Totally ignoring the strike here since I write for my dear fans and not for anyone else... and it already took me long enough...but that chapter… well… it's a bit longer than usual... and my hand couldn't write as fast as my brain gave me the scenes... now enough of the rambling and on to the story:
Hope you enjoy it anyways!
Disclaimer: I own no one but Tammy… *pouts*
That night her and Randy had finally the fun again they had not shared in weeks. Not only once, not twice, but three times he had made sweet, soft, yet passionate love to her and it was far after midnight that they had finally found the rest both of them needed.
The next morning Tammy had woken up first, prepared the breakfast, informed John of the changes in their plan due to Alana coming over and all preparations for the party had been finished.
Randy had gotten up at noon, walking downstairs with his eyes still half-closed, slight smile on his lips when he had seen Tammy laying on the couch, resting her sore bones, obviously sleeping.
He walked up to her, kneeling down, carefully running his palm over her cheek, brushing some strands out of her face in the process, smirking when her lips curled into a smile.
He leaned down to brush his lips over her ear, softly whispering.
"Wake up, beauty! Al will be here in an hour."
She groaned, slowly opening her eyes.
"I know…" she stretched, yawning "Happy birthday, babe!"
Randy smirked, softly kissing her lips before pulling away.
"I'll celebrate it with you and my lil bug… it sure as hell is a happy birthday."
Tammy chuckled slightly, rising up into a sitting position, leaning against the back of the couch.
"Don't forget John. He should be here in a few."
Now it was Randy's time to groan.
"Baby… you know that with Alana around…"
"Yeah yeah… I know… I just wish we could tell her… and Sam… and that whole charade would be over."
She smiled gently, taking his face into her hands, caressing his cheeks with her thumbs.
"Well… they don't need to know about us being together that long already. We could say we met two weeks ago…"
Randy chewed on his lips, sighing, shaking his head.
"We could… but not today. I don't want that bitch to ruin my birthday."
She nodded her head, softly pecking his lips.
"Me neither."
Smiling, he slowly pulled away, running a hand through her hair.
"So… what did you plan for me today… hmmm?"
A slight chuckle escaped her lips as she got up from the couch.
"Well… one surprise when Evan, Cody and Teddy arrive and two more when Alana left again."
His growl filled the air as he grabbed her waist from behind, pulling her back into his chest, slowly walking her towards the kitchen, his face cradled in her neck, mumbling.
"Those jerks also coming?"
She shook her head, laughing.
"Yes… for what I planned I'll need Cody playing his role again and Teddy and Evan… well, they helped me as much as John did with your presents."
As they arrived in the kitchen, Randy let go of her waist again, leaving her to make her way to the fridge.
"When will they arrive?"
She grabbed some Orange-juice, placing it on the counter, before going to grab a glass.
"Around three… three-thirty."
He sighed, nodding; hands on his hips before the sound of the doorbell made him jump a little, startling both of them.
"Should be John… Can you let him in? I'll make us something quick for lunch."
Another sigh left his lips as he retreated out of the kitchen to answer the door.
Just as she was about to get the toast out to make them some sandwiches, Tammy frowned.
"Sorry Randal, we're early, but Lana couldn't wait to come here to see you."
*What the hell where they already doing here? Shit… and John is not even here to cover us… where is that man when you need him?*
Randy's eyes had widened the instant he saw his soon-to-be-ex and his little girl, but being the good actor he is, he had quickly put on his biggest, warmest smile as he picked up his 4-year-old, placing kisses all over her face, causing her to giggle loudly.
"Daddy! Happy Birsday!!!"
This time his smile was genuine, his eyes shining brightly, enjoying the embrace she gave him, her tiny arms not even covering his strong neck, muscles flexing under the warmth of her embrace.
"Thanks my little bug."
He pulled away a little, kissing her forehead, short black hair tickling his nose before looking over at Sam, icy cold, blue eyes starring daggers into her.
"Well… thanks for bringing her. I'll get her back to you at six."
He knew she would not leave that easily. He knew she would not have it, but it was worth a try.
She shook her head, glancing inside the house over his shoulder, high-heels helping her a little.
