Massive thank you for the reviews! If I could extend my gratitude through red velvet cupcakes, I fucking would. Haha! Shout outs to awesomeone21, cena's baby doll, lauren, Pinayprincesa, my time is now, therealchamps, and 1222mercedes1222. ENJOY EVERYONE!

Sam, Alyssa, and John all stood staring, holding their breaths. Who consumed the most surprise was hard to measure. Neither of them seemed able to obviate from the shock of what just happened: John and Alyssa had been caught. Someone else was in on their secret now.

"I've known," Sam finally said. Her voice was ghostly, but it gave the message.

She's known. What?

John and Alyssa exchanged looks. Their heart rates resumed and was galloping now.

"I mean, I've had my suspicions for awhile, but I guess this confirms it."

John and Alyssa still couldn't muster up a response. They remained pinned from Sam's presence.

"I mean, have you guys seen yourselves together? You two would be crazy to not give it a try."

Alyssa nodded slowly. This was almost unbelievable. Were they that obvious? And was Sam really for this?

When the couple still didn't say anything, Sam smiled at them apologetically. "Don't worry. I won't say anything."

Crap. Who else was this obvious to?

"Does Randy know?" John couldn't help but ask.

Sam shook her head. "You know how he is. Alyssa with men doesn't exist in his world."

Alyssa nodded again. She's well aware of her best friend's intrusive tendencies, which was the main reason she's been willing to keep John a secret. Randy could be a pain in the ass, and frankly, she just didn't want to deal with it. Not right now.

"So you're not gonna tell him?" John asked.

"Of course not. It's not my business to tell," Sam replied surely.

"Sam, thank you. I really appreciate that," Alyssa finally spoke.

"No problem. You two deserve this. But you know, don't wait forever to tell Randy. Hell could break loose if he finds out another way, you know?"

"I know, I know," Alyssa sighed. "I'm just waiting for the right time. Maybe tomorrow, maybe a month from now. Who knows."

John looked over and noticed the luggage settled behind Sam. "You going home now?" he asked, glad to change the subject.

"Yeah, I have a redeye flight."

Alyssa furrowed her brows. Something was wrong with this picture. "And Randy's not dropping you off?"

Sam shook her head meekly.

"Is everything okay?" Alyssa was almost afraid to ask.

"I guess." Sam shrugged. Her voice nearly broke, but she tried her best not to make it obvious. "He was busy most of the day, and he didn't seem to be in the best mood when I finally saw him. He's sleeping now."

It was obvious Sam was hiding something, but Alyssa found it difficult to ask for an explanation. Although Sam had no reservations about keeping their secret, there was still some intangible distance between them. Sam had been more closed off ever since her marriage started crumbling.

John piped in. "Do you want us to drop you off at the airport?"

"Oh no, there's a cab waiting for me outside. Thanks though." Sam smiled sweetly as she pulled her luggage closer to her. "I should go. I'll see you guys soon again, okay? And keep what you guys have going. I've never seen you two so happy."

John and Alyssa exchanged smiles.

"Thanks Sam. I hope you have a safe flight."

"Thank you. Bye you two!"

The couple watched as Sam inched further and further away from them. Once she was out of sight, Alyssa looked up at John and frowned.

He titled her chin up and frowned back at her. "What?"

"That's gonna be you soon. You'll be flying off and-"

John stopped her mid-sentence with a kiss. "Hush. Don't even mention that right now. Let's go get you dessert."

Alyssa smiled and followed him without protest.

Randy peeked out of the window, taking a momentary break from his task. The sun was beginning to set, and he hadn't slept much all night. There were more important things to do; like tending to the stacks and stacks of papers on his desk. This had to be perfect, and if he was going to pull it off, he needed help. So, he picked up his phone and dialed some numbers. Representative after representative helped navigated him to the best deals.

Randy felt like he was finally getting somewhere then an incoming call interrupted his flow. He looked at the screen and saw that his wife was calling him.

"She's probably calling to say she's landed," he muttered.

Just like he'd denied sleep, he decided to ignore the call.

"Just trust me."

"John, I do trust you," Alyssa insisted. She just wasn't used to walking without her eyesight. Especially at night.

"Then don't hesitate with every step you take. I'm not gonna let you fall." John continued guiding her down a graveled path. He'd blindfolded her with a black handkerchief for a surprise.

The feel and sound of the rocks under her feet definitely didn't comfort her, but the man behind her did. She was in his hands, which meant that she was in safe hands. She kept walking blindly, taking the smallest steps she could.

"We're almost there, baby. We're gonna take a few steps down okay?"

She responded by gripping his hands that were on top of her shoulders. She stepped down, then down again. Finally, John shifted her to do a slight turn.

"I'm gonna take off your blindfold now."

