New Chapter Fic!
Disclaimer: Don't own WWE or any of it's people.
Warnings: Bad words.

Monday August 20, 2018

John Cena was always a supportive person to the younger wrestlers. Unless they were pieces of shit. But that in itself is a different story.

While Triple H was the proud papa of NXT, John saw himself as the proud older brother. He wanted this younger crowd to succeed. Because those who work hard deserve to get the light. And so many of the new generation were hard workers. Alot of them are hard workers even though they were locked in a perpetual state of not even working on tv. It was the dedication that John loved to see.

And whatever John could do to help a superstar get better, he would do.

But he never expected them to thank him publicly. He didn't do it for the online praise. He didn't do it because he needed a helping hand in a popularity contest.

So when John was scanning his twitter feed last night before Summerslam and saw a dirt sheet article about Roman Reigns thanking John Cena, he was surprised. One, he never read dirt sheets, they made shit up sometimes. Two, he hadn't helped Roman in a while. ...Well not really since their last feud.

Roman reminded John alot of himself.

John and Roman had both been products of WWE homegrown training. They had both been cheered before putting themselves in the path of getting the championships. They both got booed out the building. They both loved it. And they both were the picture perfect star of WWE. They both were humble enough to ask for help and take critiques of their work by others in the business.

This was all something John had used against Roman last year. He called Roman a bootleg John Cena, which wasn't entirely wrong at the time. John was on fire that night on Raw last year. He was brutal. Roman had been so visibly nervous.

Of course they had their differences. Family connections and age of course. But Roman was the Cena of today, whether he wanted to be or not. That's how the cards were played and how the WWE universe had decided Roman's fate.

Roman didn't really like John last year when they feuded. Yeah they were cordial with eachother. Hellos and how are yous. Respectful conversations that never were personal enough to be considered friend-like. But the feud had changed that. And after No Mercy, John and Roman always had the pleasure of a friendly conversation about work and a heated conversation about sports whenever they met.

John was remind of how Roman before No Mercy had said in an interview that He didn't care about what John had said to him, because he didn't care. So it didn't hurt him. But now Roman was thanking him. Oh Roman, John smirked, you've grown up. Only took a year.

Okay so occasionally he would read a dirtsheets. But only if it was an interview.

This morning, John took a screen grab of a picture of Roman with the championship up in the air. He posted it on instagram, no caption of course. A show of respect and a show of contentment.

John hadn't been able to be at the show live last night. But he had just gotten time off from filming with Jackie Chan to take a small trip to Brooklyn.

John looked over at the clock. It was 5 in the morning. It was time for a good workout. So he grabbed his gear and out the door he went. Tonight he would be backstage at Raw

Roman was walking out of the locker room, the red strap in his hands. He was nervous. Sure, he had been heavyweight champ 3 times already in his career. But they never ran long. This title was new. It was gorgeous. And it was his. He wasn't giving it up easily. But he was nervous, still. Because he was going to be a fighting champion while a money in the bank briefcase was still out there. And Roman had the worst luck with money in the bank cash ins. With Seth and Sheamus having successfully cashed in on him, he was sure that the Braun Strowman cash in was on the horizon.

But he had a plan. One he was sure to help him.

The show hadn't started yet, so he was making his way to the gorilla position.

The other wrestlers were making their ways to the monitor area to watch the show and wait for their part to come up. He nodded to some of them. Took a few congratulatory pats to the back. Even stopped to have a quick polite conversation with some road agents.

The Gorilla was busy. They were bustling around to get everything ready for the show. Vince and the other brass sat ready to go at their monitors, head phones connected to everywhere else, road agents, camera truck, commentators.

But after a while it was white noise for Roman. He was getting in the mood. He was getting his head straight.

With 2 minutes left, he did his final check. No boogers coming out, nothing in his teeth, no wardrobe malfunctions.

"Make sure the zipper isn't broken this time."

Roman smirked before he even looked up, because he knew who spoke to him. He'd know that voice anywhere.

