FINALLY! After a couple months of prepping, this story can finally hit the net! I've been itching to do a Sanders Side story for a while, and I'm so happy to finally do it. Not entirely sure yet what day of the week this story will update on, but because I've written ahead, hypothetically it should update every week. We'll see.

This story has a LOT of mature content, and though I will attempt to warn for certain things at the beginning of each chapter, I must insist that you read at your own discretion. This is your fair warning.

UPDATE: Deceit's name will be Janus, however for decieving purposes he goes by Dee until his name is revealed.

Warning: Inappropriate and disturbing language/imagery (from Remus, let's call a Spade a Spade here).

Disclaimer: I do not own 'Sanders Sides' or any other content created by Thomas Sanders or his Team.

The Reaching Hand

Chapter I

~Prince Charming~

Roman grinned as he sauntered into the kitchen of his apartment. He felt absolutely radiant today - beaming from head to toe.

Well…more like anxious beyond belief - but that was basically the same thing, so…

Anyways, today's the day! A glorious day that needed to be celebrated! Yes…a very, very, very important day. One he couldn't screw up - but nothing to worry about! He was great at everything and he had nothing to worry about! Nothing at all…

So, he acted like it! He made sure to hold himself like royalty - tall, broad, and confident - as he strolled towards the fridge. No matter how his anxiety's ate at him, he refused to give in. A leading male should always eat something before an important day! No exceptions! Not even when his stomach begged him to leave it alone! He could not give in to such negativity before he even started his day, it was just bad luck!

Or it should be, if it wasn't.

Anyways, opening the fridge, Roman reached for the last jar of Crofters, trying to keep his eyes trained on the jam instead of the digital clock just above the stove - right beside him. He wouldn't look at the time - no, no. Then it wouldn't fly by! He needed it to fly by. Please, fly by. Please. No? No…

Disappointed, he turned back to his breakfast.

The male sighed, reaching for the drawer and pulling out a spoon. He had a feeling no matter how hard he tried, he wasn't going to be able to distract himself. Was today really not going to be a good day?

"Brother dearest~" Clearly not.

Roman turned towards the voice. Just over the counter - the one connecting the living room to the kitchen - he could see his twin - Remus - exiting his bedroom. His brother looked hardly awake, still dressed in his pajamas, and sporting intense bed-head. Despite that, the never ending energy that followed his twin like the plague continued to radiate off him. Horrifying, really, when accompanied by half-awake, crazy eyes.

Shutting the door behind him, Remus approached the counter with a huge yawn, flopping onto its surface. Blinking unevenly at his brother, he grinned, "You look dreadful." Roman gave an undignified squawk.

Shaking his head, he took a deep breath to calm himself. When ready, he focused back on his jam, "If it isn't my Nightmare before Breakfast. Surprised you're even awake."

"I can't Twilight my Loganberry if I'm asleep!" his twin defended, before pausing, "Or can I? Ooo, I should try it!" Roman blinked, frowning in confusion. What in Hades did that even mean?

It took a moment of word association before he realized what his brother was confessing.

Eyes flying wide, he quickly pointed his spoon in threat, "Hold it, Villain! It's one thing when you do that to me - but I draw the line there! You can't just watch people when they're sleeping!"

"Why not?"

"Because it's creepy!"

"But he's my boyfriend," Remus pouted, "If I don't watch him, who will?"

"No one - I hope," Roman huffed, giving his twin an exasperated look. Remus didn't seem swayed by his words, and he doubted he'd be able to say anything to convince him otherwise. Well, so be it. He'll just go around his brother by reminding Logan to put Remus to sleep first if he wanted a stalk free night. Honestly, it's like the nerd never watched Gremlins! Obviously Remus came with instructions too!

Roman sighed, glancing at the clock despite his better judgment. 7:00 AM, too early for either of the twins to be awake, and an hour later than Logan usual was. Perfect conversation away from his brother's stalking. "Surprised Logan isn't up yet," he commented.

Remus grinned, mischievously, "Oh, he won't be awake for a while." Roman cringed.

Too much. Too much information.

He really didn't know how Logan - the most serious person he knew - could deal with his brother's 'quirks', but he pitied him.

Remus shifted over the counter to prop his head up with his hand, eyes scanning his brother curiously. "So, why are you up, Brother dear?" he questioned. Roman hesitated, glancing away.

