A/N: Thanks for all the reviews for the last chapter, and thanks to those who made suggestions on Emma's future love. You'll see from the chapter who it is. Hope you like this one as much as the last chapter.
Randy was shifting from one foot to another as they cue leaving the plane built up. His height let him peer over the heads of those in front of him and he noticed they were trying to help an older woman with a walking stick off the plane and into the tunnel. Randy felt like barging past the other passengers who were debarking and picking the woman up and carrying her through to the baggage area. Unfortunately, he probably would be frowned upon for doing so.
As soon as he was off the plane and in the baggage area himself, he grabbed his phone and called Emma. She should be back in Tampa herself today and he needed some place to stay. The last place he wanted to stay was Ted and Cody's house, since they were more loved up than ever now they were living together.
"Hey, Em, how's it going?" Randy asked.
"I'm okay. Listen I heard about you and… well you know… I'm sorry, is there anything I can do?" she asked.
"Actually yeah there is. I just arrived in Tampa, can I crash with you this week?" he asked. "I need to speak with John and I know he's here still trying to sort the house out."
Randy was praying Emma wouldn't mind him staying. It would be good as well, since he hadn't spent much time with her recently and he wanted to catch up. He was also hoping she could offer some advice on how to mend things with John.
"Randy, it's fine, but… well, I'm not there this week," she said. Randy noticed she sounded a little sheepish. "I'm staying with a friend in Chicago."
"Oh, don-"
"You're welcome to stay at the house though, have you still got the key I gave you?" she asked regaining her composure.
"Yeah, thanks," he replied a little dejected. "I've got to go."
He ended the call just as he saw his small travel case come through. As soon as he had the case, he headed straight through to the car rental stand and got himself a hummer to use while in town. Ever since John left St. Louis a few days before, Randy was feeling more alone than ever. He'd spoken to his mom, and told her what had happened. He was expecting her to press him to get back with Sam, but surprisingly, she'd told him to make sure he fought for John. She'd come to see how much he cared for John and wanted her son to be happy.
Even when John had been in St. Louis before Randy spilled his guts, the three of them had gone out for a meal and his mom was relaxed around them being a couple; at least as much as they could be when they went out.
He made the trip around to Emma's house and let himself in, dumping his bag in the spare room which had been designated at his and John's. When Emma purchased the house years before, she wanted something she could eventually use as a family home. She never thought the family would consist of two gay couples, and the daughter of one of the men. Never the less, she had a room for everybody. John and Randy, Ted and Cody, and there was even a room for Alanna to sleep in.
As soon as the case was in his room, Randy was back out the door and on his way round to John's house. He knew it would be awkward, especially considering there was a chance Liz would be there as well. From what John had explained, they were continuing to go through their belongings and ship them out. For the most part, John was putting his stuff into storage, but he'd taken a few bits with him on the road and then brought them into Randy's home.
It made Randy smile when he saw John bringing those items and he felt it made it more homely. Even when he'd gone to grab a shirt from his chest of drawers he'd smile when he noticed, John had taken over half the drawer with his shirts. Now though, it was only the trinkets left in his home. When he opened the drawer, one-half was near empty and he couldn't bring himself to fill it back up with his own clothes.
When he'd been doing the laundry he found the shirt John wore when he was working on his car, and it brought tears to his eyes. If it weren't covered by grease, he may have been tempted to put it on when he went to bed. Instead, he threw it in the wash and put it back in the drawer so there was at least one thing of John's left in there.
He'd soon made it through the traffic and was pulling into John's large driveway. He saw John sat out on the front step of his home, looking defeated. He'd peeked out from under his cap when he heard the hummer pull onto the drive but made no move to get up. Randy wanted to leap out of the car and pull John into his arms for comfort, when he saw John sat there but knew it wouldn't be appreciated and would cause a fight. Hell right now, anything he said or did would cause a fight but he was going to try. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed the bag he'd slung into the car and hopped out, closing the door quietly behind him; he was hoping Liz wasn't there, but if she was, he didn't want to alert her to his presence.
"Figured you'd show up at some stage," John muttered, not even looking up to make eye contact with Randy.
"I got the impression this week was going to more difficult than the last time you had to come down," Randy said, taking a seat next to John on the front porch. "I'm not letting you go through this alone. If you love me or hate me right now, I'm going to be there for you."
"Right," John said cocking his head to the side. "Then what, I'm supposed to show my appreciation once we're done… bet you'd like that wouldn't you."
John pushed off from the step and put a couple of feet between him and Randy. Randy knew he deserved the comment. The more he thought about it, he realized he always got something from John right before he ruined things between them.
