Archive of Our Own ^beta

October 25, 2024
Brooklyn, NY

Seth Rollins is an extremely perceptive man. The epithets Architect and Visionary aren’t just catch phrases; he has always had a knack for seeing what others don’t. For understanding the way that people weave together to create magic, for reading between the lines and grasping how to piece a complicated puzzle together, and for being able to predict what is going to happen next before anyone else has even caught up to the fact that anything is happening at all. 

It’s for these reasons that Seth has long suspected something more than a tentative alliance formed between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns leading up to their tag match at Bad Blood. At first when he watched their confrontation and ensuing partnership on Smackdown, the surprise at Cody and Roman teaming together was only momentary. Was it something he’d predicted? Not necessarily. But knowing both men as well as he does, he can’t say it’s a total surprise when Roman begrudgingly signs the contract and Cody gives in. Roman hates admitting he needs help and Cody is the purest of good guys. 

As Bad Blood aired and Seth watched every detail - sometimes rewinding, pausing, studying their movements - he caught it. Anyone else would see the two biggest superstars in WWE thrown together at the behest of their bosses, but the way Cody kept looking at Roman. The way Roman didn’t blink at sharing the spotlight with Cody. And to top it all off, it took next to no time for Jimmy to convince Roman to save Cody. That… was not the Tribal Chief. That was just Roman, someone Seth hadn’t seen in over half a decade. He’s not embarrassed about the lump that formed in his throat or the way his eyes became glassy. Really, he’s not. 

But as he stewed with it over the weekend and prepared for his return segment on Raw the following Monday, the curiosity and sentimentality and intrigue turned into white hot rage. 

Seth and Cody formed a true friendship on the road to Wrestlemania, and Seth considered Cody someone he could count on. He could’ve never predicted that this is where his relationship with Cody Rhodes would end up after their bitter rivalry in 2022, but he also was pleasantly surprised. He and Cody had a solid base for a friendship, and okay, maybe their intense in-ring chemistry led to some innocent flirting on several occasions. And some less than innocent kisses and groping in dark hallways between filming for Raw. He’d been forced to put that behind him after Wrestlemania to focus on his own health and recovery. Now he usually only thinks of Cody on restless nights when he can’t sleep and his hand finds its way beneath cool sheets to relieve tension. 

As far as Roman… well that is altogether more complicated, isn't it? Seth had loved Roman once upon a time. Had traveled with him, relied on him, made love with him more times than he could count. But that all changed when the allure of dominance, championships, and power caused Seth to turn into someone he didn’t recognize. Is he proud of the chair shot to the back? No. But does he regret it? Also no. Does he still wake up in a cold sweat sometimes picturing the broken look on Roman’s face? … yes. 

It’s a fact that if Seth hadn’t betrayed his Shield brothers, starting with Roman, none of them would ever have flourished into the singles stars they all became. So while he doesn’t regret the trajectory that chair shot took them all on, he does feel remorse for hurting Roman. And he can’t help but feel responsible for the Tribal Chief monster that exists today. 

So is the rage he feels directed at Cody for teaming with the man Seth literally almost killed himself over to help Cody win at Wrestlemania? Is it at Roman for tainting one of the few good humans left in their company? Or is it at himself for not being part of whatever is happening between them? 

Who’s to say, really. But Seth is determined to answer his own question. 

The world was on fire and no one could save me but you
It’s strange what desire will make foolish people do

A heavy pit forms in Seth’s gut as he watches Roman follow Cody closely out of the arena. His instincts were right, all he had to do was listen. As he follows at a distance, making his way into the crisp October air, he sees Roman looking around to make sure the coast is clear. When he’s seemingly satisfied, he watches as Roman puts a hand on the small of Cody’s back, watches as Cody looks over at Roman with a twinkle of affection. 

Once they’ve made it to Cody’s bus, his heart thuds loudly as the door closes behind them. He’s shocked at how lax they’re being about others seeing. They only had eyes for each other, not caring whether others would spot them on their way to Cody’s bus. 

