A/N:Thank you all for the love. I finally hit the 100 review milestone *happy dance* So thanks for that. After seeing Dean be so amazingly crazy and sexy on Battleground, I had to get this out. (But Roman looking like he lost his puppy had me in my feels! OH BAE!) We're starting to get to the reeeaalllll goooodddd stuff. *grins* Enjoy. :-)
"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Alex! Happy birthday to you!"
A wide grin spread across Alexandria's face as Roman sat a small cupcake in front of her, a single candle sticking in it as everybody at the table clapped happily. Closing her eyes, Alexandria silently made a wish before blowing out the candle making the applause grow louder.
Alexandria couldn't believe how fast time had passed. It seemed as if it was just last week when she fled Georgia but it had actually been 5 months since then. While her life wasn't as perfect as she would like to be, she was still grateful to had made it to another year and that she was able to spend it with family and friends. As Alexandria glanced around the table, her smile slightly faltered when she realized one important person was missing.
Dean.
Alexandria wished that she could've invited Dean, eager to celebrate the occasion with him. But since he was still at odds with both Alyssa and Roman, she knew that wasn't possible. During the past two months, the two of them had grown closer to each other, sharing more of their past with one another while exploring their feelings. Alexandria enjoyed listening to stories about Dean's days as an independent wrestler, fascinated by all the experiences he had. She also liked the way Dean made her feel. Instead of feeling like she was beneath him and only regulated as his arm candy, he actually behaved as if he cared about her. He was interested in learning more about what made her tick, what she enjoyed to do, and what her goals for life were. Dean treated her like an actual person while Wesley merely treated her like one of his many prized possessions.
However, instead of being able to celebrate her birthday openly with the man that she was slowly developing feelings for along with everybody else in her circle, she had to sneak and see him after she left Roman and Alyssa's. Dean told her he had something special planned for her birthday and she couldn't wait to see what it was.
"Seems like somebody is thinking real hard over there."
Cameron's teasing tone interrupted Alexandria's thoughts, making her glance up from the cupcake she was eating. Flashing her a soft smile, Alexandria pushed her wavy black hair off her forehead.
"Sorry, I was just thinking about how great my birthday lunch was. Who knew Roman could cook like that?" Alexandria giggled as she looked at Roman who was busy loading the dishwasher with dirty dishes, Seth and Jimmy both helping him. "You're a lucky woman to have a husband that knows how to cook Lyssa."
"I wish he would teach his cousin. Because all Jimmy knows how to make is a bowl of damn cereal." Naomi scoffed making the other women chuckle.
"It definitely pays to have a man that can cook. Trust me when a man cooks for a woman, it's special because in their eyes they feel as if that's them doing something romantic. Not only that but once I give birth, he can cook for us on the days I don't feel like it. And it's definitely sexy watching him in that kitchen. " Alyssa leaned back in her chair and bit her bottom lip as she watched Roman's muscles flex as he wiped off the counter.
"Girl, is it me or have you become freakier since you got pregnant?" Cameron joked with a chuckle.
Alyssa blushed shyly and pointed to her stomach. "How do you think I got this?" she asked with a giggle making her friends roll their eyes.
"What are you over here giggling about gorgeous?" Roman question as the men approached the table. He sat down in the chair next to Alyssa and grabbed her hand.
"Just girl talk babe. But time to give Alex these gifts so y'all can leave and allow me and my man some alone time." Alyssa wiggled her eyebrows suggestively earning her another laugh from the guests.
The next few minutes were spent with everybody handing Alexandria their presents, most of which were gift cards to stores that she could shop at to furnish her apartment. The moment then arrived for Cameron to hand over her present. She flashed her a coy grin before handing her the cute hot pink gift bag. "I think this is something that you'll be able to put to very good use," the diva told her with a wink.
Alexandria's face contorted in confusion as she hesitantly grabbed the bag and opened it. Her eyes widened as she quickly closed the bag as a deep crimson blush appeared on her face. "NO THE HELL YOU DIDN'T!" she exclaimed.
Alyssa dragged her hand over her face, shaking her head before turning to face Cameron. "What did you do now Cam?"
"I didn't do anything bad!" Cameron claimed, snatching the bag out of Alexandria's grasp so she could pull out the present. Everybody's mouths dropped open in shock as they stared at the gift.
