Roman had sent a text and said he would be home at seven. Adam had gone down and bought Chinese food for their dinner as a surprise for Roman.
Adam set the coffee table. Roman didn't really mind eating in the living room, he'd just been raised to eat the table. Adam lit the large, three wick, sea breeze scented candle he'd bought. The candle had caught his eye in one of the boutiques near the Chinese restaurant.
The light blue candle had sand and sea shells embedded in it and it looked nice against the dark wood of the table. Adam had also purchased a flat, thick, clear glass candle plate so the wax wouldn't mar the table.
At six-forty-five, Adam went to the kitchen and took the food out of the oven. He put the various selections of food in serving dishes and took them to the coffee table. He then took the wine the restaurant owner had recommended out of the refrigerator. Adam poured two glasses and took them to the table as well. Adam wasn't much of a drinker and neither was Roman, but they both enjoyed an occasional cold beer or glass of wine.
At five minutes after seven, Adam smiled, the key turned in the lock.
A very tired looking Roman entered the apartment. Roman could smell the wonderful food before he closed the door. He grinned when he saw Adam on the couch, adjusting the silverware he'd put out.
"Hi. Supper is ready. Come on, you look exhausted." Adam had gotten up to greet Roman. He took the briefcase out of the Detectives hand and put it on the chair by the door.
Roman pulled off his tie. "Hi. Wow, this is great. I was just going to make grilled cheese and tomato soup. This is much better. Oh and wine? And a pretty new candle, I'm speechless." Roman let Adam lead him to the couch.
Adam sat down next to Roman. "I knew you would be tired, and cereal wouldn't be good. I've really got to learn how to cook more. Surely I have enough common sense to heat a can of soup; maybe." He laughed, it felt so good to be with Roman. All Adam wanted to do was laugh and smile, he felt... complete.
Roman tousled Adam's hair like a child. "I am sure you could... I think. Just remember what I told you about the stove, low and slow." He gave Adam a wink and took the plate of food Adam had dished up for him.
Adam laughed again. "Yes, Lieutenant Reigns, Sir. So how was your day?" He asked with a bite of cashew chicken.
Roman had to chew his food before he could answer. Should Roman tell Adam he'd spent the day, snapping at Dean and Jason until Shawn called him on the carpet. When Shawn had asked him what the problem was, Roman had to answer him.
Roman had told Shawn that Adam had gone to spend the day with Bret Hart and he guessed he was worried. Shawn had shaken his head and read Roman like a book. He told Roman it was jealousy. Roman finally admitted Shawn was right. Shawn quietly reminded Roman, while he understood, it would be best to leave it at the station door.
Roman apologized not only to Shawn but Dean and Jason as well. He promised to pay for brunch on Sunday, to make up for being such a bastard. By the end of the day, all was forgiven. Roman was glad when the day was over and was thrilled Adam was home.
Roman swallowed his food. "It was busy. We will be ready to present to the Judge by mid week. After that it should be all over." He decided Adam didn't need to know about him being a jealous bastard.
Adam swallowed his bite. "That will be good. I'm sorry for Gunner, but he will be much better off with Shawn and Hunter." He gave Roman another beautiful smile.
Roman's heart pounded a little faster when Adam smiled. This was worth coming home for. He gave a slight sigh of contentment and sipped his wine.
Adam's face flushed, he could feel Roman's eyes on him, as he loaded his fork with food. He knew if he looked at Roman, his fingers would drop the fork.
The couple concentrated on eating instead of talking. Finally Roman spoke, he just had to know. "So, how was Hart?" He cast Adam a curious glance.
Adam had been dreading the question. Did he tell Roman about what happened? "It was... strange, at first. He told me he loved me. I didn't think much of it, he said it a couple of times during our previous times together... but, I always thought it was just...sex talk. It wasn't, he really loves me. Wanted me to go back to Canada..." Adam paused with a jump. Roman had dropped his fork with a clatter onto his plate.
Roman was flustered. "Fumble fingers. So um.. how did... no, sorry, none of my business. Just... are you alright?" He wanted Adam to know he was free to speak or not... but no matter what, he was there for Adam.
"I'm alright. I was surprised at the intensity of Bret's words, but... I... don't love him and I told him so. We talked about things. He too offered to pay for my college. Roman... we... but... it wasn't... I thought when I could choose it would... be different..." Adam spoke with a bit of fear in his voice, had he just lost Roman?
