Despite his focus being so scattered recently, Ricardo's first love will always be wrestling. So he trains when he can, teaching younger people how to base, what moves look best in a chain, how to do certain, more difficult highflying attacks. It's rough, but he loves it, and sometimes he even gets to innovate something new in front of people and watch their eyes light up at the combination of moves, how it flows and gels so well. And sometimes, sometimes he still gets booked in wrestling matches, and really lets himself go, ignoring the last few years of health issues and other concerns.

So it's here, with Alberto in attendance, that Ricardo finds himself going with the flow, and enjoying himself fully for the first time in a long time, the California crowd receptive to him, some still remembering him from his first run in these small venues all of those many years ago. He doesn't win, it's a hardhitting mess of a match, and he's sweating and in pain when he finally makes it backstage, but he feels so alive that it overwhelms him and Alberto needs to center him with a hand on the back of his neck, squeezing gently until he catches his breath and can look up once more.

"Good?" he asks softly and Ricardo nods, earning himself another, gentle squeeze to the neck. "Good. That match was incredible, mi hermano."

Ricardo laughs softly and excuses himself, wanting a shower and to get some of this sweat off of him. Once he's clean and dressed, they go out, pausing in the gentle warmth of the winds as it drifts over their skin. "Wanna go get something to eat?" he wonders.

There's a place nearby, serves decent Mexican food, so they go, and claim tables outside, orders stacks of enchiladas and salsa between them, Alberto sighing as he chews his way through a mountain of chips. Ricardo laughs softly at him before sipping from his Diet Coke. "Muchas gracias," he says suddenly, and Alberto quirks an eyebrow at him, mouth too full to ask, but eyes full of curiosity. "For coming," he explains. "To my match. To California. It... it's good to see you. I've missed you."

Alberto swallows forcefully and stares at him, his voice a little dry after so many chips. "I've missed you too, mi hermano," he says. "I... didn't like how we left things, especially with the holidays so close. I know I messed things up again, and I'm... very sorry for that. I deserve your frustration and anger. Again." He smiles wryly. "I don't know what I did to deserve such loyalty and friendship from you. After everything you should want to just leave me far, far behind and continue being happy. But yet..."

Ricardo thinks about that. About all of the bad times, and all of the good times, and everything in between. Finally, he sighs and looks Alberto square in the eye. "You're mi hermano and you always will be," he says simply. "Life is too short to hold onto bitterness and anger. Just... please don't suggest we go into business again. Not for awhile, at least." He's half-teasing, half-serious, and Alberto still has the common sense to look guilty.

"I promise," he says with a sigh. "Muchas gracias for forgiving me, all the same."

Ricardo waves a hand around. "Look at this, I wouldn't be here without you and every decision I've made along the way. I'm home, with my mother and sister nearby, and Alicia and I are very happy." He weighs saying something further and comes to a quick decision as he sees the way Alberto glances around quickly before turning his focus back onto him, eyes warm with relief and happiness. "Besides, there's a good chance you will be known as tio before too long."

Alberto freezes, staring at Ricardo in amazement. "Wait, does this mean...?"

Ricardo chuckles a little, ducking his head. "Si, Alicia and I have decided now that she's retired and we're together again to try to have children."

"Ay dios mio," Alberto gasps, chips all but forgotten as he jumps up and drags Ricardo to his feet as well. "I'm so happy for you, mi hermano," he says, hugging Ricardo tightly. "I know it's what you've always wanted, to have children."

"Si," he says quietly, face pressed into Alberto's shoulder as he hugs him back. "It is. Gracias." They sit back down after a few moments and Ricardo smiles faintly. "It may take awhile, but I... I appreciate the anticipation."

Alberto reaches over and claps his hands over Ricardo's, squeezing them. "Soon enough, mi hermano. Soon enough. It will happen for you both, I know it."

Alberto's not always trustworthy. His words can be fragile and full of holes sometimes. Broken promises and failed declarations scatter between them like minefields just waiting to destroy everything under their feet once more. But this... This, Ricardo decides, is one of the most truthful things Alberto has ever said to him.

He smiles.