It's like time stopped, people frozen in all directions around them, Paige's voice little more than a whisper in his head as Ricardo struggles to make sense of Alberto's request. "Que?" he finally finds the strength to spit out, his throat tight. But even as Alberto continues to speak, all he can think is Home. As much as he'd appreciated Alex moving him in to his apartment as soon as the need was apparent, he had still considered the mansion and the grounds, the garages and the pond, his home, being separated from it like a steady ache that hadn't quite left him, even now, well over a year later since he'd left it. The familiar drone of Alberto's voice finally tapers off and Ricardo closes his eyes, knowing that he needs to give some sort of an answer. Even if it's not the one he'd like to give, or the one that Alberto's looking for. "I... I need to think, El Patron. I need to talk to Alex." There's so much, so much to do, to consider... if he does this... His hand finds Paige's and squeezes it tightly, needing her reassurance.
"Of course, mi amigo, take as long as you need, there's no hurry." And yes, Alberto sounds a little disappointed but unsurprised. This is a big decision, he has to know this, it isn't like before when Ricardo had figured he wasn't wanted in Alberto's home anymore. He has a home, he has a life, and he needs to weigh everything very carefully before he responds at all. So they quietly exchange goodbyes and get off of the phone, Ricardo more than relieved for Paige's presense as she hugs him around the middle and leads him to the cash register so they can leave, let him find a more peaceful place to think.
When they return to the apartment, Alex notices right away that there's a problem and he kisses Alicia on the forehead before standing and clapping Ricardo on the shoulders. "Hey, man, let's get some air, huh? How does that sound?" He looks doubtfully from Paige to Alicia. "You two will be alright, right? No pulling each others' hair out while we're gone?"
"We're always perfect little angels, aren't we, Paige?" Alicia asks cheerfully, her eyes shining as she leans up and kisses Alex. "See you soon."
Ricardo winces and hugs Paige quickly, kissing her before he pulls away. "Call me if you need me," he urges her quietly, smiling as she nods at him, knowing that he needs this time with Alex.
"So what's going on?" Alex asks after a few minutes, the two of them now walking by the water, the waves lapping at their bare feet. "You seemed ok... if a little eager to get away from Alicia earlier, but now you're stressed out and tense... did something happen while you were out?"
Ricardo licks his lips, looks around thoughtfully. "Uh, si, actually. Alberto- Alberto called me and he wanted to know why we weren't at the apartment so I just mentioned, you know, Alicia and Paige don't get along that well, and he... well, he suggested I, um, I move back in with him." They fall silent, walking side by side through the surf, Ricardo staring at the sand beneath their feet, and Alex staring at him, and... "Ay, this is awkward," the former ring announcer finally mumbles, pressing his fingers together anxiously. "Alex, I... I could never repay you for everything you and Mike have given me the past year; I honestly didn't know what I was going to do when Alberto attacked me... and then Rob left, and everything was spiraling... but you were there for me while I picked up the pieces after that, and supported me when I left the WWE, and everything else that happened. But we've grown too, I have Paige and you have Alicia now and they just... they don't get along, and I know it's tense for us, it's probably tense for you two as well, and maybe it would be easier if..."
Alex cuts him off with a hand on his upper arm. "Ricardo, no, c'mon, how much time have you spent really thinking this through? I mean, I get that things are better with you and him, but he was the catalyst of all of this in the first place... do you really want to return to that house, knowing that things could go bad again at any time?"
Ricardo grips his wrist and shakes his head, smiling woefully. "I get why you're worried, Alex, but things aren't just better. Things are... things are entirely different. I don't work for him anymore, I haven't in a long time, and he... sees me for myself now. Neither of us are stressed out by our situations with WWE, he won't be thinking up hurtful things in terrible attempts at helping me, and... I think we'll be alright if we chose to live together again now. And there'd be more room for Paige and I, and who knows, Alex, maybe this'll open the door for you and Alicia... to make some choices of your own, about your relationship. Maybe she'll even choose to move in with you."
"I doubt that," Alex says, shaking his head. "We're both perfectly fine with being casual, I don't think either of us want a real commitment." But Ricardo can tell, by the look in his eyes, the tone of his voice, that he's lying. He wisely keeps it to himself, nonetheless. "But if this is what you really want to do, Ricardo, then I guess I can accept it. Just remember, if you need anything, I'm only a phone call away." They face each other, Alex's shoulders slumping as he sighs. "The apartment won't be the same without you."
