Hey, everyone! Welcome to my first full-length story! To "dip my toes into the water," I'm basing this story off a current RP thread I'm doing with one of my friends. It may be nowhere near finished but a good chunk has been written out and I can take it from there! I hope y'all enjoy :)

WARNING. The various themes are discussed throughout the story:

M-Preg

Depression

Drug use

Light mention of rape

Violence

If any of those items bother you, this story might not be suitable for you. Also, in this reality, Roman only has his daughter Jojo.

I also can't say that this is 100% from Dean's side or 100% from Roman's side. It's a mix of both so I promise to do my best to make it as easy as possible to follow!

[FYI: I adore Galina, don't let this story think it reflects my personal real-life views!]

—

CHAPTER ONE

The three of them were supposed to be on top of the world in the WWE, virtually indestructible. Well, for 4 years, they were. Side-by-side they'd fight against all injustice they felt were plaguing the company, putting an end to it once and for all. That is until one June night when Seth suddenly felt that he had a price and the Authority was more than happy to pay it if it meant getting the Iowa native on their side. That betrayal, that first hit of the chair still stung heavily on Dean's mind, it's something that'll probably plague him until the day he dies. After everything had gone down the way it did, Dean became even more glued to Roman's side, more than he usually was. Maybe it's because he's fearful that the Samoan could also turn his back on the Ohio native, he's not sure why but it's just the way things have been playing out lately. Things seemed to be going fine until one day they weren't anymore. Roman was going to be sidelined for a while due to needing emergency hernia surgery and would be recuperating back home with the aid of his wife and daughter.

Dean wasn't quite sure how he was to survive on his own between Seth constantly wanting to run his mouth with his newly found goons and Hunter wanting to continuously put him in unfair handicapped matches like it's some sort of dog fight but he figured he'd just do what he knew to do better than just about anyone else backstage: Fight. He doesn't mean fight because it's what the boss man wants, he means fight to survive which just takes everything to a whole new level in his world. Nothing is off-limits to the Ohio native when it comes to using his hands to get by in life but fuck he'd be lying if he said he doesn't miss having the Samoan man by his side. This is weird because he's ALWAYS been a loner, never needing anyone for anything but with Roman… he can't be without him. Weird.

Taking a break from prowling the back halls for the man with the two-toned hair that he once considered a brother and would go through hell and back with, Dean found some equipment boxes that were shoved up against a wall that seemed like a decent place to sit. Hoisting himself up, he pulls out his cellphone from his jeans pocket and pulls up the text conversation with Roman, a soft scoff leaving his lips.

The last time the two of them spoke was to wish each other a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. This is now July. 7 months without texting one another? No phone calls? Just what in the name of god has happened between the two of them? Letting out a soft sigh, the Ohio native's thumbs get to work typing out a message.

[D] Hey, how're you feeling?

Roman, who was back at home currently laying on the couch with a couple of ice packs near his groin to help keep the swelling at bay scrunched up his face when he felt his phone vibrate, curious as to who could be reaching out to him. He grabs his phone off the coffee table and sees it's Dean reaching out which makes his heart stop for a few seconds.

Dean? I haven't heard from him in months! This is rather interesting.

[R] Hey! Nice to hear from you. Doing OK, still sore, still stuck on the couch. How are you doing?

Figuring it would be a while before Roman responded to his text, Dean had gone to tuck his phone back into his pocket and continue his prowl around the back halls but quickly stopped when he felt his phone buzz.

Poor guy must be bored as all hell!

[D] Just sitting in one of our hallways, still weird being here alone. Haven't seen that sumbitch all night. You gotta heal faster and get back here.

Dean's gaze was now glued to his phone, he didn't even make a second attempt at getting down from the boxes. Never in a million years has the auburn-haired man ever shown this much interest in his phone, he's not one for technology, but it's helping him keep in touch with Roman so he figures it can't be that bad.

[R] Well don't stroke yourself out over him. We've decided he's not worth it, remember? I'm trying, man. My groin can only heal so fast.

[D] Your groin, man. It Ain't ever gonna be the same.

[D] Does your dick still work?

Wait, is it weird for him to be asking his best friend if the surgery has hindered the use of his dick? Nah, they've shared much worse information over the years, this most definitely can't be the worst question Dean's ever asked.

