Wow, it's been a while since I updated... really sorry. Thanks to those who have been messaging me requesting an update. To make up to everyone I have an extra long chapter for you! We're also 9 reviews away from #200 so naturally a centon oneshot is up for grabs.

Hope you all enjoy the chapter.

"Hey darling," Randy said walking into the office where John was perched on the edge of his seat, hunching over his paperwork. Randy hooked his leg over the back of the seat and slipped in behind John.

"Hey."

"You've been in here all morning, you need to take a break," Randy said, running his hands over John's shoulders, massaging them lightly.

"I've got to find a way to sort this; it's not exactly a small issue. My business is being threatened."

"John, please don't snap at me; I wasn't saying it isn't a problem, but you need to take care of yourself," Randy said trying to appease John.

"Whatever," John said with a shrug, pushing Randy's hands off his shoulders.

Randy inwardly sighed, letting his eyes slide closed, he was trying his hardest to make things better with John and Alanna, but nothing he did made the slightest improvement. Alanna was still avoiding him, leaving early, and coming home later. Even when she was home on time, she went straight to her bedroom and closed herself away.

He couldn't remember the last time they all sat down at the table and ate together.

Then there was John, everything was turned into an argument. He didn't know if John knew the distance he was causing between the two of them, and he didn't particularly wish to raise it with him.

The news of the development meant John's time was monopolised with Hard Nocks. Every other day he was getting calls from the developers trying to buy him out of the building. Little did they know, Randy's love was just as tough outside of the ring as he had been when they were travelling the world and wrestling each night. John wasn't going to sell.

The only trouble with that stance was the additional clientele he'd gained from the nearby businesses was dropping considerably. With the other firms closing down, he was fighting a losing battle. Then, a losing battle was John's forte. Randy just hoped John realised their relationship was starting to fall into that category.

"Can I at least bring you something to eat?" Randy asked deciding to leave John to his work.

"Please yourself," John snapped.

"Actually, I'm trying to please you," Randy commented quietly. He loved John, with all his heart he loved him, but if he kept up with the attitude, Randy was going to kick him into touch, and make John realise not everyone is out to get him.

"Randy, wait," John called, trying to stop him as he walked down the hall. "I know I'm grouchy, I'm sorry, the meeting earlier today made me angry. That's why I've been hiding up here; I didn't want to be snapping at you. But of course, I've done that anyway."

"Yeah, well, we're both doing that these days," Randy commented, unable to meet John's eyes. "Makes me wonder if there are any underlying issues."

"What do you mean?"

"Maybe we were living in some kind of bubble since we retired, not living in the real world," Randy suggested.

John stepped closer, but Randy wasn't ready to talk about the subject, instead he backed away and went downstairs. He hadn't heard John following him and presumed he'd returned to the office. Even with his concerns, Randy wasn't about to let John starve, so he set about making his partner some food. John was back on his craving for tacos and Randy would do anything for the man, including giving in to his desires.

He was so involved in preparing the filling; he didn't notice John walk into the kitchen. When the big arms wrapped around his waist, Randy jumped out of his skin.

"I don't want my home life falling to pieces as well as my business," John said resting his forehead against Randy's shoulder. "Tell me what you meant."

"Just pretend I didn't mention it. You have more important things to worry about."

"Tell me what you meant," John said sternly, the irritation clear in his voice.

"Don't tell me what to do," Randy snapped.

"This isn't the bedroom. I have equal control over our lives. Now what did you mean?"

"Fine," Randy snapped turning around in John's arms, shocking the man. "Everything was perfect, literally perfect, before things changed."

"You mean before Ally moved here?" John asked confused over Randy's statement.

Yes, things hadn't been easy, far from it in fact. And yes, Randy struggled at times coping with Ally's mood swings, avoidance tactics, and her recent change in attitude. Nevertheless, he loved her, as much as he loved John, but for some reason, everything was falling to pieces with the girl around.

"You really don't want me here do you?" Ally asked meekly from where she now stood in the doorway to the kitchen. "What, did I ruin your 'literally perfect' existence. I'm so sorry I've done that to you, John."

"Whoa, what? They were your dad's words not mine; don't throw it in my face," John snapped.

