"She still looks a heap of junk, Johnny, maybe when you start looking at the bodywork and the interiors she'll look better," Randy said as he sat out on his patio, talking with his boyfriend on the phone.

The cooling off period they were going through was proving difficult for both men and even though they saw each other nearly every day of the week for work purposes, it was taking its toll. Especially considering they'd spent over two weeks together. Randy wanted nothing more than to be able to fall asleep with John every night for the rest of his life, but here they were living in different states and even when they were together in California for so long, they were in separate rooms. Even on their date nights, they didn't stay in the same room, just for appearance sakes.

"I'd ask you to look after her, but you'd probably declare her dead and send her to the junkyard in the sky," John teased. "You don't like her; personally I think you're jealous of her."

"It's a car John, I won't be getting jealous. Maybe a little annoyed if you don't tidy her up," Randy joked. "She's making my Mercedes look awful."

"Get over it, Babe," John chuckled. "So… what you doing right now?"

"On the phone talking with my boyfriend," Randy said drawing out his answer, confused as to how John didn't know.

"You know what I mean," John hinted. "I'm here by myself; you're there by yourself…"

Randy groaned as John continued taunting him. He was trying not to get aroused as John was telling him all the things he thought about doing if they were together. He shifted in his seat, grateful he was wearing track pants and not tight restricting jeans.

"Please tell me you're at least rubbing yourself at the moment," John's voice a little ragged as he spoke.

"Johnny, we can't," Randy said, thinking he sounded too much like he was begging.

"Why?"

"I've been away from you for too long and I'm having withdrawal symptoms so I've a got a prostitute coming round to get me off," Randy said sarcastically. "Why'd you think, Johnny? I don't want you to torture yourself. It'll only be a couple more days then we can spend the whole night taking care of one another."

Randy heard John groan on the other end of the phone as he realized what Randy was saying was true. They made the promise that it would be the first and last night of their time together where they could have sex, and yes, this week was torturous. It was the only week since making the agreement, they'd stuck to it, and it was only because they were too busy to see one another. Over the course of the week, they'd only really seen each other during the live events and it was only in passing. Going to Japan and China, a meant lot of promotional work for John, even Randy took part in loads of autograph sessions. Randy admitted to himself that he was having withdrawal symptoms he joked about, when he found himself not sleeping for two nights in a row.

"So you're telling me that when I want to get some, even over the phone, it's not allowed, but when you want some, you drag me onto the bus and take the ride of your life, and that's okay," John said with some annoyance in his voice.

"I didn't say that," Randy groaned, remembering the occasion, a couple of weeks ago, he'd done just that. "And may I remind you, you were the one who turned up at the gym and gave me head… in the middle of the gym."

"Oh god, that was hot…" John moaned. Randy could hear John stroking himself and it made him groan. He was trying his hardest not to let go and remain strong but John's breathing was turning him on and he knew it was only a matter of time before he gave in. Maybe he could help John out and forget about himself. John obviously needed the release.

"It was hot; I remember something else that was hot," Randy said, trying to keep his voice sensual. He could hear John's breathing respond and settle, knowing Randy was going to play along. "I remember you showed up at my hotel room and handcuffed me to the bed. And you're lucky, Cena; nobody else on this planet would get away with that."

Randy was listening to John's hard breathing coming down the phone. If anyone else heard it, they would think it was a perverted phone call but it was turning Randy on even more, it always did when he heard John like this.

"Did you like me like that Johnny? Helpless and yet very willing to allow anything to happen. All so you could remind me, who I belonged to, just because Barbie was throwing herself at me. Mmm, you've never taken me so hard. Not even when I begged you on your birthday," Randy said smiling as he could hear John getting closer.

"Fuck Randy… don't tease me… tell me what you're doing to yourself right now," John panted.

"This is just for you John; I can wait till I see you. It'll make it even better for us," he replied, careful not to ruin the mood.

"I want you touch yourself Randy... I want to hear you scream for me as you lose it."

Randy growled down the phone as he slid his hand into his pants and wrapped it around his aching member.

"You better make this good Cena. I'm trying to behave, and all you're doing is pushing me to the edge."

"From your temper… I can tell you're already at the edge," John tried to laugh finding it difficult since he was still short of breath. "How about I push you over?"

"Fine, but like I said; you better make it good," Randy growled again.

