Broken Home
"It's amazing, Cody. The miscreant couldn't even answer my question!"
Cody's laughter had gone far past loud and with the addition of Damien's chuckles, the sound was simply obnoxious. It had now become customary for them, however; Team Rhodes Scholars made their presence known.
Raw had gone off the air by now and the best part of the already spectacular show was that the duo had finally made the grand reappearance after Cody's injury. They were sure to be bigger now especially with their new look. Sure the mustache got him a few million laughs but it made him look distinguished- and Damien liked it so who else mattered?
The team was headed for the exit in victory when Sandow knocked shoulders with a passing superstar. Immediately the bearded man turned to the shorter star, ready to verbally lash him, but stopped when he looked into the depths of the most vulnerable soul he'd ever seen in his time. Blue never seemed so blue. At a loss for words, he quieted to give the opposing man a chance at speaking. Almost too quickly, the blonde man smiles sadly and forces speech.
"I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't watching where I was going. I apologize for the inconvenience, really." Even the words seemed broken and quick as a flash the blonde broke off down the hall.
Rather than dawdling on it, Damien snorted and brushed off the incident. "Miscreant. Right, Cody?" He turned triumphantly to his colleague awaiting an amen; however, it never comes. Cody was not by his side any longer.
Rhodes had made it his business to flee the scene as soon as he recognized the southern star that bumped his tag partner. His haste was more or less the reason his heart beat out of his chest. The other reason: Ted.
His Ted.
It wasn't like he wanted to avoid the man like the plague but then again he did want to. It was confusing. To put it in perspective hurtful things were said, homes were not gone home to, and contact had been avoided for some weeks now.
"So Codes are you coming home, this weekend?"
"Can't, Damien invited me to his place. I already said yes." Cody shrugged into the webcam as he packed his things in the hotel room. He rolled his eyes when he heard Ted sigh, which only signaled the beginning of an accusing speech. "Teddy, I really don't want to hear it."
He looked over to the blonde on the screen, ignoring the pleading blue eyes that had began growing red from late hours. His boyfriend had been obviously falling victim to Vince's slave driver schedule; McMahon made it clear Dibiase would work for a top spot until he was main event caliber.
"...You haven't been home in almost a month."
"Ted, I have friends. You know? Besides you and Randy?" He huffed dramatically and went back to packing. "Damien's my best friend so we hang out. What's the problem?"
"When did I stop being your best friend?"
"Aww, don't try to give me that! I don't feel bad, okay? It's not just about you anymore, Teddy. You were my best friend because I didn't have anyone else. Well I do know." Irritatedly, he moved to pack another bag. "You can't control anything."
From the screen, Ted buried his face in his hands. "I'm not trying to, Codes. Despite what you believe, I have friends who invite me out after work but I try to come home to wait on you- if you come home, that is. I just thought it would be a good idea to come home every once in a while-"
"For who? You? Are you jealous of me and Damien's relationship? Is that what it is because I could care less about how-"
This time Ted cut him off. "A good idea for you. Instead of running from place to place all week. Even Randy takes off for home most weekends."
Cody rolls his eyes again and folds his arms. "Well I'm not Randy, Ted." He stepped closer to the screen and chuckled, flicking bits of whatever from his nails. "And I'm certainly not some southern blonde second generation-superstar who is living in the shadow of his father, has been in the business more than five years and hasn't won a title since, and is stuck doing dark matches every single night. I'm not that miscreant who can't even stay off the injury list long enough to get to the main roster!" He laughed harshly but it died when he actually turned to the screen.
He'd never seen Ted cry before besides the time Randy embarrassed him on Raw- and that was completely emotional for a whole different reason. Right now, Ted was heartbroken. "Aww Teddy, stop crying. I didn't mean..." He couldn't even finish as the blonde bit his shaking lip and shook his head, keeping his gaze low. "Ted, c'mon. What I meant to say was-"
Ted wiped his eyes and ran an unsteady hand through his hair, leaning down to shut off the device and hang up.
Cody sat in front of the screen for a few minutes before aggressively finishing his packing and heading out the hotel. It was whatever at this point.
Ted hadn't texted him, talked to him, or even video chatted since then.
Sitting in the stall of the men's bathroom, Cody just sighs repeatedly and rereads the messages. He wasn't sure why he was so cold that day but he never exactly apologized for it. Then again he didn't want to but he did want Ted. Damien had made his intentions to just stay friends clear so, in spite of what everyone thought, he hadn't slept with anyone in months.
Well...Ted didn't seem to think that anyway.
It was a real mess.
His confusion was shushed quickly as Sandow finally came for him. "Cody," he started, "Why'd you run off? Is everything okay?" Cody could read the worry in his colleagues face but it just made him feel worse about his own thoughts.
"Just handling some stuff."
