Once they all are done with photos and autographs for Signamania, Ricardo laughs as he stares down at the ridiculous photo of he, Alberto and Drew McIntyre, his former fellow 3MB bandmate from the Christmas prior. If you had told them then that that incarnation of 3MB all would've been exiled from WWE within a matter of months, he never really would've believed it. But here they are, and he doesn't mourn this fact or look back on what could've been if things had been different. "It is, eh, interesting to see so many former WWE guys again, eh, El Patron?"
"Si." Alberto shoots a slightly distracted smile at him as he makes a path through the crowd of people filling Signamania. There's so much wrestling merchandice all over the place it's hard to see anything promising, but finally... his eye catches it and he reaches over, his hand resting against the cool fabric of his dress shirt, his fingers tugging at the edge of his tux jacket. "There!" Ricardo looks confused and almost worried as Alberto all but drags him through the crowd, impatient and happy at the prospect of proving to himself that he wasn't just seeing things. "Si! Mi amigo, look, I've found it!"
Ricardo's eyes go left to right along the shelves until finally, finally he spots it too. "Ay dios mio, I can't believe they're carrying it!" The two of them turn and look at each other like little boys, grins growing across their faces until Alberto pulls away and makes his way towards the line, all but bouncing up and down on his heels as he waits to get to the front of the line to purchase the Iron Sheik DVD that had caught his eye. Ricardo joins him after a moment, marveling at the happiness he hasn't seen on his face in much too long that's also bubbling up inside of him as well. The closer they get, the more obvious it is that supplies are limited, so limited in fact that there's only one left. Ricardo notices as Alberto's face falls at the realization, casting a glance towards his former ring announcer, but before Alberto could offer for Ricardo to buy it, he speaks up. "Go ahead, El Patron. You spotted it first, it's yours. Just let me watch it sometimes, por favor?"
The happiness returning to Alberto's face, he nods vehemently. "Whenever you want, mi hermano." Leaning over to quickly hug him, he makes it to the front of the line while Ricardo steps aside and waits, listening to Alberto point out the DVD he wants and the exchange of money. Once done, Alberto rejoins his former ring announcer and rests an arm around his shoulders, walking much more sedately away from the tables than before. They head for the exit, acknowledging a few fans' exclamations along the way, and Alberto grins down at him. "Ricardo, let's go get something to eat before we head to House of Hardcore, hm?"
"Si, that sounds good." Ricardo smiles up at him, relieved that he'd offered it as there hadn't been much time for breakfast, and definitely none for lunch between flying here and then the fan meet'n'greets that had followed. "Do you know what you're doing for HoH yet?" He'd donned his tux, he was planning on merely supporting Alberto, announcing him as he had perfected all of those years... but if he'd need to defend Alberto, he could easily do it, the clothes never hindering him to do so in the past, no matter what his skill level may have been at the time.
"No, I assume I will just be going out to talk... see if anything comes of it." He casts a quick grin at Ricardo as they get in the car but before he takes off, he stares down at the Iron Sheik DVD and shakes his head, looking over at his best friend. "You know what, we have pictures with fans and with McIntyre, but I... I want a picture of us. Right now, like this, happy and just... peaceful, si?"
Ricardo stares at him for a second before nodding, finding his phone and holding it out while Alberto raises the DVD and somehow, between the two of them, they make a perfect, spur of the moment photo, both of them grinning and brimming with happiness to finally have the freedom to work together again without worrying about what everyone will think, or say, or do regarding their careers or personal life or anything else. Once they agree that the photo is perfect as is, Ricardo claps his hands against his knees and smiles at his former employer. "Soooo, about that food..."
"Ah, si, right," Alberto laughs. "Let's go drive around until we find something that sounds appetizing to us both, mi amigo." Ricardo nods and they both keep an eye out until Ricardo spots a Hibachi grill, pointing to it eagerly until Alberto figures out where the turn in for the parking lot is, grinning at the younger man's enthusiasm. Of which only continues when they get inside and place their order, getting to watch the food being prepared on large grills before them. Ricardo's glee at finally getting food is childlike in its innocence and Alberto can't resist pulling his phone out and video recording him for a moment, missing seeing him this happy and free. He hesitates over the suggestion that he's about to make, but they're still waiting on their food and he's starving by now as well, imagining that Ricardo feels about the same because neither of them had really been able to eat since early in the morning before their flight, when Sofia had insisted on waking up just to make them breakfast. "Hey, mi amigo?"
"Si?"