"YOU BROUGHT HER A VIBRATOR?!" Naomi crowed, staring at her co-worker in shock as the men at the table erupted in laughter. "What in the hell girl?! "
"I thought I was being helpful! I wasn't going to try to pimp her out so she could get her back banged out so I thought a vibrator was the next best thing. It's not even one of those complicated ones. The salesperson told me it was very good for beginners."
"You asked a salesperson for help to buy me a vibrator?" Alexandria dropped her head on the table and covered her face with her arms.
"Cam you can't be going out buying chicks vibrators like they're birthday cards. How do you even know she wanted one?"
"Alyssa trust me, every woman wants a vibrator. Hell, I know you probably got one to hold you over between the times Roman bends that ass over."
Roman almost choked on the water he was drinking as he looked at Alyssa, waiting for her to respond to Cameron's accusation. She turned her head to avoid his gaze making him smirk as he decided to hold onto the piece of information for a later date.
"You just couldn't buy one normal ass present. You just couldn't take your ass to a damn Bed, Bath, and Beyond to buy a gift card. You just had to go be over the top and shit," Naomi mumbled, pushing Jimmy in his chest as he continued chuckling.
"Girl you a damn mess," Jimmy added, still unable to hold in his laughter despite Naomi side eyeing him.
"At least it's a memorable gift?" Seth said, trying to lessen the tension in the room.
Alyssa rolled her eyes at Seth before turning her attention to Alexandria, reaching out to grab her hand, squeezing it gently. She knew her cousin had to be embarrassed to receive the present in front of everybody since she wasn't as outspoken about sex as the rest of the women were. "Alex you okay?"
Alexandria exhaled deeply before raising her head and staring at Cameron across the table, her expression emotionless. Cameron bit her bottom lip nervously.
"I just have one question Cam."
"And that would be?"
"Did you at least buy me batteries to go inside my new battery operated boyfriend?"
"Hey, there you are," Alexandria said with an easy smile as she walked into Roman and Alyssa's spare bedroom spotting Roman standing at the desk sitting inside. "I was just coming to say bye and thanks for the delicious lunch. No wonder Alyssa scooped you up."
Roman chuckled as he turned away from the box he was sifting through to face Alexandria. "Yeah she just married me for my culinary skills. But don't worry about it. Alyssa felt bad we couldn't go to dinner with you since we have our Lamaze class tonight and I didn't want her to try to cook herself."
Alexandria nodded her head as she glanced at the picture frame Roman was holding, her eyes landing on a picture of him, Seth, and Dean dressed all dressed in black cargo pants and vests. "What's this?"
"Just some photos from when I first got to the main roster. I'm painting the room tomorrow for the nursery and need to move everything out by then."
"So this is the group that you used to be in? I think Alyssa mentioned it before and how popular you all were."
"Yeah, we had a good run." Roman exhaled, the smile on his face still intact.
"So do you hang out with the other one? I know I saw him in your locker room when I came by to grab Lyssa's phone but I rarely see him around like I always see Seth."
Alexandria watched with a curious eye as Roman exhaled again before placing the photo frame back inside the box. Grabbing the box, he placed it on the floor and turned his attention back to Alexandria, shaking his head. "Not really. He went his way and I went mine. Grateful to have teamed up with him but I guess it wasn't meant for us to be friends after the fact."
The range of emotions that crossed Roman's face when he talked about Dean didn't go unnoticed by Alexandria. Ever since that night Dean confided in her about the backlash from his betrayal on Roman, he hadn't mentioned the destroyed friendship since. Alexandria wasn't even aware the two of them were working on a new storyline together until she ran into Dean in Roman's locker room and Alyssa mentioned it casually later that night. It was as if they accepted the idea that the two of them would never be friends again. However, Alexandria couldn't help but feel that that there was something inside both of them that longed to rekindle their friendship.
"Well that's unfortunate. Do you think that you two will ever become tight again?" Alexandria probed, biting her bottom lip softly.
Roman parted his lips to reply before closing them quickly. He tilted his head to the side pensively and shrugged his shoulders. "Honestly, I don't know. There are certain things you don't do that Dean did and I'm not sure if I'm ready to move past that yet."
"Would you want to?"
The question caught Roman off guard. He wasn't quite sure if he wanted to fix his friendship with Dean or not. Sure, it felt great not having to deal with the drama anymore and he was happy with his life with Alyssa and the current state of his career. However, there were times when he felt as if something, or rather someone, was missing. Things just didn't feel right without Dean by his side to celebrate all the good things that were happening. Dean had been there since the beginning and it was only right that he should be there to see Roman's hard work and hustle come full circle. But Dean made that impossible when he stabbed Roman in the back. Now the Samoan man had to move on without the man that he once considered his best friend and mentor.
