Twenty One

"I need to find a boyfriend for James," Dean said as he munched on an apple sitting on the bar stool at the island counter, flipping the newspaper trying to find good furniture sales. It had been a week since they visited Wyatt Mansion and from the daily updates Darren had been giving, he was even more excited about decorating the place.

"Why?" he heard Roman reply from the living room.

"Because he wants to date but no one seems interested in him. So I figured why not go out and find him one."

"Baby boy, it doesn't work that way." Roman entered the kitchen with a white ceramic mug. "Besides, everyone knows he has a crush on you."

"What?" Dean said, narrowing his eyes. "Roman, did you just say-"

"Not that I blame him. You have nice eyes, cute dimples, narrow waist and that Ambooty."

Dean choked on the piece of apple he was chewing. He coughed for a bit before sipping his water. Then he looked at Roman who was looking at him, amused. "What?" he asked. "Did you just say Ambooty?"

His boyfriend grinned. "I did."

"You named my butt?"

"Hey, you love naming things. So I helped you out in that department."

"You named my butt, Roman."

"Yes."

"Are you going to name my penis next?"

"Do you want me to?"

"No!"

Roman threw his head back and laughed. "I can give you a name soon if you want-"

"Don't you dare-"

"The Lunatic Fringe."

"I am not naming my… you know what? Go eat your breakfast. I slaved over that stove for you."

His boyfriend laughed.

When Roman turned to take his plate of waffles with blueberries from the counter, Dean smiled to himself.

It was nice to see Roman at ease like this.

Nice to see him relaxed and comfortable with him especially. Ambooty. The Lunatic Fringe. Only Roman.

"Did you have anyone in mind for James?" the Samoan asked, bringing his plate over to sit beside Dean.

"No, not really. Why? Do you have someone in mind?"

"Well… no. But I guess I can find someone for him."

Dean looked at him curious. "And how do you plan to do that? Just walk up to anyone and ask them?"

"I have my ways. I mean I'm the Guy, Dean. You never underestimate Roman Reigns."

"Roman, this is not a boxing promo."

"It isn't?"

"Look, seriously, are you going to help me out or what?"

"Of course I will, baby boy. And I have just the person in mind for this."

"Are you kidding me, Roman? That's how you want me to repay you?"

Roman grinned at his old sparring partner, Randy Orton. He had dropped Dean off for work before driving over to Uppercut Boxing Club where he used to train. Randy was on medical leave, having injured his left wrist.

"No, I'm not," he replied as he sat beside his friend. "Besides, he's a nice guy. At least that's what Dean says."

"Who's Dean?"

"My boyfriend."

Randy smiled. "You finally… oh man I'm so happy for you." They bumped fists. "Nice. You deserve happiness, Roman. I'm sure Xavier would have liked him."

Oh he does, Roman thought. "So will you do it?"

"What does he look like?"

"Blond."

"That's all?"

"Umm… he's scrawny…"

"Gosh, Roman."

"Look, Randy. Please just do this. It'll be over before you know it. With any luck, you'll hit it off with him."

Randy gave him a look that suggested he was crazy. "Yeah right. When is this date?"

"Tonight," he informed calmly.

"What? Roman!"

"It's a casual restaurant. You don't need a tux. You sure as hell don't need to do your hair since you have none. So just show up."

"I'm so tempted to whoop your butt, Roman."

Roman laughed. "Randy, you couldn't beat me in the ring then. You sure as hell can't beat me now."

"Why not? It's been three years. You could be rusty."

"Nope. Still got it."

Randy tossed him sparring gloves. "Oh yeah. So let's do it! If I win, I don't go for the date. If you do, then I will."

"Oh it's on!"

"You're setting me up on a blind date?"

Dean patted James on his back before sipping his soda. James and him were having an early lunch at Subway. "Yeah. Don't worry. Roman knows the guy really well."

"Oh. What does he do for a living?"

"He's a boxing coach."

"Oh boy. Do you know him?"

"Nope. Never met the guy."

"Oh." James sipped his Coke. "I hope I look okay."

"Look, James. You're a great guy. I'm sure it won't take Randy long to see that."

"Dean, I'm not exactly a looker."

"What? You're a handsome man. Stop putting yourself down."

Dean's iPhone rang then. Roman's name flashed on the screen and he smiled as he answered the phone on speaker. "Hey babe. What did he say? Is he coming tonight?"

"Ah. Ah. Ah. Ah. Ah yessir!"

Almost every diner in Subway was staring at Dean; he felt his face grow warm. He switched the call to handset. "Roman!"

Roman laughed. "You know, baby boy, I think I'm going to be answering that way to all your questions till we grow grey and old together."

Dean's heart started to melt. Growing old together? He didn't even dare to think that far. "So seven at Jack in the Box?"

"Yeah. Seven."

"How did you get him to agree?"

