"must be a loose wire."

Tense. That’s all Cody could feel. How could he not? Lately it felt like he had to be on edge if he wanted to just get through the day without a major problem happening, without something coming to slam him to the ground. Things were settled, at least somewhat and yet problem after problem things never went away, they always lingered for far longer than Cody felt comfortable with. The belt that he got to proudly sling over his shoulder, the belt that he worked so hard for, now felt like a bad omen, more of a curse then the blessing he thought it was.

He was losing people left and right, lately it seemed like people were more upset with him than usual, every step he took felt like a trudge through no man’s land, the risk of being shot down any second ran rampant and yet there wasn’t anything he could do about it now was there? As much as he hated it, the stress and the pain, he worked far too hard to be where he is, and selfish as it felt, he wasn’t about to let it go.

First Kevin…and while Cody understood his motives, a part of him wanted to be so angry, and a part of him was. But the more reasonable part of him told himself that maybe he did play a part in all of this. Teaming with Roman wasn’t ideal but he had to do it. The ‘New’ Bloodline reaped havoc on anyone they could and unfortunately Cody had to be their next target. Normally Cody didn’t mind, he was good on his own, but then they came for Randy and that’s when Cody knew this was now going to be a much bigger issue than it already was. His arms locked painfully in the middle and top ropes, Solo’s gloved hand caressing his jaw with such force that he couldn’t turn his head away, watching helplessly as Randy took blow after blow. He couldn’t do anything.

At that point, teaming with Roman was the only thing he could do to try and even get close at fixing this. If he kept doing this whole song and dance on his own then who else would have to get caught in the crossfire? Sami? Jey? He couldn’t risk more people getting hurt more than they already were. He tunnel visioned, locked in a fiery desire to just end all of this already, not thinking about what other problems could blossom just from one handshake and the swift movement of a pen across a contract. Cody thought everything would be okay after this, but oh how naive he was…perhaps he still was stuck in that childish mindset he used to have so long ago, naivety and innocence, thinking that he could overcome anything and bounce back totally fine. He should know by now that wasn’t the case, and it never would be.

The fight was over, they had won and that had to be the end. He walked back to his trailer with the relief that he could move on from all of this now. Sure, The Rock coming out and doing nothing for five minutes was jarring but at this point now, that was Roman’s problem. His family, not Cody’s. So there was no point in worrying about anything now. He could go home to Pharoah and Randy and the world would keep spinning until a new challenger showed up.

But that challenger showed up as quickly as his problem ended.

It confused him at first as he walked closer to his trailer, seeing Kevin leaning back against the side with his arms crossed, a smile tugging on his lips that Cody should have recognized to be fake. Of course, his innocence got the better of him, walking up to Kevin with a wide smile and a short wave, the two conversing for a bit but slowly as it drawled on, Cody noticed something wrong that he should have noticed before he had even saw Kevin. The small talk turned to slight arguing, then to Kevin angrily venting about teaming with Roman which felt like a smack to the face, but then everything happened so fast and his body was slammed down onto the concrete of the parking lot. Just like that, over in a flash.

Cody understood, how could he not? Roman and The Bloodline made sure Kevin never got a second to catch his breath, always hiding around every corner to jump him or make things just a little bit harder for him. Roman ramming into him with a golf cart certainly wasn’t easy…So, somewhat, from Kevin’s perspective Cody understood. Watching someone who you thought was your friend team up with the person who made your life living hell for so long had to have been terrible, and it was Cody’s own selfish needs to solve this problem that ignited another. He understood, and for the most part, wasn’t upset at Kevin for it. He felt a little hurt by the fact that Kevin resorted to violence instead of proper communication but that just wasn’t who Kevin was. So he was going to let it go.

But then, just like The Bloodline, Kevin went for Randy.

