Surprise and welcome back? I'm still alive and no I didn't fully abandon this story. As I mentioned over on my other story, I always am so upset when a project I like gets abandoned so I wouldn't do that to you guys, I'd eventually give you an ending even if it was a rushed unsatisfying one. I had to take a rushed leave of absence for my own sake that I didn't even know would be this long. I'll explain more of what happened in my personal life after the chapter and give a couple heads up for the future if anyone who's interested but for those just here for the story or already saw this on my other story then I'll just get right into the story for you. Enjoy the chapter. Trigger warnings include negative self image, casual discussions about being sold, and sexual innuendos because Remus. Welcome back and as always take care of yourselves and thank you for reading.

Roman didn't think he'd slept that well in a while. Logan and Remus had shown him around the house which he was apparently allowed to use any part of once he had recovered. Across from his room was Patton's room and a gym, to the right towards the main entrance was a nice restroom, one of two on this floor alone. Behind his room in the back corner of the house was a two story library which apparently was the only thing Janus had specifically asked to be made when his father made the house for him so he could give it to Logan. On the other side of the house, beyond the stairs and family room, from front to back was an indoor pool, a second bathroom, and a split room with a half wall dividing the kitchen and dining room. On the second floor where the two sets of stairs came up there was a larger living room. On this floor was Logan's room, just above Roman's, Virgil's room, and a massive master bedroom with a connected bathroom and walk-in closet which was Janus's room where they all had a tendency to spend the nights when they didn't want to be alone. Beside it was Janus's office and a music room with a grand piano, violin, and guitar. There was a set of stairs leading up to an attic which Remus apparently had converted into a bedroom. There were still a lot of boxes surrounding the bed and lamps he'd put in but it had been renovated into a livable room, slit in half by a curtain which on the other half was an art studio filled with canvases of Remus's artwork.

That night, as promised, Roman, Remus, and Logan turned in early to get some rest but they spent quite a while talking about simple things about back when he was happy in his old home.

"You've finally relaxed. Were there a lot of omegas staying together at your previous home?" Logan asked.

"Mhm. It was a nice room. The floor was always built up like a nest since Master didn't want us nesting elsewhere when we went into heat. We always stayed in there together unless we were invited to Master's room. It was nice and comfortable. I missed that… and the people I shared it with," Roman admitted in a quiet murmur.

"Sounds lame-"

"Remus! Forgive your brother, I swear he has no filter," Logan sighed.

"Heh, I know. That's why the overlords didn't like him much," Roman smirked.

"Hey, that was only one of the reasons. I was just too cool for them to deal with," Remus pouted. "Unlike you, Mr. Perfect. Bet there was quite the betting war over who got you."

"No, actually, I never was put out for auction. Master came in before the sale to choose an Omega. He wanted his first omega to set the principle of what the others he was planning on getting in the following weeks should be like. He took me with him to all of the facilities he visited to show me off as an example of what he wanted from them. I am… I was his favorite, until I grew up and became a disappointment. But I did like being his favorite for a while."

"Disappointment? You? I doubt that, I've known you since you were born."

"But I'm no longer a good quality omega. I grew out of my looks. It's okay that I'm no longer attractive. I've accepted that," Roman replied with a sad smile.

"Roman, is that what you were told? Falsehood. You are quite an attractive young man, even despite the neglect you dealt with on the streets," Logan argued.

"You don't have to try to lie about it. I know that I'm too big and broad. Master said omegas should be dainty and cute, it's pretty obvious I don't fit that. I mean have you seen Patton and Virgil. Patton's beautiful and adorable and Virgil is delicate and feminine," Roman countered earnestly.

"Well that's 'cus-"

Logan's hand slapped over Remus's mouth and he looked down at Roman with a tense but sincere smile.