It took a moment of inner debate before he ultimately decided to share. "Well, I have an audition downtown!" he proclaimed, offering a spoonful of jam as an illustration of his good mood. Remus's eyes lit up, a squeal escaping his lips as he threw himself forward to chomp down on the utensil. Roman had to restrain another undignified sound as he watched his brother gulp down the strawberry delight.

After excessively licking the contents, his twin pulled away with a huge smile, "Do my ears deceive me? 'Cause I don't here details."

"Ah, I'm afraid I must refrain."

"Aw, why?"

"Well, um…" Roman paused, his facade falling for just a second before returning, "To not get your hopes up, of course!" His brother frowned at that, tilting his head too far to the side as he begun taping his fingers to a nonrhythmic beat against his cheek.

"That big, huh?" Roman bit his lip. Slowly, he nodded.

"Yeah…"

"Well," Remus straightened, "Fuck 'em all in the ass and you'll get the part!" The other cringed, muttering a quiet - yet awkward - 'Thanks'.

The topic faded, "Are you going to be here later?"

"Nope," the younger smiled, "My boy toy is taking me out."

"Ugh, really?" Roman sighed, rolling his eyes, "Where?"

"I don't know," Remus hummed. Grinning, he added, "But he knows what I like."

"Okay, well," Roman straightened, trying to shake the imagery out of his head. Grabbing his messenger bag - resting against the wall - he walked towards the door, "I need to go."

"Break everyone's legs!" Remus cheered. His twin smiled back - though strained.

"Yeah, thanks…have fun with Logan."

"Always do!"

"Okay, well…" Hastily he got his shoes on and exiting before anything else was said.

It wasn't easy living with his strange brother, but despite the dirty comments - fueled by Logan's presence - it was nice having the two around. Logan didn't live with them, but since he and Remus began dating months ago, he has slowly started spending more time in their apartment to be more 'cost efficient'.

It was a rocky start. Roman wasn't Logan's biggest fan when they first met, but had grown to be quite close to him despite their differences. Still, he couldn't fathom how Remus could fall for such a stick in the mud, or how Logan could stand his twin's eccentricities. Yet, here they were, successfully dating - and for months now! Roman had to quickly relearn how to be around two of the closest people in his life - and be okay with being the third wheel.

Criminal, really, but manageable.

The male sighed, walking to the closest bus stop. Thinking of Logan and Remus, his mind drifted off to his other friends - his 'extended family', really. It's been a while since he talked to his emo nightmare, or even his paternal friend. He considered texting Virgil right then and there in compensation for not doing so in the last twenty-four hours, but knew it would only wake the other up. Then, Virgil would ask what Roman's doing up so early…So, that wasn't an option. He knew he couldn't tell his friend the truth - not when the audition was such a big deal and the chances of rejection were higher than usual. He didn't want to read the sassy remarks, even if Virgil would eventually give support once he realized Roman wasn't in the mood for banter. It'd be best to wait until after the audition was over.

So, that left Patton. He could always call Patton. Patton likes calls. Patton likes talking. Patton's awake at seven. He could always call Patton.

So, he called Patton.

As the bus arrived, Roman typed in his friends number and got on board. The phone rang while he paid, continuing even as he took his seat at the back of the nearly empty vehicle. It took a moment, but only two rings passed before a chipper voice was heard, "Hello?"

"Hey, Padre," he smiled, "Been a while."

"Yeah, any longer and I'd forget your name, Tony!"

"Uh - it's Roman."

"Oh, right, my mistake. I knew that, Remy." The male made an offended noise, but his grin only grew.

Dangling his legs under his seat, he questioned, "So, how's living with Hot Topic?"

"Amazing!" Patton beamed, "Yeah, my little storm cloud has filled the place with rainbows, and sparkles, and gloomy purple! I love it." Roman snorted, earning a giggle from the older. "What about you? I heard Logan's been staying over more."

"Yeah, it's - uh…it's been - uh…"

"Weird?"

"Disturbing."

"Oh," Patton chuckled, "Yeah, Remus can be a bit…uh, much."

"You have no idea," Roman sighed. Closing his eyes he let the distant sound of his friend's movements sooth any nerves in his body. He could see Patton's image bustling around the kitchen preparing breakfast behind his eyelids. Or, maybe, it could be a tavern - one that Patton owned. An inn for traveling folk and dashing heroes to rest in for the night, all cared for by the kindest person he knew. That'd be awesome.