It was worse than The Bloodline’s attack by a long shot. Cody didn’t even realize what was happening until it did, watching in horror as the man who he thought was one of his closest friends, grab the love of his life and slam him with a piledriver, a move known to send so many people into an early retirement. Cody ran. He ran as fast as he could, ran even though his lungs were screaming at him to stop, he didn’t dare stop until he was at Randy’s side, pushing away refs and officials, desperately needing to be by his side out of fear that he might never get the chance ever again.

That was what broke him, watching Randy being loaded into the ambulance, quickly jumping in after him and holding his hand the whole way there. It seemed obvious now. No matter what he did, no matter how much good he tried to do, as long as he was alive he and the people he loved would never be safe. The championship belt that once lifted him so high was a burden he wished he could get rid of, a fresh target placed on his back that had been hit too many times now. He was tired. He was drained.

He didn’t want to do this anymore.

From then, Cody tried his best to keep being the bright, smiley, poster boy that everyone knew he was. But it was hard, so much harder than he thought. Now The Rock was bad, demanding his soul in such cryptic ways that had Cody wanting to tear his hair out, showering him in luxuries that made Cody sick to his stomach. No one knew what was going on, sometimes Cody felt like The Rock didn’t even know what he was talking about. Many asked him, like Damian, Punk, and Sami. But Cody couldn’t give them an answer. But it was what Seth said that got to him. He was always going to decline the offer, but Seth’s words that drove him to screaming profanities in The Rock’s face right in the middle of The Rogers Center in Toronto, Canada.

But then all he felt was pain as John Cena, a man revered and loved by all for being kind, respectful, and loving…broke him down until he was bleeding into the mat, clothes shrugged off his body, his watch being used as a weapon against him. No one came. He doubted anyone cared, not even his own boyfriend. Every day felt like another losing battle, he didn’t know how much he had left in him. Who really did he have in his corner? Jey was off doing his own thing, Kevin left him, Sami was gone, Randy seemed more distant, Cena turned on him. Who did he have now?

No one. He had no one.

Well, he couldn’t really say that. Although Cena was still on his back like a bug, and Kevin wasn’t leaving Randy alone, Cody still had Randy and really right now that’s all he needed. Though he’d be lying if he said there wasn’t some kind of strange divide. Not enough to raise concern or cause an issue, but enough for Cody to feel a heavy tension that was ever present. They still had a loving relationship, still shared passionate kisses, held hands, hands roamed each others bodies in the dead of night. They still had all they had before this mess, but Cody knew something had shifted and he didn’t want to say that things could be okay again. When were they ever okay.

But nevertheless for once Cody wanted to be naive and go about things thinking everything was fine. If an issue arose then Cody would deal with it, but with everything going on he didn’t want to exhaust himself further. Besides, things were okay enough for Cody to brush it off to the side. He wanted to be worried, he wanted to scream and cry and sit in his room, never to come out again. But he needed a shelf for his office, so off to IKEA he went with Randy, which took some convincing as the other was understandably tired, but all Cody had to do was pout and Randy was dragging him to the car.

“What did you need to get again, Codes?” Randy asked, hand intertwined with Cody’s as they walked through the labyrinth of couches, beds and fake home set ups. He never really liked coming here but where else were they going to get furniture. Though…it was a good excuse to spend time with Cody. Kevin messed him up bad, in the hospital much longer than he liked to be. Cody visited at times but the life of a superstar never slowed down for even a second and Randy understood that. They had chances now and Randy would grab each opportunity even if it was a hinderance. Being near Cody was enough to ease him .

“Just one of those shelf planks you screw into the wall. I have a few photos and trinkets I want to display. I’m running out of room on my bookshelves. Might be nice to spice it up a little” Cody shrugged as they walked past the seemingly never ending rows of couches and benches. He wasn’t sure where they were going, but really all they could do for right now was wander around, maybe even build a Wishlist while they looked for the shelves Cody needed. They lived in separate houses, so maybe one day they’d share a place and need new furniture…though Cody tried not to think so far ahead…regardless of the fact that he’s been dating Randy for years now.