"Well that is true for some Omegas, that is not true for all of them and that is simply that one person's opinion, don't let that poison your self image. Everyone sees things in different ways and you are still an attractive omega even if you aren't his type," Logan explained. "Also, a word to the wise, I don't suggest using those terms to describe Virgil, he'd probably find them a bit offensive. He's rather self conscious"

"But I'm a bit offended, Ro-Bro. Do you not think I'm nice looking? We're identical twins," Remus added, though making his tone clear that he was only teasing.

"Well… You're not a traditional omega… But it works for you, you know?" Roman replied.

"As goes for you Ro-Bro. You probably listened to and trusted every word that asshole said, but he's gone now. You're free to have your own thoughts and opinions, they don't need to let him poison 'em," Remus grinned.

Roman fell silent.

"So, were you good friends with the other omegas?" Logan asked after a while to change the subject.

"Mhm! Especially Andrea. She was his second omega. She was always there for me, no matter what."

Roman went on like that for hours, describing and telling stories about every last one of the omegas he used to know until the exhaustion won and he found himself drifting off in Remus's arms, Logan's hand comfortingly combing through his hair, just like his old home, just like back when he was safe and happy.

Roman woke up the next morning to find Remus starfished across the bed, partially underneath him, snoring away. Just as "elegantly" as he remembered. Logan seemed to have already left. He sat up and slipped off the bed glancing around. Remus didn't look like he was going to get up anytime soon.

Roman got up and ventured into the hall, greeted by the distant smell of food cooking. Despite that it was pretty quiet, he wasn't sure if many people were up. He wandered through the halls towards the opposite corner of the house. As he drew closer to the archway entrance of the kitchen he heard the peaceful humming of Patton as he moved around the kitchen preparing breakfast. He looked peaceful, happy with what he was doing. Patton turned to place some dishes on the kitchen island and spotted Roman standing awkwardly in the entryway.

"Oh good morning! Did you sleep well? I know this must all be new and strange but Logan said you were sleeping pretty soundly when he got up," the blonde chirped cheerfully.

"Oh… Yes. I haven't slept that comfortably in a while. Thank you for your hospitality," Roman replied, nearly stumbling over his words.

"I'm not used to anyone being so formal around me since Logan moved in when I was... fourteen? Wow, I can't believe it's been nine years since then. The three of us have grown quite a bit," Patton mused.

"I apologize if that makes you uncomfortable, Sir Janus seemed quite uncomfortable with it as well."

"Oh, no, don't worry about it, Kiddo. We aren't upset or uncomfortable, we just want to make sure you know you don't have to feel like you need to be on edge with us or treat us as superiors. Think of us as your friends, okay? You wouldn't think of your brother as someone you need to be beneath, right? Since we are all mates with him, that kind of makes us all one big family so think of us like that if it makes you more comfortable," Patton suggested with a bright smile.

Roman's shoulders, which he hadn't even realized were tense, sank a bit as he allowed himself to smile back.

"So is it time for morning chores? Should I wake up Remus?" Roman asked.

"Morning chores? I mean I guess, kinda. But no need to go waking anyone up. I'm just making breakfast. I think Logan is off doing the laundry. Janus is doing a bit of work so he can go ahead and have some time to take you out shopping. I think Virgil is still sleeping, he isn't much of a morning person," Patton replied uncertainly.

"Is there a chore I should be doing?"

"Not really, kiddo. I mean you can help out here if you'd like," Patton said.

"Okay, what would you like me to do?" Roman asked, cocking his head to the side as he stepped closer.

"How about setting the table? If you wouldn't mind. The silverware is in the drawer on the island, plates are in the second cabinet from the left, and the cups are to the right of that."

Roman set to work gathering six table settings and carrying them to the connected dining room.

"Patton… How long do you think Sir Janus will let me stay?" Roman asked.

"Hm? Why as long as you want to of course! If you wanted to stay here with us forever, I don't think he'd mind. I'm sure he's told you that already," Patton replied.

"He has… But he hasn't asked anything of me, or given me any orders about what is expected. It seems pretty temporary," Roman pointed out.