Roman was crushed. Adam had slept with Hart. The only thing that gave him hope was, apparently Adam didn't enjoy it very much. Could he be mad, no, not really, after all Adam wasn't his. Maybe it was better for Adam to get the question out of his system. The question about choosing as a fee willed man and not a paid for prostitute. At least it had been with someone who cared about Adam, and not some... stranger. Roman knew though, Adam would not have done it with a stranger, at least he hoped not.
Roman made sure his tone was light and not filled with the jealousy that coursed through his veins. "I'm sorry it wasn't... great. At least you go to choose. Are you going to see him again?"
Adam shook his head. "No, it was goodbye. It was my way of thanking him. Bret was very good to me. He needs someone who will love him and that's not me...Roman..." Adam paused and put his plate down. He turned so he could better face the Islander.
Roman had also put his plate down. The jealously had been replaced by a wave of panic and fear that coursed through his body. His heart beat even faster. Was Adam about to tell him something horrible... like he was... leaving? Roman's dark eyes urged Adam to continue as he looked at Adam.
Adam laid a hand on Roman's knee. "I didn't enjoy my time with Bret, because I kept thinking of you. When he kissed me it was nice, but when you kiss me, it's … it's like electricity sparking in my nerves. Roman it... I don't regret my decision, I had to know... I only... hope I haven't... on the way back... I … these feelings I have must mean... oh why can't I just say it..." He paused, took a deep breath, exhaled and looked at Roman.
Adam's hazel eyes searched Roman's dark, stormy pools, as he continued. "I want you to court me, Roman Reigns. I want to... belong to you, and you to me. I'd like to explore a relationship with you. A real relationship. That is, if you still want to court me, if I haven't ruined it, by what I did with Bret." Adam's hand on Roman's leg was hot, he could barely breathe, he'd spit it out. Now would Roman accept or reject him? His nerves couldn't stand much more.
It took Roman a few moments to understand what Adam had said. "You... oh Adam... you won't be sorry. You want courting? Then courting you will get. Just one thing... no more other men... for you or me. I... did you just say you want to be... mine?" Roman's lips smiled but his eyes showed he was unsure of what was happening.
Adam let out the breath he held. "Yes. At least I want to try a real relationship. There has to be a reason why you... affect me like you do. Don't worry, I said goodbye to Bret, in that way. He will always be a friend, and if he needs me, I'll be there... I don't mean sexually. I was afraid... because of... that, you'd change your mind about wanting to be with me... I... go slow, Roman, I want to do this right." Adam looked at Roman with a soft smile. His hazel eyes sparkled in the candlelight.
Roman cupped Adam's face in his strong, yet gentle hands. He leaned in and whispered over Adam's lips. "Low and slow, baby, low and slow." Roman pressed his lips to Adam's. It was a soft, gentle, undemanding kiss, but it sealed their new commitment to each other.
As soon as Roman's lips touched his, the sparks of electricity spread throughout Adam's nerves. It tingled from the tips of toes to the tips of his blond locks. Adam let out that little cross between a whimper and a moan that Roman loved. Roman also felt Adam return the kiss, and melt into his touch. It was a sweet, perfect moment.
Adam smiled when Roman broke the kiss. "Now, that's the way it's supposed to feel." Adam purred his words like a well satisfied kitten. His hazel eyes glowed as if the electricity of the kiss still sparked in his body.
Roman grinned. "Yeah, it is..." he paused and turned serious. "Are you sure about this? It's... not... a rebound... is it? Please, Adam, be honest. I actually have a fragile heart. I'd rather know now, before...we get invested even more." He looked at Adam in earnest. He wanted Adam to be completely sure about a relationship... for the right reasons.
This time, Adam took Roman's face in his hands. He looked directly at the darker man. "No, Roman it is not a rebound, it's a realization. I realized, the way you make me feel has to mean something. When I was first brought back from Calaway's, it was you that calmed my fears. It was you that made me realize I could make something of my life. It's you that makes me laugh and smile. It's you that sends electricity through my body. It's real, Roman, it has to be. I want to try and I will do my fucking best to make this work. It's a huge step for me too. For so long, I told myself, relationships aren't for me. A whore can't afford a thousand broken hearts, so you learn to cut your feelings off. I don't want to do that. I want to feel both the joy and pain a relationship can bring. So, in short, Yes, Roman. I am sure. I have never been more sure of anything in my life." He spoke in earnest as well. His eyes never left Roman's.
