"You need to tell him, senor," Sofia says, her voice sounding strained. Alberto is sitting at the front of the table, his head lowered as he stares down at his steepled fingers, troubled despite the pending success that he has no doubt he'll find within hours.
"I know," he finally finds the strength to spit out, looking up at her. "I know. Ay, this is... something I've never wanted to have to tell him again. He was so looking forward to working with me again, but now..." He licks his lips and gets to his feet, quietly pushing the chair back into the table. He's never been a coward, determined to see things through, especially when they have to do with Ricardo. Squaring his shoulders, he releases a breath and ventures towards the bedrooms, peering into Ricardo's. He's still fast asleep, his breaths soft and steady. Alberto's eyes soften with pain and affection as he slips inside and shuts the door quietly behind him, kneeling down by the bed to watch his best friend sleep for a moment, unaware of what's about to come.
Sensing that the younger man is starting to stir, aware of his presence, the weight of his stare, he leans forward and carefully brushes some hair out of Ricardo's eyes, smiling halfheartedly when his eyes open and they stare at each other. "El Patron?" Ricardo whispers. "What's... going on? Is something wrong?"
Alberto moves, sits on the side of the bed and leans over to hug Ricardo. "Lo siento, mi amigo." He pulls away and cups Ricardo's face, ensuring that he can't look away. "I've been notified that they... that you are to stay home tomorrow." His English still stilted, he has difficulty finding a way to explain that is not hurtful, or rude. He forces himself to watch as Ricardo's face, framed by his hands, falls horribly fast as realization dawns on him, breaks through the sleepy daze that always leaves him looking so young. "I'm so sorry, Ricardo. I would give anything to have you by my side during my title opportunity, but..."
"It's fine," he whispers, swallowing convulsively. "It's... I'll be ok. I know you'll win, whether I'm there or not." Despite how he struggles to hold them at bay, tears start to fill his eyes and Ricardo shudders, trying to look away.
"No, no," Alberto tells him somberly. "I know, I know you were looking forward to being there, to celebrate my victory with me... I am so, so sorry, I will talk with them in the future, we'll fix this, si?" Ricardo nods blankly as Alberto rubs circles in his jaw, trying to sooth him. "If I had known, I wouldn't have allowed you to cancel your indy bookings this weekend... I just never imagined..."
"I understand, Alberto," he murmurs, though everything about him disproves his words. "You have enough to worry about this weekend, don't let this weigh on you. Sofia and I will be fine here." He moves to stand but Alberto holds onto him, his eyes dark with grim determination. "El Patron-"
He grips him by the back of the neck and kisses his forehead. "Of course you will be fine, you are mi tenaz hermanito." He pulls back and stares into Ricardo's eyes, desperate and sad. "Por favor, you're not mad at me, si? I can't do this without your support, mi mejor amigo. Though I do little to deserve it, especially right now..."
"Of course I support you, El Patron. Always," he whispers, his eyes clearing a little. "I'm not mad at you. Just... disappointed, I suppose." He stands and this time Alberto allows it but before he makes it to the door, he hesitates and looks over his shoulder. "I do have one question, however..."
"Si?"
"What did I do wrong this time? Why doesn't AAA want me?" He sounds so young and vulnerable, Alberto is on his feet and by his side, hugging him again, before either man are aware.
"It's not you, Ricardo. It's never you. People are foolish, overlooking your abilities and what you have to bring to the table." He shakes his head, breathing raggedly. "I know better than anyone. Please, don't start to doubt yourself. We will find a place that accepts you and realizes what an impressive talent they have in you, I promise."
Ricardo nods, unable to stop believing in him now, his head pressed into Alberto's shoulder. "Gracias, mi hermano."
By the time they go out to the kitchen, both men look more steady, Ricardo even managing a small smile at the housekeeper as she greets him with a soft hug and french toast slathered in berries. As he settles down to eat, Alberto winks at her and walks to the living room, where their house guest is waiting, having arrived while Alberto had explained the unfortunate circumstance to Ricardo. "Hola," he greets the person, leading them into the kitchen.
Ricardo is slowly eating, listening to Sofia's soft Spanish as she details to him what she plans for their Christmas meal, when he glances over at Alberto's return, his lips parting as the French toast slips off of his fork, leaving behind a couple of berries. "Ah," he all but squeaks as Paige slips past Alberto and smiles at Ricardo, leaning in to eat the fruit before it falls back onto his plate as well. "Paige!"