"I fought him and I won. See? I showed him why you don't mess with the Big Dog because I bring the Big Fight-"

"Babe…" Dean said warningly.

"Fine," Roman said, sighing. "Seven at Jack in the Box. After that, you and I will go home so that The Merchandise can meet The Lunatic Fringe."

What the… "Stop calling it that!"

"You don't like Lunatic Fringe? How about The Dude?" I'll change mine to The Guy and-"

"Roman, I'm hanging up on you…"

"Boooo Mr Grumpy. Alright, I'll get out of your hair… until tonight. See you later, Ambooty!"

"You-"

Roman ended the call.

Dean shook his head. His boyfriend was getting way ahead of him. James was looking at him with a wide smile. "He's kinda dorky."

The auburn haired man laughed. "Yeah he is. He's my dork though." He finished the last of his soda. "Alright. So. What do you want to do next?"

"Umm… shopping?"

Roman chuckled softly to himself as he locked his phone and put it in his Under Armour sports bag.

"Damn, Roman!" Randy said, coming up to him and throwing him a towel. "You still got it."

"I told you."

"Why don't you fight again? You're still young. And to be honest, talent like yours doesn't come along often."

"Because of Dean. Boxing means travelling. He's starting school in three months approximately. I'm not sure how it'll work out." He shook his head. "Anyways, don't you forget our deal."

"Seven. Jack in the Box. Got it. Anyways, how about it, Roman? Consider coming back? You know you want to."

Roman couldn't deny the thrill he had felt when he fought Corey and when he had that friendly with Randy.

It was the same passion he had all his life.

He remembered telling Xavier on their first date about his plans.

"Anyways that's what I want to be when I finish college," Xavier said as they strolled through the mall. "A video game designer. What about you?"

"A boxer."

"Like amateur-"

"No. Professionally."

"Have you started training yet?"

They found a bench overlooking the indoor playground where children were running about and playing and sat there.

"I've started since I was eight."

"Wow. That's dedication."

"I've always been that way," he admitted. "When I want something, I go for it. Like you. I wanted you for a long time so I decided to just go for it."

Xavier laughed. "Like I said… dedication. But I think it's awesome that you want to be a boxer. Heck, I'd like to see you in action."

"Yeah? I'm only sparring now though. Coach Ron says I can't box professionally till I'm eighteen."

"No matter."

"Why don't you come over tomorrow? I train at Uppercut Boxing Club with Coach Ron. I'm sure he won't mind."

"I'd love that."

He smiled at the memory. Always his biggest fan. He had no doubts about that.

Randy must have known because he then said, "He was always there front and center, cheering you on."

"Yeah he was."

"Probably a dumb question but do you still miss him?"

Xavier had been his best friend. His biggest supporter. His cheerleader. His critic. His first love. He had been Roman's whole life just as Roman had been his.

He had firm belief and faith when Roman started to doubt himself. When Roman cheered, he cheered louder. When Roman cried, he was there assuring him, sometimes even helping him get back on his feet to continue. He ran with him in the early mornings, stayed up waiting for him late nights.

Even when the grey eyed man had made it big, he continued doing those things.

So did Roman still miss him?

"Always."

Dean waited beside a nervous James at Jack in the Box at seven as planned.

Roman didn't come back to the gym, choosing instead to stay at his friend's boxing gym. He glanced over at James who had gone all out wearing a shirt with a tie and gotten a haircut.

"It's going to be okay, buddy," Dean assured him.

"I hope so, Dean," James replied. "Honestly, I haven't dated in years and I'm very nervous."

Roman arrived then with a man wearing a hoodie and a pair of jeans behind. His eyes seemed cold and intense... Like a snake, Dean thought.

"Hey, baby boy," his boyfriend greeted him, giving him a quick kiss. "Dean, this is Randy Orton. Randy, this is Dean Ambrose, my boyfriend. And that gentleman next to him is James Ellsworth."

Dean smiled.

"Hi James," Randy replied with a quick nod before turning to Dean. "And hi Dean. I was so happy when Roman told me he had a boyfriend."

Dean was overwhelmed by the support he had been getting from Roman's family and friends. It was such a moving gesture.

Roman sat in front of Dean while Randy took his place in front of James. "Shall we order?" the auburn haired man asked.

"Sure," Randy replied as he looked at the menu.

"That's quite a shiner you have," James commented.

Randy grinned. "All thanks to The Guy."

Roman beamed.

"Oh no," Dean groaned. "Don't encourage him."

"Encourage what?" his boyfriend replied. "Dean, I did what I told him I was going to do. I'm the shark in the big pond-"

"Roman, don't make me go there and show you why I'm called The Lunatic Fringe." He almost smacked his forehead when he realised what he had said.

Roman was grinning devilishly. "Oh I think I know."

"Say it and you'll be sleeping on the couch."

The former champion pouted immediately.

"So Randy, you trained with Roman?"

