"What are you doing here?"

Cody stared into his face, the exact same question repeating itself over and over in his head. What the hell was he doing there? He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heartbeat.

"Cody, is everything OK? Why are you here so late?"

Cody swallowed back his fear and took a step forward. "I made a mistake. I'm a fucking moron and I made a huge mistake. I need you,"

Ted widened his eyes and he felt his stomach clench with fear. He reached a hand out and pulled Cody inside his brother's home, letting the door slam behind them.

"What are you talking about, Codes? Are you hurt; did you hurt someone? What?"

Cody shook his head and held on to Ted's hand. "No, I'm fine. No one is hurt." He sat beside Ted in the sofa, the older man turning on the lamp on the table beside them. "I mean, I made a mistake."

Ted frowned and shook his head in confusion. "I don't understand, Cody. What mistake did you make? Just tell me and I'll fix it."

Cody looked down at his hand in Ted's hand and felt his eyes water. "I lied to you. I told you I didn't have feelings for you but I do, Teddy. I want to be with you. I need you,"

Ted's eyes shot up and he gasped loudly. "What?"

Cody nodded. "I'm sorry. I was scared and I didn't know what to do so I lied. Are you mad?"

Ted closed his mouth and looked down at their joined hands. He had no idea what was happening and how to react to it. "Cody, I could never be mad at you. I just don't understand. Why would you not tell me you had the same feelings I did? Why waste all this time? What about Will; why did you start dating him if you had feelings for me?"

Cody closed his eyes tightly at Ted's barrage of questions, a few tears escaping their confines. "I don't know, Teddy. I'm a moron, I told you! I just want it all to go away, please, Teddy. I don't want anyone but you. You have to believe me." He pulled on Ted's hand making him come closer. "Don't you want me anymore?"

Ted sighed and used his free hand to wipe the tears from Cody's face. "Cody, you took that off the table. You told me to forget you. I've done nothing but try to forget my feelings for you over the past couple of months and just get back to our friendship,"

Cody grabbed his other hand and bought them to his chest. "You just said try! That means you do still want me. Please, Teddy. I want to be with you,"

Ted looked into Cody's eyes, concerned with the look of desperation he saw in them. Why was he hesitating? Isn't this what he's wanted for months, even years now? The man he loved was there, open and willing, offering himself up and he was holding back. Why?

"Cody, I just don't understand how you had this change of heart all of the sudden,"

Cody shook his head and cut him off. "It doesn't matter, Ted. I just did; don't question it. Just take me,"

He took Ted's face in his hands and framed it gently before leaning forward and pressing his lips to Ted's. Ted stiffened upon feeling's Cody's lips on his but as the younger man pressed more insistently, he gave in and began kissing back. Cody reached his hand to the back of Ted's neck and caressed it, educing a moan from the older man. Cody slipped his tongue inside, teasing and caressing the other, probing deeper.

When they broke apart, Cody leaned his forehead against Ted's, both men panting heavily. Ted gazed into his eyes. "Cody," he husked, "God, I've wanted you for such a long time but are you sure…"

Cody pressed a finger to his lips. "If you want me, you can have me. I'm right here."

All of a sudden he couldn't fight it anymore. This was Cody here in his home, asking him to take him. Ted leaned in and kissed him, full of lust and desire, before trailing little bites down the side of Cody's neck. Cody moaned and tipped his head back, giving him more room. Ted took advantage of every inch, kissing and licking everywhere he could reach.

"I need you, Teddy" Cody breathed. Ted's pulse quickened, raging in his body. He tasted Cody's skin again and again. It was delicious and he couldn't get enough.

"Ted, I need you to feel you."

Ted groaned out loud and nodded. He quickly tightened his hold on Cody's hand and practically dragged him to the downstairs of the house where Brett had converted the basement into a private apartment for Ted. As soon as Ted's bed came into view, Cody pushed him on it forcefully. Ted lay back and nearly trembled when he felt the weight of Cody's body covering him. He felt impatient hands tugging at his pajama bottoms and he lifted his hips, suddenly dying to get them off. He pushed at the waist of Cody's pants too, wanting to feel every inch of his skin. When they were finally naked, Ted flipped them so he lay on top of Cody, feeling the warmth of his body and the taste of his lips.

