A/N: Okay so I'm trying to keep this one getting updated weekly so please bear with me and my affinity for Codiase! Thanks for the reviews (which are super encouraging!) and enjoy the story!


For the rest of the week, Cody replicated the routine of going to Ted's house, eating breakfast, watching him, scathing off Johnny, and finally working in the later day.

Since then, the freelancer had become more persistent in his pursuit of Dibiase but Cody had raised the bar as well. Within the weeks time, he had already encouraged Ted to cut him a key to his house, pulled an all-nighter before crashing on Ted's couch, and the man had even invited him to go out for drinks Friday evening. There was light conversation about many menial topics stretching from where each shopped to why they chose their specific career. It was overall pretty pleasant.

Now Rhodes was in his usual work area of Ted's room, relaxing more than anything on the Saturday off. He told the older man he'd be working but that turned into a lie; instead, he ended up stalking from a close proximity. The only thing that made him feel like less a creep was Johnny sitting behind him, taking pictures of Ted from every angle possible. Cody was only a little weird in comparison to that guy. He couldn't even obsess the way he wanted to; with Johnny around he had to do more protecting than the prowling he planned.

"He's gorgeous," Curtis rumbled lowly in his throat.

Fed up, the brunette stood. "Alright that's enough pictures for one day," Cody shoved the man forcefully out of his backwards chair and closed the curtains. "Look, I'm not going to say this again: he's mine."

"You don't have to be so possessive, you know." The photographer made himself comfortable on the floor. "Ideally, he could be ours..." Johnny smirked. "Now that's creating art."

"I don't like sharing." Cody flicked whatever from his nails disinterestedly. "It's weird."

Curtis crawled back over to the window and continued his scoping. "Then lets get weird," he whispered. "You'll find I'm very open."

Cody had hoped the creep was long gone before he got to find that out. Soon, he rose to leave the room. Privately stalking someone was a lot less meaningful having another person tag along. Luckily, it was also about the same time Ted came in to have his break.

Bursting through the patio door, the well endowed wealthy man had on his gardening gloves and boots. The plaid jacket he wore earlier had been taken off and tied around his waist to expose his sweat and dust cloaked tank-top. The most immaculate sight had to have been the tan silky skin that stretched across the sun kissed muscles or maybe the perspire-matted hay-colored hair atop Ted's head. Plump lips let out exhausted breaths before a tired smile graced them as well as a plea of thirst.

Almost instinctively Cody ran off and grabbed a glass of water for his host. Coincidently, he did already know where most things were in Dibiase's house. Cody watched and slightly smiled as Ted gulped down the water. "You shouldn't have went so long without drinking something. It's summer time."

Ted just returned the grin and shook his head. "I know, Codes but the fair is tomorrow. I'm almost finished getting everything straight."

"Well you put in a lot of effort for it just to be one day." Rhodes shook his noggin at the thought while trying to make conversation. "I just don't see it." Cody folded his arms and leaned against the near wall. "It's just a fair. What's the big deal?"

Smiling, Ted turned expectantly to Cody. "You've obviously never been to a fair, have you?" He chuckled but it died down realizing Rhodes was silent to his question. "Wait, you've never been to a fair?" Again Cody stayed silent and kind of shrugged. "Wow, where have you been?!" Ted's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "You don't even know about the tailgate after party, do you?"

"I'm not exactly a people person, Teddy." Rhodes rumbled lowly. "I wasn't ever invited to parties or fairs or anything. Not that I wanted to go or anything." Cody was surely not going to make himself look even more of a hermit. "I'd rather be in the house reading a comic book or something, playing some video games or whatever." Okay, he ended up looking more like a hermit anyway.

Interrupting him with determination, Ted threw his hand on Cody's shoulder. "Well how's about this then," there was a gleam in his eye, "I'm inviting you to go to the fair with me, buddy. We'll hit the after party, chill out by the creek, and I'll drive ya home: you know, show you a good time." His bright smile was further urging the younger on.

