One

Roman Reigns deleted the first sentence he had typed in the computer, a letter at a time. Why hadn't anyone warned him that being a novelist would be so hard?

One would think that the third book would be easier but as he was learning now - clearly not.

He leaned against his chair and crossed his arms, his brown eyes scanning his surroundings of the cafe. Nice place, he thought. Small, quaint and cosy with warm yellow wallpaper and a counter with a cake showcase displaying slices of cakes, pies and tarts.

The coffee was fresh as were the bread and cakes. Roman loved the lemon tart; it wasn't too sour or sweet.

"More coffee?"

Roman nodded and the server - an auburn haired blue eyed man - filled his ceramic white mug. "Thanks… uh… Dean?!" Roman's jaw dropped.

"Roman."

Well, this was a small world.

Dean Ambrose in the flesh. His ex boyfriend - first love - looked more toned with that narrow waist that used to drive him crazy.

Lovers who had nothing planned but quickies in the male bathrooms and tonsil hockey sessions at Grove Lane.

Until Roman had broke up with him when he couldn't deal with Dean not reciprocating his love. The blue eyed man was more physical than emotional and Roman found himself being heartbroken that Dean never saw anything for them outside high school.

They had a nasty breakup with Dean accusing Roman of having a contingency plan. It hurt to hear that because Roman loved Dean.

He really did.

When he left for Brown University, he had no intention of returning back home after graduation. The memories were still there and he knew no matter where he went, it would be there waiting to slap him in the face.

But his mother had passed on and he had been left the house according to her will. Renovation was underway to fix some things so he had been staying in the hotel across the cafe.

"Thanks," Roman mumbled again.

"No problem," Dean replied coolly. "You're a regular here according to Jeff so it'd be a crime not to slide you some extras."

"Won't your boss be furious you did something like that?"

Dean grinned. "I am the boss."

"You own Ambience?"

"Yeah."

"Why Ambience?"

"For obvious reasons."

Dean had him there. The place was a haven for him this past week. "I haven't seen you here until today."

"Just got here in time from the airport to release Jeff for his break. I was on vacation."

"Where did you go?"

"Vegas. Rolled some dice, banged some guys. What about you? What are you doing now?"

"Novelist."

"What kind of novels?"

"Mysteries."

"I love mysteries. I love the unknown."

"I remember." Roman smiled at the memory. "Mine happens to be a series."

Dean twitched a bit. "I'm sorry about your mum."

So he had heard. "Yeah. She uh… she asked about you."

"Oh." Dean looked flustered. "Why me though? Last I heard you were seeing someone-"

"We broke up. Caught him in bed having a real good time."

Dean nodded. "Well, I'll leave you to your writing then. It was great seeing you again, Roman."

Roman watched him return to his counter, setting the pot down before wiping the steel table.

Dean still had that cute butt that he loved spanking. He wondered if he still liked it. Stop it, he reprimanded himself. You need to start this.

He was just typing the second paragraph when the sound of a plate being placed on his table caused him to divert his attention. A lemon tart was in front of him and the aroma of it made his stomach growl.

"Fresh from the oven," Dean informed him. "Jeff said you always ordered these."

"Yeah. They're delicious." Roman broke a piece with the fork. "Your recipe?"

"My mum's."

"How is she?"

"Travelling Europe with husband number five."

"Nice. I'm kind of envious."

"Don't be. I'm sure you've travelled a lot too."

"But I don't get to explore much. My ex boyfriend always wanted to stay in."

"Why?"

"He's a popular actor for that YA series, Wolfgang."

"No clue."

Roman chuckled. Of course. Dean usually watched the Discovery or History Channel. "Matt Jackson."

"Still doesn't ring a bell."

"Anyways, I'm hoping to finish this novel and go for a two week vacation."

"Anywhere in mind?"

"Hawaii I suppose. Catch some waves, maybe just unwind… I haven't confirmed anything yet."

"Hmmm you going to be back for good?"

"Yeah."

"Wanna catch up over dinner?"

"Is tonight okay?"

And Dean finally smiled, dimples appearing. "Yeah, tonight's fine."

Not that he didn't have any reason not to smile.

For as long as he could remember Dean loved Roman Joseph Reigns; probably always would. But boy was he a mess when it came to acknowledging his feelings aloud.

Saying those words felt like a vow. Dean was afraid that Roman was getting way ahead of himself by proclaiming his love. He was destined for great things and that was confirmed when he got into Brown.

Dean couldn't get into college. He hid the rejection letters from Roman, afraid of getting left behind once Roman adapted to the Ivy League life.

He had to let go before either of them got hurt further.

Dean then enrolled into a local pastry school and when stepdad number five retired, he gave Dean money to open a shop of his own. "You deserve a fresh start," was his explanation.

And so Dean had sourced for a shop, finding this place at the perfect opportunity: the owner was retiring.

Paying him a reasonable amount, he used the half of the remaining sum to restore the place and buy new equipment.

Jeff Hardy was the first to apply and the first to be hired, with his brother, Matt being the second and Antonio Cesaro being the third.

They were great guys who turned into great friends too. Sometimes, after closing the cafe, they would head to the closest bar for a beer or two.

Dean never dated after breaking up with Roman, preferring to have one night stands instead.

No commitment. No problems.

At least that was what he had thought until he spotted Roman sitting near the corner.

Then Dean knew he was in serious trouble.

His ex boyfriend must have been hungry because he had finished the tart. Dean approached him once more, admiring how time had treated the handsome Samoan man: long black locks with a perfectly manicured moustache and beard… that incredible jawline-

Get yourself together, Dean!

"Hey, you want more?" he asked as he picked the plate up.

Roman smiled warmly. "Nah. I think I'll head out to grab a sandwich or something."

"I can do that," Dean offered. "I usually make my own."

"Dean-"

"I insist."

Roman said nothing.

"Would you like to see the kitchen?" Dean invited.

The brown eyed man leaned forward. "Asking me out on a date, Dean?"

Dean licked his lips. Well… it had been fourteen years... "What if I was?" he tested.

Roman stood up, eyes not leaving his as he strode slowly towards him. "If you were, I hope you know that things have changed a lot."

"Like that kick ass arm sleeve tattoo you have?"

"Like I'm afraid, Dean. I'm afraid that once I go out with you, I'll want to keep on doing that."

"Me too. But I'm willing to try this time. No more hiding either."

"I never hid-"

"I meant me, Roman. I was hiding; I was hiding my feelings for you."

Roman's brown eyes widened. "What… why would you do that?"

"You were always destined for greater things, Roman. I wasn't. I liked my life the way it was. You wanted to step out and accomplish more. And you did! Fuck, you even dated an actor!"

"But you've done incredible for yourself too, Dean. And big deal about Matt. He's not worth mentioning." Roman sighed softly. "I want to see how it goes with us now. I want to give it a shot again. Let's try again, okay?"

Dean stared at him. They always connected well. Fourteen years had passed but it was like nothing had happened.

As if those words weren't thrown carelessly despite the hidden reason...

But did Dean want Roman so bad. Wanted Roman to love him the way he did all those years ago.

"Okay," he agreed as he reached for Roman's hand.