"Yeah," Randy said, sipping the complimentary water given by the waiter. "I used to box too though I was just an amateur. Now I'm a coach." He looked at James. "What do you do, James?"

"I'm an accountant," the blond replied meekly.

"Hmm… I could use an accountant. I don't like the one I'm currently using."

"I could give you my name card."

"Cool. Thanks."

The date was not going to how Dean pictured it to be.

The waiter serving them was eye humping Roman but the Samoan man was too busy talking to Randy to notice. And when the blue eyed man looked over at James, he found the blond playing about with his aglio olio; he was probably upset that the boxing coach hadn't really spoken to him.

Dean gave Roman a light kick which cause his boyfriend to look at him, puzzled. "Umm babe, can I talk to you about something important?" he said. "It's about work."

"Work?" Roman repeated. "We're off duty. We don't talk about-"

He pulled his clueless boyfriend outside the restaurant to the corner where neither Randy nor James could see them. "Baby boy, what are we doing here?"

"Let them talk, Roman. They're supposed to get to know one another."

"You know who else should get to know one another?"

"Who?"

"The Merchandise and The-"

Dean swiftly grabbed him, pulling him for a kiss. Roman held him tight, immediately thrusting his tongue into the auburn haired man's mouth. "Damn, Roman," he breathed as his boyfriend then started to trail hot kisses down his neck.

"You smell so nice, baby boy," the former champion murmured, his breath against Dean's skin.

"So do you."

"I want to do it."

"What? Now?"

"Now."

"But where? There's no way we can do it in your car. People will see us. And we both can't go back in there and go to the gents either."

Roman grabbed his hand, pulling him along as he started walking along the stretch. Then he stopped in between the block where Jack in the Box was located and another one that was a law firm. He grinned. "Oh, Dean…"

"What?" Dean replied.

"There's a dumpster in the alley."

"Roman, I told you I'm not doing it with you there-"

Roman threw him over his left shoulder and started to head towards it. "Roman!"

To Dean's surprise, upon being placed on his feet, the dumpster was quite clean. It appeared to be a new one placed there with a delivery order pasted on it. "I guess this will do," he said.

Roman seemed disappointed that it wasn't what he thought it was.

"Get in, The Guy."

His boyfriend's grey eyes widened in excitement. "Dean, did you just call me The Guy? Oh ho ho. I'm calling you-"

"Roman, do you want to do it in the dumpster or not?"

His boyfriend wasted no time, jumping in before swinging him over. He closed the lid over them both, leaving them in the dark. The Samoan man then switched on his phone's torchlight to a dim setting and then played a song on his iPhone.

Wise men say

Only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you

Dean had not anticipated the tears that sprang to his eyes upon hearing that song.

"Hi," Roman whispered softly as he wiped them away gently.

"Hi," he replied. Oh how much he loved this man. He reached his left hand and ran his fingers through Roman's locks, admiring his beauty.

His boyfriend then pressed his lips tenderly on his. Dean held him tight, kissing him back, never wanting to let go.

When they reached back to the restaurant, James and Randy were gone.

But Dean didn't care; his lovemaking with Roman was so beautiful that he was walking on air. Roman found a napkin on the table and started to laugh, passing it to him.

Dean found a scribble written with a pen on it: Got tired of waiting so we're both going to the movies! See ya! He chuckled. "At least, they found something to do."

"Yeah," Roman agreed. "It's still early though. Where do you want to go?"

Dean racked his head. "The park?"

And so they drove with the radio on and chatted about work and the possibility of James and Randy maybe being together in the future. Dean was hopeful that something would happen but Roman didn't appear to be too optimistic.

When they reached the park, they slowly strolled towards their favorite spot on the bridge. "There are stars tonight," Dean said, looking up at the sky as he sat beside Roman.

"Hmmm… yeah there are." Roman laced his fingers through his. "Dean?"

"Yeah?"

"Remember when you told me that a hero could be anyone?"

"Yeah." Dean remembered.

"You're my hero, Dean. You saved me from the darkness that was consuming me and showed me the light back home." Their eyes met and Roman squeezed his hand. "I'm glad you gave me a chance; I'm glad you let me in. I love you, Dean."

Dean's eyes flickered between Roman's eyes and lips. "I love you too, Roman. Your heart is my home; I'm glad you opened it for me to stay."

As their lips met under the bright moon, Dean smiled against his lips when Roman pressed his body closer to his. Somewhere up there, Xavier was looking down, rooting for them.

And that was okay with him; Roman was his man now and Dean was going to love him and take care of him.

Ah yessir.

A/N And that concludes this beautiful story. Sobs. I'd like to thank every single one of you who have read it and took your time to comment, favorite and follow. I'm overwhelmed by your support and I wish I can give you all a big hug. Bleeding Me will be the next installment on Roman's return to ring; it's setting will be three months later from this story. I hope to see you guys there!