"Good morning, love," she greets him softly, leaning in to kiss him. "I understand someone is suddenly free this weekend... fancy that, so am I." She takes his hand and presses it between both of hers, smiling at the dazed look on his face as Sofia bustles over, laying a plate down in front of the British woman. "Gracias, Sofia," she tells the housekeeper, lifting Ricardo's hand up to her lips, kissing his fingers softly. "Are you going to gape at me all day or what?"
He shakes his head, surprised. "I thought you had house show stuff this weekend..."
"So did I," she says, sounding unimpressed. "But that's fine, I'd rather stay here with you." He flushes and she grins, leaning in to direct him into another kiss. "What do you say we go browse all of the Christmas decorations for awhile today?"
"Yes," he breathes, nodding. "I would like that, mi fuerza." As she wraps her arms around him, hugging him, he looks up to find Alberto watching them with a fond smirk on his face, Ricardo mouthing a quick thank you to him. Alberto merely winks at him before leaving the room to continue packing for AAA.
After they eat their fill of Sofia's delicious breakfast, Paige guides Ricardo outside and they sit out in the sun for awhile, neither quite able to accept that the rest of the country is cold, some packed in with snow, preparing for Christmas within only a couple of weeks. "Our first Christmas," he muses, rolling over to stare down at her as she nods, her hair fanning out across the grass. She's never looked so beautiful to him, almost etheral in the sunlight. "I hope you don't regret it, as you may have guessed, our holidays spent as a group are usually quite... ridiculous..."
"I'll be fine," she whispers. "You've met my family, I'm used to a bit of ridiculousness." As his fingers brush through her dark strands, causing her eyes to flutter when he hovers over her, she sighs, "Ricardo..." The Florida warmth tickles her skin, the soft sound of the pond soothing to her ear, and his closeness leaving her comfortable, she never wants this moment to end and it's clear by the look in his eyes that he doesn't either. She wraps her arms around his neck and arches into him, smiling as he meets her halfway, kissing her gently. "I love you," she hums, nuzzling up into him.
"I love you too," he breathes, his hands supportive and steady against her lower back as he holds her. They lay together until the heat starts to fade, the wind turning more brisk. When Paige shivers slightly, Ricardo stands up and holds his hands out to her, pulling her to her feet as well. "Come on, mi fuerza. Let's go look at Christmas decorations for awhile."
Her face brightens into a grin and he beams back at her as they dash into the house, grabbing jackets just in case it gets even chillier, running to the car. Since it's still sunny for a little while longer, they start at stores, wandering from aisle to aisle, staring at the various trees and displays set out. Ricardo loses sight of her for a few minutes and when he turns around, she's standing there with a grin on her face, her eyes gleaming. He looks up to realize that she's holding mistletoe, a coy look in her eyes when he flushes, turning to stare at her. "Paige..." She kisses him before he even finishes speaking, not minding that they're in the middle of a busy store, people either pausing to whisper to each other, or continuing to push their way past, not seeming impressed by their PDA.
"We should buy a bunch of these and set them up at Alberto's house during the Christmas party," she muses, pulling away from him when even she can't ignore the murmurs of those around them. "It'd be fun."
He smirks down at her and shakes his head. "For us, or for them?"
"For everyone?" she suggests, making a face at him as he laughs and reaches up, gently prying the mistletoe from her fingers. "Aw, c'mon, Ricard-" His lips on hers quiets her complaints and she digs her fingers into his collar, pulling him closer. "You're right, we don't need mistletoe... but I still like my idea."
"Then we'll do it," he tells her, lightly kissing her nose. She smiles at him and, after a few more minutes of looking, and quickly buying half a dozen of the mistletoe, they leave hand in hand, Paige's head resting on Ricardo's shoulder.
"I'm sorry you couldn't go to Mexico with Alberto this weekend," she says softly. "But I'm thankful I get to spend this time with you."