"So… whose house is that?"
He groaned, bouncing his daughter up in his arms.
"None of your business."
Sam smirked at him, shaking her head as she puckered her lips.
"I have every right to know who my girl's staying with."
Randy rolled his eyes, cracking his neck a little as he growled.
"She's OUR girl, Sam… and just for your nosey self, the house belongs to a friend of John, who was nice enough to let us celebrate my birthday here."
Sam furrowed her brows, crossing her skinny arms over her chest as she tilted her head.
"And where is John?"
He groaned again, just as Tammy came up behind them, her voice startling Randy a little, but her soothing hand on his back taking away his tension.
"Making some last minute arrangements. He should be back any minute…"
Sam arched a brow as Tammy reached out her hand to her, only slowly accepting the strangers' offer of saying hello.
"Hi… I'm Tamara… good friend of John."
Randy bit his lip, looking back and forth between the two women, daughter still in his arms, her big brown eyes staying fixed on Tammy.
"Yeah… hi."
Sam quickly pulled her hand away again after a quick handshake, eyes going back to Randy, studying his expressions before finally turning her back to them.
"You better bring her back in time."
With that said, she emerged from the house, Randy mumbling under his breath.
"Thanks for the birthday-wishes… little sh…"
He groaned as he looked down at Alana, then over at Tammy who was smiling at the little girl, still rubbing soothing circles on Randy's back.
"Let's go inside. Sandwiches are done. You hungry, little lady?"
Alana bit her lip, grinning widely as she nodded her head.
The smile on Tammy's face grew as she closed the door behind them, hand still on Randy's lower back, gently rubbing it as she whispered in his ear.
"How about I take her and you go take a quick warm shower to relax?"
She knew by his tense muscles and the look in his eyes that he was close to exploding.
He inhaled deeply before slowly nodding, looking down at his daughter.
"Daddy's gonna take a quick shower. Can I leave you alone with Aunt Tammy?"
Alana chewed her lips, looking back and forth between them, seeing the smile on Tammy's face while Randy practically begged her with his eyes.
"Yeah daddy… but huwwy up before I eat all da samwishes alone!"
A small chuckle left his lips. He carefully let her down to the floor, kissing the top of her head.
"I'll be back in no time."
Alana smiled, nodding as Tammy took her tiny hand into hers, watching Randy retreat upstairs quickly, mouthing a small "I love you" to her from the top of the stairs.
She surely knew him well… and she was something special. He definitely was going to enjoy the next five hours… a lot.
Okay, it took him a bit longer and as he finally emerged from the shower twenty minutes later, he felt his muscles and his mind relaxing again. Re-dressed and ready to have a wonderful afternoon with his two loves, he made his way downstairs again, where laughter awaited him.
As he peaked his head inside the kitchen, he saw Tammy with Alana on her lap, sitting at the table, John sitting across from them, making grimaces of all kind, not only sending Alana, but also his woman into a fit of giggles.
Slowly walking inside, his smile grew, eyes sparkling at that sight.
"Hey!"
All three of them turned their heads towards him, Alana instantly jumping of Tammy's lap to run up to him as fast as her little legs could carry her, Randy picking her up with a swinging motion.
"You late, daddy… Uncle John and I already ate all da samwishes."
Randy faked a hurt expression, turning to look from her over to John, arching a brow.
"Oh… is that so?"
John grinned, holding his hands up in defense as he got up from the chair and approached the two of them.
"Hey… we were hungry as hell… and Tammy said she'd make you more when you finally get you're a…" He stopped himself, looking at the little girl in his friends arms "…your bones down here again."
Randy smirked, shaking his head, before John pulled him into a manly hug, careful not to squash Alana.
"Happy birthday, man!"
"Thanks."
Randy's eyes were fixed on Tammy, who had gotten up to make him something to eat. He smiled as he watched her, hoping that none of the guys would stay for too long today as he had already planned something just for the two of them… something more than special.
John let go of him, eyes following Randy's gaze, smirking as he turned back to him, whispering in his ear with his hand covering it.
"She's great with Alana… the girl already loves her."
Randy nodded, looking down at the girl in his arms, who had snuggled up into his chest, eyes half-closed.