It's like all of the air was taken straight out of Roman's lungs at Dean's latest text because it had caught him off-guard which is unusual in itself because Roman thought there was nothing Dean could say or do that could surprise him anymore. Guess he's wrong about that. Why does he want to know if his dick is still working?

[R] Missing me that much, man? ;)

At any rate, whatever is going on is very intriguing to Roman.

[R] Nah, man. Shit ain't working.

Dean couldn't help but snicker to himself and shake his head when the response came through. His first thought was to respond by telling him that his wife must be terrible at her job if she couldn't get it working but he figured maybe that was a little too rude.

[D] Fuck, RIP to your dick. We'll hold a ceremony for it when you get back.

[D] For real though? Is it dead? Porn Ain't workin'?

The more the conversation carried on Roman couldn't help but notice that, well, this conversation isn't a route he and Dean have never gone down before. Normally he'd find it weird but it's still all very intriguing to him. He has no intentions of letting this talk end any time soon.

[R] Funeral services should have been held a long time ago.

[R] Man, G hasn't given me anything in a very long time. I don't dare watch porn and mess with my healing process right now.

By this point in the conversation, Dean's so heavily into it that he forgets he's even backstage at an arena and was on the prowl for Seth so he could knock his teeth down his throat. How satisfying would that fuckin' be? Not as satisfying as talking to Roman currently is.

[D] What? That fuckin' sucks. I could tell you were a little more wound up than usual before I left. Figured it was just because of what happened with fuckface.

Deciding to forgo commenting on Galina's current lack of action, Dean decided to take the conversation down another route and stick to the lighter side of things.

[D] So I shouldn't start sending you porn videos? I shouldn't hire a hooker to go over there and fix you up?

[R] Lack of sex hasn't been helping, that's for sure. Combine that with Seth's dumbass, yeah. I've been a wreck.

[R] NO HOOKERS. NO PORN VIDEOS. I mean, go for it if you never want me to return.

Roman couldn't help but laugh softly to himself as he rested back against the arm of the couch, his hand resting behind his head. What a turn of events all of this has become but it's also making the Samoan realize a lot of things. Lately, he's been happiest when he's talking to Dean or even just near him. His wife and he haven't even been on the same page for a while now, all they seem to do is argue constantly and never spend any time together. At this point in their marriage, Roman's convinced the love between them died a long time ago, that this has turned into nothing more than a marriage of convenience. What kind of a life is that, who'd ever want to live that way? Certainly not him.

[D] Have you told her that? What the fuck though? Does married life suck that bad? If I were your wife my legs would be wide open for business 24/7.

Dean couldn't help but grin while shaking his head at his dumb comment. Was that taking things way too far? Nah. Roman is handsome as fuck and not to mention he's also one incredible human. He couldn't imagine someone not wanting to give him the best life possible, especially the woman he had pledged his life to.

[D] Alright alright, lemme call off the hookers before you do break your dick for good.

He was interrupted from his thoughts by hearing someone call out his name. He sighed and rolled his eyes, suddenly irritated he has to stop his conversation and make his way to the ring. Wasn't he aching for this fight today and now he doesn't want to go. Weird.

[D] Gotta run for a bit, text you later.

With that being said, Dean was forced to tuck his phone back into his jeans pocket and make his way towards the ring. He does know one thing, though. As soon as he's done he plans on continuing his conversation with the Samoan.

[R] I've tried, man. She doesn't listen. I'm pretty sure at this point she just wants me for my money.

[R] God, Ambrose. I can't imagine you as a female. Have you been drinking? :p

[R] I assume you've gotta kick ass. Go get 'em, man. I'm rooting for you all the way!

Setting his phone back down on the coffee table the Samoan lays back and closes his eyes. Maybe he'll give Dean a call later on tonight. He's finding that he's starting to miss hearing the Ohio native's voice. Just where exactly are all of these thoughts and feelings suddenly coming from? It feels like all of this is coming from left field but to Roman's internal surprise, none of this is bothering him at all.

—

A couple of hours later saw Dean shutting and locking himself into yet another hotel room for the evening, kicking his boots off as soon as the door was shut, a heavy, pain-filled sigh escaping his lips. Fuck these handicapped matches, they knew it wasn't a fair fight. Would Dean ever learn his lesson, though? Fuck, no.

Pulling his jacket and shirt off, Dean checks his torso in the mirror, bruises already beginning to form, each breath telling him just how sore his ribs are now. Oh well, he's had worse.

