Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter, I made it to 100!

"Okay, John that was a good interview. We'll probably be able to use some of the footage for the video packages tomorrow night," one of the camera crew stated as they wrapped up the last bit of filming for WrestleMania.

The WWE was big on getting shots of wrestlers contemplating their matches before the big event, and this year was no different.

He decided to stay in the seats and get five minutes peace before he left and started to prepare for the Hall of Fame ceremony that night. Having been filming his segment he didn't notice until now that there was someone else in the arena. He sat back and watched as his former lover and sort of best friend familiarized himself with the setup of the ring for this year's event.

It had been a long five months since the couple had been finished, and for the first month after their separation, John had found it difficult to sleep. Almost straight away in their relationship they had started sharing a bed and John had quickly grown accustomed to the company; especially considering 'The Viper' was a cuddler, not that he ever admitted it.

When the New Year hit, John and Randy had started to socialize again, although their friendship didn't return to its original state, John was glad that Randy was still in his life. He was still the one that he would turn to if there were something he needed to get off his chest however at times Randy asked him instead to speak with Emma. John figured there were some topics that Randy didn't want to discuss with him.

Like Valentine's Day last month, John had received a single red rose, left in his locker room without a note. He automatically went to talk to Randy about it and only when he was about to say it he realized it was one of those times Randy would ask him not to talk to him.

Unfortunately, for John, Randy didn't come to him anymore to talk, hang out. He'd even left the room on occasion when John entered. When John had called him on the avoidance tactics, Randy admitted it was because he couldn't be around him anymore. He originally thought he could, but hadn't realized how hard it would be. The only reason Randy would hunt John down was to discuss a match they were in... and even they were becoming fewer and far between.

John had moved on from their breakup but not from Randy. He was back in the same situation he was before his wedding last year. Fawning over the unobtainable, only now he knew he wasn't unobtainable, he was simply, his ex-boyfriend. He would give anything to have the 'ex' drop off that title.

When Randy stood on the second turnbuckle, practicing his pose, it caused John to lick his lips in admiration, visualizing what his abs would be like if they were on show. He slowly stood, finding his legs a little weak after watching and thinking of Randy, and made his way down to the ringside area.

He leant against the barricade, resting his arms on the padding, as he continued to watch the oblivious Viper exit the ring and make his way round the far side.

"It amuses me, Mr. Orton, that you need to practice your pose," John said smiling. "Are you that vain?"

"Why were you watching me?" Randy asked confused.

"I asked first," John said countering Randy's question so he could think of a valid reason.

"I'm not vain. I was just… getting my head in the game," he said blushing.

John knew that the tint to Randy's cheeks meant he was lying, and he wasn't going to let him get away with it. He quickly jumped the barrier and took hold of Randy by the wrist pulling him back up the steps and into the ring.

"John, what are you doing?"

"I want to show you something," John said walking up to Randy so they were inches apart. "Now, strike a pose."

"What?" Randy asked bemused at John's request.

"Get back up on the second rope and strike a pose."

John watched as Randy reluctantly went back over to the ropes and climbed up. John went over to the side of the ring and stepped out onto the apron before climbing up the rungs of the turnbuckles. He took in Randy's scent, so familiar to his airways yet at the same time he had been so long since he'd been this close that it was foreign to him as well.

"I'd say anyone who closes their eyes when practicing, enjoys it a little too much," he said breathing into Randy's ear, causing his eyes to snap open at the closeness of John's body.

He jumped down from his position and stomped across to the opposite corner.

"I'm not vain," he shouted.

John smiled and climbed back in the ring, jumping down from the top rope. He sauntered across the ring, enjoying playing with Randy.

"No, you're not, I was wrong," John conceded, grabbing the ropes on either side of Randy, trapping him in the corner. "You were so lost in the moment you didn't even notice me being that close to you. It's something else, so tell?"

"Who said I didn't know you were there; maybe I just didn't want it to end," he said relaxing back into the corner, causing John to take a step closer.

"You were lost before I got up there," John said softly. "Tell me."

Randy took a deep breath, closing his eyes yet again.

"Because it relaxes me," he said breathing out and locking eyes with John. "I don't have anything else in my life that does at the moment."

"Did you really know I was there?" John asked moving so his lips were mere inches from Randy's. His eyes locked on those moist lips it was all he could do to stop himself from closing the gaps and kissing them. It had been so long since he'd tasted one of Randy's kisses, he wanted another one.

"Yes," Randy replied whilst lifting John's eyes to meet his.

John suddenly took a step back, realizing what was about to happen. He had Randy trapped in the corner of the ring, with Randy's fingers under his chin, looking as those they wanted to rip each other's clothes off. If anyone had made their way to ringside in the last ten minutes, their secret was out.

