((Okay. So this is gonna be from Randy's POV. Seeing as I'm a girl, and I'm kinda scared to get in the mind of a guy… I'm gonna do my best to write this. I kinda revisit past events, and it's gonna be short, so… yeah, I'll try to make up for it in the next chapters. If you decide to review, and you think it sucks… tell me. Thanks.))

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xx I Wanna Make You Cry xx

It had been nothing at first. Easy to fight. No big deal. Just brush it off. I could be around her and just chill. Just be myself. She was like one of my best friends from work. Almost one of the guys, like Ted or Matt or John or Mike. One of the few people I could let my guard down around.

Until about a month ago.

I think it all started the night we went out after the show in Green Bay. The night Cody got drunk off his ass. He was being a complete and utter douche bag. There was a part of me that just wanted to haul off and deck him for the way he was acting toward her. It occurred to me later that it was all in good fun, of course. I realized, getting back tom y own hotel room after walking her back to hers, that I was just acting like a big brother would. Protective of my little sister. As per usual, I brushed it off and moved on. There were bigger fish to fry, and she seemed happy the way her life was now.

But then there was that night in Colorado. The night back at the hotel after a house show. When the two of us were alone on the elevator. I still remember the look on her face. She looked devastated. As soon as I stepped on, I knew something had happened. Not just because of the fact that she was covered in soda. There was something different about her eyes when she looked at me. They were usually a bright, bright green. That night, they had faded to an almost indescribable color. There was a sadness there that I had never, ever seen before. Part of me wondered why she didn't cry. I felt an intense pang of hurt when I pressed my hand to her forehead and felt her fever. In that moment, I wanted to go downstairs and pound the hell out of those marks.

But as we got back to her room, my concern turned more to making her feel better than anything else. While she showered I got some medicine from her bag, and soaked a washcloth in cool water. She tried to convince me that she would be fine, and that I could leave, but I wasn't going anywhere until her fever had broken at least. I had seen people who had let fevers go without doing anything, and it never turned out well. I didn't want to see my friend hurt any more than I could tell she was already. After some coaxing, I got her to take the medication and lay down with the cool cloth on her forehead.

I hadn't intended to stay the entire night. I was planning on staying, as I had said, until her fever broke. But as she fell asleep, she curled into my side. When I felt her rest her head on my chest, I looked down at her. She looked peaceful, and relaxed. Reaching down, I gently brushed some hair from her face. That was when it occurred to me; she was breathtakingly beautiful. I couldn't bring myself to move, and risk disturbing her sleep while I left. So I settled down and tried to get comfortable to see if I could steal some sleep myself.

Over the next couple months or so, I could see Alex and Cody drifting. I gave Cody all the credit in the world, the kid was one of the hardest workers I've ever seen. But he just wasn't fitting in with Legacy. The people just liked him too much. That's when the creative team made the decision about the punt. They wanted to put Cody in a face role, anyway. Soon after that move was made, I could tell things were just about over between Cody and Alex.

He was bitter with us, because he thought we had been the ones behind the plot change. I thought for sure he'd get over it, but he didn't. And he took it out on all three of us. I could see Alex's heart breaking, because she really did care about Cody a lot. I admired her strength in trying to hide her real emotions, even from Ted and I. But I couldn't just watch her hurt. I knew I cared about her on a level higher than friendship, so I had to do something about it. But I had to figure out what that "something" was, first.

How long has it been?
How long have you held it in?
And how long will you wait
Before you let somebody take your breath away again?

A week later, the roster had a rare three-day stretch where they got to go home. It was so nice to get to spend time at home, and sleep in my own bed. But sometimes I got so used to the fast-paced traveling life that three days full of nothing to do got to be a bit boring.

As was the case on the second day of this trip. I'd visited with my family all day yesterday, and I was going to a ball game with the boys tomorrow, but today I had the day all to myself. I woke up at six, and tried my hardest to go back to sleep. It just wasn't working. So I got up, and went for a run. Coming back, I took a shower and got dressed for the day. Then I went down to the kitchen, and pulled out my laptop. Sitting at the counter, I logged on and checked my e-mail, and started a few IMs. When I had finished sorting out the relevant from the junk in my inbox, I glanced over my messenger contact list one more time, and saw that Alex had logged on. Being bored and having nothing else to do, I sent her a message.