"I haven't entirely decided yet, I want to sleep on it, but if I do, I'll be by to visit a lot, and I still expect you to come see events at my dojo when you can," Ricardo tells him, rocking back and forth on his heels a few times before Alex nods, the two of them hugging quickly. "Now come on, we better get back to the apartment and make sure Paige and Alicia are still in one piece."
Alex nods, laughs slightly. "Yeah, let's."
-x
"If you didn't have training at your dojo tonight, we would've invited you to come to California as well," Alex says into his phone after explaining all of the hijinxs at Disneyland to Ricardo after Raw that Monday. "It's going good, right? Your training?"
"Si, it's great, I feel ready for my first match back. I still have some things to do, but I'm definitely eager to get back into the ring and kick some faces." He pauses, an awkward tone taking over his voice. "Uh, sorry, Alex, I didn't mean-"
"Don't worry about it, man. I'll have my time to shine, I'm sure, this is yours. Let's just focus on that, huh?"
"Alright," he agrees after a moment. "Speaking of... um, I'm pretty sure I've made my decision. I'll let you know for sure tomorrow, when you're home."
Alex thinks he knows, just by the solemn way Ricardo is speaking about it, but he pretends not to. "Alright, man. I'll see you then. I'm sure you want to call Paige now and hear how her night went..." He bites back a quick laugh as he thinks about the look on the British woman's face after AJ had randomly kissed her hand.
"Si, I do," he agrees. "See you then."
Alex hangs up and turns to look at Alicia, who is sprawled out across the bed, lost in a book. He smiles faintly and rolls over on top of her, tugging the book out of her hands and settling it carefully down on the table, after absentmindedly sticking the hotel notepad between the pages so she won't lose her place. "Hey," she protests, but they're muted as he cups her face and kisses her, smirking when she swats at him, soon losing herself in the kiss as well and forgetting what had her annoyed just a moment earlier. As he presses her into the pillows, enjoying her soft skin under his hands, he can't help but to ponder Ricardo's words... the two of them living together, Alex always being able to touch and kiss Alicia, see her and talk to her... hold her... It causes his mind to blank on what they're doing for awhile until Alicia impatiently tugs at his hair, drawing him back to her with a soft huff. He chuckles and resumes kissing her neck, wishing that he could be sure it was really something they both wanted...
Either way, his wistful thoughts don't matter. His suspicions are confirmed when he returns home to find Ricardo waiting and, once he drops off his luggage and settles in at the kitchen table with a roast beef sandwich and a soda, the former ring announcer stares at him. "So, what's the verdict? Am I searching for a new roommate?"
Ricardo licks his lips, releases a soft breath, and slowly nods. "Si. I thought about it, long and hard... and I think this is just right for everybody involved. Then there's no awkwardness that you live with a former employee of WWE, and Alberto and I can help each other navigate through the indy scene... and as I said, we won't have to deal with the tension between Paige and Alicia anymore. I think it'll be best for everyone, but I also know that you'll need time to find someone... so I'll stay here until October, if that's ok, and then we can straighten out the lease, and I can pack..."
Alex picks at his sandwich until Ricardo finishes speaking, his teeth clicking together almost violently and they sit in silence for awhile until finally A-Ri looks up at him, forcing a smile. "This is a lot to take in," he finally admits. "I understand everything that you're saying, it's just everything is... moving so quickly... Like when you first moved in, actually. I guess that makes it just us going full-circle with this situation but still..." He releases a breath of his own. "You were a good roommate, I'll be sad to see you go... but I know if I had the choice, I'd probably want to live with my best friend too, especially if he was going through the same circumstances I was. Besides, as you said, we'll still be able to visit each other a lot, this isn't the end of our friendship or whatever. I'm not that easy to shake off, just ask Mike."
Ricardo grins and nods. "Yeah, heh." He pales after a moment. "Oh, ay dios mio, Mike... he's not going to like this at all, is he?"
"I actually kind of told him that you were thinking about it, yesterday," Alex admits. "He wants to talk to you, yeah, but I think ultimately he'll accept it. He just wants to make sure of what I needed to as well- that you're going to be ok, and that this decision is in your best interests. Once he's more assured of that, he'll probably be fine with whatever you do."
Ricardo smiles a little. "Alright... gracias, Alex. For everything."
"Hey, man, any time." He smiles, feeling a little weird, eating alone while Ricardo is staring at him. "Why don't you go make yourself a sandwich and that way we can talk things through a little more before you explode?"
"That obvious, huh?" he asks, squirming slightly in his chair.
"Only a little," Alex laughs. "Go on, man. I'll wait for you."
