Aloha my darlings!

I received 12 reviews for Chapter 24, significantly less than last chapter which was a little discouraging but I hope you guys will make up for it this chapter; thanks to those who reviewed! I really appreciate it, keep it up everyone! And as always, if you guys really like this story, feedback is the best way to let me know. The more you give, the sooner I update!

Disclaimer: I do not own John Cena or Randy Orton (Damnit) Or anything affiliated with the WWE. Vince owns all, superstars own themselves. I own the OC's and the ideas. Sue me and you will get negative dollar amounts in the form of a Student Line of Credit.

Song Credits: -Time of Your Life by Green Day - Lips of an Angel by Hinder

ENJOY!

-Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go, so make the best of this test and don't ask why; it's not a question but a lesson learned in time-

A new year had begun just days ago as Laleia walked into her office, shutting the door behind her. In a meeting where she expected to be discussing the events of this evening's returning edition of Raw Roulette, a very different result had come of it. Looking around the Connecticut office that had been hers for almost three years, she drove her tongue into her cheek and pushed off the door. She had things to do, and now had all the time in the world to do them.

A knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts. She looked up and couldn't help but return a smile as a crooked grin made her heart beat quicken.

"You did not come to lunch, Miss," John shook a finger at her. Laleia smiled and placed a hand on his finger.

"Meeting went later than expected.." She murmured. John chuckled.

"That Stephanie, she loves to talk doesn't she," John snaked an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into him, kissing the top of her head, "c'mon, let's get some food into you, you must be starving."

"Actually," Laleia pulled from him and grasped a cardboard box from the far corner of the room, "I'm not very hungry, to be honest."

John thrust his hands into his pockets and studied his best friend. Furrowing his brow, confusion consumed him. Laleia began to remove tacks from framed degrees and pictures on the walls.

"What are you doing.." John took a few steps towards her. Laleia looked up at him, tears in her eyes and a bittersweet smile on her face.

"Packing." She stated, her voice wavering. John's throat tightened, and he smiled back at her.

"Ah, moving to a bigger office finally?" John inquired, hopeful that what he was seeing was not what he assumed it was. Laleia licked her lips and put the box down.

"Johnny.."

"She fired you?" John clenched his fists and closed his eyes. Laleia was a brilliant writer. How dare Stephanie fire her? How dare she rip her from not only her dream but from this place in their relationship they had just recently come back to; the friendship that had come so easily to them.

"Technically, no." Laleia sat down and patted the seat next to her. John sat next to her on the small love seat.

"My mind has just not been in my work as of late, and my recent storylines reflect on that fact. Management had no choice but to confront me on it. Stephanie was worried about if something was going on in my life, but also the business woman in her had no choice but to have me replaced.."

"How the hell can they replace you!" John's entire body tensed. Rage coursed through his muscles. Laleia shook her head and placed her hands on his forearms.

"Temporarily." She reassured. John pulled his arms back and ran a hand over his face.

"What is going on, Bambi.." John understood. She was leaving not only because she was being told to, but of her own will and volition. He felt betrayed.

"I'm taking a sabbatical, John," Laleia continued to pack her things; "First year will be paid, after that I'm on my own."

"You're leaving for more than a year, is that what you're telling me.."

"I just have some things I need to figure out."

"What, what do you need to figure out, Laleia." John was growing irritated. Laleia looked at him, biting her lip while she stopped packing again. Could she tell him the real reason why her work was suffering? Could she tell him the weight of her emotions for him was crushing her?

"I don't know if I want to do this forever, John," she answered, "I may venture into other things, like magazines, newspapers.."

"What are you running from.."

Laleia froze, startled at his question. Closing her eyes, she swallowed hard and shook her head. John always could read her like a book; except for when it came to him.

"Johnny," she smiled, "you will hear from me, not as often as you'd like, but you will."

"So that's it, you're just leaving and I won't be able to see you at all?" The hurt whisper that came from John made Laleia's stomach twist. She had thought about the break she needed from her job and her best friend, but hadn't thought as much about what his reaction would be like. She knew part of him would always support her decisions, but she didn't expect him to hurt this much.

Laleia walked over to John and wrapped her arms around his waist. Instinctively, he returned the embrace but she felt a slight hesitation in his movements. Kissing his chest, she took in his scent and sighed. Damn, he smelled good. Looking up at him, she smiled.

"I will call you."

John's eyes grew a darker blue color. He released her, nodding as he did so. Laleia knew he understood that he couldn't stop her, but a chill ran down her spine as he stared her down before walking to the door.

"Hey!" She called after him. Hand on the door knob, John turned his head slightly.

"I'll miss you." Laleia breathed out. She swallowed hard as John no more than nodded before slipping out the door silently.

Shaking her head, she continued to pack. They were both stubborn as mules and neither would admit it first. Laleia loved John more than anyone, and she knew he did have feelings for her as well. The only thing she couldn't quite figure out was the extent to which those feelings reached.

Their pride would always be their downfall.

o0o0o0o0o0o

-And I never wanna say goodbye, but girl you make it hard to be faithful.. with the lips of an angel-

"Where are you going?" He murmured, pulling her back by her hips. She giggled softly as he began to nibble behind her ear.

"You know I can't stay," She muttered, pulling herself away and slipping her jeans back on. Resting his head on his arm, he smirked at her. She shook her head.

"We're going to get caught one of these times, you do realize that.."

Pulling the sheets away he stood up and moved behind her. Smoothing his hands down her sides, he sighed.

"We have got to be more careful, she's getting suspicious."

"Yeah yeah, I know." Turning, she pecked his lips then grabbed her shirt on the floor behind him. She slipped into it and grabbed her purse.

"The sad thing is, he doesn't have a clue." She sighed.

"Poor bastard." He chuckled, receiving a slap from her.

"Shut up," she looked at her watch, "well, looks like I won't be late, always a good thing."

She walked to the door and adjusted her purse on her shoulder.

"Hey," he said softly. She turned her head and raised an eye brow.

"I'm serious; we're going to get caught if we're not more careful."

"Don't worry," She flipped her red hair over her shoulder, "I've got more tricks up my sleeve."

Hunter shook his head as Ashley walked out the door. He sighed, trying to figure out how he managed to get into this mess. He had a wife and a daughter at home, as well as another child on the way. It took two to tango as both participated in their game of seduction after his quad was 100%. As much as he was uncertain about, one thing was clear.

This tryst would cost them more than a few broken hearts.

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