"What's the matter? You seem so down."

Cody smiled and shook his head as he looked over at Will.

A few days had passed since the argument with Ted. Since then, he had not seen him or heard from him. He had distracted his mind as much as he could with work but now that he was back in his St. Louis home for his 3 days off, it all came flooding back. He had gone to his doctor's appointment and to see Will for a lunch date. Will; the man who seemed to know him so well after only such a small time spent together and who now stared at him with a frown.

"No, I'm fine. Just a little tired since I got in so late last night."

Will smiled slowly and shrugged. "No, I don't think that's it but if you won't tell me, I understand."

Cody laughed. "We've known each other for less than a month. I'm not gonna tell you about all the crazy shit in my life just yet."

The pair continued walking until they got to a small park. They picked a table and spread out their lunch. After a few moments of eating, Will looked up at Cody.

"Cody, I know we haven't known each other for long, but I think we get along pretty well. I don't know what may or may not happen between us in the future. For now, I hope to think we're friends. I know I consider you one. I just want you to know that you can tell me about the crazy shit in your life, if you want."

Cody put his sandwich down and stared at Will. He felt like he was walking through a mine field; any step he took could be the one to blow his life apart yet again. After dating Peter and dealing with those horrible consequences, then dating John Marshall and dealing with those consequences, he felt like a dating disaster. How did he know if this guy was serious? As much as Cody wanted to not let fear run his life and continue to look for his version of John and Randy's love, he was still scared. How did he know when the right time to start divulging secrets was?

"Cody, forget I said anything,"

Cody looked up and saw Will waving frantically in his face. Cody smiled when he saw Will's face was covered in what he assumed was an embarrassed blush.

"No, it's ok. I was just wondering what I could tell you that won't make you jump up and run screaming from this table."

Will and Cody shared a laugh.

"Cody, you seem to think I don't have crazy shit going on in my life. Trust me, I do! I don't mind telling you all of it but if you want to wait, then we'll wait."

Will took a bite from his sandwich and shook his head. "I bet your story isn't that bad, anyway."

Cody lifted an eyebrow and took a bit of his sandwich. No, his story wasn't that bad. He had only bludgeoned to death the man who infected him with this disease and his best friend was behind the mysterious death of the man who raped him. That wasn't bad at all.

"Fine, here's why I'm so down. I had an argument with Ted. Remember him?"

Will nodded. "Your friend who lives in your building and picked you up the first day of group. You guys seem so close. Why did you argue?"

Cody sighed. "He told me he has feelings for me; feelings I don't have for him. He went to Florida to spend time with his brother. He's going to try to work through these feelings. It got too hard for him being around our other friends, who are so happily in love and then hearing me talk about you…"

Will smiled. "You talk about me to your friends?"

Cody smirked. "Don't get a big head. It's nothing special. I also talk to them about other people."

Will laughed loudly. "So, have you tried talking to him and getting him to come back? I know how close you guys are. Don't let that go, Cody."

Cody slammed his hands on the wooden table. "I've tried! God knows, I've tried to talk to him and tell him how much I love him, just not that way. I don't want to lose his friendship, though. I don't have many friends. These 3 men in my life mean everything to me."

Will took Cody's hand in his and frowned. "It will work out Cody; I promise. He is going to work things out in his head and in his heart and realize he wants to keep you in his life; even if only as a friend. Give him this time away. It will help him deal with these feelings."

Cody smiled. "God, you sound like Randy."

Will laughed. "Really? You have to tell me about him! All I know is what I see on the TV and he looks terrifying."

Cody shook his head. "First of all, I'm glad you're watching WWE but if you're watching Randy's show, you're not watching mine so I'm a little pissed about that. Secondly, Randy is not like his character all the time; just when you piss him off. Mostly, he's a big softie. John, on the other hand, he's pretty much what you see."

Will nodded and Cody continued with a smile.

"I've known Randy and Ted since I was a kid. Our dads were in the business and whenever summer came around, we would travel with them. They're older than me by a few years but they didn't mind me hanging around them. Randy has the best heart of anyone I've met. He loves so intensely that it consumes him and makes you feel like you're in this bubble where nothing can hurt you. He's an amazing friend who will do anything for you."

Cody stopped and looked down. He didn't want to say too much. Will had no idea exactly how far Randy would go to protect his friends.

"He sounds great, Cody. The little girl Ted was with that day was his daughter, right?"

Cody smiled. "Yeah, Alanna, his pride and joy. There is no one he loves more than that little girl and well, John."

Will laughed. "I can't believe that! They hate each other on screen! I mean, they beat the shit out of each other on a weekly basis."