Ricardo nods and gets up, heading for the fridge. As he passes by Alex's chair, he pauses for a moment and squeezes his roommate's shoulder in a sign of the appreciation he has for him and his constant support, before continuing on. Alex smiles warily before taking a deep sip of his soda.
-x
Later that night, Mike's call comes. Ricardo smiles at the phone, shakes his head, and answers it. "Hola?"
"Hey, Ricardo. Um, well, I'm sure you know why I'm calling by now." Mike coughs awkwardly, Ricardo smirking as he waits for the other man to continue. "I heard through A-Ri that you're thinking about moving back in with Del Rio."
"Yes, I decided to go ahead and do it, after I've given Alex time to find a replacement roommate." This puts a stop to Mike's plans, Ricardo can tell, and his eyes soften. "I'm going to be ok, Mike. I trust that Alberto won't... won't hurt me this time." He hesitates for a moment, considering his words, but they're true. The situation had changed, they had changed... things like August 5th won't ever happen again, he's sure. "I'll be moving in October."
"I see," Mike mumbles. "Well, you sound sure of yourself. I'm not going to fight you on this, Ricardo. I think you're smarter than most of us combined, and I trust you to make the right choice for yourself... like you did when you left the WWE. Just remember, if you need anything, I'm here, you just have to call."
"I know, Mike." Ricardo smiles, staring at the wall while he shifts slightly, sheepish over all of the support shown to him since he'd started changing his life for, hopefully, the better. "Um, so how's the knee doing? I'm sorry I was only able to text you, things have been busy here with me getting ready for this weekend's match at the dojo."
"I can imagine," the former Intercontinental champion laughs faintly. "My knee's ok. I still have to rest it for awhile, which is more AJ's recommendation than the trainer's, but hey, I'm ok with that, I guess. Better safe than sorry, huh?"
"Definitely," Ricardo agrees, lightly rubbing at his neck, remembering all of his various issues over the years. "Injuries are definitely no fun."
"Yeah... you be careful this weekend too, alright? I don't want to hear about something happening on your first match since leaving the WWE," Mike tells him. "I'm sorry I can't be there but between my knee and everything else, I think AJ and I need a weekend to ourselves before Raw..."
Ricardo waves it off. "I definitely understand, Mike. You two enjoy your Labor Day weekend, and I'll see if I can get someone to film the match for you so you can see it."
"That'd be great," Mike agrees before yawning. Ricardo hears AJ's voice in the background and smiles when Mike says something muffled, before returning to the phone. "Alright, I'm being pulled off to bed so I should go. Talk soon, Ricardo."
"Si, Mike. Buenos noches."
"Buenos noches," he responds, only stumbling a little on the Spanish that Ricardo is sure he'll never fully master.
Ricardo's about to go to bed himself when he notices Alex sitting in the kitchen, staring blankly at his phone. "Oh, Alex, I didn't know you were out here." He hesitates. "What's going on?"
Alex looks up, frowning. "Huh? Oh... um, Alicia just uploaded her submission for the ice bucket challenge."
Ricardo blinks. "Oh? What happened in it?" He circles the table and they watch it together, Alicia sitting with Layla nearby, discussing the basis of the challenge, when Layla moves away and, out of nowhere, Heath Slater appears and slings a bucket full of freezing water at her as Alicia squeals and jumps up, running forward and shaking the water out of her hair while Heath points and laughs. Ricardo chuckles too, only stopping abruptly when he sees the look on Alex's face. "What's wrong, Alex?"
"Nothing," he mumbles, pressing a button almost violently until the screen of his phone goes dark. "She didn't tell me she even did this, much less was going to upload it so I could watch for it." Ricardo's eyes flicker from the lifeless phone to Alex's face, lost at what could possibly be putting that look in his eyes, when Alex releases a breath. "It's stupid, but I'm just... wondering why Heath was there. Layla, I can understand, but Slater?" He shakes his head.
Ricardo blinks rapidly, his eyebrows raising. "Alex...?"
"They're not even friends, at least I didn't think they were... I guess- I just don't understand why she didn't ask me to do it, if she wanted someone to..." His voice drifts away and Ricardo swallows, staring at him. "I sound like an idiot, don't I?" he asks, noticing Ricardo's lack of response. "It's ok, you can say it."
The former ring announcer shifts uncomfortably, then glances up, an awkward look on his face. "It's not... that, it's just... Um. Alex, I know you insist that your relationship is, um, casual, that neither of you want something serious right now but..." He releases a breath, knowing how it feels when he's with Paige... how it feels when he's not. He licks his lips and casts his eyes around, trying to figure out how best to say it. Finally, he just comes out and says it. "You love her, don't you?"