IHearVoices80: Hey you.

AlexMariexox: Heya.

IHearVoices80: What's up?

AlexMariexox: Not much, you? Enjoying your time at home?

IHearVoices80: Oh, yeah, definitely. But today's the slow day. Visited the family yesterday, and going to a baseball game tomorrow. Just chillaxin' today, probably gonna get packed to leave so I don't have to worry about it tomorrow. How about you? Any big plans?

AlexMariexox: Nah, not really. I had lunch and went shopping with my sister yesterday, and I'm going out to dinner with my entire family tonight. They're so overjoyed that I'm home, even if it's just for three days. I told them it's not like I never talk to them, but… they're still overjoyed.

IHearVoices80: That's good. They're your family. They love you. But… what about you? Are you happy being home?

There was a pause before she responded.

AlexMariexox: Yeah. Incredibly. But I miss all my friends from the road too. And I've never exactly fit in with my family, so… yeah. I kinda can't wait to leave again. See all you guys again.

IHearVoices80: That sucks you're not having fun. I'm sorry. : [

AlexMariexox: Eh, it's all good. I'll live.

There was that strength, again. I felt kind of bad for Alex, that she couldn't just let her guard down. I had learned to do it around her, but she still felt she had to put on that tough-girl attitude for everyone. Like they would think any less of her if she didn't. I knew what I wanted to say to her, but I didn't know if I could find the right words. I thought very carefully before sending my next message.

IHearVoices80: Yes, you will. How are you otherwise? Is everything else okay?

AlexMariexox: Yeah. Why do you ask?

IHearVoices80: No reason. I just know from experience that life on the road can be taxing on people. You can get worn out real easy.

AlexMariexox: And by "life on the road" you mean having to deal with all this Cody drama?

I knew he was going to come up in conversation eventually.

IHearVoices80: Well… yeah. That's part of it.

AlexMariexox: And the fans, right?

IHearVoices80: …yeah. They're a contributing factor too.

AlexMariexox: I see what you're saying. But I've been with you guys for over a year now, I'm getting used to it. Yeah, it was hard at first, dealing with the jackass fans, but I've learned how to deal. And with Cody… it is what it is. Whatever.

She sounded upset, and I didn't want to push the envelope anymore, because I knew emotions and tones sometimes didn't convey well through the written word of instant messages. So I decided it was time to lighten up the conversation a little.

IHearVoices80: Okay. I didn't mean to strike a nerve. I just wanted to make sure you were alright, ya know? Can't have anybody in the Legacy slouchin'. ; ]

AlexMariexox: Haha. Gotchya, Killer.

IHearVoices80: Hey now. That's Viper, to you.

AlexMariexox: Oh right. My bad.

IHearVoices80: You're lucky I don't still make you call me the One-Man Dynasty. ; ]

AlexMariexox: Hahaha. Dually noted.

IHearVoices80: Lol. Yeah.

AlexMariexox: : ] Well hey, It's three-thirty here on the East coast, I better go get ready for dinner. See you in Charlotte on Saturday?

IHearVoices80: Yep. Have fun at your dinner. And try to enjoy your family. : ]

AlexMariexox: Haha. Yeah. Later, Randy. : ]

IHearVoices80: Bye Alex.

AlexMariexox has signed out.

Well. That hadn't gone exactly as I had planned. But it hadn't gone as badly as it could have, either. I would have to talk to her eventually, because I couldn't keep her at the back of my mind forever. Trying to push Alex out of my mind for a while, I closed my laptop and slipped it back into its carrying case. Then I pulled out my phone and texted a couple of my buddies, seeing if they wanted to catch a movie or something. I was at home, nothing to do, no work to worry about… why not make the best of it?