"Whenever you see two people on screen who hate each other it's probably because in real life they get along really well. Vince has a sick sense of humor. However, he says since we're so comfortable with each other outside of the ring, it makes us work better inside of the ring and it seems to work."

Will nodded. "It's true then because they are amazing in the ring! How long have they been together?"

"Over 2 years now. They met in OVW, which is like wrestling training camp and became best friends. Obviously that evolved into much more a couple years ago. They're an amazing couple; so much in love. I envy them."

Will looked down. "What about you?"

"Me, what?"

Will shrugged. "Have you ever been deeply in love?"

Cody smiled sadly. "I don't know. I used to think I was but now I wonder sometimes if I even know what love is. Have you?"

Will shrugged, as well. "I've been in relationships where I've thought I'm in love but once it falls apart I always wonder. I mean, if it's so easy to hurt your partner, how could you say you love him? I guess my definition of love differs from other people."

Cody nodded and stood up. He dumped his trash in the garbage and followed Will, who began to walk back towards the hospital. "I hear you. You know, I'm having dinner with Randy and John tonight; it's like a tradition we have. I would like you to come."

Will stopped walking and stared at Cody. "Really? I would love to!"

Cody took his hand and pulled him along. "I'm sure John and Randy will make you feel like part of the family."

"God, I fucking hate Cody,"

Randy mumbled to himself as he cut up potatoes on the counter. "Now I have to cook for one more person because 4 wasn't enough and he gives me an hour's notice."

John laughed and walked up to him. He took the knife from his hand and began cutting the potatoes himself. "I'll do that, baby. Why don't you work on the meat?

Randy sighed and opened the refrigerator door and stared inside. He pulled out enough steaks for all 5 people and shut the door. "I don't think this is a good idea. It seems a bit fast for Cody to be introducing us to this guy."

John shrugged as he threw the cut potatoes in a pan to boil. "It's his choice, Ran. We have to let him do what he wants."

Randy leaned on the counter and stared at John. "No, I don't have to do anything. I could just make him disappear,"

John looked at him and crossed his arms over his chest. "Baby, cut it out. Let's try to be welcoming, for once."

Randy smirked and walked over to him, unwrapping his arms from his chest and wrapping them around his waist. He leaned his body on John's and buried his face in his neck. He moved his mouth to John's ear.

"Really, baby, let's just get rid of him. It will bring Teddy back and just fix everything. Say yes, baby,"

John groaned in frustration. His lover was a man not known for patience or welcoming change. He knew Randy was completely serious when he said he wanted to remove Will from the picture. He placed a kiss on Randy's forehead and took his hips in his hands and slowly pushed Randy back, ignoring the pout that adorned his face. Another thing he knew about his lover was how much he hated being told no and not getting his way.

"Randy, we love Cody, right? Well, doesn't he deserve to be happy? Let's give this kid one dinner. If I get a bad vibe, you can enjoy removing him from the situation."

Randy rolled his eyes and turned away from John. He opened the packages of meat and busied himself with preparing them for the grill.

"Baby, don't be mad at me. You know I'm right; you're just too stubborn to admit it."

John laughed and pulled Randy close to him. He grabbed his face and pressed his lips to Randy's. Randy groaned in defeat and John took the opportunity to thrust his tongue inside Randy's mouth. John's hands tightened on Randy's hips as his tongue slid over the roof of Randy's mouth, his cheeks and his teeth before sucking on his tongue.

Randy moaned and pushed John away. "Stop, Al is in the other room, baby."

John smiled. "Tonight there will be no stopping," He slapped Randy on the backside earning himself another blue-eyed glare.

Randy shook his head as he walked the prepared steaks to the grill in the back yard. "I really hate you, too, sometimes."

"OK, so I have to be honest with you,"

Cody stopped the car in front of Randy and John's house and gripped the steering wheel. Will looked over at him with a raised eyebrow.

"OK,"

"My friends are tough shit. They're gonna try to break you and see if you're for real. Randy is wonderful once you get to know him but today he's gonna stare at you with those beady little eyes of his and its gonna make you want to run away. If at any time you do want to go, just tell me."

Cody looked over at Will, who had a smile on his face.

"I'll be fine. I deal with guys trying to intimidate on a daily basis as I try to counsel them. Nothing scares me anymore. When you've been told you have an incurable disease, you pretty much lose some fear."

Cody smiled and nodded. "Let's go,"

He opened the car door and looked back at Will. Despite his brave act, Cody knew he had to be nervous. It was a natural reaction for anyone coming into a room of new people; new people who happened to outweigh him by over 100 pounds.

