EYE FOR AN EYE

__________

A luxurious mirror reflected his movement in front of Cody. Fastened the crimson tie fitted for his dark suit chosen to wear. The corners of his mouth twitched a smile; a familiar presence visited and filled the dressing room. He had to observe, his back leaned against the chair.

Roman.

Delight sparkled in the unforgivable gaze of peaceful blue. Methods of charm received a chance to blow his heart away, coming from a man like Roman who pretended like their interaction didn't affect his needs.

Between the hustle across the schedule and dawdling onto something extra, anyone other than the birth name that isn't either Roman or Cody— they'd rush them on the minutes. Both are famous as top stars, though demands still towered above heads.

Their complete mindset? Simple. Enter the party event in twenty-five minutes. Cody took the time to brush the dust off his suit after perfecting the tie, while Roman feigned to be stunned when he supposed to go ahead.

He stayed all this time. Can't tell him anything.

Earlier at the car besides the difficulty acting like a hard-headed fool, they argued until Cody assisted him to be professional. Going or not, he'll unable to be impolite, otherwise disappointment in strings will stretch. Had no choice slapping on a simple black suit and tie.

Admired the appearance, lips twitched a smile across Roman's face. He emitted a whistle, scanning lower, then high, head tilted to the side. The sight of Cody swooned him. "Gonna make me jealous tonight, Mr. Rhodes?" He positioned the back of his hand beneath the chin.

His smooth voice chilled Cody's skin, before managing to keep composure, faking a cough with a hum. “Maybe, maybe not," he responded, straightening the fit suit jacket. "What would you do?”

“What do you think I do?” Roman questioned. Sly as ever, he stood and strolled toward Cody, arms encircled his waist.

Cody pretended to ponder. “Hickeys? Bites? Scratches?” His brows rose, an idea switched on. "How about kiss marks? They can work."

“All the above." Roman's face tucked in the crook of his neck where the Nightmare tattoo stamped at. Scent of cologne lingered his nostrils. His glance locked to the mirror, met Cody's gaze of blue. "In front of everybody.”

“Yet we'll get gossip and ‘kicked’ out, sweetheart."

His expression lit up, perplexed. Sweetheart? It fluttered his heart how Cody spoke the nickname.

“That's something new outta you," Roman murmured.

“Oh?" Cody released a snicker, fingers traced Roman's knuckles. "Did I make my Tribal Chief stunned? Maybe this needs to be known.”

Slid a hand inside Cody's suit pants front pocket, Roman yanked out the phone. “You wish. Can we take a picture first?” He avoided the defeated sigh Cody made.

“Promise you don't share it to the public?"

“Promise.”

Had memorized the password, Roman inputted it on the lock screen with ease, gone to the camera app active in selfie mode. Both looked at the screen and grew small smiles, rarest to reveal in private when it came to quick shots. In few seconds, phone went off with a click, shown the picture to them. Cody restrained a giggle after the result. One oddness from it alone: Roman, at an urge settle a straight face, seemed feign blase.

Normal either of their cases.

“You're acting mysterious again," Cody teased. "Why didn't you smile?”

Roman gave him a pleased look. “I always smile. You didn't see it through.” Usual sarcasm lurked in his tone. He returned the phone in Cody's jacket pocket, burying his face back in Cody's neck. No nuzzles, only his teeth nibble the skin. “Maybe if you don't mind seeing me waste time.”

Cody uttered a tiny sigh, eyelids dropped. "Always talking dirty." Thrill tickled its course through veins and spine, mind geared into a halt, gone blank of an overwhelming chill. Close to detached from reality. “Probably won't stop… won't stop until—”

“Until I get what's mine,” Roman interrupted, tongue traced the curve where the unseen bite is at, while his darkened glance drifted to the mirror.

A view to behold. What Cody melted into after closeness; half-lidded, mouth agape, hushed breaths. Perfect to examine like an outstanding statue of a man sculpted in marble stone.

He'd never restrict himself across or near that man. Dazzling, gorgeous, downright open-minded with the famous million dollar smile, aside the crisscross ego. Other than the popularity in public, in his point of view, Roman can tell Cody is a person, a man, a human being in dozen heartbeats— the one who grounded his frustrations, anger, and conflicted states.

