Chapter 10

When Tuesday came, Roman found himself being nervous and lost. Even though he was sitting beside Dean in English, he was scared.

It felt as if he would lose him any moment. Which didn't make any sense. Dean had been nothing but affectionate to him all weekend.

When the bell rang, he reached for his bag and laced his fingers with Dean's immediately. If his boyfriend had thought it was strange, he didn't say anything.

Bray took a quick glance and walked out of class. Roman felt a mixture of confusion and sadness. Bray had done nothing but been a good friend to him.

What was bugging him was the nightmares he was having about that kiss in the forest. In the dream, Bray was kissing him and was reciprocating it. Then he was led into the house where two men wearing a sheep and llama masks seemed to be waiting for him.

"You okay, Roman?"

Dean was looking at him, concerned.

"Yeah. Why?"

"You're gripping my hand tight."

Roman looked down to find Dean's hand being squeezed. "Sorry, Dean."

"It's nothing to be sorry about. Just wondering what's bothering you."

They walked out of the class. "Well, I have Chemistry now," Roman said sadly.

"We can always skip school."

"What? I'm not sure-"

"Roman, something's obviously causing you worry. You don't have rehearsals until tomorrow. I'm not in the mood for… what do I have again?"

He chuckled. "World History."

"Yes. That."

"So what are you in the mood for?"

Roman dropped his head against Dean's shoulder while his boyfriend panted beneath him.

"That… that was amazing," Dean groaned. "Fucking hell, Roman. You're good."

He kissed Dean on his cheek. "Thank you."

"So, what's up?" Dean asked. "What's on your mind?"

He had invited Dean over to his house as both his parents were out of town. His parents had been bugging him about bringing Dean over for dinner. Too bad it was when they were out of town.

"Dean-"

"Roman, we're home!"

Roman jumped off Dean immediately when he heard his mother's voice. "M-Mum…" he stammered.

Dean just laughed.

They both got dressed. Roman was freaking out because he had skipped school. Dean stole some kisses in between.

When they came down, Roman's mother was smiling. "We saw your car in the driveway." She smiled at Dean. "Well, look who you brought home with you. Hello, Dean. Roman told us that you both are together now. Always knew it'd be you."

Dean snickered. Roman was sure his face had turned red. "Mum!"

She laughed. "Anyways, it'd be great if you stayed over for dinner, Dean."

Dean squeezed Roman's hand while looking at her. "I'd love to."

Dinner with Roman's family was always a lovely affair. Even before they had dated, both his parents had treated Dean like he was a member of the family.

Roman's parents had teased their son mercilessly as they enjoyed seeing him squirm.

Dean patted his thighs and laughed along. After dinner, Roman and him stayed behind to wash the plates.

"I'm really looking forward to the play," Roman commented. "I hope the school recognises my efforts."

"I'm sure they will," Dean assured. "It's kind of hard not to."

"I'm so lucky Bray volunteered for the Cheshire Cat. Bubba was being weird. I always thought that the auditorium smelt okay."

Dean shrugged. "Maybe Bray scared him off."

Roman raised an eyebrow. "What reason would Bray have for doing such a thing?"

"To get close to you." He was stepping on a dangerous territory but he had to. Not after the visits by Clarissa.

"Dean…"

"Roman, I'm not going to sugarcoat it for you. It doesn't take a genius to see he still wants you."

"He's my friend, Dean. I wished you'd respect that."

"Well I'm your boyfriend now, Roman. Maybe your friend should respect that."

"So we're giving each other ultimatums now?"

Dean sighed. "I'm just saying…" Why was he even trying? Roman was so hard pressed on defending Bray. He threw the dish cloth on the kitchen counter. "Forget it."

He walked to the living room and took his leather jacket, putting it on. Roman was looking at him sadly. "Dean…"

"No, Roman. No. I know you love to see the good in people and that's what I always loved about you. But some people have dark sides and Bray Wyatt is one of them. You can't see it. Most people can. People take advantage of your kindness, Roman. I spent our entire friendship fighting against people who tried to do so to you and should we not work out, I'll still keep doing so. Open your eyes, Roman. Bray Wyatt is not who you think he is."

Roman was looking down as if he were in deep thought.

Dean sighed. "I'll see you tom-"

"Don't go!" Roman said. "Please stay."

He found his hands being gripped. What was Roman afraid of? He made a mental note to ask him that later.

"Roman," he said firmly, "you know I care about you."

"I know," Roman replied softly.

"You know I love you."

"I love you too."

At that, he threw his arms around Roman and hugged him. Roman was returning it tight. "Are you breaking up with me?"

Dean's heart clenched. This was so unlike Roman. What happened to his confidence? "No, of course not. I'll stay as long as you want me to."

"Okay. Guess you're stuck with me then."

Dean laughed. "Nowhere else I'd rather be. Come on, you goof. Let's watch some TV."

"Dean!"

Dean slammed his locker door and found Corey walking towards him after gym. "What do you want?" he demanded.

Corey slung his gym towel over his shoulder. "Look, Dean. I came here to apologise."

What was his ex boyfriend up to? He have Corey a suspicious look. "Really? After all the things you've said? And threatened, I might add."

"I can't be angry and honestly I've been going out with someone recently. Someone I've been interested in before you."

That he was not expecting. "Who?"

"Phil Brooks."

Dean laughed. "What? Are you serious?"

"Yes, Dean. Laugh all you want…"

"But why did you even go out with me?"

