With Renee out of sight, he could pay all his attention to the birthday boy. Dean's eyes focused on his friend, engaged in a dance off with someone he couldn't see because of the crowd that surrounded them. He couldn't tell who was winning, only that they all seemed to be having a lot of fun. People were cheering, "Seth!", "Seth!", "Seth!"

Dean got lost in his thoughts. Desires to accompany Renee back to the hotel. Wishes to be the one kissing her goodnight. He would keep his promise to check up on her as soon as he leaves the party. What would happen then he didn't know. He wanted to leave it up in the air. Leave the possibilities open. He knew they were; he was well aware of her hints.

He returned to the present. Oh no, he thought when he noticed someone was actually going to use the karaoke machine. There was a long table with appetizers Dean decided to approach. He picked one up and turned around when he heard the song start. The first few notes of 'Mr. Brightside' started to play. He recognized the song immediately; who wouldn't? He kept watching, even enjoying the sight and perhaps for a moment he even considered to take part. Karaoke was something he enjoyed. Occasionally. But no, he thought, he wouldn't sing there in front of everybody. He could do it in his free time, in a bar late at night when nobody cared what was happening around them. That was his time to shine. It's been some time since his last karaoke session. He wondered. It was probably when he was still with Renee.

He remembered. That autumn night. November; or was it? It was cold outside and late at night. That one night after a live event. Renee didn't want to come. She kept persuading him to take Seth or Roman instead. In the end, he convinced her. He even made her count it as a date night. The lights were dim, the bar was far from full. Most of the residents drunk. Nobody recognized them. Or noticed who they were . . . or maybe they just didn't care at that point. They sang a duet. Dean couldn't remember what it was but he remembered exactly how he felt that day. How fulfilling that night was. How much he enjoyed being with her, doing something so carefree, so unrelated to their typical activities. That memory made him smile.

The loud clapping brought him back to the birthday party. He started clapping as well although he missed the performance.

"Who's next?" a girl shouted. He did not recognize her. Did she work with them? No, she definitely wasn't from WWE. Judging from her actions, he believed she could be a hostess. Maybe Renee actually hired someone to keep this party together. Good idea, Dean thought, remembering how exhausting all the planning was for Renee.

"Hey there," Seth shouted enthusiastically from afar. He was walking toward him swiftly, a big smile on his face.

"Happy Birthday, big boy!" Dean responded when Seth was close to him. Immediately he erased all the previous thoughts from his mind and joined Seth in his cheerfulness. "Seems like you're having fun," Dean noted.

"Yeah," Seth admitted cheerfully. "I'm having a good time. It was a real surprise to see everyone here. I thought nobody would show up."

"Well, you've got Renee to thank for that. She organized the whole thing."

"I'm really thankful. Although," Seth paused, taking a look around him. "I haven't seen her around. Where is she?"

Dean wasn't sure whether to admit the truth. In the end – and to his big surprise and disappointment – he didn't have to as Renee appeared from behind with a glass of red wine in her hand.

"Happy Birthday, Seth!" Renee shouted. She passed the glass to Dean and gave a big hug to the man of the hour.

"You did all this?" he asked but didn't wait for an answer. "It's amazing. Thank you so much."

When they broke off the hug, Renee was finally able to see Dean's expression. "Sorry," she whispered, barely opening her mouth. That way Seth didn't notice what was happening.

As Dean didn't want to bring it up in front of Seth either he let it go. He would possibly say something to her later about her disobeying his orders.

Renee apologetically smiled at Dean and turned to Seth again. "I've tried to get here as many people as possible."

"Thank you, Renee. You are incredible."

She explained, "Some people had other plans, unfortunately."

"You've done more than enough," Dean assured her.

"Dean's right," Seth added. "I didn't expect any of this. It's perfect."

A new song started to play in the meantime. Someone chose Def Leppard's 'Put some Sugar on Me' to what Dean turned around.

Renee continued, "I'm sorry your girlfriend couldn't be here."

That sentence made Seth pay his full attention to Renee. Could she know something? Did someone tell her what was happening? Does Dean know?

"I asked Roman for her phone number but he told me she couldn't make it."

