Three

Dean stopped by the café the next day as promised but he came in after lunch hour. Roman was surprised though when he leaned over the counter once more and kissed him.

"Hi," Roman said. "Ummm your usual?"

"Nah. Today I'm taking you out for lunch."

"Oh… okay. I'll inform my brother first." He went to the back area and found Rosey chatting on the phone. "Rosey, I'm going out for my break."

His brother merely waved him off.

Roman took off his apron and hung it on the hook by the kitchen entrance. He walked over to Dean who was sitting at the table closest to the door. "Ready?"

Roman nodded. "Yeah. Where are we going though?"

"A diner. Good ol classic food."

Wings Diner was Dean's regular hangout when he was just a trainee at the police academy.

The owner, Fred Winger, knew Dean's order by heart and even knew him by name. He had brought Seth there a few times but the two toned man detested the place.

Dean was relieved Roman seemed to like it. They sat at a booth at the back where they wouldn't be bothered much.

"Your usual, Dean?" Fred asked a seat away.

"Yep." He looked at Roman. "I'll get you a menu."

"That's okay. I'll have what you're having."

Dean nodded at Fred. "Make that two."

Fred went towards the kitchen. Dean turned his attention to Roman who looked nervous though Dean couldn't figure out why. "Dean?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I kiss you?"

Dean grinned. "Can? Hell, Roman. I insist you do."

Roman leaned over the table and claimed Dean's lips in a gentle kiss. Dean smiled into it, running his hand through Roman's hair.

He held the Samoan in place by applying pressure to the kiss before deepening it. Dean could kiss this man for the rest of time. This is going too fast, the logical part of his mind warned him. This will only weaken you.

But being with Roman felt so right.

He was caught in a dilemma, his heart and mind at war.

They pulled apart and rest their foreheads against the other's for a while.

"That was a nice kiss," Roman said as he settled back in his seat.

Dean raised an eyebrow. "Nice? Wow. Okay I need to go back and apologise to all the guys I dated before."

"How many boyfriends have you had?"

"Three. Seth was the last guy I dated."

"Doesn't seem your type."

Dean laughed. "That's because he's not. He was charming though." Dean got up and sat beside him, staring into Roman's eyes. "But you… I've never felt this way about anyone before. You have me acting like a teenager again, Roman Reigns."

Roman gulped. "Is that a good thing?"

"It's a good thing."

Their lips met each other's halfway. Dean licked Roman's bottom lip and the Samoan parted his mouth to give access to his tongue.

Someone cleared their throat and Roman pulled away. Dean found Fred smiling. "Here we go. Two orders of Wingers Deluxe and two Apple Pie milkshakes."

"Thanks, Fred," Dean said.

Roman was staring at meal before him. Wingers Deluxe had a double beef patties grilled with cheddar cheese and a special sauce. There were also heaps of fries and chicken strips. "You love this?"

"Trust me. It's delicious."

Roman bit into the burger and chewed thoughtfully. "Wow. I can see why you love it. The meat's so tender and the cheese gives it that flavor."

Dean grinned. "Told ya."

After the two men polished off their burgers and the rest of their meals, Dean paid the bill even though Roman had insisted on doing so.

"No, Roman," Dean protested. "I invited you out for lunch so I'm paying."

"Dean, you've done so much. I-"

"Look, Roman. Just accept this from me, okay?"

"But-"

"What are you doing tonight?"

"After work? Nothing really."

"Good. I'll pick you up. I have somewhere I want to bring you."

"Dean, honestly. Let me-"

"It's a date."

Roman was about to say something but Dean covered his lips over his. The Samoan chef returned his kiss almost immediately.

Dean stepped back. "Come on. I'll drive you back to work."

Roman's face was flushed. "Okay."

Roman took the last batch of salted caramel mocha buns out from the oven and set it on the table.

He was starting to fall for Dean. It wasn't his fault. Dean made it too easy.

Or maybe it was just him. His cousin, Dwayne used to say he fell in love too easily.

But Roman knew it was different with Dean. He just couldn't put a finger on it.

"Roman," Rosey said as he came through the back entrance. "I've seen the figures. We're not making as much as I'd like. I'm afraid I'm going to have to cut back on your pay this month."

Roman stopped wiping the table mid way. "Oh. Okay, Rosey. I understand."

"I'm leaving early today. Just lock up once you're done here. We can close early today."

After his brother left, Roman considered getting a part time job. He had to make up the difference in his salary.