Patton's hum pulled him from his thoughts, "So, Roman, whatcha doing up so early?" Roman's eyes shot open. Somehow, he didn't expect that from his friend despite how normal a question it was. In the back of his mind he could hear Logan's voice telling him that waking up early is more beneficial to one's health and would cause less inquiring about his daily activities.

He hated that voice, it was always right.

Sighing, he knew he had to answer. So, Roman let out an awkward laugh. "Oh, well…I have an audition!" he declared, trying to sound more confident than he felt.

"Really?!" Patton exclaimed, "That's amazing! What for?"

"Oh, uh…you know, just a silly play…"

"Now Roman, you know nothing you do is silly," his friend chastised.

"I know, I know. I'm just…nervous."

"Oh, I know, kiddo, but you know I'm here for you! You're the biggest star I know."

"Thanks, Pat," he smiled. In truth, it did make him feel a bit better to hear the support. Maybe that comfort won't feel like pity when he - if he doesn't get the job.

He could always hope.

Patton's chuckle vibrated through the speaker, "Anytime. And hey, if want you can come see us after! We'll celebrate!"

Roman paused. "Oh, uh, thanks, but I - uh…" He didn't know what to say. It wasn't as though he didn't want to see his friends, but he wasn't sure if he could face both Patton and Virgil after such an audition. They always encourage him, and act as though he already got the part…and right now he didn't want that kind of hope. Seeing Logan afterwards made more sense. But, then again, he could never turn down an invitation to a Patton made meal… "Maybe tonight?"

"Sounds like a plan!"

"Cool…" he slumped in his seat, letting out a deep breath. Tapping his finger against his leg, he continued, "So, would it be just us, or…?"

"You know Logan and Remus are always invited, but Remus has to play nice with Virgil if he comes."

"Oh, right…yeah…"

"…That's not who you're asking about, is it?"

"No, it is…but…" He hesitated. Roman knew it was a touchy subject to bring up, but it'd been a while since he heard news about his more distant friend, and the last he heard wasn't pleasant.

Patton sighed, "Now, you know I have no problem with inviting Dee over…but…I really wouldn't get your hopes up. He won't even take my calls anymore, just…texts."

The male nodded, slowly, playing with a button on his vest, "…How is he? I heard he got into an accident."

"Yeah, just a minor crash. He said he's fine, just some scrapes, but…I don't know."

"What do you mean?"

"You know he lies."

"Seems like a serious thing to lie about."

"I thought so too! But…" he sighed again, "If he won't take my calls, how do I know?" Roman bobbed his head lightly.

"True. Well, have you visited him?"

"No…he doesn't want me to."

"…I'm sorry, Pat." He really was. He remembered the two of them being very close despite their different views…and he remembered the shift in both of their behaviors after the fallout. Things haven't been the same since, but there was little he could do about it. It was an issue between brothers, and he knew he couldn't go in between them. He's had enough experience with Remus to know that.

"It's okay, Ro," Patton sighed, voice soft, "I'll - uh…I'll ask him if he wants to come tonight. No promises though."

Roman hesitated, "Oh - uh, thank you, but…you know, if it bothers you, you really don't have to. I didn't meant to-"

"No - No I should. We need to move on from this, right?"

"…Yes?"

"Right! Okay! Well, I hope you have a good audition, Roman!"

"Oh - uh…thank you." With little more said, the two gave their goodbyes.

Roman sighed, slumping further down his seat. He still had another bus he had to transfer to before he got to his location, and not having Patton to speak to anymore was making him nervous - both from the audition and having to worry about drama later tonight.

So much for relaxing.

Fidgeting in his seat, the male decided to look himself over one more time to make sure he was truly ready. In his humble opinion, he looked professional - a nice button up white shirt with a red vest over top. Fitted jeans, polished shoes, hair groomed to accentuate the shape of his face. Perhaps the rolled up sleeves were too much…or the one button undone at the top of his shirt. Logan would have reprimanded him for it, but Roman believed it added charm, and - if he was being honest - made him feel more confident. That's what's most important - right? - and it brought him more comfort than any words could right now. He was being true to himself, and - hopefully - that would keep him steady throughout the day.