All Randy did was nod and continue to walk through the IKEA with him, soon shifting from holding Cody’s hand to wrapping his arm around his waist and pulling him in as close as he could, which was enough to elicit a noise from Cody that he wished he hadn’t let out in public, but he stayed close to Randy. It was like the tension cut away almost instantly, he felt safe with Randy, he felt loved with Randy. This is how things were supposed to feel. Though the longer they wandered the more Cody started to notice the same familiar settings over and over again, eyebrows furrowing in frustration. He opened his mouth to speak but Randy beat him to it.

“I swear to god we’ve walked by that fake kitchen set with the ugly counter tops three times already” Randy muttered, staring at the fake kitchen display set up, tags hanging off pretty much everything from the lights to the chair and even the faucet. Cody often wondered how anyone found anything in here, or left without buying more than they needed…there was just so much.

“Maybe you only think that because you secretly like the counter tops” Cody giggled sweetly, looking up at Randy with a slight smirk, watching at the others lips formed into a pout, giggles turning into laughs as Randy nudged him to the side, a scoff leaving his lips.

“Keep walking, Jackass” Randy huffed, crossing his arms and turning up his nose. Though he was quick to wrap his arm around Cody’s waist once more and continue to walk, shushing Cody every time the other tried to stifle a laugh. This felt natural, this felt like how things were supposed to be. With a soft smile, he continued to walk down the arrow marked hallways with Randy, leaning against him and sighing contently every time Randy squeezed his waist with his hand. The touch was grounding. The touch was enough to erase anything plaguing Cody’s mind even if just for a second.

The two continued to head down the walkways, finally it seemed like they were ending up somewhere new and were closer to where they needed to be. But soon Cody started remembering familiar patterns once again. The same coloured couch, the same carpets, the same pillows and blankets with similar patterns. It was enough to make his head spin. He glanced up at Randy, eyebrows furrowing before he glanced back to that same hideously yellow couch that matched the colour of the walls.

“We were just here too…I swear we walked by that exact couch 3 minutes ago” Cody sighed, trying his best to glance around and see if there was some kind of overhead signs with arrows, or a post with a map on it, but there was nothing. How long had they even been here for now without finding the shelves? Or even an exit? If they could find the food court then maybe they’d be able to get a clear way out of here but he couldn’t smell the distant scent of Swedish meatballs or mac and cheese. There was nothing. This really felt like some kind of asylum.

“No, we didn’t. This doesn’t look familiar” Randy answered, stopping in his tracks and taking a second to look around much like Cody was to see if he could spot anything, but much like Cody, he couldn’t find anything.

“Yes we did! I recognize the throw pillows” Cody whined as he looked over to Randy with a huff, glancing back at that same familiar couch that seemed so blinding. He couldn’t imagine who would even have anything so intrusive in their homes. Sure Cody’s home took on a more white colour scheme and one could argue that was bright and intrusive, but such a bright neon yellow like that? God he couldn’t imagine. Though he didn’t want to judge, what was bad to one person might be good to another.

“You recognize throw pillows? That’s adorable, Code” Randy chuckled, turning his head to glance over to the same couch Cody was referencing. He certainly hadn’t noticed it, which seems like a shocker considering how bright it was, it almost blocked out the entire row of couched next to it.

“Oh shut up..” Cody huffed much like Randy did earlier, giving the other a swift elbow to the side, though soon both of Randy’s arms were around his waist, hoisting him up like a cat. Cody laughed and kicked his legs slightly, trying to shimmy out of the others grasp which was easier said than done.

“Oi! Let me go—” Cody laughed, but Randy wasn’t letting up. Cody could see some people staring, his cheeks flaring red, but he didn’t mind it. Everything he does is constantly monitored anyways. Some people seeing him mess around with Randy in public wasn’t anything to be concerned about. Besides, he was too focused on his own boyfriend to care.

“Cheeky little devil…” Randy chuckled before setting Cody down, rolling his eyes playfully as Cody pouted. Cody was a grown man, but Randy couldn’t help but see him as purely adorable. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to the other’s lips which immediately washed away Cody’s sulking, that familiar smile that Randy loved so much, that made him swoon when Cody first debuted what felt like ages ago.