"Oh God. Please don't tell me you're here to insert yourself in my opening promo?" he replied, looking up at the casually dressed man.

John was leaning against the nearby wall, arms folded over his plain black t-shirt. It was odd to see someone who had practically lived in that gorilla not wearing his typical attire of sweatbands and colorful t-shirts. And in jean pants! Odd image. Not that Roman hadn't ever seen him in regular clothing, but it just felt out of place here and now.

"Well I was going to congratulate you in person, but if you need me to step in and school you some more," John was grinning. Roman liked the way John smiled. It took up his whole face, eyes glittering and cheeks wrinkled in humor. It was infectious and it made Roman smile back.

"Would really prefer you don't go out an embarrass me on my first night as Universal Champ," Roman said. Then he shrugged saying, "Plus I already did the whole old guys not showing up to work and still getting the perks thing with Brock just now."

Road Dogg tapped Roman on the back, nodding at John in acknowledgement. "Let's do it baby," he said to Roman.

Roman put his hand on John's shoulder and gave a cocky grin. "Got to go open the show, but if you're not busy practicing movie scripts hit me up for lunch tomorrow."

He backed up, turned to the curtain. His music hit and he was out to a sea of boos.

The end of Raw had the crowd cheering holy shit. They were so hot right now.

Roman grabbed Dean's head under his shoulder and put his other arm around Seth as they went through the curtain to the back. This was such a great night. He knew his back up plan would work. It was the best call he had ever made with Seth and Dean since they'd broken apart years ago.

He was on top of the world.

"Yes! Way to end the show!" Seth yelled, still pumped up. "I told you that we got you're back!"

Dean smirked. "Always will, brother."

After a few pats on the shoulders from the brass and few words with Vince McMahon on the match and the ending results, Roman and the boys went back to the locker rooms.

As they walked, Roman's eye caught the large body and light brown head of John Cena off to the side talking to Finn Balor. Most likely praising his fight tonight. They were laughing and Roman's lips twitched. But he turned off that reaction and just brought his attention back to his boys as they talked about their (second-ish) reunion, hyper and excited.

They were the only ones in the room at the moment. Comfortable with each other after so many years, they all began to change out of their gear.

"Seth, man, do you just carry the vest around all the time, or?" Roman joked, putting the championship on the bench, facing him because he liked looking at it.

"Saved your ass tonight, didn't it," He replied, laughing.

Dean rolled his eyes. "You know for a fact you just wanted to wear it again, don't make it sound like it was necessary."

There was a couple more shots at Seth's obsession with the riot gear they once used and then there was pleasant silence. Their adrenaline high was wearing off.

Roman had decided to take a quick shower while the other guys waited. Seth and Dean had cleaned up after their match earlier and didn't do much sweating out there kicking Braun Strowman's ass, so they just waited. When Roman came back out, hair loose, still dripping, over his bare shoulders, he saw that Dean had opted to laying across the old school bench and Seth was texting away on his phone.

"Okay," Dean said, not moving from his spot, eyes closed. "When is it going to happen?"

Seth looked up from his phone, smirked, and quickly put it in his skinny jean pocket. His curiosity getting the best of him.

Roman dropped the towel from around his waist. He grabbed his jeans from earlier in the day and put on his bare body, skipping underwear. A quick glare at his friends, but then he looked back to his bag, finding some socks. "Have no clue what you're talking about."

"I saw Cena out there," Dean said, pointing up at the door. He sat up and looked at his friend. "I know you want him, badly. When are you gonna make your move?"

A large grin formed on Seth's face. His eyebrows were up and a look of surprise colored his features. "Wait, wait, wait. Rome, you and Cena?"

Dean looked up at Seth like he had 4 heads and then formed and 'o' with his lips. "Oh yeah, we didn't tell you about this."

Roman slipped a shirt on with a low growl. "I wish you would keep your mouth shut half the time, Ambrose."

Seth opened his arms in a questioning manner. "Am I not good enough to know? Romie, I thought we were good, here."