Roman smiled and this time the smile stayed on his face. "I'm honored to be your first, real... boyfriend. Maybe, if this works, I'll be your only relationship... but... low and slow. Our friendship will always come first. I do care deeply about you, Adam." He gave Adam another, undemanding kiss on the lips.
The new couple then went back to eating their delicious dinner. They occasionally fed one another bits from each others plate. Roman told Adam about what had happened at work, regarding his case. Adam told Roman about Bret's brother Owen, and the idea he had come up with. Roman thought it was a good one, and he was genuinely pleased Adam had helped Bret's brother.
"You know, you do have such a sharp mind. You would make a great Detective. You're only twenty-five, you still have five years to go the Academy, thirty years old is the cut off. Any interest?" Roman brow arched. It might be interesting to have Adam on the force.
Adam shook his head. "I don't think so. I thought about what Hunter said though, about dispatch. I think I want to do something else. I want to help people, like me. Show there there is a life in the real world, and if they want it bad enough, they can have it." Adam spoke firmly. He wanted to do something with his education that would make his efforts worthwhile.
Roman wanted to tell Adam about Shawn's shelter and that Shawn requested his help, but he'd promised Shawn he wouldn't say anything until closer to the time they would be ready for someone like Adam to help.
"I think that's a fine idea. I'd probably worry too much about you if you were on the force. You'd have to be a beat cop first, before making Detective. Say, this wine is great, did you pick it?" Roman asked as he took another sip of the wine.
Adam chuckled. "No, the restaurant owner did. I don't know squat about proper wine with this or that. I'm not really a wine lover, but this is good. I'm not a big drinker, never fell into that trap, but, I do enjoy an occasional cold beer." Adam's face still had a smile, he simply couldn't stop smiling, he was so happy and utterly content in his decision.
Roman looked at Adam over his wine glass. He was nearly breathless. The good thing was, now he no longer had to hide his feelings. Before, he'd worried that Adam would take his comments the wrong way, or think he was being pushy. The Detective set his glass down.
Roman reached over and caressed Adam's smiling face. "You're so damn beautiful when you smile. It's nice to finally be able to tell you, as often as I want. Thanks again for picking up supper. I'm going to put that round steak in the crock pot in the morning. Hey, that's a thought. You can put together a crock pot meal tomorrow morning. You will learn how to make Swiss Steak." He gave the tip of Adam's nose a kiss.
A look of doubt clouded Adam's eyes. "You... want me... to... use the crock pot? Well, I will try. I promise, I will take a cooking class as soon as I take the GED test. Am I still going to learn to drive? I don't mind walking. I'm going to save up for bicycle. It will be easier around the college." Adam had started to stack their dirty dishes to take to the kitchen.
"Sure, if you want. Say, I have a bike in my storage unit in the garage. We'll go down and get it this weekend. You can use it till you get one, then we can go on rides together. Ooh, I see breakfast!" Roman exclaimed as he saw more food in the oven.
Adam laughed. "And probably lunch. When owner gave me the food he said... 'you are too thin, eat, eat!' He is such a nice man..." Adam paused and suddenly started looking himself over. He ran his hand over his belly and a frown marred his pretty face. He looked at Roman.
"Am I too skinny? I am aren't I! I am so ugly!" Adam continued to look at himself with a very critical eye.
Roman at first thought Adam was joking, but then he realized he wasn't. He took Adam by the shoulders. Roman spoke softly. "Adam, stop. You are perfect. He tells me I'm too skinny. Baby, please, you are beautiful." He gave Adam's lips a quick peck and chucked Adam under the chin.
Adam hugged Roman. "I'm sorry, I got carried away. Looks were... no, that doesn't matter any more. You're going to have to be patient with me, Roman. It's hard, to change your life around. Things I used to worry about don't matter so much any more. I'm trying, but I am sure I am going to make a lot of mistakes." He laid his head on Roman's shoulder. He felt safe when Roman's arms embraced him.
