Twenty One

Rain pattered softly on the window in the middle of the night. Dean snuggled closer to Roman, his lips pressed lightly on his sleeping partner's cheek.

They were soulmates.

Of course, Mark hadn't elaborated what that meant because he hadn't returned back since he left the room but the idea that they were meant to be warmed his heart.

James had managed to get another room albeit a higher room rate.

With some privacy then, they had spent some time making love slowly as if they were discovering one another for the first time.

Roman had whispered loving words, tender promises but Dean hadn't been paying attention. He was still in awe of what they had discovered, his fingers running through Roman's raven locks gently.

"Can't sleep?" Roman's sleepy voice interrupted his thoughts.

"It's kind of hard to," he admitted. "I wonder what happened to Mark."

"He'll be back."

"Roman?"

"Hmmm…"

"Do soulmates last forever?"

His boyfriend chuckled. "I think they do."

"But what if they don't?"

"Dean…"

"What if we meet other people whom we'd be attracted to? I mean do we break up?"

Roman sat up. "I don't get it. Are you saying you're thinking about pursuing relationships with other people?"

"...no."

"Then what are you saying, Dean?"

"I don't know."

"This is not the time for doubts. We need one another."

Dean didn't like seeing Roman upset. He pulled him back down into his arms and hugged him tight, kissing him fiercely. "I'm sorry," he apologised. "It's just that we've been separated before. I just needed some reassurance."

"I won't let you go, Dean, so don't you dare think about letting me go."

Roman being fierce and protective was something that he was still getting used to. "I'll have to remind myself that."

"Keep doing that until it drills into your head."

"Alright, Roman. Tone it down a little."

In response, his boyfriend sat up and nudged his thighs apart. "I love you, Dean. Nothing's going to change my love for you."

Except Bray, Dean countered silently. But he didn't dare say it aloud.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing." He pulled Roman down beside him. His boyfriend gave him a puzzled look. "I… I'm tired," he lied.

"I love you, Dean," his boyfriend declared. "You know this."

"I do." He adjusted the comforter.

For some reason, Roman sat up again and threw the comforter aside, claiming his lips. Dean tried to push him off but he found his boyfriend tightening his grip on him. "You smell so damn good, baby boy," he moaned. "I want you."

Their eyes met. Dean felt his mouth go dry, the intensity in Roman's eyes taking his breath away. "What do you mean?"

Roman pressed his lips on the same spot where he had given Dean a mark, sucking gently on it. That made him arched his body against his boyfriend's, whimpers leaving his lips. "Ro… Roman…"

"Mine," he growled before kissing Dean hard on his mouth. "Mine. Always mine, do you understand?"

"Yours," Dean agreed. "Always yours."

Satisfied, Roman thrust into him, making him moan, his body shaking with desire and need. With a steady pacing, his boyfriend showed him how much he loved him, loving words falling off his lips, constant reassurances and promises…

When Dean came, he came hard, his release coating his body. Roman roared as he rode out his orgasm within his heat before he was pulled down for a long kiss.

"Mine," Roman mumbled against his lips once more.

Roman stared out of the hotel room's window the next morning, his eyes admiring the artificial waterfall in front.

He turned around, smiling at the sight of Dean still sound asleep. He headed back to bed, snuggling underneath the comforter again. Tender kisses were planted on his auburn haired boyfriend's face earning a sigh from the sleeping man who merely rolled over.

Roman pressed his body against Dean's back, an arm around his torso. His boyfriend's doubt last night made him worried. They both needed to have firm faith in their love, in one another. Bray was like a vulture; he would be able to work on those doubts and destroy them.

Of that he was absolutely sure of; that was how he had lured him those few times.

Roman's hand went to his boyfriend's morning wood and he stroked it causing Dean to buck his hips. "Roman!"

He peppered kisses on the side of Dean's neck, continuing his painstakingly slow assault on his boyfriend's length.

"You still smell so good, babe," he whispered into Dean's ear. "I need you."

"Wasn't last night enough?"

"I can never get enough of you."

Dean swatted his hand before rolling over to face him. He pushed his body against Roman's, their bare lengths pressed against one another's.

Roman's lips captured his, kissing him passionately with an arm on the small of his boyfriend's back. Somehow, Dean wormed his way on top of him and started rubbing their bodies together, causing friction.

The knock on the door startled both of them. "Should we open it?" Dean panted.

"I hate to but we have no choice."

