The day had came where he was supposed to return on the road. After his 3 day holiday, he wasn't really looking forward to it, but it gave him the chance to see Adaline, something he was ecstatic and nervous about at the same time.

He knew it would happen eventually and even if they had talked on the phone nearly every night, something that had used to do, he knew it was more than his nerves could take. It was still too fresh and his heart was still breaking just thinking about her. He couldn't imagine what would happen when he saw her.

He didn't have to wait much longer as a knock came at the door. He knew it was her; she had agreed to traveling with him, claiming she had missed seeing him. He had missed her too and not being able to wait any longer, he sprinted towards the door and threw it open.

He smiled, giving her a once over. It had been too long since he had saw her and he was relieved she was standing on his doorstep now. The last memory of two came crashing back to him, her lips locked on his, their arms wrapped around each other and the feeling that overcame him. The sensation of wanting and needing more, but scared to admit it. Scared to admit he was in love with his best friend, and had been for years.

"Hey you." she said, smiling at him.

"Hey, Addie. I missed you." he replied.

"Missed you too, Dopey."

They shared a laugh before John retrieved his duffel and locked his door behind him. They were taking Adaline's car to the next location, which was in Pennsylvania. As they walked down the pathway together, John felt himself grabbing her arm and turning her around. She stared at him, wondering what was wrong. She searched his eyes for an answer, as she gave him a confused look.

"Can you hug me at least?" he found himself asking.

She smiled, which melted his heart, as the two embraced. He felt her hands resting on his back and sighed comfortably as he kissed the top of her head. He had missed her. He missed the smell of her hair, her smile, her attitude, the way she said his name. He missed everything about her, but he had missed his chance and he knew it.

"Ready to go?" she asked, after they pulled apart.

"Yeah, sure. Want me to drive?" he offered.

She threw him the keys as she slipped into the passenger side. John fired the engine as she drifted off to sleep in the passenger seat, leaving John to his racing thoughts and his breaking heart.

They had arrived safely in Pittsburgh and after entering the arena and grabbing a bite to eat, John was situated in his locker room, reading the script for the night. He hadn't heard anyone enter the room – he was so lost in thought – until he looked up and saw his good friend, Randy standing before him.

"Addie told me what happened." he said, sitting beside John.

"Yeah." John said, throwing the script onto the table and leaning back, throwing his hands behind his head.

"You okay, dude?" Randy asked.

"Yeah, for once I feel free." John said, laughing.

"I mean about Addie." Randy asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" John asked, standing up and grabbing his water bottle.

"Well, she told me about Liz lying, the fight, the kiss...." Randy said trailing off.

"Yeah, and we talked about it and we realized we were better off as friends." John answered smoothly.

"Oh, God, not you too." Randy exclaimed.

"What?" John asked, shaking his head.

"When are two going to realize what's right in front of your face? The past six years were shit, John. Everyone knows that. And everyone knows that you and Adaline... that's it. That's what love is about, dude. God, can't you see it?" Randy asked, standing up.

"See what?"

"Are you really that blind? The way she looks at you and hangs off your every word. The way she brightens up when you enter the room or the way she smiles when you touch her." Randy said, smirking.

"I wish all of that was truth, Randy. Really I do, but it was her idea we remain friends. Well, I mean, initially it was my idea, but I called her to tell her how I felt and that I was wrong. I thought she wanted more, but...." John said, trailing off.

"John, you rejected her. Of course, she's going to tell you that. She wanted you in her life one way or the other and the only thing that is comfortable for her is what she has known for all these years. Friends. I'm telling you and I would bet my life on it that she feels the same way, man. It's up to you to make the first step." Randy said, slapping his shoulder.

"You don't know her like I do, Randy. Nothing has changed for her. She's the same sweet, adorable, lovable Adaline with me. Nothings changed."

"Every thing's changed. And you know it. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you two will be happy. Together." Randy said, turning around. "You know, I feel like I'm repeating myself." he said, laughing.

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

Before Randy could continue, Adaline walked into the room, smiling at the two men. Randy returned the smile before staring back at John with a sympathetic look on his face.

"Think about it, dude." he said before leaving the locker room.

"Think about what?" she asked, sitting on the couch.

"Nothing." John replied, lost in thought.

"You okay?" she asked, looking at John.

"Yeah, yeah. Just thinking." he answered, giving her a small smile.

"Alright. So, what are you doing for Christmas?" she asked, reading through John's script.

"Oh, just going to return home and spend time with the family. And you, I hope." he said, looking at her.

"Yeah, of course. We have to exchange presents on Christmas Eve. We've never missed one yet, have we?" she asked, smiling at him.

"No, we haven't." he answered, smiling fondly at her before grabbing his coat.

"Where are you going?" she asked, standing up.

"There's something I have to get before Christmas. I forget to get my mom a gift. Can you talk to McMahon for me? Tell him I'll be here to do my interview, I'll just be late, alright?" he asked.

"Alright, John." she agreed, watching him leave.

John knew what he had to do. He had listened to Randy's words and had taken them straight to heart. Someone had finally got through to him and now, he was going to make the change. He was going to lay it all on the table.

He had a lot to plan and but before Christmas Eve, but it all started with the perfect gift.