Roman held Adam close. He stroked the blond head gently. "If you make a mistake, I'll be right here to help you, if you need it. Adam, I don't like to push and question. Please, don't take that as not caring. I do care, but I want you to learn to fly on your own. Make mistakes, and then have victories. But, I am always here, you can come talk to me about anything, anytime. I know you will be the same support for me too. I am so looking forward to learning more about you... growing together as friends and as a couple. Oh baby boy, I do care for you." He whispered his last words like sweet music in Adam's ear. Roman's arms held Adam even tighter as he hugged the blond to his body.
Adam realized, as Roman's arms held him closer, how perfectly their bodies fit together. It was liked he'd found the missing piece to the puzzle that was his life. It simply felt... wonderful. He could stay in Roman's arms forever. He knew a relationship would be a new and exciting experience, he looked forward to every moment, good and bad.
Roman gave a sigh of contentment. He could stay like this forever. His soul had never felt so complete and settled. He didn't know where his relationship with Adam would eventually go, but he looked forward to every moment, good and bad.
Soft music had been playing on the radio the entire time, but until now neither man had really heard it. Roman began to gently sway to the music, with Adam in his arms.
Adam loved dancing, but he very seldom got to do so. Every once in a while, if a client took him to a party, they would dance, but it had been a long time. Bret wasn't a dancer, another reason they wouldn't have worked as a couple. Apparently, Roman liked to dance.
Roman began to dance Adam around a bit more. Apparently Adam liked to dance. That was good, it would save Roman from missing out at the formal Policeman's Dinners five or six times a year.
As Roman picked up the tempo of the music, his dancing became more... authoritative. He turned and spun Adam as they swayed to the music. Roman flung Adam out, then twirled him back into his arms. Their feet moved together in perfect synchronization as they danced.
When the song ended, Roman kept swaying gently. Adam's cheek was pressed against Romans. "Music stopped." Adam spoke with a slight sigh.
"Don't care. I could hold you like this forever. The music doesn't come from the radio, it comes from my soul. You put music in my soul and the beat of your heart is the rhythm." Roman muttered softly. He kept moving to the symphony in his soul.
"That is the most romantic thing I've ever heard. If this is courting, please, don't ever stop." Adam muttered softly against Roman's cheek. He felt weightless in Roman's arms.
"Don't worry, baby. I haven't even began to court you yet. Sadly, we'd better stop. Gotta finish in the kitchen." He gave Adam a soft kiss. He then danced Adam back to the kitchen.
Together they worked to pack away the left over food. Roman filled a couple of containers for his lunch. As they washed the dishes, the couple chatted about their common love of dancing. Roman informed Adam they would get to dance soon. The station's first dinner of the year would be next month.
The rest of the evening was spent in cozy companionship. While Roman went to take a shower, Adam sat on the couch and studied. When Roman came back to the living room, he sat on the couch and read his book. The radio continued to play softly.
After a couple of hours of intently staring at the lap top computer, Adam let out a sigh and scrubbed his eyes with his fingers.
Roman cast a worried eye on his new boyfriend. "You're working too hard, baby. Call it quits for the night" He spoke softly and rubbed Adam's sock covered feet that rested in his lap. Without thinking, he ran his hand under Adam's pant cuff and up his smooth skinned leg.
Adam let out a slight giggle, but Roman's touch also sent a shiver up his spine. He tried to concentrate on answering Roman. He rubbed his eyes again. "Everything is alright, but the grammar. I've been reading since I was four, but grammar makes me feel so stupid." He put his pencil in the workbook and closed it. He tossed the book onto the coffee table with a soft thud.
"Ugh, I know what you mean. I can't tell you why, but I can tell when a sentence isn't right. I guess though, that's not good enough for a test." Roman scoffed. His hand kept rubbing Adam's muscular leg.
The shivers kept going up Adam's spine. If he was honest, he'd never really ever been randomly touched like Roman touched him. It was pleasant and again he thought if this was courting, he wanted it forever.
"No, sadly it's not. I can tell that too, but now I have to be able to diagram it. Why can't they just want plain old nouns and verbs and forget about subjects and predicates!" Adam sighed again and moved to pick up the workbook again.
Roman slapped Adam's reaching hand gently. "Seriously, baby, enough for tonight. Look at me." Roman waited for Adam to comply.
Adam huffed. "Boyfriend, not boss!" He looked at Roman, with a warning glare in his eye.