With smiles on their faces, the two continued their walk. Though soon the minutes dragged on like hours, Cody’s feet beginning to hurt from the nonstop walking. They really weren’t going to get out of here weren’t they? Cody wouldn’t be shocked if the store became their new home, forced to live here for the rest of their lives. They hadn’t even found where the shelves were. Cody wanted to ask a worker for help but he couldn’t see anybody nearby, and if there was, they were busy dealing with another fed up customer trying to find their way around. They were growing tired, hungry and sore…clear the two were already starting to get fed up.

“If you had just listened to me and not have been stubborn we would have been out here by now” Randy scoffed as he let go of Cody to cross his arms, eyebrows furrowed as he continued to walk aimlessly around, clearly walking at a faster pace so he didn’t have to walk next to Cody.

“Oh really? You’re the one who wasn’t listening! I told you we walked past that damn couch so many times and you said I was wrong! Don’t shift the blame on me” Cody practically seethed as he increased his walking speed to be in front of Randy, feeling something burning in his chest that he had never felt before. Deep down his mind was screaming at him to stop, that getting upset will only cause more problems. If he lost Randy…just like how he lost everyone else…Cody knew it would be his fault. Every thing that has happened in the past few months was his fault. Maybe he should have realized it sooner.

“I told you earlier to get a map, you didn’t get one” Randy answered coldly, shooting Cody a look that nearly had Cody’s anger wash away in an instant. Arguments were normal, fights were normal and yet…Cody hated them. But that festering annoyance that stemmed from being tired and exhausted from this whole trip controlled his voice, controlled his actions.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know I needed a fucking GPS to find a shelf” Cody scoffed, eyebrows furrowing as he tried to stomp off down the marked walkway. He felt childish, like he was storming off to have a tantrum. But he knew deep down that wasn’t the case. He was nervous, anxious, wanting to distance himself as far as he could so they couldn’t continue this. Maybe if he avoided the problems then he wouldn’t have to worry about them anymore. But then Randy spoke.

“Maybe you could use one since you couldn’t find your way to the ring when my damn career was nearly ended”

Cody froze in his tracks, feeling something in his chest snap. He didn’t want any reminders of that day, not even that, he didn’t want any reminders of everything going on that had to do with Kevin. Losing his friend was like hell, watching Randy get hurt and having to rush to his stretcher was so hard, the ride to the ambulance Cody tried to stay calm but deep down he was broken. He clenched his fist, digging his fingernails hard into his skin to try and ground himself.

“I ran as fast as I—!” Cody started to yell but he stopped himself, feeling that same sense of dread start to wash over him. His breaths felt non existent, his hands trembling regardless of how hard he had them clenched. He tried to breathe, he didn’t want this. He didn’t want to fight. He turned around, trying to force the breaths out from his lungs to almost no avail.

“You always have to be right don’t you..” Cody mumbled under his breath, keeping his head down.

“What was that?” Randy asked, his tone pretty much unreadable though Cody could sense the very small hint of regret in his voice. Good, he better feel guilty. Though Cody instantly felt sick to his stomach. He was sure Randy didn’t mean it, he shouldn’t be getting angry at him. He started this whole mess by bringing Randy here even though the other said no at first. He causes problems, he can’t be naive in thinking anyone else is the issue. If problems so similar have happened so many times…clearly he had to be the issue. He can’t blame everyone else.

“Nothing…”

“Cody.”

“It’s not worth it. I don’t need the shelf, let’s just go” Cody shook his head, finally spotting one of the posts with the map on it and walking over wordlessly. The task of getting the shelf in the first place felt worthless. He just wanted to go home, wanted this to be over. He wanted to come out here and do this errand to feel a sense or normalcy for once, to forget about everything if even just for a few hours. Now he felt numb, raw, and upset. Trying his damned hardest not to cry as he read the grid, it wasn’t worthwhile to cry, he didn’t want Randy to see him upset either. Pity would make him throw up.

