I apologize in advance for the heavy FLUFF in this chapter. Dunno where it came from.

I really hope my two friends Brooke and Rista will find the time to read and review again as I miss their kind words, but I want to thank everyone else again for your support and the time you take to paint a smile onto my face. It's very highly appreciated.

I've no clue what's next for me, if a new chap here or a new chap of 'SmutFest', so any ideas and suggestions are very welcome. Now enough with the rambling and on with the 'late' holiday spirit.

Chapter: Christmas Spirit

Warning: Slash, hints of Smut, some Angst and tons of Fluff

Disclaimer: The boys aren't gay (or so I think) and don't belong to me (or so I think).

Christmas was only one day away and the past weeks had been as hectic as could be. Not that either of them had minded. They had slowly learned to go back to normal, as normal as it was possible with their job and the rather rare private-time. But it was working. While Cody still visited therapy every two weeks to cope with his past, Randy had started seeing a doctor himself whenever possible, in hope to deal with the mess inside his head and his addiction.

He'd smoked once since their date, since he'd promised Cody to try. Only once and he'd instantly regretted it and told his lover, who'd stayed surprisingly calm. And, surprisingly, that had been enough of a reason for Randy to stop it altogether.

Christmas Eve would be spend at home with Alana, Ted and Kristin. Something they had planned for since Thanksgiving. The next day they'd visit Cody's parents for lunch and then stay in Georgia until the next morning when they were invited for brunch at Randy's place. Al would join them again in St. Louis and accompany them on tour the week before New Year's Eve. So all in all, they would barely have time for each other, for some privacy, but the thought for once didn't scare them at all.

While Cody was preparing dinner for Christmas Eve, Randy was doing some last-minute shopping, one or two presents still left on his list. The hectic schedule those past weeks had provided them with little to no time for such trivial actions and the usually calm man had stressed out over that fact already the previous day. And this morning. Thankfully for the older, Cody had everything covered, already having decorated the house for the holidays the weekend before and ordered the ingredients for the meal online.

Today was the only day they had for one another, Randy already having planned some quality alone-time for the evening, consisting of some take-out and movies on the couch. Something simple they had both missed immensely over the past weeks.

It was nearing evening and Randy had already been gone for over two hours, a fact that made Cody nervous and slightly angry at the same time. He'd hoped for him to be back after an hour and help him prepare the rest of the meal, cooking together always something he enjoyed even though Randy's presence often resulted in more work than else. Besides this, he wanted to spend as much time as possible with his lover before the siblings would arrive the next morning, cuddling, talking, touching... and more. All the things he knew they wouldn't be able to do during the holidays.

5 Minutes past 6, the door to their house finally opened and he breathed an audible sigh of relief, placing the roast inside the oven just the second Randy walked into the kitchen. The teasing whistle made him straighten up again almost immediately, though he couldn't help the smug smirk forming on his lips as he turned around to welcome his lover back.

"Took you long enough."

Dropping the two bags filled with presents and last-minute-errands onto the counter, Randy's lips twitched up into a grin, the older man leaning over to brush a soft kiss onto Cody's cheek.

"Sorry, forgot that you shouldn't make a woman wait too long."

"Woman, eh?"

Cody's brow shot up at the comment, lips forming a tight, thin line though the corners couldn't be stopped from twitching as Randy slung his arms around his body and pulled him close.

"Yeah... Woman."

The elder's usually stern and firm voice had already turned into a husky, whispered growl as he pressed his hips firmly against those of his younger lover, teasingly letting his tongue trace over his lips and watching his reaction.

"How about I show you again how much... MAN... I really am?"

They'd played that game already the night before, the older having completely submitted to Cody and surprisingly having liked each and every second of it, his groin now immediately stirring at the thought of a repeat. Not that he'd willingly admit it. But they'd definitely found one of his kinks there in the heat of the night. A kink no one would expect from him.

"Hmmm... You wanna make me beg again? Want me to fulfill all your wishes?"

"Nhmmm... More like... obey me and you'll get a reward."

He'd never guessed that Cody talking like this would turn him on, but fuck, it was doing things to his body and his brain... the straining bulge in his pants the most obvious evidence. Hell, he'd never guessed that Cody had it in him to order him around. Let alone to play... not THAT game anyways.

"If we go upstairs now, we'll never come down again for dinner and movies."

It was a rather weak statement, barely counting as an argument as Randy placed chaste kisses over Cody's throat down to his shoulder, feeling the younger man smile against his own skin.

"Who said something about bedroom?"

It wasn't until about an hour later that they both finally got some rest, Cody ordering some Chinese while Randy cleaned himself up in the shower, wincing just slightly when the washing-cloth came into contact with his thighs and his ass. However, a smile tucked on his lips all the while, the stinging in his lower back only a beautiful reminder of the trust they were now able to share. A month ago, nothing like this would have been possible.

They spent the evening just like planned, lazily on their couch, snuggled up in a warm blanket, fire-place burning brightly behind them, giving the only light in the room. Three movies and two bottles of wine later, they walked tipsily up to their bedroom again, alarm-clock set for bright and early in the morning, the warmth filling them lulling them into a content sleep, one neither of them had had in a long while.

