Alicia keeps the details of her conversation with Paige to herself, which Ricardo struggles not to question her on as they lay side by side and stare up into the darkness, both trying to relax enough to sleep. She rolls over at some point and rests her head on his chest, smiling when his fingers ease through her hair. lulling her into a half-doze. "She's going to be ok," she finally says sleepily, Ricardo glancing down at her. "Just needs some time."
He nods dumbly, not sure what to say, or think about all of this. Ultimately decides to keep it to himself and just enjoy the peace and quiet with Alicia, mentally planning another week's worth of training for the wrestling school. Alicia is fast asleep when Ricardo looks back down at her and he can't help but smile at how peaceful and calm she looks.
He learns it after the fact when it's announced on Raw that night, Paige's re-injured her neck, which is what he'd assumed when the rumors began, and he figures that may be it for her, but he has no definite idea because WWE is being mum about it, as is Paige herself. He leans against the ring at the school, watching those inside learning the basics, and wonders how far some of them will make it in the business. Remembers when he himself retired, how he'd itched to compete despite his own bitterness with the business. Leaving it behind and focusing on training had helped for awhile, made him get his head back on straight. Led to him deciding to give it a second go, and yeah, he's enjoying it again, but his heart still holds with training.
He smiles faintly and taps his fingers against the ring for a few moments before sliding in. "Come on, guys," he says, clapping his hands briskly together. "Start from the beginning." As the ring shakes with everyone moving to start the drills over, he steps back and watches them, lips twitching. His ankle and knee throb, especially in this weather, but he wouldn't trade any of this for anything.
That weekend, he's sitting in a sports bar, watching UFC and Bellator, when familiar perfume greets him and he glances over, smiling upon finding Alicia there. She winks at him and steals a sip from his mug before crinkling her nose cutely and ordering something a little less offensive to her taste buds before slipping her hand into Ricardo's and squeezing. She'll be flying out for Raw tomorrow but for now, Ricardo enjoys her warmth against his side, the weight of her head against his shoulder, and her fingers digging around in his appetizers before she takes a couple of onion rings and chews cheerfully, beaming at him whenever he looks at her.
The place is picking up by the time the fights end, and he leans in, kissing her slowly. She tastes like onions and alcohol and he hums, ordering an uber. "About ready to go home?" he asks softly. She nods and he smiles at her, helping her off of her stool before guiding her outside. He grits his teeth against the old familiar pain of his surgically repaired leg as the freezing wind brushes over his body, and he limps as he guides her over to the vehicle once it arrives.
She looks worried but he shakes his head, forcing a smile as they get in the backseat and she rubs his knuckles, trying to distract him from the cold steel holding his bones together. "Poor baby," she murmurs, kissing him. "We get home and I'll warm you up, I promise."
He chuckles and rests his head against hers. "Alright," he says quietly. "I'll hold you to that." She kisses him again, squeezing his hand, and he hums, closing his eyes and breathing her in, tension fading from his tense muscles. "I love you, Alicia."
She smiles. "I love you too, Ricardo."