"Yeah… I saw it."
His eyes went back up to John, smile plastered on his face.
"I'll lay her down for a bit. Seems as if she needs a little nap or she won't do it until six."
John grinned, shaking his head as he opened his arms.
"You go eat something… I'll bring her upstairs."
Randy did not even have the time to protest as John had already taken Alana out of his arms and was on his way out of the kitchen.
Randy sighed, running a hand through his trimmed hair, before walking over to Tammy, wrapping his arms around her from behind, softly kissing her cheek, before resting his head on her shoulder.
"Thank you!"
"For what?"
"Everything."
She tilted her head, arching a brow as she studied his face, but the only answer she got was a kiss on her lips.
"I love you."
She shook her head, chuckling softly as he pulled away.
"You're something else."
He grinned, shrugging his broad shoulders as he sat down at the table, hands in his lap.
"That's why you love me, right?"
She turned around with a smirk on her lips, placing the sandwiches in front of him before brushing her nose over his cheek, whispering huskily.
"That and the unbelievable sex."
She kissed his cheek, pulling away to see him faking a pout, making her smirk grew even bigger.
"Happy birthday, babe."
The next hour went by pretty silent and relaxed, John joining them in the kitchen again after laying down Alana.
The three of them just talked about god and the world, all of them happy to not have to worry about anything, to get a break from the stress of the past weeks, Randy having Tammy in his lap, arms wrapped securely around her, his hands softly caressing her belly underneath her shirt as he rested his head on her shoulder.
He enjoyed being able to spend some time with her, to hold her, touch her. They did not get enough of that the past weeks.
As Randy brought Alana back downstairs, after waking her from her nap, Tammy decided to give him and his daughter some time for themselves, doing the dishes together with John before re-joining Randy and Alana in the living room.
She chuckled softly as she watched Randy rolling around on the floor with the little girl, wrestling with her, the little ones laughter filling the house.
John grinned, being glad to see his friend relax for the first time in ages, looking back and forth between Tammy, who was standing in the door-frame, and Randy, playing with his little girl; placing a hand on her shoulder, whispering.
"He's a great dad… and I'm sure you'll be a great mom."
She smiled brightly, nodding her head, continuing to watch her man and his daughter playing around, having fun. It warmed her heart to see him finally be able to smile and laugh again, to forget about the stress he had gone through during the past weeks, just enjoying being himself.
It was not long after that the doorbell rang again and Tammy was brought out of her daydreams.
Evan, Ted and Cody arrived together, all of them hugging Tammy tightly, all but Cody, who just walked past her without even greeting or looking at her, as he walked over to Randy, congratulating him.
She sighed, looking back at Ted and Evan, cracking them a small smile, Evan knowing exactly what was going on while Ted did not have a clue.
He leaned over to Evan, his eyes fixed on Cody as he whispered.
"Something happened?"
The younger man just shrugged, before also making his way towards Randy, greeting him with a quick hug and a pat on his back.
"Happy birthday, old man!"
Tammy shook her head, watching Cody's every move as he greeted John and then picked up Alana, kissing her all over that tiny, gorgeous face, making her giggle.
She did not even realize Ted taking a step towards her, placing a hand on her back, gently pushing her forward.
"Come on… let the party begin."
She let out a long sigh, before sending him a warm smile, nodding. He kissed her cheek, hand still on her back to slowly lead her over to Randy and John, only letting go of her to congratulate his friend.
The whole afternoon she could not help but glance over at Cody every now and then, all six of them sitting in the living room, Randy playing games with Alana while the others talked, laughed, exchanged stories of all kind.
Though all of them had noticed Cody being totally off, barely talking, avoiding all physical as well as eye contact with Tammy, none of them asked him what the matter was.
As it neared evening - it was around five now - Tammy retreated to the kitchen to prepare some small snacks for them before Alana had to leave.
"Cody… can you go grab me a beer?"
Randy's voice startled Cody a little, as he was off in his own little world, now glaring over at Randy with a quirked brow, hands in his lap, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.
"Uhmm… can't you get it yourself…"
Randy groaned, pointing at a little Alana sitting on his lap, playing with a doll.