Randy felt like he had whiplash from the sudden head turns. Having not heard Alanna arrive home, he didn't realise she would overhear his words. Not that he even meant her. Ally might have been a catalyst, but he was starting to realise there was some flaws in his relationship with John.

Moreover, just as he'd come to realise she was there and was about to explain his comments, his so-called beloved through him in the firing line. Stressed or not, you didn't do that to your lover. His head snapped back so fast to face John, it was a wonder he hadn't broken it. What made it worse than anything was John didn't even notice the hurt in his eyes.

"Let's face it John, you're his life. He moved here for you, he cooks for you, hell, if you ask him to, I'm sure he'd even wash and dress you," she yelled at the older man.

Randy wiped his hands on a nearby towel, and walked out of the kitchen. Their family issues weren't going to be resolved today and he was took hurt to even care anymore; walking away he decided to let them shout it out between them both. Taking a seat in the family room, Randy held his head in his hands, trying to steady his emotions.

"You know what Alanna. I'm sick of your attitude, not everything in this world is about you and your issues. We've done nothing but bend over to accommodate you, but it's never enough. Just grow up," Randy heard John shouting.

When he heard footsteps heading his way, he quickly jumped to his feet and closed the door; he didn't need to have another conversation with either of them. It would only turn into another argument.

"Oh, and you need to get your facts straight," John said, his voice softer but still loud enough Randy could hear. "We have a joint relationship, your dad may cook, but I do the cleaning and take care of him just as much. Oh, and one more thing, he doesn't bend over for anyone. That's my job."

Randy was on his feet and heading for the door, quicker than he'd moved in years. He was in shock, had John really spoken those words. He pulled the door open harder than he should have, ignoring the sound of it slamming against the wall, and stormed into the hallway.

As John walked by, he caught him around the wrist and stopped him from walking away, "What the hell do you think you're doing, telling her anything about our sex life?"

"You know what Randy; you were nicknamed The Viper, because of how fierce you were, because you didn't take shit from anyone," John said, an anger boiling fiercely in his eyes. "Yet when it comes to Alanna, you don't seem to be able to handle it. So maybe someone else has to put her in her place."

"Do not tell me how to raise my daughter; you're not a father, you don't know anything," Randy snapped back, his own anger rising.

"Oh of course, I keep forgetting, I don't know a god damn thing about raising kids, keep throwing it in my face why don't you," John yelled. "May I remind you that you've been absent, except for the odd trip back to St Louis, for sixteen years."

In a blink of the eye, John was on the floor holding his jaw, Alanna was crying in the doorway clinging to Cody, and Ted stood in front of him trying to hold him back. Randy felt like he'd blacked out for a moment. When did Ted and Cody arrive?

His grip on his emotions was long gone. He knew tears were running down his face, just as much as Alanna, and he could see them welling up in John's. Maybe the only flaw in their relationship was himself.

"You need to leave," John stated calmly as he rose from the floor. "Now."

"This is my-"

"Randy, it might be for the best," Ted said quietly, and yet again, his head spun round to look at the person talking. "I don't know what happened, but emotions are running high. You need to let everyone cool down."

Randy glanced over at his daughter, her head buried in Cody's chest, while John stared, stone-faced, at him. He pulled back from Ted's grip, letting his head fall and walked toward the garage door. He probably wasn't in the best condition to drive, but how else was he going to leave.

He drove away from the house with no idea where he was going or how long they needed him to stay away. To top it off, he'd left his phone and wallet at home, all he had was a few coins in his back pocket. He kept driving until he saw a familiar diner on the outskirts of Tampa and pulled in, hoping there was a pay phone in the building. At least he could ring and get Ted or Cody to drop off what he needed.

Ted watched Randy drive away from the house before returning to the kitchen. As soon as Randy was out of his sight, John had disappeared upstairs and as much as Ted wanted to make sure he was okay, John was a big boy who could take care of himself.

Alanna on the other hand was just a teenager who was clearly torn up over what had happened. It's not every day you see your dad punch out his partner, even if his partner is a retired professional wrestler.