Cody pulled back and pointed to his pants on the bedroom floor. "Wait. Check my pants pocket. I have condoms in there. We both need one."

Ted reluctantly left the comfort of Cody's body to attend to the necessity of protection himself and Cody. He quickly found the package in Cody's wallet and slid it over his hard member. He took the other and slid it over Cody's; the younger man moaning as he slowly stroked him.

Ted resumed his position hovering over Cody's body and placed another kiss on his full lips, slowly working his way down. He licked and bit at Cody's nipples until he was arching his back and moving his head from side to side. Cody grabbed at his shoulders, panting and crying out his name. It was heaven to Ted's ears; hearing the moans and his name coming out of the mouth of the man he craved for so long.

Cody trembled as he felt gentle lips move down his body until the blond hair he'd been clutching met his groin. The first touch of Ted's soft wet tongue licking up the underside of his throbbing shaft nearly made him cum. It was exactly what he needed.

"God, Ted, that feels so good," He choked out, barely able to form words with his mouth. He felt the pulsing of his release threaten to take over. "Wait, Teddy," He panted.

Cody tugged on Ted's shoulders until he crawled back up to kiss Cody on the mouth. "I don't want to cum without you. I want you inside me. "

Ted nearly came apart at Cody's words. "I don't want this to end so soon. I want to feel all of you. I want to taste all of you,"

Cody shook his head and moaned impatiently. "Next time, okay?" He kissed Ted's lips, stroking his tongue quickly before pulling back. "I just need you inside of me now, please."

"All right. Let me just prep you some. I don't want to hurt you or risk a tear," Ted brushed his fingers across Cody's face as the younger man nodded.

"Quickly, please, Teddy,"

Ted reached into his night table and found a bottle of lube he used when he needed release. Opening it, he poured some into his hand, coating his fingers liberally. He slowly moved his hand to Cody's tight entrance and entered him with one finger. Cody moaned and arched his body up. Ted reached over with his other hand and began slowly stroking Cody's hard cock, making the younger man moan loudly. He discretely added another finger and began stretching Cody slowly, not wanting to cause him any pain. Ted lowered his mouth to Cody's covered cock and engulfed his erection.

"Oh God, Ted, please. I need you now,"

Ted hummed around Cody's erection and continued probing inside him, looking for that spot that would bring him ultimate pleasure. Cody suddenly arched up, higher than before and Ted pulled his mouth off.

"Feels good, babe?"

Cody whimpered at the loss of the heat from Ted's mouth on his cock and the sensation of his fingers inside him. "Please, Teddy,"

"I love you, so much, Cody," Ted whispered as he guided himself to Cody's prepared entrance, pushing in slowly until he was buried to the hilt. The perfect mix of pain and indescribable pleasure made Cody cry out loud. He dropped his head back onto the pillow and wrapped his legs around Ted's waist.

Ted began to slowly slide in and out of Cody's body. He angled his hips so he hit Cody every time in the spot that made him see stars. The soft skin of Ted's stomach caressed his aching shaft, making the pleasure that much more unbearable. Cody convulsed and tightened his grip. Ted cradled Cody's hips with one arm, and wrapped the other around his shoulders, cupping his head and bringing him close for a kiss. Cody moaned loudly, Ted swallowing the erotic sound in his mouth. The heat and tightness that Ted was reveling in combined to make a pleasure so intense he could barely withstand it.

"My God, Cody, you feel amazing. I knew you would, baby," He choked out, hoping Cody was experiencing the same incredible bliss.

"Yes...oh God," Cody replied, his face twisting in ecstasy when Ted brushed up against his prostate again. "I can't believe how amazing this feels," he breathed.

Ted couldn't even reply. He was too far gone. He wanted it to last forever but he could barely last three more strokes. He desperately wanted to make Cody cum and he got his reward when he saw Cody's eyes squeeze shut. The younger man cried out and arched his back up as wave after wave of ecstasy swept over him. Seeing Cody come apart was his undoing as his release curled through him quickly and he collapsed on top of Cody, his condom filling with his essence.