Good. At least they were near the exit. It wouldn’t take long to get over there.

Without saying a word or even sparing a glance to Randy, Cody started following the directions on the floor and the overhead, easing slightly that he didn’t feel so lost anymore, they had a way out of here. He didn’t even know if Randy was following him, he wanted to say he didn’t care and keep being upset, but he felt no better than a puppy, needing Randy to be around him at every second to keep him calm. So as much as he didn’t want too, he turned to glance behind him and regardless of their spat, he felt a wave of relief knowing Randy was following him. Distanced, but still present and that’s all Cody needed.

After a few minutes, Cody could breathe easy seeing the automatic doors of the exit, the sun setting which felt like a smack to the face. When they got here, it had to have been early in the afternoon. Surely they weren’t lost in the store for that long? Nevertheless, Cody knew he could rest easy now that they could go home. He wasn’t sure he ever wanted to see blue and yellow again…not after all this. He could go home, get changed, flop right into bed where he wouldn’t have to worry about anything anymore. He could just sleep, maybe sleep forever. That seemed so much easier than continuing on like this…though he tried to push those thoughts away.

He breathed a breath of relief as they stepped through the automatic doors, almost instantly losing the breath he exhaled as a gust of wind cut through him with a blade. It was freezing, what happened to the temperature? When they had first gotten here it had been so hot that he told Randy to shrug off his sweater, Cody himself in a t-shirt. Now the wind was so cold it was biting him. Surely the weather couldn’t change that much in so little time? Just how long had they been in that maze of a store…surely not more than two hours. Though he was quick to check his watch. It had been more like five hours…yikes. No wonder the two of them were easily agitated.

He was quick to hug himself, rubbing his hands up and down his arms to try and warm himself up to no avail, shuddering and tensing up every time another gust of wind came at him. He really should have brought a sweater…he had considered it but decided not to, never in a million years did he think he and Randy would be stuck in an IKEA for over five hours. Who spends that much time in an IKEA to begin with? Cody was already exhausted and he could bet that he and Randy combined probably had more stamina than maybe a good eighty percent of people in the store. Though he supposed not…they were tired, annoyed with the circumstances, that’s why they argued.

Yet…Cody didn’t know if he could be so sure of that. Randy’s comment still felt like a cut to the heart, a knife right into his back. Maybe it was genuine…maybe he should have ran faster and gotten to Randy before Kevin did.

More mishaps, more incidents, more problems…

They really were his fault.

Randy still hadn’t spoken a word to him and that didn’t calm Cody’s nerves in the slightest. Did Randy even want him around. If worse came to worse then he’d let Randy take the car and he’d call an Uber if he needed time away, as much as he hurt his heart. He really didn’t need the shelf in the first place, he didn’t want it at all now that it’s caused all of this. He could have waited to go on his own, or just bought one second hand. Oh how foolish he felt…maybe he deserved standing out here in the cold with his t-shirt, maybe he deserved to get sick from the weather. It would make up for all of this, the petty fights, the falling outs.

Maybe if he didn’t exist anymore, or if he dropped the belt and retired…maybe he’d catch a break for once. Stop causing other’s pain.

Maybe…he’d let Cena win.

Though his own suffocating thoughts were cut off by Randy taking a hold of his arm and soon the cold was replaced, his arms covered by the sleeves of Randy’s jacket, watching almost in disbelief as the other zipped it up just to the bottom of his chest, leaving Randy in just a t-shirt much like Cody had been earlier. Cody couldn’t help but find himself speechless. He was still under the impression that Randy was upset with him. If that were the case then why…did Randy lend him his sweater? Though…he couldn’t help but melt, it smelled like Randy, it was soft and warm…maybe for once, he could allow himself this, as much as he felt like he didn’t deserve it. He opened his mouth to thank Randy, but the other beat him too it.