"Kiddo, that's just how Janus is. The things he has done and said aren't just for show. He really is good to us like that. He'd never prompt you to do anything you didn't want to. Once you're physically better I'm sure he'll ask you to pitch in a bit around the house, like we all do, even him. We keep our own areas clean and if we notice the common area is messy, we tidy it up if we have time. Laundry is pretty much the same, we all put our dirty clothing in the laundry half of the bathroom down the hall, and if we notice there is enough clothing to run the laundry, we do so. Cooking is something I enjoy so I mostly do it, but the others pitch in sometimes to give me a break, that's mostly it. Nothing more, Kiddo," Patton explained cheerfully.

"It's really… different," Roman muttered, just loud enough for the other to hear.

"Well, that's kind of Janus for you. He wanted to be good to us. I remember when I first met him. He swore back then, it was just going to be me and him, he didn't want to have a bunch of omegas and neglect anyone because there were too many, not like his dad. But… well, the others needed him. Janus didn't take them in just because he wanted more mates, he took them in because they needed a friend," Patton laughed a bit, a touch of pain in his tone. "We all have our own little sob stories too. You aren't alone. I think everyone, minus maybe Remus since he was friends with Janus for a while first, were a lot like you when we came. We were scared and didn't know what to expect from him. A person can act nice, but we all got to learn that in this case it wasn't just an act. You're safe here, no matter what you want to do."

Roman smiled softly at the reassurance.

As he and Patton finished setting the food on the table he heard footsteps approaching.

"Good morning Patton dearest," Janus murmured, wrapping his arms around Patton's waist and pulling him closer to kiss the top of his head.

"Morning Janny!" Patton chirped happily before returning to what he was doing, leaving Janus to turn to Roman.

"Good morning to you as well, Roman. I'm surprised to see you already out and about. Logan said you were sleeping quite soundly when he got up," Janus said.

"I slept very well, I haven't slept that long or comfortably in a while, thank you," Roman replied with a polite dip of his head.

"I'm glad to hear. Do you feel up to going out with me today to do some shopping? I'd like to get you some items of your own to make you more comfortable here," Janus explained.

"I'll be alright if that is what you'd like to do, Sir Janus."

"Alright, tell me if you change your mind, okay? We can go another time if you need to."

"Greetings, Patton, Janus, Roman," a new voice cut in.

Roman turned to see Logan swiftly approaching, having cut through the open door in the family room.

"I can't stay to eat again, Patton, I apologize. I have to head out before I'm late," he continued, starting to pull open the cabinet before Patton stopped him.

"I know, I've memorized your schedule. That's why I packed you breakfast and lunch. I know you'll probably spend your entire free time on campus studying for your finals or your MCAT but don't forget to eat again. Love you honey," Patton chuckled, kissing his cheek and giving him two different lunch boxes of food.

"I appreciate it, Patton, thank you. I will see you all later. Oh, Roman, if you find yourself needing me for anything at all just tell someone and they are more than welcome to contact me at any time so we can chat," Logan said with a gentle smile.

Roman's chest felt warm from the compassion these borderline strangers were giving him.

"Thank you Logan, I wish you luck on whatever adventure you're taking today," Roman stated with a respectful dip of his head.

"That adventure would be college," Logan replied.

College, Roman had heard that term before. An advanced degree to get a job.

"Omegas can go to college?" Roman wondered out loud.

"It wasn't easy, that's for sure, since he was raised in a facility he didn't have any lower education. But Logan wanted it so I got him a bunch of study materials and he aced a test that would become the equivalent of a high school diploma and found some schools that weren't prejudiced against omegas. Now he's top of his class and well on his way to becoming one amazing doctor," Janus boasted.

"That is if I pass all of my exams which requires me being on time for class," Logan said with a soft smile as he turned and left the room.

"Oh bye Logan, have fun with your lame ass classes," another voice cut it, yawning midway through his words.

