Disclaimer: I don't own or claim ownership to any WWE Talent. All rights go to their respective owners.
Rated: K+
Warnings: slash, language
John Cena & Kofi Kingston, as requested by DeanAmborseBatistaWifey23.

Despite the fact it was the middle of April, the weather in South Carolina stood at a modest 65 degrees. And even though this was the warmest temperature he'd felt in a while, Kofi couldn't help but recognize the shiver that ran up his spine and created goose bumps along his exposed skin.

He shook his head. "You've got this in the bag, Kofi," he mumbled to himself, giving himself a few slaps on the shoulder to warm up. He stood up and stretched his legs before doing a few jumps to warm his muscles up. In the middle of a high-kick, he collided into someone and fell to the floor.

"Hey there," John said, a large smile spreading across his face. His dimples popped up and Kofi couldn't hold back his smile.

"Hey yourself," he replied, holding out a hand for John to help him stand up, which he did. He hopped in place once, relieved to find none of his muscles hurt after his little tumble.

"You're nervous," John said simply. He helped himself to a water bottle in the mini fridge and swallowed half of it in one gulp.

"No I'm not," Kofi said, defiant. He stretched his knees to his chest. "I'm just getting into game mode."

"Kofi, I've known you for nearly two years now. I know when you're nervous. I especially know when you're trying to hide it from me."

Kofi let out a huff. "Fine, you caught me. But I haven't been champion of anything in a long while. I just want to win."

"It doesn't matter if you win or lose, Kofi. You're still a winner in my eyes," John tried.

"That's easy for you to say," Kofi muttered. "You're still the face of the WWE, no matter what you do."

"Look, I've told you before, but I'll tell you again. You need to believe in yourself and be the best that you can. If you fall short, at least you know you tried your best, and there's literally nothing you could have done better to win. Having a hunk of gold around your waist doesn't determine your worth, Ko, but your effort and determination do."

"You're right, and I know you are, but I'm still doubting myself," Kofi admitted.

"You're gonna kick ass. Just take a deep breath and believe in yourself. You can do it. Cesaro isn't more than a tall bastard with a mean face. Stay fast, like you always do, and you'll be golden."

"Thanks," Kofi said, a small smile forming on his lips. "I've gotta go down for the match. See you soon."

"Good luck!" John called after him.

One!

Two!

Three!

Kofi flicked his sweaty hair out of his face and let the sound of the bell ringing in his ears fill his senses. He let out a loud yell of pure joy and jumped to his feet. The referee handed him the US title belt, which he held high above his head and jumped around the ring with. He got up on all four turnbuckles and displayed his victory for all the world to see. Swinging it over one shoulder, he went over to where Antonio Cesaro was lying on the ground and offered a hand to him. Once he was standing, Kofi rose Antonio's hand above their heads and shook his hand before jumping his way backstage.

Waiting for him in the locker room was, of course, John Cena with the proudest smile stretched across his goofy face. He immediately caught Kofi in a bear hug and swung him side to side.

"I told you, Kofi, I told you!" John said excitedly. Kofi couldn't help but smile wide while John peppered him with congratulatory kisses.

"I got you something," John said, abruptly ceasing the kisses.

"For winning?" Kofi asked. "Where did you find the time?"

"Well, I knew you were going to win, so I got it ahead of time," John confessed.

"Why do you have so much faith in me when I barely have any left in myself?" Kofi asked, somewhat rhetorically.

"Because I love you, that's why," John said, as if the answer should have been very obvious.

Kofi felt his cheeks warm, and that was before John pulled out a ridiculous bouquet of flowers and presented it to him. The bunch was so massive he couldn't even see John around it.

"Thank you," Kofi breathed, absolutely beaming.

"Anything for my United States Champion," John cheesed. He parted several stems of roses and carnations to kiss Kofi through the bouquet. "Congratulations, my love."

"Thank you," Kofi said again, meaning it wholeheartedly. "I don't think I could have done this without you."

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