"Close your eyes and picture this… you and I are on my bus, I'm sat on one of the seats and you're in my lap… I'm shoving my big cock into your tight ass…"

"Fuck Johnny, keep going," Randy breathed, so easily able to picture the scene.

"You beg me to go harder… faster… but I'm not going to do that… not yet anyway," John taunted him.

"Oh fuucckk… I'll do anything Johnny… please…"

"You say that as well… you always like act like the mature one… but let's face it… when you have my dick anywhere near you… you're a slut," John said, his breath getting ragged once more.

"Like you can talk… you moan like a whore when I do anything to you…" Randy groaned.

"Fuucckkk, I love it when you talk dirty… oh god… I'm getting close-"

Randy could hear John's hand running up and down his cock and the sound was pushing him slowly over the edge. John's moans were getting louder causing Randy to close his eyes taking in the sound of the man, imagining what it would be like if they were together right now. The image in his mind coupled with John's moaning was enough to make him lose it.

"Johnny… shiiittt… fuucckk, cum with me," he begged trying his hardest to hold on for his partner.

"I… I'm there with- fuuuccckkk," John yelled loud down the phone.

"Johhhnnny," Randy called gasping as he hit his own high.

The pair sat in their respective homes listening to the other breathing as they tried to regain composure. Randy was the first to recover and wished right now that he could rest his head against John's chest, listening to his heartbeat. He sank further into his patio chair, letting his wishes take him away to Tampa, to the side of his lover. Even if he stayed locked in a hotel room for the trip and the only person he saw was John, he would be happy.

"You still there babe?" John asked when Randy remained quiet.

"I'm here; just listening to you breathing," Randy said, keeping his voice quiet.

"Awwww, the big bad Randy Orton has a soft side."

"Fuck off," Randy snapped with the same soft voice as before as John chuckled at him through the phone. Even John's laugh was enough to get to him as he pictured his dimple-faced lover. "Cooling off isn't working is it?"

Randy shook out of his thoughts at the sudden change of tone from John, as his partner grew serious. He wanted to keep things light and not have a serious discussion when he couldn't see John's expressions. The older man can try to hold his true feelings in but Randy could tell from his eyes he was holding back. With so many states between them, Randy didn't want to attempt the conversation.

"You noticed, huh?" Randy quipped. "Maybe we can talk about it when we get to New Jersey."

"Is that your subtle way of saying you don't want to talk about it?" John asked just as quiet.

"I'd just rather discuss it when we're in the same room, and we can't get interrupted," Randy explained as he heard the doorbell go. "Johnny there's someone here, I have to go."

"Okay, can I call you later?"

"I'll be counting on it," Randy said as he made his way through his house. "Later it is, I love you, Johnny."

"I love you too," he said about to ring off. "Oh, hey, make sure your decent before answering the door."

"Shit," Randy swore just as he was about to open the door. He heard John end the call, laughing again.

"Randall, I wish you wouldn't swear," Randy heard from the other side of the door, recognizing his mom's voice straight away. "Now hurry up and let me in."

Randy checked himself out before going to open the door but realized he wouldn't be able to open it to his mom until he'd changed. She was supportive in his decision, but only because he was her son. She wouldn't appreciate knowing what he'd been up to, considering she knew who he was up to it with. He unlocked the door before turning away and heading for the staircase.

"Mom, the door's unlocked, let yourself in," he shouted. When he heard the door clicked he called down to her, saying he'd spilt something on his top so needed to change.

Randy stretched and scrambled for the bedside table in the dark as his phone blasted a Pandera song, shattering his sleep and the silence of the house as well. His hand reached the phone but as he grasped it in his palm, the music stopped and he missed the call.

He went into his phone's call log and saw it was John. Part of him wondered whether to call back or not, knowing in the past he would phone because he was looking for some late night dirty talk. As he pondered on the thought, the phone once again started ringing. He didn't hesitate to answer as he pressed the button on the screen and moved it to his ear.

"Johnny, I'm sorry I missed your call, I couldn't find my phone in the dark," Randy explained without a word of reply from John. "Johnny, are you there?"

Randy looked at the screen of his phone to make sure he was still connected, when he was sure he was he put the phone back to his ear.

"Johnny, are you there? Are you okay?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't know who else to call," John said, his voice hollow.

