Insomnia hasn't been a leading force in Ricardo's life for awhile. He's been inspired by his roles in MLW and with 3 Legacies, at peace, comforted by Alicia, the twins, Andre and Sofia. Resolved to live as comfortably as possible since gaining his sobriety. But he feels his hard-fought control slipping, anxiety and nerves working double time to make him question himself.
August 3rd is going to be the biggest show yet and he can't let it go wrong. He can't let one stone go unturned of the potential that this event will bring for its audience, the wrestlers in the matches, himself. He paces quietly around the living room, peering out of the window at the dark street beyond, lost in thought.
He's so distracted by what could go wrong, how badly the show could be received, every other negative possibility, that he doesn't notice someone in the room with him until familiar arms curl around him, draw him away from the windows and into a warm, familiar embrace. He exhales and leans into the touch, grimacing. "Alicia," he murmurs. "Did I wake you?"
She shrugs. "The bed was cold," she says. "I thought you might be out here, so I just... wanted to find you."
"I'm ok," he mumbles.
"Sure you are," she says teasingly. "You've been anxious and strung tight for days."
"August 3rd," he responds after a few moments. "It has to go well, or..." He grimaces. "I don't know. A lot of things are riding on this."
"I know," she says, leaning in to press a kiss to his forehead. "But you won't be able to make sure everything runs smoothly if you're exhausted and stressed out."
"I know," he says. "I do. But I can't do anything about it. It's just the way I am. Always have been, always will be. You-"
She quiets him by holding up a pill bottle, shaking it at him. Immediately his shoulders slump and she smiles sadly at him. "I know you don't really like to take them, especially on a busy week like this, but just try. For me? Please?"
"You don't play fair," he tells her, pouting a little.
She smiles. "When it comes to the wellbeing of my family, no. I do not." She takes his hand and guides him to the kitchen, where she pours him a glass of water and squeezes his fingers as he slowly takes the pill and downs the water. "There you go," she says softly. "Come on, let's go to bed."
He nods grimly, following her down the hall to their room. The meds always hit him quickly and he's barely able to blink his eyes open once he's settled and comfortable in the mess of sheets she tucks him into. He reaches out blindly for her and she settles in his arms, nuzzling close. "Thanks," he mumbles sleepily.
"Any time," she says softly, watching as his fight against sleep is officially lost, Ricardo sinking into the bedding with what she hopes will remain a peaceful sleep throughout the night.