"I deserve the comment. But I'm still going to help," he said, standing up himself. He tried to take a step toward John but he just took a step back to keep the distance. "I brought some things you left. Figured you may need them."
He held the bag out for John but he wouldn't take it. Randy let out a sigh and turned away moving back to the step.
"Fine, I'll just put it here, you can take a look later," Randy said, trying to stay strong. "I'm here to help John, so put me to work."
"I don't need your help," John barked. "You were the one who said we can't be friends. So stop trying."
Randy was about to reply when a truck pulled into the driveway. He could see John's shoulder sink a little as the huge truck came to a stop. A rough neck looking guy jumped down from the cab with a clipboard and made his way to where they were stood.
"One of y'all John Cena?" the bloke asked. Randy rolled his eyes, like there was anyone in the country who didn't know who John Cena was.
"That's me," John said remaining calm.
"I'm here to collect some cars, going into storage or something like that," the bloke said looking at the paperwork he had.
"Yeah, follow me; you're going to have to do multiple trips. There's about twenty going into storage," John explained showing the bloke where the cars were.
Randy sat down once more on the step and waited for John to return. This was going to be the hardest part for him. His cars were the most important possession he owned and he was having them put in storage because he wasn't going to have a home for a while.
"Oh god, what are you doing here?" he heard from behind. This time it was Randy's shoulders that sunk as he heard the once voice he was hoping to avoid.
"I'm here to support John, get over it," he said not caring if he was being rude. He still had his suspicions about Liz's involvement in John's previous relationships ending, he'd simply put them to one side when he was helping John through the rough times. He also wasn't about to say anything without any proof.
"I know for a fact he doesn't want you here, so go," she barked orders at him.
"No."
He continued to sit there and heard Liz storm off behind him, giving up for the time being, but knowing she would be back at some stage. He was sat there for another five minutes when John made his return and didn't hesitate to sit next to Randy. Randy could see the agony in John's eyes and wrapped his arm around his shoulders. He was expecting John to shrug it off but was pleasantly surprised when John leant his head on his shoulder. Randy brushed his lips against John's head and immediately regretted it when he felt John stiffen slightly.
"This doesn't mean anything's changed…" he started to say not knowing how to continue.
"I know, I get this is going to be hard on you," Randy said keeping his arm wrapped around John's frame.
They sat and watched as the first batch of John's cars were loaded onto the truck. John cringed as he saw how close the bloke was to scratching the paintwork on more than one occasion but Randy knew he wouldn't complain because it was more likely to cause it to happen.
As the truck pulled out, John sat up and moved out of Randy's embrace, heading into house. Randy silently followed; glad John hadn't sent him away.
"I need to start boxing up my wrestling memorabilia, will you help me?" John asked, still not looking at Randy.
"Of course."
The pair went upstairs and started boxing everything up. Randy knew to keep quiet, only speaking when he needed to check something with John where he wanted certain items going. Their hands would brush on occasion when they were working near to one another and Randy stop himself taking hold of John's hand and pulling him into a kiss.
Randy moved to the trophies and plaques, which adorned the opposite wall, to create some space between the two. If he didn't he would end up doing something he regretted. He did however take the opportunity to try and talk with John, the silence they were in was unbearable.
"John, do you… um… well… do you," Randy stuttered, unable to get his question out. He wanted to spend time alone with John so they could talk. He turned to face John and saw an expression, which cut through his chest and plunged a dagger into his heart. John was expecting it, he was waiting for him to ask him over later, and Randy remembered John's comment from when he arrived. "Do you know who Em's with this week? I'm staying at her house and she said she was in Chicago."
He could almost see John's heart leap for joy when he didn't finish his original question. They both knew what Randy wanted to ask, even if he wasn't meaning it in the way John insinuated earlier in the day.
"No, she just said she was visiting a friend," he said, a small smile appearing on his face. "I'm just glad she's having a life and not working. I was worried she'd fall back into bad habits when she got back on tour, but she's kept her promise."
Randy nodded in reply. He too was glad Emma was having a life. He just wished she would find someone who would treat her right. She needed someone to love who wasn't family.
"I was curious, she sounded almost embarrassed when she said she was in Chicago; I wondered…," he said not finishing his sentence.
"What?"
"Do you think maybe she's seeing someone? Randy said, voicing his thoughts.
"Like who?" John asked. "We haven't been to Chicago since September and she wasn't back on tour until the next day. She met us in Indianapolis, remember."
John was right. She hasn't been there in a long time. He still had a nagging feeling she was holding something back from them.
"Stop thinking, it's hurting my head," John said putting his hand on Randy's back automatically, as he came over to the shelves to help pack up his awards.
