All I have to say is buckle your seat belts folks, we're in for one hell of a bumpy ride. ;)
It was cute the way his...the way Leighla ran about the house setting up decorations for later that day.
There weren't too many and it wasn't overly extravagant, it was just enough to be festive really.
Things like wooden baskets sat atop the three tables, varying in size and what it contained. There were colorful leaves, Styrofoam pumpkins or fruits, squashes. Some contained smells like cinnamon or vanilla. Flowers adorned at least one of them. Corn, some Indian and Pilgrim figurines and acorn type things sat in another upon the dining room table.
Seth couldn't be sure what was where exactly, all he could do was watch as the brunette darted back and forth, making sure everything was just right.
"You know," He spoke up. "You can relax for a bit Lei. Just sit. You're making me tired just watching you," He finished with a chuckle.
"Can't, have lots to do," She mumbled as she straightened the decorative table cloth and made sure the plates and utensils were placed perfectly.
Seth shook his head and continued to watch her for another moment or two before he threw on the puppy dog eyes. He gave off a small whine, making her stop in place, just as she was running back into the kitchen. He had even gathered the attention of a lightly dozing Kevin who perked up immediately and scrambled to jump onto Seth's lap.
If there was one thing he was good at making most women cave to it was the puppy dog eyes and pout...which apparently worked for his dog too.
"Seth," Leighla breathed, trying her hardest to avoid that look. "I...I can't."
He thrust out both arms, spreading them out wide, doing grabby hands and she let out a small: "Aww" before sighing and setting down the pans she was carrying to the kitchen.
"Fine," She relented. "But just for a bit. You know we are basically hosting this thing."
The two toned haired man grinned happily when Leighla dropped beside him and he could wrap her up into his arms. It was nice having someone this close again. While it wasn't exactly who he had pictured, he definitely couldn't ignore the warmth, comfort and familiarity of being with Leighla.
"It's only 8 in the morning, you've already threw in the turkey around 7. Can we just sit and relax for a moment? Bask in the peace and quiet before everything gets hectic?" 'Or goes to hell…'
Leighla lie against him and he pulled her in tighter, placing a kiss atop her head.
"Just for a little while...but then I really need to get up and finish cleaning up."
"30 minutes," Seth promised, giving her shoulder a little shake.
May 1st, 2011
"And here we have the major part of our tour. It's definitely what most folks are dying to see upon coming here, where all the magic and action happens," Tour guy, Ken - no joke here, much to the amusement of Dean and Rhea - grinned as he slowly climbed the steps followed by the interested couple.
"Sorry about this," The brunette apologized as she carefully followed the other up the steps.
Despite wearing sandals, this wasn't her area of expertise and knowing her penchant for tripping over thin air, she was being extra careful to make sure she didn't break anything or embarrass Dean. "Someone just had to see this part first, couldn't wait," She finished with an eye roll. It resulted in a pinch at her side before an arm wrapped around her from behind and Dean was standing behind her taking everything in.
Rhea tried not to sigh in happiness as she leaned back against him and dropped her head back, taking in his excited face.
When he had first invited her to see what was going to be his new work place, the brunette couldn't believe her ears or even her eyes when she saw how eager and hopeful Dean's face was as he sat there upon her bed, her hands clasped tightly in his. It wasn't often Dean wore his heart on his sleeve for her, let alone anyone but the shine in his eyes, his sweaty palms, let her know this was important to him, and honestly, who was she to turn the man down? She had always been interested in the on goings of the company she grew up watching as a kid and to see the development plant and her...boyfriend? Lover? Friend with Benefits? She really wasn't sure what to call Dean. They had a very physical and fun relationship but it wasn't like the two were labeling it and it was ok. Only four of five months into this and as hard as she tried to deny it, she was catching deep feelings for this man. At times she felt like he might be too but she didn't dare assume. Sides, it was just fun right? It's what he called it the first couple of times, gave her a desperate look - as the two were wrapped in each other...coming down from their highs...hanging, having a drink or two - letting her know with his eyes that he didn't want more, that it couldn't be more.
