Okay everyone, so I want to thank you if you stayed with me. I know it has been a while but I totally didn't mean for it to be months between posting. Life has gotten in the way but now with this whole virus situation I seem to have some time on my hands. Hopefully I can bang out a few chapters to make it up to you.

Chapter Thirty-One

Two hours. It took two goddamn hours to get fitted for a suit. Roman better be glad this was for something special. Not like he really had a choice in the matter since Roman was his Master and he technically had to listen to him. He felt stupid as he looked in the mirror one last time, the ensemble was a charcoal gray slim fit, the classic white shirt and he was even made to wear a tie that was a deep navy color. Roman came back into the fitting area after going out with the tailor, carrying a pair of brown dress shoes.

"You really hate me, don't you?" He groaned as they were handed to him.

"What are you talking about? You should be thanking me, who knew you could clean up so well?" Roman kissed his temple as he just watched him put the shoes on.

"Every man needs a good suit." He pushed his large hand through Dean's mop of curls, lingering just a bit before smiling.

"Any chance I could convince you to do something with your hair?" Dean rolled his eyes as he stood.

"No chance in hell." He smiled but knew deep down that if Roman had pushed the subject he would give in, luckily for him though his Master just smiled again and shook his head, holding open the door for him.

"After you then. We do have a party to plan in…" He looked at his watch.

"4 hours. Hopefully everyone won't already have plans for the time of the signing."

"And the birthday part." Dean added even though he knew that wasn't Roman's main priority here. It was his though. This was going to be special; it was going to be the time he replaced a horrible memory with a new one, a happy one. Roman needed this, he knew he did. He deserved to be utterly and truly happy.

Turns out nobody had plans and were more than happy to show up for the contract signing, Roman left out the birthday party much to Dean's dismay. They were at Exile now, nobody bothering them because of the 'Closed for Private Function' sign that hung out front, as they waited for the invited guests to show up. It was close to 10 pm now so he didn't think they'd have to wait too much longer. He watched Dean scurrying about behind the bar, setting up alcohol for the night, he told Dean he could have just hired bartenders for the event, but Dean told him it wouldn't make any sense especially since he knew the bar better than anybody. All he wanted was for Dean to have a good time tonight and if he had to be bartender there was no way that was going to be accomplished.

"Dean, come here." The willing Submissive looked up from his task and went to do as he was told, sitting at the barstool next to the caramel man. He looked into those beautiful blue eyes as he wrapped his hand around the back of Dean's neck bringing him in for a soul searing kiss. As he pulled back, he heard the door open.

"We can come back in, what like fifteen minutes, if that will work." Cass's voice broke through and Roman shook his head, laughing with his friend. When he looked up, he saw Cass, Enzo, Corey, Finn, Truth and slowly more people were starting to file in. No more than twenty though, mostly people he had written contracts for. When he was supposed to invite people, it was a lot harder than he thought it would be. It wasn't until today that he realized he didn't have a lot of friends in the scene. He actually didn't have a lot of friends, period.

"Thanks for coming." He let go of Dean and as soon as he did his Sub went back behind the bar not worrying about it because he knew the temporary bartenders he hired anyway would be here soon.

"Of course, we came. You've been there for each of us during our signings but most importantly you're our friend Roman." Cass was always the sentimental one. He couldn't help the slight tip of his lip at that.

"A friend whose birthday we didn't even know until now." Corey, the cynical one, now. To be fair though he had that coming. He did always keep his personal life a secret and even though he knew Cass and Corey before Evan had died, he never celebrated anything with them. Just opting for a quiet night in with his ex-Sub.

"Oh, come on Graves, just shut up and be happy you're here. Look an open bar." The heavily tattooed man slid his eyes over the liquor selection and grunted before taking a bottle of bourbon and pouring himself a glass.

"If you all don't mind, I'd like to just start this now. The other party starts in about an hour and I don't want the signing to run into that." Everyone murmured in agreement as Roman stood from the stool. Dean moved over to him once beckoned for, standing there with everyone looking at him made him feel a little awkward but he tried to tune it out. This was a good thing.