Alex looks like he's been slapped, his eyes locked on Ricardo's earnest face. "Shit," he finally breathes, ducking his head. "I am an idiot... it wasn't supposed to... it was just supposed to be fun, she doesn't want this..." Pushing away from the kitchen table, he paces around the relatively small space between the wall and the chair, running his fingers through his hair. "What the hell do I do?"
Ricardo finally stands up and snags him, his hands warm on his shoulders. "Hey, stop, stop, it's not like... it's not like I'm going to say anything," he says with a faint, sad smile towards the look on his roommate's face. "Your secret's safe with me, si? Take time, decide what you're going to do... and whatever it is, I'll be here, to listen, or help you with whatever you want from me. Everything'll be fine, Alex."
And damn it all, it's hard not to believe Ricardo when he looks like that, is saying things like that. Alex finds himself nodding, releasing a deep breath which is promptly followed by a yawn. "Sorry," he mumbles. "Been a long day..." Before he can even say anything else, Ricardo is ushering him towards his bedroom, Alex relieved to sit at the bottom of the mattress and watch blurrily as Ricardo drops his phone on the table by the bed, giving him a minute to pull his shoes and pants off, getting more comfortable before dropping back against his pillows, burrowing under the sheets. "Thanks, Ricardo."
"Anytime," the younger man murmurs, brushing his fingers through Alex's slightly spiked hair. "Buenos noches," he says again, smiling when Alex repeats it, his attempt at the Spanish sounding more natural than Mike's despite being muffled by sleep. He smiles softly and quietly leaves the room, shutting the door behind him with a sigh.
-x
Wednesday begins with his phone ringing, and Ricardo groans, fumbling for it. "Hola?" he mumbles, squinting at the clock. In absolutely no surprise to him, his insomnia is getting worse night by night as Sunday approaches, this being one of the reasons Paige had stayed at her apartment the night before. He hadn't wanted to disturb her with his wild thoughts regarding his first match back, his worries and uncertainties. Unfortunately it also means that each morning makes it harder and harder to wake up, but the ringtone coming from his phone washes over him like cool water, it being Paige's theme song and her custom ringtone.
"Ricardo? I'm so sorry, did I wake you?" she asks, sounding a little desperate. "I wouldn't have, I know you need your sleep, but... it's... I need your help. Please-"
"What's going on?" he asks, sitting up and staring out of the nearest window to try to gauge what could possibly be going wrong on a beautiful, sunny morning like this one. "Is something wrong?"
"Well, remember I told you I'm supposed to do that photo shoot, right? For the website?"
"Yeah...?"
"They're telling me now they want me to choose the setting, somewhere special to me, but I don't know! Unless I do it in an apartment or outside, I don't really know anyone who I'd feel comfortable asking to borrow their property do it in, and..." She sounds like she's about to cry and it tears at his heart to listen to so he immediately fumbles to fix things.
"Listen, I'll make some calls, ok? Just take a breath, get a drink, and I'll call you back as soon as I'm done. It'll be ok, mi fuerza. We'll figure this out."
"Thank you," she breathes, the two of them exchanging quick farewells before he hangs up, determined to find her something. Alas, his options are a little limited as well and he wonders why the website had to urge Paige to go this extra mile, usually content to do whatever they want with the photoshoots, wherever they want. He sighs. Budget cuts... or perhaps they just wanted something special, since she's divas champion. His fingers hesitate against the buttons on his phone. Budget cuts, definitely. Shaking his head, he quickly hits speed dial 2, relieved when the phone is answered quickly. "El Patron? Buenos dias..."
"Buenos dias, Ricardo. Is everything alright?" Alberto asks, sounding surprised to hear from his best friend so early in the day.
"Ah, si, I'm fine, I just... I have a favor to ask of you..." He hesitates, certain that this won't go well, considering what's still fresh in both of their minds. "It's probably too much, I understand if you say no, but Paige... Paige needs my help, and..."
"What is it, mi amigo?" Alberto asks, relieving both of them when he interrupts Ricardo's nervous rambling.
"She has a photoshoot for, for, ah, the website tomorrow, and they want her to choose the place, but she doesn't really know that many people here, of course, and she doesn't want to do it in some random apartment or outside, so... I was wondering if... if she couldmaybedoitonyourgrounds." He speeds up his anxious babbling, certain that Alberto won't understand, but he underestimates his former employer's capability at understanding him.