"It really doesn't matter what I want Alex. It's not possible," he said before grabbing the box off the floor and walking out the room.
"What do you have up your sleeve now, Mr. Ambrose?"
Dean grinned coyly as he navigated his car through the sparse traffic, turning his head slightly to peak at Alexandria in the passenger seat. She was staring at the passing scenery, trying to determine where he was taking her but being unsuccessful. She turned back around to face him and raised her eyebrow curiously.
Dean shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, grabbing Alexandria's hand and lacing his fingers with hers before squeezing softly. "I guess you'll just have to wait to see when we get there doll face," he replied with a chuckle.
Alexandria clicked her tongue against her teeth, reclining her seat. As Dean continued to drive towards their destination, he silently hoped the woman next to him would like the birthday surprise he planned for her and didn't think he was completely out of his mind when she learned what he had planned to celebrate her birthday.
A few minutes later, Dean pulled into a parking lot, killing the ignition. He climbed out the car and made his way to the passenger side to open the door for Alexandria. She raised her eyebrow when she glanced at the sign hanging over their heads.
"You brought me to the grocery store?" she asked.
Dean couldn't help but chuckle at Alexandria's confusion. He wrapped his arms around her waist and lowered his head. Alexandria whimpered against Dean's lips as they kissed, her hands immediately finding their place in his unruly auburn curls, fingertips massaging his scalp. Dean's skillful tongue pried apart the seam of her lips while he pushed Alexandria back into the passenger side door, his leg stepping between hers as the kiss intensified. Dean hadn't kissed many women before but he could kiss Alexandria for the rest of his time on Earth if he wanted. The way she responded to his touch intensified his eagerness for her and drove him crazy. God, what was this woman doing to him?
"Are you gonna tell me why you brought me to the grocery store on my birthday or are you gonna make out with me all damn day?" Alexandria asked with a giggle once she pulled away.
"I don't know darling, making out all damn day seems like the much better option," Dean replied as he buried his face in the crook of Alexandria's neck, pecking her skin softly and making her body shiver.
"Deeeaann," Alexandria moaned softly, her body becoming lax in his embrace. She placed her hands on his shoulder and pushed him away gently looking at him expectantly.
"Fine. So remember when we were talking about bringing each other out of our comfort zones and making each other do things we never thought we would?" Dean asked. Alexandria nodded her head. "Well that's what I'm doing."
"So you never went grocery shopping?"
Dean chuckled and shook his head. "No I've been grocery shopping before doll face. But I haven't cooked a meal for a woman before nor have I invited one to my apartment."
Alexandria's brown eyes enlarged in shock as she stumbled backwards. "Wait, what? You want to cook me a meal? Like, you can actually cook?"
"Doll face, I'm hurt." Dean placed a hand over his chest and gasped playfully. "What, you think I only survive off of beer and cigarettes?" he asked incredulously before quickly holding up his hand. "Don't answer that."
Alexandria giggled. "Sorry, but you just don't seem like the type that is a master in the kitchen."
"Well that I'm not. But I can at least make the essentials. But if you don't want me to then-"
"Oh no. I have to see how this is going to work," Alexandria said with a shake of her head. She wrapped her arms around Dean's waist and pulled him closer to her body. "Anyway, I can't wait to watch your sexy self serve me dinner."
Dean growled low in his throat before his lips crashed onto Alexandria's. Thrusting his tongue inside her mouth, Dean smirked when he felt her body fall limp in his embrace her own tongue tangling with his. He pulled away and caressed the back of her neck with his fingertips.
"Don't tease me Alex. I don't know if you'll be able to handle the consequences," Dean whispered, his raspy voice sending a chill down her spine as his eyes darkened slightly. He bit his bottom lip as his eyes traveled over her appearance, appreciating the way her yoga pants hugged her curvy thighs. By the time his gaze landed back on her face, he smiled at her, his dimple quickly appearing. He grabbed her hand. "C'mon so we can get back to my place."