"Codes!"
He held his hands up in defense, huffing as he got up from the couch.
"Okay… okay"
Turning towards Ted, John and Evan on his way over to the kitchen, he asked if any of them wanted another beer, too, gaining nods from all three of them.
He entered the kitchen silently, biting his lip hard as he slowly made his way over to the fridge, eyes never leaving Tammy, who was standing with her back to him in front of the counter, swaying her hips softly to the beat of some music playing on the radio.
She was humming, cutting some vegetables and fruits, totally in her own world as the smell of something familiar made it to her nose.
"Hey Cody…"
She did not even need to turn around, Cody being slightly startled, licking his lips to wet them while he tilted his head.
"How did you…"
"Your perfume."
She turned around, soft smile tucking on her lips as she saw him blushing slightly. He turned his head away, opening the fridge to grab the beer, hiding his face behind the door.
She sighed heavily, shaking her head as she went back to preparing the snacks.
"You know… you could at least ACT as if we're okay. With your attitude today we're going to have a hard time pretending to be a couple at the party later."
A small sigh escaped his parted lips as he wanted to say something, but the words were stuck in his throat. He grabbed the bottles, closing the fridge with his elbow and held his head down, tears about to spill once again.
Before they got a chance to fall though, he heard Alana laughing loudly from the room next door, raising his head again, small smile on his lips. Her laughter always had this effect on him.
"Don't worry… I'll play my role… as always."
She did not even have the time to answer as he was already out of the door again.
Hands grasping the counter tightly, she swallowed hard, the guilt inside of her was eating her up more and more, not only the one towards Randy, but the one towards Cody as well.
It took her a while to push the negativity out of her head again. This day was about Randy and only him and she wanted to make it a good one, the best one, a birthday he would never forget.
Finishing the vegetables and fruits, putting them onto two big plates, she took a long deep breath before walking back out into the living room, smiling at the sight playing in front of her:
Randy and Alana were both on their stomachs, facing each others, playing arm pressing on the floor with the boys cheering on Alana. Even Cody seemed to have lightened up, him and Evan now standing on the couch, clapping and whistling as Alana managed to press Randy's arm down.
He playfully pouted, making the little girl beam and giggle, kissing her dads nose.
"You gonna win da next time, daddy!"
Minutes later, after everyone had grabbed some snacks and only a little time was left until Alana had to go back home again, Tammy rose from her spot on the couch again, grabbing Randy's hand, smiling down at him before smirking at the guys.
"How about we'll show the man his first gift now?"
The guys all nodded in unison while Alana jumped up, cheering.
"Daddy's got a present!"
Randy chuckled; raising a brow at Tammy as he slowly got up, hand still in hers.
"I hope it's a good one."
She smirked, shaking her head at him as she lead him over to the basement-door, letting go of his hand as they stopped in front of it.
"It was actually Johns idea and the others helped with it… close your eyes!"
He grimaced, quirking a brow, but did as he was told anyways, soon enough feeling her soft hand curling around his wrist and hearing the door opening.
"Leave 'em closed… I'll lead you."
They made it downstairs slowly and carefully, John walking in front of them to make sure that Randy would not cheat and to be there in case he would slip, but neither of that did happen.
After the last step was taken, Tammy let go of his wrist, smiling as he let out a silent whine at the loss of contact.
"Okay… you can open them again… Happy Birthday!"
He opened his eyes slowly, gasping as he saw what they had prepared:
The walls were painted a soft, light blue, posters, articles and some of his old Championship belts hanging all over them, some of his old trophies standing on a board on the left wall, a running machine in the middle of the room, big TV hanging on the wall opposite to it.
His eyes almost popped out of his head at that sight, smile as wide as possible as John nudged him in his ribs.
"Go around… take a closer look at it!"
Alana was already running around the room, checking out the ring that was set up in one of the corners, mats splayed out around it.
Tammy watched him closely, a satisfied smile on her lips as he walked across the room towards some articles, running his fingers over them absentmindedly before staring at his old WHC belt with tears in his eyes.