Cody took his hand and pushed open the front door. He could smell food cooking and hear John and Randy's voices but the front foyer was empty.

"Hello, I'm home."

Alanna ran from the living room, her blond hair flying behind her as she ran with a smile towards Cody's arms. "Uncle Cody, you're here!"

Cody picked her up and hugged her tightly. He placed a kiss on her cheek and turned towards Will. "Al, baby, do you remember my friend Will? You met him one time when you went to pick me up at the doctor."

Alanna smiled and slowly nodded. "I think so,"

"It's very nice to see you again, pretty girl,"

Will held out his hand and Alanna shook it quickly. Cody smiled and hugged her again tightly. "Where are your crazy dads, baby?"

Alanna pointed to the kitchen. "Uncle Johnny told Daddy to get rid of his face because he's mad he has to cook even more and he was mad because you were bringing…"

"Al! Go to the kitchen and get ready for dinner,"

Everyone stopped talking and stared at Randy, who entered the room and quickly shooed his daughter out of the room. Cody shook his head, as he knew exactly what Alanna was going to say. He turned to look at Will, who had an amused look on his face.

"Randy, Randy, what am I gonna do with you?"

Randy smiled and held out his hands. "Not a thing; I'm perfect."

Cody hugged Randy and pulled him towards Will.

"Will, this is my best friend in the entire world, my big brother in my heart if not by blood, Randy. Randy, this is Will. Act like a human and be polite, please."

Randy stared at Will with his patented smirk on his lips. Will smiled and held out his hand. Randy looked down on it then back at Cody, who narrowed his eyes at him angrily. With a sigh, Randy met Will's hand and shook it firmly.

"Hello,"

"It's really nice to meet you, Randy. Cody tells me so many great things about you and how wonderful you are."

Randy rolled his eyes. "Cody is very blind when it comes to me, amongst other things. I'm really an asshole. Let's go; dinner's getting cold." He turned and walked back towards the kitchen, leaving Cody and Will to stare at his retreating back.

Cody sighed. "Do you wanna run out of that door yet?"

Will took his hand and laughed. "Are you kidding me; this is a challenge! I can't wait to make him love me!"

Cody smiled and shook his head. They walked hand in hand into the kitchen where John was wiping Alanna's hands with a towel.

"Johnny, come meet Will,"

John looked up and smiled his trademark dimpled smile. "Al, go out with Daddy." John wiped his hands on a towel and walked over to the two men. After a quick hug to Cody, he shook Will's hand.

"Will, nice to meet you. I gather by the look on Cody's face that Randy has already said something completely inappropriate. I wish I could tell you it wasn't going to happen again, but I won't lie to you. All I can do is apologize for what he said and try to rein him in for the remainder of tonight. I promise nothing, though."

Will laughed and waved his hand. "It's fine. I was just telling Cody that I will make Randy love me. I view it as a challenge."

John leaned on the counter and raised an eyebrow. "Well, you are a brave man. I think I'm gonna enjoy this dinner." He laughed loudly and picked up a salad bowl. "It's so nice tonight we're having dinner in the yard. Go on and grab a seat."

Cody grabbed the bread basket with one hand and Will's hand with his other. He led them out to the yard and he set the basket on the table.

Randy glanced their way as he piled the grilled steaks on a huge serving platter and slowly made his way over to the table. John slowly followed with the salad and took his seat on the other side of Alanna, who sat between him and Randy.

An awkward silence filled the yard until Will cleared his throat. "Wow, these steaks are great. Randy, you're a great cook."

Randy looked up from Alanna's plate, where he was cutting up her meat. "Thanks, I know,"

John smiled as he took his first bite. "Yeah, my honey is a great cook and oh so charming, right?"

Randy glared at him over Alanna's head as John smiled and wiggled his fork in his direction. "That look doesn't work on me, babe. I can beat you up in a fight."

Cody laughed. "So, Johnny, what's new in the RAW locker room? I miss traveling with you guys so much."

John shrugged. "Same old, nothing ever changes. We got a couple of new guys coming up every few weeks and Dustin has been put in charge of helping them train and get used to the grind."

Cody smiled and sighed. "You gotta love Dus. I miss him; feel like I haven't seen him in forever. I gotta get home and spend time with everyone."

Will looked at him closely. "Is this Dustin the one that trained you, too?"

Cody shook his head. "Dustin is my brother; guy who wears the gold makeup and bodysuit."

Will nodded. "Oh my goodness, I had no idea! He's hilarious."

Cody nodded. "Yeah, he's amazing; couldn't have asked for a better brother growing up,"

"I'm surprised you didn't know about Dustin, Will, seeing as how you and Cody are so chummy."