He made his way over to the sofa where he could see Cody was trying to calm Alanna down. Over the time he had known Cody, Ted was amazed at the level of maturity that Cody had. When he'd left the WWE for a short period to spend time with his wife, Ted had missed seeing Cody every day. And even when he'd suggested spending some time apart, Ted was the one who ended up admitting to the need to see the vibrant man. Seeing him now, he felt blessed to have Cody in his life.

"You know what, Al?" Cody said as she cried in his arms. "I think we need to get out of the house, forget about everything which is happening, maybe do some shopping or whatever it is you want to do. Hopefully by that point you'll start to feel better and can tell us what's been happening around here."

"What about dad and John?"

"I'll get hold of your dad and let him know what's happening," Ted said. "I can pop upstairs to make sure John's okay before we go. Do you need anything from your room?"

"Just my bag," she said quietly trying to dry her eyes.

"Okay, Codes, why don't you and Alanna go and get ready, while I call Randy," Ted suggested, taking his phone out.

"I'll talk to John," Cody said as he and Alanna headed for the staircase. As they walked through the hallway, a cell phone on the side unit started ringing. The noise alerted all three of them and Ted sighed, Randy had left his phone.

"I guess he forgot them when he left," Ted said, worried about where Randy would be going. "Go get ready Alanna and then we'll be off."

Cody made his way up the stairs behind Alanna and watched her disappear in her room before heading along to see John. Knocking on the door, he waited for the curt reply from John before entering.

"How's your face?"

John was led on the bed, facing away from the door so Cody or whoever had been the one to come up, wouldn't be able to see him. Cody wasn't sure whether it was to hide the bruise, which was no doubt already starting to show, or to hide any emotions, John might be feeling.

"Randy left his phone; do you want us to take it, in case he calls?"

"I don't care," John muttered.

Cody sighed at John's disinterest. It was clear the man knew how to sulk. As far as Cody was concerned, he could stay that way all day.

"Fine, well we'll be off," Cody said leaving the room.

"Is she okay?" John asked so quietly Cody almost missed it.

"Not really, figured we'd take her out, let everyone have some space," Cody said turning around expecting further conversation. Instead, John just continued lying on the bed, facing away from him. "You know, Randy isn't the only one to blame here, don't think I don't know what was said."

Cody left before John could reply, not that he was likely to. He met Alanna at the top of the stairs and they walked down together.

"Are they breaking up?" she asked as they all walked out to the car.

"I don-" Ted started, but couldn't find the words.

"Alanna they love each other, it will take a lot for them to end things," Cody said.

"You say that, but mom and dad called it quits, and they were married."

"Go back twelve years and I would have agreed with you," Ted tried to explain. "I was happily married, left the WWE to spend time with her, she was my world. But things changed and I realised, if you're unhappy, your partner is probably just as unhappy, and it would be wrong to continue just because it's traditional."

"Do you wish your mom and dad were still married?"

"It would be easier," she said to herself.

Ted drove them into Tampa and headed to the mall. He kept a pace or two behind Cody and Alanna, this was definitely more their domain than his. He would much rather be out fishing than spending time shopping. Not that much was purchased.

Alanna bought a few small things for herself and looked around but she couldn't afford the clothes she saw. When Ted or Cody offered to buy them for her, she just shook her head and moved away from the items.

Cody didn't seem worried about buying anything either and Ted swore it was nearly an hour between purchases at one stage. When they were lining up for coffee at Starbuck, Ted caught sound of a phone ringing and realised it was Randy's phone. Since Randy was likely to be calling from an unknown number, he answered, stepping away from Cody and Alanna while he spoke.

"Where are you?" Ted asked without greeting. "We've taken Alanna out to the mall... we left him at home... I don't think it's a good idea for you to do that, Cody said he wasn't very responsive when he spoke to him... you punched him, you won't be able to kiss him and make it better... I heard what he said because that's when we walked in... If you go back, you'll make it worse. I beg you to leave him be for a while longer... then wait until one of us is there to referee. I have your phone and wallet so you can come over to the mall and collect. I can meet you out the front when you get here... right now not a lot; someone is going to have to tell us what's happening soon... I'll meet you out the front in thirty minutes."