"Quite alright! It's totally understandable actually. Most don't even make it past a room or two before they're foaming at the mouth to check out the ring. The wrestler's drug I suppose," He gave the two a wink and slid between the top ropes, followed by Dean, who immediately turned to lift Rhea over the very top with a grin. She was pulled into him by a hand on her backside as once again Dean took everything in.
"Can't believe I'm finally here," He muttered in awe and both Ken and Rhea gave him matching smiles making him redden a little. He hadn't even realized he had said that out loud.
He tried tapering down his excitement and shifted his eyes ringside. He saw a couple of guys doing stretches as they chatted. Another glance over and he caught sight of women leaning against the barricade, going over something on their phones,
"Well," Ken cut into the couple's exploration...well, Dean's actually. Rhea was having fun watching Dean watch everything. "Give it a go! Get a feel for everything. Bounce off the ropes, do a couple of falls. Some even venture up onto the turnbuckle and have a look out at the seats. Take it in," The young guide motioned around the ring and stepped back to give Dean room.
Dean looked down on Rhea's small form and she gave him an eyebrow wiggle already pulling away from him to let him do his thing.
"Have at it, Romeo."
The ever changing blonde haired man rolled his eyes at the nickname, an inside joke between the two, and slowly moved to push off the ropes, starting a run. He threw in a couple of back bumps and some flips, capturing the eyes of the other superstars in the vicinity, making them wonder what all the ruckus was about.
The carefree smile on Dean's face was too much for Rhea, causing her to clap her hands together in glee once, but a look around and she quickly halted in clapping like a retarded seal at seeing Dean in his element.
"Who's the dude," She heard a guy ask behind her as she stood ringside. She couldn't help but turn and catch eyes with a dual haired man who gave her a wink as his coworker questioned once more who the guy was.
The other man shrugged and Rhea couldn't help herself as she looked at the other wrestler beside the blonde and brown haired man. With the cheekiest smile and proudest voice she could muster she announced:
"Dean Ambrose, gentlemen. His name is, Dean Ambrose."
Dean struggled to keep his eyes on the road as he looked between a restless Rhea and the long stretch of cement before him.
Things between the two hadn't exactly gotten better but they hadn't gotten worse. Rhea's mood had settled down and she was back to being ok...for the most part. The light bantering and teasing had returned and their phone calls hadn't been awkward or stilted when Dean had had to leave and finish off his work week before the holiday.
Only issue Dean had with this a-ok attitude was the fact that she was throwing herself into her garden even harder and she was still busying her hands with attempting to crochet little items, just because. When she wasn't doing any of that, the two actually found some quiet time to let the tv play before them, but half the time she passed out, snores leaving her open mouth. He didn't think there was a spot he hadn't found her dozing off in lately.
A sudden run over a rough spot in the road had them both jerking and her head lolled before she let out a whimper. It was another moment and Rhea lifted with a long groan, shifting to look over Dean's way, her eyes squinted from the light shining through the car.
"Time is it," She asked softly, stretching her arms sideways, accidentally tapping Dean against his arm. "Sorry," She mumbled, leaning over to kiss at his bicep even though her tap had barely registered.
A twitch of his lips and Dean allowed a small smile to creep it's way onto his face. He looked at the dashboard and noted the time.
"5 after 10."
She nodded and gave him a sleepy smile, reaching over to tangle her fingers with his unoccupied ones in his lap.
It was dumb but, little things like this he missed. It seemed they rarely had time to go back to their roots and remember what it was like being them. Rhea was a touchy feely person and well….he couldn't help but reciprocate, wanting to feel his girl nearby or against him any chance he got. It wasn't even the need to screw her brains out or be sexual with her - which he was actually missing, it had been about a week - it was the feeling of being adored and letting her know he cherished her just as much.
He loved the little things.
If she ever heard him say this she'd probably tease him mercilessly and he'd rather take a nosedive off a cliff than see the teasing grin and taunt as she poked at his side, never letting up on him being a sappy, happy, mush head. But then again...he did love seeing that grin, her eyes doing this adorable shine as her face brightened up with happiness, her own dimples threatening to pop out.