The silence is replaced, abruptly, by strained laughter. "Mi amigo, lo siento, but why would I let those racists onto my property, much less into my house, hm? If it was anything else, Ricardo, I would help you in a heartbeat, but this... no, lo siento, I can't do it."
Ricardo closes his eyes, not surprised. "I understand, El Patron. She and I will figure it out, it's alright. Lo siento, I should've known- of course you wouldn't want them there, I shouldn't have asked and brought up these bad memories."
Alberto's tone is softer when he interrupts Ricardo's continued ramble of worried apologies. "Mi amigo, excuse me, I have to speak with Sofia and be back with you in a moment, hm?"
"Al-alright," the former ring announcer blinks, staring down at his phone uncertainly. Even so, his patience had always been limitless when it came to Alberto so he settles in comfortably against his pillows and waits, nervousness growing with each passing minute. He thinks he can hear their soft conversation in the general static, but the actual words are indescripherable, adding to his unease.
Finally Alberto returns. "Mi amigo? Still here?"
"Si, El Patron," Ricardo says. "Again, lo siento, I should've-"
"Ricardo, shhh for a moment." When Ricardo immediately falls silent, Alberto chuckles softly, his voice fond when he continues to speak. "Paige may have her photoshoot here... as long as you're here to oversee things, and the only parts of the house it's held in is the front foyer and the patio. Sofia and I will leave for awhile, so you'll have to let them in... How does that sound?"
It's very generous. Almost too generous, perhaps. Ricardo licks his lips, tries to find his voice. Wonders what magic Sofia worked to convince him. "I... I, gracias, El Patron." He hesitates. "You still trust me that much?"
"I always have, Ricardo." Alberto releases a soft sigh. "But, por favor, I have a favor to ask of you, if you don't mind..."
"Anything," he says eagerly, unabashed when Del Rio laughs softly.
"Well, I am aware that you have been booked at WWC in September... as it stands, I as well have been invited to compete there that weekend, and I am wondering if perhaps you would mind relaying a message to someone there as I am still exploring my options legally and cannot find the time? This weekend, if you are free, before your match on Sunday? I will pay for your flight to Puerto Rico and back."
Ricardo doesn't even need to think about it, the thought of going to Puerto Rico early sounding too good to even consider passing up. "Si, of course, El Patron, it would be an honor- whatever I can do to assist you," he nods, eyes gleaming. "Let me know what information I need to know regarding flights and I will handle whatever you wish for me to do."
"Certainly, mi amigo, muchas gracias. What would I do without you?" He pauses, remembering yet again the months he'd gone without Ricardo because of his own stupidity and shakes his head woefully, unsurprised at Ricardo's lack of a response. "Mi amigo, I have to go sort out some things regarding your trip, we'll talk a little later so I know what's going on with the photo shoot, and you with Puerto Rico. Adios."
"Adios, El Patron." Once they hang up, he puts his phone down for only a moment before returning it to his ear, eager to talk to Paige and tell her everything, about the photo shoot, his upcoming trip, all of it.
-x
The photoshoot is incredible to watch. Paige sits patiently while her hair and makeup are fussed with, the girl already dressed in the clothes she had helped choose. Ricardo is watching from the distance as the camera crew sets up in Alberto's foyer, careful not to overstay their welcome. Despite Alberto's abrupt exit from WWE, everyone still knows not to challenge him or risk his temper in any sort of fashion, so it's a little funny to watch them all but tiptoe across the wooden floor in front of the staircase. Paige is eager to get started once everything is in place, Ricardo careful to stay out of the shots as she poses in front of the staircase, staring upstairs like she's impatiently expecting something, moving over to a painting that Alberto had brought from Mexico that hangs in the hallway.
They pause the shoot long enough to take more shots in front of the door and Paige adds a hat and sunglasses to her ensemble, makeup and hair touched up before she poses there, the cameras flashing repeatedly until they run out of shots there, sending her out onto the patio, Ricardo pausing when he realizes Alberto apparently had added something to the decor since the last time he'd been out here- a wooden swing near Sofia's garden. He raises his eyebrows, distracted from trying to figure out when exactly this happened as Paige settles down in one of the chairs, propping one ridiculous wedge heel on the table while glancing towards a book, towards the camera, at him now and again. Only a few photos are taken there when she loses the book and gains a bottle of nail polish, now sitting on the wooden swing and touching up her already perfect nails.