Dean was slowly but certainly moving away from the two of them and approaching the group of people enjoying karaoke performances. He thought, why not. What the hell, it was a party; let's celebrate. He already had a song in mind. 'Rock You Like a Hurricane'. So waiting for the current WWE Superstar to finish their version of the previous song, he was getting ready, far away from his friends.

Meanwhile Seth and Renee were focused enough on their conversation not to notice the escapee.

"Do you know her?" Seth asked with hesitation.

"Actually, not. But we could double date sometime. You and her, Dean and I . . ." Perhaps she wouldn't notice the mistake.

He did. "Renee?"

"I mean, Nate and I." She felt awkward. That was not supposed to happen. "I'm sorry."

Seth looked at her with understanding in his eyes and voice. "You don't need to apologize to me."

"It's that I'm tired," she made a poor attempt at an excuse.

"Okay." Seth let that one pass. But they both knew it wasn't just because she was tired.

Renee quickly tried to change the subject. "So how long have you two been together?"

Seth smiled. "About . . . 3 months." There was no need to lie.

"So it's still fresh." It could be seen that Renee was genuinely happy for him. She knew what he went through and she was glad he found someone. "What's her name?"

Seth froze. Fortunately that small pause allowed him to appreciate his surroundings. Finally he noticed something they've been ignoring until now. "Is that Dean?"

Renee now too started paying attention to what was happening in their background. "Is that Dean singing?"

Seth laughed. First it was just a chuckle but quickly it grew into a full-blown hearty laughter. "What the hell is he doing?"

"Enjoying the party," responded Renee. She liked what she saw. A feeling of accomplishment grew strong inside of her.

"Is it possible he's having more fun now than at his own party?" remarked Seth.

Renee didn't have any need to bring up a moment from the past. A moment that belonged to a whole different era; an era when Dean and she were still a couple. She learned her lesson earlier; it wasn't clever to think about that time and thereby bring about her own downfall. But trying not to sound suspicious, she said, "You didn't seem to be enjoying yourself then either." Either was not the most suitable word, she realized, as Dean actually really had a great time there. But she couldn't tell Seth that. She couldn't mention all they did at that party. In fact, thinking about it now was just as wrong. Once again she was failing to comply with the rules she herself set.

"Things were different then. You know . . ." He stopped talking.

She knew. And she knew it was best not to mention anything. Discard the topic. "I'm glad you're happy now."

"I really am. Maybe things are not perfect and there are many obstacles, but my life's good now. Inside and outside of the ring."

Renee smiled. "Come with me," she said in a lowered voice. It might be a good time for the present, she realized.

Seth followed her. On their way they passed Dean who was still working on his song. The audience loved him. And quite apparently, just this one time, he loved being in the center of the attention.

They walked all the way to the back. There was a private lounge which they entered.

"What's going on?"

Renee did not respond.

"Is there any surprise?"

A nod had to suffice. A nod and a grin on her face.

Suddenly the door opened behind them. There appeared Dean who, from how it looked, has been running there. He took a second to breathe before explaining himself.

"You're not gonna give him that lap dance, are you?" he asked in between the sighs.

"What lap dance?" countered Seth.

Renee just giggled. "You wouldn't mind, would you?" She was posing that question to Dean. She was wondering what he would say. What was the truth.

"Of course not. I just," he paused. "I just wanted to be there when you do it."

Everybody seemed to be ignoring Seth now so he spoke again. "Is there a lap dance?"

Dean was the one to reply. "I don't know, you ask her." His mouth forming a smile, his eyes striking hers. There was a dare. Would she accept it?

Renee looked at them both. "No. No lap dance."

"Oh," Seth and Dean replied in unison. However, that syllable sounded obviously fake. They weren't disappointed, each for his own reasons.

Renee stared at Dean. There seemed to be a staring contest, but she declined that challenge. "You can leave now," she said to Dean. Maybe this did not concern him, but then again, maybe it did, and he thought it would be best if he stayed . . . just in case.

"Aren't you the one who was supposed to leave?" he countered.

Renee realized her little escape. Or the lack of it. Earlier in the night she might have promised him to go back to the hotel to get some rest, but that promise was now off the table. She did not feel tired. And in the end, she was the one who planned this birthday party, it wouldn't be fair if she didn't get to enjoy it. And most importantly, she hasn't given her present to Seth yet. Simply, she just explained, "This party needs me. Seth needs me."