Ted went back inside Starbucks and found Cody and Alanna near the back in a quieter section. He didn't want to press Alanna, but he couldn't tell what was happening in the Cena-Orton household. Last time he'd seen John things were hunky-dory. Randy had been in hospital but they were happy.

"That was your dad," Ted explained as he took a seat.

"Where is he?"

"On his way here."

"But-"

"It's okay; I told him I'd meet him out front," Ted calmed her. "He wants to head home to speak to John, try and make things right."

"Let's hope John is more responsive."

"I told him not to bother. Those two are going to need a ref when they meet up."

"Is this all my fault?" Alanna asked, idly stirring her drink.

"No," Cody and Ted answered in union.

"I feel like ever since I got here, they're having these arguments. Dad keeps telling me Mom's been lying to me all my life about them. He doesn't like my friends or boyfriend. He always puts John first. Mom's been putting Neil first. At times, I feel like my boyfriend only cares that he has some gossip about dad and John. Everyone at school wants to know about it. Then I come home from school with a friend and she hears them upstairs. Then dad makes this comment today about how life was perfect before I got here," Alanna ranted and Ted and Cody let her get it off her chest. They could see the girl was having some issues, sure, some of them were typical teenager issues, but others seemed a little further rooted.

"Do you get on with John?" Cody asked unexpectedly.

"John's John. I've known him since I was a kid, he's always been there."

"That didn't answer my question," Cody told her, causing the girl to sigh.

"I guess. He's a nice guy. He makes dad happy," she said stirring her drink again. "I don't think he likes me though."

"Why?"

"He snapped at me earlier, before you got there," Alanna explained. "Said, not everything was about me. That I was ungrateful."

"I'm discounting what you said, but it doesn't sound like John," Ted said looking at Cody, confused over their friend's behaviour.

"He's been snapping at dad a lot the last couple of weeks, this business with the development has him stressed out. But it doesn't mean he didn't mean what he said."

"Backup a moment, what development?"

"Some hotel chain is buying out the businesses where Hard Nock's is," Alanna told them. "Rob didn't tell John about it and now John's the only one left who hasn't sold the land. He wants to fight it, but his lawyers don't think he has much of a chance."

They made their way out of the coffee shop and Ted left Cody and Alanna while he went to meet Randy out the front of the mall. When he stepped through the doors, he saw Randy perched on a low wall looking upset, and Ted felt it as well. Just as he was about to step up to Randy, he felt his phone buzz, taking it out he saw a message from John, 'If you speak to Randy, tell him not to bother coming home. I need some space from him.'

Just great, he has to play messenger between two grown ass men who were acting more like Alanna's age. This was really how he wanted to spend his day off.

"Where's Alanna?"

"With Cody, looking around some clothes shop," Ted said taking a seat next to him.

"Do you have my wallet?"

Ted fished it out his back pocket and handed it over to Randy. Randy opened it up and pulled out the money he had in there, "Tell her I'm sorry and to spend it on whatever she wants."

"You can't buy her Randy," Ted admonished him.

"I'm not trying to. But at the same time I need to make it up to her," Randy tried to explain his actions.

"What's going on with John and the gym?"

"We wondered if anyone on the tour knew."

"We didn't, Alanna told us over coffee," Ted mentioned. "Is it as bad as it sounds?"

"John wants to fight, you know how he is, but I wonder if it's a losing battle," Randy said running his hands over his face. "Speaking of, if Ally doesn't want to speak to me just yet, I'm going to head home and try and make peace with John. I don't like fighting with him."

"Yeah, well, not to stupor your plans, but you might want to reconsider," Ted sighed. "I got a message from John telling you not to come home."

"I've left it long enough, I won't let this get any worse," Randy said standing up.

"He said he needs some space."

"We just need to talk and it will be fine," Randy said. "Tell Alanna I'm sorry and I'll see her when you all get back. It might be good for us all to sit down and talk to one another."

When Ted and Cody pulled into the driveway, Alanna was starting to feel better. She wouldn't spend all of the money her dad had given her, but she had bought a couple of books to read, the latest NASCAR game for John, and a new cookery book for her dad. It didn't seem like a lot but she wanted to make an effort.

Alanna also asked Ted and Cody if they'd stay for dinner that night, as a thank you. Even if things didn't improve, she wanted to make it up to everyone.

