugging the fans. He gave away the sweaty wrist bands he wore, including the two on his biceps. On his second time around he walked over and high-fived Cody but hugged the man next to him
"Nice tan." He whispered. "Both of you come backstage." A few more high, and low, fives then John retreated to the back
"What did he say? I know he said something."
"He likes my tan." Cody laughed loudly. "And he wants both of us to come backstage."
"For real? Maybe I can meet someone back there."
"Who do you have your eyes on?"
"That little power-bottom Seth Rollins."
"Ah yes, I thought I heard you moaning his name in your sleep the other night."
"You liar."
"You were sleeping so how would you know?"
"Bad News Barrett would be nice too if I were in the mood to call someone daddy."
"Goddamnit Cody." Randy said as they rounded the corner and saw John
"Hey there." The older man said
"Hi. Um, this is Cody."
"Hey man. Nice to finally meet you."
"Sames. Thanks for the ticket."
"No problem. How did I wrestle tonight?" John asked looking at Randy
"You still suck and blow chunks but at least you look good doing it."
"Oh shit…well then." He said with a laugh. "I'm sorry I asked."
"Sorry."
"You're not sorry but that's okay. You guys want to go get some drinks and something to eat? I don't have to get up as early tomorrow and you," He said looking at Randy. "Don't have to go to work in the morning."
"Not going to let me live that down are you?"
"Fuck no. Especially not after that whole suck and blow chunks comment. Yes or no guys?"
"Sure. Cody?"
"Yea. It's still early."
"Come on." Cody and Randy followed John to his bus
"Maybe I should have asked this before but how am I getting home?"
"The car will meet us at the restaurant and pick you up." John answered
"Oh."
"I'll be back." He said ducking into the bathroom
"Randy."
"What?"
"This fucking bus is better than our house!" Cody whispered harshly
"It is something."
"Are you trying to act as if you're not impressed?"
"No. I am impressed and in awe and I'm having a hard time believing this is my life right now."
"Just checking."
….
"Cody is a character and a half." Randy laughed
"He is. Always has been."
"That's easy to believe."
"Where are we going, Cena?"
"Oh, um, Chicago. Ever been?"
"No. Is there a show there?"
"No. Last day of Comic Con."
"You have an autograph thing."
"An autograph thing, yes."
"Just you or,"
"Dolph will be there I think…I know other people are scheduled but I'm not for sure who."
"Ah, I see. I have a question."
"As usual."
"Weren't you married?" John laughed
"Yes."
"To a woman."
"To a woman."
"But you're gay."
"Mmhm."
"Soo – what happened there?"
"We were best friends. She'd been through a lot of shit with me. I thought I loved her in that way but I didn't because I like men."
"Got it."
"What's the deal with you? Ever been married?"
"Not to a woman." John sat up on the couch and eyed the other man
"You're not joking are you?"
"No. I've been divorced for almost three years now."
"You don't strike me as the type. I mean I don't know you well but I can't imagine. How long were you married?"
"Almost eight years. Got married in 2005."
"Really? Couldn't stick it out 'til 10? Quitter."
"I know you're not talking. How long was it for you? Months?"
"Give or take. What happened if you don't mind me asking?"
"Too young when we started out and out of love when we ended."
"That must have been tough."
"It was but you get over it. We were, luckily, mature enough to call it quits before hurting each other. You live and you learn."
"Ain't that the truth?"
"Do you mind if I take a shower?"
"You're not going in there to cry are you?"
"What? No."
"Then I don't mind. You know where it is." While Randy was in the shower John got on his iPad and checked Twitter. He laughed to himself at all the anti-Cena tweets on his timeline. For the life of him he'd never understand why people who claimed not to like him took time out of their day to let him know. More than likely he would never even see the tweet, not that it mattered when he did. Before closing the app he penned a tweet of his own
JohnCena thank you Poplar Bluff! Great show. Great crowd. And having myself a great night! See you in Chicago #ComicCon
John had searched for him before just to see if he had a Twitter account but this time when he located the man's Twitter handle, he tapped the Follow button. He lay on the couch flipping through the channels then decided to just go to Netflix. John looked up when Randy exited the bathroom
"What are the sleeping arrangements?"
"Huh?"
"Where do I sleep? Where do you sleep? Is there another bed? The couch?"
"Why can't you just sleep in bed with me?" Randy eyed the other man who was still lying down but quickly sat up. "That's super creepy. Do you want to sleep on the couch?"
"You're going to make me, your guest, sleep on the couch?"
"No. You can sleep in bed with me."
"You can sleep on the couch."
"No I can't. Just sleep in bed. It's huge and we don't even have to touch."
"Well I'm not down with sleeping on a couch and it is your bus so fine."
"Glad we're all sorted out." The tall man snarled as he picked up his phone
Codes: made it home safely. Have a good night and remember…just the tip
"I'm going to kill him." He mumbled as he checked other notifications. "You're following me on Twitter? Did you do that on accident?"
"No. It was intentional."
"I guess I'll follow you back."
"You're going to keep me so humble." Randy laughed which turned into a smile when he read the other man's tweet. "What a cute tweet."
"Wasn't it? Make one for me."
"I'm not going to you in it."
"Why?"
"First of all you didn't me and second…this probably should have been first but the moment whatever this is gets out, Twitter is going to have my ass. Let me live in anonymity for a little longer."
"As you wish."
RandyOrton a great night indeed #PoplarBluff
Like a giddy teenage girl, John couldn't wait to check the tweet
"With some careful timeline checking someone can put those two tweets together."
"That's sad. Who has the time for it?"
"You would be surprised."
"I don't much care for surprises."