"I don't need you," replied Seth, not trying to get in the middle of something that was evidently happening between his two friends.

"Oh, so you don't want your birthday present then?" The game was on and she was the one in charge.

"Hell yeah, I do!" he shouted. "You've got something for me? I mean," he paused, "other than the party?"

Dean was still looking at Renee disapprovingly. But at the same time he was realizing another thing. He didn't have any gift for Seth. Somehow he forgot it was necessary to bring something. But he couldn't let anything show. Meanwhile Seth and Renee were talking, covertly and cowardly he sneaked out of the room.

Quick, think, he was telling himself. Could he find some last-minute present? He knew he wasn't going to make something.

He was back in the hall where some people were still enjoying the karaoke machine meanwhile others were grabbing something to bite or just chatting. There was also a dance floor, but nobody seemed to be interested in dancing right now. Maybe the karaoke had something to do with it. Although, Dean remembered that Renee in fact hired a DJ. Maybe that was on program later on.

He searched through the crowd. He wasn't sure what he was looking for – for one thing it was certain he couldn't find a present there – until he spotted Roman. As Dean got closer to him he noticed that Roman was on the phone. He finished the call before Dean approached him.

"You're still here," he noted.

"Yeah, but I'm leaving soon, actually. I just need to speak to Seth and then I'm off."

Dean proceeded to inform Roman, "He's in the back with Renee." Then he slightly changed the topic. "Hey, do you have something for Seth?"

Roman laughed. "Yeah. It's his birthday, isn't it?"

Dean hesitated. "Sure. It's just that . . ." A pause. "I totally forgot about it."

Roman laughed again. He somehow found it funny. "I've got a present but I can't give it to him."

"How's that?"

"It's a surprise. It's just for him."

"It's not a stripper, is it?" Dean took a wild guess.

"No."

"So why can't you give it to him?"

"It's . . . not a thing," Roman explained. He checked his phone as though waiting for a signal.

"It's not a puppy, right? Because I know Renee was considering giving him a puppy but obviously it wouldn't be a good idea because of a, the constant traveling and no time to take care of a living creature, and b, you know, the history." They both knew what Dean was referring to with the latter and knew how Seth suffered after the break up.

"No. And no more questions."

"Come on, man, tell me. I'm not gonna spoil the surprise."

"Why don't you sort out your gift to him?"

Dean almost forgot. But what was he supposed to do. Gifts don't fall from the sky. Then he got an idea. "A sky diving experience?"

Roman thought for a second but pointed out its danger. "I don't know if that's allowed. You can hurt yourself. Or, you know, die." At the end of the sentence he wasn't even looking at Dean anymore. He was paying his attention to the far end of the hall where he noticed Seth. He was walking with Renee but then they parted ways. This was his opportunity. A quick glance at Dean and a pat on the shoulder. "Good luck!"

He was watching Seth again and started walking towards him rather quickly. He couldn't let him escape and couldn't allow someone else to steal him.

"Seth!" Roman shouted in his direction.

Seth was glad to see him. He hasn't got a chance yet to speak to him. And he really wanted to thank him for coming.

"Hey, Rome. I'm really glad you're here."

"Of course."

"I mean, I know we've had some problems, I completely understand where you're coming from –" He reopened a topic they discussed not that long ago.

Roman cut him short. "It took me by surprise, I must say that."

Suddenly Seth whispered to make sure nobody would hear him. "Cassie is a really sweet girl. Once I got to know her . . ." He changed his approach. "I know she's Dean's ex and exes are out of question –"

Another interruption by Roman. "It's not just that, Seth. Just remember how much you hated her. How you sought and found every occasion to say something negative about her."

"I know. I'm so sorry."

"How did that even happen?"

"You really want to know?" Seth wasn't sure. Was it just a polite question? Was Roman really interested in knowing the story of how Cassie and Seth got together?

Roman nodded without saying a word and added to his friend's confusion.

"You remember when Dean and Renee broke up and Dean refused to explain why?"