All of them seem relieved when the shoot ends- Paige so she can get into somewhat more comfortable clothes, Ricardo so he can stop dodging the various shots, and the actual crew because now they can leave Del Rio's house without worrying about destroying anything and risking his rage. Paige, once out of the clothes, which are placed in garment bags for preservation, is left on the patio while Ricardo sees the crew out, thanking them and waiting until they're out of sight to lock the gate and put in the security code once more, ensuring that they won't be back. He wanders the side of the house until he makes his way back to Paige, smiling when he sits next to her and she stretches out on the swing, her legs hanging over the side as she rests her head in his lap, yawning lazily. "Tired, mi fuerza?"
"People say matches are tiresome," she muses, tilting her head to look up at him. "Photo shoots are worse, for me anyway. I'm just glad you were here... and we were able to do it in this beautiful house... I'll have to thank Alberto for this..." Ricardo smiles down at her, his fingers gently carding through her long hair, watching as her exhaustion and the Florida warmth, along with the soft back and forth motion of the swing, urged by his subtle movements, sends her right to sleep. They won't be able to stay for long, he has to go back to the apartment and pack for his flight to Puerto Rico, not to mention he has more training tonight, but for now she can sleep. When he texts Del Rio to inform him that the photoshoot is done, and the house is still in one piece, he makes sure to include that Paige is asleep on the patio, just so he'll know, before returning to quietly stroking her forehead, humming a soft Mexican lullaby that always soothed him when he was younger.
When Alberto and Sofia return a little later, they're quiet, Del Rio's eyes flickering around his patio before resting on Ricardo and Paige, the ring announcer looking a little sleepy as well until he spots his former employer. He smiles over at him and glances down at the still asleep diva, Alberto stepping carefully over to them. "Everything went fine," Ricardo whispers to him. "The house looks alright, si?"
"It looks fine, mi amigo. I knew you would take care of... our home." He smiles at him and Ricardo's eyes widen ever so slightly, this being the first time Alberto had called it that in a very long time.
"She will be telling you this herself when she wakes up, but I want to say it as well... muchas gracias for letting us use the house, El Patron. It meant a lot to her, and to I." Ricardo strokes her forehead lightly before looking back up at Alberto. "And I'm sorry I haven't given you an answer to what you asked me a week ago... I forgot, to be honest, so much has been going on between your legal issues, and my booking so many dates and training... I forget that despite how well we know each other, sometimes you do need a true verbal response..." His lip trembles a little through broken laughter and some panic crosses Alberto's eyes, the older man clearly thinking he's about to be denied, but Ricardo gently lifts Paige off of his legs and settles her against the swing before standing to join the Mexican aristocrat, releasing a soft breath.
"Ricardo-"
"If the offer still stands, I... I would love to move back in here with you and Sofia, but I have to give Alex some time to find a replacement roommate, so... October? If that's ok, El Patron..." He looks nervous, scared, hopeful, but the flood of emotions on Alberto's face exceeds even this, joy and relief and disbelief that he could be so lucky to have his best friend back, to have things almost as normal as they had been before the year prior, to have been able to fix so much of what he had put into motion that Ricardo would even agree to move back here...
So overwhelmed by everything that he can't find any kind of words to form a sensible response, he instead throws his arms around Ricardo and buries his face in his hair, laughing softly. "Mi amigo, mi hermano... si, si, come October, Sofia and I will throw the best welcome home party possible."
Ricardo laughs, then sniffs. "A simple dinner is more than enough, El Patron..." But he hugs him back tightly, knowing that there's no stopping Alberto or Sofia once they have something in mind. He pulls away and reaches out, wiping Alberto's eyes and smiling when he returns the favor, the two men taking a minute to recollect themselves before turning to find Paige sitting up on the swing, Sofia standing in the patio doorway, both women smiling fondly at them.
The housekeeper rushes to Ricardo and hugs him, lightly kissing his cheek. "Welcome back, se- ... Ricardo," she catches herself before he can correct her, smiling adoringly at him.
Paige joins them, brushing her hand through her hair as she struggles to wake up the rest of the way, leaning against Ricardo when he wraps an arm around her waist, smiling around at the three most important people in his world. "Gracias. I don't know where I'd be without all of you," he breathes out, fighting more long withheld tears as Paige hugs him, kissing him softly. He indulges in the moment for a bit longer before reality imposes yet again and he realizes, as night starts to fall, that yes, he needs to go pack. Alberto must realize this too because he says something quietly to Sofia, who nods and offers Ricardo one more hug before releasing him and stepping aside. He smiles at her, unsurprised when Alberto takes her place and rests his hands on Ricardo's shoulders, their eyes locking.