"You know... I'm really grateful you're having us here today. After... everything."

It was obvious that Ted was rather nervous, especially around randy still, even though Kristen was the calm in person. They had arrived an hour ago, Alana tucked up in her bed for a little nap; the four of them catching up -mainly talking about their job- with a cup of Glogg in the living-room.

"Well... it's good you two came."

Cody managed a sincere smile, nudging Randy slightly as he waited for him to agree, but the older only arched a brow. They had already had that discussion throughout those past weeks for quite a few times, back and forth, the older loosing the argument every single time.

"You know..."

Ted was fidgeting around on the couch, a habit Cody only knew from the blond when he was nervous or excited, the look on the Southern Man's face telling him that it was the first in that case. Just he didn't know why.

"We had wanted to tell you something for a while already. Our parents already know and Vince does, but... since you're two of our... my... closest friends... And I'm REALLY grateful for that..."

It was amusing, to say the least, to watch Ted a stuttering, sweating little mess, Cody not able to bite back a small chuckle as he glanced at Kristen in hope she'd save her husband any more awkwardness. But the slim beauty merely shrugged with a small smirk on her lips, taking Ted's fidgeting hand into hers.

"Kristen and I are getting a baby."

Well, there it had been. Out in the open. And Cody really did not see what the matter had been. This were good news. Great even. Then again, only Ted knew what Cody wanted. Really wanted.

"That's great news! Wow... Congrats you two!"

He was well aware of the furrowed brows on Randy's face and the question-marks in his eyes as he got out of his chair to hug his former lover and best friend before turning towards Kristen and giving her the same treatment, the smile on his face only partly sincere, the cheer in his voice barely containing any true joy, even though he WAS happy for Ted.

Randy made a mental note to address the topic later in privacy again, leisurely getting out of his own chair to follow Cody in his Congratulations. Even though he still wasn't quite over what Ted had done to Cody back then, he was happy for the man, knowing what pleasure a little kid can bring to anyone's life. The day he'd found out Sam was pregnant, had been simply the second best in his life (the best had been the sunshine's birth). He forgot about his own fight for custody for a moment, sincerely shaking Ted's hand and placing a kiss onto Kristen's cheek, smiling as he saw the happiness and relief in their eyes. Out of the corner of his eyes though, he managed to catch a glimpse of Cody's facade crumpling for a tiny moment before the other smiled again and excused himself into the kitchen to check on their dinner.

While Randy would have loved to follow him, he knew it wasn't the right time, nor the right place to pressure the other, rather deciding to look after Alana and wake her up in time for coffee and cake, patting Ted's shoulder in support before he excused himself, too.

The living-room was filled with life as soon as Alana was up and down, engaging their guests with pretty much every game she knew while Cody worked on the dinner and Randy finished the cake.

They'd baked it together with his daughter in the morning, well, Cody and she had done while he had simply watched and stayed out of their space, watching from the door-frame with a gleam of content in his eyes. He loved seeing the two of them interact, realizing each second they all spent together how much of a 'second dad' Cody had already become to his little squirrel. And she never once complained. Maybe he should indeed try to claim Cody as her foster-father, in case anything would happen to him in the future. Definitely a better option than Sam. If everything went right.

The cake was a success, though he had seen the smug smirk and raised brow on Ted's face when they announced Alana had baked it. Afterwards they'd played a game of 'hide and seek' with the little one, each of them taking turns on finding her, each one but Cody who'd retreated into the kitchen once again when coffee had been over. While Randy's urge to talk to him was big, he only once looked after his younger lover, almost startling him when he wrapped his arms around him from behind.

"Geez... Randy... give me a warning next time."

He rested his head on Cody's shoulder, placing a short kiss onto the brunette's cheek before turning again to watch him 'work'.

"Sorry... Smells good so far. Need any help?"

A small cough made him aware that the answer was 'No', his smile faltering a little at the rejection but only until Cody pecked his lips.

"You'd make more work than there already is. I'm fine, really. Almost done."

Squeezing the younger tight, he nuzzled his neck and hummed in agreement before pulling back slightly and locking eyes with his lover.

"Is everything okay? You've been silent since... well... earlier."

He didn't want to address the topic directly, hoping that Cody would catch on to what he was getting at, watching when the younger shrugged his shoulders and his smile slipped again for a second.

"Yeah... Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thinking."

Sighing, Randy nodded his head before retreating completely, rubbing his hands on his jeans. He'd drop the topic for now again, realizing that Cody did not want to talk now, but hopefully later, placing a chaste kiss onto the younger's cheek.

"Okay... How about we talk about it later? When Ted and Kristen are gone?"

To his relief, Cody nodded his head before he turned back to prepare their meal, Randy smiling to himself as he noted once again that they were indeed on a good path back to normal. Giving his lover another warm kiss, he whispered a quick "Good" into his ear, before retreating again to join their guests in the living-room, delighted when he heard Alana telling Ted another tale of her young life.