It seemed like forever before Ted could breathe again, let alone talk or move. He wrapped his sweaty body around Cody, never wanting to let him go. Cody closed his eyes, trying to catch his breath. Ted kissed his neck and rubbed his hand slowly up and down his side to his hip bone. With one final kiss, he pulled out of the younger man and rolled over on his side before standing on unsteady feet. He walked into his bathroom to retrieve a wet towel and a garbage pail so they could clean themselves up and dispose of the used condoms.

Minutes later he crawled back beside Cody, turning his face over, concerned that he hadn't said anything. "Codes, you OK?"

Cody smiled and nodded. "Yeah, just a little sore. It's been awhile, you know,"

Ted nodded. "OK," He whispered. "God, you are amazing," He said softly while running his fingers over Cody's defined chest. "Please don't tell me you regret this,"

Cody frowned and caught Ted's hand in his. "I don't. This is what I need. I need you, Teddy. I should've realized it sooner. This is the right choice,"

Ted smiled happily, pulling Cody closer. "You have no idea how happy you've made me, baby,"

Cody smiled slowly, wrapping his arm around Ted's waist. "Me, too,"

Ted pulled the covers over them as Cody laid his head on his chest. He listened to Ted's breathing even out as he eventually fell asleep but sleep would elude him all night long.

"God damn it, son of a bitch!"

John's curse rang out in the empty kitchen as the pot fell from his grasp and landed on the hardwood floor with a thud. He picked it up and slammed it on the counter as Randy walked into the kitchen, a frown in place.

"What have I told you about staying away from the kitchen and my expensive pots and pans, John? Babe, you gotta get it through your head that Super Cena cannot cook!"

John glared at him and filled the pot with water. "I'm making coffee. I think I'm capable of boiling water."

Randy raised an eyebrow and mumbled. "We'll see." He started to flip through the morning paper on the counter but stopped to watch as John stared at the water in the pot. With a smile, he walked over to his fiancé and wrapped his arms around his waist.

"Two things, babe. One, you know what they say about a watched pot never boiling and two, you know we have a coffeemaker, right?"

John shook his head and leaned back into Randy's arms. "Not anymore. I think I did something to it when I tried to program it."

Randy sighed. "My God baby, you are a walking disaster with kitchen appliances! I'm shocked you haven't electrocuted yourself at one point in your life!"

John pulled himself out of Randy's grasp and glared at his lover. "Very funny, jerkoff."

Randy laughed and gave him a kiss. "Come on, babe, it really is funny. Look, I'll make the coffee. Why don't you get Al down here? I let her pick out her own shoes but we both know that process may take hours."

John nodded and turned to walk out of the kitchen when Randy called him back. "John, try to wake up Cody and see if he wants to go out with us, too, OK!"

John nodded and walked up the stairs and down to Alanna's bedroom just in time to see her slipping her small feet into a pair of ballet slippers. He smiled at how grown up she seemed already.

"Morning, princess,"

Alanna looked up at him and smiled happily. "Look, Daddy John! I have ballet slippers like mommy! Do you like them?"

John's heart swelled with pride when he heard Alanna call him, "Daddy John". He couldn't love the little girl more if she were his own and hearing one child call him Dad gave him the urge to have many more. It was an option he never thought would be possible with the life he and Randy led but thankfully, everything seemed to be settling down now. It may just be a possibility in the future after all.

"I love them, sweetheart. Let's go wake up Uncle Cody and get downstairs for breakfast because then we're gonna go pick out a ring for Daddy, OK."

Alanna nodded happily and took his hand. They walked down the hall and stopped in front of Cody's room. John raised his hand and knocked on the door. He received no answer and tried again with the same results. "He couldn't still be sleeping,"

"What?"

John looked down at Alanna, who stared back up at him with a frown identical to Randy's. He didn't even realize he had spoken out loud. "Uncle Cody must still be asleep, babe,"

Alanna shrugged and waited patiently beside him. John sighed and pushed open Cody's door slowly and found himself looking into an empty room.

"He's not here," John shook his head and frowned as he stared at Cody's unmade, empty bed. "Weird,"

He felt a tug on his hand and looked down at Alanna. "I'm hungry, Daddy. Let's go. Uncle Cody's not here,"

John nodded and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him and mentally preparing himself for Randy's reaction when he found out Cody was once again not in the house.

