Title: Solving Problems (15?)
Rating: We'll go for a nice safe R, M in parlance
Content: mentions of domestic violence, drug use, swearing, sex
Disclaimer: Don't own any of the characters mentioned herein, except for Laura, no offence meant.
Summary: Laura hasn't been around the wrestlers of the WWE for a while. When she returns, things have changed, schisms have formed, and all is not well. Can she sort things out?
A/N: Thanks for the reviews once again. Sorry I'm not updating as frequently as I was, but real life keeps getting in the way. I also need to note that the orange/grapefruit thing was shamelessly borrowed from Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash (The Royle Family), apologies for not crediting before. I meant to, but forgot! Anyway, here's another installment.

Randy was due to be home before Laura, so he made a few plans. First off, he figured he'd best go to the grocery store, as most of his cupboards were empty aside from potato chips and microwave popcorn. He wasn't so much a bad cook as lazy. When he was growing up his dad had often been away, and his mom worked shifts at the hospital, so he'd often have to cook for himself. He was rarely at his house now, so there had seemed like little point in stocking up. Now, he was actually looking forward to impressing someone.

He wasn't too good at all this domesticated stuff, but he worked pretty hard at making the place look nice and feel like home. By the time he was due to pick Laura up at the airport, he was exhausted. It would be worth it though.

When he spotted her in arrivals he waved, and she ran straight over, nearly screaming at him in joy.

"Oh babe, it's so good to see you." She hugged him tightly, "I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too angel," he inhaled her scent and sighed, this was what had been missing. "You ok?"

"I'm good. Me and the grapefruit's been missing you."

"Grapefruit now huh? The little one's growing quickly." Randy put his hand to her stomach. Slowly, a little bump was making itself known. He smiled and grabbed her bags, "ready?"

Laura nodded, "take me home."

She said that because it did feel like home already. Even though she'd only spent about a week there in total, it was somewhere she felt safe and secure. Maybe that was because of Randy, it didn't matter. All that mattered was that it was theirs.

Laura was wired, asking about everyone, wanting to catch up on all the news. Randy was a terrible gossip, so he filled her in on some of the more salacious occurrences, the pranks played and arguments that had occurred. She missed having seen all of this, but her time away had been successful. The book had received mostly good reviews, and her agent expected a best seller. He was already putting pressure on for another. She was, in her own way, itching to get back to writing again. As soon as the last of the interviews were over, she'd start writing again. There were already a few ideas running around her head.

Randy watched her out the corner of his eye, delighted to have her back by his side where she belonged. He knew they'd soon get a routine sorted, and that being apart would get easier to bear. It also made the days together more special. He figured they'd have to make the most of it just being the two of them, as soon they would be three. While he was happy about that, it was also something scary too. Each day, the fact that he would be a father was becoming more and more real to Randy.


Laura was impressed. Randy had cooked her a lovely meal, and had refused to let her do anything, even doing the dishes himself. He insisted that she go watch TV while he cleared up, and by the time he'd finished she was dozing on the couch.

Randy knelt by her side, watching her sleep. He mused on how much his life had changed since he'd met her. His career was improving, he was focused on being a success. He'd been forgiven for his behaviour, and had changed his attitude to his colleagues. He was all of a sudden domesticated, happy to be at home, and was finally thinking about the future. Although they hadn't planned to have a baby, Randy wouldn't change what had happened. He was firmly convinced that Laura was the best thing to happen to him. He figured that he was finally growing up. He was scared, but at least this time he hadn't tried to run away from his responsibilities.

She mumbled in her sleep, and her eyes fluttered open. She was still drowsy, exhausted after a busy day of work and travelling.

"Wanna go to bed angel?"

She nodded, wanting nothing more than to lay in Randy's arms. She felt drained of energy, almost to the point of being unable to stand.

"Want me to carry you?"

Laura smiled slightly, "it's ok honey, I can walk, I'm just worn out from today."

He held out his hand, "if you're sure."

Laura pretty much fell into bed, and allowed Randy to undress her. She was tired, but determined to stay awake until Randy joined her. Falling asleep with him by her side, and waking up with him was a precious gift she was determined not to waste.

She snuggled into Randy's embrace, smiling to herself as he protectively held a hand over her stomach. She hadn't expected him to adjust to impending parenthood so easily; she was still pretty scared herself. She was lucky, she knew that, and she just hoped that her luck wouldn't run out any time soon.


Laura decided that it would be best if she stayed home, rather than go back to travelling with Randy, now that her promotional commitments were complete. The doctor had advised caution because of her blood pressure, suggesting weekly check ups to make sure that everything would be ok. It therefore seemed sensible to remain at home, where Randy's parents were only a few minutes away.

Much as Randy wanted Laura with him full time, he knew that it was for the best she stay at home. When the doctor had raised concerns he'd been terrified, and now he was, if anything, overprotective of Laura. He knew where his priorities lay now, and he was extremely nervous lest anything bad should happen.

Randy had become very good friends with Hunter. Hunter had pretty much taken Randy under his wing right from the beginning, and now he was finding that the young man was a good sounding board for his worries and concerns about Steph and the baby. Randy knew where he was coming from, having had so many concerns with Laura's pregnancy so far.

Chris had thawed towards Randy somewhat, as he'd watched the young man remain faithful and dedicated to the girl who was like a little sister to him. He'd had doubts, but Randy had worked hard to prove himself. Chris had taken him to one side one day, he wanted to make a few things clear.

"Randy look, I know I was angry with you about leaving Laura alone in the hospital…"

"I know and you had every right to be," Randy interrupted, "I fucked up and I accept that."

Chris nodded and continued, "well, I was angry with you, but I've got to be honest man, you've been doing nothing but good since. I've spoken to Laura on the phone a few times, and I've never heard her so happy."

Randy felt the pride building in his chest, he was immensely proud that he should be the one allowed to make Laura so happy, "thank you Chris, that means a lot."

"What I said still stands," Chris warned, "hurt her and I'll kick your ass, but I just wanted you to know that I appreciate everything you've done for her."

Randy was relieved to have Chris back on his side. He felt like it was one less thing to worry about.