"You… wow… that's just…"
He slowly turned around, a few tears actually rolling down his cheeks, wiping them away with the hem of his shirt.
"Thank you guys… so much… it's wonderful."
Tammy and John were both beaming happily, glad that Randy -after everything he had gone through the past weeks and after all the stress he had- enjoyed his gift.
Tammy sighed as she took a glimpse at her watch, chewing the inside of her cheek.
"Randy… it's almost six."
He knew it… he knew the moment would come. Running a hand through his freshly trimmed hair, he groaned, nodding as he looked over to his little girl running around in the ring.
"Yeah…"
She gently laid a hand on his back, rubbing it softly in circles, getting on her toes to whisper in his ear.
"You'll see her again soon. Now go bring her back to Sam and when you get back, there's two more presents waiting for you."
Even though he hated to do so, he did as she had told him, driving Alana back to Sam, the little girl crying most of the time, not wanting to leave her dad.
He even had to go through hell as he arrived at his old house for being ten minutes late… ten freaking minutes.
Therefore he wasn't exactly in the best mood when he got back to Tammy's house, face showing all his emotions as Tammy walked up to him, already changed in her outfit for later; wearing tight dark jeans and a strapless shirt, hugging her breasts tightly while hanging loosely over her belly.
"Come here… babe!"
He sighed as she wrapped her arms around him, rubbing his neck softly with her fingers, kissing his cheek.
They stood like that for a long while until Randy's muscles relaxed again and his eyes started to wander around the room.
"Where is everyone?"
He pulled back a little, seeing her smirk and shrug.
"You'll find out in a bit… now go get changed into something comfy but yet fancy… we're going out."
He quirked a brow at her, opening his mouth to speak, but her finger on his lips stopped him from doing so.
"Just do it."
He sighed, but nodded nonetheless, earning a soft, small kiss from her and a slight smack on his ass as he walked past her and towards the stairs.
"Hurry up!"
It took them, or better yet Randy, a good thirty minutes before they left the house.
He had changed into some dark denim jeans, black dress-shoes and a white button-up shirt, sleeves going to his elbows. For Tammy he was a sight for sore eyes - beauty in perfection.
She had decided to drive, well since Randy still did not know where they were going, it made sense anyways.
Ten minutes later, she pulled into the parking-lot of the club she had worked for until she had found out about the pregnancy.
Randy arched a brow at her when she stopped the engine.
"What are we doing here?"
Tammy chuckled, before softly kissing his cheek.
"Well... my old boss gave me the club tonight for a little party... happy birthday!"
He smirked now, his arm resting on her shoulder.
"Party, huh? How many people?"
She groaned playfully, shaking her head the same time as she patted his knee.
"Let's get inside so you can find out!"
He nodded, kissing her lips before getting out of the car.
"Uhmm... by the way... there'll be some of your co-workers at the party, so Cody's playing my man till we get out again."
Randy sighed as he looked at her. He kind of knew that it would probably be like this, but it still stung. The night of his birthday and he could not even spend it with his love, not touch her or kiss her openly. He had to share her with Cody... again.
"Okay..."
He ran a hand through his short, dark hair. Tammy sighed, walking up to him with a sad smile, kissing his lips, murmuring.
"Soon... only three more months."
Resting his forehead against hers, he managed to crack a small smile, mumbling under his breath.
"Not soon enough..."
She chuckled, pulling away from him and linking their arms.
"Come on... the sooner the party starts, the sooner it ends and I can be all yours again."
She winked at him, causing him to flash Tammy his trademark smirk as they made their way towards the entrance. He stopped her in front of the door, taking a deep breath as he pulled his arm away from hers.
"You ready?"
He gave a small nod, taking another deep breath before she opened the door. Music and loud talking filled the air as he stepped inside the club, Tammy following him.
It took some seconds until John saw them and spread his arms out with a wide grin on his lips.
"Happy Birthday, man!"
The yelling caused everyone else to turn towards the entrance and one after another started to clap. Randy blushed slightly as his eyes traveled around the club... almost around forty people were there, mostly co-workers, but also some of his long-time friends, though only a few of them were still with him after he and Sam had parted.
