From: WWE Headquarters

To: Heath Slater

This email is to inform you that your current contract is running out. We wish to discuss the terms of a new agreement with you, please call us at your earliest convenience.

Dark brown eyes skim the information below, the phone numbers and other words blurring before his eyes before he presses the button to darken the screen almost violently. He's still staring at the blank device when he feels eyes on him, glancing up to find Wade staring at him from across the room, his brows furrowed. "What are you doing, Ginger?"

"Nothin'," he says, not wanting to talk to Wade about this. His contract had been running out for awhile now, he'd known about it, and WWE's lack of communication involving it had left him on edge for the last few weeks. He had almost convinced himself that not being renewed would be alright, that he'd still live with Wade and Boodah and they'd see each other when their schedules dictated... but now that he knows there is interest on their side, he's not sure about himself. Losing again and again, bashing his head against the same brick wall and accomplishing nothing new, it eats at him more than he reveals. He wants more for himself, more for his band. Although he loves WWE, had gained something of a home here, he can't help but feel like he'd gone as far as he could go...

Even so, there are other things to consider- leaving Drew and Jinder behind, because he knows they've already signed fresh contracts, and of course... Wade himself. He stares at the Brit for a moment, frowning, before getting to his feet and settling the phone down on his chair. He joins Wade on the couch and presses his face into his neck, relieved to hide from the world for awhile as Wade gently brushes his fingers through his hair. "What's going on, Ginger? You've been acting weirder than normal for awhile now... Talk to me."

"WWE just emailed me about renewin' my contract," he admits, closing his eyes as Wade's fingers still against his scalp.

"Well, that's a good thing, yes?" But despite the steady motion of his fingers, it's clear that Wade's uncertain about what Heath's answer will be. "Heath?"

"I dunno," he admits softly, wrapping an arm loosely around Wade's midsection and snuggling closer to him. "I'm wonderin' if I've hit the glass ceilin' in the company, at least as high as I'm gonna go in it. I ain't won any titles in so long, much less had a clear cut opportunity at 'em... I almost don't remember what it's like." He doesn't sound bitter, especially when he looks over at Wade's title gleaming nearby, just wistful and it makes Wade feel even worse than jealousy might've.

Closing his eyes, he presses a vague kiss to Heath's forehead and swallows. "Whatever you choose to do, Ginger, I'll support you," he mumbles into Heath's hair, smiling slightly when Heath squeezes him tighter in thanks. Trying to picture WWE without Heath is a sobering prospect, but he can't blame the other man for being unhappy and considering other options. Wade would just deal, take it a day at a time if he does leave, and content himself with the knowledge that Heath perhaps would be better off forging his own path instead of stuck with the few options he has in WWE.

With all of these thoughts rattling around in his mind the next few days, Wade makes sure not to push Heath to make a decision, nor to attempt to sway him, or do anything that could make the situation worse. He's walking by the bedroom a few days later when he hears Heath on the phone and he hesitates, peeking inside for a moment. Heath is tapping a pencil against a shief of papers that could only be a contract, discussing terms, and Wade watches closely as Heath nods, his lips pursed. "Alright, we gotta deal," he says with a small smile. "Pleasure doin' business with you. I'll sign 'em and send 'em in to you soon." He hangs up the phone and continues reading the fine print before calling out, "I'm stayin', in case you were wonderin', Brit."

Wade releases a soft breath, not even bothering to wonder how Heath knew he was there, pushing the door open and joining him, leaning down to cup his face and kiss him deeply. "Good," he mumbles once he pulls away, stroking Heath's face and searching his eyes. He sees no doubt in the decision just made and his smile grows.