"Not you," Roman sighed. "It's just you never know who could pop in at any second."

Dean idly scratched his chest. "Don't ignore my question."

"Never going to happen," Roman said, firmly. He grabbed his duffel bag and slipped it around his shoulder. "Why in the world would you think going after John Cena is a good idea. For one, he's straight. Two, he'd probably kick my ass the minute I even insinuate that I want him. And three, I talked alot of shit before I fought him at No Mercy. Where in your right mind would you think making a move on Cena would be beneficial to my health or my career?"

Dean put his hands up in defense. "Just asking, big man."

Seth pursed his lips in thought. "Well, I'm not totally sure about straight. John was known to get around back in the day. There were rumors with some of the guys that he'd room with the occasional guy sometimes."

Roman closed his eyes and ran his hands through his hair. "Seth, honestly, don't do that. Don't give Dean anymore fuel for the fire and don't try to give me hope."

He opened his eyes to see Dean giving him a small but a rather devious smirk. And Seth was looking like a scolded child who wasn't at all sorry about what he had done. Thankfully he wasn't going to have to ride with these assholes tonight, since some days to relax before the house show circuit started up again and they headed to Canada for a week.

Just as the guys grabbed their gear, the door opened and in walked Finn Balor, still in his gear, no longer drenched in sweat. He smiled at the sight of the newly reunited Shield. He went up to Roman and stuck his hand out. "Great time out there. Crowd was really into it."

Roman smiled, shaking Finn's hand. "Yeah, it was fun. Felt good to get some excitement. I don't get that alot."

Finn chuckled. "Must be hard being the big dog with no fans," he joked, crossing the room to his gear.

"It's okay as long as I got this," Roman replied, hitting his hand on the championship strap in his other hand. "Hey, see you around, man."

As Roman turned to meet the others at the door, Finn stripped off his trunks. Roman took a quick look. No harm in taking a second to admire fine artwork.

Outside the locker room, Renee Young stood, scrolling down her twitter feed, waiting. The second she saw the guys she put her phone away, grabbed her small luggage bag from beside her. Dean put his arm around her tightly and kissed her head. She smiled brightly up at him and returned a kiss to his lips.

"Man," She said as they walked as a group down the hall to the exit. "I felt like a fangirl back here watching you guys."

"Sure it doesn't help when you're married to one of us," Seth chuckled, clapping Dean on the back.

Renee laughed, holding herself closer to her husband. "Made it 200% better. Felt like the luckiest girl on earth."

Dean smirked. He wiggled his eyebrows at her. He might not be jumping up and down with adrenaline anymore, but he was always up for a bedroom tussle with his wonderful wife.

Seth looked dazed for a second. He was staring at Roman's back as the larger man was walking a step ahead of them. "Hey guys. You think that since Cena isn't with Nikki anymore that I got a shot with her?"

Roman rolled his eyes and looked back at Seth from over his shoulder. "Seth, dude. He showed up and she showed up. It's not coincidental."

Seth frowned.

"She didn't know he was going to be here," Renee said. "It made her uncomfortable the whole night."

"Plus everyone shows up to Raw after the major four. It's not uncommon to see Cena here." Dean added.

Seth grinned with hope.

Roman sighed in frustration.

Roman was at the gym for an early morning session when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He let it go since he was in the middle of renegade rows. When he felt his arms start to give up he stopped. Sitting on the gym floor, he wiped his face with his nearby towel.

Finally, he grabbed his phone out of it's arm band slot.

It was a text from John Cena.

He gulped in some air, as he was still breathing heavily from the exercise.

The text was a the address to some Brooklyn diner with a simple Lunch? written with it.

God. Yeah, Roman had mentioned lunch yesterday. But he was half heartedly offering it. Not because he didn't want to be with Cena, but because he didn't expect the older man to accept. Cena was usually a busy guy.

Regardless of being surprised by the text, Roman agreed to meeting up around 1pm since he had a phone interview at 11:30.