Of course Roman remembered. Although Dean actually did explain his reasons – at least partly – to him. Seth, on the other hand, was left out.

"I thought someone might have gotten in the way."

What a surprise, Roman thought. It definitely wasn't the only time when Seth accused Dean of cheating. And, at least in Seth's mind, Cassie was always the other girl. The one causing all the trouble. The one Dean was cheating with. The guilty one.

"There was this one time when Dean actually wanted to meet up with her . . . I found out from Paige," Seth explained. That was part of the truth. "It was at Raw in Denver, her hometown. And, you know, to put an end to it, I wanted to confront her."

"I actually don't wanna hear it," Roman changed his mind. "But if you're happy, I accept that."

"Thank you."

They were standing there in silence for a moment. Not looking at each other directly, but feeling one another's presence.

Suddenly Roman spoke up again, saying something Seth didn't have the courage to even think about. "You know you'll have to tell Dean at some point. . . . And Renee too. They might not be together, but she'll have an opinion on it and you should respect that."

"I know all that, Ro. You think it doesn't terrify me?" Now Seth looked ahead. He knew that Dean was somewhere in the room and sure enough he found him with a bottle of beer in his hand. He was checking his phone and for a second it crossed Seth's mind that he might be chatting with her. That was another thing that kept him awake at night – if they were seemingly such good friends, was there a chance for more? Maybe he was being paranoid, but there was a possibility of a slip up, one drunken night, two friends wanting more. He felt anger building up in his chest. Only when Dean put the phone back in his pocket Seth was able to relax.

Seth noticed that Dean was standing all by himself but looking at someone. At Renee who was having a good time with her friends. People were starting to fill up the dancefloor as the DJ took charge of the entertainment. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves, except for Dean. But Seth knew that he was never a fan of these events. Dean wanted to be a wrestler, but he did not like the baggage that came with it. He could have fun sometimes at parties and social events, but mostly he preferred to be by himself, or not being there at all. He was the exact opposite of Renee. She was a social butterfly. Maybe that's why it didn't work out. Or maybe that's why it worked so well. In the end, opposites attract, don't they?

Seth decided to go talk to him.

"You're gonna confess?" asked Roman to what Seth simply reply, "No," making it sound like it was the last thing he had on his mind.

Dean was unaware of Seth's actions. He returned to being on his phone.

Seth was able to see what Dean was looking at. "Adrenaline adventures?" he asked.

"What?!" He said confused as he finally realized Seth was next to him. He chose to admit the truth. "I forgot to bring you a present. I was thinking that perhaps I could buy you an adventure or something."

"That's really not necessary. I don't care for presents. You being here is enough. Besides," Seth paused to regroup. "That's not what I came here to talk to you about." He had enough courage to bring up the topic. Something Dean probably didn't want to discuss. As Dean did not say anything, Seth continued. "I saw you looking at her." There was no need to specify who they were talking about. "You still like her. Of course you do. You should do something about it before it's too late."

"You're done?"

Seth said what he believed necessary. If Dean did not want to listen to him, it was okay. But maybe, just maybe, he would consider Seth's words, or at least think about them. Even if it was for only a second.

The music got louder. It was no longer possible to have a conversation there. Fortunately, it seemed that Dean did not want to discuss his situation anyway. Seth, however, knew he was conflicted. He could only imagine what was going on in his mind, that internal battle. And he felt bad for him, too. It must have been difficult to face the reality of Renee dating another man. They broke up a couple of months ago, but the love wouldn't disappear, right? Seth wondered. At least they seemed to be friends again – or something like that.

Seth looked at the crowd and thought about joining them. He was in a dance battle earlier on but he wished to go dance again. "Why don't we join the fun?" Seth suggested to Dean. "It is my birthday after all, isn't it?"

"Yeah, whatever. I don't dance," Dean opposed.

Seth noticed Dean was looking at Renee again.

"Wait here a second," Seth told him. "Don't move!" he ordered and ran off. He knew where she was. Actually, it could be seen she wanted to dance. She looked happy. And then surprised when Seth stopped in front of her, catching his breath after the little sprint.

"What's going on?" Renee asked, surprised.

"You wanna dance?"

Renee smiled. "Sure."