Roman's brow arched. His baby had sharp, quick temper; a good thing to know. He calmly stroked Adam's leg. "Okay, tell me the truth. If I'm wrong, you can study more. You have a bad headache don't you?" He kept his eye on Adam. One thing, as a highly trained, experienced Detective, he could spot a lie a mile away.
Adam looked at Roman with a guilty nod. "Yeah, I do. It's a left over of the drug years. Okay, you're right, enough for tonight. I'll start fresh tomorrow. It's going to be different to have someone care so much. Sorry, I snapped, but don't boss me, Roman. Please? It's too..."
Roman spoke to interrupt Adam. "I'm sorry too. I didn't mean to come across as bossy. I'm going to have to watch my tone. I only care, I want you to know that. Your health and wellbeing matter to me and I can't stand to see anyone I care about suffer. Is there anything you can take for your headache?" Roman leaned forward and caressed Adam's face.
Adam shook his head. "No. I hate even taking an aspirin. Usually I can sleep it off. We took care of ourselves... you know what I mean." Adam closed his eyes and leaned into Roman's touch. It felt so... peaceful and calm.
Roman gently pulled Adam, so that the blonds back now rested against his chest. Roman wrapped his arms around Adam's waist. Adam laid back and rested his head on Roman's shoulder and again closed his eyes.
Roman's mouth was next to Adam's ear. "You are on a warm, sandy, beach. The sun is hot, but not overly so, because a light ocean breeze is blowing over you. The gentle water laps at your toes as you dig them into the cool, wet sand. A palm tree sways, the smell of the ocean fills your nose. Further up, on the land, birds chirp and sing. You're completely content and relaxed." His words were soft whispers in Adam's ear.
At first, Adam thought Roman was being silly. Then he let the images Roman spoke of, fill his mind. By the time Roman had finished, he was so relaxed, Adam felt like he was floating. He had never been so calm and peaceful, not even in a hot bubble bath. He barely felt it when Roman began to massage his temples.
Roman began to quietly hum an old Island tune his grandfather used to sing to him when he was a child, and fussy or sick. Roman felt Adam practically melt into his body.
Adam gave a bit of a jump. He had fallen into a deep sleep... but for how long? "Well, hello sleepy head. How is your headache?" Roman asked with a low chuckle. He had one arm around Adam and held his book in the other.
Adam yawned. "Completely gone. That was fantastic. Some kind of Island magic?" He yawned again and looked at his watch. He had slept for a bit over two hours.
Roman gave a deeper chuckle. "I guess so, in a way. It's what my grandfather did when I felt bad when I was little. It's the only thing I could think of to do to help."
Adam turned to lay on top of Roman, face to face. Their hips cradled together perfectly. "Well it did. Thank you my Islander." Adam whispered then pressed his lips to Romans.
Roman loved it when Adam initiated the kissing. He knew that meant Adam was totally comfortable. He put down his book and wrapped his arms around Adam. He responded by taking control of the kiss. His tongue gently lapped Adam's lips. Adam parted his lips and his tongue met Roman's eagerly. Their kiss was slow and lazy.
Adam's hands pawed at Roman's shirt like a kitten. Roman's hands ran slowly up and down Adam's back. Every time his hands reached Adam's hips, Roman gave a gentle squeeze, which made Adam moan into the kiss.
The sounds Adam made went right to Roman's cock. He fought the growing hardness. He didn't want Adam to think all he wanted was sex. This had to stop before it went too far. With great reluctance, Roman broke the kiss.
Adam slowly opened his eyes and looked up at Roman. He had a look of confusion in his hazel eyes. He would have been content kissing Roman all night.
"If... low and slow. I'd better get to bed. Another long day at work tomorrow. No... that's not the entire truth. If... I don't... fuck why is it so hard? Adam, you are so beautiful... If I don't stop... this will go too far... I don't want... our relationship isn't going to be based on sex. Sex, if it happens eventually, will be a wonderful bonus. I have to stop because, I want you... understand?" Roman's dark eyes were filled with worry. His brow crinkled with anxiousness.
Adam looked at Roman. "What... if I don't care?" His hazel eyes were filled with not only adoration, but a hint of lust as well.