"Johnny, baby, what's the matter?" Randy asked, panic rising in the pit of his stomach.

"It's Liz," he said sounding as though his insides were dying.

"Is she okay?" Randy pressed, careful to sound gentle, when John didn't explain.

"She lost the baby..." John said his voice still void of emotion. "…she lost my baby."

"Where are you?" Randy asked, jumping out of bed and heading to the dresser to get some fresh clothes.

"The hospital; Liz is sleeping."

"I'm on the next flight," Randy said. "Stay there and I'll be with you in a couple hours."

Randy heard John click off the phone and he sighed as he pulled his clothes on. He went downstairs to the kitchen and made himself an instant coffee while ringing the airline to book a flight. He was grateful there was space on the next flight, which left in just under an hour, so he booked a seat and then went back to his bedroom to pack his suitcase.

Figuring it was easier just to stay in Tampa for the remainder of his days off, he packed his travel bag so he had enough for Tampa as well as his days in New Jersey and Massachusetts. Once he was packed, he was again on the phone, ordering a taxi to take him from his home to the airport. Considering the late hour, Randy didn't want to risk driving and felt it better to grab a cab.

Less than ten minutes later, he was on his way to the airport. He sent a text message to John to let him know when he would be arriving and then sent one to Sam apologizing for the late change in their plans. He was originally supposed to spend a couple of days with Alanna, and he hated changing those plans but knew he would be able to make it up to her when she was on the road with him the following week.

He took the print outs of his hotel reservation for the days in New Jersey and Massachusetts. He rang the hotel in New Jersey and changed both his John's reservations so they were sharing. Deep down he knew that Liz would want some distance, and John would oblige; but Randy wasn't about to let him suffer by himself. He was going to do anything he could to support his lover, and more importantly his best friend.

He rang Massachusetts hotel and cancelled his reservation, leaving John's. He was going to speak with him tomorrow and see how he felt about spending some time in West Newbury after their show in Boston. Randy knew the best thing for John would be to spend time with his mom and let her comfort him. And if he didn't want to then Randy would simply spend the time with him at the hotel.

He got to the airport and checked in just as the flight was boarding. Heading straight onto the plane, Randy sat nervously tapping his foot. He wanted to get to John as soon as possible, and hold him in his arms. He hated that he would be out of contact for a couple of hours since the airline wouldn't allow mobiles to be used in flight.

The two and a half hour flight was excruciating and although the flight attendant kept an eye on him, sensing his discomfort, the flight still dragged. Thankfully, after looking through the magazines provided nearly four times, reading the same articles repeatedly, the plane touched down. Randy unbuckled his seat as soon as the light went out and hopped up out of his seat to grab his bag from the overhead compartment.

He could hear a couple of rumblings from the other passengers and he bit his tongue, wanting nothing more than to turn around and tell them where to go; but he knew it wouldn't resolve anything. The flight attendant laid a tentative hand on his shoulder, conveying his understanding. If he weren't in a rush, and involved with John, he may very well have taken a second look but he didn't have the time.

He rushed through to the baggage claiming area and tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for his suitcase to come through. As soon as he had his hands on the item, he rushed through the door and out to departure doors to grab a taxi.

Randy was starting to be frustrated with the constant travelling and wished he were already with John. He directed the taxi to Tampa General Hospital and once again tapped his foot, nervously waiting for the twenty-minute trip to be over. As soon as they arrived at the hospital, Randy practically threw the money at the taxi driver, telling him to keep the change and ran into the hospital with his bags.

He received an odd expression from the receptionist as he asked for the maternity ward and was directed through the hospital. He raced to the elevator and hit the button for the next floor. As soon as the doors opened, he stepped out and followed the directions to the ward. When he reached the right area he asked for Cena and was told she was still sleeping.

"Is her husband still here?" Randy asked, praying to himself that John was still waiting for him.

The nurse indicated to the balcony access for visitors, where Randy spotted John leaning on the railing, looking out at the night sky.

"Do you mind if I leave these here?" he asked again as he moved his bags out of the way so people didn't trip over them.

"Of course, visiting times are over though, sir," the nurse said trying to sound polite while letting him know he wouldn't be able to stay long. "Only family members are allowed to stay."

"That's fine, I just arrived in town and wanted to see if there was anything I could do," Randy said, trying to appease the nurse.

