"So," Alicia hums, head cushioned in her folded arms. "Tell me all about the places we're going to see when we go to Europe again." She giggles when Ricardo's fingers trail teasingly over her bare skin, and she rolls over to face him, cradling his face as he eases in to kiss her. His murmurs against her skin are an echo of things he's told her before- the places they'll eat, the things they'll see, how he might drag her into the ring from time to time to help him train the students entrusted to him. She sighs happily and twists her fingers in his hair, breathing in and out as the sun twinkles merrily overhead. "I love you," she whispers and he pushes himself up, staring down at her. "So much."
He smiles. Strokes a finger down her face, before kissing her again. "I love you too," he murmurs. She sits up and wraps her arms around his neck, sighing happily as he holds her close. He has to go soon for another training session with some school an hour or so away, but she's determined to take advantage of every minute they have left together as she trails kisses down his jaw. He returns the favor eagerly until he thinks about something and pulls back, kissing Alicia a time or two more. "Hey, are you up for company while I'm gone?" he wonders.
She quirks her eyebrows at him. "What? Why? What'd you have in mind?" She doesn't look thrilled when he tells her, but agrees with a grimace. "I guess," she grumbles. "Only because I think everyone should be as nauseatingly happy as we are." She taps his nose a few times. "And because Heath is a good guy and deserves all of the good things. Fine, fine, but you owe me one."
He smiles at her, sweet and affectionate. "I've owed you plenty since the day you agreed to marry me, Alicia."
Her heart does that silly, leaping thing that makes her feel like she's flying, a groan slipping out of her soft lips as she kisses him again. "Damn you, always so sweet and tender to me," she grouses, and he laughs as she lifts their interlaced hands and kisses his fingertips. "You should go. It's a long drive, I don't want you to be late in this godawful traffic."
He lingers for a few more moments, however, making sure to have his fill of her before reluctantly pulling away and heading out to begin the slow, tedious drive to begin training. He waves at her as she leans against the doorway and slowly drives away as she sighs and slips back inside to find some clothes and try to prepare for her company.
Maryse looks flawlessly beautiful, even while carrying one baby close to her chest and the toddler's hand held firmly in her own. She tilts her head and smiles a little. "I have to say, the last thing I expected today was to be invited to a play date by you, Alicia," she says, searching Alicia's face. "What's going on?"
Alicia shrugs. "Ricardo thought we should talk. I guess he thinks things aren't going too great for you and Heath." She doesn't offer anything else until Maryse is settled in, the baby squirming on the couch, and Monroe at their feet, chewing on Cheerios and coloring absently while they talk.
"What does Ricardo think he knows about Heath and me, then?" Maryse mumbles, trying to keep her words light for the sake of her babies. She looks up and frowns at Alicia. "Listen, I've had this conversation with AJ, I've had it with... a lot of people. My mother, Heath. I know, ok? It's not easy, Heath knew it'd be difficult when we became serious. My life is a mess. But I love him. And he loves me, so..."
"I think he wants a honeymoon," Alicia says, pausing to giggle at the look on Maryse's face. "Ricardo mentioned it to me, and, well, I think it's a sweet idea, you know? I know everyone's always so busy, it's hard to get away, but maybe once Miz & Mrs has wrapped this season, you guys can think of something."
"With two kids," Maryse murmurs. "And Mania season... I don't know. It's a beautiful thought, but..." She sighs. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see." She smiles shakily. "A vacation with Heath sounds perfect, of course. Maybe some day."
Alicia pats her on the arm. "Well, one nice thing, you know you have plenty of people willing to help with the kids if you ever decide to do something. It's one benefit of having lots of uncles and aunts on hand." She grins as Maryse nods slowly. "You know we think of your kids like that, right? All of us, Ricardo, me, John and Taya. Mike and AJ. You all are part of the family now. No getting away from that."
"Oh boy," Maryse murmurs, but she looks happy, a small smile on her lips. "Thank you, Alicia. I'm glad Heath has friends like you all looking out for him."
"And you too," Alicia tells her. "Don't forget that."
She ducks her head slightly and lets out a weak laugh. "Heath gets along with everyone so well, and I am just... I don't know, a failed real estate agent with questionable ties to the wrestling world who still struggles with English sometimes. It's not easy to make friends, or at least it feels like that." She sighs and looks up once more, her dark eyes warm. "Thank you, Alicia. For all of this."
Alicia beams and scoots closer, hugging her. "Any time, Maryse. Any time."