Damien nodded understandingly and helped the younger man out of the stall. "We'll is it all handled? Do you need to go home or something? I can exchange your ticket."
Cody returned the nod with a heavy exhale. "Yeah, I think I just need to go home for a day or two."
"I understand. A bit of alone time." Cody can only beat himself up more for remembering he hadn't even told Damien he had a longtime boyfriend- and the miscreant he ran into earlier was it.
"Yeah."
Without any further evaluation from Sandow, the two went to the airport and about their separate ways.
From that evening after Raw to the next morning, it was a long flight to Florida but his troubled mind kept Cody awake the whole time. He had no idea what he'd even say to Ted. There was no guarantee he'd even want to talk to him. Then again, the man's loyalty was surprising. After their lifetime together as friends and ten plus years dating, one would think he'd be impatient to take it to the next level but he always let Cody dictate the pace. Good ole Ted. At least he knew the man would always be around.
Upon arrival, he was quick to run to their Tampa home and pour his apologies on, only to find no one was home. Ted's car wasn't even in the driveway so there was no blaming it on a morning jog or walking the dogs. There was always the possibility that he just hadn't made it there yet. He was at the show last night too, after all. Eased a bit, he goes upstairs in the house and flops down on to his bed, far too tired by the long flight. The smell of Ted only made it that much easier for his eyes to roll back in his head and get his rest. He'd wait for his boyfriend this time around.
Some hours later, the man was awakened by his little white Maltese licking his face feverishly. The pup always had a tendency to wake him around eight since he became potty trained. Cody immediately got up and let the dog out into the backyard, groggily searching around the house for his boyfriend. Much to his dismay, there was still no sign of the blonde anywhere.
Growing a bit weary, he grabbed his cell and called Ted.
Straight to voicemail.
"Hey, it's Ted. I'm not at the house right now. I'm gonna be out for the weekend- a little getaway. So leave your name and number and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Alright."
He hung up quickly and went to grab his coat and keys. It was all too obvious where the man was so he jumped in his car and took off for the road.
Ted had adamantly made it a point to persuade Cody into staying in his ranch home in Georgia. The location was picked amongst the backwoods so it was easier for the Georgia native to commute. Ted always went on and on about it but Cody was no ranch person. Ted hadn't fought the decision, he just bought their Florida home and payed off both. He was obviously well enough off to do so.
Cody had never even seen the place really but he'd find it. According to his GPS it was only a four hour drive. As well rested and restless as he was, he'd be there in no time.
Deep in the woods of Madison, Cody finally reached his destination, admiring the view. Ted could really pick a home. From atop a hill, the house was long but there was the obviousness that there was no upstairs; maybe an attic but not a whole second floor. A wooden fence surrounded the landscaped front yard and its chair swing complementing patio while the back yard's fence closed around the beautifully decorated patio. It was an old style house no doubt with its dirt road leading to the garage. There was even a small barn house that winded down from the top of the hill. It was alluring, though. Immaculate.
He steadily drove up the gravel and hopped out his car, ready to fix this monster eating away at him. Getting to the front door, he nearly jumped at the porch light coming on and subsequently forwent knocking on the door. He just twisted the knob and rushed in. Lucky him Ted was forgetful enough to almost never lock the door. The kid was simple in a lot of ways.
He takes an impromptu tour around, admiring how woodsy the whole inside was. It was reminiscent of a log cabin, complete with fire place in the den. The kitchen was beautiful, the dining room even more so, the guest room was small but cozy, and he lastly went to the master bedroom. Big and beautiful. Especially the large wood frame of the bed and the warm hand woven blanket that was cascading two rather muscular figures. Instantly his heart sinks and he backs away until both of the men roll over and he notices neither of them is Ted.
It was necessary to inquire why Randy and Cena- mortal enemies- were in bed together but that would be after be found his boyfriend. A loud recognizable bark alerted him and he quickly turned towards the door to eye Ted's German Shepard. It wagged its tail a little before barking again and taking off towards the backyard onto the deck. Obediently, Cody followed it out into the night, losing it where the patio lights ceased to illuminate.
His wandering eyes searched darkness blindly and just as he was about to give up his search he saw the Shepard appear back. It waited just beyond the light and as if on cue, Ted eased out the blackness as well.
He wore a vintage white long sleeve shirt, tight dark blue jeans, and black cowboy boots. Ted was always a handsome southerner- breathtaking to say the least. His eyes were shrouded in shadow from his black wide-brimmed hat but Cody could still see the blues just as dim as the afternoon sky. Still not having spoken and frozen in place, Cody cleared his throat and opened his mouth to form words. "I uh..." He swallowed thickly, "I figured you'd be here since you weren't in Tampa. I decided to come home this time."
Ted's stoic expression didn't change much and he tipped his hat down a bit further, making his eyes that much harder to read.