"Take good care of yourself, mi amigo. If you need anything while in Puerto Rico, let me know. I'll handle as much from here as I can. Your plane ticket and hotel reservations are handled, and I emailed the information to you, but I have also written it down just in case-"
Ricardo chuckles warmly and pats Alberto's arm, quieting him. "I will be fine, El Patron. This isn't my first time in Puerto Rico. Muchas gracias for taking care of everything though."
Alberto nods. "Si, well, only the best for mi hermanito, hm?" He smiles slightly and reluctantly removes his hands from Ricardo's shoulders, allowing him and Paige to walk side by side to the door, Sofia following him quietly as he walks them out of the house. "I'll see you Sunday, I look forward to watching your match that night, mi amigo."
Ricardo smiles at him, holding the car door open for Paige. "I hope that I impress you then, El Patron."
"You always do, Ricardo," Alberto says sincerely, patting his arm when he pauses in front of him on his way to the driver's seat, leaning in for another, quick hug. "Have a good time in Puerto Rico."
"I will. Adios, El Patron. Adios, Sofia."
"Adios, Ricardo," they echo, standing in the headlights of the car, waving as he pulls out of the large driveway, turning towards the road that would lead them towards Alex's apartment for one of the last times.
-x
Thursday afternoon is a blur of packing and sorting everything else out so that he can be ready as soon as he lands for the event at his dojo, only pausing long enough to scan through Paige's photoshoot on the website and marveling at how beautiful she looks, how impressive Alberto's home is as a backdrop. Even Alberto has to be pleased with this, he thinks, knowing how private his former employer normally is, which had only added to the miracle that it was when he had agreed to this photoshoot. "You're incredible," he tells Paige, kissing her and swiping through the rest of the pictures on the tablet before he has to finish up with last minute packing so he can leave for the airport, wanting to give himself plenty of time to make it through security. Please no delays or cancellations, he thinks, wanting everything to go perfectly, not only for himself but for Alberto's sake as well.
She accompanies him and they both ogle the ticket when he's given it at the will-call window, Ricardo thinking it must be a missprint. "First class," he sputters, amazed. "But, no.. perhaps they thought it was Alberto and automatically rang up what he normally books?" Grasping at straws, finally he calls Alberto and listens anxiously as it rings in.
When the Mexican aristocrat answers, he doesn't even wait for Ricardo to say anything. "Si, mi amigo, the first class ticket is yours, there's no error. Same with the hotel and everything else, as I said, only the best for mi hermanito, si? Just enjoy yourself, and don't feel the need to second guess it or feel undeserving. You are deserving of it all, I know so, so indulge yourself for once, hm? It's all for you."
He wants to ask, he wants to say so many different things, but he's floored by the conviction in Alberto's voice and the look on Paige's face from what she'd overheard, so he nods slowly. "Of- of course, El Patron. Gracias, I just didn't want to take advantage if it was in error-"
"You have never taken advantage of me, or anyone else, Ricardo. And as I've said, there's no error. So, when you're not searching for the recepient of my message and whatever else you may find to do there, I want you to relax and enjoy yourself, prepare to show me the sights when we're both there for WWC. Si?"
"Of course," Ricardo murmurs, squeezing Paige's hands. "It'd be my honor, El Patron." They hang up a moment later, and Ricardo releases a soft breath. "This, and who knows what all else, is for me." Paige grins and kisses him, shaking her head fondly. "Who knows what Alberto is planning..."
She strokes his face, kisses his fingers. "Just enjoy it, hm? I know you used to travel with Del Rio like this a lot, and it must've been a pretty rough change when he did... what he did, but now you get to travel in style all on your own, and that's pretty incredible, so don't waste the chance." She smiles at him, stroking his knuckles. "I'll pick you up on Sunday, yes? But if you get lonely or... miss me..." She releases a soft breath, sadness shadowing her eyes. She's growing more used to missing him, due to how different their traveling schedules are now that they don't work for the same business anymore, but their time together definitely makes up for all of that. "... please email me, or text me, call me, whatever you want. I'll miss you."
He sighs and kisses her, his hands lightly resting on her jaw. "I miss you already." She smiles against him and he nods. "I definitely will, mi fuerza. I can't wait to see you on Sunday." She murmurs a variation of this and he kisses her once more before leaning over to pick up his luggage, her hand snug in his until she can't follow him anymore, Ricardo turning to watch her until he has to turn the corner and disappear out of sight.