Seth wars with himself on whether he should approach the bus or turn around and leave this all behind. What will this even accomplish? Further confirmation of what is already obviously happening between the two? Which will inevitably lead to the dagger of rage and jealousy twisting deeper inside Seth’s chest. 

He should walk away right now. Turn around and not look back. 

Seth must black out because the next thing he knows he finds himself knocking on the door to Cody’s bus. 

He stands outside for several moments and becomes annoyed when no one answers, knowing they’re right on the other side. Gathering all his courage, Seth takes it upon himself to open the door and go inside.

What he sees immediately makes his breath catch.

Cody, shirtless, is straddling Roman on the plush leather couch, their lips locked in a hungry kiss. Roman’s hands are roaming Cody’s back, gripping hard enough to leave marks. Cody moans into the kiss, grinding down against Roman’s lap with a rhythm that is anything but innocent.

Seth’s fists clench at his sides. He knew, deep down, what he’d find tonight. But seeing Cody being fully possessed by Roman hits his chest so hard he has to take a step back.

And Roman… God, Roman. They’d been done for years, but seeing him like this, all primal and possessive, stirs something deep inside Seth. Something he hasn’t acknowledged in a long time.

He slams his hand against the wall of the bus, the sharp bang echoing through the quiet night. Cody freezes, pulling away from Roman with wide eyes. “Shit,” he mutters, scrambling off Roman’s lap. Roman, however, doesn’t look startled at all. If anything, he looks annoyed.

“Well, well,” Roman drawls, leaning back against the couch. “Looks like we’ve got company.”

“What the hell is this?” Seth demands, his voice low and dangerous. He gestures between them, his eyes blazing. “You two? Seriously? After everything Cody and I did to get that title off you, Roman? And you—” He turns to Cody, his chest heaving. “We had something, Cody. Or was that all bullshit too?”

Cody stands, holding up his hands. “Seth, listen—”

“Don’t,” Seth snaps, cutting him off. “Don’t even try to explain this. I see it. I know what’s going on here.”

Roman smirks, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “Jealous, princess?”

The old nickname hits Seth like a punch to the gut. Princess. Roman used to call him that when they were together, back when things were good and happy and he never pictured a day they wouldn’t be those things. He glowers at Roman, his fists trembling at his sides. “Don’t call me that.”

Cody steps between them, his expression pleading. “Seth, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. But this…” He glances back at Roman, who is still lounging on the couch like he owns the place. “This is real. I love him.”

Seth’s heart twists painfully. Love? Cody loves Roman? The man who had nearly destroyed them both? The man they worked for months to take down? His chest aches as he stares at Cody, searching his face for some sign that this is a joke. But there is nothing but sincerity in those blue eyes.

And then, to his surprise, Cody reaches out, cupping Seth’s cheek gently. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t care about you,” he says softly. “I’ve missed you, Seth. More than you know.”

Seth hesitates, his anger faltering. He wants to pull away, to yell, to stomp out of the bus and never look back. But the heat of Cody’s touch, the warmth in his voice, keep him rooted to the spot. He shakes his head, trying to clear the fog that clouds his thoughts. “This isn’t right,” he mutters, his voice lacking conviction.

Cody leans in, his lips brushing against Seth’s ear. “Maybe not,” he whispers. “But it could be.” His teeth graze Seth’s neck, sending a shiver down his spine. “Why don’t we make it right?”

Seth’s breath hitches, his body betraying him as a surge of heat shoots straight to his groin. He glances past Cody to where Roman is watching them with a dark, calculating gaze. There is no mistaking the desire in those eyes; desire for Cody, yes, but also something else. Something for him.

“Cody,” Roman says, his voice rough and possessive. “Don’t waste your time. He’s not worth it.”

Cody turns to Roman, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Daddy,” he purrs, and the word sends another jolt through Seth. “Let me have this. Please.”

Roman’s jaw tightens, but after a moment, he sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Fine,” he mutters. “But you better make it worth it for daddy, baby boy.”

“Don’t I always, daddy?” Cody asks in a low voice, fluttering his lashes. Seth watches in interest as Roman relaxes at Cody’s words.

This side of Roman is one he’s never seen before. It’s intriguing to say the least.