An hour later, Alexandria chuckled quietly as she watched Dean pace back and forth in his kitchen. She thought it was adorable that he was so determined to cook her dinner, she just hoped it was edible. The trip to the grocery store was surprisingly fun as Dean made her giggle more than she was willing to admit. He was a true character, always making her laugh at the stupidest things and making her skin prick with goosebumps whenever he commented about how delicious her ass looked in the yoga pants she wore. Any other time, Alexandria would've been disgusted by a man saying such a comment. But from Dean, she found it endearing and amusing. She didn't know what it was about the Ohio native but the more time they spent together she continued to fall victim to his off brand charm. He was completely opposite from what Alexandria thought was her type. Yet, she couldn't help but be drawn to him.
She looked around his apartment as she tried to calm her emotions. It was a modest sized apartment, much like hers, but wasn't as decorated as her own apartment. She could tell that Dean merely used the place to sleep and piss on his days off, not really putting in any effort to make it into a home since he was rarely there. Although the apartment was bare, she was still excited he invited her over. She knew Dean asking her to come over was a big deal seeing as how he never done that before. That was just a sign that maybe things were starting to get a little bit more serious between the two of them.
Alexandria quickly shook the thought out her mind the moment it appeared. "Are you sure you don't need help?" Alexandria asked, standing up from her seat on his sofa and making her way to the kitchen where Dean stood.
"Didn't I tell you to relax and let me handle dinner, sugar?" Dean grumbled as he continued to mix the turkey meat with his hands, his back turned towards Alexandria.
Alexandria sat her wine glass down on the counter and giggled softly as she approached Dean, both from his newest nickname for her and how concentrated he looked while mixing the meat. Her arms wrapped around his waist, her hands creeping inside the black undershirt he was wearing and touching his now exposed abs. She giggled some more when she heard Dean audibly gulp at the feeling of her fingers on his skin before she started to kiss his covered shoulder blades, her hold on him tightening.
"I was just trying to be helpful," Alexandria replied, her lips making their way to Dean's left shoulder blade. "But you do look sexy cooking for me so maybe I should sit back and enjoy the show."
Dean inhaled deeply as he felt Alexandria's fingers trace small circles on his skin, her lips continuing to torture him. Up until that point, the woman had taken her time when showing him affection making him the aggressor in the situation. Instead of getting upset, Dean was understanding which was definitely a shock to him since he wasn't a very patient man. He knew she was still trying to sort out her feelings for him and he was trying to do the same. Although they hadn't labeled exactly what they were yet, Dean knew whatever was going on between them was completely new to him. He actually enjoyed spending time with Alexandria, enjoyed talking to her, and enjoyed kissing the hell out of her. Alexandria made him feel things he never experienced in his life and Dean didn't know whether he should be excited or scared.
The two remained quiet as Dean formed patties from the turkey meat, Alexandria's arms still around his waist. After he wiped his hands on a paper towel, he turned around and grabbed Alexandria by her thighs, lifting her small body and making her squeal. He sat her on top of the opposite counter so that they were eye level. He leaned over and pecked her cheek and pulled away to place the pan of burgers in the oven.
Once he set the timer on the oven, he turned around immediately locking eyes with Alexandria. The stare the two shared was intense in nature and froze Dean in place, the fire in his loins heating up. A crimson blush slowly crept onto her cheeks as she pulled her bottom lip into her mouth, nibbling on the soft flesh.
"What's on your mind doll face?" Dean asked, his raspy voice returning.
"You."
"What about me?" Dean felt his feet carrying him towards Alexandria.
"How much I enjoy spending time with you no matter what we do. How much you fascinate me. How much your kisses and touch make me feel alive. I've never felt like this before," Alexandria admitted softly, pulling Dean closer to her body by his undershirt.
Dean's hands rested on Alexandria's hips, drawing small circles on her skin while he nodded his head in concurrence. Without another word, their lips met for another smoldering kiss. Their mouths moved in tandem with one another's, the pace painstakingly slow. Alexandria's tongue grazed his once his mouth slightly opened, eliciting a groan from Dean as he gently laid her body down on the counter, bending over to continue the kiss.
Dean's mouth moved to Alexandria's neck, softly nipping the skin with his teeth. Alexandria moaned softly, running her fingers through his hair, loving the way his messy curls felt against her fingers. Her moans stirred something deep within Dean's stomach, his desire for Alexandria swelling. His hands quickly dropped to the hem of her shirt and pulled it off her body, tossing it to the side and not caring where it landed. Scooping her up in his arms, Dean treated Alexandria with another kiss before gently depositing her body on the couch.