He needed money badly.

Rosey always bought the local newspaper so Roman went into the kitchen to grab it. Making a cup of coffee, he went out to the front and sat down, reading through the classified ads and job section.

He supposed he could work as a night cook for a cafeteria. There was one close by that required someone to prepare simple meals like omelette, breakfast platters…

Or a small coffee shop downtown who were looking for a barista.

He must have spent quite some time looking and pondering over the choices in front of him because Dean's voice interrupted the mental calculation he was doing in his head.

"Finding a new job?" Dean asked, sitting down beside him.

Roman smiled. "A second one… part time. The café is not doing good so Rosey has to cut my pay."

Dean's blue eyes flashed anger. "What? Roman, you can't take a part time job. You'll wear yourself out."

"I don't really have a choice, Dean. I need the money."

"Then I'll give you money."

"No, Dean. I can't accept that from you."

"Look, Roman. I'm not going to stand by while you work like a horse and not get sufficient rest."

"But don't cops get insufficient rest too?"

"That's different."

"How so?"

"Well, for one, we have cases to close. Some take a much longer time. Two, it's different if you love your job. Do you love your job, Roman?"

"I… I do."

"Your hesitation just gave you away."

He forgot that Dean could read people well. "Look, Dean. That's kind of you but I won't take anything from you. As a man, I'm sure you can understand why."

"As someone who cares about you, I'd be insulted if you don't take it, Roman."

Roman looked up from the newspaper. The blond's words were surreal. "You… care about me?"

"Yes. Much more than I had anticipated but yeah, Roman. I care about you. And it kills me hearing what you just told me because I honestly think you can do much better than this place."

"I still can't take your money. I mean I know you want to help me, Dean but I can't."

"Fine, Roman. I'll hire you then since you won't take money from me."

"What?"

"Yeah. I could use some home cooked meals rather than the junk I eat outside."

"Dean-"

"I legitimately am hiring you - whatever timing is up to you - and you can cook me dinner six days a week. If you want, I'll even put it in writing for you."

"But how can you afford to pay me while living on a cop's salary?"

"I got promoted a while ago for cracking a drug operation. Roman, I told you I come from a well to do family. I have money; money's never been an issue for me." He paused. "Also, I'll need you to move in with me."

Roman was genuinely surprised. "But this… this will only complicate things between us, Dean."

"Not really."

"Yes it will. I lo- I mean I like you a lot and…" He lost his train of thoughts when Dean smiled at him slowly, that dimple appearing again. "Stop it, Dean."

"Stop what?" Dean asked.

"Have you actually given any thought to what you just proposed?"

Dean shifted his chair closer to him and held Roman's right hand in his. "Roman, I spent my entire life analysing things. With you, it's different. I just go with my gut feeling and right now it's telling me that this is the way to go. So please. Trust me. Take the offer. I know it doesn't make any sense-"

"You're right. It doesn't. This is only our third day knowing one another and…" And what? Wasn't this a good thing? Moving in with a man who he couldn't get out of his head and heart? Dean was a cop and he seemed like a decent man too.

Every pore in his body was telling him to say yes. But common sense kicked in. This was too good to be true. Roman wasn't used to good things happening to him.

"And what?" Dean asked. "Roman, I'm not going to lie. I'm scared of how much I actually like you but you're a great guy and I'd be an idiot to let you go. You have a good heart and you just have this beautiful aura. We don't even have to be in the same room. I live in a three bedded apartment. You can just take one of the spare rooms."

Roman mulled over Dean's offer. It did seemed very tempting. Then there was Rosey. How was he going to break the news to his brother that he was moving in with a man he only knew for less than a week but he trusted without reservations whatsoever?

He looked into Dean's eyes; for a reason beyond his comprehension, he trusted him.

"Okay," he said. "But when do you want me to start?"

"Are you crazy?"

Roman winced at his brother's voice as he stood by in the kitchen at home. "Rosey-"

"What do you know about this guy, Roman?" Rosey demanded. "You've said it yourself; you've only known him three days. Some people don't know their loved ones even after a decade."

"I just have a good feeling about him, Rosey. And I really like him a lot."

"But to move in with him? Have you lost it? What if he hurts you?"

"He won't. Dean cares about me. He said so himself."

"I care about you too, Roman."

"Look, Rosey. I want to take this chance and I'm sorry you disagree with it but I've made up my mind. I'll even pay for rent upfront. Either way, I'm leaving."

"When?"

"Tonight."