The amateur MMA fighter reluctantly agreed. He rolled off Roman and put on his basketball shorts; Roman followed suit.

The knocking persisted, making Dean rolled his eyes. "Alright, I'm coming."

A green eyed long haired young man their age of Polynesian descent was at the door wearing a warm smile. "Roman Reigns?"

"Yeah?" he replied, coming behind Dean.

"Hi. I'm Afu," he introduced, stretching out a hand; Roman took it. "Mark sent me here to fetch you."

How odd. "Just me?"

"Yeah. He's waiting at the lounge-"

Dean cut him off. "Roman is not going anywhere alone without me."

"Technically, he's not alone. I'll be right there."

"Why the secrecy? I'm his boyfriend. I have a right to know!"

"Dean," Roman said. "It's okay. It'll probably take a short while."

"But-"

Roman kissed him to placate him. "I'll be fine. Don't worry."

Dean sighed in frustration, stalking off to the bathroom. Roman turned his attention to Afu. "Just give me a second."

"Sure," Afu replied. "I'll be waiting outside."

Roman closed the door and called out to Dean as he opened the bathroom door. "Babe?"

"What?" Dean was under the shower head.

"I'm going to take a quick shower and head on down."

"Why would Mark keep me in the dark? I have a right to know. Aren't we supposedly soulmates?"

"We are." Roman showed Dean his hand, bearing the faint crescent between his index and middle fingers on his right hand.

Dean growled. "So why are they pushing me aside?"

"Look, let me find out what it is first, okay?" he consoled his boyfriend.

"Fine," Dean placated.

True to Afu's word, Mark was waiting for him in the lounge with Ron. "Dean's mad that he's not invited," Roman remarked.

His boyfriend's coach laughed. "Sort of guessed that. Sit down, Roman."

Roman sat down beside him. "What's going on?"

"Roman, have either of your parents ever told you about your family?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean who you really are."

"What's there to tell? We're ordinary people who-"

"Far from it actually. You're part of the Anoa'i family… a family of powerful men and women. It's no longer recognised in this town but once upon a time, your ancestors took care of this land."

Roman drew in a sharp breath. "What? I thought it's built on an ancient burial ground."

"The land belonged to your ancestors who were gracious to opened it to minorities."

"But Pete Lakeview and his friends-"

"This town's history is based on lies; I've managed to get Ron to decipher the Book of the Ancient's hieroglyphics written in detail by your ancestors. In secret, Pete and his friends ill treated and lynched those minorities and the Samoans for the land. They helped the Wyatt family to get rid of your ancestors."

"But why?"

"Your families have been embroiled in a feud for centuries, Roman. The Wyatt and yours because all of the heads of various of your relatives were entrusted with powers… powers if used wrongly can bring about destruction. The Wyatts want those powers. Afu here in another time used to be your protector… ironically his name was Afa."

"Like a bodyguard?"

Mark nodded. "Like a bodyguard."

"And Dean? You said he was my soulmate."

"He is. Dean was known as Jon back then. He was a servant for the Anoa'i family. A servant who was so in love with you, I mean Leakee."

He didn't like where this was going. "And?"

"And Leakee rejected him at first because he had a crush on someone one else. One night, Leakee were attacked by bandits and were aided by Jon who was planning to leave this town."

"Why?"

"He couldn't stay there after what happened with the Samoan man. After aiding him, Jon was about to leave till Leakee convinced him to stay, insisting he was willing to try."

"Did they last?"

"Till the very end. They loved each other so much that they imprinted on their hands, honoring their love for a lifetime."

Roman stared at his hand and smiled. "So this thing with the Wyatts…"

"Afa and Leakee were the top warriors. Together, they led other warriors to protect the land but it wasn't enough. The Wyatts needed one sacrifice from a member of the Anoa'i family and they almost got Leakee while he were distracted by Afa. Jon shoved him and died in his place."

Roman gasped. "What?!"

"Because his sacrifice was noble, two things happened: the Wyatts were banished and the remainder of the Anoa'i family separated, leaving the land; they were disgusted by the blood shed. Jon was resurrected by Chief Anoa'i and he moved away with Leakee, leaving Pete and his goons alone with some wayward people. This land has got blood spilled on it. Now, the Wyatts are trying to repeat history again."

"But what does that have to do with me?"