Taking his phone out of his jean pocket, he began scrolling through the texts he had missed from Roman when he left to go fight Seth and his goons. He frowned at the first one but the rest sure made him smile.

[D] You can't imagine me with incredible tits and my killer fuckin' legs?

He once again decided to stick to the lighter side of the conversation. It sounds like everything going on between Roman and Galina is something that needs to wait until they're able to speak in person.

[D] I'm back, stuck in another hotel room for the evening. Was gonna go sniff out a bar but I think I'll stay here and text you instead.

[R] Tits ain't been my thing anymore. You do give your thighs quite a workout at the gym, though.

[R] You're staring in the mirror, aren't you? You got hurt, didn't you?

[R] And to what do I owe the honor of being more important than some cheap beers? I'd go with the beers, what's wrong with you?

[D] Legs and ass, huh? I already got those so you don't gotta use your imagination too hard.

Grinning when Roman called out his earlier behavior, he sighed and began undressing the rest of the way, kicking his boots aside.

[D] Nothin' a hot shower ain't gonna fix. And Nah, I've had enough cheap beers to last me the week, ain't had enough of you.

He paused from the conversation to get the shower running and turn hot, checking his phone once more before setting it on the sink counter and hopped inside. He wanted to make it quick, suddenly way more interested in his phone than he had ever been in his entire life.

[R] I ain't never said anything about your ass, why you gotta go put words in my mouth?

[R] I knew you were hurting. What did they do to you?

Roman couldn't help the blush that has begun to creep across his cheeks. The more they talk the more Roman swears Dean's flirting with him. He shouldn't be surprised if he is, Roman's doing it right back. Maybe he should amp it up a little, see if his suspicions are truly correct or if it's all just in his head.

[R] I would still go with the beers, man. Hahaha. I wish you were here right now, my recovery might be more bearable if you were.

Dean rushed through the shower even though his sore muscles begged him to stay in longer. He was already taking the night off by staying inside and not prowling the streets looking for trouble like he's been known to do, he's already cutting his body a huge break. He stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist, quickly grabbing his phone off of the sink counter and made his way back into the bedroom.

[D] Sorry, had to shower real quick. I'd rather be there with you, too, you know there ain't never a dull moment with me.

Even if things were dull, it never felt that way between the two men. To be able to enjoy comfortable silences together without feeling awkward is something special and that's something that only he shares with the Samoan.

[D] Am I cheering you up with texts at least?

He pulled on some fresh briefs and grabbed a pair of baggy sweats from his bag that he may or may not have stolen from Roman a long time ago, pulling on the garment before laying down on the bed and stretched out.

[R] The day a dull moment occurs with you is the day I check you into a mental institution.

[R] You sure are. At least you're not bitching at me about laying on the couch unable to help much with anything.

[D] I don't ever bitch at you for anything unless you've drunk the last beer.

Dean smiled to himself as he rested against the pillows, letting his body fully relax. Fuck, this is nice. He should have texted Roman a while ago.

[D] Hey gimme a photo of that ugly mug, I'm starting to forget what it looks like.

Is that weird? Whatever. He doesn't care.

[R] You're usually the one drinking the last beet, Ambrose. Don't pin it on me.

[R]

Roman's never really been the best at taking selfies but this particular one wasn't too bad. It's just him smiling, his long ebony hair cascading around his shoulders, his hand raised with the thumb and pinkie sticking out.

Dean was about to argue with Roman's message when the picture came through, causing him to shift a little. It sort of affected him in a way he hadn't quite anticipated so he decided not to give himself much time to dwell on it.

[D] There's that handsome fucking face. With all that perfect goddamn hair.

[D] I know you're stuck doing nothing and all but shit, you look good, man!

Roman was caught between a rock and a hard place. He's enjoying this conversation he's currently engaged in but he also really wants to FaceTime Dean. He misses seeing his face and hearing his voice. Does he dare? Oh, fuck it.

Dean blinked in confusion when he saw the call come through, not sure what it meant at first. When he finally figured out it's Roman trying to video call him, he hits what he hopes to be the right button and moves his hand so the phone is now in front of his face.

"Did I do this right? Is it working?" he asked, smiling wide when Roman's face finally popped up on his phone screen. "This is a lot easier… and I get to stare at your ugly mug the whole time." Dean himself was dressed only in the pair of Roman's sweat that he had stolen, shaggy hair newly clean and currently disheveled but what else is new? "Sorry I ain't dressed for the occasion, didn't think you'd be looking at me."