"Rea...really?" Trapped in a daze from the unexpected question and angelic face, Cody fumbled over his words. "I uh- Ted I've never- I mean its not my type of-"

"Please, Codes?" Dibiase whined playfully "I wont leave your side. I promise, It'll just be me and you together all day." He placed both hands on Cody's shoulders. "It'll be fun and I know you'll love it if you just give me a chance."

Cody's blood pressure sure went through the roof then. Close contact with Ted was still a bit much and the young man using the words "love" and "together" made his mind flutter around. He still argued internally over what to say until Ted's words echo in his head. They'd be together the whole day. He'd have the object of his recent affections by his side from sun up to sun down. The opportunity was just presenting itself. "You know what, sure. Why not?" He smiled genuinely at the evident excitement Ted was exhibiting.

"Sick!" Dibiase threw his arms open to hug Cody but two other arms came and wrapped each of their shoulders. "Oh, I forgot you were here, Johnny."

The photographer ignored Cody who was desperately trying to shove the man away and gazed at Ted. "Hey, it's alright. I'm not important- but listen," Johnny pulled the blonde in closer to him so they were merely inches apart, Curtis almost sharing body heat with the younger man. "I caught wind of that little fair deal you were talking about and it sounds pretty cool."

Ted nodded to the man and grinned. "You're free to tag along too if you want. Lets make it a guys night out."

"Wow, awesome idea, Teddy." Curtis faked excitement well enough for Dibiase not to detect his sarcasm. Cody however narrowed his eyes at it. "I appreciate it so much."

"Well I think everyone needs a little break." He smiled between the two before walking into kitchen to get the suddenly ringing phone.

When Ted was fully absent from earshot, Johnny turned expectantly with a grin to Cody's annoyed face. "I sounded convincing, right? I did mention I acted, right?" He rubbed his slight stubble in thought. "You know, we could still share him. You're certainly not a hunchback or anything. Actually, you've got quite the tight little body there. I mean, you're a twink but I don't mind."

"No!" Cody reiterated angrily. "Ted is mine! I'm not interested in sharing him and I'm not interested in you, you creep!"

"That's cold, Rhodes. Real cold." Johnny faked hurt and shrugged, beginning to circle Cody. "That's alright though. I guess I'll just have to win him over. Starting tomorrow, the love game is on." He smiled toothily to the brunette from over his shoulder. "This trip to the fair ought to be interesting, huh Codes?"

Before Cody could rebuttal, Ted came back in with some pretty interesting news on his lips. "So Codes, that was your boss that just called."

"Oh?" Cody could almost sense something more annoying coming. "What did he say?"

"First he said the company is sponsoring a picnic tomorrow at the fair so he'll definitely hope to see us there," Cody nodded in acceptance, a tad surprised that was all the man wanted. "And secondly he said he's gonna need you to start coming back to the office starting Monday so you'll just have a double shift by going there in the morning and coming here in the later day."

Cody's content face literally melted into bitterness. "Are you kidding me...?" He could hear Johnny chuckling behind him and he ran his hand over his face in annoyance. That would definitely cut into his Ted time. Why did everyone have to be so meddlesome?

Tomorrow was going to be full of a lot of surprises it seemed.

:::

It was amazing how the people in the town could turn it upside down overnight. It was just as amazing, however, that the townspeople could decorate every street creatively within the nightly hours.

The next morning as soon as Cody left out the apartment with his best friend, he was greeted by enormously bold mixes of the town color draped every possible place available; black, red, and white paving every road and overtaking every building. It was overbearingly immaculate to say the least.

He'd picked out his clothes the previous evening especially for the occasion: dark blue jeans, black designer v-neck shirt, and black and white sneakers. The night before, he had also decided to walk since the events would be in the town square and it gave him a lot more time to really vent about the week to Damien. The bearded man didn't even mind the walk as he had made arrangements of his own at the fair as well.

"So first it was your boss and now it's this rather eccentric gentleman?" Damien crossed his arms as he walked beside the other man. "Cody, is this man really worth all the discrepancies he seems to be causing? I know plenty of young ladies that wouldn't mind indulging an intellect such as yourself."