"I'm thankful for that as well," he tells her, his sincerity a relief to her, encouraging her to kiss him again before they get into the car to drive around and stare at the houses in Alberto's neighborhood now that the sun has set, their decorations breathtaking. When they return to the house, Alberto is about to head to the airport, Ricardo venturing closer to him and staring down at his suitcase with a small smile, unsurprised when Alberto tugs him over and hugs him. "Good luck, El Patron. I have no doubt you'll be successful," he murmurs, clapping his back. When they pull away, Del Rio pats Ricardo's face. "I'm eager for you to bring the title belt home, El Patron."
"Gracias, mi amigo. I'll do just that as soon as I can." He smiles at Paige and leans in to hug Sofia before lifting his suitcase and heading for the door. He turns and smiles at his familia one last time before shutting the door tightly behind him, the three of them listening as the car speeds away a moment later.
Paige slips closer and wraps her arms around Ricardo, smiling into his throat as he hugs her back, holding his other arm out for Sofia, who joins them. "He'll be fine," the housekeeper says, squeezing Ricardo's side as he nods.
"Of course he will."
Despite their certainty, they still remain in a tense state for the rest of the night, and the next day. Waiting for word, something... anything. Ricardo and Paige are sprawled out in each others' arms on the couch, his eyes locked on his iPad's screen, repetitively refreshing twitter while Paige dozes in his arms. Sofia is wandering around in the kitchen, cleaning all of the already spotless counters and anything else she can reach. Normally Alberto would put a stop to such things, but since he's in Mexico, Ricardo can't find the strength to move, until he knows for sure what's happening. They can't even watch because the PPV is only available in Mexico, adding to their tension.
Finally Ricardo refreshes the page and sees those bittersweet words. "El gano!" Paige wakes immediately, sitting up and staring at the screen as well, a loud clattering in the kitchen as Sofia drops what she's doing and rushes into the living room, her lips parted in amazement as she too crowds in to stare at the iPad.
Once they're all sure they're not seeing things, she laughs and throws herself into Ricardo's arms. "I knew Senor Del Rio would be successful," she murmurs. "I just knew it..."
"So did I," Ricardo whispers, stroking her hair. Although he's pleased for his friend, it hurts that he wasn't there to witness it, this being Alberto's first huge success outside of WWE. Without me, he thinks grimly. As Paige and Sofia talk animatedly around him, he tweets congratulations to Alberto, admitting a little of the inner turmoil that he's feeling despite the pleasure he has for his best friend. The good news isn't quite done, however, because, while waiting for Alberto to finish celebrating and contact them, he learns that Alex's matches have also gone well, the man gaining two back to back wins against Tyson Kidd on houseshows this weekend.
"Are you ok?" Paige asks him after a moment, realizing how quickly his mood is changing. "Ricardo?"
"I'm fine, mi fuerza," he intones. "It's just a lot to take in." He forces a smile at her and is almost relieved when she stops staring at him and resumes her conversation with Sofia. Alberto doesn't call, only posts a few things to facebook. Paige eventually has to leave, seeming reluctant but needing to go get some sleep so she can travel out for Raw the next day. He tries to appear happy, lightly kissing her goodbye before shutting the door behind her, but he knows there's no hiding from Sofia. She is searching his expression before rubbing his shoulder, guiding him back to the couch. "I'm fine."
"Of course you are," she murmurs, sitting next to him and taking his hands. "But I can imagine... with Alex and Senor both winning tonight, while you're stuck here able to do nothing but read results, that you're feeling a little... left behind?" He stares down at her and she smiles mirthlessly. "I know you, Ricardo. And I know you remember how it felt being on the other side of this, when you were getting booked at NXT and Senor Riley was far from supportive. He was jealous, si? Of you and Alberto's friendship, among other things..." She sighs. "You all live such busy lives because of the career you have chosen, it is easy for friendships to fade, drift apart." She leans forward and cups his face, searching his eyes. "As I said, I know you, mi hijo. You will not allow it to overwhelm you as much as Alex did. But I hate seeing you sad like this, you deserve better, and you will achieve it, Ricardo. I understand, such a blow of AAA deciding that they didn't need you this week must bring back bad memories of Senor Del Rio making familiar decisions, but you must not let it destroy your determination. It is just a small set back."
He swallows, then nods. "Si, of course-"
"There are still many who want to see you and look forward to your future indy dates, Ricardo," she tells him with a maternal smile. "I know you were proud to be at AAA last week, and there will be other chances in the future. Don't allow it to ruin your other opportunities."