He hastily pulled his own shirt over his head, revealing his defined chest and his hands reached for the belt buckle that held his jeans up. Before he could unfasten the piece of leather, Alexandria placed her hand on top of his. Dean looked down, a frown immediately claiming his features as he saw uncertainty glistening in Alexandria's eyes.
"What's wrong Lex?" he asked softly, crouching in front of the couch.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lead you on," Alexandria apologized as a couple of tears fell down her face.
Dean sat on the edge of the couch, not knowing what to do. One moment they were close to having sex and now Alexandria was crying her eyes out on his couch. He was confused as to what was going on.
"What is it? Did I do something wrong?"
"No, it's not you!" Alexandria shook her head vehemently. "It's me. Dean there's something I have to tell you that I should've told you a long time ago but didn't."
"Ok." Dean nervously licked his lips and prepared himself for the worst.
Alexandria exhaled deeply, her gaze dropping to her lap afraid of what Dean's reaction would be. "I'm a virgin."
Dean's eyes bulged the moment the words left Alexandria's lips. A virgin. A 26 year old virgin. He never thought he would encounter somebody like that in his life but yet she was sitting right next to him. How was he supposed to respond to that? Old Dean would've ran as far as he could, not wanting to deal with the emotions that accompanied her losing her virginity to him. There was a big responsibility to take on when you were a woman's first lover and the person he used to be wouldn't be up for the task.
Yet when it came to Alexandria, those thoughts immediately left his mind. Sure he had never been with a virgin before and he wasn't sure if he could handle a woman in such a vulnerable state with kid's gloves. Yet, the thought of possibly becoming the first man to indulge in sex with her turned him on oddly enough. His penis would be the first one inside of her, the first one to claim her body as his. Even if they ever stopped dating, other men would be compared to him because he was her first.
Dean looked back at Alexandria and exhaled. The thought of being the first man Alexandria gave herself too scared Dean while also turning him on. But his feelings for her went further than that. They were strong and deep, going beyond a desire to only have sex with her. In fact he cared for her and wanted to make her happy.
Alexandria Stewart made him develop feelings, something no other woman had ever been able to do.
"I'm such an idiot."
Alexandria's soft voice jolted Dean from his thoughts. He looked over towards her and shook his head. "Don't say that. Why would you think that?"
"I actually thought you would still be interested in me after I told you I was still a virgin. But I know that's impossible. Men like you deal with women offering you sex every single day. Why would I think you would even want to bother dealing with a virgin?" Alexandria sighed and shook her head, wiping the tears that continued to fall down her face. She quickly stood to her feet, grabbing her purse. "I should probably go."
Dean quickly grabbed Alexandria's hand, stopping her in her tracks. He stood up and turned her body to face his. "You're not an idiot. The old me would've kicked you out on your ass but I'm not that guy anymore darling. I only have my eye on you and nobody else."
"So you're not mad I'm a virgin?"
The vulnerability dripping from Alexandria's tone made Dean flash her a grin, shaking his head. "I'm shocked but no, I'm not upset Alex. It's true I could have sex with women who toss themselves at me. But I'm enjoying spending time with you. I'm not tryna fuck that up."
The oven timer dinged, signaling the turkey burgers Dean prepared were finished. Still sensing that Alexandria was unsure if he was truly telling the truth, he pulled her close to him so he could peck the side of her neck. His mouth moved to her ear, his slightly unshaven chin rubbing against her skin. "Besides I'm truly looking forward to being the first man to bury himself deep inside of you," he whispered, chuckling when he felt Alexandria's body stiffen in his embrace. He grabbed her hand and lead her into the kitchen.
"Hey you, are you okay? You seemed distracted tonight," Alyssa commented as she waddled into the spare room, holding a bottle of water and a bottle of beer. She handed the beer to Roman who was sitting on the floor against the wall underneath the window as she settled into the rocking chair, her body sagging with relief, tired from their Lamaze class they just returned from.
"Yeah, I'm okay." Roman took a sip of his beer.
Alyssa pursed her lips, watching Roman drink his beer. The moment everybody left their penthouse after Alexandria's birthday lunch, Roman became unusually quiet, a sign that something was on his mind. Alyssa originally was going to wait and see if he wanted to bring it up on his own but she became curious as to what had her husband in such an introverted mood and couldn't let it go.
"You know, once upon a time, I remember telling a certain Samoan that holding shit in wasn't healthy and that he could confide in me if he was upset about something," Alyssa said with a smile. "So go ahead and tell me what's wrong handsome?"