Cody shoved his hands in his pocket and shook his head defeatedly. "No, Damien. It's him. It's gotta be him." He thought back to all the perfect qualities of the woodsman and slightly chuckled. "Unless you have a woman that looks and acts just like him."

Both of them chuckled before Damien smiled. "Well I'm not too sure about that one but if you insist upon courting this farm boy then the least I can do is help."

"Please do. What's your analysis on the situation? What is on my to-do-list today?" Each word was accented by over exaggerated hand gestures. They weren't sarcastic though, the man was seriously in desperate need of advice.

Damien rubbed his beard in thought before pointing one finger in the air. "Well I've deduced this: you have to make your intentions clear today."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean you have to tell him you want a relationship."

"Wait, wha...?" Rhodes stopped his walking as Sandow continued his stroll. "I have to do that...today? Damien, I'm not ready for that- its only been a week!"

Damien turned to his friend and grabbed his shoulders. "Cody, you have no alternatives. You're barricaded at both ends and this really is your only option. If you want to have any chance at keeping Ted, you have to do this. You have to be bold and make the first move. Good luck to you."

The brunette inhaled deeply until he continued walking. "Isn't there another way?"

"Hey, Cody!" A thick southern call excitedly rang in from nearby. Looking up, Cody realized it was his Dibiase waving at the entrance fence that surrounded all the days festivities.

Ted had obviously prepared for the day as well: he wore a thin creme quarter-length sleeved blouse, faded blue jeans, brown cowboy boots, and a matching creme cowboy hat with brown trim. He just looked mouthwatering and the big grin on his face only added to his bright aura.

Cody sighed lovingly and waved back to blonde. "Heya, Teddy." He watched as the man strolled over to him with those long legs and eagerly pulled him in for a hug. Ted even smelled nice; his cologne smelled like some sort of creamy flower.

When the two pulled apart, Cody couldn't help but stare at Ted until Damien elbowed him. "Oh," he directed Ted's attention to his friend. "Ted, this is my best friend and roommate Damien. Likewise, Damien, this is my friend and client Ted."

The two shook hands exchanging smiles. Damien was the first to speak, "I've heard quite a bit about the Dibiase heir. I'm actually surprised you haven't taken up location as CEO of a company in this town."

Ted shrugged playfully. "Oh I get that all the time. My father says the same thing but after I received my degree in business management, I found a way to be entirely more profitable doing the job I love."

For the first time in a long time, Damien actually looked impressed. "Who am I to argue with that then?" He chuckled and patted Cody's back. "Cody, you have quite the friend here. Very interesting." Sandow looked back to the joy-filled Dibiase and nodded. "Well it was very nice meeting you but I do have previous engagements to attend to." He waved off and paraded to meet two lovely Hispanic twins.

"Twins huh? Lucky guy." Just to bring down Cody's mood, Johnny finally showed up with a happy grin on his face. He too prepared in his tight red tanktop, black and red stripped scarf and black jeans. "Morning ,Codes, Teddy."

"Hey Johnny!" Ted greeted with content. "We were waiting for you. You look nice," he complemented.

Johnny openly accepted the compliment and eased closer to Ted. "You're quite the eye candy yourself there, Teddy." He scanned every inch of the blonde salaciously before whipping out his camera and taking a few dozen pictures. Satisfied for the moment he couldn't help draping an arm over Dibiase's shoulder like the day before. "So where are we headed to first, gorgeous?" Johnny looked up to notice Cody glaring at him from the opposing side of Ted. "Oh and Cody."

Rhodes cut his eyes at the photographer and ushered Ted to walk faster away from him. He had to get started seizing the day and confessing to Ted. Curtis was just another obstacle.

:::

The trio didn't wait around too long before they got into something. The whole morning was filled with new experiences for Cody especially: horseback riding, pie eating contests, sack races, chili judging, giant pretzels, desserts out the wazoo, water ballon fights, and so much more. Things he swore he'd never do Ted easily persuaded him to be apart of. Somethings he was just content to see Ted happily doing. The only thing that slightly soured the day was Curtis but even he was too amazed by all that was going on, he didn't truly have any time to hit on Dibiase.