'Hopeless sap…'
Rhea took in her surroundings, blinking at the mostly empty fields.
"Can't say I missed this view," She joked, giving him a wink. While they had both been this way countless times, the vast open field left one fairly bored while traveling. Where were the landmarks, the houses?
"Oh look! There's some cows," Dean exclaimed in mock excitement, pointing out an open field where cattle grazed. They both gave each other a teasing grin.
"We better stop. Seth would have our butts he heard us talking about his precious home state."
"Yeah," Dean lightly chuckled.
They both watched the open road. As much as they joked it was good to be on the way to Seth's place rather than the hotel or suite he had planned on staying at during his rehab. A day or two to spend with family then he was back out, heading to Birmingham.
Just as quick as they were to enjoy a joke at the expense of their friend, which for sure would have him huffing and puffing jokingly back, the atmosphere turned awkward as boths' thoughts turned toward the other person.
Rhea sighed and dropped her head back on the headrest, trying to purge the nervous feeling she got each and every time she thought of what'd happen when they met up with everyone.
Surely things wouldn't be too bad right?
Right?
"Seth my man, how's it going," Roman inquired cheerfully as he led his girlfriend into his friend's house, both of them balancing a dish against their sides.
"Hey! It's going, it's going," Seth greeted, moving to balance his crutches underneath his armpits, reaching for a dish. "So glad you guys are here. Leighla is driving herself wild, wondering if she needs to drop by the store and pick up anything extra. What do we have here?" Seth eyed the plates in wonder as they were placed upon the dining room table.
"Not much," Roman chuckled sheepishly. "Baby girl and I decided to keep it simple this year. Didn't want to make something and have no one like it."
"Nonsense," Seth shook his head as he peered underneath the foil of one of the plates. "Sweet! You guys brought the famous spicy mac back!
The couple shared a laugh before Nia moved forward to show him the other dish, more like bowl. Seth's mouth nearly watered at that too. It was Nia's other awesome ass dish, homemade dressing.
"We're going to eat good tonight! Can't believe you guys made this before coming over, how did you?" Seth squinted his eyes questioningly.
"Got ourselves an awesome suite with a kitchenette for this trip. Figured we'd need it with everyone showing up this year, plus...well, didn't want to intrude on anything," Roman finished with a pointed look.
"Well, let me just…" Nia lifted to give Roman a peck before moving to the kitchen to see what else was needed.
"I'm hoping things don't get too uh...heated today. I'm cool. Not sure how they are but it's good on my side. I have Leighla and I'm happy now and yeah, it's good."
Roman studied his friend thoughtfully, blinking, as he watched him scratch at the back of his neck with a hand and look off towards the kitchen where soft murmurs floated out, reaching both guys' ears. From there he looked over towards the tv, barely glancing at the Thanksgiving parade taking place on the screen.
"I think there's a game coming on here in a bit.' Seth started to crutch his way towards his couch and Roman followed behind making sure his friend made it without trouble.
"Sounds great. Got any beers?"
'Please allow this to go peacefully. Don't need anything to happen during this dinner. Just let us eat, enjoy hanging out together and not have any fighting…' He silently prayed.
Rhea nervously waited beside the car, purse and bag thrown over her shoulder while Dean scrambled about to grab his own bag, making his way over to stand beside her.
"You ok," He asked her curiously when he took note of her strained posture. "Look a little tense."
"Fine, I'm fine," Rhea lied, rubbing at her arms a bit over her rust orange colored slip jacket. Despite it being in the mid 70's and bright and sunny, the constant breeze left it cold, making most have to wrap in their winter's best already.
"Ok," Dean simply responded. Although he knew otherwise, he knew now was not the time to push. He reached for her hand and she gripped him tightly as the two made the trek up the driveway, quickly making it to the door.
It felt like an eternity before the door swung open and they were greeted by none other than Seth.
It was silent as the three stared each other down, the silence deafening.
Any other time Rhea and Dean would have just walked in like this was their home away from home, might grant the people inside a knock or two before making their entrance. But today, today everything was different, new.