"Yeah, man, you got it right," he confirmed, laughing at his friend's lack of technology experience. "You just said I had a handsome mug and now it's ugly? You need to make up your mind whether my face is ugly or handsome. Wait a minute, are those my sweatpants? I've been wondering where those went!" He laughed. "Ah, that's OK. Asking you to get dressed up is like pulling teeth. I like the way you look just fine, man."

"I gotta call you ugly to keep you modest, you're hoarding all the good looks for yourself over there. Fuck, I didn't think you'd notice," he laughed, panning the camera down to the sweatpants, sliding a hand down his flat stomach to lift the waistband a bit to let it snap down against his smooth skin. "You ain't getting them back, either. They're nice and cozy."

Roman merely rolled his eyes. Dean can be quite the sarcastic son-of-a-bitch when he wants to be. He can also be quite the tease. Roman stared a little too hard as Dean began messing with the waistband of his sweatpants, nervously biting on his lower lip while he watches.

"I uh… that's OK. Pretty sure you took 'em hostage a while ago, keep them." he laughed, trying to keep his head on straight.

Turning the camera towards his face once more, Dean shrugged a bare shoulder with a cocky smirk now spread across his lips.

"They probably look better on me, anyway," he teased while settling against the pillows once more. "I think this is officially the sexiest video chat thing I've ever been in. Should I ask you what you're wearing next?" That wasn't a lie but he also never video chatted with people either so him showing all of that skin was probably the most scandalous thing he's done in a video chat to date. Probably sad by today's standards but oh well.

"I… uh… y… yeah. They sure do!" Roman was nervous as he spoke, coughing before he continued. "Nothing special, just a pair of basketball shorts and a t-shirt." He turned the camera so Dean could see that Roman is indeed wearing basketball shorts, deciding to tease him back by also snapping the waistband of his shorts. Dean wasn't expecting Roman to do the same thing in return but he sure found himself staring a little too hard.

"Careful with your broken dick, babe," he teased while running a hand down his stomach, making sure it's out of sight of Roman's phone. "Would be a shame if you could never use it again." Roman deserved to have all the sex he wanted, honestly, and it surprised him that he getting any action at home anymore. If he were single he'd probably getting laid every damn night on the road. Dean didn't like that idea, though, Roman running off with some girl every night? Nah, that was their time.

Roman could tell he caught Dean off-guard when he too played with his shorts. Success!

"I am being careful although I don't think it matters at this point. I don't think he's going to be seeing any action ever again, or at least for a very long time."

In the back of his mind, Roman can't help but be intrigued at how interested in his sex life Dean suddenly seems to have become. "So, Uhm, when are you going to come to visit me? Galina's abandoning me by taking Jojo on a two-week vacation and is leaving me behind. I thought for sure you'd have come to visit me by now."

Dean couldn't help but laugh and smile, shaking his head while Roman acted all dramatic about his poor dick.

"You just gotta find someone who can handle your dick and not make excuses because they just can't take it," he shrugged, trying to spin it that Roman's dick was just too amazing for some people and not just because maybe his wife had decided she wasn't into him anymore. The next turn of the conversation had him furrowing his brows slightly, feeling bad that he hasn't stopped by to see the man he still considered a brother. "You know how it is… shit's been fuckin' weird lately. But when is she leaving? I'll come shack up with you while she's away and keeps you company. Fuck Hunter and all them, if they want me around as their goddamn show pony they can stop throwin' me into handicap matches every night."

"I don't know, Dean. Maybe I'm just getting too old to start all over again with someone new," Roman sighed before a soft smile crept across his lips. "Well, at least with someone who doesn't already know me." Roman then frowned when he saw Dean frown. Did he strike a nerve of some kind by asking why he hasn't been out to visit? He hopes he didn't upset him, that's the last thing he needs. "She leaves in the morning," Roman shrugged. "Said he and Jojo will probably be gone for a couple of weeks or so, didn't even really say where they were going to be at. Not quite sure how I'm supposed to go two weeks without seeing my daughter or being near her," he continued, eyes getting a little misty before perking up at Dean's suggestion of coming to stay with him while they're away. "You wanna shack up here, huh? I don't want to put you out of your way or anything, man."