"Great. Then come with me." Seth grabbed her hand and led her seemingly to the dancefloor, which made her believe it would be him who would dance with her. But she was wrong. The direction quickly changed and they were walking towards Dean. She noticed him standing all alone, looking at them suspiciously as they were getting closer.

"Oh," Renee said when she realized what Seth was doing. It was not an exclamation of disappointment, rather of surprise and hesitation.

Instead of explaining the situation to Dean, Seth continued talking to Renee. "Why don't you take him to dance?" he suggested. When there was no immediate reply, he continued, explaining, "He looks like a sad puppy. Look at him, he's here all by himself . . . and he's not having fun."

"Seth," Dean called him, somewhat angrily.

Seth addressed him. "You said it yourself, you haven't brought me anything. Well, this can be my gift. It's all I want . . . for you two to have fun together."

At first it appeared they would say something, not interested in Seth's game, but Renee deep down admired his intention and Dean . . . well, Dean really did want to spend some time together with Renee. Even if it was only surrounded by dozens and dozens of people, in a room filled with music that was playing too loud for him at an event he would much rather not have to attend.

"Wanna dance?" It was Renee who asked Dean, taking the lead.

"Why not?" he replied.

At that moment Seth couldn't resist the smile. He gave in, as he was incredibly happy and wished for the best. They had to find a way back together.

He stood there for another minute, watching them getting farther and farther away until they found a spot in a distance, somewhat separated from the rest, and they started dancing. His eyes lingered for a moment longer, but quickly they got away from his sight with so many people in between.

Seth was wondering what to do next when a beep sound, or actually it was the vibration of his phone, got his attention. He grabbed his phone from the pocket of his jeans to find out who was writing to him. It was Roman. Before reading the message, he searched the hall for him but couldn't see him anywhere. Come outside, the message read.

Without a delay he started walking toward the exit, grabbing a blue macaron on his way out. He took a bite at first but quickly put the whole macaron in his mouth. It took a little effort to move across all those people. He tried to do it stealthily to avoid someone starting a conversation.

Finally, in about two minutes he was walking through the main gate. The brisk wind surprised him and he shivered. It was not really cold, but the difference between the inside and outside temperature caused his body to react.

He stayed standing right by the entrance, looking around, but he couldn't see Roman. There was just a group of people smoking nearby. He grabbed his phone again and dialed Roman. Before the other person had the chance to pick it up, Seth heard a sound of a phone ringing. He stepped a little farther from the building and noticed that Roman was actually standing right there by the road.

"What's going on?" Seth asked.

"Follow me," Roman replied, no explanation given.

Seth did as asked.

"Somebody followed you?"

"What? No." Seth did not understand what was happening and why Roman asked him that. Where they committing a crime or what?

"And Dean? He's still inside?"

"Yeah. He's actually dancing with Renee," he said cheerfully. He couldn't fight away the urge to smile because of his accomplishment.

"Okay. That's good," uttered Roman, realizing he now didn't have to ask the other question.

He did not seem to appreciate the fact they were spending time together, dancing even; in fact he paid it no attention. Roman seemed nervous; maybe that had something to do with it.

"Something's wrong?" Seth had to ask when he noticed his friend's uneasy face.

They stopped at the corner of the building his party was taking place in. Roman sighed. "There is something I need to tell you." He noticed the worry in Seth's eyes. "Or show you, actually." He whistled. "Happy Birthday!" he shouted.

First Seth noticed the change in Roman's expression. He appeared happy. A grin on his face. And then . . . Seth noticed the surprise.

"Happy Birthday, baby!" shouted Cassie and hugged Seth, who somehow still couldn't understand what was happening.

It took Seth a moment to grasp how she got there and what Roman had to do with it. "You?" He looked at him. Then again at Cassie, with a big smile on his face. "What are you–?" "How–?" He was speechless. Speechless but happy. He still held his girlfriend in his arms, smelling her strawberry-scented ginger hair. She gave me a kiss on the cheek, but as soon as she pulled away she noticed the print of her red lipstick left on Seth's cheek and tried to wipe it off.

"So I guess I'll leave you two alone," Roman uttered.