Roman lowered his gaze and exhaled, realizing that he was unable to hide his true emotions from Alyssa. She knew him too well just like he knew what made her truly tick on the inside.
"I found a picture of Seth, Dean, and me at Extreme Rules when we first came to the main roster. And I got to thinking."
"About?"
"How I miss those days. Don't get me wrong I'm excited for this solo push. Glad I'm winning the title at Wrestlemania. But those were some of the best moments of my life. I kinda miss how things were back then."
"Do you miss how things were back then or do you simply miss having Dean in your life Ro?"
Roman sighed, as he leaned his head backwards, propping it with his laced hands as he stared at the ceiling before speaking. "Yeah."
Alyssa grabbed Roman's hand and squeezed it tightly. "There's nothing wrong with that baby."
"I shouldn't miss him. He stabbed me in the back and tossed away our friendship because of jealousy. Why would I want to have that type of friend in my life?"
"I think you know that deep down that's not the type of person Dean is. I don't know Dean that well but just based off when he came to see me, I could tell he regretted what he did. The bond you two have goes beyond friendship. It's a brotherhood and you can't just cut your brother out your life and think you're not gonna miss him Roman. What you're feeling is completely natural."
Roman raised his head and stared into Alyssa's eyes, her words striking a nerve. This was the first time he admitted out loud that he missed Dean's friendship. Roman had everything a man could want: a loving wife pregnant with their twins, a flourishing career, great friends. But things didn't feel complete without Dean, his best friend, by his side.
"I don't know what I should do."
"Nope, I don't believe that." Alyssa shook her head. "You know what to do. You're just afraid to do it. But Roman you and I both know you need to talk to Dean. This has went on way too long. This storyline gives you the perfect opportunity to sit down with him and get everything off your chest. Stop being afraid and just do it so you can get the closure you need."
Alyssa slowly stood to her feet and leaned over, pressing her lips to Roman's temple. She pulled away and wiped her gloss off his skin as she flashed him a sweet smile. "I love you. And I know you love me and our growing family. But Ro, I can see in your eyes there's something missing from your life. And that's Dean. Instead of denying it any further, go ahead and make the first step towards reconciliation before it's too late," she advised before leaving Roman alone in the unfinished nursery with his thoughts.
"I have a question."
Dean tore his eyes away from the movie that was playing on his flat screen and glanced down at Alexandria who was laying on his chest. The two finished eating dinner a little while ago and to Alexandria's surprise, it was actually delicious. Dean quickly informed her to not expect any culinary masterpieces from him any time soon because he was limited in the kitchen. Alexandria giggled at his warning, just happy he took the time out of his busy schedule to do something so intimate for her as opposed to going out to some fancy restaurant and spending way too much money. The two of them were now attempting to watch a movie although they wanted to spend their time kissing each other senseless.
"What's that doll face?"
Alyssa giggled as the chill ran down her spine at the nickname Dean anointed her with before she turned onto her stomach so she could stare into his steely orbs. The conversation she had with Roman earlier that day had been weighing heavily on her mind and she figured now was a good time as any to bring it up to Dean.
"Dean, are you happy?"
Confusion flashed across Dean's face at the question, wondering why Alexandria would ask him such a thing. "I guess I am. Happier than I been in a while."
"I ask because I see how everything is coming around for you. Your wrestling career is getting another boost. We're hanging out and you seem to enjoy my company. But I just get this feeling that someone is missing from your life and until you resolve things with them, then you won't be truly happy."
"And that would be?"
"Roman."
Dean's body tensed at the mention of his former best friend's name. He turned his head to avoid Alexandria's piercing eyes. But she placed her finger on his cheek and turned him back around to face her. "Have tried to work things out with him Dean?"
"What's the point? He hates me as he should and ordered me to stay away from him. There's really nothing for us to talk about."
"Well that's not the feeling I got when I talked to hi-"
"Wait, you talked to Roman about me?" Dean slowly sat up making Alexandria have to do the same. He looked at her, his brows furrowed. "What gives you the right to talk to Roman about me?"
Alexandria held up her hands, taken aback by Dean's reaction. "Wait a minute. I happened to see him staring at a picture of you two with Seth taken when y'all got called up to the main roster. I simply asked him why you didn't hang out with him like Seth did and-"
"Why the hell would you do that when you know the answer Alex?" Dean asked irritably.