Roman smiled. "I care, baby. We can't let a moment of lust take over. I am not sleeping with you this early in our relationship, it's only a few hours old. I respect you too much for that. You'll realize that in the morning, trust me. I could easily take you to bed, don't think I couldn't. And, it would be wonderful, but I haven't earned the privilege yet. You understand, don't you?" He flashed Adam a concerned glance.
Adam returned Roman's smile. "I do and again you're right. I do want it to be special, if we ever decide to have sex. I've just never... I'm still not used to the freedom of choice. Roman, it does mean a lot to me that you don't want in my pants. Having a boyfriend is a nice feeling." Adam gave Roman a soft kiss, then pulled himself up off the Islander and the couch.
Roman secured the apartment for the night and Adam straightened up the living room. At Adam's bedroom door, the blond got a sweet good night kiss.
Later, Adam lay in his bed. His mind churned. He thought about Bret. He didn't regret doing what he did, he felt it was a fitting goodbye to someone who had been so good to him. He did wish Bret well. His mind then turned to Roman.
Adam looked forward to having a relationship with Roman. It would be different to be with just one person. Would it be confining? Would he feel choked? Adam laughed to himself, and hugged Archie the bear to his chest. No, none of those things would happen. He knew a relationship with Roman would be new and exciting. Above all, Adam knew Roman would never hurt him or allow him to be hurt by anyone or anything. He closed his eyes and fell asleep with the tingle of Roman's kiss still on his lips.
In his room, Roman lay on his back. His mind filled with thoughts of Adam. He was very glad Bret Hart was now out of the picture. He understood why Adam had slept with the Canadian, but he wished Adam would realize he had more to offer people than sex. Well now it was his job to teach Adam. He could have easily taken Adam to his bed, very easily. Roman wanted Adam to know sex was not what a relationship was built on.
Roman turned on his side. He couldn't wait for the day when Adam would be curled up against him. Roman would make sure the time was right, for both of them. He closed his eyes and fell asleep with Adam's erotic scent still in his nose. It calmed him into a deep sleep.
At work the next day, Roman sat at his desk, a different man from the grumpy bastard he was yesterday. Dean looked up from his stack of papers. He was going over the statements from Calaway's boys. He gave a glance to Jason.
The sandy haired man was concentrated on his computer. Dean gave Jason's foot a kick under the desks. Jason looked at Dean with annoyance in his eyes. Dean nodded to Roman. Jason turned to look at their boss. Now he understood when he saw the smile on Roman's face. It was sure a turn around from yesterday. Jason gave Dean a shrug.
Dean couldn't stand it. "Okay, Ro, why the smile? Yesterday you nearly bit our heads off. And you call me the unstable one?" He arched his brow at Roman.
Roman looked at his fellow Detectives. "It's better today, isn't it?..." He hesitated, then thought, why not. It was nothing to be ashamed of. "Okay. Look, keep this to yourselves, no telling Seth or Heath. Adam and I are now an official couple. He will tell Heath and Seth when he's ready." He spoke firmly, but his eyes sparkled with happiness.
"That's great" Now I guess... look, we've both been official, as you call it, with Heath and Seth for a while now. It's killed them not to tell Adam, but they didn't want to make him feel bad, or left out. Congrats, it took you long enough to get around to it." Jason explained after a nod of approval from Dean.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Well, Adam had some past issues to work out, but now, he's all mine. I'm going courting like that frog in the children's song. Adam won't know what hit him." Roman gave his partners a wink. He pocketed his cell phone. He went over to Dean and whispered in his friends ear. Dean gave a whispered reply. Roman left the office, leaving Jason to stare after him. Jason looked at Dean. Dean just smirked.
Jason half shrugged and spoke. "Well, Heath was right. He said Roman and Adam had eyes for each other. He said they just needed to realize it. You and Seth still helping me on Saturday? We have three hours while Heath walks the neighbor's dogs." Jason whispered even though he and Dean were alone in the office.
"Yup. Seth is about to bust a gut, but he won't blab. He's not ready yet, but we talked about it. Unless something happens, we will do it eventually, neither of us are in a hurry." Dean knew Jason understood what he was saying.
Jason nodded. "Everyone is different. When you're ready, you'll know; trust me. Heath wants it badly, and I do too, so why wait?" He gave Dean a shrug.