"We believe that something big is about to happen, Roman. You'll have to be prepared for it. But fret not. You will have Afu there to protect you along with several other Samoans. You, yourself, will be undergoing a warrior rite. One that will help you recognise your untapped strength. I've taken the liberty to calling your parents; you'll be given some time off to prepare for it. Fret not. You'll be fine. However, there is a catch."

"What is that?" Roman asked.

Mark did not look pleased. "You can't tell Dean."

Dean sat at the booth with James who was apologising profusely for the incident the day before.

He waved James off, dismissing his comments. His eyes caught sight of Roman walking with Afu, talking excitedly as they made over towards his direction.

What the hell was going on? Dean hated being kept in the dark.

"Wow," James remarked uncharacteristically. "I'd remove that birthmark if I were you. Looks like he's found a new pal."

He's found someone better than you, a voice whispered in his ear seductively. You're beneath him; you're not worthy of the love he has to give, remember?

"Dean!" Roman grinned when he reached the table. "Look at the huge turnout."

"Yeah," he mumbled before getting to the point. "So what did Mark say?"

"Oh. Ummm nothing much."

"Seriously? Nothing much? Are you kidding me? I don't like being lied to, Roman."

"I'm not. I mean there was nothing much to talk about. I'll be taking a leave of absence for a family matter… I'm not sure how long."

"No problem. I'll just drop by to visit-"

"You can't!"

"Why not?"

"It's a sensitive matter. I'll text you, okay?"

Dean shook his head sadly before leaving the booth.

Roman called him, trying to grab his hand but he merely jerked away. "Babe, please-" his boyfriend pleaded.

"Don't "babe" me, Roman. You're hiding something from me."

"I'm only allowed to tell you after the… look, please. You can trust me. You know this. And I'll be safe. Afu will be following me."

He was irked now. "Afu can come along and I can't? You just met the guy!" His heart pounded furiously against his ribcage, his mind plagued with various thoughts.

"Dean-"

"Fine. Do whatever you want. Or rather whoever you want." He stormed out of the hall before bumping into Jeff Jarrett, owner of Tap Out MMA gym. A blond with over three gyms opened in Lakeview, he was a man not to be messed with due to his extensive network.

"Hey!" Jeff greeted. "Dean! How are ya?"

Dean raised an eyebrow. "I'm fine."

"You know I'm very good friends with Firas Zahabi and I've been hoping I get to bump into you. Firas saw you fighting. He's interested in signing you to his gym. I'm sure you've heard of Tristar gym."

Of course he had heard of Tristar gym. Who hadn't? It was home to several UFC fighters namely Rory MacDonald, Jon Jones, Kenny Florian, and Georges St-Pierre.

Problem was the gym was located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

"I'm not sure…" Dean said.

Jeff handed him a name card. "Listen. Call me when you've made up your mind." The blond coach patted him on the shoulder before entering the hall.

Dean stared at the name card.

"Jumping ship, Dean?" Mark asked, his arms crossed.

"What's it to you?" he asked, shoving the card in his denim pocket.

"I know you're upset because I haven't shared with you much but once Roman comes back, I'll explain why-"

"It's okay. I don't have to know."

"Dean-"

"If it's okay with you, I'm heading back to Lakeview now. There isn't much to see."

"You're heading back? Does Roman know?"

"I'll text him. He's probably going home with Afu."

Mark sighed. "So this is what it's about. Dean, you know Roman loves you. You have no idea how worried he was when you called him yesterday."

The same voice teased him, He's lying; they are both hiding something from you… true love does not lie...

"Whatever, Mark." He bid him a good day before he went back to his hotel room where he packed his bags. Dean's heart sank. Roman was already bored of him. That was fine. He could do the things he used to do before he spent his time chasing after a man who clearly had his heart set on someone else.

Dean was just Mr Right Now.

Roman came in a while later. "Dean." His "boyfriend" looked puzzled.

"I'll see you when I see you," he said. Unfortunately Roman was blocking him. "Ummm you're in my way."

"You're leaving without me?"

"Yeah. You're going home to do whatever with your new best friend. I'll just go home and hang out with the guys."

"We can go home together. Just give me a few minutes to pack."

"No, it's fine. See you around."

As Dean walked out of the room, all Roman could imagine was Jon leaving Leakee. He shook his head before following the auburn haired young man to the elevator lobby.

"I love you, Dean," he said softly. "If you forget everything else, always remember that I love you."

Dean stiffened.

"Please turn around and look at me," Roman pleaded.