Roman went back to working out for another half hour, mind having trouble to get focused on his form.

Before their feud last year, Roman never really cared about John Cena. He had listened to the grumblings of other superstars in the back who always felt disgruntled by Cena's prescience. And even though, he worked with the older man plenty of times before as part of the shield and the start of his solo career- it wasn't hard for Roman to believe that Cena was a pompous fake smiling back stabber.

Roman hadn't taken the time to actually talk to Cena before their feud. Or even during their feud.

But after he won at No Mercy, Roman really felt appreciative of Cena. The man had pushed him to be a better talker. To think better on his feet. It was a huge match in his career. To beat the face of the company was a huge deal. And Cena must have gained some respect for Reigns, because they started being friendly with eachother.

And Roman was able to ask Cena for advice when he needed it. Cena was always happy to help.

The more time they spent, even in just pointless chatter, the more Roman became attracted to him.

Roman couldn't call it love. He couldn't love someone he wasn't close too. But he was definitely attracted to the older man. He found him almost irresistible. Like a bone this big dog wanted to chew on.

Cena humbled Roman. Made Roman a better wrestler and talker. He pushed Roman and that made Roman feel wanted and respected. Not alot of guys did that in the back. Many didn't like how Roman had climbed to the top. In there opinions, Roman was only there because of his family. But Roman worked hard, and outside of Seth and Dean, no one had made him feel like he deserved it. Except for Cena. Cena raised his hand after their battle, it felt good. Made him feel like he hadn't worked hard for nothing.

And John had told him so after their match, arm wrapped around Roman's sweaty tired body.

And yeah, the attraction could be considered odd to some people. Because John Cena wasn't super handsome anymore. Cena was older. He has taken bumps and bruises with scars to prove it. He wasn't the good looking young guy the girls lusted after anymore. But the attraction Roman felt for John wasn't solely physical. It was a mental attraction. Cena made he feel good.

Now Roman was more nervous then before the show.

It was a weird thing. He could just tell John how he felt. The older man was not the type of guy to scream to the world that another dude is into him. John was a private person, even when his relationship was on TV and his proposal was in front of a packed stadium. He never talked about private details. So, Roman had no doubt that Cena would out him to the world if he did make a move on him.

But John Cena and relationships was problematic. He had just broken up with Nikki Bella after years together. He loved her so much, everyone knows that. He was still hurting from the whole thing. It would be weird for Roman to come onto him now, during the rebound stage, right? Roman didn't want to be a rebound fuck. ...Which would never happen, Roman reminded himself of it.

And Cena was barely ever around anymore. Always filming or promoting something. He made only a few appearances during the year. Just look at Summerslam. He wasn't there for the first time in 15 years. That's incredible. But Roman is sure Cena is scheduled for some shows soon and Australia. So Roman will be seeing him more soon.

Until then, Roman will make the best of this lunch ...date... . Since he won't see the man for another few weeks.

Roman showed up at the diner maybe 10 minutes late. Brooklyn traffic.

He wore something casual, some workout shorts and sleeveless tshirt. Over that he wore a tapout hoodie, with it sleeves cut off, despite the heat. His hair was in a messy bun, under the hood. Sunglasses covered his searching eyes.

The diner was relatively empty for a Tuesday afternoon. Just a customer at the counter and a couple at a booth near the door. He didn't see John yet. A waitress told him to sit anywhere and he did, waiting for his lunch mate.

He took the hood down and removed the sunglasses, putting them on the table. If anyone recognized him they didn't say anything.

His phone vibrated with a text. He wondered if it was John.

No, just Dean. "Tell him. The worst he can say is no." Sigh. Roman regretted telling Dean about this lunch... date.

He was looking over a menu when John walked in, totally okay with getting his picture taken by fans outside. He grinned when he saw Roman sitting all the way in the back of the small place.

"Hey, sorry," John said. "Got caught up with some fans outside and couldn't get away."

"All good. I didn't wait long."