At the picnic, Cody was in even greater shock to see Randy simply greet them and go about his way MC-ing the whole affair. He didn't even try to make a move on Ted. It was odd but accepted with open arms. He saw a mix of coworkers he knew but never spoke to and ones he frankly just had never seen. One young lady that caught his eye though was a two-tone haired girl. She jut kept staring at him all that day. It made him feel a little better to know there were more weird people in the town than him. A lot more.

There was a parade and concert in the afternoon that rolled to the nightly tailgate party, bonfire, and barbecue. By that time, many of the townspeople had long since gone home, leaving only the young couples and singles to take advantage of the evening. Even Curtis had left after a ferocious altercation with the lead singer of the performing band. After the concert he had bluntly told the Fozzy leader, Chris Jericho that he could dance circles around him. Heated arguments followed and Johnny left before things got too heavy.

Right about this time, Ted was grilling on one of the surrounding grills chatting it up with a few friends of his and attempting to ignore Daniel Bryan's complaining voice beside him about how there was no vegan food around. Cody was sitting close by, getting engulfed at just watching Ted and nervously thinking about how to accomplish all Damien said he had to do. He was so warped he didn't even see Ted come sit back down with the plate of delectable meats. "Codes? Earth to Cody, do you copy?" The man jumped and nodded making Ted chuckle. "Thought I'd lost you for a second there, bud."

"I'm fine. Just thinking about uh...work," or something like that.

"Codes, you worry about that old job too much!" He picked up a burger and passed it to the man, "Here, eat this and enjoy yourself!"

"You can't force someone to eat that thing," vegan Bryan chimed in aggressively and took a seat beside Cody. "See, he doesn't even want it because of all the slaughtering and maliciousness they put the poor cow through to get that!" He turned to Cody. "Listen friend, I understand. Just sit it down."

Cody blinked a little and shrugged. "But I want this, I think."

"Ha," Ted scoffed in victory. "Now Daniel leave him alone."

"Fine, fine, whatever." He waved the blonde off and turned to Cody. "My name is Daniel Bryan by the way. I own that vegan diner up the street. You should come check it out. Our business hours are-"

"Daniel! Stop advertising and leave already!" Ted complained and shooed the guy off. Daniel jolted up and huffed off to his girlfriend not too far away. "That guy," Ted giggled some more and looked at Cody nibbling away. "Wanna meet some of my friends? That way you're not surprised like that anymore." Cody just continued to eat and shrugged. "You ain't much for conversation when you're eating, are you?"

Cody kind of blushed and let off a small smile. "I don't usually get to eat this well. It's usually Top Ramen and microwave meals for me because of my work hours."

"They say a mans' gotta eat, Cody. Why not let him eat well, huh?" He smiled that radiant smile that alone could make Cody go days without food and be satiated. Ted's attention was averted when two more men came over. One had short bleach blonde hair that made him look like a typical surfer and the other had movie star good looks as he wore a nice dress shirt and slacks. Both were by all means handsome young men.

"Heya there TJ. Does your daddy know you're hanging out this late with the rest of the boys?" The beach boy commented playfully.

The other male continued the banter. "Yeah, daddy's gotta be worried that his boy isn't off curing cancer or something."

All three laughed before Ted turned back to his guest. "Guys this is my accountant, Cody Rhodes. It's his first time out in a while so I'm showing him a good time...I hope," he smiled.

Cody patted Ted reassuringly. "I'm having a great time. Thanks." He turned to the other men to shake their hands. "Nice to meet you."

The beach boy outstretched his hand and smirked. "Dolph Ziggler, fashion designer and model, and creator of 'show off' brand clothing. All that but, you know, it's no big deal, whatevs."

The other man shoved Dolph and shook Cody's hand. "Hi, I'm Mike but everyone calls me The Miz. I'm a TV personality and radio talk show host on WKYS Mike in the Morning. Maybe you've heard of me?"