Randy smirked and looked at John. When John returned his gaze their eyes locked and Randy could still see the desire which just a few days ago was open for anyone to see. Randy desperately wanted to close the distance between their lips and kiss John until he couldn't breathe. To show him what he meant to him.
"Jo-"
"I'm hungry."
Once again that same voice from behind was there. Randy screwed his eyes shut at the timing of the woman and tried his hardest to count to ten. When he opened his eyes, it was too late; John had stepped back from him and was making his way over to Liz.
"Here's my card, go and get something to eat; bring us back something as well," John said, remaining kind and calm as ever.
"John… it's been a long day," she whispered. "Emotional as well. I don't think I can drive, could you go?"
"I can't Lizzy, the truck's going to be back soon for the next batch of cars," John said.
Randy focused on the packing, staying out of the conversation. He never wanted to be accused of making the situation worse. There were only two maybe three occasions when he could admit to speaking out of turn, and one of those times was earlier.
"Well, what about him?" she said. Randy could almost hear her nose turn up as she spoke and he wanted nothing more than to tell her where to go.
"Randy, would you mind?" John said coming up behind him, running a hand along his lower back. He knew it was John's way of apologizing.
"No, it's fine," he said. "What do you fancy?"
"I want a salad. There's a place in West Tampa, you can go there," Liz ordered.
Randy once again shut his eyes trying to remain calm. Something about this woman just got under his skin.
"West Tampa is like a half hour away. If you're hungry surely you want somewhere a bit closer," Randy said through gritted teeth.
"I don't get my salads from anywhere but there. I'll have the house salad," Liz said with a smug expression.
"What do you want?" Randy asked his voice soft as he spoke to John. Sorry he had to leave him here with Liz.
"I don't mind, I'm not overly hungry."
Randy wanted to kiss John goodbye but knew he shouldn't. John was being civil but he was sure it was only because he was tired and upset at leaving the house where he'd spent so many years. If he tried to kiss him, it would cause John to think he really was just after one thing. At the same time, he just wanted to stick it to Liz. He fought internally for half a minute before heading for the door, squeezing John's shoulder to let him know he'll be back as soon as possible.
John watched him leave the room; he couldn't tell what he was feeling now. Part of him still loved Randy, he always would, but there was still a large part of him who couldn't get past the hate building up inside.
He went back to packing away his awards but could still feel Liz watching him.
"What is it Lizzy?" he wasn't sure why he was using his old pet name for her. Part of him thought it was habit but then again, he'd barely used it for the last year. Even when they'd been in bed together, he didn't use it. He used 'babe' more than he used 'Lizzy'. Of course, on those occasions he'd been thinking of Randy.
"Are things okay with you and him?"
"He has a name; and don't act like you care," John retorted, giving up on the room and walking out, brushing passed her shoulder on the way.
He made his way downstairs, not really knowing where to go, he just wanted away from her. He decided to head to the poolroom and hide but to his dismay she wasn't far behind him and followed him through to where he sat.
"We may be separating, but I'm still your wife for now, if you need to talk," she hesitated. "Well, we used to be good at that."
John held his head in his hands and slumped forward. He was close to telling her what Randy had done with Sam but it wasn't any of her business, not anymore.
"John, ple-"
"Randy slept with Sam the other week," he yelled. "There, are you happy?"
"John, I'm sorry," she said. John felt her tentatively put her hand on his back and try to soothe him. She was trying at least, he could give her that, but it was too late. The love had gone from the relationship long ago and her touch didn't do anything for him.
"He wants to move passed it, but it's just one thing after another with us. I don't think I can keep going through this every time something happens," he said letting his barriers down. He sat and spoke with Liz for another five minutes before they heard the truck pull back into the driveway.
There was something else he didn't want to deal with. All of his cars were going into storage. The only one that wasn't was one he was probably going to tell Randy to sell and get what money he can for it. It was the perfect birthday present, and John had enjoyed working on it when he was in St Louis, but it was unlikely he would be back there soon.
Once the house was empty he would head back to West Newbury and stay with his mom in between touring, and then decide on the best course of action. When he'd gone to West Newbury a couple of times in October he remembered what he loved about growing up there. At the same time he enjoyed the sun and sea of Florida, always had when he was younger. Part of him wished he could turn the clocks back a week and not let Randy tell him about what happened. At that stage, he had seriously considered moving to St Louis with Randy, if he'd have him of course; but that option was off the table now.
Once again, he sat on the front porch and watched his cars being put into the truck, this time though he was sure one was scratched. When he got them back from storage, he was going to need to check the paintwork.