They chatted easy before placing their order, both steaks with veggies. Diets being followed like good professional athletes.

When John was talking to the waitress about the owner of the place (who apparently Cena had met another time he came here years ago) Roman looked him over. He wore a tshirt and some khaki shorts. He looked well rested despite having traveled in the last 48 hours. John looked good. Happy.

"Hey, last night's match was over, huh," Cena said, taking a sip of his water.

"Yeah, went amazing," Roman replied. "Felt good having the crowd on their feet on a monday night."

"You and Finn have good chemistry in the ring, it'd be great to see you guys give it a go in a story. Have a nice build to it. Plus, I think Finn's in ring ability is pretty nice, so it'll only help you get better."

Roman smirked. "Are you saying I still need help?" Obviously Roman was joking.

John laughed. "Yeah. I am. Always keep improving. You're great now, work to be amazing."

"And then work to become a movie star," Roman said.

"Hey now, I'm an occasional television star too," John replied.

"How's Hollywood treating you?" Roman asked.

"I work less hours then I do with WWE, so I get more time off. But it's weird being away from the show. Never gets easier stepping away from the ring for a while," John said, a small smile on his lips.

Roman nodded. He had heard that Cena had several movies and tv-shows lined up. Amazingly though he was probably right about having more time off, since WWE had John Cena on everything from interviews to movies to matches and traveling all in one day.

"You mean to tell me you're not done with the WWE, yet. And here I was hoping," Roman joked.

John shook his head, smiling with his eyes. "Can't get rid of me that easy, Ro," He said as their food was put in front of them.

During the meal they had more shop talk. How Roman's merch sales were. Talk about things Roman wanted to try out with his promos to make them sound comfortable. Even talking about future Shield plans.

When they were done, they decided to share a taxi, would be easier since they found out they were in the same hotel.

"So when do you guys head out?" Cena asked as they waited for the elevator.

Roman stretched his arms in front of him with a yawn. He was tired and was ready for a nap, but he had some travel stuff to handle, now that Cena had reminded him. "I'm heading home tonight for a few days and then it's up to Canada early for media."

Cena nodded.

"You?" Roman wondered. "Staying in New York?"

John waved his hand. "Nah, I came up just for the shows, then I'm heading home. Have stuff to take of, bills to pay and such. And then I'm back on set for a few more weeks. They gave me some days off because they're changing location for the next scenes."

The elevator opened and John went in first. He pressed the 9 button and Roman reached over to get the 7.

Roman went back to Dean's words all day today. And Seth's "not so straight" comment would stir up hope in him. Roman wasn't sure if he could actually go through with it. He did feel emboldened today. He'll blame it on being the Universal championship.

He might actually do it.

He might just tell John Cena that he liked him. And maybe a relationship wasn't what he was hoping for. He would settle for a fuck. Anything but rejection would be nice, honestly.

The door opened at Roman's floor and the older man was about to say his farewell, when Roman spoke. "Hey mind if we talk in you're room for a sec?"

John recognized the tone. He understood it was about something private. Something he couldn't say in public because he didn't want anyone else to overhear. Maybe Roman was having a problem with someone at work? Maybe Roman needed advice on a really difficult situation? So he nodded and said yes.

The elevator doors shut again and they stood in silence as the elevator got to the top floor, as they walked down the hall and into the large expensive suite. A living space, a bedroom, and a bathroom. Money was nice.

Now or never, Roman thought as Cena closed the door behind them. There was no possible way he could turn back and run away if he didn't want to look like a complete moron. Roman took a deep breath trying to calm his racing heart.

"So what's up?" Cena asked, sitting on the small leather couch.

Roman stayed standing and stuffed his hands in his pockets so John couldn't see him fidgeting. He was going to be blunt about it. He wasn't going to spin some weird story or scenario about someone else. Straight shot confession. No bullshit.