"Oh I don't have a car so I don't listen to the radio." Cody embarrassedly admitted. "Can't pick up radio waves from my bike."

Miz elbowed Ted and hiked his eyebrows. "Well if there's anyone you need to get with to buy to a car, it's this guy." The serious nature of the joke wasn't hard to miss. "He's a great guy though, really."

"I appreciate that," Ted mentioned as he stood to go back to the grill and bring more food. "I'll be right back, Cody."

Cody nodded and continued eating until he heard the two men call his name. "Huh?"

"I said what brings you here of all places?" Miz asked again.

"Yeah," Dolph continued. "Because honestly this is a place where either you're with someone or trying to get with someone."

Miz grabbed a nearby drink. "So what end of the spectrum are you on, accountant?"

"I'm single," Cody answered plainly. "You two?"

"Single," Dolph raised his hand proudly.

"Here with somebody," Miz winked.

Cody nodded and let his eyes roam to Ted, basking in his natural glow until a blonde woman came into sight and hugged all over the man. Cody cut his eyes. "Who's that?" He disgustedly looked over her high heels and short form fitting red dress.

Miz smirked and pointed to her. "Back off, tiger. Maryse is my girlfriend. "

"Oh," Both of Ted's friends visibly watched the worry wash from Cody's face as the man continued to eat. They smirked knowingly to one another and then to Cody, sure that they made the guy uncomfortable. Cody looked up and sat his food down. "What?"

"Really? So thats why you're really here?" Miz nodded. "I see now."

"What?" Cody began to turn pink under their gazes. "What are you talking about?"

"Yeah right, like you don't know," Dolph cackled. "So how long do you plan to stay single there, Cody?"

"What are you implying?"

"C'mon, Rhodes! Just spit it out. Ted cranks your tractor, doesn't he?"

Cody remained speechless as he shifted in his seat. "I thought as much," Miz commented. He turned to Dolph, "Does he even like men?"

"Don't know. He's was so wrapped up in his last girl, no one knows his preferences." Dolph retorted in growing interest.

"Hm..." Mike rubbed his bit of stubble in thought. "You two would make a cute couple...well I wish you the best of luck." Miz stood with his drink to go get his girlfriend.

Dolph sent a wink Cody's way and stood as well. "Let's hope we both get lucky tonight, huh?" Soon after he departed and left Cody to himself.

He was not alone for long as Ted came over and tapped him on the shoulder. "Ready to sneak away? I got some place I wanna show you."

Controlled by the blonde, Cody quickly jumped up and followed Ted to his truck. He was very willing to go along for the ride.

There was a great deal of silence between the two men as they took their late night drive. Through the woods, the pick-up drove some off miles cranking soft party music. It was calming under any other circumstance but all of it was sending the butterflies in Cody's stomach into overdrive. The tension was even killing him.

Finally they arrived at their destination when Ted pulled along a river bank hiding among the trees out in a clearing. The moon came down so beautifully on the sleepy river and the greenery surrounding. Ted made his muddy tire tracks and pulled backwards, getting out to drop his tailgate down and lay out a blanket. "C'mon, Codes. Let me show ya." He beckoned the younger man out the truck and got comfortable lying on the back. Watching his step, Cody climbed out his side and eased to the back where he saw Ted's legs dangling. He hopped up on the tailgate to sit but was yanked by the back if his shirt into a lying position.

The sharp inhale Cody let off was soft in comparison to the inhale he had staring up at the stars that masked themselves in the city lights. Gorgeous. "Teddy, this is brilliant."

"Yeah.." As they basked in the magnificence, Ted folded his hands across his stomach and gazed up. "I came across this place one day when I was doing boy scouts. I got lost and I was here till dark. I just remember crying and crying, thinking I was never gonna make it home again...but then I looked up at the stars and I wasn't scared anymore. I was in a daze, like, suddenly I felt calm enough to stop and listen. When I did I realized I heard cars zooming up the highway we came off of. From there it was a straight shot to town but I kept coming back here when I needed some peace of mind." He sighed contently and closed his eyes before chuckling. "You're the first person I've ever brought up here but that's because I get good vibes from you, Cody. You seem like a pretty cool guy with a stressful job that keeps you up at night. I figured this place would help you too; calm down your nerves, give you a bit more peace of mind."