Yes, he does. Roman wants to be selfish and keep Dean here for as long as possible (where in the hell is that coming from?!) but he doesn't want the Ohio native to do anything that he doesn't want to.

Dean remained quiet while he began considering and going over his options. He could simply just take off, catch the next flight he could out to see Roman and just stay there with him for a while. Hunter and his goons can be pissy about it all they want to be but he doesn't give a fuck about it at this point. What does he have to fight for anyway? His pride? Revenge? All that happened was he attacked Seth and then got put in an uneven match so they could beat the fuck out of him. Screw it.

"You know I ain't got a damn thing going on outside of trying to beat Seth into a bloody pulp," he shrugged, trying to seem more casual about it all than he felt. Inside he could feel his heart rate begin to beat a little quicker- was he going to see Roman again after all of this time? He knew he could go chill at the airport until they could fit him on the next flight out to Tampa and then maybe he could spend some time not having to obsess over Seth. He'd have plenty of distractions with Roman around again. Especially if he needed to take care of the older man as well. "I'll catch the first flight out that I can… then I'll just stay until I have no choice but to leave."

Dean's silence made Roman nervous. Is he coming out? Why wouldn't he? Roman would be devastated if Dean ended up deciding not to come to visit because the other weeks the two weeks he's about to face by himself would be like living in hell. It would be downright torturous.

""You sure you'll be alright with trying not to beat Seth to a bloody pulp for a little while?" Roman laughed once Dean had answered, relieved to hear that he's going to be coming out. "Well, you had at least better give me advanced notice of when your plane is supposed to land so I can have enough time to get ready. I sadly can't move too quick right now," he said, his free hand holding up the ice pack that was resting against his groin. "Stay until I kick you out, huh? You might be here for a while, man."

Dean smirked, drawing in a slow breath as if he were considering how easily he'd be able to let go of the notion of whooping Seth's ass every night.

"I think I can manage… I'm sure I'll have plenty of distraction," he said but then scoffed at Roman's next comment. "Fuck no, I'll get a cab or some shit from the airport to your place, I ain't about to make you get outta bed to come to pick me up. I'd rather walk my ass all the way there." That wasn't going to be up for debate, the idea of Roman struggling to get out of his house just to come to get him from the airport. This was Dean's turn to take care of Roman after all the years of the Samoan dragging him out of bars and carrying him over his shoulder back to hotels. "I might get there and pass out, though, so just throw a pillow on the floor or something, I'll be fine."

"Well, I appreciate you choosing me over beating the shit out of Seth." Roman laughed, his heart suddenly beginning to race as the full reality of the situation hits him. Stay cool. Do not let him see you sweat. "I'm not having you sleep on the floor like a dog. I've got guest rooms or if you want to make it like one giant slumber party and share stories and talk shit until 2 a.m. then you can split my bed with me. There's no way even you can take up a king-sized bed."

It didn't surprise Dean too much that Roman offered to share his bed with him but at the same time it did. Sure they shared hotel beds sometimes or ended up drunkenly slumped over each other, but it felt different having Roman invite him into his bed. Still, he sure wasn't about to pass that up.

"I dunno, I can take up a lot of space sometimes… you'll just have to keep shoving me back to my side," he grinned, liking the thought of knowing that he could have a side of the bed even though he knows that in reality, it belongs to Galina. For now, though, he can pretend like she doesn't exist. "You want me to bring anything? You need me to pick something up along my way?"

"Just don't kick me in my groin, Ambrose. I'd like to be able to return to the ring sooner rather than later. Can't do that if you re-injure me. Just some beers, please, and make sure you get some for yourself! I don't need you drinkin' my last beer and leaving me high and dry like you've been known to do."

"Don't worry, I ain't gonna beat a man's dick while he's down," he laughed, suddenly wide awake and full of energy to get to Roman's place. Checking the time at the top of his phone, he thought about how soon he should be leaving. His bags were already packed and he could just clean his dirty clothes at Roman's. It wasn't like they'd be going anywhere so he can just wear those. Worst case scenario, he stole more of Roman's pants. "Got it. Lemme get off of here so I can get my shit together and head to the airport to see how soon they can get me on a flight. I'll text you the information once I have it."

"Thank you, Dean. I appreciate the consideration," he chuckled. "Alright, man! Look forward to seeing you!"

This is going to happen. They're about to be reconnected after months apart. Roman can't wait to see how this whole time plays out.