A/N: Okay, sat in bed writing this as I feel lousy but a little bit of Centon is all I need to get me through. Hope Johnny's okay, guess we'll find out on Monday Night Raw.

Anyway hope you all enjoy the chapter. I've extended it by a chapter so we have one more to go until the end.

April 25, 2011

"I'm not having this conversation with you again," Randy said forcefully handing John his towel. He was getting more than a little sick of John's constant jealousy.

For so long they fought to get on the same show, finally receiving the help from Randy's old mentor and friend, Triple H. Now, Randy was seriously considering requesting a move back to SmackDown.

John had never been jealous in that whole period of their lives together. Ever since Randy had been on Raw, John's jealousy showed. At first it had been endearing, he loved how John was so concerned over the chance that he may move on from him and find someone else he wanted to be with.

Randy lost track of how many times they'd had the conversation. All it took was a few reassuring words and John would forget his worries and he'd find a room to haul John into and show him exactly how much he loved him.

Somewhere in the last few years, those sweet, insecure moments he shared with John turned into blazing rows. It shook Randy to the core the first time it happened. They usually only had arguments that bad, or at all, maybe once a year; Randy just hadn't been prepared for John's anger.

When it kept happening, Randy found himself use to the arguments and before long they were run of the mill for the couple. John accusing him of not loving him, insinuating that Randy was having an affair, and if he wasn't then he wanted to.

It had taken a few arguments for Randy to pinpoint why they were occurring so regularly.

"Let me guess, you're going to run and hide like you always do," John said. "Go hang out with your boyfriend. I bet he's already thinking you're late, god knows, this is the most time you've spent with me in the last month."

"Here we go," Randy said under his breath before turning to face John. "I am not having an affair. I am getting sick to death of you insinuating that I am."

"How can I not think it," John shouted. "You're always with him. Ever since you found out."

"So because I found a friend, who happens to be gay, and out, that means I'm going to fall into bed. You think I'm with you solely because you were the only guy I knew who was gay?"

"Maybe," John said murmuring, turning away from Randy.

"John, I've been with you all this time because I love you. I fell in love with you at first sight. I didn't even know if you were gay when we met. It was only when-"

"When I gave it up so easily?" John accused.

"No! When you didn't sock me one for kissing you."

"Whatever. I don't care. Go see your boyfriend."

Randy through his hands up in the air. He really didn't need this. More to the point, he needed to get stretched out and see the physio. He was still tight from his match the night before and he wasn't able to relax since he and John had yet another fight.

Slamming the door on the way out, Randy made his way through to the physio and spent a good half hour in there with him. He was surprised John didn't accuse him of having an affair with the doc since he was in there most nights these days. He was starting to feel the effects of his matches more and more and wondered how long it would be until his body fought back and told him no more.

The physio lectured him about too much stress on his body, and as much as Randy would like to agree, the stress the doc was talking about was nothing to do with his matches. He knew all he needed was to work things out with John once and for all. They hadn't had sex in nearly a month, and Randy, he couldn't believe he was thinking these words, was happy they hadn't.

If they tried to mend their relationship with sex, he and John would just end up burying their problems only for them to return full force. If things were going to improve, then he needed to make it happen by talking things through and proving to John he wasn't having an affair.

The reason that hadn't happened so far was because Randy was too proud to be the one to try and fix it. Why should he fix it when he hadn't done anything wrong? It hurt him that John didn't trust him. That John so easily believed he could do anything to hurt him like that.

"Hey, Ortz, head out the clouds," Randy heard from behind.

He turned around and saw the man that had John believing he was having an affair.

"Shea, you alright man," Randy asked his Irish friend.

"I'm good, you don't look like it, though Ortz," Sheamus said joining him at the catering table where they got something to eat. "Had another fight with John?"

"Yeah," Randy said shaking his head. He didn't want to talk about it.

"Come on," Sheamus said indicating to take a seat. "Give him some space to clear his head. He'll soon realise he can't live without you."

"I guess," Randy said picking at his food. He didn't even remember making the decision to go to catering and get something to eat. "Listen, Shea, I don't really want to talk about it. Let's just change the subject."

"Okay, okay," Sheamus said putting his hands up in defence. "I've been meaning to ask you anyway; I've got tickets for a basketball game tomorrow night, fancy going?"

As John stepped out of the shower in the locker room he looked around and saw that his husband had yet to arrive back. Right now, the distance between them was so great; they might as well have been on separate tours. They were happier then.