I wanna be the one who turns you on.
Makes love 'til the lonely's gone.
Be the man you've dreamed of all your life.
I swear I'll make it last until
Tears of joy come pouring from your eyes.
I wanna make you cry.

Tell me what to do.
And I'll do what you want me to.
'Cause darlin' I believe
That I have fallen hopelessly
And helplessly for you.

Two days after our IM conversation, I caught a non-stop flight early in the morning from Saint Louis to Charlotte. We had the Bragging Rights pay-per-view tomorrow night here in town, so today's schedule was filled with appearances and meet and greets and all kinds of media. Great. But after all that was over, Ted and I had a surprise planned for Alex. Today was her birthday. We knew she didn't want a party, she had stressed that to us this time last year. But we still wanted to get her something. So we had gotten her a gift, and were going to give it to her. There was one problem. Judging by the sound of her tweets over the last couple of days, it sounded like her time spent at home hadn't gone well. So I was kind of concerned about how this whole gift thing was going to go. But we had it already, and it was her special day, so the best we could do was give her the present and hope it brightened her day a little. I was sure it would.

That night, around six, after the media day was over and we finally got back to the hotel, I pulled the wrapped box from my duffel bag. Inside was a plaque with a picture from the night she won the Divas' Championship. It was a cool picture with her in the middle and Ted and I on either side, raising her arms. We'd each written a custom message, and had it engraved on either side of the picture. I had written,

Alex,
I can't tell you how glad I am to have you as a part of this faction. You are the perfect diva to be a part of our trio, and I'm glad that you were the one they chose for this part. Not just because of the storyline. You're a great wrestler, and you have a great personality. You really are one of my closest friends. I want you to know that I care about you, and that if you ever need anything from me, don't hesitate to ask. I have an incredible respect for you that will never fade, and I want you to know that. Peace, love and Legacy.
-Randy

I hadn't read Ted's message as I wrapped the gift, because it was none of my business. I called up Ted, to see where he was.

"Hello?" he answered.

"Hey, Ted. Randy. Where you at, man? It's Alex's birthday, aren't we gonna take her the plaque?"

I heard a fit of coughing on the other end of the line. "Awh, man, that's right," Ted said, his voice hoarse. "I've got this wicked cough I gotta try to shake before tomorrow night. And I don't wanna risk gettin' you guys sick. Say happy birthday for me…"

I frowned. That sucked. "Alright man. Get better. Later." I hung up and sighed to myself as I pocketed my phone and picked up the box. There were two cards, one from each of us.

Walking down the hall, I found the room Alex was staying in. I knocked on the door, and stepped back, awaiting an answer. A moment later, the door opened and she peeked out. "Happy birthday!" I said, smiling brightly.

She looked at me, and offered a smile. But it was too late. There was that look again. That look of sadness I'd seen before. She tried, as usual, to hide it. Her eyes looked a little red, like she'd been crying recently. "Hey, thanks. Uh, you wanna come in?" she asked, stepping back and opening the door.

"Sure," I said, stepping inside. "So, uh, Ted and I got you something for your birthday…" I said, holding the box out to her.

Alex took the box, and gave me a look. "I thought I said no presents?"

"Yeah, well… we have it now. And you're going to take it. Because I think you're going to love it," I offered.

She just laughed once. "Okay. Fine. But just this once." She set the box down, and unwrapped it. Lifting the top off, I saw a smile cross her face when she saw it. "Wow, this really is cool," she said, picking it up and looking at it. "Thanks, guys." Then as she was setting it back in the box, she spotted my card. Picking it up, she opened it and slid it out of the envelope.

Inside, there was a printed message. It read.

"A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip."

And below the print, I'd written a hand-written message.

I know you said no gifts or anything, but I found this idea and thought it would mean a lot. I care about you, and all I want is for you to be happy. I'll do anything to see you happy. Tell me what I have to do. I'll do what you want me to, because I've fallen for you.
Happy Birthday, Alex.
Love, Randy

I watched her, hoping she would like the card. It had taken me a long time to come up with the right words. I'd written and re-written it until I'd gotten just right. John and Matt joked around with me that I was like a schoolboy crushing on the prettiest girl in the class, but I told them to shut up. I really admired Alex, and I wanted to tell her the right way. So finally I got the words the way I wanted them... or so I hoped.