Cody grins, turning back to Seth. He slides his hands down to Seth’s waist, pulling him closer. “Trust me,” he murmurs, his lips hovering just above Seth’s. 

Cody takes Seth by the hand and walks backward toward the end of the bus where he’s brought into a fairly luxurious bedroom for a tour bus. He hears Roman shuffling behind them and closing the door shut. 

What a wicked game you play, to make me feel this way
What a wicked thing to do, to let me dream of you 

Before Seth can say anything, Cody kisses him, slow and deep, his tongue teasing Seth’s until he can't resist kissing back. His hands find Cody’s hips, gripping tight as the heat between them grows. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Roman moving behind Cody with a predatory grace.

Roman’s hands slide around Cody’s waist, pulling him roughly against his chest. “You sure about this, baby boy?” he growls, nipping at Cody’s ear.

Cody moans, arching into Roman’s touch. “Yes, daddy,” he breathes, his voice dripping with need.

Seth’s pulse races as Roman’s eyes meet his over Cody’s shoulder. There’s a challenge there, a silent dare. Seth feels the tension between them, old wounds mingling with new desires. But as Cody presses closer, his body hot and eager, Seth finds himself unable to fight it.

“Undress him,” Roman commands, his voice low and commanding.

The air inside the bus is thick with sweat and desire, the kind of heat that makes it hard to think straight. Seth’s hands tremble as he follows instruction and undoes Cody’s belt, his fingers brushing against the hardened length beneath fabric. Seth can still feel Roman’s eyes on him, burning into him like a brand. The tension between them all is electric, a living thing that crackles in the space between their bodies.

Cody’s hands are already tugging at Seth’s shirt, pulling it over his head. His skin prickles under the cool air, but Cody’s mouth is soon there, tracing kisses along his collarbone, his abs, and lower.

Seth groans, his resolve crumbling as Cody drops to his knees, his hands working at the buckle of Seth’s belt. Behind Cody, Roman strips off his own clothes, revealing every inch of his powerful frame. Seth can’t help but stare, his cock throbbing in anticipation.

Cody frees Seth’s erection, licking his lips as he looks up at him. “So beautiful,” he murmurs, wrapping his hand around Seth’s length. “Just like I imagined.”

Seth gasps as Cody takes him into his mouth, his tongue swirling expertly. He cards his fingers through Cody’s hair for support, his legs shaking as Roman kneels behind Cody, his own hard cock pressing against Cody’s ass.

“Ready for me, baby boy?” Roman asks, his voice thick with arousal.

Cody moans around Seth’s cock, nodding eagerly. Roman chuckles, slicking his fingers with something from the table beside them. “Good,” he says, pushing one finger into Cody slowly, easing him open. 

Seth watches, mesmerized, as Roman works Cody open, adding another finger, then another. Cody’s moans vibrate against Seth’s cock, driving him wild. Roman pulls his fingers free, and smacks the tender flesh of Cody’s ass cheek. “Get on your back, let us see that gorgeous body, baby boy.”

“Yes, daddy,” Cody acquiesces, quickly moving to lay himself out on the bed.

Cody’s chest rises and falls rapidly, his lips parted as he gazes at Seth with a mix of hunger and hesitation. “Seth…” he murmurs, his voice low and pleading. It’s enough to make Seth’s resolve waver for a heartbeat, but then he feels Roman step closer, the heat of his body radiating against Seth’s back.

“You want him, don’t you?” Roman’s voice is a deep rumble, vibrating through Seth’s core. It’s not a taunt—not entirely. There is something else there, something almost… possessive. As if Roman wants Seth to admit it, too.

Seth’s jaw tightens, but he doesn't deny it. How can he? The sight of Cody sprawled out like this, so vulnerable yet so in control of this entire situation, is doing things to him. And Roman. Even after everything, he can’t ignore the way his body reacts to the man’s presence.

Seth moves closer to Cody on the bed and swallows hard, his mouth dry. “You’re gonna kill me,” he mutters, half to himself.

Cody chuckles, a low, breathy sound that sends a shiver down Seth’s spine. “Not before you get what you came for.” His hand reaches up, fingers tangling in Seth’s hair, pulling him close until their foreheads touch. For a moment, it is just the two of them, locked in a gaze that says far more than words ever could.