Tell anyone, with a flick of his tongue, that Cody Rhodes is taken for good without an explanation who he dated. If the statement isn't enough, show them the prize: promise without violence. Perhaps paparazzi, strangers included, would stop their sprouting barrage of questions.

Unhurried, careful sucks and teeth bites, doing the best not to break the skin. Roman eyed Cody's hand clutched his wrist, caressing the thumb for him to keep going. Beats of Cody's moans echoed the room, oozed the chains within Roman to break. He could take Cody right here, right now. But that'll wait.

Roman drew back, breathing calm. The perfect hickey. Proud of himself, his arms wrapped Cody's waist again. “All done. Now everyone will know.”

“Now I need to put some makeup so your cousins won't rip my throat,” Cody remarked, mirroring the smile as he straightened his collar to hide the hickey.

“No, they won't—” Roman paused for an instant, forming a slight frown and tilted his head. He knew one person with the master of being the resting face. “Actually, Solo would, but hope not,” he mumbled.

“I don't think he'll ever get off our tails. Never had, never will in this event. Wait until he stares at me," Cody pointed out.

Roman shivered the imagination. Neither can't blame the presence and protectiveness from Solo. At least he supported their relationship. Judgment from their families, though they got the hang of it.

“Shall we go, sir?”

Cody's sultry voice jolted him back. Both huffed with chuckles, exchanging affectionate glances. Roman nodded. "As you wish, baby boy.”

Cody went deadpanned. “Roman.”

“Fine. Yes, honey.” Roman adjusted his tie, exiting the room. Not before he peeked his head from the door, pointing the hickey on Cody's neck. “And let's not forget the makeup,” he sang and blew a kiss once he left the room.

Cody froze. Wide-eyed. He scurried to the table counter, fumbling grumbles and cusses his brain gave him. Makeup kit snatched, applying the color to cover his, well, their hickey.

The event will be overdue.

__________

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@beccalynns-world

__________

Does he feel the same?

Once reentered the company, everyone greeted a warm welcome back. After another simpering along, they exchanged embraces and discussions about what occurred during his three-month absence: storylines, plans, let alone hilarious travel moments tickled the bones with impression. Laughter from ear to ear, neither dismissed his happiness, they've earned it.

Cousins, friends, family, and Hunter were glad he returned. For Paul, an emotional, appreciative mess, went on a twenty-minute professional rant how much he missed his in-ring presence. Headaches were the most part, though worth understanding without asking why. He achieved the title "Wiseman" for a reason.

Anyone questioned whether or not the current Undisputed Champion noticed the news.

Surprise, Cody knew and pleased in thoughts while professional wise concealed. Wry smile, hums under his breath, tilted his head with a ponder, pretended those antics were innocent. If anyone mentioned the same name, his cycle replayed.

An asshole, a good asshole. Rumors came full circle, indicating he's diagnosed with mood swings. Insufficient like he taught any better assumed behaving like a good boy. Those close to Cody unfazed behind his true actions for twenty years or more, the current reasoning hasn't been given.

Grave mistake or a good luck charm?

Brought into a mixed situation, avoided reflecting the second choice to test the waters for the first. What could've done not being hard-headed calling himself a "genius".

He should've said no. Again, hard-headed.

Thickened air of intoxicating musk, now beneath him on the couch; clothes strewn the floor. Lamp across the table dimmed low, half of the space shaded close to pitch black. Heavy breaths echoed in his locker room, blocking the silence. Neither gave a damn about the occurrence outside, occupied themselves with craving.

Cody stared into his gaze, their emotions mirrored. Half-lidded, glassy, desire. Bareness squished together, dark hair locks dangling and tickling his skin. The one he waited after for such a while: Roman Reigns.

Nails grazed Roman's back left visible marks. Cody's arms encircled, unable to let loose on Roman. Face buried, breathy grunts muffled in Cody's neck while his hips rutted. Upsurge of pleasure done the best for Cody, can't seem to let go.

Three months of emptiness.