She turned to me, her eyes looked like they were tearing again. I wondered what was going through her mind. "Randy... this…" She looked like she was searching for words. "This is so sweet of you... but... but it's not what I need right now."

My face fell. "Alex, I..."

"Randy, that's not what I mean. I agree, you're my best friend. I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me. You've helped me so much since I joined WWE, but... this Cody thing is still weighing on my mind, and... I don't think I can do this right now. Maybe one day, but... for now, I need a break."

I felt my heart sink, but at the same time I could see where she was coming from. "That's fine, Al," I said. Then, being me, and being bad at handling emotionally heavy moments sometimes, I tried to lighten the situation. "Can I at least have a hug from the birthday girl?"

She smiled, and stepped into my outstretched arms. I hugged her, and released her a moment later. "Well, I suppose I'd better get back," I said. "Happy birthday. We're gonna meet up to go to the show tomorrow right?"

"Yep. The three of us."

"Awesome," I smiled. "See you later." Before I could think about what I was doing, I leaned in and pecked her lightly on the cheek, before pulling away and turning and walking out the door.

I wanna be the one who turns you on,
Makes love till the lonely's gone.
Be the man you dreamed of all your life.
I swear I'll make it last until,
Tears of joy come pourin' from your eyes.
I wanna make you cry.

I swear I'll make it last until,
Tears of joy come pourin' from your eyes.
I wanna make you cry.

Three weeks after Alex's birthday, we had a Raw TV event in Madison Square Garden in New York City. After the show, most of us decided we wanted to hit the club scene. The City That Never Sleeps, right? We found a spot to chill downtown, with an awesome VIP section and a staff that was stacked with WWE fans. Can you say free drinks? Oh yeah.

As usual, the ladies of our group were getting the majority of the attention. In this case, Alex and Melina. They had guys buying them drinks left and right, and judging by the mood she was in, I could tell Alex was back to her old, happy self. The Cody drama and calmed down, and she seemed cheerful again. That made me feel great. I didn't like to see her hurt, and I finally got to see that room-illuminating smile more and more often.

Later on that night, the girls decided to hit the dance floor. The crowd had thinned, so we'd moved to sit at the main bar. The five of us guys stayed at the bar while the girls worked it out on the dance floor. Highly entertaining, of course. Not only for the crowd, but for us too. No bones about it: divas were hot.

After a few songs, the DJs announced they were going to "slow it down for a few songs". The lights went down, and I heard a slow song start. Glancing to the floor, I saw John walking up to Melina. At that same moment I saw Alex move through the crowd toward the bathrooms on the other side of the club. I got up and moved after her, finally catching a hold of her hand from behind and turning her to face me. "Dance with me?" I asked.

She looked as if she was considering for the shortest of moments, then nodded and stepped back toward me. I took her hand in my left and intertwined our fingers, and wrapped my right arm around her shoulders. I couldn't keep the light smile off my face when I felt her rest her head on my shoulder.

As the song progressed I found myself starting to sing along softly. The song was one of the rare country songs I knew, I guessed it came from traveling with John so much. The lights were low, the music was slow and the two of us were swaying slowly - it was perfect. As was, I realized, the way she fit in my arms. Before I knew it, the lyrics were softly emitting from my lips, as if it was beyond my control. I wanna be the one who turns you on / Makes love till the lonely's gone / Be the man you dreamed of all your life / I swear I'll make it last until / Tears of joy come pourin' from your eyes / I wanna make you cry.

A moment later, Alex lifted her head and looked at me, a sort of intrigued look on her face. At the instant when my eyes met her bright green ones, before I could stop myself, I found myself more speaking to her than singing along with the music.

"I swear I'll make it last until tears of joy come pourin' from your eyes... I wanna make you cry."

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