Chapter 11: Going Nowhere

"So grey is your favorite color huh? Is that why you could never look at me?"

"You'd like for that to be the answer wouldn't you?" she laughed

"It would boost my ego, so yes."

"Like you really need it."

Looking at Roman with a smile on her face she never understood why she didn't want to give him a chance in the first place. He brought joy to her life that she hadn't felt in such a long time. Between past relationships and constantly working she rarely got the chance to experience that. He was able to bring that back into her life and he didn't even realize it. Whether they made whatever they had official or not she definitely knew this man was going to bring some light into her life that she was sorely missing.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked

"You."

"Hopefully good thoughts."

"They always are. We should get back even though I'm sure my sister is still royally mad at me." she said with a sigh

"Why would she be?"

"Because I'm being an overbearing and protective sister."

"Let me take a guess. Dean huh?"

"Mhm. BINGO!"

"He's really not a terrible person. Especially with people he cares about. I'm sure he'll treat your sister with the respect and love that she deserves. He's just not tactful at times. Give him a chance Harleigha."

"That's the understatement of the year. I'd love to give him a chance if he didn't treat me like such shit every time I'm around."

"I wish I could explain to you why he's like that."

"Oh I can tell you. It's because of you. For some reason only he knows, he thinks that I'm just like any other female that has ever come into your life. I'm going to assume you haven't had the best time with relationships as of late and I'm also going to assume he thinks I'm going to run you dry. I tried to explain that I'm not that kind of person, my mother raised me better than that. He just doesn't seem to get it. Oh well it's not my problem it's his. He'll get over himself eventually and if not I can't control that. One thing I can say about him is that you have a good friend in him and I can respect that he wants to protect you. It's honorable to say the least."

"You seriously are a good woman. Come here." Standing up, he grabbed her by the hand and pulled her into a hug. Wrapping her long arms around his waist they silently stayed that way. After a while he pulled back and lifted up her chin with his index finger. Looking into her burning brown eyes he bent down and kissed her. She grabbed him tighter around the waist as he made the kiss deeper.

"Mmm…I'll never get tired of doing that." He said against her mouth

"I might if I keep getting dizzy and losing my train of thought every time. Are you trying to make me faint?" she laughed

"Well let me try that again. I don't think I got you dizzy enough because you're still standing."

"Don't you dare!"

"HEY, lovebirds you two plan on staying here all night?"

Turning around, they saw Seth leaning against a pillar looking at them with a smile on his face.

"How long you been there, Rollins?" asked Roman

"Not long. No need to be embarrassed there Harleigha. I think y'all are cute so don't mind me. I just wanted to make sure y'all didn't go off and get hitched. I want to be there. You know I'll be the best man of course."

Harleigha hadn't realized that she had scooted behind Roman, and hid her face in her hands in utter and complete embarrassment.

"Seth seriously shut up before I go smack you upside your head." laughed Roman

"No need big brother I'm leaving. Hurry up though, Dean wanted to hit a karaoke bar before we jump on the road tonight."

"Him and his karaoke."

"You know how he gets. I tried to say we could go to one over the weekend but he didn't listen. As usual. Not that he listens to me in the first place. We'll meet you down by the car. And hey Harleigha, your sister grabbed all your stuff and you two are welcome to join us tonight even though I think your sister made that decision for the both of you already."

"Of course she did. Thanks for the heads up Seth."

"No problem." Turning around he left them to head back to the car.

Grabbing her drawing kit and the empty pizza box which she tossed in a trash can, her and Roman headed down to the bottom of the garage. When they got there Seth, Dean, and Athena were standing by two cars talking. Dean had his arm around Athena's waist and she had her head on his shoulder. It also looked like she was wearing his signature baseball cap. Although, she didn't want to admit it to herself they looked cute together standing there and if he made her happy and was willing to protect Athena like Roman said he would then she was going to leave that up to them. So she did the unthinkable. Walking over to them, she asked them if she could speak to them together. Roman and Seth looked at her with confused looks on their faces but they let her go anyway.

"What's up Lei? I know that look so I'm assuming that begrudgingly you came to terms with something."

"First of all Athena, I will always be your overprotective and overbearing sister so it's something that you'll have to deal with. I might express to you things that you won't agree with but that's what older sisters are for and only death will take me away from that job. So with that being said, I know you two just met but it's clear that there's something going on here that is beyond my control. It's clear you like him and I'm going out on a limb here and saying that he likes you back. I may not like or trust this but you're my sister and all I want for you is pure happiness you deserve that and if this jackass right here is going to be the one to give that to you then I'll back off."

"I can respect your stance on this Harleigha and although I have the feelings I have towards you I will treat your sister with nothing but respect and that you can take to the bank. I don't play around when it comes to relationships. I may have been through quite a few in my time but that's because I never found that one person who completely got me and was willing to give me a chance, flaws and all. I think your sister might just be that person. I know you think I'm going to just screw her and leave but that's not the case. Not this time. Much like how Roman knew you were for him at first sight I knew something was there between your sister and I. Nobody has been able to put me in my place like that. You have my word, my bond that I will treat her the best way I know how and to the best of my abilities."

He put his hand out for her to shake and she placed hers in his. With a strong grip she pulled him forward and whispered in his ear, "one tear Dean one tear falls from her hazel eyes and I promise you that you will regret it."

"Deal." He said back as he gripped her hand tighter.

With that he let go of her hand and left Harleigha and Athena to talk alone. She saw him hop into the backseat of the SUV that Roman and Seth were leaning against.

"Thanks Lei."

"Mhm."

"You still don't like this do you?"

"Not at all but I can tell you one thing. He's different and I've heard many of your ex's spill that mess and broke your heart. I didn't get that vibe from him at all. He was genuine I could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice."

"Then is your issue the one he has with you?"

"More than likely, yes. I just don't get it. He's so foul to me."

"I'm sure you've been foul right back. Not much gets past you."

"Surprisingly not at all."

"Well then my guess is that you two have more in common than you think. You can't fault him for wanting to protect someone he cares about even though he's wrong about you. Just like he can't fault you for wanting to protect me."

"I guess. Look I don't feel like going out tonight. You can go though and I'll head back to the hotel we'll just leave early tomorrow."

"Are you sure? I think Roman will be disappointed." Athena said with a smirk on her face.

"Don't look at me like that."

"What? I see the way y'all look at each other. I haven't seen that look on your face ever. You genuinely seem happy around him and from what I hear from Dean, Roman seems to be absolutely down for you."

"Whatever. Go have some fun and be careful. Call me if you need anything."

"I will. Love ya Lei."

"Love you too."

Giving her sister a hug, Athena went over to The Shield's car and let them know that she wasn't coming. Hopping into the SUV of her own, she started the car and pulled up next to Roman.

"Are you sure you don't want to come?" asked Roman after she rolled down her window.

"Yeah I'm sure. Make sure she doesn't get to reckless."

"I'll take care of her."

"Thanks."

"Anytime." Roman leaned through the open window and gave her a kiss before she pulled off and headed back to the hotel.