But then Roman is there, his hands rough as they glide over Seth’s backside. “Enough playing around,” he growls, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Cody wants you. Wants both of us. Let’s give him what he wants, princess.”

Seth’s heart pounds as Roman touches him. The logistics are fuzzy in his mind, a blur of limbs and need, but when Cody shifts beneath him, spreading his legs and pulling Seth between them, it all clicks into place.

“I want you like this,” Cody whispers, his voice shaky but firm. “Ride me, baby. Let me fuck you while Roman takes me.”

Seth’s breath hitches. The idea alone is enough to make his cock twitch and his brain short circuit, but the look in Cody’s eyes - half desperation, half determination - push him over the edge. He nods, his throat too tight to speak.

The weight of the bed shifts as Roman joins them, the heat of the other man blanketing Seth’s back in a not at all unpleasant way. Seth hears the sharp inhale as Roman prepares Cody with slick fingers yet again. The sounds alone are enough to make Seth’s head spin, but the way Cody moans, his back arching as Roman works him open, is something else entirely.

Seth hesitates, staring down at Cody. “Are you sure you want this?”

“Don’t stop now,” Cody pleads, his voice firm despite the tremor in it. “I want this. Please, Seth. I need you.”

That’s all the encouragement Seth needs. He leans forward to give Cody another kiss, the first press of his cock against Cody’s is electric, a jolt of pleasure that makes both of them groan. As they kiss, Seth fumbles for the bottle of lube Roman had used and takes Cody’s hand to coat the other man’s fingers. The way Cody’s eyes blow wide with lust is an image Seth is sure he’ll never be able to scrub from his brain.

Further taking control of the situation, Seth takes Cody’s lube-slicked fingers and brings them around to his hole, not needing to say any more words for Cody to get the picture. Immediately Cody is slipping a digit into Seth’s entrance.

“Oh fuck, baby,” Cody groans, throwing his head back. “You’re so fucking tight.” 

Seth is lost in a daze as Cody tenderly works him open. Soon he has worked up to three fingers, stretching the muscle deliciously and teasing his prostate every few strokes. When he can take it no more, Seth bats cody’s hand away. 

Seth braces himself on one hand, the other gripping Cody’s hip as he sinks down on his cock slowly, savoring the burning stretch.

Cody’s breath comes in short, sharp gasps, his hands clawing at Seth’s back. “Fuck, Seth… you feel so good.”

Before Seth can respond, Roman’s voice cuts through the haze. “Ready, baby boy?” he asks, though it is clear from the way Cody shudders that Roman isn’t waiting for an answer.

Seth feels the shift in Cody’s body as Roman enters him, the way he tenses briefly before melting into the sensation. “God, yes daddy,” Cody gasps, his head falling back against the pillow. “Both of you… fuck, I can’t—”

The rest of his sentence is cut off by a moan as Seth begins to move, rolling his hips in a slow, deliberate rhythm to take more of Cody’s cock. It is awkward at first, trying to match the pace Roman sets behind him, but soon they find a cadence that works - a push and pull that has Cody writhing underneath him.

Cody cries out, his grip tightening on Seth’s thighs. Seth shudders, his mind swimming with sensation as Cody fucks up into him, his movements deliberate but with a desperate edge. Behind him, Roman begins to move, his hips thrusting in a steady rhythm.

“That’s it, baby boy,” Roman growls, his hands gripping Cody’s hips. “Take us both.”

Seth’s focus narrows to the feeling of Cody inside him, the way his cock hits just the right spot with every thrust. As he throws his head back in absolute pleasure, he catches a glimpse of Roman behind him, their eyes locking for the briefest of moments. There is something raw in Roman’s expression, something that mirrors the turmoil Seth feels every time he looks at the man. Their shared history hangs heavy in the air, unspoken but impossible to ignore.

“Look at him,” Roman says suddenly, his voice rough. “Look at how much he’s enjoying this. You did that, princess.”