She nodded. The subtle nerves she had were suddenly replaced by excitement. The cloth over her face fell off, and she opened her eyes. They were on an open deck that overlooked the whole city. Right in front of her was a table under a wooded structure wrapped around by lights. Candles sat atop of the table along with two big mugs.

Alyssa's eyes feasted at the sight before her. She looked over at John, not knowing what to say. He'd rendered her speechless.

He took her hand and squeezed it. "I wanted to do something special for you before I left for Australia."

She squeezed his hand right back. "John, everything you do is special. But thank you. This is beautiful."

"I'm glad you like it," he smiled before guiding her towards the table. He pulled out her chair, then sat on his own.

The both of them stared contently at each other without saying anything.

"I was having a hard time deciding what to do for you. Then I remembered how much you love hot chocolate and how much you love views."

She nodded pleased. "Impeccable observation there, Cena."

He winked at her then took his mug to make a toast. "To us and the last two weeks."

"To us," Alyssa smiled. She clanked her drink with his then took a generous gulp. This had to be the best hot chocolate she's ever had. She closed her eyes in delight. When she opened them back up, John was staring at her.

A few seconds of silence passed. The two were obviously marinated in each other.

"I love you," John said.

Alyssa nearly dropped her mug, but thankfully, she managed to set it down before she did. All the air suddenly left her lungs. I love you? She sat there in front of him, frozen under his gaze; but inside, all she wanted to do was to jump, kick, scream.

He smiled, studying her face. He wasn't sure how she felt, but that didn't matter. He was sure of his feelings for her. "I have for awhile, but it's been a pleasure exploring it the last two weeks with you. You know, as more than a friend. I love you, Alyssa."

She waited a few beats before saying anything. This was something she would've never imagined to be true for her, but now here she was. She couldn't believe what she was about to say; although, these were words she'd been dying to express.

"John I never would've imagined this happening to me. I would've been fine without a man, but you- you're everything I never knew I wanted. You make me feel like I can do anything, like every damn day is gonna be the best day. You challenge me. You make me believe in myself. I -I never really knew what love was, but you've done a hell of a job defining it for me."

John couldn't stop the smile from forming his face. "You know Al, I'm not even worried about leaving for Australia. Three months is nothing compared to the two weeks we just had."

Alyssa leaned in and cupped his cheeks. "You're absolutely right, but hush. Don't even mention that right now."

He smiled, amused at the way she mirrored his words. He placed a hand over hers. "I don't even wanna sleep tonight."

"Then don't," she enticed.

John began to slowly nod his head. He was looking at her with a different purpose. "Oh, we wont, Al. We won't be sleeping tonight."

Alyssa tilted her head to the side, seeing the flicker of arousal in his eyes.

Oh. She was suddenly convinced that there would be no sleeping tonight.

A fifteen minute ride had never felt so long. Alyssa fixated her attention out the window, desperate to tame the nerves and excitement that was spiking her entire being. She stole a glance at John and he too, appeared to be under the same spell. Neither had said a word since they got in the car and both of them were fully aware they wouldn't be doing much talking later either.

Alyssa closed her eyes. Damn it. Why did he have to imply what would be happening tonight? She felt like a teenager waiting to get a damn room. And that's exactly what she was doing. She was waiting to get into a room with the man beside her, with the man she'd fallen in love with.

Her heart rate shot up the roof as soon as he drove into the hotel parking lot. She found herself biting her lip once John occupied a vacant lot. He took the keys off the ignition and bolted out of the car. He was at her door within seconds.

"Oh, John." She eased off the vehicle and looked up at him.

"Yeah?" He looked like he hadn't been breathing either.

The two stood there completely immobile. They knew better than to touch each other.

"I'm nervous," she confessed. The words came out before she was able to stop them.

John placed his shaky hand behind his neck. God, he was nervous, too. This was new. "Just relax. Don't even think about what we're about to do. Let's just walk upstairs and see what happens?"

Oh, I think we both know what's going to happen, Alyssa thought. She shook her head. This was ridiculous. They were grown adults. They could do whatever the hell they wanted. Why was her mind over thinking this? Why was she building so much momentum?

John nervously looked away as if in deep thought. "Look, we don't have to do this tonight-"

Alyssa's eyes immediately panicked with protest.

John had to laugh at this. "But I'm sure we both want to. We've been waiting for awhile now."

She bit her lip and nodded. "It's just… weird, because I'm standing here thinking about it."

"Well, we shouldn't think. Let's just do it." John leaned in and smiled at her. "I know how much you want to."

She shook her head with a guilty smile on her face. "Oh, don't act like you don't want it, too."

"I never said I didn't. Now, let's go to my room and get on with our evening." He titled his head towards the hotel entrance and offered his arm to her.

Alyssa walked right past him and headed towards it.

"That eager, huh?" John teased as he tailed behind her.

