Four

Music was Dean's heart and soul. For as long as he could remember, music had always been there for him.

AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, The Ramones, Pantera… Dean listened to these bands all throughout his youth, their music speaking to his soul. He didn't exactly had the best childhood growing up. After all, a coked up mother and a dead beat father was nothing to brag about.

He took his first swig of alcohol at ten when his father, of all people, offered him a small glass. Dean had made a face but his father's taunts egged him on. Then his father poured him a second glass.

By the time he had met Seth in fifth grade, he was drinking once a week because that was all his father brought home. Seth, too, came from a hard life. His father had abandoned his family, leaving his mother to work day and night to support him. He hung out with Corey, Jeff and Matt who were in sixth grade and invited Dean to join them.

They spent time jamming in Corey's garage and came up with riffs in the most random of times. Sometimes the tune came to them in the middle of a test, during a school assembly… they didn't question. They embraced it.

For Dean, personally, music was a means to battle his demons.

He had so much pain from what he had endured in his childhood that writing songs gave him a sense of comfort.

A form of ecstasy that made him as high as downing the bitter liquid he craved so much.

The band's success had took them by surprise.

When Paul informed that they had enough money to buy a house, the first thing Dean wanted in his house was a recording studio of his own. It was one of the many dreams that he had achieved.

Showing Roman the studio a day after their date - just before Roman's shift - was literally him baring his soul. Roman's expression was the icing on the cake the moment he walked into the house.

"Wow, Dean," he breathed. "This house is amazing."

"Well it better be after what I paid for it."

"You have a huge pool! And that view is just breathtaking." He looked out at the trail. "It must be heavenly waking up to this every morning."

Dean grinned. "Well it is but wait till you see the studio."

"Studio?"

Dean grabbed Roman's hand with his left hand - his right hand was holding his favourite rock glass filled with Jack Daniel's - and pulled him towards a staircase leading to the basement. There was only one room in the basement. When Dean was house hunting, he knew that this would be the perfect place for it.

The walls were not symmetrical compared to some of the studios he had recorded in before and he had soundproof walls in also made sure he had giant soundboards, mixing consoles and tape machines because he loved the sound it produced instead of a home computer the way some of his musician friends had.

He also had a drum, a couple of Gibsons and ESPs and a Fender 1958 Precision bass.

Roman was looking in awe at the instruments. Dean looked at him keenly. "Do you like it?" he asked. Gosh what was with him? He was never like this with anyone. Not even Baron, a guy he thought he would last with until he flipped Dean off and rode on the back of a Harley with Steve Austin, lead guitarist of the hard rock band, Skull Crushers.

Well, he didn't exactly jumped on the Harley but he might as well have after Dean caught the two of them in a damn tonsil hockey at the Elton John Grammy's after party.

Roman nodded, mouth slightly opened. "Do you play any of the instruments?"

"Just the ESP Flying V. She's my favorite."

"You named her?"

"Dixie."

"Why Dixie?"

"...I love the Dixie Chicks, okay?"

Roman burst out laughing and a beat later, Dean joined in. "Are you serious?" he said.

"It's true," he replied, chuckling. "You can't listen to metal all the time. Listening to different genres diversifies your sound."

"So how is this different to how music is being recorded these days?"

"Well, old analog gears like these create a kind of warmth and sound that just doesn't come out naturally from softwares like how most studios use these days. Pro Tools can replace all these because it's easier to edit tracks and recall settings but as far as sonic quality goes… the sound from old gears are just irreplaceable."

Roman sat on the black sofa couch and grinned at Dean. "Can you play something for me?"

Dean felt humbled at that moment. Something stirred within him as he gazed at Roman. This guy was getting the best of him, he realised. Grabbing an acoustic guitar, he sat down beside him. "What do you want to listen to?"

"How about Patience by Guns and Roses?"

Dean made a face. "Are you sure?"

"That's the only rock song that I like… besides your songs, of course."