"Wait," said Seth. "So you don't mind?" They both knew what his question meant. Although he was paying his full attention to Roman, he pulled Cassie in to feel her presence. He even planted a little kiss on the top of her head.

Roman did not want to linger there, he wanted to leave the two lovebirds alone so he opted for a quick answer.

"As long as you're happy . . ."

Cassie and Seth shared a loving look. Then Seth turned to Roman again. "I am." This time he kissed her lips. It was a gentle kiss; passion was programed for later. "Thanks. It really means a lot to me."

"Just be careful." Although there was no need to specify, Roman added, "You don't want them to find out." The truth was, they would need to find out at some point and Roman was the biggest supporter of that. But it certainly wasn't the best way to let Dean and Renee know what was happening between Seth and Cassie.

"We'll be careful," Cassie spoke for them both. "Although," she was looking at Seth now, "you know that I can speak to him. I actually wouldn't mind seeing him . . . it's been a while." That was something Seth preferred not happening. One thing was Dean finding out about their relationship – something that Seth was afraid to do, but Cassie and Dean being back together in one room terrified him.

"Let's just keep this a secret for now."

"I'm not scared," Cassie said.

"Well, I am."

Roman interrupted their little exchange of opinions. "Meanwhile you two figure it out, I'm gonna go, okay? Enjoy the rest of the night, buddy." Roman patted Seth's shoulder. He then looked at Cassie and gave her a little hug. "It was nice seeing you again." It sounded somewhat sincere, but they couldn't know to what point.

"See you tomorrow, Rome."

When he left, Seth finally stopped holding back and went for that long-awaited passionate kiss. "I can't believe you're here." He put his hands on her waist and lifted her up unexpectedly, as a reaction to what Cassie let out a little scream. It wasn't though the first time something like that happened and maybe she was supposed to get used to it. "I know you love it," she whispered into her ear.

"I love you," she whispered into his.

"I love you too, C. Thank you so much for coming."

"I wanted to spend your birthday with you."

Once again he lifted her up in the air and kissed her right afterwards. She did like it. Now more than the first time.

When her feet touched the ground, she looked him dead serious in the eyes. "I guess I'm not allowed to enter. . ." She let the sentence to fade out.

"I'm not gonna leave you alone," Seth assured her. "How about I say goodbye to some people and we go to my hotel?"

"You'd be okay with that? I don't want to spoil the fun." Her words sounded honest. But Seth was well aware of what it took her to get there. Besides, he wanted to spend his free time with her; he sees all those people all the time at work.

He kissed her on the cheek as a sign of reassurance. "I won't take long; I promise."

"You take all the time you need. I'll be waiting right here."

Seth felt bad for her although no disappointment could be read from her face. All he saw was happiness and from his knowledge of her he knew she was honest with her emotions. Still, he wanted to make sure she would enjoy his presence and not regret flying over there just to see him on his birthday.

"I'll grab a bottle of red wine and some snacks and we'll continue with the party in my hotel room."

"I'd love that," she said, leaning for a kiss. She squeezed his ass and whispered, "Just so you know, I want that body. Badly."

Seth grinned – he could not help it. He looked at himself, observed his own body before looking at her again and saying, "You can have all this all . . . night . . . long," he emphasized. To prove he meant it, he kissed her passionately on her neck and included a little bite to what her hand went directly for his crotch.

"You want war?"

"What if I do?" she played her part.

"Ten minutes. And then I'll make you mine." He decided it was for the best to break it off before something happens. He had to control himself for now. And so did she.

He blew her a kiss before walking away in the direction of the entrance. He noticed Dean leaving the building so Seth hurried to say goodbye to him. He was going to call out his name when Renee walked out as well, putting her jacket on. Seth stopped for a moment to observe. Suddenly Dean took her under his arm and to make Seth question the situation even more, Dean kissed Renee on the top of her head. Renee's arm was wrapped around Dean's waist, but then she moved it up to caress his cheek with her hand. They were approaching a cab. Suddenly they separated. Dean walked faster to open the door for her. But before getting in, they looked into each other's eyes for a couple of seconds, Dean caressed Renee's cheek and moved away her hair. With his hand still holding her head, he leaned in for a kiss, which she accepted without hesitation.