Ricardo feels rough. His insomnia is eating at him again, making it hard to focus, but he works at the AAW show that evening, sitting in with commentary. He smiles a little, thinking about how his friendship with Miz and all of the others began on Main Event commentary all of those years ago. Without that, he never would've met Alicia, he never would've had friendships to hold him together after Alberto betrayed him all of those years ago- both after his suspension and with the whole Paige thing.
He hasn't talked to Mike much lately, Mike extremely busy and Ricardo just holding on by his fingertips to everything important to him as he struggles not to let his insomnia take something else from him, so once he's done with the show, he walks out into the rows of chairs, the floors slick and spotted with left behind trash from fans who all bailed for the most part once the final match ended. Alicia is leaning back against the wall, waiting for him with a small smile, and Alberto is sprawled out by the entrance, quirking an eyebrow at him as he approaches.
"Hola, hermano," he says, curling an arm around Ricardo and giving him a hug. "Gracias for the invitation, this was fun." He exhales, pressing his cheek to the top of Ricardo's head as Ricardo leans in and hugs him back, eyes fluttering shut at his warm presence. "You look exhausted. Insomnia at it again?"
"Of course," he sighs. "I'll be ok though." He's not sure, the older he gets, the worst these spells become, the more scattered and depressed his thoughts become. But nights like tonight are nice and he smiles slightly as Alberto rubs his back soothingly. "Lo siento," he says softly. "But I believe my wife is missing me. I'll see you soon?"
"Si, of course. You did a fantastic job tonight, mi hermano." Alberto hugs him properly, this time, smoothing his hair back, and lets him go. "Try to get some rest tonight, si?"
Ricardo's smile is strained. "Si. Buenos noches, mi hermano." They take their leave of each other then and he sidles up to his wife, resting his head on her shoulder.
"Oh, you finally remembered I'm here," she teases him, carding her fingers through his hair. "I forgot how much fun you are on commentary."
He chuckles lowly. "It's easier when I'm not getting yelled at in my headsets."
She cups his face, drawing him up, and kisses him softly on the lips. "You know what I remember best about your commentary?" He hums curiously and she grins. "You were always really complimentary towards me. Like, no one could stand me then, and there you were..." Her voice softens. "There you were talking about how much fun you thought I was, and how much you enjoyed watching me." She sighs. "I should've known then. Alex was always the worst, comparing me to people I don't even know about." She shakes her blonde hair out and laces her fingers behind his neck. "But it doesn't matter, it all worked out. I ended up where I belong, with the best man." She pecks his nose and when Ricardo chuckles softly, she captures his mouth in a soft, slow kiss. "I love you so much..."
He presses his forehead to hers and searches her eyes. "I love you too," he says softly. "I always will, Alicia, you know this, right?"
Doubt fills her eyes for a moment and then she nods. "Of course I do, honey." She soothes her fingers down his cheeks and smiles. "Let's go home." Her hand slips into his and she gently leads him out of the building, to the car.
She never minds his limitations, when he's too exhausted or lost in his own head to do some of the things she wants to do, just lays and holds him, carding her fingers through his hair and kissing him, soft and warm and so loving that it overwhelms him and somehow makes him feel worse, because she deserves so much better than him. "Lo siento," he whispers into her hair but she shakes her head, kisses him again, and again, and again.
"You have nothing to apologize for," she rebukes him gently. "I wish I could find a cure for your insomnia, but I don't blame you for anything." She traces his lips gently and he kisses her fingertips, causing her to shiver. "You're still the best, I will never regret our life together, and I adore you."
For a brief while, he feels better, his guilt subsiding, fingers trailing over her warm, soft skin, and she hums, pressing into him as he breathes her in. "I love you, Alicia," he says quietly and she exhales his name, kissing him deeply.
"I love you too," she gasps, eyes fluttering as she bites her lip and smiles down at him, skin glistening and so warm against his side.
She drifts off shortly later and he watches her, still unable to sleep, but unwilling to look away from her peaceful, beautiful face.