"I've been trying to get with Phil for a while to be honest. But he was with Colt and I thought I could make him jealous. After a while, I gave up. He only recently admitted his feelings to me and well… I'm sorry, Dean. I wish Roman and you all the best. Oh and watch out for Bray."

"You know something, Corey?"

"You didn't hear about the cows on Henry Godwinn's farm?"

"Yeah. Doesn't he live not far from the Wyatts?"

"Yeah. But that's not it. His cows were found headless."

Dean gulped. "All of them?"

"Every single one. The cows were fine the night before… at least before they turned in for bed. My mum bumped into his brother, Phineas at the farmer's market. They're shaken about the whole thing."

"That's never happened here before."

"Not since the Wyatts moved here. Just ask Roman to watch out for himself. I know that Bray's his friend and all."

"It's going to get even worse."

"What do you mean?"

"Bubba quitted the play. He's no longer in it."

"But Bubba was bragging about his role a lot. I remember having to tell him to shut up or I'd shove cat food down his throat. Why'd he quit?"

"He hated the smell of the auditorium."

Corey made a face. "What? That doesn't even make sense."

"That's because it doesn't."

"So that's what Roman was talking about."

"What?"

"I overheard him telling Seth in gym that Bray's in the play. I wondered what role Bray had agreed to."

"Agreed?" Dean snorted. "Corey, he volunteered."

There was a knock on the locker door behind Corey. Phil was standing there with a smile. "Ready to go, Core?"

Corey nodded. "Yeah." He looked at Dean. "Just look out for Roman, okay?"

"Always."

Corey smiled and walked out of the locker room. Dean looked after him before he started to change.

"What road do I take?" Summer asked.

"Where do you want to go?" Bray replied with a script in hand.

"I don't know," Summer answered.

"Then," said Bray, "it really doesn't matter, does it?"

"And cut!" Roman announced. "That was a great job… the both of you."

Summer looked excited while Bray merely nodded.

"So rehearsal will be at the same time tomorrow," he continued. "Don't be late. Seth."

Seth was filing his nail by the corner of the stage. "An actor needs time to prepare."

"Prepare all you want before you come to school, Seth."

Seth crossed his arms. "Whatever."

Roman grinned. Seth was such a prima donna. "See you guys tomorrow."

There was no crew today just the cast so it didn't take everyone to disperse while Roman made more notes on his script.

Bray, who had stayed behind, sat down beside him. "I really did good?" he asked. "Or was that you being nice?"

He smiled. "You were really good. Sure you've no prior experience in theatre?"

"Now I think you're being nice."

"I assure you that I'm not."

"What are you writing?"

"Just some notes. Things to inform the crew on lighting or new props."

"You're dedicated, Roman. That's quite a goal you're working towards."

Roman laughed warmly. "It's nothing compared to the guys on the football team."

He noticed Bray was looking at him intensely. Roman stood up. "I should get going," he said. "Dean's waiting for me."

"Of course." Bray stood up too. "Thank you for giving me a chance, Roman."

"Not a problem."

He hugged Roman who was surprised at first. Roman heard something being murmured but he couldn't make out the words. Bray then tugged at his hair, whispering jargon in his ear.

"Roman?"

Dean. It sounded like it was from the hallway towards the auditorium. He must have grown impatient waiting.

"Babe, are you there?" Dean called out.

Roman shook his head. "Yeah!" he shouted back. "Just a second." He looked at Bray. "See you tomorrow."

Bray nodded and walked towards the second exit.

Dean reached Roman's side after walking down the stairs. He could have sworn he saw Bray exited as well. "You okay?"

He found his face being pulled towards Roman's and their lips met in an all consuming kiss. Dean's hands immediately clung onto his Iron Maiden t-shirt.

He pushed Dean on the floor and started kissing him fiercely, his hands roaming all over Dean's body. "Roman," Dean panted as Roman started to kiss his cheekbone. "I don't think this is the best place to do this."

He heard Roman grunting before he rained kisses on his neck before going back to claim Dean's lips again. Dean melted against him and slid his hands beneath Roman's t-shirt. Well, there was always a first to do it in the auditorium, he thought mischievously.

"Bray…" Roman whispered huskily before he bit Dean's neck.

Dean's eyes flew open. Bray? What the hell?

He pushed Roman off and frowned. "Dean?" Roman asked, his face confused. "What's wrong?"

"You called me Bray. What the fuck, Roman?!" He stood up and adjusted his leather jacket. "Fuck!"

Roman stood up. "Dean, I don't remember saying…"

"He doesn't know."

Dean turned around and saw Clarissa standing there, still in that tattered dress and missing shoe. This was getting scary. Clarissa was missing and yet she was here in front of Dean?

"He's fine now,"she said. "But you have to be careful. You have to take care of him."

"Dean?"

He found Roman looking at him strangely.

"Ummm… I…" Dean trailed.

"I had no idea that I was saying Bray's name." He looked upset. "Are you sure you heard me say that?"

"Yes, Roman."

"I'm really sorry, Dean. I didn't mean to. I don't even know why. You know that it's you that I want. I've always wanted you."

Dean nodded briskly before turning to look at Clarissa who had a small smile on her face.

"Why do you keep looking at that chair?" Roman asked.

Oops. "I… uh… I was having a kinky thought. Involving that chair. And you and me, of course."

Roman smiled. "Maybe after opening night."

"Look, umm… I know you told me that I didn't need to be here for the play but I'd like to get involved."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I'm very sure."

"Okay sure. We have rehearsals tomorrow at four."

"I'll be here." After what Clarissa had said, after what Roman had whispered… Dean knew that he had to step up.

Bray was not taking away what was his.