"Will you help me turn this into a vine? If you don't mind... I think others would be glad to see you this happy, especially after the year you've had." He turns the phone so Ricardo can also see the video, and he flushes slightly at seeing himself look so silly. "Nothing to be embarrassed about, mi amigo. It's cute. But if you don't want me to upload the vine, I'd be glad to keep the video just between us..."
"No, no, it's fine," Ricardo finally says, shrugging. "I'm sure I've done more ridiculous things in my time in the WWE, eh?" He grins, a little self-deprecating, before leaning closer and helping Alberto set up the video as a vine, the short clip of Ricardo clapping giddily while he watches the chef preparing the food repeating over and over. "There you go."
"Gracias." Alberto watches it a few times before looking up and patting Ricardo on the shoulder. "At least it's charming when you do ridiculous things. Some of us aren't so lucky in that, mi amigo, and just look silly." He smiles vaguely.
Ricardo looks up and smiles too, shaking off his uncertainty at allowing that moment of ease to be uploaded, only imagining what some would say about it. No, I have to remember that this day isn't about that. It's about freedom... and there's nothing more free than that moment, there, filmed by mi mejor amigo... He relaxes and allows himself to enjoy his meal, anticipating what's to come.
The atmosphere alone at House of Hardcore that night is amazing. But Alberto's vague plan changes on the fly as Brian Myers, after his match, decides to hold the ring hostage as it were, refusing to leave until someone makes him. So Alberto decides to accomodate him on this, grinning and nodding at Ricardo as he hesitates at the curtain and takes a breath, feeling like he's debuting all over again. He's barely taken a few steps down the aisle, however, when the pure sound of the crowd as more and more people realize he's there thunders over him, Ricardo taking it all in as he makes his way towards the ring and addresses Brian, explaining that no he's not here alone... as SI! SI! SI! chants from all of the people around almost overwhelms his own strong voice, he turns and introduces Alberto, grinning when the crowd finishes off his former employer's name for him.
Alberto is excited, Ricardo can tell even from this distance as he rushes out onto the ramp and tears his jacket off, motioning to the crowd while feeding off of their exuberance as well. As Alberto approaches the ring, Ricardo moves to sit on the second rope, making it easier for him to enter the ring, but he doesn't immediately. Instead, as soon as he climbs onto the apron, he wraps his arms around Ricardo from behind and hugs him while Ricardo gives him a one-armed hug from this awkward position, grinning as Alberto murmurs to him, barely audible over the continued buzz from the crowd, "Can you believe this, mi amigo?!"
Once things calm down and they're able to get into the ring, Alberto addresses the crowd and speaks of his uncertainty over whether he'd be able to compete in America for a year, and his joy at that being cleared up so he could, but Myers doesn't appreciate being ignored so he attempts an attack on Alberto. Ricardo notices and responds in kind, kicking Brian which allows Alberto to refocus and hold Brian down with some kicks of his own before locking in the armbar, wrenching back on his arm until he's writhing in pain. Alberto releases it and watches with satisfaction as he rolls out of the ring, cursing and spitting on the outside. Side by side with his best friend in the ring once more, he stands tall and watches the crowd show their support for the both of them.
After spending time with some of the other wrestlers backstage, Ricardo and Alberto return to the hotel. Alberto gets ready for bed while Ricardo repacks the few of their things scattered around the room. Alberto has responsibilities for AAA on Monday, so he'll be heading out to Mexico the next day, while Ricardo returns to Florida to handle some business at the dojo. He's staring down at his carefully folded tux, remembering everything that had happened today with a smile, when Alberto leans against the bathroom doorway and clears his throat. "Mi amigo, you're not too tired yet, are you? I was thinking perhaps we could watch that Iron Sheik DVD before we go to bed. But if you just want to sleep-"
"No, that sounds like a great idea," Ricardo interrupts him. "Let's do it." Alberto grins at him and fishes the DVD case out of his bag before walking over to the laptop resting on the bedside table, setting the DVD up to play. As they settle in on the bed, side by side to watch it, both are once more reminded of all of the nights before when they were still with the WWE and they would do this, unaware of just how bad things would get. They exchange glances, both taking comfort from being able to spend time together like this again without worrying, and smile.
Alberto reaches over and presses play, allowing the brief moment of reflection to pass as they watch one of their favorite wrestlers and someone they consider to be a mutual friend on the screen. He's not sure how much time has passed when he realizes that the DVD is half over and Ricardo's been quiet for awhile. He glances over and blinks, eyes softening as he realizes that at some point, the former ring announcer had fallen asleep against his shoulder, looking peaceful and so young that it almost hurts. He sighs and stops the DVD, carefully easing Ricardo's head back onto the pillows before shutting the laptop down and placing it on the table nearest the bed. "Buenos noches, mi amigo," he whispers, rolling over and dozing off within minutes, a smile on his own face.