"Tonight? You must have it bad for this guy to just dive into things head first without thinking things through. Oh but that's so you, isn't it?" Rosey sounded like he was scoffing at him now. "He's going to get bored after some time, Roman. These rich people have standards and once he finds out about your past, what then?"

Roman's eyes fell to the floor. He hadn't thought that far yet. But he knew if he didn't get out of here, he'd never go anywhere. Maybe he could figure out later what his next move was should Dean chose to ask him to leave but right now, right now he had to do this. "Then I'll deal with it. But this is for the best, Rosey. I'll still work at the cafe and-"

"You don't have to anymore. I'm letting you go, Roman."

Roman was stunned now. "What?"

"I'm letting you go."

"If this is about me moving out, that's low, Rosey."

"Well, business is business."

"Business? We're family."

"I run a business, Roman. And when you run a business, you put your personal feelings aside."

He felt the wind knocked out of him then. After all this time… "I guess I'm the only one who sees it otherwise then."

"I guess so."

There was no point in staying. Another word from Rosey's mouth and Roman didn't know what he'd do. "I'm going now," he said softly. "I'll call you once I've reached there."

"Don't bother."

His common sense kicked him hard. He walked out of the kitchen, placed the money for next month on the table and grabbed his two duffel bags.

One more glance towards the kitchen but Rosey was not in sight.

Roman left home with a heavy heart.

Dean's car was parked around the corner of the street and he was sitting on the hood of it, sipping a can of Coke. Roman knew his face must have reflected how he was feeling despite his attempts to fake a smile. "Are you okay?" Dean asked.

"Yeah," he lied.

Dean pulled him closer, causing Roman to drop both his bags. "Don't lie to me, Roman. I can see something's bothering you."

"My brother… Dean, I don't have a job anymore. He said he's letting me go." Roman felt tears starting to prickle near his eyes. "Dean-"

Roman found himself being reeled in for a tight hug. "It's okay, Roman. Everything's going to be alright," he whispered in his ear. "I will be there whenever you need me. I promise."

As Dean drove them to his apartment, he cast a glance at Roman who was sleeping beside him in the passenger seat.

Dean had half a mind to back to Rosey's house and kick his ass for what he did to Roman. What kind of family member does that to their own flesh and blood?

While Dean had no siblings, he'd imagine the hurt Roman must have been feeling. The man had given so much yet was treated like he was just a commodity instead of an actual person with real feelings… hopes and dreams.

Dean had promised himself he would show Roman real happiness and he fully intended to keep it.

Roman was amazed by Dean's apartment. It had a nice warm feeling to it.

The apartment was also spacious; it had a modern furnished living room and dining area with ample natural lighting, fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms and a breathtaking view from the balcony facing the lake the two of them had looked over on their first date.

Dean had also placed a king sized bed in every bedroom. He offered Roman the one closest to the bathroom.

Rosey's words echoed in his head. Better to let Dean know. Even if he was disgusted, Roman still could look for a motel or something.

He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Dean… I… I have to tell you something about me."

"Yeah?" Dean said as he helped to put Roman's duffle bags on the bed.

"I used to escort men when I was in high school to earn money and one of those nights-"

"It's okay, Roman. I know."

Roman looked at him, surprised. Maybe Dean did some background check on him. "You do?"

"You remember me telling you about my partner, John?"

"Yeah."

"Well, John thinks he knows you. He's dating a guy named Dwayne."

Dwayne? That John? "John Cena is your partner?"

"Yeah. Small world, huh? Look, he told me what happened and Roman, I don't care what your past is like. If anything, it's made me look up to you."

"But why?"

"Because of how resilient you are. How despite all that's happened, you still managed to smile and move on with your life. I admire that about you." Dean took a step towards him and pulled him into his arms. "Roman?"

He could hardly believe how everything was falling into place for him. "Yes, Dean?"

"Stay. This is your home now. Take your time to find a job. Life's treated you harsh but I fully intend to remedy that for you."

Telling him all the things he dreamt of… Roman sat down on the edge of the bed. "Dean, are you sure?"

"Of course," Dean replied, sitting beside him.

Roman felt himself being pulled towards him for a gentle kiss.

"I really like you a lot, Roman," Dean murmured against his lips.

Maybe like wasn't the same as love but for now, Roman was comforted by it.

A/N I hope you liked this chapter. Haha I love Bad English too, Ladyjade37 :-)

Thank you for the favorites/follows/reviews, guys!