Three months devoid closeness.

Regardless of the absence, Roman forever found multiple methods of pleasing. Damn him.

Although lust overtook distress, Cody pondered with doubt.

Does he know?

From Road to WrestleMania 39 to WrestleMania 40, both confided in the public eye after intertwining hands and warm cuddles. Slow, steady, this led into sexual desire behind closed doors. Neither forget affection or second decisions.

Eyelids shut tight, the sensation ignited Cody's abdomen. An appetite he can't handle. Roman's whisper of sweet nothings ear to ear, an addiction Cody became attentive per night or day.

"Damn, baby." Roman's husky voice spiked Cody's body. "Eager as hell waitin' with your legs spreading wide earlier."

Elicited a squeak, Cody bit his lower lip to hide any more noises, face flushed when Roman emitted an amused chuckle. Two times worse the embarrassment.

Few words stumbled, impossible to respond. Only whimpers.

That's because you were out for so long, I had to touch myself— oh shit! His brain jolted. Eyes rolled back in the head. One of the spots Roman penetrated made his back arched from the furniture. So g-good…

Roman snickered. "Thinking too hard. Guess I'm on the lead." Large hands slipped from thighs towards the waist and gripped him into place. "You can do better than whine."

"I'm— I'm trying if you stop teasing," Cody grumbled, legs tightened at Roman's waist. "I swear, one antic from you to get us caught—"

"Relax, baby, damn." He stifled another snicker bubbling his chest. "We're not getting caught on my first day back, sure as hell won't be ruined. But I promise you," A gentle nibble to Cody's earlobe, warmth of his breath tickled, "I'm here now."

To leave me again?

Once more, guilt panged the heart of Cody. Eyes closed, tried his hardest to repel the worries, the predictions between their relationship, to focus the present in front of him.

Behind Roman's words gave incertitude depending on how it swayed until it died down. Cody may handle their one year long-distance relationship, but the chills anticipated and questions if Roman cared.

A palm caressed his cheek; sudden fondness grounded in place. He took sight again, and blinked.

Concern etched the expression. Malice downplayed, nothing to shame. The usual look seen through the psyche, of how his true feelings were revealed from the public.

Roman knew.

"Afraid if I'm gone… again?” he said, no amusement in his tone of voice.

Cody silenced himself from speaking so he could continue.

"You're afraid if I'm gone, if I disappear again, if having sex with you was a facade of avoiding you, I wouldn't care, right?"

Nothing shut down the genuine heart in Roman. Cody can't get past the honesty. Nonetheless, the misgiving is still unforgettable.

Stupid, stupid, stupid, Cody! Always ruin the moment, always overthinking!

Roman pressed his forehead against Cody's. Their breath mingled, it didn't help any if silence crawled in the room.

"I want to hear it," Cody begged, voice cracked. "Just one time."

"Hear what? What do you want me to say?" Roman asked, tongue lapped over his lips.

"How do you feel," Now his turn cupping Roman's face, the beard grazed the palms and fingers. "How much you miss me, wanting to touch, kiss, anything I know. And… how you want to tell after being gone." Cody looked him in the eyes, one tear rushing down his cheek. "One time…. please, Roman?"

The room muted except their synced soft breaths. A pure confession. After not having each other's side: one had a break, another tried to step up the company along the legacy as the Undisputed Champion.

Back together again, if anymore breaks hogging Roman's schedule, many chances and relief are made.

Roman took a deep breath. Cody, now with a smile, hearing his boyfriend's true feelings with three words.

"I miss you."

__________

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__________

Seth will have no choice but to face the music forever against the toughest opponent: the American Nightmare tattoo.

Numerous questions he inquired, wanting an answer while doing his damn best not to hurt Cody's feelings out of spite. This grinds Seth's gears daily— it's useless. Hurt, furious, upset? Unsure how the reaction would be.

To his surprise, Cody disregarded it. Understandable for being ecstatic over a tattoo to show off friends and colleagues. Yet a hint of rue will lurk if it's the right decision unless imprinted to the neck, where Seth reminded himself not to smooch.