“Realized I needed to get something, there’s a grocery store in the plaza. Take the car, I’ll call an Uber home” Randy mumbled, hesitating for a moment before placing his hand on the back of Cody’s neck and kissing his forehead, lingering ever so slightly, enough to send butterflies to Cody’s stomach. He placed the keys in Cody’s hand and was quick to walk off. All Cody could do was stand there dumbfounded.

As much as the very tender kiss to his forehead made him feel so relieved and comfortable, watching Randy walk away brought a sadness to his heart, reminding him of just how tense things were between them. It took everything Cody had not to break down right there, but he had to be productive and get himself home. His bed called to him like a wife begging for her military husband to come back home. He was just so tired…With a shaky sigh, he started to trudge back to the car, pressing the unlock button on the keys and getting into the passenger seat.

It was like an overwhelming dread washed over him like a tidal wave, his hands trembled and all he could do was rest his forehead on the steering wheel with a sigh. A break. All he wanted was a break. He wanted to feel genuinely happy again, for long periods of time. But that wasn’t possible now was it? Nor did he truly believe he deserved it in the first place. Everyone else was clearly suffering, and Cody knew he had something to do with it in some way shape or form. But he didn’t know how to fix it, he didn’t know what to do. He always tried to fix everyone’s problems…but maybe he should have taken into the account that he’s the reason for these problems existing in the first place. Did Randy think the same? Did Jey and Sami think the same? What about Punk, Seth, Roman? What did they think.

He felt like a joke.

Once his forehead started to hurt from pressing against the steering wheel, he pulled away and leaned back against the seat, staring out the window. He needed a moment, a quiet moment to just zone out and stop thinking. He narrowed in on the license plate of the car parked in front of him and waited until everything else faded away. He felt floaty, almost numb. But it felt good…it felt nice to just stop thinking for a second. He knew there was so much he had to think about, so much he had to figure out, but that was future Cody’s job. He couldn’t be bothered. He didn’t have the energy to even be mentally present.

He slowly slid his hands into the pockets of Randy’s sweater, wanting to stop his hands from trembling. Though his fingers grazed soft velvet fabric, and instantly he was snapped back into reality. His eyebrows furrowed as he felt over the solid form, slowly pulling out of the pocket and staring at it. Small, wrapped in dark blue velvet with gold rims and engravements. Cody kept it in his hands, staring at it intensely. Though a part of him could feel his heart start to race, letting out a shaky breath. Surely not…right? With trembling hands, he opened the top of the box, breath hitching in his throat.

Placed perfectly in soft, dark blue, silk, cushion, rested a ring. A beautiful gold band that wasn’t too thin or thick, in the middle rested two gemstones tangled together through gold vines and details. Cody recognized the gems immediately, Alexandrite and Diamond. His and Randy’s birthstones. Realization smacked him like a steel chair across the back, his heart racing so hard in his chest that Cody was sure it was going to rip out of his chest and run away. There was no denying it, the ring was for him. At first he wanted to doubt it but so many things screamed to him that this was for him. The dark blue when most ring boxes came in dark red or black, the gold band which Randy knew was the colour of jewelry Cody wore, the birthstones were too obvious to be marked off as a coincidence.

Almost instantly he could feel tears starting to sting his eyes. After everything they’ve been through, all the fighting and pain and loss…Randy still wanted to propose to him, take their relationship to the next level. Even after all Cody had done, Randy still loved him enough to want to be his husband, Randy still wanted a future with him even though everything.

Randy. He had to find Randy.

Cody fumbled with the car keys and quickly opened the car door, nearly tripping and slamming into the car next to him, shoving the box into his pocket as he dashed through the parking lot. He didn’t know how far Randy had gone, he didn’t even know which direction. But he had to find him, had to tell him how much he loved him, had to feel him and grab him even if it was just for a moment. Randy could disappear right now and Cody wouldn’t be able to have the future that Randy clearly wanted too. He was going to propose…Cody didn’t know when but he didn’t care. He wasn’t going to stop running until he was in Randy’s arms again.