By the time Roman arrived downtown, he realized he had gotten there with at least half an hour before his call time - or, rather, a half hour before arriving early to his call time. Logan would have been proud; he always nagged about being early, and for once his nerves encouraged him to do so. The city was filled with people on their way to work, both on the streets and on the sidewalk. It was a bit too crowded for comfort, but Roman managed to navigated his way to the less travelled streets. The small conservation park was within walking distance, and he found more than enough space to practice while he waited for the half hour to pass.

Taking the script out of his bag, Roman went over the material once more. He recited the words as confidently as he could to the air, barely taking in those watching around him. Who cares what others think? This was his profession! They should feel lucky to see him at work!

That is, until he passed by a bench with a specific onlooker.

"So?" he paused, as though waiting for a response, then, "Excuse me, there's no pretense here: I happen to be genuinely self-absorbed and deeply shallow."

"No. You're not. Or you wouldn't be so unhappy." Roman jumped, heart leaping in his chest at the intrusion of another voice. Snapping his eyes to the bench he just passed, his eyes widened.

Then-

"Dee!" he screamed. Dee flinched at the volume, but smirked nonetheless at the reaction. Roman could barely process the feeling that bombarded him at seeing his friend for the first time in weeks.

He was…happy. At first.

If asked - on a normal day - his relation to the other, he would say he considered himself good friends with Dee - despite not knowing the other's full name. They had met in college as Dee became Remus's assigned roommate. The shorter male was a very sarcastic and dramatic person, and Roman was easily won over by his charms. After all, they were very similar. He had met Patton through Dee, and Virgil soon after, and even though he had grown closer to the other two throughout college, Dee would always be special to him. He was the only one who practiced lines with Roman in a way that was helpful. Dee also flattered him in a way the others didn't. It was…flustering - but in a good way!

That's why, even now, Roman smiled at his friend even as the visuals sunk in.

If there was one thing Dee was known for it was how he dressed. Clothes always perfectly chosen each day in yellows, blacks, and greys. They accentuated him - and his form.

Today was not one of those days.

Dee had decided to wear more relaxing clothes - a sweater a size too big and jeans that didn't hug his form. His normally groomed hair was trapped under a beanie, and his neck was hidden by an overly wrapped yellow and black scarf. He still looked more classy than Virgil ever did in such clothing, but it was clear that he wasn't himself.

It wasn't hard to see why.

There were bandages covering the left side of his face, and bruises still healing around his visible temple and jaw. The dark colours that framed his friend's face looked painful, and he could only imagine what could be hidden under the bandages that would call for half the face to be wrapped. Roman gawked at the sight, eyes shifting over his friend as though he could find more wounds through the bulky clothing, but he couldn't. God, was Dee okay? Was he in pain? He really wanted to believe his friend's words about only having scratches, but that was clearly a lie!

What else was?

Roman opened his mouth to question his friend, but before he could filter himself he said, "My, you look dreadful!"

…

He could have smacked himself right then and there for his stupidity. God, it was happening. Remus finally infected him. This was it. He should give his goodbyes now because there's no extracting whatever parasite Remus planted in his head. Goodbye brain cells. You were useless.

Luckily for him, Dee was used to such remarks from his brother, and gave a flat look in return. Though, something did pass over his visible eye that Roman couldn't quite decipher. "Yes, it is the new look, you see. Fashionably bruised," he retorted.

Roman bit his lip, feeling guilt rise in his stomach. He really should learn how to filter his words better, but he was as bad as his twin at that. Still, a redeeming quality he had was his improv skills.

Putting on a fake smile, he approached the bench, "What are you doing here, friendo? Following me now?" Dee's lip quirked up as he folded his arms across his chest, slouching against the bench.

"Of course," he drawled, "What else would I be doing with my time?" Roman smiled, struggling to keep it in place when he noticed the glaze over his friend's iris.

Hesitating, he decided to bite the bullet, "Hey, are you okay?" The shorter blinked, tilting his head to the side as that flat expression returned.

"Rude," he mumbled, trying to sound as fake offended as always. Roman could hear the difference.

The twin sat down, slowly continuing, "I - uh…"

"Why are you here?" the other interjected. Roman blinked.

"Don't you know? I thought you were following me," he teased. Dee snorted - or, something like a snort. The male really was too graceful for such an 'undignified sound'. Outside of that he didn't respond, making the silence incredibly uncomfortable. Fidgeting, Roman decided to answer, "I got an audition."