The elevator door opened and Dean stared at it. Roman immediately held his left arm, spinning him around so that they were face to face.

"See this?" He held out his right hand before grabbing Dean's left one. "This means we're made for each other… for life. You have to trust me. I've loved you for so long. You're my one and only. I won't throw away what we have. How could I? It's been my dream to be with you. It was always my dream. Now that it's become a reality, you can be damned sure I'll fight to protect it."

Good luck getting him to believe, a voice taunted Roman. You two are done for.

The same voice he had heard previously in the forest and at Dean's bedroom.

"See you when you're back," his boyfriend replied before going into the lift, pressing the close button quickly.

"Dean-"

But the door had shut and went on down.

Roman understood now. Jon's noble act, driven by Leakee's and his love, had banished the Wyatts. All this time, Bray never wanted Dean and Roman to get together. And when they did, they were being torn apart.

Their love was a threat to the Wyatts.

He's ours...

No. Not if he can help it.

Roman sprinted down the stairs to the open air parking lot where Dean had just gotten into his car. He was too late because a car had blocked him as he ran across the road, narrowly stopping in front of him.

He watched in dismay as Dean's car drove off.

The first place Dean went to was a doctor at a medical centre close by his home. James' words came back to him: why shouldn't he remove it?

The receptionist told him to take a seat after he filled out his details on the registration form. While he waited, Roman called him. He rejected it. As he swiped on the red button, his eyes fell on the mark.

Soulmate.

Get rid of it…

"Dean Ambrose? The doctor will see you now…"

He stood up gingerly as he slowly walked to the door of a Dr Scott Hall. "Aaah Mr Ambrose, what can I do for you today?"

Get rid of it…

"I… uh… want to get rid of this." He showed his hand to Dr Hall. "You know like by using a laser? Money's not an issue."

"Hmmm… I think it should be an easy job. Maybe a minute or so."

"Great." Something in his soul was screaming at him not to do it yet his mind was clouded.

"I love you, Dean. If you forget everything else, always remember that I love you."

Dean wasn't even paying attention to the doctor, his mind and soul at war with one another. But Roman's words - literally the same words spoken by Dean once - rang in his ears.

"Weird," Dr Hall mumbled. "It can't seemed to be removed, kid."

"But that's impossible."

"I know."

Disheartened, he left the clinic with Dr Hall refusing to charge him. When he reached home, he found Roman waiting for him on his front steps, his face shadowed with anxiety. "Where were you?" he demanded. "I've been worried sick. You rejected my calls-"

"I was at the doctor's," Dean cut him off irritably.

His "boyfriend" looked concerned. "Oh no. Did you come down with something?"

"I wanted to laser this damn mark off. But it can't seemed to be removed!"

Roman looked hurt. "What… why would you want to do that? You said that there's no place you'd rather be than being stuck with me."

"I don't know. All day I've been hearing things. Maybe it has something to do with my mark."

"Why would your mark or instinct ask you to remove something that binds us together?"

"How the hell should I know? I'm not the one told by Mark on whatever the hell. I'm just listening to my instinct." He pushed past Roman to open the front door; his mother was probably out of town again.

"Dean," he heard Roman implore. "Please don't listen to that voice. It's a ploy by the Wyatts to separate us and honestly, I don't want to lose you. I love you. You're the other half of me."

He was tired of being clueless. "Why? What are you doing that I can't know of?"

"I'm sorry, babe. I really want to tell you but I can't. Please. Trust me."

"Trust you who's doing stuff for who knows how long with Afu, a guy you just met but are allowing to be with you… do you have any idea how this looks?"

Roman kept quiet for a while. "It'll make sense soon. I promise."

Those grey eyes always got to him. This was Roman; he never gave Dean any reason not to trust him. "Fine," he relented. "But you better text me every day by nine."

"I can't promise you the timing but I'll text you before bed."

"You want to negotiate?" Dean growled.

"Dean…"

"If you break my heart, Roman, that's it. Soulmates or not, we're through."

Roman strode to him, standing in front of him. "That won't happen. You're mine, Dean Ambrose. I'm yours. And that's the way it's always going to be."

When Roman's lips pressed against his, he felt complete inside which left him riddled with questions. His soul seemed to be yearning for more from Roman. "Mine," his boyfriend whispered in his ear.

Dean looked deep into his eyes. "Mine."

A/N Thank you for your favorites/follows/ kind words. :-)