Everyone's eyes turned at the sound of Randy's voice. He had a small smile on his face and was staring at Will intently. "Cody, why does Will not know about Dus? What does he know about you?"

Cody put his fork down. "Enough, Ran, please. Will knows what I choose to tell him, which is plenty. He knows I have siblings, just not their names or what they do for a living."

Randy shrugged and took a bite of his food. "Seems odd; you and Dus are so close I would assume…"

John looked at him and shook his head. "Randy, don't assume, dear,"

Randy smiled. "Yes, dear," He turned his eyes back to Will, who actually lowered his head to avoid the intense gaze.

Silence again filled the table. Once again, Will was the one to break it. "So, John, how long have you and Randy been together?"

John smiled. "We're coming up on 3 very long years together. Feels a hell of a lot longer some days."

Randy flipped him off and shook his head.

Will laughed. "You seem very happy together."

John nodded and looked at Randy, who finally smiled a genuine smile. "I would say so,"

Cody sighed and passed a piece of bread to Alanna, who smiled her thanks. "So, princess, what have you and Daddy been doing on your time together?"

Alanna put the bread down and smiled brightly. "I'm taking ballet class and Daddy takes me every day. Then, we go to the park and the pancake house!"

Cody laughed. "Well, you have to let me take you one day this week, OK. I can't wait to see you dance!"

Will smiled at Cody and Alanna's interaction. "Randy, your daughter is beautiful."

Randy looked up and just stared at him. It actually unnerved Will how icy his eyes were; they seemed to stare right through you while at the same time seeing everything about you. He nodded his head and smiled thinly. "Thank you,"

Will nodded back before continuing to eat.

"So, Will, how long have you been at the hospital? Do you only work with the AIDS group?"

Will shook his head in John's direction.

"No, I work as a nurse in the Oncology Department but one of my friends works in the AIDS department. She commented to me how many younger men were coming in for treatment and how there seemed to be no group counseling available to them. I found it strange and offensive since there seems to be a group in that hospital for everything else. I went to the Board and suggested a group. They approved it with me as moderator and her as my superior to monitor me and that's how it started. I'm still in med school and am thinking of switching my concentration to AIDS research because of how much this group has moved me."

John raised an eyebrow. "Wow, dude, very cool." He took a sip of his beer and leaned back in his chair. "You live in St. Louis year round? Are you from here?"

Will nodded. "I was born and raised in NY but came to St. Louis to attend Washington U. Had an amazing reputation and this city is so beautiful I decided to stay."

John shook his head. "Nah, it's not that great."

He looked at Randy, who automatically jerked his head up. "Watch it with remarks about my city, Cena. You don't want me to start in on the shit hole you come from,"

Alanna gasped and looked at Randy, "Daddy, that's a bad word!"

Randy clasped a hand over his mouth and his eyes got wide. "Oh no, baby, it slipped. I'm so sorry. I'll put a dollar in the Swear Jar."

John laughed loudly. "That Swear Jar already has enough money in it to pay for Al's college tuition, her first car and first home! That's how much he slips!"

Just as Randy was about to hit back with a retort of his own, John jumped up in his seat. "Wait a minute; you're from NY? Are you a horrifying Yankees fan?"

Will put down his fork and raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me, horrifying Yankees fan? Of course I'm a Yankees fan! They're the best team in baseball!" He looked at John and slowly asked, "Why,"

John shook his head. "I grew up an hour from Boston. I'm a Red Sox fan."

Will groaned and Cody looked at Randy, who was smiling with amusement. "Oh no, I just had dinner with a Red Sox fan. Three generations of my family just rolled over in their graves!"

John shook his head and looked at Cody. "Codes, this will never work. You must remove this member of the evil empire from my home."

Cody laughed loudly. "You guys are such dorks! Does this rivalry even still exist? I mean, how much of a rivalry is it really when the Yankees have like 20 more championships!"

John gasped loudly and looked at Randy. "Oh my God, Cody has gone over to the dark side, Ran! What do we do?"

Randy sat in his chair with a look of uninterest. "I'm not really listening to this conversation, John."

John smiled and leaned forward towards Will and Cody. "Randy is just pissed because the Cardinals suck, too."

Randy took a sip of water and smirked. "The Red Sox still suck more." He smiled widely and looked towards Cody, who was staring at him intently. Randy felt his smile drop when he thought of how his actions towards Will hurt Cody, the person he would never intentionally hurt. He reached for Cody's hand and mouthed, "Sorry," as Will and John continued to argue over baseball.

Cody nodded. It hadn't gone that bad.