He hears her out, releasing a breath. "Of course. Gracias, Sofia." He glances at the clock. "You should go to bed, it is getting quite late. I am going to be fine," he tells her, spreading his arms out and meaning it this time. More than before, anyway. "I think I'll stay out here a bit longer, but I'll be alright. Don't worry about me. Perhaps Alberto will call."
"Si, perhaps," she tells him with a fond smile, deciding not to force the issue and give him the time alone he clearly desires. "If you need anything then, you know where I am at. I will see you in the morning, mi hijo." Kissing him softly on the forehead, almost exactly where Alberto had the day before, she turns and leaves, Ricardo listening to her departing footsteps.
Once the house is quiet and peaceful, he sprawls out on the couch and holds his phone close, staring at the blank screen.
-x
Bruised and with more stitches to show the hard road he'd taken just to get here, Alberto slips into his home the next morning, all smiles and cheer as he listens for Sofia or Ricardo, tilting his head when he finds that the house is still quiet. He checks his watch and realizes anew that it's barely 6 AM, smiling at his own obliviousness. He walks into the living room and immediately stops, his eyes softening as he finds Ricardo asleep on the couch, clearly waiting for him. He leans over and picks the phone up off of the floor, resting it on the couch before he turns back to his best friend, watching him sleep for a moment.
Returning to his suitcase, he unzips it and pulls out his brand new title belt, staring at his name upon the plate proudly. He hadn't seen such a thing in so long, he still feels like he's in a daze that it's a reality. Venturing back to Ricardo's side, he rests the title in his arms and steps back, grinning as Ricardo instinctively hugs the title, protectively curling around it. "It wouldn't have been possible without you, mi hermanito," Alberto tells him, remembering before, when he had been World heavyweight champion and Ricardo had only seemed to find comfort after his ankle was broken by holding onto Alberto's title in a similar fashion. "Take good care of my belt while I clean up." He smiles fondly at him before turning to head to his room, eager for a shower.
Once he's gone, Ricardo's eyes open and he stares down at the title belt, examining every inch of it from the soft leather straps to the letters spelling out Alberto's name proudly. He smiles faintly and presses his face against it, only feeling a twinge of worthlessness as he breathes in the prestige and power in his arms, wondering if he'll ever be able to achieve such things himself...
-x
"I miss you... I will be home on Thursday for a couple of days before I have to head to TLC," Paige tells him. "We're doing some things today and tomorrow before Tribute to the Troops next week."
"Oh," Ricardo responds, relieved for the reprieve of working on more future bookings now that it appears AAA Isn't in the cards long-term. "I always enjoyed that... I wish I could be there with you for your first time doing Tribute to the Troops, what are you thinking about it so far?"
"It's humbling," she says softly. "I feel privileged to meet these men and women. They're so strong and determined. This life would beat many people down but they never lose hope... it's impressive."
He smiles, his affection for her growing as she finds a way to verbalize so many of the emotions he himself had felt every time he'd been involved in the event. "I know, mi fuerza. It always seemed so overwhelming... it was one of my favorite things to do. I'm glad you feel the same way." She hesitates for a minute, then giggles softly, surprising him. "Paige?"
"Sorry," she says, sounding a little mortified. "I, um... just remembered when Alberto sang feliz cumpleanos to you. Your birthday is next week, hm?"
He groans, kneading his forehead. "Si, well, we just wanted to troll people and see who all would believe it. You know I still receive birthday messages because of it in December sometimes?"
She laughs. "Maybe we should start celebrating both of them. I'm sure Sofia would be glad to have another reason to spoil you..."
"No, no, one birthday is more than enough," he says, shaking his head desperately. "Trust me, I'm more than fine with waiting until February."
"Alright, I suppose," she hums. "When I get home, I suppose I'll have to find something for us to celebrate..."
"Your return isn't enough?"
"Ah, you charmer," she sighs. "Yes, I suppose if it has to, that will do." Her voice softens. "I'll see you soon, my love."
"I look forward to it," he smiles. They hang up after a quick exchange of byes, her needing to go prepare for another autograph signing. He looks back down at Alberto's title belt, the Mexican aristocrat now busy packing for a trip to London, and rests his hand over it, smoothing his fingers along the solid plate, a thoughtful look on his face. "Hmm..."