Dean lit a cigarette, and with an exhale of smoke, nodded in agreement with Jason. Before he could respond, Roman came back into the office with a smirk on his face.
"The courting has begun." Roman spoke rather cryptically, and went back to work. Jason and Dean shrugged again and went back to their papers.
Back at the apartment, Adam was curled up on the couch with a fresh cup of coffee. He was deep into the grammar section of his GED workbook. Roman had been right to make him stop last night. Now the sentence he was working to diagram was fairly easy. He stopped and stared at the door when the door bell chimed.
Adam went to the door with caution. He thought any threat from Calaway was long over, but, still caution was called for. Adam also knew random people just couldn't get access above floor sixty. He looked through the peep hole and relaxed, it was Mrs. Baker from the flower shop on the second floor. He unlocked the door and opened it.
"Hi Missus Baker. What can I do for you?" Adam was curious. Mrs. Baker had asked Adam if he might like to work occasionally in the shop, cleaning up, for cash on the quiet. Maybe she wanted him today.
"I have a delivery for you, dear. I'll let you know about the other. Be sure you cut a fresh end and put an aspirin in the water. Take care, dear." The older woman handed Adam a long, narrow, glossy white box with a red ribbon.
"Um... thank you. Okay, have a good day, Missus Baker." Adam took the box and closed the door as Mrs. Baker left.
Adam carried the box back to the couch. I couldn't be from Bret, he used another florist. Adam slid the silk ribbon from the box and opened it. He let out a gasp of surprise.
In the box was a beautiful white rose. It was so perfect, it almost looked like it was made of wax. What made it unique was that the very edges of the petals were a very soft blue. It was the most wonderful flower Adam had ever seen. He gently lifted it from the box. A card fell from the greenery and baby's breath that accented the bundle. Adam smelled the rose, it was sweet and pure.
He put the floral bundle back in the box and picked up the card. He didn't recognize the handwriting. He slid the card out of the small envelope with a trembling hand. He took a deep breath and read the note.
"Remember on the ferris wheel, when we saw that falling star, and we made wishes? Mine came true, I found you. I send a kiss inside each petal of this rose, thinking of you. Roman."
A slight whimper crossed over Adam's lips. He'd never read anything so sweet. He gave the rose a very soft kiss. He could almost swear he felt Roman's kiss in the petal. Adam went to the kitchen and found a perfect vase. It was tall and made for a single flower. He followed Mrs. Baker's instructions and when Adam finished, he took the vase to the living room.
Adam set the vase on the coffee table and settled back onto the couch. The single rose was more romantic than the overwhelming flood of them Bret always sent. The note was so heartwarming and romantic. Adam pulled out his cell phone and typed out a text.
"That was the most romantic thing ever. The rose is beyond beautiful, it's stunning, just like you. Sending you a kiss and I am thinking of you too. Thank you, my Angel. Adam." He sent the message to Roman's phone.
Adam curled back up on the couch. He went back to his studies. When he felt like he needed a bit of encouragement, he looked at the rose and heard Roman say, "You can do this, baby." Adam smiled and finished the grammar problem.
Roman's phone vibrated on his desk. He picked it up and read the message from Adam. His constant grin grew brighter. He typed a quick reply. "You maybe out of sight, but never out of mind. I'll see you around six, better day today. Later, baby boy. Roman." He pressed send with a smile. He looked over at Dean.
"Thanks for the idea about kisses in the petals. Who knew Dean Ambrose was a romantic genius." Roman gave Dean a wink. He'd asked his fellow Detective what he could say that was romantic. Roman felt he was so out of practice and needed help. Dean had told him about the kisses in the petals.
Now Jason understood what the earlier whispers had been about. "Dean Ambrose, you old smoothie. All I could think of was the old roses are red violets are blue line. I had to ask the florist for advice. Remind me to have you help me on Saturday." Jason gave Dean's shoulder a pat as he walked by Dean. He'd been in the file cabinet behind Dean.
Dean quickly got up. "Gotta go to the head." He left the room like he was chasing a criminal.
"Oh... I guess he was really embarrassed. I'll have to apologize. I need him and Seth on Saturday." Jason looked anxious and bit his lip as he sat back down at his desk.
Roman cocked his brow. "What's going down on Saturday?" He didn't like office gossip, but now Jason looked really worried about Dean.