Once the DiBiase's had left and Alana was safely tucked in, they retreated back to the privacy of their bedroom, clad in boxershorts underneath the comforting warmth of their blanket. They'd agreed on some old re-run of 'Dexter', probably one of the first episodes, Cody's head resting on his lover's shoulder, arm draped lovingly over the elder's chest. Randy hadn't forgot about the topic, but had decided to wait for his lover to speak first, trying to be patient for once. Though everyone knew, patience was one of the things he didn't possess.

Though, it didn't seem as if Cody was going to say a word anytime soon. Thinking exactly the same thing about his lover. Sighing heavily, Randy let his hand trail through the younger's hair, cracking a smile when Cody snuggled closer into his body and let go of a content sigh. He didn't really want to ruin the moment of peace, but he also didn't want to wait any longer. Or couldn't.

"Babe?"

"Hmmm?"

Shifting a little up into a sitting-position against the headboard, Randy let Cody's head slip from his shoulder to his lap, chuckling silently when the other didn't move a bone and just let it happen.

"What was it you were thinking about today?"

He heard the soft sigh emitting from Cody, felt him stiffen for a moment, his hand instantly going back to trail through the younger's hair.

"I... well..."

"You know you can tell me..."

Of course, Cody knew, especially after everything they had gone through already. There was no need for secrets anymore, no matter how big or small. But he had felt the urge to remind him.

"Ted becoming a dad. I mean... I'm happy for him... and Kristen, of course. But... Don't get me wrong..."

Cody's voice was slightly muffled due to the position he lay in, but he didn't show any signs of moving anytime soon, just clasping Randy's boxershorts a bit tighter with each word.

"I just wish it were me. I mean... you have Al and Ted will soon have a baby of his own... and me. I mean, yeah sure, I often said I don't want kids, but those past months... with you. I just... it feels as if something's missing and I guess I'd really like to have someone carrying on the Rhodes-heir and..."

Randy's smile widened as he listened to his lover rambling on, almost letting out a chuckle but able to stop it the last second, instead sliding down the mattress again to lay on an eye-level with Cody.

"... it's not just a phase. I'm thinking about it for a while already, and every time I see you and Al... or I spend time with her, I wish I'd have that, too. just... with my own kid."

When Cody was finally done, he raised his eyes to meet Randy's gaze, the older man placing a chaste kiss to his forehead before arching a brow.

"You done?"

"Yeah."

The blush on Cody's cheeks was too damn cute to miss, the Missouri-native puckering his lips, then smacking them before tilting his head to the side.

"And the reason you didn't tell me that before?"

Cody shrugged, partly embarrassed, partly nervous as he looked down at Randy's abs, though not quite focusing on them as his gaze was blurred, in a dream-like state.

"Dunno... Guess I didn't know how to say it. And... since there's not really a way to make it happen anyways, I guessed..."

"What about adoption?"

Though Randy's suggestion kind of startled him at first, he quickly recovered only to shake his head and let go of a sigh. Turning onto his side himself, he propped himself up on one elbow, taking Randy's hand in his to lace their fingers together, playing with them.

"It's not... it's not really what I want. I... want it to be my own flesh and blood. I've thought about it, yeah, but... it wouldn't be the same. And a surrogate-mother isn't really an option, too. You know all the stories. Everything that could happen. Her deciding last minute she wants to keep the baby or coming back 10 years later to claim the kid as hers. So... yeah..."

He managed to raise his eyes to lock them with Randy's, hoping to find some sympathy in them and relieved that it was exactly what he saw, the older man smiling at him and pulling him closer.

"You know... that doesn't happen as often as it's made out to do. And... you'd be a great dad. I actually thought about... when we marry, one day, or pledge or whatever it is we'll do, I'd like to have you as a foster-dad for Al. Just in case anything will ever happen to me, you know?"

Now it was Randy's turn to blush, something that really did not happen often, the older chewing his lips as he waited for Cody's reaction. After all, they had never talked about this before. Though he'd often hinted at it.

Cody raised a brow at that, rather gaping at his older lover as if he'd grown a second head, lips opening and closing but no words coming out. For quite a while.

"You mean..."

"Well, fight for custody looks quite good, but... I don't think I could do it on my own. I know you love Al like your own daughter, just... that doesn't really count if I... ugh... die or anything. You know how politics are. So, yeah, I'd just like to have it on paper that if anything happens to me, YOU are the one getting full custody for her. Not that sneaky bitch or my parents. Not that I..."

"Randy!"

"Yeah?"

He hadn't even realized he was rambling, only stopping when Cody's soft voice reached his ear and he looked up from where his gaze had drifted off to to see his young lover grinning at him.

"I'd really love that. And... maybe... we could still think about a kid for me. By me?"

Even though he knew the options were rare, he vowed to himself then to help Cody with his wish, knowing that anything that made Cody happy was warming his heart, too. Just another sign that they were on the right path to a safe and sound future together.

Review, pretty please?