She glared at him but didn't deny the accusation. She was eager. She'd been damn eager for awhile now, and he knew that. Both of them knew that. But damn it, why did he have to preamble tonight's agenda? He should've just went for it without saying anything. Now here she was, given time to think. But since when was getting in bed with someone such a big deal? Surely, this wasn't a complicated thought process for everyone. Oh, who was she kidding, of course this was a big deal. Not only had she been uninterested in dating, but she'd been uninterested in being touched. Along came John and he managed to change both fixed beliefs. Although she was no virgin, her prolonged inactivity was making her feel inexperienced and well, nervous. It was no secret that John's been active, and how was she supposed to compare to that? Luckily, her libido was still going off the wall. Maybe that'd help. Did that also mean she was desperate? She rolled her eyes as she mutely got into the elevator. This was too confusing, too complicated. It's ridiculous. Why did John have this crazy effect on her? Just two nights ago, she got drunk instead of trying to talk things out. And now she was over thinking when she could be enjoying taking the next step.

John was watching her intently when the elevator finally reached their floor. He didn't move even when the doors slid open. "Are you sure you're okay, Al?"

She opened her mouth to say yes, but his question had her reconsider. Was she okay? She shook her head. Why wouldn't she be?

"No?" John looked at her concerned.

"Huh?"

"You shook your head; you're not okay?"

Alyssa watched as the doors began to close. Instead of answering his question, she stepped forward to ensure they wouldn't be refined within the elevator. She was in between the two sliding doors when John grabbed her elbow.

"Al, what's going on?"

"I'm fine."

The doors released her and she stepped out. John followed her reluctantly and sighed. He didn't understand. "You didn't answer my question. What's going on?"

"I told you, I'm just thinking about it. So it's making me feel weird. You shouldn't think about this stuff, you should…well…"

"Yeah and you're not looking very sure about this."

"I am, John. I love you."

He smiled and kissed her temple. "I know you do, baby. But that doesn't mean we have to physically show each other tonight."

This was true.

"But I've been ready to," she interjected.

"Maybe, but you're over thinking it and frankly, I don't want you thinking at all."

She frowned. This was so confusing. Ever since their first kiss, she'd been fantasizing about John. Now that it was turning into reality, why was she hesitating? Maybe she wasn't ready.

John lifted her chin. "Let's just go to my room and we'll cuddle. We've been perfectly fine doing that, so don't think otherwise. I don't want you stressing over something you don't have to."

"Okay," Alyssa pouted. She limply followed John into his room. Maybe they would be sleeping tonight, after all. Actually, she'd prefer it. The sight of the bed flushed her cheeks, and she was beginning to feel embarrassed. For one thing, she'd teased him several times for not wanting to take that next physical step with her. For another thing, she ended up backing out when he finally went for it. And lastly, she didn't even know what was holding her back. This wasn't making any sense.

Tonight was not supposed to turn out like this.

"Al." John waved a hand in front of her face.

She'd been staring at the bed with a blank expression on her face.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, of course." She changed her line of vision towards him. "I'm with you."

"I love you." He burrowed his eyes into hers and smiled.

"And I love you."

The two relinquished all their worries and tension to allow the inevitable smile to form their faces. To hell with their agenda for the night; as long as they were together, it didn't matter.

"Did you wanna watch a movie?" John suggested.

"That's fine."

Alyssa watched as John pried the duvet cover halfway off the bed. She hopped on and immediately settled her head on John's chest when he joined her.

"What movie would you like to see tonight?" John asked as he massaged her scalp.

"Anything. Just play anything." she answered meekly. Her mood went right back down, but she was glad John was being more than understanding. He was doing everything she could ask of him, but she couldn't quite say the same thing about herself. What the hell was going on with her?

John confessed his love for her tonight, and she confessed it was mutual. She'd been wanting him physically and this seemed to be the 'right time' that he was waiting for. Making love should be the next step, but why were they staring at the TV?

Alyssa angled her head to get a view of John.

He smiled at her and when she didn't reciprocate, he frowned. "You sure you're okay, baby?"

She pouted.

Leaning in, he kissed her pout. It was too cute not to.

"I'm okay," she answered. "I just don't know why we're watching instead of…"

John chuckled. He noticed the way she always trailed off when she was too shy to say something. "Look, I know you had your fun pressuring me about sex, but I'm not pressuring you. We don't have to do it, and you don't have to give me a reason as to why not. I understand."

She sat up exasperated. "I don't understand. I do want to but…"

"That's exactly it. There shouldn't be a but." John gently pulled her back down to rest on his chest. "Just relax and stop thinking about it. I don't care what the hell we do tonight as long as we enjoy each other's company. This is my last night with you."

"Okay. Okay." She took a deep breath and tried her best to nudge away her qualms. He was right, this was his last night. Surely, she shouldn't be pouting, worrying, or questioning; when she could be smiling and laughing with him.