Jason looked at Roman. "Please, please don't tell Adam. I'm picking out an engagement ring for Heath. Dean and Seth are going to help me. I didn't tell you because Heath didn't want Adam to know we are in love. He feels bad that Adam... you understand?" He bit his lip again in nervousness.
"Are you sure? It's kind of fast, isn't it?" Roman also had a concerned furrow to his brow.
Jason nodded his head. "Yes. I knew the moment I laid eyes on him, Heath was meant for me. Heath told me he felt the same. When you know, you know. Why put it off. We love each other and we both want children. We want to start a family as soon as possible. We are blissfully happy. Heath will be glad about you and Adam. Do you think you two will tell soon?" He cast a glance at Roman.
"I'm sure Adam will agree to tell everyone on Sunday. I'm happy for you. I can tell by... you really are in love. Really, Jay, congratulations." Roman got up and went to Jason. The two friends hugged each other.
At the apartment, Adam lifted the lid of the crock pot. Roman had told him how to make crock pot Swiss Steak that morning. Roman watched and was ready to help, but he let Adam do the work. Round steak, fresh green beans and new potatoes simmered in a savory gravy. The gravy was made from a can of cream of mushroom soup, an envelope of dry onion soup and a can of beef stock. It had cooked all day on low. Adam was proud of himself. He could now cook, at least one meal in a crock pot.
Adam chopped a tomato to put in the simple salad he was making as well. He was confident he couldn't ruin a salad.
He smiled he heard Roman call out to him. "Hi honey, I'm home!"
Adam chuckled, people really said that? He decided if they did, it was nice. "Kitchen!" Adam called out. He didn't look up, he was too busy neatly dicing the green pepper after the tomato. He felt Roman's arms snake around his waist.
Roman inhaled deeply. He'd been craving Adam's scent all day. He kissed Adam's cheek. "Hey baby. I missed you." He gave Adam's cheek another kiss. Roman then rested his chin on Adam's shoulder, his arms still around Adam's lithe waist.
Adam stopped chopping and turned to face Roman. His hazel eyes sparkled. "Thank you for the beautiful rose.." He gave Roman a kiss on the lips, Adam continued to speak. "I made my wish too... and I got you. That was so... romantic. I think I like being courted. Go wash up, dinner is ready." He moaned softly when Roman gave him a kiss in return.
Roman was so impressed with Adam's meal he ate two huge plates of food and a bowl and half of salad. They cleaned up together after supper. They talked constantly about Adam's studies, Roman's work, and life.
As usual, Roman took his shower, then joined Adam on the couch. Adam lay between Roman's legs, his back against Roman's chest as he studied from his GED study guide. Roman had his right arm around Adam's waist. Adam's hand lay over Roman's. Roman held his book in his left hand. The radio played softly in the background. It was another comfortable and cozy evening.
Adam smiled when Roman would occasionally kiss the top of his head. He let Roman know he liked it by giving his man's muscular arm a stroke. The touch sparked up Roman's arm to his spine. He tightened his grip around Adam's waist. Adam loved the feeling of being held in such strong arms. Bret had a firm embrace, but Roman had a strong embrace, Adam knew which he'd chose if he was In trouble.
After two hours, Roman insisted Adam stop studying. This time Adam agreed without argument. Roman also put his book down. Adam was now wrapped in both of Roman's arms.
"About our date on Friday, I have something special planned. You can dress casual, jeans and a tee shirt. This time I will come home from work to shower and change. I'm not telling, so don't ask." Roman winked at Adam. He could tell, Adam was about to ask where they were going.
Adam laughed. "You are a Detective. Okay, I won't ask. I trust you." He snuggled up against Roman even more.
Roman felt something burn in his soul. The words Adam had spoken were so... simple. 'I trust you' He knew how much Adam had been through in his life. He knew the words held a lot of meaning to Adam, and they weren't words he said easily, or often.
Roman vowed to make sure that nothing would ever happen to break Adam's trust. He pulled Adam in closer. "I'll never break that trust, Adam. I know what it means to you." He once again kissed the top of Adam's head.
Adam felt a warm fire in his soul. They way Roman spoke made him feel more secure than ever before. He turned his head to look at Roman.
Roman looked deeply into Adam's eyes. He saw complete adoration and trust. There was also something else... could it be the first sparks of... love?