He made his way over to the balcony and stepped out in the cool air. He could sense the nurse's eyes on him and reluctantly he couldn't risk wrapping John in his arms. He placed his hand on John's back and rubbed the area, trying to convey his sympathy. John barely acknowledged his presence and just stared out into the dark surroundings.

"What can I do?" Randy asked, wishing John would look at him so he could see what he was thinking.

John didn't reply and continued looking out into the black sky. Randy wished he knew what John was going through, so he could say the magic words that would make him feel better; but he knew no such words existed. He noticed goose bumps forming over John's skin, so he whipped his hoodie off and tried to drape it around John's arms. John's added muscle size meant that it barely covered him, but Randy left it there anyway hoping it would take some of the chill away. He was pleased when John pulled it closer, holding it in place.

"Can you take me away from here?" John asked, still emotionless, though Randy heard the hoarse sound to his voice. He wondered if John had been crying or whether it was simply down to not speaking for so long that his throat had gone dry.

"Do you want to go to the canteen?"

"No, I want to get away from the hospital," he said.

Randy instinctively took hold of his hand and led him back into the building. He sat him at one of the seats and told him to wait while he sorted something out. He didn't want to take him away without some means of the hospital being able to contact him.

"I'm taking John home to get some sleep. If Mrs. Cena wakes up and is looking for him, you can contact him on this number."

Randy didn't wait around to see whether he got a look from the nurse and simply grabbed his bags before pulling John up from his seat. He instinctively wrapped an arm around John's shoulders, noticing the hoodie he gave him was now stretched across John's muscles as he'd slipped it on. Taking John back through the maze of halls and down to the car park, he suddenly realized he hadn't driven. He turned to John but the older man had already read his mind and had the keys to his pickup.

"Where are you parked, Johnny?" Randy asked.

Without saying anything, John led him over to where he'd left the truck and Randy opened the car door, helping John in to the passenger seat. He was hoping John would say something when he took hold of Randy's hand but only silence remained.

Reluctantly, Randy pulled away from the touch, running his hand over the back of John's head in a caring manner, before closing the door and loading his case into the back of the truck.

"Where do you want to go Johnny? I've booked a hotel, or I can take you home?"

"Take me to the beach."

"The beach?" Randy asked puzzled. "Are you sure you don't want to lie down, try and get some sleep?"

"Take me to the beach," he repeated.

"Okay," Randy said, unsure why John would want to go there.

He started the truck and pulled out, heading in the direction of the only beach he knew in the area. The fifteen-minute journey was silent except for a few uncomfortable coughs from Randy. He'd never felt so inadequate, not knowing what to say to make anything better. He wished this was a six weeks ago when John found out the suspected pregnancy was a false alarm; but this time John knew he was going to be a daddy, and he was excited. Randy was excited for him as well. He knew what it felt like to be a father and wanted nothing more for John but to experience the feeling of meeting your child for the first time, having them grab at your finger, call you daddy. He couldn't believe this cruel twist of fate.

When they reached the beach he pulled into the parking lot, and within a second of the handbrake being on, John had leapt out of the truck and stormed onto the beach. Randy watched as John picked up a few pebbles on his path to the shoreline. The younger man followed quietly behind, keeping near for when the time came and observed the emotion finally flowed free from John's body as he threw pebble after pebble into the open water.

Tears of anger and grief rolled down John's face as he screamed expletives. Randy listened to his words, knowing John was screaming at the injustice of it, cursing himself for being selfish and not God giving pay back for the infidelity. Asking God 'Why?'

As the anger left his body and he started to sink down, Randy was there holding him, letting him sob into his chest.

"It's going to be okay, I promise you," Randy said, pacifying his lover. "Just tell me what I can do. I'm lost, Johnny. I don't know what to do."

John continued kneeling in the sand as Randy held him. Randy felt him pull away slightly and look him in the eye.

"Make love to me," he said calmly. "Make me feel something… anything."

Randy wasn't sure it was the best thing but he knew he'd do anything for John. He leant in and softly captured John's lips, waiting for him to respond in kind. When he felt John relax under his touch, he pulled away and stood, pulling John in tow, leading him to a more secluded part of the beach.

"Are you sure?" he asked earnestly.

"I'm sure," John said nodding in response. "Make love to me."

8