He put on his biggest smile, while Tammy softly stroked his back, urging him on to go and greet everyone by gently pushing him towards the crowd. Before making another step however, he turned to face her and his watery eyes almost made her cry.
"Thank you."
She grinned, nodding her head, the soft brown curls falling into her face as she watched him walk over to his friends. However, Tammy did not get much time to enjoy the sight, as soon enough she felt two soft lips pressed to her left cheek and a warm hand slipping into hers, lacing their fingers together. By the scent alone, she knew who it was, so the whispered words weren't surprising her at all.
"Only for tonight."
Without even looking at Cody, she nodded as they headed over to the crowd, starting to chat with some of them; Cody introducing her to some of the people she did not know yet as the guys had done the invitation-part without her.
As the night went on, she felt more and more comfortable; partly because she saw the gleam in Randy's eyes and a smile constantly plastered on his lips, and partly because she had not been out partying ever since the pregnancy test and she was glad for the change.
It was around 11 that she gave John a nod and a wink, the sign for him to bring Randy's last gift in. Only a few minutes later the music stopped and Cody grabbed a microphone, Tammy by his side, arms linked, but her eyes fixed on Randy, watching every expression of his as Cody spoke.
"Well Randy... you probably already realized that there's a whole lot more people who like you than we all thought. Though I bet half of that bunch only came for the free drinks..." laughter filled the room as Cody winked "...Anyways... since we haven't done anything special last year and... though I'm sure you're sick of hearing it already... this is your big T.H.I.R.T.Y, we thought that the new gym and the party wouldn't be quite enough. So... with the idea of that beautiful woman here..." he gave Tammy a sweet kiss to her cheek, still keeping the charade alive "...and some money from us boys... there's one last thing we want to give you today."
He lowered the microphone just in time as a loud roaring filled the air in the club and John rolled out of the VIP-lounge on the Harley they had all bought. Tammy could see Randy's mouth dropping open and his eyes widening immediately at the sight of the machine. He swallowed hard, looking around for Cody and Tammy to see them both nodding at him in re-assurement, but he was too much in awe to move.
"This...?"
He felt a big, strong hand on his back and heard Ted's voice only in a blur.
"Go take a look! It's all yours."
He took a deep breath and with a slight push by his friend, he stumbled towards the machine as John got off it with a wide grin. It was the first time in ages, that he saw his long-time friend that speechless and with tears of joy in his eyes. He took a step aside, leaving Randy to examine his new bike alone and in all the time he wanted and needed for it.
Randy reached his hand out, slowly brushing his fingertips over the black chrome, walking around the machine in trance, taking each and every detail in as he held his breath and a few tears -he could not hold them back- ran down his cheeks.
The silence in the club was stunning.
Tammy wanted nothing more than to hold him and kiss him now, to join him while he ran his hands all over the lack of the bike.
"Wow... it's... it's beautiful."
He finally gained his voice back, looking over into the crowd, his now beaming eyes searching for Tammy as he swallowed hard.
"Thank you guys... so so much."
As John, Ted, Evan and Cody all nodded, the crowd started clapping again and no one even recognized her slipping out through the front-door.
She needed to be alone for a moment, needed to get some air. Seeing Randy being that emotional, that speechless, that happy; it brought tears to her eyes and she did not want anyone to see. It might have given their secret away.
She leaned against the railing, head thrown back, staring at the stars, totally lost in her own world for a while -thinking about Randy, about their relationship, about how she'd risked all this by kissing Cody, about how much Randy meant to her and how lucky she has been to have met him.
She did not even hear the music starting up again nor the door opening; she did not feel the strong hand, the long fingers curling around her shoulder.
"Tammy? Everything okay?"
Not even the low, soft voice made it through to her, not until she felt her shoulder getting squeezed and the voice becoming a little louder.
"Tammy?"
She look back down and over to meet his emerald blue eyes with a slight smile on her lips.
"Yeah... I was just... thinking..."
Cody arched a brow at her, chewing his lips, pulling his hand away to stuff it into his pocket.
"Bout what?"
She shrugged, looking back up at the stars, the smile on her lips growing wider as she thought about Randy's content, happy smile from just a few minutes ago.