The honeymoon period of being on tour together was well and truly over. Seeing just how popular Randy was with their colleagues made the insecurities in John's head rear up and drive a spike right through theirs hearts. How much longer they could stand to be together having the same argument, god only knew.

He changed into his work gear and made his way through the arena. He knew Randy was aching from his matches and the stress John was causing him so he stopped by the trainer's room hoping to find him. Maybe he could take him out to lunch and they could talk. A romantic dinner together may go a long way to their reconciliation.

Not wishing to believe that Randy would have ventured along to the locker room Sheamus was using, John made the diversion to catering. As he entered the room, he stood stock still, every insecurity in his body leapt to attention and were running ideas through his head as he saw Randy sat at one of the tables, laughing and joking with Sheamus.

What was even worse was the hand Sheamus had on Randy's arm, his fingers trailing along the skin in a loving manner. Randy with the fullest smile John had seen in a long time. Something he used to be able to do for Randy. Now it only seemed to be a frown when they were together.

Unable to truly comprehend that either Randy was completely blind to Sheamus's advances or all of his insecurities were true, John turned and practically ran through the arena to his locker room. He needed to get away and think things through.

He dug through his belongings trying to find the keys for their rental car, when he couldn't find them, he started rifling through Randy's. As he was doing so, he felt a strong pair of arms wrap around his waist. He didn't need to look to know whose arms were around him, but when he did he saw the tattoos which engulfed them.

"What you looking for, cutie?"

"Car keys."

"You want to go for a ride?" Randy asked confusing John. Where had the sweetness suddenly appeared from?

"Need some space."

"Maybe if I came with you we could talk. I miss this. Me holding you, whispering in your ear," Randy said imitating his words. "There's a little place I was told about… on the outskirts of the city, it's supposed to be the local romantic spot."

"Let me guess, Sheamus told you," John said snidely, feeling Randy stiffen behind him. He shouldn't have said anything but it just came out. Hadn't he just been thinking about getting some one on one time with Randy. "And I don't think sex will help our problems."

"Johnny, I…"

John shrugged out from Randy's arms and turned to face him. He hated that he said the words. Didn't know why he kept letting them out of his mouth. What was worse was the look in Randy's eyes. He'd hurt him.

"Just go back to Sheamus. At least he can make you smile. I can't do that anymore," John said brushing passed his husband.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Randy asked and John could see it was a struggle for him to stay calm.

"Nothing, I just… I need to go," John said trying to escape but Randy grabbed his wrist and held onto him. "Your boyfriend will be waiting for you. Go be with him."

Randy let go of John's wrist but John was unable to tell if it was from frustration or defeat. Hanging his head, John left the room and headed for their car. There was no point trying to say anything to make it right. Right now he didn't seem to have an active link between his brain and his vocal chords. He was continuously saying things which were the opposite to what he was thinking.

As he drove away from the arena, the tears formed in his eyes but he was trying his hardest to keep them in. Come the end, he had to pull over because it was difficult to see the road ahead for the unshed tears. He was scared he was losing Randy, that it wouldn't be long before he realised Sheamus was the better man to be with. They seemed to hit it off and enjoyed each other's company.

John tried to remember the last time either he or Randy let their fingers linger just a moment too long on the other man. Or the last time their eyes connected and came alive at simply spotting one another across the room. They used to get lost in each other, constantly neglecting their friends because they were too preoccupied. When did it all go wrong?

After letting his tears slide down his face, feeling emotionally exhausted, John turned the car around and made his way back to the arena. He was going to find Randy and make this right, once and for all. He didn't want to lose his husband. Sheamus was just a friend, so why did he believe there was more between them? Randy was devoted to their marriage, he had been for nearly nine years, over nine years if you include the short time they dated.

When he entered the locker room, straight away he noticed Randy's bag was gone. He wanted to go looking for him, but he wasn't sure it was the best bet considering if he happened to be in the same room as Sheamus, John might make a hundred comments he didn't mean. He sent a text message, straight and to the point, hoping the words 'I'm Sorry' might touch Randy's heart and bring him back.

But it didn't. Instead, John received a message back which told him just how bad things had become. 'You always are'. Of course, Randy was right. They'd been having this same conversation ever since Sheamus appeared on the scene two years ago.

John sent a quick message back to Randy, hoping if the lines of communication were still open then there was a chance they could sort this out before the night was over. John's heart slowly plummeted when each minute passed and there was no return message.