Seth pulled at the side of his jeans with a finger as he looked between the two. He pulled back a moment later, giving them silent invitation to enter and turned his head to stare off towards the kitchen.
"Dean and Rhea are here!"
Was it just their imagination or did Seth's voice break on Rhea's name?
Turning once they set their bags down by the door, Rhea quickly shucked her upper layer of clothing leaving her in just her brown body con dress and she swore she could hear the intake of breath behind her as she hung up her jacket.
Dean raised an eyebrow at the man before him before blindly gripping at Rhea's waist, bringing her against his side. The brunette opened her mouth to speak but was quickly ushered into the living room to greet the others.
'Great. Just great…' Seth thought.
Had it not been for Leighla slipping her hand into one of his own, the door would have met door frame with a vicious shove as he shook himself out of the rebuff he just got.
Leighla rubbed at the side of Seth's face, brushing his hair back before soft lips met his cheek and she was rubbing at the back of his head comfortingly.
"Everyone's here now," She murmured, kissing him again. "And almost time to eat. Did we get everything," She asked right before they heard an "Aww fuck!" exclaimed from the living room.
Dean rushed by, Rhea in tow, the two reaching for their jackets confusing the hell out of the couple by the door.
"How did we forget the fucking beer," Dean grumbled as he struggled to slip on his jacket in his haste. Rhea pouted and shook her head.
"Same way we forgot the ingredients to make the cake." Another pout and some more struggling with shoes - When did Ambrose kick off his shoes? - before Leighla and Seth were left shivering a bit from the chill that had entered from Dean and Rhea's quick retreat.
"Well um….I guess that answers my question," Leighla spoke up a moment later. "Shall we wait for them before finishing up or?"
Seth shook his head.
"Nah, they'll be alright. They only had drinks and a dessert covered. Let's just finish up the sides and get this don- I mean started," He quickly responded crutching his way off towards the kitchen.
A change of dessert and a ridiculous amount of beer purchased later, Dean and Rhea were back in record time, the place livened up with a football game. Laughter and talking, rowdiness from the guys (although Seth and Dean were scarcely talking to each) and even low playing music strumming in the background filled the air. The women scurried about in the kitchen, working on setting up serving plates and bowls for every dish as they quietly hummed or sang.
"Think we have enough veggies," Cesaro's girlfriend, Lyza asked as she lifted a huge bowl of corn in one hand.
Nia grinned. "Yeah...I think you got us covered big time," She teased the older woman as she too, lifted a dish, this one covered in slices of ham.
A red hue tinted Lyza's cheeks as she grabbed another bowl in her other hand and followed the other women out to the dining room. "I...I wasn't sure how much to bring," She mumbled softly.
"Hey, this is perfect," Rhea spoke up. "Plenty of goods for the rest of the day and leftovers for everyone!"
The other women smiled as they finished setting up the table.
"Now for the hungry wrasslers," Rhea joked.
"Get to the table now...dudes," Nia boomed out doing a funny impression of her man's voice.
"Did she just reference your whole table bit from that one Raw a couple years back," Dean asked after leaning in towards his brother to be heard over the other two.
Roman grinned and gave his friend a shrug. "Probably. Woman found it hilarious for some reason."
Dean shook his head with a smirk, walking around the long table to meet up with his girl. In a surprising move he pulled out her seat for her, earning an eyebrow raise.
"Just sit that pretty ass down and shut up."
"I said nothing," She murmured, taking her seat and once he took his she leaned over giving him a quick peck.
"Alright! Let's get this lunch slash dinner underway," Leighla exclaimed with an excited smile.
'Stop looking at her, Seth. Stop...watching her. She looks even better than I remember. More of a shine...I dunno, she looks different, but in a good way. I missed her.'
The dinner was going off great with hardly any issues, unless one would call the glares Dean sent Seth's way as Seth kept glancing Rhea's, ok. Seth sat turned toward Leighla, his arm over the back of her chair but his eyes elsewhere as he kept his eyes around Dean and Rhea's area. He made sure to give Cesaro and his girl a courteous glance but his eyes never strayed far from the other couple.