As they went in, they made their way through to the kitchen, and Alanna spotted John outside, sat on the steps down to the lower yard. She immediately went outside and when he heard someone coming, he stood up and raised his hands to his face, wiping something away. When he turned around, he didn't make eye contact but Alanna still spotted the redness of his eyes, and dark mark on his jaw.

"John, I'm-"

"Have you seen your dad?"

"No we just got back," she said turning her head to look in the house slightly. "Did you have another fight? I'm so-"

"Ally, we're all to blame for different parts of today's arguments," John admitted as he stopped next to her. "I shouldn't have snapped like I did and I shouldn't have said what I did to your father."

"He shouldn't have hit you," Ally said.

"Maybe, maybe not," John murmured heading into the house. "If we weren't a couple, being punched out would be the least I'd get."

"But you are a couple," Ally said. "And whether you're two retired professional wrestlers or not, he shouldn't have done it."

John nodded his acknowledgement before going back in and taking a seat at the kitchen table. Alanna followed him in, "Can I cook for everyone tonight? I said to Ted and Cody to stay for dinner as well. I figured you and dad wouldn't mind."

Alanna looked up when she heard footsteps in the hallway; she caught sight of her dad and was about to tell him what she'd just been saying to John, when she noted his red eyes as well. Even thought John hadn't confirmed it. It was clear a second argument had happened. She didn't want to dwell on the arguments and wanted them to all move forward. Maybe even sit down with both of them and tell them everything, even why she'd wanted to move to Florida in the first place.

"Ally, why don't you take a seat for a moment," John said getting her attention. "We need to have a chat."

"Since you're both here, I got something for you both," she said going to her shopping bags to dig out their gifts.

"Ally, sweetheart," Randy said walking up to her and pulling her away. "Take a seat, please."

"Okay, okay, but look," she said handing them both their gifts. "I got these for you when I was out with Ted and Cody. I wanted to get you something to say sorry and I know you both enjoy these but I don't know if you already had them. If you do we can go back and swap them. John, that was new out this week and I know how busy you've been so I figured you didn't have it yet, and dad, I didn't think you had that cookbook. I didn't recognise it. I saw a nice dish in there I thought I could try tonight. I want to cook for everyo-"

"Ally, you don't need to cook tonight, that's what we wanted to talk to you about," Randy said taking her hand.

"Umm, sorry to interrupt but do you want us to disappear for a moment?" Ted asked.

"No, I think it's important you're here," Randy said.

Ally noticed Randy still hadn't looked at John since he'd entered the room, and even sat this close to him, he still didn't. John was just as bad; having not looked up from the table, except to make eye contact with Ally. She didn't expect things to be back to normal, but she hoped they could start to make amends. These men were her dads and she didn't want to lose them.

"Please dad, let me cook," Alanna said, feeling tears stinging her eyes. She knew the chat had nothing to do with her cooking but she didn't want to hear the truth either.

"Ally, listen to me-"

"I'm sorry, really I am, in all honesty I think of John as a second father, he's been with us since I was a kid," Alanna said, her tears now flowing.

"And I know how much that means to John and me, it's what we always wanted to happen. Right now though, John and I need to spend some time apart," Randy said squeezing her hand.

"But, no, I didn't want this," Alanna pleaded.

"None of us did, but we need to do this; it has nothing to do with you... and I don't mean that in a nasty way, but this is just because there are some things John and I need to work out and spending some time apart will help that," Randy tried to explain. "What you heard when you got home earlier wasn't aimed at you. All I meant was John and I were living in a dream world. Whether it was you moving here or Cody decided to move inn so he never had to worry about going hungry, it has brought us down to earth."

"The cracks have been showing for a while, all the way back to our anniversary," John pitched in. "If things were as perfect as they seemed, I wouldn't have missed it and we wouldn't have been arguing over it."

"But if you love each other..."

"John and I do love each other, which is why what happened today was painful for both of us," Randy commented. "We both said and did some things which hurt each other."

"So one of you will be moving into the spare room?" Alanna asked, hoping she wasn't about to be proven wrong, though she knew she was only kidding herself. "Please."

"I'm sorry, but I'm going to be moving out for a while," Randy said.