Seth isn’t sure if it is praise or a challenge, but either way, it lights a fire in him. He leans down, capturing Cody’s lips in a heated kiss, swallowing the moans that spill from the man’s mouth. His hips snap forward, taking Cody’s cock deeper, harder, until Cody is crying out with every downward stroke.

Seth closes his eyes, surrendering to the sensations. The feel of Cody consuming him, the relentless push of Roman behind him, the way their bodies move together in perfect sync; it is overwhelming, intoxicating. He can feel himself teetering on the edge, his orgasm building with every thrust.

But then Roman leans down, his lips brushing against Seth’s ear. “Missed this, didn’t you, princess?” he murmurs, his voice dark and teasing.

Seth’s eyes fly open and he turns his head immediately, meeting Roman’s smoldering gaze. For a moment, their typical animosity flares, but it is quickly overshadowed by the undeniable chemistry that has always simmered between them. Without thinking, Seth grabs the back of Roman’s neck, pulling him into a fierce, bruising kiss.

“Oh fuck,” Seth distantly hears Cody whispering. “You two are so fucking hot.” 

And something about the fact that Cody is bearing witness to the weakness of Seth’s that is Roman Reigns is enough for him to pull abruptly away from the kiss. 

The smirk on Roman’s face is as infuriating as it is hot. Seth snarls at his ex-lover and turns his attention back to the gorgeous blonde man beneath him.

Seth leans down to brush his lips against Cody’s before pulling back. “Come on, Cody, fuck me harder… take what you need, baby,” he whispers suggestively against those lips. Cody groans and pushes himself deeper into Seth.

Seth takes one of Cody’s hands and drags it to his own aching cock. Cody immediately matches his strokes to the tempo they’re all fucking to. 

Behind them, Roman’s movements become more erratic, his grip on Cody’s hips tightening as he chases his own release. “That’s it,” he growls, his voice ragged. “Take it, baby boy. Take it all.”

And Cody does, his body arching as he comes undone, his cries echoing through the bus as he spills inside of Seth. Seth follows shortly after, burying his face in Cody’s neck as he spurts wave after wave of pleasure across Cody’s stomach and chest.

The three men collapse onto the bed in a pile of sated limbs. It doesn’t go unnoticed by Seth that Roman possessively pulls Cody into his side and away from Seth. He doesn’t hold back rolling his eyes at the gesture after what they’ve all just shared, but lets the moment go in silence.

What a wicked thing to say, you never felt this way
What a wicked thing to do, to make me dream of you 

For moments, everything is still except for the sound of their ragged breathing. Then Roman leans forward, his lips brushing against Seth’s ear. “Still think we’re not good together, princess?” he murmurs, his voice dripping with satisfaction.

Seth stiffens, the words cutting through the post-coital haze. He opens his mouth to retort, but before he can, Cody’s hands are on him, pulling him close. “Stop,” Cody whispers, his voice soft but firm. “Just… stop fighting. For once.”

Seth grins smugly while Roman huffs, and Seth moves so that he is firmly pressed into Cody’s, no matter how much it might annoy Roman. The room grows quiet and no one speaks for several moments.

A while later, Cody is the first to speak, his voice soft but laced with something unspoken. “Seth…” He hesitates, running a hand through his damp mop of blonde hair. “You okay?”

Seth lets out a low, bitter chuckle, his jaw tightening as he avoids Cody’s gaze. “Okay? No, I’m not okay. Despite what just happened here… I still can’t wrap my brain around you two,” his voice cracks slightly, betraying the hurt simmering beneath his anger.

Roman leans up, propping himself on his elbows. His dark eyes are narrow, sharp and calculating. “What does it matter, Seth? You got what you wanted, didn’t you?” There’s a challenge in his tone, a dare for Seth to push back.

Seth’s fists clench at his sides. “It matters because we…” he stops himself, glancing at Cody. “Because I thought we had something.”

Cody winces, his expression softening. “We did, Seth. We do. But Roman…” He trails off, shaking his head. “It’s complicated.”

“Complicated,” Seth repeats, the word tasting bitter on his tongue. He laughs again, this time sharper. “Yeah, no shit.”