One look beside Rhea and his eyes clashed with Dean's which were full of barely restrained fury, his jaw ticking.
Seth felt his own ire rising.
"What do you think, Seth," Leighla cut into his thoughts. She looked oddly excited, her face alight with happiness. Seth, frowned a little trying to wrack his brain on what her and Roman's girl had been talking about moments ago. Even Roman was looking at him in question.
He blinked and squirmed uncomfortably before placing his chin over Leighla's shoulder. "Sorry," He gave her a cute pout. "Think the food's getting to me a bit...kind of sleepy. What was it we were talking about again?"
"You ok," Leighla asked her face a mask of worry. "The pain alright?"
"I'm fine," He reassured her with a small smile. "Now, what?"
Leighla took a deep breath and wiggled in her seat. "Well, Nia, Roman and I were actually talking about a couples vacation." Roman coughed. "Well, Nia and I anyway and it sounded good to me. Gives us a chance to relax and bond. Maybe we should invite everyone here. We all could use a break later on, even if it's just a day or two. We weren't talking now, obviously, but later next year? Of course the guys can't stay too long because of work, but us girls can stick together, you know, if our jobs permits."
A strained smile climbed it's way onto Seth's face.
Couple's vacation? Everyone here? Really?
Even more torture seeing the woman in front of him in nothing but…"Wait, what kind of-"
"What do you think," He heard Leighla asking someone excitedly and he followed her eyesight seeing her stare across the table. He glanced over just as Rhea looked up from pushing at her green bean casserole in surprise, her eyes darting between Leighla and Seth over and over. Leighla recounted everything to her and Dean and Seth's uneasiness grew.
'Say no. I really don't think I can deal. Why do you keep looking at me and Leighla like that? What are you thinking? You jealous? Hurt? Happy?'
"Doesn't sound too bad," She drawled out, her face taking on a smile. "Just name the time and place and I'll see what I can do. Babe?"
She turned towards Dean and he shrugged, taking a long swig of his drink, his eyes squarely trained on Seth's face.
"Sure, why not?"
Leighla was practically bouncing in her seat as she turned to ask the last couple their opinion.
Seth met Dean's stare and narrowed his eyes at the man's mouth moving a mile a minute. What the fuck was he saying? Whatever it was, he was sure it wasn't anything pleasant and he honestly wasn't sure he cared to know the more he thought about it.
Not like he had done anything. So he had glanced at Rhea a bit, so what? He was trying to keep up with all his guests! He had done nothing wrong!
Dean could take a chill pill. Stuff his face, drink some more of his drink and fuck off.
He watched Roman lean over and whisper something in Dean's ear and swore he could see Dean's body practically vibrating. He was sure a leg, maybe even both were bouncing, barely helping him refrain from hopping up and acting rash.
Dean gave Roman a curt nod and then he made out the words "smoke break" Rhea's way which had her huffing and rolling her eyes but ultimately nodding in the end.
"Stay out of trouble," Dean warned giving her a look before he pulled her into a hard kiss and then he was up and strolling out, Roman following after. He gave Seth a 'Sorry' and then they were outside, Kevin happily yapping behind them because...outside! Playmates!
'You know what? No. Fuck this. These two showed up at my house, this is my place! Haven't said a word or made an effort to work this out, move past it. They're just sitting here, hanging out, being all around rude. Wasn't like I fucking stole her or even kissed her thoroughly like I have before. This is my fucking place! I'm hosting this shit! They could show a little common courtesy, the fuck!'
Seth was ready to give Rhea a silent peace of mind but one look at her pale face as she slowly set her fork down and pushed back from the table quickly, had his eyes widening. She all but stumbled away with a small "Scuse me" and rushed down the hall, the bathroom door closing mere seconds later behind her.
"What happened" Lyza asked. "She ok?"
Nia looked on, frighteningly worried herself.
Seth wasn't even aware he was standing and gaping after Rhea till Leighla placed a hand over his tense arm. Everyone at the table was quiet, looking after Rhea's leave and he shot everyone an apologetic look, patted Leighla's hand softly before rushing off as quickly as he could, crutches and all to check on Rhea.