Now in bed beside Cody, whose back turned in a slumber. Seth's gaze settled again with a frown. Weeks, months, years, had to accept forever throughout his lifetime, not a simple thing can vanish and solve quick problems. He wished it was so he wouldn't stare back and forth.

"Still staring?"

The gentle, sleepy voice sent shivers down his spine. He was supposed to sleep, must've triggered his consciousness. Hoping he was trapped in a fantasy, Seth peeked over Cody's shoulder; those blue eyes twinkled with amusement locked with his. That stupid smile never faltered.

Rolled to the side, met face to face. Affection blossomed between them. Cody's fingers fondle with Seth's hair, tucking one of the strands behind his ear. "I know what you're looking at," Cody said.

Seth feigned shock at the statement. "What are you talking about? I was admiring how pretty you are."

"Oh?" Cody's brows rose with curiosity. "What do you admire?"

"Simple. Your hair, your eyes that'll make me think two times great, your arms—" Seth paused, thoughtful for an instant, then continuing— "and that tattoo makes it two times worse. My god, what the hell were you thinking?!"

Cody snickered. "Really? Having a long-term feud against my tattoo? That's… that's unexpected."

"Unexpected?!" Seth's mouth dropped, using his elbows to sit up. "Having that big-sized tattoo where it should've gotten smaller! But no, every sentence has a 'trust me' and goes wrong at the end. Am I wrong?"

Stammering nonsense, words stuck in Cody's throat being voiceless. With a smug smirk, Seth knew he won the quick "argument" when Cody emitted a defeated sigh.

"Kinda, I guess," Cody responded.

Shook his head in denial, Seth refused to take a no for an answer. "Wrong answer. Say yes."

"Are you serious?"

"Say it."

"You're not going to make me."

What a tough guy to break. Seth leaned down, forehead pressed against his, a hand grasped the back of Cody's head. Breath mingled, their lips near as personal space broke between them. Didn't mention he was on the verge of smooching while assured not to.

"Admit right now or you won't get your favorite surprise," Seth murmured. "Don't want anything to go to dust, do we?"

Before Cody could respond, Seth's finger was placed on his lips, hushing the talk.

"Say yes, maybe we'll kiss."

Desperate to see forfeit, to hear forfeit in front of him. Seth's charm is unavoidable, a hard difficulty escaping the temptation. Harmless for Seth himself. Why fun even if he does create like a game of chess? Might've loved seeing behind the walls of Cody, his true self.

"Fine, fine, yes," he confessed. "It's too big, I got overconfident, and I should've listened to you. Happy now?"

"See? That wasn't so hard." Seth teased, grateful to hear what he wanted. Settled atop Cody's body, fingertips grazed to his cheek, the warmth tingled in his skin. "Anything else you want to say?"

"Actually," Cody pondered, "I do."

Seth's head jerked up, halting his actions.

"Even though the tattoo on my neck stays for the rest of my life, you're irreplaceable. No one and I mean no one, will ever force me to break away from you." Cody looked into Seth's eyes filled with honesty. "I mean it. Not joking."

Seth's heart swelled with awestruck by the compassionate care. No lie surfaced or any mischievous traces. Poetic some say including himself, while it'll find ways to sweep off feet from the ground onto cloud nine in different love languages. Some of their moments were mistakes, though they never left the beauty of success.

He captured Cody's lips. Tender yet quick, Cody's eyes blazed with bewilderment, then joy, shutting his eyes. Their chests pressed together, hearts palpitating into one as their bodies buzzed in excitement until Seth pulled away. Both open their eyes, exchanging grins.

An idea came to mind. Seth's grin grew wider.

"Come on, turn over. Need to kiss your neck." He told him, turning Cody over to the side. His face buried, nuzzling where the ink stamped on the curve of Cody's neck is placed.

"But you said you don't like it," Cody recalled.

Seth rolled his eyes with a small snicker. "For purposes only. I still hate it."

His lips caressed, showering delicate kisses as received a relaxed sigh. Supposed to give love to Cody, instead, the tattoo is given the same treatment. It would've been funny if Seth did or didn't.

Either way, he never threw away his heart for Cody.

__________

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