"I've invited you all here because I consider you my friends and unlike some, I don't like to make a big spectacle of things." Dean gazed at his Master as he spoke to the small crowd. Considering the size of Taker's signing he figured there would be a lot more people here but found himself to be relieved that it wasn't the case.

"As y'all know, I've had a new Sub for the past month, Dean." The way he said his name, so full of love and wonderment, made said man feel all fluttery inside. He rolled his eyes to himself at his lameness.

"We have come to terms that we both agree on and finally have a contract to sign. Y'all are here to witness and spread the word. The person I've chosen to read the contract and put his signature down as a witness is someone who has been through a lot with me and even though I gave him plenty of reasons to drop our friendship he somehow always stays. And as annoying as that is, I'm thankful to have a friend like him. Cass, if you would?" He handed the legal folder to the tall man and Dean watched in confusion as Cass took it. He didn't know someone actually had to read it before they could sign.

"You all might want to grab a drink or two. Knowing Roman this is going to take me a while to read." Everyone laughed as Cass sat down on the barstool at the end of the bar and broke the seal on the folder, pulling out the papers before flipping to the first page.

"Relax." Roman's breath was on his ear as he watched the face of the tall man. He did as he was told though taking the glass his Master handed to him. Enzo came up to him and just nudged him with his elbow wiggling his eyebrows.

"Finally, that time. Good for you." He managed to give the crazy haired man a smile. Why was he so nervous about this? If Roman trusted Cass enough to read the contract then everything should be okay, right? It wasn't like he could object to anything in it. Or could he? Dean realized he didn't ask enough questions about this. He moved his eyes back over to the bar where Cass read and noticed that the big man was also looking at him. He couldn't figure out if it was amazement or judgement he saw in those eyes. Cass pulled out a pen though and signed before coming back over to where he and Roman stood.

"Cass, done so soon?" The big Samoan took the papers handed to him and once again Cass's blue eyes looked towards him before back to his Master's.

"Yeah, there's definitely some…interesting terms in there. Different from the last one I read of yours." Oh god was that a good thing or bad thing? Did Dean make Roman change his rules too much? Was he a horrible Submissive for not wanting certain things?

"I know." That was it? That's all Roman had to say? He watched as Roman put the papers down on the bar again and Cass addressed the group.

"I've read the contract, signed as the main witness and wish Roman and his Sub many happy years." Everyone cheered and drank while Roman signed, tapping Dean with the pen when it was his turn.

"It's not too late to run." He whispered making Dean chuckle.

"No way you're getting rid of me that easily." Then just like that, with a quick brush of the pen against paper he was a new man. He was Roman's. His Master smiled and pulled him into a breath-taking kiss while everyone cheered again. He noticed it was louder than it should have been with the few people in the bar until he pulled back and saw the people, he invited for Roman's birthday party coming in the door. Dean saw his best friend across the room and looked up at his Master, looking for permission before being granted it and ran into the brunet's arms for a hug. He watched from his spot at the bar, the smile on Dean's face something he wished he would see for the rest of his life.

"So Roman Reigns is going to bottom one night a year? That's something I wish I could see." Roman moved his eyes from Dean to Cass who sat down next to him.

"It's one small thing I can do for him to make it all feel normal. He's changed everything about his life for me. What's one night?" Cass raised an eyebrow and made a 'why not' face.

"You've changed too, you're…more carefree. Having more fun, not so uptight. Even with Evan you were so reserved, you always kept your hair up even though I know from the conversations with Enzo that Evan wanted it down more as well. What's different about him?" Once again Roman's eyes went to Dean. The two opposite colors meeting instantly before turning his attention back to his friend.

"Everything." He wasn't going to elaborate; he didn't have to. Yes, Cass was his friend, but he would never be open about his relationship with anyone. Cass seemed like he was about to ask for more too until Dean and Seth came up to them, the latter with something in his hand.

"Happy birthday.' He held out the bag he was holding and Roman looked at Dean before actually taking it.

"Thank you, Seth. You really didn't have to though." And he really really wished he didn't because he didn't get anything for Seth. He didn't think they were close; they weren't. He got he was being nice because Dean meant a lot to Seth and Roman meant a lot to Dean so that was probably enough for him to justify it. Now though he'd have to go out and get the younger man something to even it up.

"Don't worry about it. I saw them and thought of you." Okay now he was scared.