“Randy!” Cody called out as he ducked and dodged other people walking, quickly apologizing as he ran. Though luckily for Cody, Randy didn’t get that far at all. He could spot him anywhere, didn’t matter how big the crowd was, Randy always stuck out. He could feel tears pricking his eyes once more as he quickened his pace, already feeling the burn in his lungs. He was just within arms reach, the man he adored so close. Eventually he made it, legs stopping to a halt as he crashed into Randy, quickly wrapping his arms around him as he panted, feeling how harshly Randy flinched.

“Jesus—! Don’t— Cody..?” Randy exclaimed though his voice quickly turned into a soft murmur as he realized who had just rammed right into his back. He turned around so Cody was in front of him, hesitating for a moment before gently rubbing his back. Cody couldn’t even force the words out, burying his face deeper into Randy’s shoulders, practically wheezing and gasping for air. Sure it didn’t take him long to get to Randy but he still ran quite the distance, his lungs practically shriveling up on the spot.

“You— What is this— Were you planning on proposing?” Cody panted as he fished for the box, pulling it out of the pocket and presenting it to Randy. Almost instantly Cody knew that his previous suspicions of the ring being for him were confirmed, watching as Randy went pale, though quickly started to turn red. He stumbled on his words for a moment, slowly removing his hands from Cody’s back. Cody couldn’t help but shake his head and chuckle, this was really happening. Though this time he didn’t want to be naive and assume that Randy did actually want to marry him. Yet a deep part of him was screaming for Randy to confirm his theories, his wildest thoughts, he wanted…needed this so badly.

“I— yeah. I’ve wanted too for a while. I kept it in my pocket in case the right moment showed up” Randy chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck out of habit. His eyes flickered between Cody’s shocked face and the ring box in his hand. Though a part of him worried that Cody was upset. Randy wasn’t a psychic, he wasn’t emotionally intuitive like Cody was. Randy never knew how to tell if someone was upset through their voice or their face unless it was blatantly obvious.

“I’m…sorry if you’re upset. If you don’t— if you don’t want this then, I’ll take the ring back, we can forget about this” Randy said hesitantly. It hurt, it cut deep. But Randy would feel worse if Cody didn’t want to get married and said yes just for Randy’s sake. As much as he did was to marry Cody, as much as he thought about it for a while, trapping Cody was the last thing he wanted. Deep down he still believed Cody could do so much better, that Cody could find somebody ten times better for him than Randy was. It took Randy so long to even realize Cody liked him in the first place, as much as everyone else around them told them it was obvious.

All Cody did was stare at him for a minute more before pushing the ring box into his hands, causing Randy to stumble slightly, staring down at the box in his hands. It was an impulse purchase after he got out of the hospital. He was told that if Kevin had just shifted him slightly, he would have hit a pressure point on his head that would have killed him on impact. After that all Randy could do was reflect, think about how scarce and fleeting life was. No one knows when they’re going to die, no one knows how its going to happen. That’s why they say to live their lives to the fullest as much as Randy never really understood that. He understood now. If he had died, he would have never gotten to stay with Cody, or even have a future with him. He’d be leaving Cody alone. He couldn’t do that.

“Do it.” was all Cody said, startling Randy slightly, pressing the box deeper into Randy’s hands. At first Randy felt dread. Cody wanted him to return it, he didn’t want to marry him. Randy understood, it was a shitty scenario considering they had just fought. Of course Cody would be upset, of course he wouldn’t want this. Randy just had to accept it.

“Okay, if that’s what you want. Ill return it” Randy sighed, though Cody was quick to grab his wrists and pull him in closer.

“No—! Propose. I want you to propose. Now” Cody explained, catching Randy off guard all over again. All he could do was stare at Cody, mouth slightly agape. Cody’s grip was firm, a fire in his eyes that Randy hadn’t seen in a long time. It took Randy longer to process than he’d like to admit, feeling his throat start to close up, still smacked with so much disbelief.