Roman was blushing, Dean thought with a sense of pride. I did that, he thought. He drained the last of his whiskey before he began strumming.

Shed a tear 'cause I'm missin' you

I'm still alright to smile

Girl, I think about you every day now

Was a time when I wasn't sure

But you set my mind at ease

There is no doubt you're in my heart now

Said woman take it slow, and it'll work itself out fine

All we need is just a little patience

Said sugar make it slow and we'll come together fine

All we need is just a little patience (patience)

Mm, yeah

His eyes never left Roman as he sang the rest of the song but he hoped, prayed that he would know that it was about him.

That everything was clear to him now that Roman was in his life.


I sit here on the stairs

'Cause I'd rather be alone

If I can't have you right now, I'll wait dear

Sometimes I get so tense but I can't speed up the time

But you know love there's one more thing to consider

Said woman take it slow and things will be just fine

You and I'll just use a little patience

Said sugar take the time 'cause the lights are shining bright

You and I've got what it takes to make it

We won't fake it, I'll never break it

'Cause I can't take it

Roman knew - he knew - that Dean was into him. He picked up the signs, could read it in his body language. He wanted Dean too but he wanted to take it slow. He wanted to enjoy the view while going on the journey.

Of course if he gave in to his desire, he'd pounced on the guy by now because what person wouldn't be dazzled with Dean Ambrose singing to them?

He hoped, prayed that Dean would know that the song was about him; that just as the song lyric stated to take it slow and it will work itself out fine.

That they will come together fine; all they needed was just a little patience.

Dean had finished strumming the last note and his blue eyes didn't leave Roman's. Damn it. How could Roman resist him? "I… uh… wow. Dean, that was even better than the original."

Was it his imagination or did Dean seemed disappointed? "...Thanks." Then in true Dean Ambrose style, he smirked. "Well, Axl Rose has nothing on me."

"Your humility has no bounds."

"I try."


Club 95 was a hot spot famous with the young celebrities in film and music. There were live performances by metal bands and hard rock bands. Occasionally rap music was played too.

For Dean, it was where Steel Hounds usually hung out before they toured for two years straight. Seth's friend, Marek Brave, owned the place and it was always crowded. When he arrived at the club, he found Corey and Matt toasting their glasses together, Jeff smoking heroin and Seth kissing the waitress.

"You guys started without me?" Dean asked sliding into the red velvet booth. He placed an order for a bottle of Jack Daniel's. "What's the hurry?"

"Dude, now I can say that I am a rock star," Jeff said, a bit strung out. "This is the life, boys. We earned it."

"Here, here!" All five - Dean poured a bourbon into an empty glass on the table - raised their glasses.

Seth spanked the waitress' butt before she walked off. "We weren't sure you were coming, Dean. Especially after how high you are for that new guy you met."

"Nah, this isn't Roman's scene."

"Roman? That's his name?" Jeff repeated. "Roman Empire!"

"Dude, I would love to have lived during the Roman Empire," Matt boomed, pouring himself another glass of vodka. "To see Constantine and all-"

"Nah man. You're thinking too small," Corey said, lighting up a joint. "We should have lived during the Galactic Empire. I mean to see Darth Vader and Darth Sidious and shit."

Dean rolled his eyes, accepting his order from the waiter. "Star Wars isn't real, Corey."

"For the hundredth time, Dean, it happened a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away."

Dean snickered and knocked back his drink. The taste of the cool liquid down his throat barely quenched his thirst. He poured himself another one just as Luke Gallows, bassist of The Club, came up to their table. "Hey you guys want some candy? Karl's guy is here."

Jeff stood up. "Fuck me if I don't." He passed Seth his stick before following Luke. Matt looked at them both. "Hey, wait up!" he called, running after them.

"Just us," Dean said. "Three musketeers."

"Speak for yourself, Deano," Corey replied. "I need to go home to the wife soon."

Seth laughed. "Corey, you're whipped, man."