Roman scowled at his rude brother but made no move to lecture him on it, this wasn't his home. Despite the clearly rude words he used, Logan took no offense as he waved back at Remus and continued on his way.

"Good morning Remus. We're heading out to the mall today, alright?" Janus instructed.

"Mmm, got it. Just let me get something to eat first."

Patton yelped as when up behind him and sharply bit his neck before beginning to leave little hickies around it.

"Remus please refrain from 'eating' anyone at the dining room table," Janus sighed before continuing. "Anyways Patton, that means you'll be alone to take care of Virgil. Will you be okay?"

Patton smiled over from where he still stood with Remus attacking his neck.

"It's okay, I'll stay with him and help if anything happens with his heat coming early. You know I love taking care of my kiddos," he said.

He then reached around grabbing him by the hem of his shorts before dragging him forward and pushing him down into a chair.

"Now, how about we eat the real food I spent several hours making for you, hmm?" Patton suggested.

Remus snapped his fingers into finger guns and grinned.

"How about a rain check then?" Remus smirked.

Patton booped him on the tip of his nose.

"We'll see love."

"Remus please do continue. You're most certainly not making your brother uncomfortable," Janus scolded.

"Sorry Ro," Remus said with a small pout.

Roman held his hands up his hands defensively.

"No, no, it's fine this is your home and your pack, don't worry about me. I was just surprised by the interaction, is all," Roman insisted.

"Well if we did, I'm sorry. Speak up for yourself if you ever feel that way, Kiddo, we won't get upset. Speaking of being uncomfortable, I know the doctors said normal food would make your tummy feel pretty uncomfy so I did my best to follow what your doctor's orders," Patton set down a bowl and glass in front of Roman. "I tried looking up what you could eat but it was kind of confusing and there were a lot of contradictions. Lo promised to help pick up things you have an easier time eating until you've been weaned back onto a normal diet. I hope this'll be okay though. I don't know how much you're willing to eat and I didn't want to make it too heavy so yeah it's just yogurt with oatmeal, sliced almonds, banana slices and some blue berries. I also gave you one of those chocolate milk breakfast drink mixes I force Virgil to drink when he's not in the mood to eat. I figured that'd be pretty good for your recovery. I hope... I'm so sorry if it makes you feel any more sick."

Roman chuckled and smiled at the fretful omega.

"Even so it's fine. I'm just happy you took the time to think of me and make something special," he replied, genuinely touched by the kindness of the near stranger.

It genuinely amazed him how quickly almost all of them were accepting him into their home. Everyone but Virgil and he couldn't blame the youngest of the group for his behavior. It was only natural that if he was readying to enter his first after being claimed by his alpha that he'd be very possessive even towards his fellow omega mates, much less a stranger. Roman had seen far worse reactions during his time as a den-mother than simply being shoved.

Speaking of the devil footsteps rounded the corner from the hall into the kitchen making their way towards the little alcove that was the dining room. Virgil yawned as he sank deeper into the sleeves and hood of the oversized hoodie he wore. He trudged over to the table and grabbed the mug of coffee Patton had already prepared for him, immediately chugging a fourth of it.

"Good morning to you as well Virgil," Janus mused with a fond smirk.

"Mmn. Morning Jan, Patt, Re. Lo already at school?" Virgil asked, his heavy eyelids remaining closed as he plopped down in his chair.

"Yes, Logan went to his college just a few moments ago," Roman piped in as an attempt to be helpful.

Virgil blinked open his eyes and stared at Roman dumbfounded for a moment, his cheeks gradually growing redder from embarrassment. He rubbed his neck awkwardly as he broke eye contact and quickly covered it up by taking another sip of his coffee

"I, uh, kinda forgot you were here… Sorry. Good morning to you too, Princy," Virgil muttered into his mug.

"...Prince?"

Both Janus and Remus flinched in unison, recalling how that was Roman's given name by his previous master. Remus scooted his seat closer to Roman's placing a hand over his brother's in an attempt to comfort him if he needed it. Roman seemed a bit lost in thought but all together not horribly shaken up by any memories the name might bring back.