"Breathe man...you look like you're about to have a conniption fit any second. Take a drag, sip on that drink...there you go," Roman encouraged.
Dean let out a heavy breath, the cloud of smoke disappearing into the cold air quickly.
"Did you see him? His beady little eyes all over her? He was practically licking his chops at whatever fucking thoughts were running through his slimy traitorous mind about my woman…" Dean swiveled his head towards Roman quickly and Roman was sure he heard the crick. "Mine, Roman. Mine!"
"Ok.." Roman threw up a hand trying for a soothing, it's ok gesture, thinking over what he could do to diffuse this situation before it got worse. He took a gulp of his beer. "I get ya. I understand where you're coming from, your worry…" He paused before continuing on. "But he's just staring. He'd have to be pretty fucking dumb to even bother trying anything with you here." Another drag from Dean on his cigarette and Roman finished his drink playing with the bottle in his hand awkwardly after. "He's not dumb, Dean. This is Seth we're talking about. We know him and...well, he has Leighla now which-"
"Psh! Please," Dean barked, finishing up his cigarette, already reaching for another. "That's a fuckin cover so I don't kick his teeth down his goddamn throat." He placed his unlit cigarette in his mouth feeling around for his lighter. "God damn it! Where the fuck is that piece of shit," He yelled, patting at his jeans with shaky hands.
Roman checked around to make sure it hadn't fallen into the grass as he reached in his slacks for his own lighter. "You just had that thing minutes ago."
"Yeah, I know," Dean snapped. "Always fucking losing shit, cut your fucking grass Rollins! Oh wait...he can't," A spiteful chuckle left his mouth as Roman lit up his smoke for him. He took a long satisfying drag, holding it in, closing his eyes to savor it before slowly exhaling.
"You know, he's lucky I don't take out that other knee."
Roman simply let his friend speak his mind as they looked out at the different shades of reds and yellow lightened the sky, signaling the departure of daylight. A beat or two passed with Dean's ramblings and he glanced down at Kevin who happened to somehow stretch over both of their feet after handling his business and tiring himself out.
It was quiet for a moment as Dean sat and smoked and Roman gave him the silent support he needed, watching him, the dog snoring at his feet, everything really. He glanced back at the house, catching his lady's eye and held up a finger letting her know he'd be in shortly.
"Well I guess we should get back in," Dean gruffed.
"Yeah," Roman questioned. "You cool? You not gonna snap and jump over the table taking out Seth? Strangle him to death? Cause man...I really don't feel like cleaning up any bloody messes or spearing a cop or two to keep your punk asses out of trouble. One wrong move and a coroner just might be scratching their heads at how two members of the Shield died from a good ol' Turkey dinner."
Dean scoffed.
"You wish."
"Try me fool," Roman shot back.
He received an amused chuckle, which made him smile as Dean flicked his cigarette out into the grass knowing that would annoy Seth to no end.
"Lets go."
"Rhea," Seth tried, reaching up to knock on the door. He brought his hand down, only to bring it back up, fist poised inches away. "You ok in there?"
A low groan from the brunette as she toyed with the handle and then a flush and she barely got out, "Fine, Seth. Just…" She took in her appearance and cringed. "...fine."
"You sure? Because you don't sound it."
When he didn't receive a response he grabbed the door handle.
Another moment...
'Fuck it.' "Hope you're decent. I'm coming in." A twist and he was greeted with a eerily smiling, Rhea. Her hair was a bit askew, dressed scrunched up a bit but looking otherwise ok.
"See? I'm…" She rocked on her feet a bit and he reached for her but then she swayed backwards, stomping behind herself to keep steady. She met Seth's worried browns, shaking her head.
"Not ok, definitely not ok!" She dropped back in front of the toilet her knees hitting the ground so hard Seth felt it in his own.