"I should go," he said retreating out of the ring. Randy straightened at John's sudden change in demeanor, watching him make his way up the ramp.

"Hey" Randy shouted trying to keep his voice light. "You never answered my question."

"What question?" John said turning round, smiling his dimpled grin at Randy.

"Why were you watching me?" Randy chuckled.

"The same reason, every woman in America watches you on a Monday night; you're hot," he shouted back at Randy.

As soon as his words were out his mouth, Ted and Cody came out onto the stage, making their way to the ring, Cody practically pulling Ted along.

"Hey John," Cody grunted on his way past, as Ted chuckled at his attitude. John watched as they made their way into the ring. "Let's get this over with."

John turned to go but stopped and turned back when Randy called to him.

"Hey, Cena, how about a coffee once I'm done here?"

"That sounds good," he grinned, turning back to leave. Unable to stop from laughing at Cody's griping.

"If you're finished flirting with your ex, could we get on with this now."

John and Randy entered the coffee house and made their way a booth near the back, so they could have some privacy. Although it was a booth, being near the back meant it was cozy, causing their knees to knock together under the table. Neither of them tried to adjust their position so they were touching, both enjoying the feeling of the other.

They both sat there, unsure of how to start the conversation. Randy had invited John on the fly, after their time in the ring, with his silence, he was unsure if Randy was comfortable being there with him.

"Listen, it's obvious you aren't feeling right about being here, I should go," John said as he stood.

"Don't," Randy said grabbing his arm. "I was enjoying the feeling, guess I got lost in thought."

John sat back down and once again found his leg brushing against Randy, this time though he pushed forward a little, causing Randy to open up and let John slip a leg in between his.

"We're in a café, Cena," he said under his breath when he saw a server approaching. They ordered their drinks and the server left them alone again.

"Okay, I'll behave," Cena said. "So what had Cody in such a bad mood he told you off for flirting?"

"You heard that?" Randy asked shaking his head. "I wasn't flirting, you were."

"I think we both were a little," John chuckled.

He shifted in his seat, stretching his arms above his head, whilst stretching out under the table, purposefully letting his leg ride up Randy's thigh. Smiling at the look he received from Randy, but still continuing with his movements.

"You still haven't answered my question," he said to a distracted Randy.

"He wanted to get back to the hotel," he said shaking the lustful thoughts from his mind. "Apparently Ted stopped mid-session so they could come down to the arena."

John chuckled at the situation, as he his hand went under the table, taking a spot on Randy's knee.

"Man, that's tough, I'd never do that," John said running his hand up Randy's leg.

Randy looked at him with a look of disbelief, only an hour earlier they had been seconds away from kissing when he'd back away. Okay, it wasn't sex but the principle was the same.

"Do you not remember the ring?" Randy asked incredulous.

"That's different," John said chuckling, his hand still running back and forth on Randy's leg.

"How?"

John pulled his hand away from Randy and stood excusing himself to the bathroom. Randy groaned slightly at the state John put him in. There was no way he could keep this up and be able to have some dignity when they left.

Five minutes later the drinks had arrived and John returned to his seat, making sure not to touch knees with Randy.

"It's different because we're not in a relationship anymore; and I'm not ready to go back there yet," John said, not able to meet Randy's eyes.

"Not to go all pre-school on you, but you started it earlier."

"I know, and I'm sorry. I guess I thought I was ready, but I'm not. And I don't think you are yet," John explained.

They sat for a few minutes, sipping on their drinks, looking anywhere but at each other. Once again the awkward silence from earlier seeping back in.

"I know I hurt you…" Randy started to speak, feeling like he needed to apologize again.

"Don't; you don't need to say anything. We dealt with it, and moved on," he said, putting his hand on Randy's to soothe his concerns. "It's not because of that."

"Then what?"

John shook his head, unable to explain why he kept pulling away. He removed his hand from Randy's and took the spoon on his saucer, idly stirring his drink, just so he had something to do with his hands.

"John?"

"I don't want to rush it this time, we didn't even date, we just went straight to bed with one another," he said trying his hardest to explain. "I guess I'm concerned that if we go down that road again, the same thing will happen."

Randy reached over and stopped John from stirring his drink. Lacing their fingers together, Randy made John look him in the eye.

"That makes sense," he said, bringing John's hand to his lips to brush a gentle kiss to the skin before letting go, trying to show John he was willing to wait.

The couple relaxed into one another's company again and chatted idly about the Hall of Fame ceremony tonight as well as the big event tomorrow. They'd both been involved in the fan axcess events that were taking place all week and were glad to have the afternoon off to relax.