Alanna let go of his hand and ran ahead to the kitchen where Randy had two cups of steaming coffee ready to go and breakfast well underway. "Daddy, look at my shoes! Daddy John likes them!"

Randy smiled and nodded. "Very nice, baby. You look beautiful."

John walked into the room seconds later and Randy handed him a cup. "And this is how it's done, dear,"

John smiled but it didn't quite meet his normal standards. Randy immediately frowned. "What? God, what now?"

John sat beside Alanna as Randy stared at him. "Now, don't overreact."

Randy narrowed his eyes and continued to stare. "I promise nothing,"

John pointed to Alanna. "Remember the kid,"

Randy's face softened somewhat and he nodded. "What is it, John?"

John sighed and said, "Cody's not here,"

He held his breath and prepared for Randy's outburst but was surprised when he just smiled. "Is that it?"

Randy laughed and shook his head. He placed a plate of eggs and toast in front of Alanna and busied himself pouring her juice.

John raised an eyebrow at Randy's calm reaction. "Why are you acting so normal? It's freaking me out."

Randy shrugged. "Didn't you want me to be normal at one time?"

John nodded. "I did; I still do but this isn't you being normal. This is you knowing something I don't."

Randy smiled. "Correct you are, my dear." He looked over at Alanna, who was engrossed in her breakfast. Randy motioned John over as he moved over to the doorway of the kitchen. John frowned and followed him out the door.

"What's going on, Ran?"

Randy sighed. "After we got back from dinner last night, I went to see Cody, remember?" He waited for John's nod before continuing. "He was a mess, just non-stop crying. He scared the hell out of me, John."

John groaned. "Was he pissed at me for calling Will? Damn, Randy, you should've called me in. I would've told him it was my fault,"

Randy shook his head. "No, he wasn't mad about that. Turns out when Will was here, he told Cody that he loves him. Cody freaked and told him to leave,"

John sighed and rubbed his head. "God, this is not good, babe. Cody is not good under these circumstances. He's probably torturing himself over this right now,"

Randy nodded. "Normally, I would say you're right but not this time. I talked to him, John. He loves Will, too. It was all over his face. He's just scared to admit it. He thinks he'll wind up getting hurt again but…"

John frowned. "You told him to go for it, didn't you?"

Randy nodded and leaned on the wall. He sighed deeply and shrugged his shoulders. "Of course I did. Doesn't he deserve it, John? Doesn't he deserve a chance at happiness?"

John smiled and pulled Randy in for a hug. "Of course he does, baby. I'm proud of you for encouraging it."

Randy laid his head on John's shoulder, his hands hanging loosely on John's hips. "I know he's scared and I know we want to protect him from another asshole hurting him but I just can't stand the idea of him not ever finding real love. I want him to have what we have one day."

John smiled and kissed the side of Randy's head tenderly. "Then, we'll make sure he gets it, babe. I promise."

Randy pulled back and smiled, kissing John softly on the lips. "I love you. Go put on some shoes so we can leave."

John nodded. "I love you more and I promise not to touch anything in the kitchen ever again," He shot Randy a wink as he ran up the stairs and out of sight. Randy laughed and shook his head. He walked back into the kitchen, pleased to see Alanna was done with her breakfast.

"All done, baby? Good job!"

Alanna smiled. "Can we go shopping now?"

Randy nodded. "Sure. Let's clean your hands first, though."

He turned to grab a moist wipe from the container on top of the refrigerator when the back door opened. Cody walked in slowly, a frown on his face and dark circles under his eyes.

"Uncle Cody's here!"

Alanna jumped off her chair and ran into Cody's arms. Cody smiled and hugged her tightly but something looked off. Randy frowned as he looked at his friend but decided to let him set the tone of the conversation.

"Hey, Codes. You wanna grab some food and go shopping with us?"

Cody shook his head. "Uh no, I'm not hungry or in the mood but can we talk for a few minutes before you leave?"

Randy nodded. He looked over at Alanna and quickly cleaned her hands and face. "Baby, you did such a good job picking out your shoes that I think you should go upstairs and help Daddy John pick out his. Uncle Cody and I need to talk about grown up stuff."