John kept himself to himself as the afternoon turned into evening and the show got underway. If he needed food, he went to get it and then went back to his locker room. Everything else was already there… except Randy. What he wouldn't give to have a time machine and head back to earlier in the day and take Randy up on his offer to come with him, have some one on one time.

On his way around to gorilla, John spotted Randy and desperately wanted to go over to him. Just as he was about to take his first step, Randy turned around and their eyes connected. He looked lost, his eyes glistening… had he been crying? John took a step toward him, he was going to take him in his arms and hold him. A marriage was a two way street, Randy needed him right now.

As he took his steps, Randy shook his head slightly and put his hand up to stop John. Most people wouldn't have spotted the movement of his hand, but John did. It was enough.

John plastered on a fake smile and went out on stage for his draft to Smackdown. It was part of the storyline, by the end of the night he would be back on the Raw team. No need to worry about having even more time away from Randy. Those days were over. Randy and he were going to be okay, John just needed to prove he was worth the aggravation he'd caused Randy recently.

On his way back to the locker room, John spotted Sheamus in the catering area. One way to improve things for he and Randy would be to make amends with the Irish wrestler. John's insecurities were his own problem. Sheamus was just a friend. One that Randy needed at the moment.

"Sheamus," John said stepping up to him.

"You after me?" Sheamus said looking around confused; or maybe he was looking for a witness.

"You're the only Sheamus here aren't you?" John asked with a smile.

"John, how are things?" Vince McMahon said coming up beside them and swinging an arm around him. This was the wrong time. He didn't want the boss around when he was trying to speak to Sheamus. Vince had made it very clear he didn't approve of personal lives interfering with their work. "I believe you'll be needed for an interview or something shortly. Why don't you go get ready? I need a word with Sheamus."

Apparently Vince didn't want John doing anything but working. Ever since Paul had found a way for him and Randy to be on the same show, Vince did everything he possibly could to make their lives difficult. Of course in the end he needn't have bothered. He, John Orton, had done that himself.

John retreated back to his locker room; if they wanted an interview they could come and find him. He was only leaving the room when he needed to. He flicked the screen on to see Rey drafted to Raw. It was going to be a good night for the show, he needn't worry about watching so he switched the TV straight back off. It would only annoy him tonight. He checked his phone, hoping for something from Randy, but there was nothing.

Still, he couldn't ignore what he'd seen earlier. He sent him yet another message but didn't receive a reply. He wanted to go around to whichever room Randy was hauled up in and drag him into his arms and make him feel better. In fact that was what he was going to do.

Speeding round the locker rooms, John ducked his head in each one looking for Randy. As he approached the last one, of course it would be the last one, John stopped in the doorway, for the second time that day.

Randy was sat on the floor, his legs drawn up to his chest and his head leaning against his forearms. There wasn't anyone else in the room so John walked over to his husband, slid down the wall so he was sat next to Randy, and tugged on his shirt until his head rested in John's lap. His tears running freely. John wondering just how bad he had made things.

"Honestly, Ran, you're not-" Sheamus said cutting himself off when he saw John.

John stiffened where he sat and he knew Randy felt it. The younger man pulling himself up to look at John.

"Sorry, I didn't know-"

John stood slowly, taking it in. He was pushing Randy into Sheamus' arms. He should have known this would be where Randy would go.

"I should've," John said making his way through the room.

"Johnny," Randy said his voice hoarse and full of tears.

"I have to go," John said not looking back. Admonishing himself as he took each step toward the door. He should stay, listen to Randy tell him again, that nothing was going on. Sheamus was a friend. John believed him, but just like earlier in the day, his thoughts weren't connecting with the rest of his body.

He didn't look back; he went to the locker room and locked the door. He had another three quarters of an hour until he was needed for his match and he wasn't going anywhere.

"Please be here, please be here, please be here," he chanted as he made his way along the corridor toward his room he was sharing with Randy. Slipping the key in the slot and waiting for the little light to turn green seemed to take forever and he was chanting his mantra the entire time.

"Please be here, please be here, please be here… Ran," he called hoping his husband was in the bathroom.

He couldn't believe it when Randy had left before him. John knew he needed space, god knows John had done everything he could make the rift between them bigger. But it wasn't like he meant to do it, it was just his insecurities.

When he dumped his bag on the bed, hoping to spot Randy's bag in the room, he ducked his head in the bathroom, just in case. Nothing. Stepping back out he saw an envelope on the side table, his name in Randy's familiar scrawl. Tearing into the envelope, John's heart pounded in his chest as he read each word.