"I also wanted to apologize about what I said- and not coming home! I know what you're thinking but Damien and I haven't done anything."
"It's good to finally see you." Ted laughed harshly and smiled a little sadly. He further stepped into the light, revealing he carried a bag on his back. "Why don't you have a seat with me. The skies beautiful tonight." Suggestively he motioned to the deck chairs around the fire pit and went to take his seat, Cody in tow.
Cody felt extremely uncomfortable with the quiet but Ted seemed to enjoy gazing into the empty pit. After a while he spoke again. "Randy and Cena both had the idea to come here and cheer me up but when they both got here neither knew the other was coming so they really went at it like two rabid dogs. Me and Nate chilled out in the barn's hay loft a while until it all blew over and well...I guess they directed their frustrations in another way." He chuckled lowly and petted his furry friend. "Told old Nate to go and see if there was anything worth coming out that loft for...he barked when he saw you," The blonde smiled softly and finally for the first time in months locked eyes with his friend.
Consequently, it caused Cody to melt inside and his expression was more of confusion and worry than the excitement that was bubbling inside of him. He can see that not returning the smile, distances himself from Ted even more.
Dibiase sighed and rubbed his hands down his jean clad thighs, staring directly at Cody. "I think it's getting about that time, Cody."
Rhodes' heart skips two beats and his eyes bulge out of his head. "Wha? Teddy wait listen-"
"You had your chance to talk last time Codes," he made a straight face and shrugged. "It's my turn now... I realized I haven't been home in months." It obviously broke Ted up inside to speak but he pulled through. "No matter which house I go to, i'm not at home unless i'm with you." He snickered at his own cheesy words and continued. " I've been doing a lot of thinking these past few months. A lot of thinking and maybe...maybe we fit so well all these years because we were on the same track. After what you said about only having me and now you actually have so much more, I see the problem. At that time, we were both starving to get our foot in the door but Cody I'm still there and you're at the top. We can't coexist like that. We want two different things. " He turned and waited for a reaction but the brunette only nodded with his still big eyes.
"I remember when saying that anytime you wanted to end this thing just wake me up. Well," he chuckled almost sobbing, "that was the biggest wake up call of my life!" Again he laughed and stood up grabbing his bag, turning to note an approaching car at the bottom of the hill. "I guess my ride's here."
Cody stood abruptly and looked to the oncoming pickup truck. Again he chokes out a defensive whisper. "Who's that?"
"That Johnny Curtis guy, you know, NXT and all." Almost missing the question, Ted turned. "I knew you wanted to end it so to show you I'm okay with us moving on I figured I'd try dating again. He's been real persistent these past few months. Wanted to take me to an old fashion honky-tonk."
Speaking of the devil, Johnny- decked in his own cowboy garb complete with chaps and vest- came through the patio door and greeted Ted with a hug. "So I loaded up my ipod with all these country hits so I can serenade you, Cowboy." The star boldly eyed up Ted. "You look so edible, Teddydore." He went to kiss the blonde and not only was thwarted by a shove but he also noticed Cody.
He paused and grinned, momentarily tipping his hat. "Cody right? Nice to meet you." He reached out to shake Cody's hand and slowly drew back seeing the shake wasn't coming. "Anyway, I'm waiting out front, Teddy Spaghetti." He sneakily placed a chaste kiss on the man's cheek and went back to his truck.
Ted still couldn't believe Cody not being responsive to much of anything and he shoved his hands in his pockets. "I guess I'll get going then." He strolled over to Cody and smiled warmly. "I hope whoever you decide to go home to makes you happy," he whispered softly before pressing a soft kiss to the brunettes lips- Cody too shocked to be responsive. A giggle followed and Ted traced Cody's mustache. "I can only imagine who this thing is going to tickle. I think it makes you look so cute." He left one more deep lingering kiss in his wake and hugged his best friend. "I'll see ya around, Codes."
Instinctively Cody follows Ted to the front door and watches him get in the truck with another man. He watched the car crank up and pull out the drive way, snapping from his daze too late and running after the car that was already down the hill. All of his pent up words from earlier," suddenly rushed back to him and tears poured down his face as he screamed objection after objection. He didn't want it to end like this. This wasn't supposed to happen. He was supposed to fix it all.
How did everything turn out so wrong?
He's drawn from his moping long enough to get his buzzing phone from his pocket. He was barely able to read the text through his blurring tears and isn't sure how to answer it. It was Damien asking was he home yet.
For a long time he stared at his phone the gravel road, and finally the house behind him crying more. He made sure to text back before slinking to the ranch house.
"I don't think I have a home anymore."
Awww, I love Codiase! Okay so I was debating whether or not to actually write more to this scenario and make it it's own story. I could really take this somewhere ya know! So if there's any just put it in a review please :D