Alanna nodded and quickly left the room. Cody smiled and raised an eyebrow as he pulled a chair out and sat. "Daddy John? When did that start?"

Randy waved his hand in the air and tossed the wipe in the trash before sitting across from Cody. "We'll talk about that another day. Tell me what happened last night. I see you're just getting in so it must have gone great with Will!"

Cody sighed and dropped the smile. "I didn't go see Will. I went to see Ted."

Randy frowned in confusion. "Why? I thought we agreed you were gonna work things out with Will. Did you want Ted's opinion, too?"

Cody shook his head. "I had a change of heart. I decided I want to be with Ted. We spent the night together."

Randy's mouth dropped open and he quickly stood. "Are you fucking kidding me, Cody? What the hell are you talking about? Last night you loved Will!"

Cody lowered his eyes. "That doesn't matter. This is the right thing to do, Ran. I know Ted loves me and I love him. Maybe not in the same way but I can learn to love him. I know for a fact he's one person who will never hurt me. He's the right person for me to be with, not Will."

Randy knelt before Cody and gripped his chin tightly, lifting his face up. He stared at Cody's downcast eyes and shook his head at what his friend was saying. "Are you listening to yourself? You cannot be with Ted because he's your guarantee of not getting hurt, Cody. You're using him. How could you do that to him? You don't love him. You know damn well you don't want to be with him; you want to be with Will."

Cody slapped Randy's hand away from his face. "I'm not using him. He wanted me and he got me so don't tell me this is bad situation for him. I'm sure he doesn't mind it at all,"

"He would mind it if he knew you didn't really feel anything for him, Cody. He wants you to love him. How do you think he's gonna feel when he finds out you're using him as a substitute for the person you really love?" Randy glared at Cody, desperately trying to get through to his young friend.

Cody glared right back. "But he's not going to find that out, Randy. You're not going to tell him. This is none of your business. This is my life and this is what I have chosen to do with it."

Randy shook his head. "Cody, trust me, the last thing I want is to be involved in your fucked up drama with Ted but this is not right. You're making a mistake and you're putting me in the middle just by telling me."

Cody shrugged. "It's my mistake to make! Just leave it alone. You don't have to be in the middle of anything if you leave it alone. Don't make me regret telling you, Randy!"

Randy sighed. "So, what about Will? What about your feelings for him? Think they're gonna magically go away and transfer over to Ted? Are you that stupid?"

Cody held his ground and remained expressionless at the mention of Will's name. "Do not call me stupid, Randy. Will is no longer an option for me and is no longer in my life. Forget him as I already have. My feelings for Ted are not up for discussion anymore, either."

Randy scoffed. "Feelings for Ted or lack thereof?"

Cody slammed an empty coffee cup on the ground, the glass shattering all over the floor. "Damn it, drop it, Randy! What's done is done! This is how it's going to be from now on whether you like it or not so you better get fucking used to it and keep your damn mouth shut around Ted or we are done. If you fuck this up for me, I will never forgive you! This friendship would be over and you will never see me or Ted again! You do not want to piss me off, Randy."

He turned on his heel and walked out of the backdoor, letting it slam behind him. Randy let out a rush of air and gripped the countertop tightly. He looked down at the shattered pieces of what was once a cup and took a step back, leaving the mess as it was and walked back into the living room just as John and Alanna came down the stairs.

Randy lifted his eyes and met John's smiling face. He shook his head and John immediately nodded, his smile dropping. He turned his eyes towards Alanna and bent to her level.

"Baby, you know what? I completely forgot Daddy and I have to make a phone call before we leave. Can you go back upstairs and watch TV for a little while and I'll come get you when we're ready to go, OK?"

Alanna nodded and John gave her a kiss on her forehead before she walked up the stairs. Randy walked over to the sofa and lowered his body down, putting his head in his hands. John walked over to him and wrapped an arm around his shoulder.

"Ran, what happened? Is it Cody? Al told me he came home,"

Randy leaned his head back on the sofa, his eyes closed. John frowned as he turned his face over, the younger man finally opening his eyes.

"Ran, you're scaring me. What's wrong?"

Randy sighed. "Everything's wrong."