"Virgil," Janus started in a stern tone.

"Hey! What did I do?" Virgil cut in.

"Nothing… Please, just refrain from calling him that for the time being," Janus sighed, softening a bit, knowing that Virgil honestly just didn't know.

"Okay… Can I ask why? It's just a nickname, cus you know, he's all elegant and proper and somehow still looks pretty good despite having been half dead a little over a day ago. He reminds me of a Disney Princess but I'm not about to go and feminise someone without knowing their okay with it so, Princy," Virgil shrugged.

"Well not that I don't agree, I've said Ro-Ro was your typical Prince Charming since we were kids but apparently his old owner felt the same way and named him Prince so it might have some negative connotation," Remus replied waving his free hand around as he spoke.

"What's a Disney Princess?" Roman finally piped up.

"You know, like the Princesses in the Disney animated films?" Virgil replied, raising a brow.

Roman blinked at them blankly, still not sure what they were talking about.

"How sad was your life?" Patton asked.

"It wasn't that... Wait, Patton, why are you crying?!"

A/N: I'm really sorry about the sudden disappearance. I've been honestly trying to come back to writing since Christmas but a lot of issues have come up in my personal life. First my family got Covid which isn't that horrible but it did mess things up quite a bit especially since it was during finals week. I was A-symptomatic but my family was quite worried about my father. After that there were a lot of familial dramas such as my school, both my sister and my father's jobs, and all of my cats coming down with various serious illnesses (where we were constantly having to hand feed them, give them steam baths, and various medications). On top of that someone said something to me that reminded me a little too much of a very toxic and manipulative person that had been part of my life that I'd already connected to various other traumas in my past so I've been having a lot of issues recently of the emotions I felt during that period resurfacing and placing me in a not very stable mental state. Beyond that I was just an idiot who decided that "oh I'm in a really bad depressive episode, I'm not taking my medications properly. Everyone says taking them irregularly is really bad for me so I'll just stop taking them for the time being." I was on birth control and anxiety/depression meds, two medicines that deal with your mental state, and I abruptly stopped taking them. Yeah, I was not aware just how badly my mental state would suffer than that. Also one of the funnier horrors in my series of unfortunate events is I managed to set my computer on fire. I turned it at the exact same time as a power surge and the cpu fried, hahaha I swear my life would make an amazing comedic drama at times.

Anyways I'd like to say that I'm doing better now but these past two or three weeks are the first time I've even had my phone on for more than a few minuets in six months out of the amount of anxiety I had about the outside world because I already felt so out of control and beyond the walls of my house is just a whole world of uncertainty and lack of control so I could bring myself to deal with it. But as you can see I've started writing again. But I don't know if my metal state will start slipping again or not so I can't promise how frequently I'll be able to write. What I can say is I'm nearly done with chapter six of this story and both of the next chapter of this story and my other, Blindly in Love if you read that one as well, are almost complete and likely won't take horribly long to come out, although I make no promises. I'd also like to announce a new "series" I'll be starting soon as well for the times where I'm unable to write either of these stories. I write to escape and during this time I needed to escape these stories because they reminded me of the outside world so I did a thing. I'm calling it Sanders Sides: Across the AUs. Essentially its a series of kinda oneshots of different AUs I've come up with that I've considered making full length stories or I write to just get out a certain urge. It's just to give people random things to read when I'm not at my best and unable to write my other stories and also to see if anyone is particularly interested in seeing me fully write out any of those ideas once I've finished my current stories. I may even take AU requests on that series if people would like to see anything in particular so you can be looking forward to me officially publishing that thread probably within the week if not then early next week. Again I am so so very sorry for vanishing without any warning. I promise I'm not abandoning this story, I have far to many ideas to let them go to waste. I hope you have a wonderful day or night, thank you for reading this far and I hope you're taking good care of yourself.