-x
He realizes quickly, upon arriving in Puerto Rico, that Alberto hadn't been kidding. There's a driver waiting for him by a sleak car that looks closer to something that Del Rio had driven to the ring many a time than anything he'd ever driven and he's almost tempted to call Alberto again, but he remembers both his former employer's reaction, and Paige's, and swallows his misgivings, letting the man take his luggage while he slips into the backseat, overwhelmed by all of this. It doesn't end there, however, as he arrives at the hotel and asks for his room, just to be given a key to the penthouse, and the special code for the elevator to take him up there. He stares blankly at the bellhop who helpfully takes his bags and guides him to the elevator, amazed by everything that's been going on since he left for the airport hours earlier. Once he's inside his room, he turns to the bellhop and reaches for his wallet. He may not have the kind of money that Alberto does, but he can at least tip the young man for being so-
"Ah, sir, all gratuities have already been handled by Mr. Del Rio, you don't have to worry about a thing." The young man smiles at him and ducks out of the room to leave Ricardo in peace, the former ring announcer shaking his head in disbelief once he realizes that he's alone.
"Of course he did... of course..." He laughs dazedly to himself and mutters in Spanish, disbelieving that apparently, his money will be no good here this entire weekend. He's about to sit on the bed when he realizes that there's a clothes bag already there, waiting for him, and his eyes widen. "Ay dios mio, now what, Alberto?" His question is answered quickly when he unzips it, the breath forced from his lungs almost painfully. It's a suit, it's tailor made and, when he tries it on, it fits perfectly. Not for the first time, he wonders how exactly Alberto manages these insane things, with no clear access to his clothes to know his size, unless Paige or Alex had helped him, and even then... He swallows and strokes the soft fabric, shaking his head. Trembling fingers locking around his cell phone, he slowly types out, "You are too much" and sends the text, standing there, frozen, until it lights up in his hand, only two words on the screen waiting for his attention.
I know.
He does laugh for real at this, wiping his face with a still shaky hand. "Ay, El Patron... what else do you have waiting for me?"
The answer is: everything. Meals, car service, there's even a man from WWC named Juan Manuel Ortega eager to help him navigate should he require it, apparently the person who had contacted Alberto when he began to have problems with a man known as Ray Gonzalez. He's a little overwhelmed, but it's the best time he's had in a long time, driving around Puerto Rico with Juan until they receive a phone call. One of Juan's spies had spotted the man at a nearby golf course so they head that way immediately, following the spy's directions until they see him as well. It's hard to miss him in his ugly green golf shirt. Ricardo falls back on his old mocking nature, not needing to be somewhat professional anymore like he was when a commentator or an interviewer, deriding Gonzalez until Ray suggests that Ricardo is Juan's lackey, which bothers Ricardo. As nice as Juan seems, there's only one man he'd go on this search for, and he says so, re-inforcing that he's Alberto's right hand man, and he has a message for Gonzalez from Alberto.
"Are you sure?" Ricardo asks, listening with a raised eyebrow as Alberto explains what exactly he's to do.
"Si, amigo, he deserves no respect, I'm sure you'll notice this as soon as you meet him... so that's exactly what I want you to do. Alright?"
"Si, fine, El Patron, whatever you want," Ricardo shrugs, peering out the window of the penthouse.
And he had noticed, something about the man's attitude grating at him. Even at his worst, there was something charming about Alberto, the first thing Ricardo had noticed about him when they'd first met and Del Rio had hired him, and it made him easy to forgive pretty much anything. But this man, no... he was just bland, yet another who thought he was more special than he truly was, staring down upon everyone in his wake without the demeanor to make up for it. So it makes it easy to fulfill Alberto's request. Ricardo smirks and spits right in the man's face, stepping back as Juan intercedes before Ray could strike him, the two of them quickly returning to the car and speeding away from the golf course, Ricardo laughing the entire way. It had been wild, and ridiculous, and had felt great to do something antagonistic again. He had missed it, having free reign to do whatever he'd wanted with Alberto's name behind him.
Once they're safely away, Ricardo returns to the penthouse and settles down on the bed, staring at his phone. Dialing Alberto's number, he waits until his friend's warm voice greets him. "Message received, El Patron."
Alberto laughs. "Muchas gracias, Ricardo. I knew you would find him somehow. Now get some sleep, mi amigo. Tomorrow is going to be a busy, important day. I look forward to seeing you at the dojo."
"Si, gracias, El Patron. See you then." They hang up and Ricardo settles back in against his pillows for a moment, thinking about everything that tomorrow will bring, his first match back since leaving WWE, a resurgence of his career that he's been hungry for for so long that it had hurt. He smiles before forcing himself out of bed to get out of the nice suit and pack for the first class trip back home in the morning.