"I wanted to see his reaction when he talked about you. Dean, I don't think Roman hates you as much as you think he does. In fact, I think he kinda misses you."
Dean stood up from his seat on the couch and started pacing in the living room. He had become used to the idea of Roman hating him, barely wanting to interact with him at work. He didn't know how to deal with the idea of Roman missing their friendship. He didn't want to be filled with false hope that their friendship could be repaired and he wished that Alexandria hadn't went stirring up shit that wasn't any of her business.
"We're not friends anymore. I'm not the type of friend he deserves and therefore it's okay if we just stayed out of each other's lives. Just drop it."
"Dean, you don't mean that," Alexandria said incredulously as she also stood to her feet. "Don't you miss your best friend? Don't you want a chance to explain to him your reasoning for trying to break up him and Alyssa like you did with me? You can try to deny it all you want to but I know you want to fix y'all friendship. And Roman does too. Why are you being so fuckin stubborn?"
"Why are you being so damn persistent Alexandria?" Dean roared, startling the woman. "Why can't you just drop the shit? It has nothing to do with you, nothing to with us. I've accepted the fact Roman and me will never be friends again. Why can't you?"
"Because I don't want there to be any bad blood between you and my cousin's husband!" Alexandria exclaimed.
Silence filled the room as Dean continued to pace, Alexandria standing still in her spot. She grabbed his arm, halting his movements. "I'm tired of sneaking around and lying to my cousin Dean. Lyssa has been nothing but wonderful to me since I came to Tampa. Every time she thanks me for being there for her, guilt slowly eats away at my core because I know I'm lying to her. Is it too much to ask that I be able to gush to my cousin about the man that sets my soul on fire with a simple touch? The man that has made me feel as alive as I ever have in my entire life? I'm tired of hiding you Dean."
"Why can't you do that without trying to fix my friendship with Roman?" Dean asked. "You're twenty six Alex so I'm sure you understand that everybody isn't going to get along. So you can definitely tell Alyssa about me even if she and Roman still hate me. Unless, you're scared of her reaction."
Alexandria groaned as she dragged her hand over her face, agitated at how Dean was trying to flip everything onto her. "I'm not scared of Alyssa's reaction."
"Well why haven't you told her about us? I never asked you to keep us a secret. You made that decision all on your own and forced it upon me."
"You don't understand. It's more complicated than that." Alexandria sighed, now wishing she hadn't started the conversation.
"Oh quite the contrary, I understand perfectly. You're afraid she's going to think of you as a traitor if you tell her now. So to make sure she reacts favorably, you want me to fix my friendship with Roman so it can soften the blow when you finally do tell Alyssa about us."
"No, I want you to fix your friendship with Roman because you miss him, you jackass! Why are you acting like this?! Is this the thanks I get for trying to help?!"
"I never asked for your help Alexandria! Stop using me as a fuckin excuse and grow a backbone! You told me you were tired of letting your parents' expectations rule your life. Don't you see you're doing the same exact fuckin thing with Alyssa? Be a damn adult and tell her about us despite how she feels about me! As long as you care about me I don't give a damn what she thinks!"
Dean's booming voice caused Alexandria's body to tremble slightly. He had never raised his voice at her and she didn't know how to respond. She had heard through the grapevine that Dean had somewhat of an unpredictable temper on him, liable to explode at any given moment. But she thought it was merely gossip. However as she saw him standing in front of her, face red as a tomato, his body visibly shaking from anger, Alexandria knew the whispers were true.
"You know, maybe you're right. Maybe I am afraid of her reaction and I just want to make sure you two can get along before I drop that bombshell because I don't want to cause any unnecessary drama or stress. But that is not the driving force behind me wanting to help you fix things with Roman. I know it may be hard for you to comprehend the concept that I want you to be happy because you never had somebody care about you like that, but that's truly all I want for you Dean. You deserve to be completely happy after everything you've been through. But if you can't see that, then I don't know how I can convince you."
Alexandria grabbed her purse off the coffee table and started walking towards the door. She glanced over her shoulder, parting her lips to say something before closing them and walking out the apartment, slamming the door shut.
A/N: I wouldn't be me if I didn't tease y'all with Dalex possibly getting it on for the first time. But uh oh, Dalex's first argument. Who do you think was in the wrong? And it appears Roman is having a war with himself on forgiving Dean. Hmmm things are getting interesting. R&R :-)