"You should probably open it in private though." Thank god Randy showed up when he did because he was about to pull the tissue paper out of the bag. Now he was curious though, what could have caught Seth's attention that made him think of Roman? He couldn't help but peek in the bag and when he did, he couldn't help but to laugh. He put the bag down on the bar and couldn't help but keep laughing. Dean handed him a drink before sneaking a look in the bag. He glared at his friend. It was a collection of scarves, handcuffs, a sleep mask, and clothespins. It looked like he just went to Target with a BDSM fetish mission.

"Are you fucking kidding me?!" He mouthed to his friend who only chuckled and shrugged. He should have known Seth wouldn't behave himself in any circumstance.

"Yeah I can see why you'd think of me." Roman was still chuckling lightly but Dean was going to kill his friend the next time they were alone together. Why was his Master okay with this?

"It was either that or a monthly subscription to BDSM Monthly." Again, another heart felt laugh left the big man. Was he drunk?

"Oh man did someone take my gift idea?" Nia and Alexa came up to the group and after exchanging hugs the Samoan woman took a look in the bag Roman handed her and more laughter ensued. He didn't get it, there had to be something more that made this whole thing funnier than it actually was.

"Am I missing something here?" Roman took Dean's hand and pulled him into his big frame.

"I'm sorry you're right, it's rude when you're not in on it." Confusion now. He drew his brows together and looked back and forth between the two cousins waiting for one of them to explain further.

"Okay fine, I'll spill. So, when Roman first started getting into this whole thing when you were like what 18, 19 years old?" She directed towards her blood, to which he just nodded.

"We went to the Walmart, Target some store like that and just walked around. I had no idea what it was that I was supposed to be looking for, I just wanted to support my cousin. He was filling me in it a little bit, what the scene meant blah blah blah and I just remember thinking, 'this is it. My cousin has finally lost his goddamn mind.' I was only 16 or so at the time so my imagination on this whole thing was a little limited, but as we were walking I noticed all these things that could be used to tie people down or cause a little discomfort and that day we ended up getting a basket full of scarves, I think like locks, and clothespins, binder clips, carabiners, zip ties. A whole slew of just random ass stuff and when we got back to his apartment, I think we realized how crazy it actually was. Of course, he's obviously got it together now but back then, damn he was a mess." Okay so now he could see why it was kind of funny, but it still didn't make him any less annoyed at Seth.

"I actually have a real gift for you. Kinda for the two of you actually." No, no, no what the hell was he doing now? He handed an envelope to Roman who opened it. Well this wasn't what he thought it would be. Inside were two tickets to Cancun. Wow, he didn't know what to say. Good for him he didn't have to.

"This is too much, Seth. Are you sure about this?" Why was his Master second guessing it?! He had never been to Mexico and would take these tickets and run if he could.

"It's really not a big deal. I figured my father owed you guys." So he used his dad's money to buy their gift? Savage move.

"I appreciate it but come on, man. You ripped off your dad?" Seth rolled his eyes.

"So, you're telling me you're not wanting to go to Cancun? Cause that makes no sense, I'd be more than happy to take a free vacation if you were offering me one. My dad's an asshole who has fucked over Dean so much I just figured this is one small thing I can do to try and make up for it." That was nice of him actually. He hoped Roman didn't refuse again.

"You know what? You're right. Thanks, Seth." The younger male gave a bright smile.

"Yep, oh and their open-ended tickets because clearly I don't know your schedule so just take that vacation any time you please within the next year." Dean just shook his head and took a drink of Roman's beer that he was baby sitting while the others lightly chuckled. Looking around he found that he was pleased with himself. While Roman was sure this party was going to be a complete bust, Dean knew it wouldn't. Nothing bad had happened, no uninvited or unexpected guests had come to rain on their parade, and it felt good.

"What are you so smiley about?" Roman asked pulling him in closer if that was even possible. He bent his neck to kiss his Master while wrapping his arms around his neck.

"Oh, you know, just get to say, 'I told you so'. I told you this would be good, that it'd be fun." Roman smirked before rolling his eyes playfully. Just as he went in for another kiss though he heard that annoying voice.

"Looks like my invitation got lost." No fucking way was he here right now!