Cody still lied there, speechless of everything with a racing heart. His breathing was even a bit labored as he tried to tone down his aroused affections for Ted. He had tried to ignore the feeling, knowing the time wasn't right but all that he was being told have him the faint boldness he needed. It was now or never. "Hey Ted..."

"Yeah?"

Cody turned his head in Dibiase's direction and inched a little closer. "I can't get peace yet."

"Hm?" Ted questioningly opened his eyes before turning his head. "Why's that Co-"

Before he could finish his thought, he was nervously taken in by a peck on the lips. The moment was tender, perfect, and just plain sweet if it were in a movie, but in real life it was too unexpected to last long.

Ted gasped loudly and shoved Cody away on instinct as he scurried to the other side of the tailgate. He placed a hand over his lips and stared with wide eyes at Cody's still puckered face. "Wha...what was that?"

Cody's face dropped and so did his confidence at the shove. "Well I thought- I mean I..." He didn't expect to be so dejected. This was definitely a lot harder to say in person. He swallowed thickly and clenched his eyes closed. "I really, really like you." There he had said it.

"Cody...I can't..." Still Ted seemed shaken up as he moved to get off the back. He eased his way off and went to the drivers side. "I didn't think you swung that way!" He jumped in the car and slammed the door.

"Wait, Ted," Immediately Cody jumped off the back and hopped in the passengers side. He grabbed the steering wheel as Ted fumbled with the keys. "Ted just wait and talk to me!"

"Cody, I can't!"

"Why?! Is it because i'm a guy? is it because i'm not your type? You have to explain." He gripped the mans wrist, knocking the keys from Ted's hand." You can't just tell me no."

"Cody because..." Dibiase clenched his eyes now before taking his time to turn his blushing face up to Cody. If the situation wasn't so dire, Rhodes would be fawning over the cute look. Finally Ted began to talk again. "Cody...I've never dated a guy. I wouldn't know the first thing about being with a man!" He blushed deeper and kept his gaze low. "I'm not experienced!"

For a moment the brunette just stared with a vacant look on his face. Something about all this wasn't clicking. He waited seconds in silence until a huge smile spread across his face. "...Are you scared?" He pulled the hand he controlled up to his face. "Is that it, Ted?"

Ted attempted snatching his hand way but gave up with a sigh. "Codes...it's just not my thing." The blonde blushed harder as he looked up at Cody. "I don't even remember the last time I went on a date- guy or girl."

Cody couldn't help but chuckle lightly. "Ted I've been single for three years. I'm nervous too but It'll be fun and I know you'll love it if you just give me a chance."

He could only smile at the glare he received for the echoed words from the day before. "This is not the same thing. Cody, that was a fair. This is a relationship."

"It's doing something new." Ted became quiet before shaking his head at Cody. "Please Teddy. I think we could really start something good." He brought up the hand he held and lightly kissed it, getting a little jolt from Ted but the man keeping his hand still.

Ted bit his lip before sighing. "Let's say I tell you yes, what's this mean for us?"

Without giving a direct answer, Cody leaned forward and bolded up with another kiss- one more forceful than the last. Rhodes wasn't shoved away this time but lightly tapped. Cody let up and looked at the man. "You gotta stop doing that." Ted blushed. "At least warn me first."

Cody grinned and let go of Ted's wrist. "I can't help it." He looked over at the blonde and sighed lovingly.

"My dad's going to want to hear about this..." Ted reached up and switched on the car. "This is really sudden- but I'm excited. I'm willing to give it a try." He exhaled a held in breath and placed his hands on the steering wheel. "Let's go home, huh?"

Rhodes smiled in content while the truck took off and elbowed the man. "You know. I guess you were right, Teddy."

"Oh yeah?" Ted asked. "About what?"

"I do feel pretty peaceful." Both smiled lightly and basked in the status of their new relationship- wondering how life would change.