Who Do You Love - Dean Ambrose

Homecoming

I was standing – well, actually, crouched – beside the counter listening as the front door opened and then closed. Stephanie's voice rang out clearly and even for her she seemed impossibly loud,

"Welcome home sweetie. How's it feel to be back?"

There was a clatter of crutches on the polished tile-floor and then the unmistakeable tones of Hunter, hobbling past the kitchen door.

"Amazing honey. I'll tell you something, I am not going to miss that hospital bed."

I waited until it sounded like he was safely in the great room and then peeked my head up. Steph was in the doorway and she beckoned me towards her, grinning like a child she was so pumped up.

"Well we've missed you as well," she called out leadingly, "All of us."

Hunter however, didn't take the bait and I giggled lightly and then bit my lip to stifle it as Stephanie hurried quickly ahead, arriving just as Hunter was ditching his crutches and trying to struggle into a chair. She helped him down as I stood silently in the doorway, both of us quietly chuckling to ourselves.

"I missed you too baby," Hunter offered back at her, groaning as he dropped his weight back against the seat, "I alsomissed the Sports Network."

"What about me?"

At the sound of my voice, Hunter spun instantly, trying to get a better look from his chair. Seeing that he was struggling, I stepped into the room fully and grinning at the look of utter shock on his face,

"Lauren?"

"Surprise," I held up a platter, "Can I get you a piece of Welcome Home cake?"

Suffice to say he did not want cake – well, not initially – he just wanted me and as he held out a hand I crossed over and took it as a smiling Stephanie spirited off the sweet treat.

"Think I'll go and cut this up. I'll leave you guys to it."

It was a pretty big step for her. Oh who was I kidding? For all of us really. Not only was I standing in Stephanie's house but she was also leaving me to talk with my father instead of turning into a jealous green mess. I was proud of us for how far we'd come and even more than that, I was proud that we'd kept it a secret from Hunter. The look on his face made it all seem worthwhile. On top of that, plotting the surprise had kind of bonded us and for the first time, Steph and I were in a really good place. Our relationship may not have been as saccharine as it had been, but I was no longer in awe of her and no longer was I scared. She on the other hand, was no longer faking and so for the first time we were equals with a shared love for one man.

"What in the – ," Hunter began with a stutter, "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you."

His hands were still gripping onto me tightly and I liked the pressure. It made me feel loved.

"Are you okay? I wanted to call after the match but after everything that had happened – ,"

"No, no, I'm fine. I was going to call youactually but then Steph suggested this and – well – it just seemed like it might be a nicer idea."