"John," Liz said from behind as the truck pulled out of the driveway. He could see Randy finally returning with the food. As ever he was torn, on one hand he wanted Randy to stay with him, tell it was all going to be okay, and Randy would oblige, meaning every word. On the other hand, he knew what he needed to do.
"John," Liz repeated when he didn't answer.
"What?" he asked, not even trying to sound interested.
"I've packed everything I need. The moving truck will be here in half hour I've labeled everything which needs to be put on it," she said.
"Why are telling me this?"
"Because I'm going, I tired and just want to go lie down, so I'm going back to my hotel," she said, walking passed him. "Can you make sure they pack everything?"
"Sure," he said getting up as Randy got out of the car, an annoyed expression on his face. He watched him approach and wished he could hold him, but he wasn't going to allow that again. He slipped earlier, but not again.
"Here's your salad," Randy said, thrusting the box at her. Liz didn't take the box and instead moved in to hug John.
"Just remember what I said," Liz spoke to John, sneering at Randy over John's shoulder. When she pulled out of the embrace, she took the box from Randy without so much as a word and headed to her car.
"I got you a palomilla steak sandwich; want me to warm it up for you?" Randy asked heading toward the door of the house.
"Randy," John said taking hold of his wrist to stop him. "Don't."
"She said you could eat it cold, but it's best warmed up, moistens the bread apparently," Randy said shrugging.
"No, I mean… don't keep trying; it's too late," John said avoiding Randy's eyes. "You deserve to be happy. You were before I kissed you."
"John, don't do this, not again," Randy begged. "We were moving on earlier, we were able to talk. The way you touched me, it told me you still want this. I could see it in your eyes."
John nodded at everything Randy was saying. He was right.
"I know and I do. I love you, I always will, and I'm going to prove it. Because the most selfless act of love is to let someone be happy, even when it means letting them go," John said, tears forming behind his eyes. He reached up and kissed Randy on the cheek, holding on for a moment too long, because deep down inside he didn't want to let go. "Go back to St Louis; put your family back together."
Randy stood there for a moment taking it in as John went in the house and shut the door. What Randy didn't see was John collapsing against the door as the tears that were in his eyes broke through. He sat on the floor and after a few minutes, heard the engine of Randy's car start up before the sound of tires on the driveway indicated he'd left.
He pulled himself together and headed out the front door. The doors to his large garage were still open and he didn't want to forget to close them before he left. As he was heading back to the house, the moving truck for Liz's belongings turned up. John showed them through the house and pointed out the boxes that were hers and he left them to it as he went back to packing up his wrestling memorabilia.
He went to sign the documents they required and sent Liz a message to say they'd been and everything was on its way to Boston where she was moving back to, now they separated.
As he went to move back into the house, wishing he could just lock up and go back to Ted and Cody's where he was staying during the week, he noticed too bags on the front porch. He picked them up and took them into the living room, putting the bags on the coffee table he was keeping.
He opened the first bag and smirked when Randy had left his sandwich. He'd left a note as well, and more tears came to his eyes as he chuckled at the comment. Even when they were saying goodbye again, Randy was trying.
Warm it up, honestly. I had one when I was driving; it was amazing.
I'm not giving up.
Randy x
The second bag was the one Randy had brought with him when he first arrived. He opened it up and inside was the sneaker he'd thrown across Randy's bedroom in anger. Although it wasn't a happy memory, it was one half off his favorite sneakers and he missed being able to wear them.
He reached into the bag and pulled out a couple more items. His camera, which he loves to have with him when travelling so he can snap some pictures of the places he's been. One of his work shirts, which Randy had left another note attached to.
I couldn't give the other one up… sorry x
The last item in the bag was a small jewelry box. Since he didn't wear jewelry, he didn't know what could be inside. He opened it up and inside was his dog tags. In his fit of anger, John had rushed from Randy's home and forgotten to put on his dog tags, leaving them on the dresser in Randy's bedroom.
He knew it would cause many questions with the fans if he didn't have them on and so he spoke to Emma, who'd sent someone out to purchase a set from an army surplus store.
John started wondering if he'd done the wrong thing by sending Randy away. He wanted Randy to be happy but was it worth it if it cost him his sanity. He pulled his phone out and hit speed dial #2 waiting for them to answer.
"Hey, this is Emma Blanchard; please leave a message after the tone and I'll get back to you as soon as possible."
"Em, it's me, can you call me when you get this. I think I just made the biggest mistake of my life."
As soon as Randy was back at Emma's house, he switched on her computer and hit the internet. He pulled up a list of hotels and started calling round to see if he could find out where Liz was staying. He didn't know what Liz had said to John when he was out but it was enough to talk him out of giving it another go. They'd been so close to reconciling and then it all disappeared and John was back to not wanting him around.
