Ricardo misses the experience of Wrestlemania week, sometimes. Being one of the few to stay on the sidelines and watch from home as so many other wrestlers get to live out their dream. But he's not alone this year, Alberto is right there with him and, when he's not busy with other business, they meet up to pass the time. Sometimes practicing in the ring in Alberto's basement, sometimes visiting with Sofia in the kitchen as she prepares the next meal for the house.

Alicia has flown out for Axxess events, Mickie promising Ricardo to keep a close eye on her, and this leaves Ricardo alone with the puppies, which Alberto tsks over as he greets Ricardo early Thursday morning, kneeling down to pet the three dogs. "Silly, silly perros," he mumbles as the dogs tumble over each other, licking and panting cheerfully.

Ricardo laughs at the old familiar nickname for their opponents and Alberto looks up with a sharp grin, remembering as well. "I miss those days," Ricardo admits quietly and Alberto hums.

"I do as well, mi hermano." Alberto hesitates and looks up at him with a small smile. "Would you like to go for a walk around the grounds, perhaps tire out these silly dogs of yours?"

"Sure," Ricardo says, lightly shaking the leashes to get the dogs' attention and urging them on. They walk slowly, enjoying the warmth of the air, how beautiful everything looks as spring takes over Texas. Ricardo stretches and smirks over at Alberto. "Incredible weather, this is. Better than Florida, even, I think, because at least here there aren't unexpected rain showers."

"Ah yes," Alberto muses. "Those were always poorly timed."

Ricardo hums, smiling a little. "And used to always happen whenever I was off running errands for you, so I'd come back soaked and Sofia would fuss over me for the longest time."

Alberto hesitates at this, casting a quick glance at Ricardo. "I'm truly sorry for all of that. You were my best friend and I treated you awful."

Ricardo shakes his head. "Nah, it was my job, man. Can't deny you paid me quite handsomely for all of those years." He hesitates. "Besides, I wouldn't trade what we have now for anything in the entire world."

Alberto stares at him. "Really?"

"Of course." Ricardo smiles up at him. "Even if my being your ring announcer ended unfortunately, our friendship is stronger now, and that's the important ting."

Alberto sighs, stepping forward and wrapping an arm around Ricardo. "Gracias," he muses. "I don't know what I'd do without you, hermano."

"You won't ever need to find out," Ricardo mumbles, hugging Alberto back and enjoying the silence.

"I hope not," Alberto admits quietly.

Ricardo's lips twitch. "Do you wanna watch the Hall of Fame with me? We can mock people's clothes, and nitpick their speeches like we used to do."

Alberto cuffs him lightly and laughs. "And look for Alicia?"

Ricardo tilts his head, nodding just a bit. "Well. I mean. Yeahhhh..."

Alberto chuckles. "Si, mi hermano. We can do that." He doesn't like to watch WWE, necessarily, but he will make an exception for this. For Ricardo.