"Really?" his friend grinned, "Whatever for?" The taller wasn't really sure if that was a trick question or not. It could be argued that Dee was feigning ignorance to allow him an opportunity to share - considering Dee heard him rehearsing and knew the musical well enough to complete his sentence. But, there was also a part of him that wondered if the question was actually genuine. He really didn't know.

So, he pretended the later, "I - uh…well, I don't want to say. In case I don't…" Dee hummed thoughtfully, curling his legs up onto his seat and hugging them to his chest. That's a position Roman hadn't seen his friend take before.

"So pessimistic, Fiyero," the shorter chastised, "I suppose I won't pre-order my ticket to your first show, then."

"T-That's - uh," Roman stumbled, heat rushing to his cheeks, "I - uh - Stop it! Don't raise my hopes up." Dee rolled his eyes.

"If you're so nervous, please, don't let me stop you. Rehearse," he waved a hand in emphasis. Settling into his spot, he closed his eye, "I'll sleep." Roman gawked, glancing around them as though expecting someone to appear and comment on the ridiculous suggestion. Was Dee seriously going to try and nap on a random bench in the middle of the city? The little Logan voice in the back of his brain screamed of the potential dangers, and Roman agreed.

Instead of letting Dee indulge in the idea, he quickly asked, "Uh, Dee? Why are you here? Shouldn't you be resting at home or…something?"

Dee huffed. "You sound like Patton," he grumbled, an edge to his voice. Roman swallowed thickly. Not the best comparison to be called - no matter how much he loved his parental friend.

"Er - Sorry," he apologized, swinging his legs under the bench.

Dee sighed, eye slowly opening as he slid further down his seat, "I wanted air." Roman blinked, surprised, not expecting the admission as a frown settled on his lips.

"Out here?" he questioned. When he didn't get a response he narrowed his gaze, "You didn't walk…all the way downtown for air, did you?" Dee gave a small shrug. Roman couldn't stop the exaggerated arm wave he exhibited as he squeaked in alarm, "You live by us! That's like…an hour of walking! Or more!"

"Is it?" the other mumbled, rubbing at his visible eye, "Hardly noticed."

"Is this really the time for sarcasm?"

"You tell me."

"I'm being serious!"

"I thought you were Roman."

"Dee," Roman whined, whacking his friend lightly on the arm. Dee grunted at the contact, and the younger quickly held his hands up in apology, "Sorry, but I'm serious! You're acting weird."

"The absolute horror," the shorter exaggerated. With annoyance written clearly on his face, Dee abruptly stood. He swayed on his feet, but after a moment found balance. Roman scrambled to follow his lead, hands in mid air ready to catch his friend should he fall.

"Dee, what are you-"

"I'm going to get more air," the shorter answered, as though it was a viable explanation. Without another word, he started walking. Roman stared at his back in disbelief.

Snapping out of his trance, he scrambled to follow his friend's lead. "Dee, wait!" he called, catching up with ease. Dee didn't answer him, just wandered on.

Roman nervously bit his lip as he followed in step, looking the other up and down as he debated what to do. Glancing at the clock on his phone, he determined he had ten more minutes before he needed to be at the audition, fifteen if he really wanted to push his luck. Fortunately, Dee was walking in the direction Roman needed to go in - so it sort of worked out.

The twin tried not to pester his friend too much as they continued on down the sidewalk - it clearly irritated the shorter, and he wasn't really receiving much of a verbal response anymore anyways. His concern only grew with each step. Dee had shoved his hands into his pockets - another uncharacteristic gesture - and was hunched over noticeably. Every once and a while it looked as if he were shivering, but it was only the full body shutters that were unmistakable.

"Dee," Roman tried again, lightly tugging on the other's sleeve. Despite his other attempts at conversation, this was the time Dee stopped walking all together, and that startled Roman.

"What?" the shorter snapped, though it was too quiet to hold much bite.

"You're acting weird!"

"And?"

"It's weird!" Roman insisted, throwing his hands in the air. He took a step closer, "I don't think you should be walking around like this alone."

"Am I child to you?" Dee sneered, swaying slightly on the spot.