"What is…" The sound of her puking made him blanch. He looked around lost for a moment, his eyes landing on the open door and he quickly closed it before moving to stand beside her. He reached for her but paused and grit his teeth, shaking his head at his own stupidity. 'Help her you fucking idiot!' He hopped a bit, bringing his crutches down, setting them against the wall and reached for the top of the small woman's head, giving it a pat. 'Not helping…' He rolled his eyes and reached forward to grab at her loose curls bringing a side back and hopped a bit more to grab at the other side with his other hand.
"Tha...Thanks," She moaned just before another onslaught hit her. "I…I really don't think those green beans agreed with me," She joked as she pulled back to rest her head against the side of the vanity. "Or maybe it was the wine, tasted funky." She pulled a face and Seth couldn't help but laugh.
It was almost as if Rhea had forgotten who she was talking to because as soon as she looked up at his smiling features she straightened and struggled to climb to her feet. Seth tried reaching for her but she swatted at his advances grabbing at the toilet and the countertop.
She went to work on rinsing out her mouth with some water. "Still got those spares in the drawer?"
"Y-yeah." Seth uttered as he watched her dumbly, not sure what to do anymore.
She slid open the drawer, producing a new packaged toothbrush just like she remembered and tore it open, reaching for his toothpaste.
It wasn't until she was brushing her teeth and heard the click of Seth's crutches that she realized Seth was still still here, still staring...
"You can go," She mumbled around the brush and toothpaste.
Seth physically recoiled and looked as if he was gonna give her what she wanted, even doing as much as move around behind her before he stopped, looking into the mirror behind her, a defeated look on his face.
"Is it always gonna be like this," He whispered.
Rhea blinked, staring at him and felt the ice thawing but...but no, she couldn't. She spat in the sink and worked at her teeth some more, staring at Seth again.
"You know...it's been hell not being able to talk to you..or Dean. I still have Roman but he can only support me so much because he backs both me and Dean. I just..I haven't been able to share any new music with you or talk about what happened on one of our shows, ask you about your day, tell you about mine…"
Rhea stopped mid brushing and decided to close up shop, cleaning up her face and rinsing the brush, making sure everything was clean around her.
"You know I'm with Leighla now," He said matter of fact, expecting a response and as soon as Rhea cleaned up the toilet and around it, even straightening out the rug she looked over at him and gave him a scrutinizing look trying to knock that unwanted feeling of….anger? Annoyance? Whatever it was, away.
"Yeah, how'd that happen anyway? Last I thought...you weren't even interested in her." She pursed her lips. "The past was the past and all that."
Seth looked down at the floor, moving both crutches back and forth. "Things happen."
"Hmm."
He looked up and Rhea was studying him with that cute little head tilt she tended to do when deep in thought.
"You happy?"
"Y-yeah." His response didn't even sound convincing to himself as he took in her biting at a lip. He nodded to confirm his answer and whatever was on the forefront of Rhea's mind disappeared before it could leave her mouth. She tilted her head to the other side and shifted uncomfortably.
"You idiot," She threw out playfully.
Seth tried his best not to let the happy grin creep it's way onto his face.
"What? How?"
"You were always slow when it came to taking advice."
"Oh whatever, little bit," Seth gave in to the smile, letting a crutch fall as he reached out to tug Rhea into a one armed hug, snug against his body. The woman happily nuzzled into him with a hum, gripping at his back with a hand. She allowed her eyes to close and took in the familiar scent and feel of Seth, of hugging one of her closest friends again as Seth settled his chin atop her head, only to lay his cheek against it afterwards.
"I missed you," He breathed.
"Missed you too, Sethie poo," She said, a smile in her voice.
"Not that dumb nick-"
"Aww. Well isn't this fucking sweet," A menacing rasp cut through the peaceful moment. "I step out and already you got your paws all over her."
Both Rhea and Seth backed away from each other, looking over at the doorway to see an irate, red faced Dean, steam practically coming off of him in waves. His fist hung by his sides as his eyes darted between the two.
"Care to explain Seth? Rhea?" He snarled.
'Oh shit.' Rhea thought as her eyes widened.
'Of course.' Was the only thing that ran through Seth's mind as Dean stepped forward, kicking the door shut behind him.