And that, she did. The two enjoyed the rest of their night. It was nothing short of the last two weeks they shared.

Around four hours past midnight, Alyssa's eyelids started dropping, and she couldn't help but admit herself to sleep. John gladly watched her before he too, fell asleep. His mind drifted off into dreams of her. Meanwhile, Alyssa's past began to terrorize her. The reasons she's resisted a man's touch was making their way into her dreams. It wasn't being forgotten anymore.

John couldn't have prepared himself for this. Not even all the time in the world. But see, that was his problem with time. No matter what, he couldn't stop it. He was helpless.

"John, please don't," Alyssa begged. Her eyes were brimming with tears, but thankfully, a few blinks was enough to bat them away. John and her had been standing in front of his terminal gate for awhile now. But to them, it felt like two seconds. Time always felt short when you least wanted it to.

"I don't wanna leave you," John said, his voice tinged with sadness. Unlike Alyssa, he allowed his waterworks to settle along his lower lashes. He didn't care to hide his emotions; all he wanted was to stay with the woman in front of him.

"But you have to, baby. You said it yourself, three months is nothing."

John only looked at her and didn't reply. He couldn't seem to relinquish his bogged mentality. The dread of being away from Alyssa for three months was relentless. Surely, he's used to traveling from place to place. But Alyssa's made it feel like home for him and now that she would be away, what was he supposed to look forward to at the end of the day?

She cupped his cheeks, tenderly massaging it with her thumb. She was proving to be the stronger one today. Someone had to be.

A voice over the intercom went on. "This is the final boarding call for passenger John Cena booked on flight 414A to Australia. Please proceed to gate 7 immediately. The captain will order for the doors of the aircraft to close in approximately 5 minutes time. I repeat, this is the final boarding call for John Cena. Thank you."

A burdened sigh caused a tremor to his lips. Closing his eyes, a small tear trickled down his face. His vision was blurred when he opened his eyes back up, but that didn't matter. Alyssa was still in front of him. He crashed his forehead against hers.

"I love you, John."

"I love you, too."

Alyssa forced a smile. "Call me as soon as you land."

"You fucking bet."

She kissed him one last time, forcing her memory to resonate with her senses. She wanted to remember every bit of this- his soft lips, his possessive hold on the back of her head, his sense of urgency, want, and need for her. She knew, she knew what she was feeling would not leave her. John's body could be miles away, but he would never leave her.

"I'll see you soon, baby," John said.

Her lips formed a smile- her eyes saying something different- as she stepped away from him. "I'll see you soon."

John forced him eyes elsewhere, knowing it was the only way he'd be able to finally walk away. He grabbed his carry-on and headed towards the gate.

Alyssa bravely watched on as John grew into the distance. He turned around to look at her and wave, and she waved back. She waited until he completely disappeared from view before she willed herself to finally walk away, too.

"So far, so good. So far, so good," she repeated like a mantra.

Alyssa managed to get out of the airport without much emotional drain. Things were going to be okay, and John would be back to her in no time. She got into the car and suddenly, an overwhelming feeling of barrenness hit her. The passenger seat was empty. There was no one to laugh with. There was no one to talk to about everything. There was no one to get dessert with. There was no one who'd be so patient and so understanding with her. There was no John.

Alyssa swallowed the dry lump in her throat, aware of her uncontrolled breathing. She wasn't surprised when she noticed her hands began shaking. The tears…her eyes…they were beginning to blur. Fuck. She'd done so well until now. She'd done so well until John was really gone.

In her best efforts to suppress her qualms, she noticed light emitting from the center console of the car. It was her phone; someone was calling her. In hopes that it was John, she frantically reached for it and picked up.

"Hello?"

"Hey Alyssa."

It was definitely not the voice she expected, nor hoped for; but it washed her with a surprising feeling of comfort. "Hey, Rands."

"Are you alright?" he asked. He was able to hear the trace of sadness in her voice.

"Yeah-yeah, I am. What's up?"

"I have good news. I've got our Europe trip all settled. We're leaving tomorrow morning."

"Wait! What?" Alyssa's posture went from limp to stiff. Tomorrow morning? Europe? With Randy?

"Yeah and I talked to Vince about our leaves. I've got everything covered. All you needa worry about is packing your clothes. I could come by tonight if you want me to help."

God, her best friend wasn't intrusive in just her love life. He could be intrusive in all areas, if he damned well pleased. Planning the whole trip without consulting her? What if she had other plans? Did he expect her to discard all that just for him? Gosh, no. Fuck no! She wanted to tell him that, to yell at him. Randy couldn't have his way with her however way he pleased, and he needed to know that. This was irritating. But he was in luck. Europe would not be too bad of a distraction from missing John, Alyssa realized. Not bad at all.