“Code, we’re in a parking lot” Randy reiterated, motioning to the concrete, car filled, oasis surrounding them. Randy at least wanted to have it done somewhere special, like outside in a park, or at a restaurant by candle light, or even just a tender moment at home. But to do it here…in an IKEA parking lot? Randy couldn’t help but hesitate. Cody deserved a better proposal.

“Randal. Do it. Right now” Cody said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. Randy exhaled, shaking his head but he couldn’t stop himself from grinning. Well, he couldn’t fight him on it if this is what Cody wanted. He eased as Cody let go of his wrists, gently taking Cody’s hand and bringing it up to his lips to kiss before getting down on one knee, wincing slightly at the rocks and concrete. One again, not ideal, but if this is what Cody wanted then he wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to make Cody his future husband.

“Alright. Cody Rhodes, I was gonna make this all romantic and planned, but no, you just had to rush things” Randy shook his head, taking a second to trace his thumb around the side of the box before opening it, watching how Cody lit up. As long as he was happy…that’s all Randy wanted, to see that perfect smile.

“I don’t care” Cody laughed through teary eyes, shaking his head and squeezing Randy’s hand.

“I figured. Cody, despite everything, despite how much of an asshole I can be…and how much of an asshole I am…you still stick around, you still show me love, that I’m deserving…Even with everything going on I know there’s no one better to have in my life forever than you. You’ve been by my side for years, admittedly more than most people, and I love you for it.” Randy chuckled, feeling his throat start to tighten and his fingers tightening around the box ever so slightly.

“Cody Rhodes, will you marry me?” Randy finally asked, watching contently as Cody’s smile grew wider until it was almost blinding, his eyes lighting up in such a way that made Randy unable to hide his smile.

“How could I say no to you…” Cody chuckled weakly, nodding his head so fast he nearly gave himself whiplash. Randy let out a relieved chuckle, standing up off the ground with a grunt, taking Cody’s hand and sliding the ring onto his finger. It fit perfectly, it looked perfect…complimented Cody’s skin perfectly. It all was starting to sink in now. Cody was his fiancé, his future husband. That felt better than anything.

“You never make anything easy don’t you” Randy shook his head, but he couldn’t help but chuckle and shake his head, nestling his nose into Cody’s neck and breathing in deep. He could hear Cody giggle, a noise that brought such warmth to his heart. He crouched down and lifted Cody up into his arms, staring up at him, eyes crinkling as he smiled.

“Never. But you love me regardless” Cody smirked, though Randy could hear from his tone that he was fighting back so many emotions. Randy couldn’t blame him. They stood there for a moment, lost in each other, until the distant honk of a car brought them back to reality, jolting their attention away from each other. They gave an apologetic look to the driver, Randy quickly putting Cody down, the two hurriedly heading back to the car trying to fight off their laughter.

The two sat in the car for a bit, not sharing a word but it was clear both of them had smiles up to their ears. Randy’s hand slowly reached over and took Cody’s, feeling the ring against his finger, enough to make his heart jumpstart. The reality of all of this was now starting to sink in.

Cody was his fiancé.

His fiancé

The thought alone was enough to make the unshakable Randy lose his breath, and when he glanced over at Cody, who’s eyes were locked onto the ring with the most gorgeous smile, Randy knew— regardless of the proposal being in the IKEA parking lot— this was the best decision he had ever made.

Despite all of the issues, all the pain, all the fallouts, there was not a doubt in Randy’s mind that Cody was the one for him. He knew now after so much that’s happened that Cody felt the same. They were intertwined, they were one being, they were soulmates. Little did he know this was what Cody desperately needed, his clouded, self-deprecating thoughts were washed away, how replaced with a warmth in his heart. As much as Cody wanted to doubt everything, believe that all he did was push people away from him, he couldn’t help but be naive and innocent just for today.

He had a fiancé, an amazing one at that.

Maybe life was worth living after all.

END.

(I LOVE CANDY GRAGGRAGGRAGGR randy better get his ass back on smackdown rn and get his wife or IM DEAD. All my other fics can also be found on ao3 under the user jds_version. Tootles!)