"Am not."

"It's only nine o'clock, Corey. Chill out."

Corey shrugged. Then his eyes followed someone in the crowd. "Hey, Deano."

Dean was just draining his second glass. "Yeah?"

"Baron's here."

"Fuck." He sat up straight and drank straight from his bottle.

Baron Corbin, drummer for The Wolves of Highland, still had the same trademark smirk of his when he stared at Dean. "Hey, Dean."

"Hey."

"What are you doing here all alone?"

"Fuck me if I know."

Seth was glaring at Baron. "Get the fuck out of here, Baron. Shouldn't your tongue be down your redneck boyfriend's throat?"

Baron turned his attention to Seth. "Steve's out of town."

"Oh brother."

Just then, Big E, the club owner ran up to their table. "Someone's tipped off the popo. You guys better make a move on!"

Dean grabbed his Jack Daniel's as all around him, people were scurrying and in a frenzy. Baron winked at him "Call me, Dean," he shouted before disappearing into the crowd.

"What was that all about?" Corey asked, fuming.

Dean shrugged. "Don't care. Not interested. Looks like we'll be continuing this party at Seth's crib."

Seth grinned. "Sure, let's go now. But you're bringing the booze."

"Always, baby."

His phone beeped then. It was from Roman. Dean felt his heart jump.

Just finished work and am heading home. Hope you're having a good time with your friends. Stay safe.

He had to see him again. Dean didn't know how long he could wait before wanting to pounce on him and claim him as his own. Somewhere, his common sense kicked in. He couldn't let Roman see him like this; Roman deserved to see him at his best.

"Hey Axl, you still with us?" Corey sniggered.

"Shut up, Corey," Dean replied.


Something was buzzing.

Dean swiped his hand over his ear, wanting the insect to go away. But then he heard the sound again and opened his eyes. It took him a while to let it sink that his front door bell buzzer was being pressed by someone.

He rolled over and fell on the floor and realised that he had been sleeping on his couch in the living room. "I'm coming!" he shouted as he dragged his feet to the door.

The sight of a smiling Roman Reigns greeted him and for once, Dean wished he hadn't been partying. Dressed in a tight black t-shirt and denim jeans, his long black hair flowing freely and that smile - Roman had the most genuine smile he had ever seen on a person - Dean wanted nothing more than to take him into his arms and kissed the hell out of him.

"Wild night?" Roman chuckled good naturedly.

"Yeah you could say that."

Well it wasn't exactly that farfetched. Seth's house had booze, coke and strippers. Baron even crashed it with some other punk rockers. Someone even hired a kids' party entertainer to dress up in a Spongebob costume and party with them. He remembered the curtains being set on fire. But that could have been his imagination.

"What brings you here?" Dean continued.

Roman held up a brown paper bag. "I got us some breakfast from McDonald's," he replied with a smile. "I hope you're hungry."

"Oh I am hungry." He gave Roman a look over. "Just for something else."

Roman's cheeks were pink again, Dean noted in satisfaction. "Dean…" he said, his voice low as Dean came closer to him. His arms were now around Roman's waist. "You sure you have the patience, Roman?" he whispered.

"I can try…" came Roman's weak reply.

Dean licked his lips. "But you'll give in."

"I… will?"

Without giving him any more chance, Dean pulled him in and kissed him fiercely. Roman wrapped his arms around and begin to move his lips too. Damn. Roman tasted all sugar and spice and everything nice; Dean likened it to the taste of cinnamon.

He tugged on Roman's hair, deepening the kiss. Roman responded with as much fervor.

"Dean?"

They both broke apart and turn towards the direction of the door. Dean's heart dropped. Standing in the doorway was Baron.

"Dean," Roman asked. "Who's that?"

Thanks for the reviews, guys!

Lyrics to Patience credits to SLASH, IZZY STRADLIN, DUFF MC KAGAN, STEVEN ADLER, W. AXL ROSE