Noam Dar is becoming more of a nuance. Ricardo almost feels bad for Cedric Alexander, before remembering that he's in an event worst position, as the fourth wheel in this situation. Despite Alicia's continued reassurances, he can't help but feel that way, sitting on the sidelines and rehabbing his knee while she's stuck between the two cruiserweights. He goes from walking to jogging to running, and is now just working on getting full strength back, the rehab specialist looking more optimistic with each visit.

Ricardo stretches his knee out and hums, adding more weight to the machine as he works out. It's getting better every day and soon he'll be back to doing what he loves most, Alicia and all of this drama not the only thing on his mind. He can't wait, especially with Christmas coming up. It hadn't been fair putting Mike and AJ through all of the drama with him, Alicia, and then the issues with Paige and Alberto too. Not that he thinks Mike minded not inviting them, but still. "I'm supposed to be evolved enough that this should be tolerable," he reminds himself, exhaling and inhaling in an attempt to meditate. Something that's avoided him since learning Paige and Alberto were engaged.

He tries again and feels the old familiar comfort wash over him, his thoughts quieting into a dull roar. "Thank you," he breathes out into the nothingness before him, continuing to work out even as he meditates further. "I've missed this."

He's calmer, more steady when he returns to the apartment that night, finding Alicia propped up on the couch, her glasses perched on her nose as she paints her toenails, Zero and Zeus dancing around her as she tries to keep them away. "Oh thank God, can you do something with these two?! I think they want to eat my nailpolish, which ew," she exclaims, looking up at him pleadingly.

He laughs and takes the dogs outside, making sure the back fence is secure before leaving them. "How are you?" he asks, leaning against the couch and listening as she painstakingly paints finger and toenails alike.

"I'm good." She leans forward and lightly kisses his cheek, the smell of chemicals rafting after her, and he crinkles his nose. "How was the gym?"

"Great. I, uh, meditated for the first time since Paige and Alberto's engagement." He fiddles with his fingers and looks anywhere but at her. Talking about Paige with Alicia is awkward, he doesn't want to make her jealous, but it is part of his life... "This feels weird."

She cups his hand and waits until he looks up at her. "Don't feel weird. Considering some of the things I've talked to you about, you can say whatever you want to me. Hell, I'm in the process of a divorce and now I'm undecided between two guys with a third stalking me. It would take a lot for you to outdo my ridiculousness."

Ricardo hesitates. "Well, when you put it that way..." She gasps in feigned offense and pushes him to the side, laughing when he drags her down with him. They both freeze when they realize she's laying on top of him, their eyes locked as he fumbles to touch her or not. "Um, well..."

"Kiss me please," she requests, eyes fluttering. He can't deny her, leaning in and kissing her softly. She runs her fingers through his hair, deepening the kiss. "I'm so sorry," she breathes into his mouth. "I promise this won't be forever..."

He nods. "I know. I'm not going anywhere."

She smiles at him and kisses him again.