-x
It's mid Tuesday when Alberto flies in from Mexico. Ricardo is looking over his upcoming indy dates and Sofia is preparing lunch when he comes storming in, eyes dark under a massive bandage covering his forehead. Ricardo's on his feet immediately, recognizing the signs of brimming rage and he walks over to him, trying to calm the situation before it gets worse and Alberto does something he regrets. "What happened?" he asks, lightly running his fingers over the bandage, observing how it's barely sticking and some blood has seeped through, meaning that it desperately needs changed. He leads him towards the bathroom, exchanging a glance with Sofia to let her know that he's got this, to stay out of the line of fire just in case.
Alberto is not the same man that he was before, no, but this is clearly something... different, something that neither of them were used to in their years in the WWE. Yes, Alberto had been busted open, and Ricardo's ankle had been broken, among the numerous neck issues and concussions, but...there was something almost taboo about the level of violence that must've brought this about. He watches quietly as Alberto sits on the side of the tub, too angry to care about what's going on around him as Ricardo finds the first aid kit and unpacks bandages and antibiotic cream and whatever else he thinks is necessary. Somewhere along the way, he realizes his hands are shaking and he forces himself to take a moment, breathe. This is not the old Alberto, he reminds himself. This is the Alberto that I laughed with and shared amazing moments with on Saturday. This is mi mejor amigo, mi hermano. He's just... injured and angry, that I can deal with. So he does, squaring his shoulders and kneeling down in front of Alberto to examine the nasty cuts along his forehead, gentle but firm as he cleans them and smears the cream on them, pressing the bandage into place carefully. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"No," he denies grimly. "But Texano Jr will pay... and I will leave with my vengeance and... his title." His eyes burn with the vicious determination that Ricardo had grown used to, the kind that never really frightened him. It was when Alberto was angry with no true target to aim his rage at that Ricardo would end up collateral damage more often than not. Alberto's eyes clear a moment later and he realizes that he's home and Ricardo is on his knees before him, fussing over the fresh bandage on his forehead, various medical supplies scattered around them. He catches Ricardo's hands and releases a soft breath, smiling wanly. "Gracias, mi amigo. I guess I was too lost in my anger to realize that I was home already..."
"Your bandage was a mess, El Patron," Ricardo chides him almost teasingly, before turning solemn. "You need to take better care of yourself..."
"I know, but don't worry about me, mi hermano. I'm fine." He gets up, offering a hand to Ricardo to pull him to his feet as well, before turning to look at himself in the mirror. "And soon I shall be champion again..."
Ricardo watches him with a faintly worried look on his face. Alberto had nearly destroyed himself- and Ricardo as well- in his quest to become World Champion way back when Sheamus held the title. All the younger man can hope for now is that Alberto's current goal will go a lot smoother, and bring him success much sooner.
-x
Paige sighs as she leans back against Ricardo's arm, shaking her head lazily. "I get a whole day to spend at home, then I have some sort of rematch against Alicia on Superstars. I don't know what's going on, or why I'm on shows like Main Event and Superstars, instead of getting another opportunity at the divas title, but I... I don't like it..." She rolls over and looks up at him, a troubled expression on her face. "I thought signing with Total Divas would give me more security in my place in the company, but instead it seems to have... done the opposite somehow?"
He squeezes her hand and lifts it to his lips, lightly kissing her fingertips. "I'm sorry, mi fuerza. The divas always seem to get a raw deal, no pun intended... a lot of you deserve better." She squirms up a little higher and kisses him on the side of the mouth, listening as he fades into Spanish, a lot of the words escaping her but the general meaning of what he's saying obvious as he sprawls his hand over her back, holding her closer. They lay there for a few more moments, enjoying the warm Florida weather, when he tilts his face to look at her. "I know this probably isn't a good time to ask, considering who all's going to be there... but do you have any plans for Thanksgiving?"
She narrows her eyes at him and shrugs. "I doubt it. Why?"
"Sofia insisted on having everyone here..." Ricardo winces."Alicia and AJ are going to be here, but... um... I really would love to have you here too, Paige. But I won't force you into anything you're not comfortable with. It was just an idea, we can find some other way to spend time together that weekend-"
Paige smirks at him, pressing a kiss to his lips and swallowing the rest of his words, causing him to gasp softly. "Sofia's cooking... you... and some of my absolute favorite people to torment all under one roof? Consider your invitation accepted, Ricardo. I can't wait." Her eager expression isn't hindered at all by the look of dawning apprehension on his face as she giggles and kisses him again, running her fingers through his hair.