After half hour of phone calls, Randy found Liz staying at the Hard Rock hotel in the heart of Tampa. He hopped in the car and drove the half hour trip so fast he wouldn't be surprised if he'd been caught on the traffic cameras.
He parked up at the hotel and headed in. He checked which room she was in and went on the hunt. One way or another he was going to sort this. When he reached her room, he knocked and waited for her to answer. She obviously checked the peephole when he heard a sigh on the other side of the door.
"Open up, Liz," Randy said, making sure to remain polite so he didn't cause a scene in front of other guests.
When she finally opened the door, he didn't give her the chance to say anything before he barged in. He should have known she'd have an expensive room at the most expensive hotel in Tampa.
"What did you say to him?" he demanded as she shut the door.
"What makes you think I said anything?" she asked with an evil glare. "John has a mind of his own; trust me I know. He's the one who called it quits."
"Who can blame him? Why would he want to stay with you? All you did was cause him pain," Randy accused.
"What would you know," she spat.
"He's told me everything; about his little fuck buddies at the gym. How he'd get a number and then before they got serious, all of a sudden they'd call it off," Randy hinted at what he knew was the truth.
"What are you trying to say?"
"How many of them did you get to?" Randy asked. "Did you pay them off or did you just threaten them somehow?"
Liz slapped him hard in the face as he kept pushing the subject. The Viper in him woke up and he just smiled as she took a step back from his sinister face.
"I bet you hated it when you found out we were together. That we'd been together for months before you'd even known," he pushed. "I never saw it before; but all the problems John and I have been through are since you found out. Of course, I'd put together about the other people, how none of his relationships would get serious; you'd make sure of it. But it was too late this time; it was already serious when you found out."
"Shut up, you asshole," she nearly screamed as she tried to retreat to the bedroom, but Randy got in her way. He wasn't done.
"You did the only thing you could, play the family card; and we were both willing to let you have what you wanted," he taunted.
"Don't you dare talk about that. I want a family more than anything. I lost a baby, and rather than staying with me, he went to you for comfort. Hell, he'd gone to you to celebrate being a father."
Randy backed away from her slightly; he wasn't going to push the topic any further. He could see it still hurt; no doubt, it always would. He could still see the hurt in John's eyes.
"John keeps telling me I should go back to Sam, be happy; even if it means giving up what it takes for him to be happy," Randy ranted. "How much of that came from you. What were you telling him when I wasn't there?"
"I didn't have to tell him anything. He was talking himself into it," she chuckled evilly at Randy. "I just told him to worry about himself, not you."
Randy stepped back again, thrown by her words. John was making the decision, not Liz.
"I have to give it to Sammy though, she played you perfectly," Liz taunted, causing Randy's head to snap up and lock eyes with her.
"What do you mean?"
"She rang me, wanted to see how things were with John. She'd heard on the grapevine things were a bit rocky; I told her about what happened; funnily enough, she blamed you," Liz continued taunting Randy. "She said if you'd left your fling with John as just that, a fling, then everything would be alright for all of us."
"It wasn't a fling," Randy said, trying to keep his voice strong.
"Please, as soon as he came here and told me he was seeing you, he was coming back to say it was over," she said laughing in his face.
"Yeah, maybe, you're right. Things were tentative back then. I was finding out who I was. Battling between who I thought I should be with, and who I wanted to be with. But I've got news for you," Randy said regaining his composure. "John was the one who started it up again, and I was happy to let it happen."
"What?"
"Oh, you didn't know," Randy teased. "He asked me on a date, when was it, two days after WrestleMania. He spent the entire day with me on my birthday when we stayed in Phoenix, damn near had sex with me that day as well."
"Shut up," she murmured.
"Had me talking dirty to him in the elevators when we were on the road. Told me he'd jacked off when he got back to his hotel room after that, calling my name as well. I even had him moaning like a slut when I pushed him against a hotel wall in Belfast. Then that night we had our date and then had sex, it was the best night I'd had in six months. Mmm, and you should have seen how grateful he was when I bought him a car for his birthday; and to think it wasn't even a new car."
"Get out!" she seethed when he finished tormenting her.
Randy smirked and headed for the door of her hotel room.
"That's fine; I've got someone in St Louis to speak to," he said opening the door. "Oh and Liz, whether I get him back or not; I'll see to it that you can't mess with his life anymore. John really does deserve to be happy; and you will never let that happen."
He closed the door to her hotel room and had a smug grin fly across his face. He had fun doing that. Now he had to speak with Sam. That was one piece of information he was grateful Liz told him about.