John,

I know when you're stressed you switch the TV off in your locker room so I don't know whether you saw. I transferred to SmackDown.

I need time.

I'm not sure how many more times I can tell you there isn't anything going on between Stephen and I. We're friends, that's all. I can see a future for him, and I want to ensure he has the best chance at succeeding.

If he weren't gay, would you even be thinking this?

Johnny, all those years, when we were struggling to get time together, you never once thought I was having an affair. All we wanted was to be able to work and travel together and seeing how it was hurting you for us to be apart, the way McMahon went against his word, I pulled some strings.

I wish I hadn't.

Do you understand that Johnny? I wish I hadn't.

You changed. I liked the jealousy to begin with; it did wonders for my ego. But it never got in the way of our marriage. When Stephen and I started hanging out, you became possessive.

I wanted to travel and work with you just as much as you did, because I love you. But you can't have me all to yourself Johnny. I have to have friends. Just like you have friends.

But it's not even about that. You so obviously think I'm capable of having an affair. And that's what hurts the most. You don't trust me. John if you don't trust me, how can you love me?

I thought we were going to be together until we're old and grey. Holding each other tight in bed to keep warm. But I can't be with someone who doesn't trust me. And for some reason I feel compelled to apologise for admitting that.

Johnny, my cutie, my sweetheart, my once in a lifetime. I love you. Deep down, I will always love you. But I can't be with you anymore.

I hope one day you can find the trust in me I need you to have.

I love you.

Always your Sugar

Randy

X

A tear fell for each word he read and by the end of the letter, John was a mess, lying in the middle of the room, letter held tight in his hand, too scared to let go. Maybe it was a really bad joke, it could be a joke, Randy had a warped sense of humour at times. It was joke it had to be.

John wasn't sure how long he was lay in the room without moving. His body racked with emotion. Without thinking, he dragged himself to his feet and headed out of the room. He wandered the corridors of the hotel, letter still in hand. What did he hope? His feet would walk him right up to whichever room Randy was staying in.

Room 123, that's where he was stood, knocking. He didn't even know why other than it was their birthdays. Because of course, Randy would be able to choose the room he was put in. When he did he even get to this floor? How did he get to this floor? His room was eight floors up.

He walked away, having the slightest bit of sense left in him to realise he was knocking on a strangers door. As he walked the corridor, he heard the door open.

"John? Did you just knock on my door?" Of all people. Why him? He turned back to look at the red head.

"Have you seen him?"

John saw the man, though it was through watery eyes, stiffen and fold his arms across his chest.

"Who?"

"Sugar… I mean, Randy," John said correcting himself. Like Sheamus would know who Sugar was.

"No, he said he was heading back to the hotel early, get some rest," Sheamus said shrugging. "He's not there?"

John shook his head, turning back to continue his walking. Murmuring more to himself than Sheamus, "He left me."

"I'm not surprised. The way you've been treating him," Sheamus accused. John didn't have the energy to turn back and challenge him on his statement, not when he was right. "Maybe I might console him; he'll need a friend more than ever."

John did stop this time, though he still didn't look back. "Make him smile."

Another knock on his door some hours later had Sheamus leaping from his bed. He peered through the spyhole to see who it was and his shoulders slumped. He needed to speak to him but it wasn't who he was hoping for at this hour.

He switched the TV off and opened the door, letting his boss through the door.

"Mr McMahon," Sheamus said, tipping an imaginary cap.

"What was so important you summoned me?" Vince snarled at Sheamus.

Sheamus didn't particularly like dealing with the man but it was a necessary evil. He was hired to do a job with the promise of a successful career as a WWE Superstar. The last couple of months, Vince had been getting antsy and pushing Sheamus to work quicker.

Sheamus, being the savvy business man himself, wait no, a downright dirty scoundrel who knows how to get what he wants, and once he'd started working with WWE, what he wanted was Randy. Not that he told Vince that. He just had an agreement to fulfil one request Sheamus may make upon completion of his job.

"Good news boss," he said with his patented smile. God he hated the flakiness of it.

"Finally… it's over?" Vince asked, his eyes lighting up.

"Aye; had a weepy eyed John round here earlier. Randy left him," Sheamus said lounging back on his bed. "It was a picture. If I hadn't of been so in character, I would have taken a picture of the broken man. You would've loved it."

"Are you sure? I thought they were over once before, years back, but they resolved their problems," Vince asked.

"Trust me," Sheamus said. "Now, how about I get my request now."

"And what may that be?"

"I'm going to SmackDown."

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed :) please review.