Randy explained to John that Legacy was definitely over as of WrestleMania and the event was also going to be the turning point for his character, as he became a babyface for the first time in years. John's eyes lit up a little at the thought.

"Maybe we could speak to Vince and Emma and see what they think about us working together again. I reckon the fans would love it that two rivals will work together as a team," John said giddy over his suggestion.

"Do you reckon we could get away with it that quickly after a 'face turn?" Randy asked.

"There's no harm in putting the suggestion in. The worst that can happen if they don't like it, is that we won't get jobs as writers when we retire from the ring," John said animatedly.

Randy watched on as John's eyes lit up working out a way for the two of them to work together again.

The WWE Superstars were all staying at the same hotel and it was decided they'd hit the bar after the awards ceremony, especially considering the Hall of Famers were staying there as well.

John couldn't resist pulling Randy to one side as they entered the bar. He knew he wouldn't have a lot of time to spend with Randy one on one tonight but he wanted to see him. After trying to get his attention on arrival, John had given up and pledged to see him afterward.

"You… are looking extremely handsome tonight, Randall," John said, placing his hand on the small of Randy's back.

"And you are taking my advice, I see; wearing THAT tie," Randy said, tugging a little as a reminder of good times.

"Couldn't resist," he said with a coy smile. "Buy you a drink?"

"On one condition," he said as John raised an eyebrow. "You buy that lady a drink as well."

John turned in confusion as he looked to see who Randy was pointing at. A very tired, Emma, sat at a table near the bar with her laptop out, obviously doing some last minute work for the show tomorrow.

"Come on; it's a deal," John said cocking his head toward the bar.

They ordered their drinks and took a seat at the table with Emma, who didn't even look up from her screen.

"Em, you need to stop," Randy said, trying to close the laptop only to find her hand there stopping him. "I'm guessing from your attire you didn't make it to the ceremony tonight?"

"When have I ever?" she said sarcastically.

"We got you a drink," John said stopping Randy's questions.

"Thank you, but I'm not up for socializing, there's too much to do," she said turning her attention back to the screen.

"Mind if we sit anyway?" John asked, seeing it as a way to stay with Randy and have an open conversation.

"Sounds like a good plan," she said in reply, not really making any sense. John figured she had already engrossed herself back in her work.

"So, tomorrow is March 28," John stated. "Which means, in five days' time, it will be your birthday. And I believe, if I remember correctly, it's gonna be the big one. Any plans?"

Randy shook his head as an answer to John's questions. He hadn't even discussed his birthday with Samantha, so he didn't know what he was going to be doing.

"What is it?" John asked concerned.

"Things aren't great between Sam and I; I haven't even thought about raising the topic with her."

John reached over and put his hand on Randy's forearm, feeling his pain. He knew Randy always beat himself up over his guilt of their relationship and he hoped that hadn't been the cause of their unhappiness.

"If I…"

"You didn't; at first I thought it was because I was never home, spending my time with you, that's why…"

"I know," John soothed, saving Randy from having to explain.

"But things didn't improve, even being at home more. At one stage I even thought she was having an affair, she was spending so much time with her colleague, but before I confronted her I found out he was gay and in a civil partnership."

John couldn't help but give Randy a curious look when he mentioned the guy was gay.

"I know the irony, Cena."

"Do you think she suspected anything about us?" John asked, turning serious again.

"No, I don't think so; let's say if she does she hasn't said anything," Randy said.

John put his hand back on Randy's arm as a way of comforting him. He knew the best way to comfort Randy was to kiss him, but he didn't think he could get away with that here. He also knew it would lead to things they decided to wait on. To ensure they were actually ready.

"You should have talked to me about this," John told him, disappointed that Randy wouldn't speak to him when he needed to.

"You know how there have been certain topics I didn't want you talking to me about over the last five months?" Randy asked looking at John as he nodded in response. "Well, I figured you wouldn't want to know about Sam and I considering what happened between us."

John was about to speak when there was an eruption from across the room. They looked over to see Ted DiBiase Sr. walking out the room, looking a furious. They looked to where he had stormed away from to see Ted Jr. looking angry and upset, with Cody sat next to him trying to calm him.

"I guess Dad just found out," John said.

"I thought it was Cody's family they were worried about?" Randy asked confused. "I'll go see if they're okay."

John watched as Randy walked over to the booth Ted and Cody were sat at and took a seat to talk to his friends.

"What's going on with you and Randy?" Emma asked, not looking away from her screen.

"Were you eavesdropping, Em?"

"No; but today is the most time you've spent together since you split up," she said.

John didn't answer. He loved Em, but he didn't want a lecture from her today, she was too stressed and he was buzzing from his time with Randy.

"Be careful," she said, closing the lid of her laptop. "I'm going to speak with Ted Sr."

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