"So um...," Roman started. Yeah, real smooth Reigns, real smooth. He felt a war brewing in his mind. He wasn't in love, he told himself. But he knew that by opening this door to John Cena he would be risking more than his heart, but his future and career. John had alot of sway with Vince McMahon, even if John denied it. And If this all turned extremely south, Roman would just have to settle for mid-card wash up like Miz.

Roman's heart pounded. Okay, so his heart would take a major hit. He never had a problem with relationships before. He never feared telling someone what he thought of them. This felt very different.

Seth's words came into his mind again. He might have a chance, Roman thought. Just say it, get it over with, take the weight off your shoulders. You've been holding this in for a year almost. The worst he can do is punch his teeth in. His heart was urging him to take a step forward. His mind was telling him to get the fuck out. Abort mission.

John leaned forward, elbows resting on knees. This must be pretty serious. "Speak freely. Worrying doesn't solve things," he said to urge Roman to say what he needed to say. He kept a soft reassuring smile on his lips. He stood up, ready to put a hand on Roman's shoulder to ease whatever was making Roman nervous.

Roman instead followed his heart. He took a step and another step and another. Until he was right infront of Cena.

And before either of them knew what Roman was going to do, Roman grabbed Cena's face in his large hands and crushed their lips together.

Roman's heart was speeding in his chest. He'll have a heart attack any minute now and he'll not have to face John's reaction. At least he would have gotten to kiss him. A heart attack right now would be a blessing.

But Lord. This felt good. Just to touch John like this and not have it lead to a submission move during a match. Roman put everything he had into the kiss, his arms tight against his body as he held John's face in place. His eyes were shut because he didn't want to see John's shock, despite feeling it.

Roman let go when he felt when John's hand pushed against his chest.

John took a step back, almost bumping into the couch. His eyebrows were sky high, mouth slightly open like he was searching for words.

Roman took one look at John's face and knew he should have just forgotten this whole thing and went to his room in the first place. He covered his face with his hands, feeling how hot with embarrassment it was. He was such a dumbass loser.

"Okay," John said, holding the word out a little long like he was still thinking. "Not sure what to say, right now."

Roman had a pained look on his face when he finally put his hands down. He stepped back some more. Maybe adding some distance would help? Probably not. "I uh... I'm sorry," Roman apologized in a soft voice. "I really like you. And I am so sorry I didn't think this through at all. I shouldn't have kissed you."

John looked at him with a serious face before it turned soft with pity. "I can't return your feelings, Rome."

Roman nodded, lump in his throat and an ache in his chest. He was ready to walk...run... away when John spoke again.

"This will stay between us," John said. He crossed over to Roman and put his hand on the younger's shoulder, looking him in the eyes. "I hope you can give up on me."

"I'm sorry," Roman said and practically ran out the door to the elevator.

He was such an idiot. Roman should have never listened to Dean and Seth. None of this excruciating embarrassment would have happened if he had never paid attention to their words.

But, no he did, and now his heart hurt. The exact thing he knew would happen, happened. And he felt horrible.

What a dumb thing to do. To think John Cena would ever want to be with Roman Reigns was plain foolish.

With his heart broken, Roman boarded the elevator, went to his floor, and walked down the hall like it was the walk of shame.

As he reached his room, the room next door opened. Finn Balor stepped out. He took one look at Roman's face and his heart dropped.

"You okay?" Finn asked, dropping his bags down so he can put his hands on Roman's arms, as if he was trying to steady his trembling.

Roman nodded slightly and pulled away from Finn's grasp. He took the last steps to the door, unlocked the door with the keycard in his pocket and ducked in. He didn't even turn the lights on.

Finn watched the door for a minute, eyes sad and worried, before he grabbed his bags. He had a flight to catch.

This idea came to me the morning after Summerslam when I saw Cena posted a picture of Roman with the title. Not sure where this is going to go, but I have decent feelings. It'll follow the WWE timeline obviously. Also Roman isn't married in this fic, for story's sake
I hope you guys enjoyed.
Please Review. Tell me what you think.

Love Natsuki Lee