"But what about me? What about you and John? How can you two move past this if you're not living in the same house?"

"Ally, listen to me," John said taking her other hand. "We aren't going to be giving up, but we need some time. Especially after today."

"Now you have a choice, this is your home, so if you want to stay here I understand. John and I want this to have as little effect on you as possible," Randy explained. "I'm still going to be around. I'm just going to be staying at a hotel. Of course, if you want to come with me, then I'll find an apartment for us. I don't want you living out of a hotel."

"But that sounds permanent, you said this was just temporary," Alanna commented.

"And it is, but like I said I wouldn't want you to live in a hotel. It wouldn't be suitable," Randy said.

Alanna looked at both men trying to find the truth, when her mom and dad split up she was only five years old, so she openly admitted that she didn't know what was going on, especially since her dad was away so much as well. Nevertheless, today, sat at the kitchen table with her dad and his partner, it felt like they were telling her all over again. Maybe she was the cause of both, she didn't know, but she wanted to do anything she could to make sure it wasn't permanent.

"I want to stay here," she blurted out and she noticed her dad's despair as soon as she said the words. "Because that way you have to come over to see me, which means you and John will be forced to try and make it better."

"Ally, cutie, we keep telling you we're not breaking up, just getting some space," John said.

"I know," she whined angrily. "But if I go with dad, or it was you to move out, then it means there isn't the excuse to see each other and you'll soon get used to your new lives and before you know it, you call it quits permanently."

"I guess that settles it; I should be going," Randy said pushing back from the table.

Alanna knew she'd probably hurt her father but in the end it would be better for her family if she stayed at the house. She just hoped it worked out.

She and John followed Randy toward the entrance way and Alanna spotted his bags, he'd obviously realised long before the conversation that she would choose to stay here, and that made Alanna feel worse. However, she had a plan and she was going to see it through. Randy took his bags through to the garage, put the bags in the back of his Bentley, and came back into the house.

"I'll pick you up each day from school and drop you home, okay?" he asked quietly brushing his lips against her forehead. "Look after him."

"Okay," she said her tears still flowing slowly as she stepped back. She was so upset she went and walked over to Cody who stood in the doorway to the kitchen with Ted. She couldn't help but hug him, having felt comforted by him earlier in the day. Hopefully they would still stay for the evening as she expected John to be upset.

"I love you," Randy stated. "I won't let you go."

"Neither will I," he said finally looking up at Randy to make eye contact. They both clearly had tears in their eyes, neither truly wanting this, but needing it for some reason. Maybe it was just to prove they needed each other. "And I love you, too."

Alanna wanted to scream at them. They clearly belonged together, she knew that, they knew that, so why wouldn't they just talk it out?

"I should go," Randy said stepping back into the garage.

John followed him out almost immediately and Alanna thought it was better for them to have a moment together. It may give them a chance to start making amends.

"Randy wait," John called as Randy opened the door to the car. He stopped but didn't turn around not wanting to face John right now. He wished he'd never made that stupid comment to John this morning. Now he was leaving his home, leaving behind his daughter, and leaving John, even if only for a short while.

"What?"

"Turn around," John ordered him.

Randy reluctantly did what John requested and it was only then he realised John was in the same state that he was. John stepped in so he was close to Randy and reached up to cup his face. Straightening up so he was level with Randy, he looked deep into Randy's eyes, and let Randy see how much he loved him and needed him, before closing the distance and kissing Randy gently.

"I expect you to come inside when you bring Ally home from school each night," John told him. "Don't hide away from me."

"I promise," Randy said. "I should go."

John stepped nodding his head in agreement knowing they needed their space. He watched Randy get in the car and pull out of the garage. Why was he letting him do this? Why did he suggest it in the first place? He locked eyes with Randy as the car backed out and he stood there even once the car was gone.

"John?" Ted asked coming up behind him. "Are you coming in? Cody suggested ordering some food in."

"I'm not hungry; I'm going upstairs to lie down," John said walking passed him. "Make sure Ally eats."

A/N: Please don't hate me, it will work out in the end. You know I can't keep these two apart. But you have to go through the hard times.

Please review to be in with a chance of a oneshot :)