Roman pushes himself upright, his movements fluid and deliberate. He looms over Cody, possessive and protective all at once. “If you can’t handle this, then leave,” he says coldly, his gaze never leaving Seth’s face. “But don’t pretend you didn’t enjoy yourself.”

Seth’s breath hitches. He opens his mouth to retort, but no words come. Because deep down, he knows Roman is right. The sight of Cody and Roman together - the way they move, the sounds they made - it has lit something primal in him, something he can’t ignore or turn off.

Cody reaches out, his fingers brushing against Seth’s knee. “Stay,” he murmurs. “Please. Let’s figure this out.”

Seth looks down at Cody’s hand, his chest tightening. He should pull away, storm out and leave them to their twisted little game. But he can’t. Not when Cody’s touch sends electricity skittering up his spine. Not when Roman’s presence, despite everything, still makes his pulse race.

Roman’s lips curve into a smirk, his eyes gleaming with something dangerous. “Good boy, princess,” he purrs, his voice low and teasing. “I knew you wouldn’t leave.”

Seth shoots him a glare, but there is no real heat behind it. “Don’t push me, Roman.”

“Or what?” Roman counters, leaning closer. “You’ll take a chair to my back? Like old times?”

Cody sits up between them, his hands pressing lightly against their chests. “Enough,” he says firmly. “If you’re both staying here, then I’m done with the fighting. Let it go.”

Roman raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. “And how do you propose we manage that, baby boy?”

Cody flushes, but he holds his ground. “We focus on each other. On making this work.” He glances at Seth, his blue eyes pleading. “Can you do that?”

Seth swallows hard, his resolve crumbling under Cody’s gaze. “I… yeah. I can try.”

Roman chuckles, the sound rich and velvety. “Alright princess.” His hand reaches across Cody and slides up Seth’s arm, sending shivers down his spine.

“You always were a glutton for punishment,” Roman whispers, his voice dripping with mockery and something darker, more enticing.

Cody glances sharply at Roman, a clear admonishment. Roman softens and kisses Cody’s brow, silently apologizing. 

Before Seth can verbally respond, Cody is there, his body pressing grounding Seth’s. “Hey,” he murmurs, his lips grazing Seth’s jaw. “Focus on me.”

Seth turns his head, his eyes locking onto Cody’s. The intensity of his gaze is enough to make Seth’s knees weak. He leans in, capturing Cody’s lips in a hungry kiss. It’s messy and desperate, a clash of teeth and tongues that leave them both gasping for air.

Roman watches them, his expression unreadable. For a moment, it seems like he might pull away. But then Cody is reaching for him, pulling him into the fray.

The dynamic shifts, the three of them folding together like pieces of a puzzle. Seth’s hands roam Cody’s body, tracing the lines of muscle and sinew. Roman’s touch is rougher, more demanding, his fingers digging into Cody’s hips as he claims his place.

Cody pulls away from the kiss and lightly nips at Seth’s lips one last time. He lays back down and opens his arms in a gesture for Seth to come to him. Unable to resist, Seth burrows into the embrace. He feels Cody reaching back to pull Roman into his other side.

“Thank you, both of you,” Cody whispers.

Seth listens as Roman presses a kiss to the back of Cody’s neck. “Anything for you, baby boy.” 

The intimacy between these two men should make Seth jealous. Or furious like he was when he first walked in. But now all he feels is exhaustion and some form of… completion. It’s confusing and frustrating and he wishes he could leave. Tells himself he should leave. 

“Seth?” Cody questions softly. 

And when Seth looks up into those crystal blue eyes, he knows he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. He pecks those luscious lips one more time. “I’m here, Cody.”

The smile beaming from Cody’s face tells Seth he’s making the right decision. He tries hard to ignore the small smile on Roman’s lips as well. And how happy it makes him to make Roman happy.

Seth sighs, letting himself relax further into Cody’s hold. But even as his body settles, his mind races. This thing between them - whatever it is - it’s far from over. And as Roman’s hand brushes against his, tentative and fleeting, Seth can’t help but wonder what would happen if he stopped fighting altogether.

No, I don’t wanna fall in love (this world is only gonna break your heart)