Tommaso hadn't had a match scheduled for this evening so he was sitting backstage, watching everyone else compete at the last edition of NXT from Full Sail for the year, a frown marring his face as Finn Balor and Adam Cole begin beating each other up. He hates other people fighting for Goldy, for what should be his, but then the frustration and annoyance drains out of him as Balor is distracted by a familiar form on the entrance ramp and Ciampa sits up a little straighter, watching. "Johnny Boy," he mumbles, glad to see his former partner, especially when it keeps Balor from winning.
His goals remain the same, his focus set on Adam Cole, and he breathes a little easier as the camera focuses on Gargano. "Absolutely ridiculous," he mumbles, shaking his head. Getting to his feet, he finds that the locker room is just a little too stuffy, that he needs some air, some time to himself. So he makes his way out of the arena, and sits where some of the developmental guys will eat lunch in nicer weather, feeling the chill from the concrete seep through his jeans. He sighs and leans his head back, looking up at the stars just visible overhead, when he hears the arena door whine sharply as it's pushed open.
He doesn't even need to look to know, feeling Gargano stop behind him. "Hey, Tommaso," Johnny says quietly.
"Hey, Johnny." They fall quiet for a few moments, Johnny joining Tommaso in searching the night sky. Tommaso sighs softly as Johnny reaches out, fingers lightly stroking over Tommaso's skull. "Don't stop," he mumbles when Johnny's touch slows. He relaxes when the tender, circular motions continue.
Johnny continues gently massaging him before pulling away. "Hey, Tommaso," he says, stepping back and holding a hand out.
Tommaso looks up at him, rolling his eyes slightly before gripping his hand and allowing himself to be pulled up off of the ground. "Where are you taking me?" he asks after a stretch of silence, Gargano leading the way through the tables and chairs to a quiet corner. He realizes as soon as he sees it, slowing to a stop and taking it all in quietly. "Whoa," he murmurs.
Decorations light up the area, a small tree settled on a table, blinking cheerfully. Garland trails over the railing nearby and there are small ornaments hanging here and there. It's simple but pretty, and all Tommaso can do is stare. "Nice, huh?" Johnny asks, settling down in a chair and smiling up at Ciampa as he gawks at it all.
"I had no idea this was here," he says honestly.
Gargano chuckles. "Of course you didn't," he says softly. "You've been pretty obsessed with reclaiming Goldy. Everything else seems to have escaped your notice."
Tommaso peers down at him. "Not everything," he responds after a few moments, easing forward and running his fingers through Gargano's hair, parting the dark strands with a sure touch. "I'm glad you're back."
Johnny smiles. "Me too," he says, leaning back into Tommaso's touch. "I heard what you said before," he continues after a moment. "'This is for Johnny Boy!' It was... interesting. Despite everything we've done to each other, I guess..."
"I've grown since then," Ciampa sighs. "Neck injuries suck no matter which way you look at it." His nails creep down, pressing warm against Johnny's neck, and he listens as Gargano sighs softly.
"They definitely do." He reaches up and rests his hand over Tommaso's, squeezing his fingers lightly. "It's good to be home."
Tommaso nods, voice tight when he responds. "Yes. It is." Snagging his other hand, Johnny tugs on it, drawing Tommaso down until they're eye to eye, smiling at him. "Merry Christmas, Johnny."
"Merry Christmas, Tommaso," he echoes, leaning close and lightly kissing him.