"Randy..."
Her voice sounded dreamy and it send a stab right through Cody's heart, swallowing hard as he ran a hand over his voice, shaking his head. He sighed heavily before looking over at the door.
"We should go back inside. I'm sure he's already missing us."
Tammy turned her gaze back at him, her smile suddenly fading as she saw the hurt expression on his face. She wanted to lay a hand on his arm, but pulled away again, deciding against it.
"I..."
She sighed, stopping herself from saying anything, nodding slowly before she pushed herself off the railing, walking back inside, Cody following on her heals.
The music had changed to something slower, more quiet and she did not know if it was the guilt or the music, but Tammy decided to give it a chance, holding her hand out to Cody.
When he did not react, she glanced back over her shoulder, seeing him deep in thoughts. She let out a long sigh, taking a step towards him, her hand taking hold of his, squeezing it lightly.
He looked up, meeting that gorgeous smile of hers.
"Come on, let's dance!"
His eyes lightened up while his lips stayed pressed together tightly as he nodded and followed her onto the floor.
All of a sudden he felt tense, not conscious at all anymore, his hands in his pockets as he avoided her gaze. She chuckled, getting up on her toes, her hands around his neck, whispering in his ear.
"You behave like that and no one will buy us being a couple any longer."
Cody closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath, her fingers gently brushing his hair-line making him feel more at ease and he finally found the courage to lay his hands on her hips.
They slowly swayed to the rhythm for the next few songs, neither of them saying a word as she rested her head on his shoulder, glancing over at Randy every now and then, smiling whenever she saw him looking back at her while he was chatting with John and Ted.
"You know... I could do that all night long."
She swallowed hard at the whispered words, deciding to just ignore them.
"I couldn't stop thinking about the kiss..."
"Cody!"
Her voice came out in a growl, angry, frustrated that he brought that topic up just now and at the birthday-party of her man. She raised her head to look at him, to glare at him.
"Leave it!"
Cody sighed as he shook his head, pulling her even closer to him, his hands gripping her waist tightly as he whispered into her hair.
"I can't... I want you."
She pushed herself away from him immediately, almost enraged enough to slap him, but tried to stay calm, to not make a scene.
"Damn it, Cody..."
It came out through gritted teeth, mumbled.
"... just leave it!"
The tap on his shoulder made him jump a little and as he turned around, he almost expected a fist to connect with his nose, coming face to face with the man whose woman he loved. Thankfully Randy had a smile playing on his lips as he nodded towards Tammy.
"Might I steal that dance?"
Cody had not even realized that the song was over and a new one had started already. He rubbed his neck, glancing at her, before nodding at Randy, his voice hoarse with embarassement.
"Sure... yeah..."
Randy smiled warmly as Cody took a step aside, retreating, and he wrapped his arms around Tammy, eyes meeting hers as he started to move to the music.
"What was that?"
Tammy sighed, shaking her head before she rested it on his chest, her hands grabbing his shoulders as she moved with him.
"Nothing... forget it."
Randy looked down at her with an arched brow, chewing his lips, and almost wanted to kiss her right then and there, happy to finally hold her in his arms after almost five hours; but that would have definitely given them away. He sighed, placing his head on hers, wrapping his arms tighter around her lithe frame.
"Thank you... that's the best birthday I've ever had."
She raised her head, glancing up into his shining blue orbs, seeing the sincere smile on his small lips.
"I'm glad you like it."
He shook his head, low chuckle escaping him.
"I don't like it... I LOVE it."
Her smile grew as she lowered her head to his chest again, swaying with the music, inhaling his scent.
"we should go home soon... really soon."
She nodded against his broad muscles, not even looking up as she whispered.
"Definitely..."
From the other side of the club, leaning against the bar, beer in his hand, Cody watched the two of them sadly, fist clenched tightlky at his side as he mumbled into the bottle.
"Way to ruin it, Cody... way to ruin it."
*Sigh* That really took me a while. I hope you guys enjoyed it. Next chapter will be short, but very important, but first thing first, I've two Slash-stories to write (one for Random Heart and one for my bestie Mo). REVIEW!