The twin huffed, exasperated, "No, but you're not okay! Let me call someone, okay? What about Remy? Patton said he was with you when the - uh, you know, the accident - uh, happened." He cleared his throat awkwardly as he started pulling his phone out of his pocket, regardless of the answer he was going to get. However, the silence from Dee gave him pause. It wasn't the same kind of ignored silence as before. The shorter was staring at the ground, eye half-lidded and filled with…hesitance? Roman dipped his head, trying to meet his friend's gaze. "…Right? It was Remy?" Dee was quiet, shrugging his shoulders lightly as he began walking again - although at half the speed he was before. Roman kept by his side, and as he did he dialed Remy's number.

Remy was relatively new to his friend circle, but was close to both Dee and Remus. They had made a trio of sorts. It felt like - in some ways - that when the whole drama with Virgil passed that Remy took his place. That wasn't quite accurate, but they did make a tighter group than before. Remy had always been close to Dee, and when Virgil left Dee fused his two friend groups into one trio. Remy and Remus didn't spend as much time together outside of Dee, but it was clear they still enjoyed each other's company. Roman was happy that his brother had good friends, but he wasn't a huge fan of the Starbucks lover. Both Remy and himself had too much ego to calmly have a conversation with one another. Regardless, he still had the coffee enthusiast's number.

Bringing the phone to his ear he waited for the other to answer, still keeping a close eye on his friend beside him. He waited…and waited…and was greeted with a voicemail. "Hey, it's Remy. I'm out of town, leave a message. Or don't. I might not call back. Bye." Roman frowned, hanging up. "Out of town?" he muttered to himself. He wasn't sure if he believed that or not, it could just be the default message Remy set up for himself.

As though to answer his thoughts, Dee mumbled, "Don't bother." Roman blinked down at him.

"Is he actually gone?"

"For once." The shorter didn't sound too happy at all, and hid his face more in his scarf. Roman stepped closer.

"Where is he?" A shrug. "Why didn't he stick around? You're hurt!" Silence. "Dee," the taller reached out again, tugging on the other's sleeve.

That's when Dee collapsed.

Roman's heart nearly burst at the sudden movement, his arms instinctively snatching out and catching his friend before he could crash to the ground. His gesture wasn't perfect, and he just managed to yank the smaller against his chest as he fell to his own knees. "Shit, Dee!" he exclaimed. Moving his friend into a more comfortable position against himself, Roman looked him over. Dee's visible eye was still open, blinking owlishly as though trying to process what was happening around him. "Dee?" he called again, breathlessly. His friend looked at him, but swayed at the motion and quickly buried his face in his scarf.

"Spinning," his small voice answered. Roman's eyes widened as he looked around for aid, but those around ignored them - or gave uncomfortable glances. He hated it, but there was also a part of him that wasn't sure if he wanted to call out for help. What would he say? What would he ask that he couldn't do himself?

"By the ghost of Disney," he mumbled, hugging his friend closer with one arm and using his free hand to pull out his phone.

Five minutes.

Five minutes until the audition…

Roman stared.

It would take any of his friends the bare minimum twenty minutes to reach them. He didn't know how far the hospital was, but either way he'd still be late to the audition - and he'd have to leave Dee all alone for at least fifteen minutes until someone else could get there. Was this even hospital worthy? It felt like it, but then again Dee wasn't unconscious, just…dizzy? He didn't know.

But he had to make a choice.

…

Among his friends, he was called Prince Charming - for various reasons. He was the hero and protector. He fought bullies away from his brother in elementary, defended Logan from name-calling in high school, was a shoulder to cry on for Patton in college, a comforting hug to Virgil through episodes of anxiety always, and he'd even stopped Remy from walking into oncoming traffic when he wasn't paying attention a month ago.

But, he was never there for Dee - not really, especially during the fallout.

He saw his friend was hurting…and let Remus take care of it. Remus would know better what to do, right? They were closer friends…

But, why didn't he try? He knew he was there for Virgil and Patton, but why didn't he go to Dee too? He wasn't trying to pick sides - he liked them all!

Yet, he wasn't there.

Heroes should never turn there back on a reaching hand, no matter the sacrifice.

So…despite the hollowing in his stomach, and the tears that filled his eyes, he reached out…

…and took Dee's hand.

A/N: It sorta feels like Selfishness v Selflessness a little bit with the callback, doesn't it? I promise him missing it will have a positive outcome (on his career), but for now Roman must make the hard choice once again.