Six

"I couldn't believe when John told me about Roman and you," Dwayne said as he flipped a patty on the grill. "What a small world. But there's nothing small about that man's heart, let me tell you."

Dean sipped his Miller Lite. "Oh I know. Believe I know. After what he did for your cousin, Rosey-"

"You mean the lazy money collector," Dwayne said. "Because that's all he does. Collects money from Roman. Pays him; collects at least 60% back for his rental and utilities."

"Yeah. I heard…"

"But I'm glad he's no longer there. And I'm glad he's with you. I couldn't think of two people who deserve each other more. In a good way, of course."

"Well, that's a relief," Dean replied, putting his bottle down on the table. "I mean aside from my family, I don't have any negative feedback from you guys or my friends." He looked over to the table set for four where Roman was seated across John, laughing at something he had said.

"Your family giving you a hard time?" Dwayne enquired.

"Well… you know that song Something Stupid by Sinatra?"

"Yeah. Why?" Dean gave him a meaningful look and then it hit Dwayne. "Oh. Wow. You told them that?"

"Just my father," Dean recalled as he buttered the buns. "He wasn't too pleased and thinks that I'll wake up to reality and regret it."

"I know I'm probably going to be accused of being called biased but Roman is a great guy. After all he's been through, it's amazing how he still manages a smile. Though he does have nightmares about it from time to time. I mean, John told you-"

"Yeah. Do you remember anything about the incident?"

"All I know is the guy asked Roman to extend the timing and Roman called home to ask for permission. That woman wasn't around so Rosey gave the go ahead. I do remember that Roman said he felt uncomfortable but he didn't dare to say so at the time; he was only sixteen years old."

Dean's mouth became dry. "What?"

"Yeah. So the guy started driving to a secluded area and then he started to touch Roman." Dwayne looked angry. "When Roman pleaded for him to stop, he kept saying how pretty Roman looked. How he bet Roman's manhood looked just as good."

"Oh no…" Dean moaned in sadness softly.

"And well… the rest I think you can figure out. He was so shaken when he returned home. That woman was passed out drunk on the floor while Rosey - I still don't know why - just asked Roman if he was paid."

"Please tell me Roman didn't take the money from the scum."

Dwayne's eyes was saddened. "He did. I did asked about a year later and he said he took it because they needed the money. By they, I mean Rosey and that woman."

"I think I'm going to be sick."

"Look, Dean. I hope this incident doesn't make you feel disgusted about him and-"

"No. That's the furthest thing from my mind. My heart aches for him."

"Me too."

Roman found Dean looking sad as he placed burgers on the plates; he wondered what was wrong. Maybe Dwayne was relating the rape to him.

It certainly hadn't left his mind and still haunted him.

"Ssshhhhh…" the man made him lie down on the backseat.

Roman was scared and didn't know if he should start running. Hands were on his denim jeans, unbuttoning and unzipping it.

He felt his boxers being pulled down. A surge of panic went through him. He was going to be raped and he didn't have much strength in him to fight back.

"That's a monster one you have hiding under there," the man chuckled as he stroked his length. "You're going to come for me, Roman."

Roman tried to push his hands away weakly. "Stop," he pleaded.

"Roman?"

He snapped out of his reverie and found Dean sitting beside him, looking at him with concern. "Yeah… sorry. I was thinking if I… should go to a hotel or a restaurant."

"Definitely a restaurant," John replied happily. "It's less stressful."

"Nah," Dwayne said. "A hotel. Because it was his dream to work in one."

"Absolutely agree," Dean replied. "I support you, Roman. I think you'll go far working in a hotel. Choose one with its branding all over the world; that way you can always move about in other countries."

He faked the best smile he could - one that always worked on Dwayne - and started cutting into his burger. He wondered if Dean bought the smile. He always seemed to be able to tell when Roman was faking it.

When they reached home, Dean locked the door and pulled him into his arms. Their lips sealed over each other and Roman felt Dean trying to remove his t-shirt.

"Dean-"

"We need this, Roman," Dean said between frantic kisses. "You and me."

He did not protest further. Clothes were discarded on the floor before they fell arms and legs on the couch.

Roman groaned as Dean's lips assaulted his neck before moving to his chest and then his abs.

When he rained kisses on Roman's length, the Samoan started to squirm. "Dean!" he whimpered as he felt Dean start to kiss his tip. "Baby… I… oh…"

Dean looked up at him. "Yeah?"

Roman was panting. "No..nothing."

"If you insist." He bit the inner part of Roman's thigh before sucking on it. Roman felt his blood rushing, his body on fire at the feeling Dean's hand stroking his full length.

"Let me grab a lube and condom," the blond suddenly announced.

Roman shivered in Dean's absence. He was slowly sitting up, intending to grab a throw when Dean came back and lied down on top of him. "What is it with you and trying to escape in the middle of sex?"

"I was feeling cold and-"

"I'll have you warmed up in no time."

Their lips covered each other's. Roman tore his mouth away and moaned out Dean's name. Hands were all over body and he found himself grinding his body impatiently against Dean.

"Dean… please…" he stammered.

"Please what?" Dean's voice was low.

"I need you in me."

Dean kissed him tenderly before thrusting into him. "Move, Roman."

And so Roman did. Their bodies were in sync. Roman wished he could hold on to Dean for a long time.

"You feel so good, Roman," Dean groaned, rocking his body against Roman's over and over.

He dropped his head near the crook Roman's neck when he came. Roman felt hot liquid on himself not long after.

"I love you," he whispered into Dean's ear.

The blue eyed cop said nothing back.

Dean's family home was huge, Roman marveled the next afternoon.

The white colored mansion boasted six bedrooms, five bathrooms and a five car garage.

The minute he walked in with Dean into living room, his breath was taken away by the sight in front of him.

Marble floors span across the living room with a large chandelier. There was a fireplace and sitting nook with windows.

Three white velvet couches were in the middle with a glass coffee table.

Hunter led them into a formal dining hall with French doors opened showing off a huge terrace with a pool and a barbecue canopy.

"This house also has a wine cellar at the basement," Hunter bragged. "Have a seat, gentlemen. Brunch will be ready shortly."

To Roman's dismay, Seth Rollins walked into the dining room unexpectedly. Dean was not pleased. "What is he doing here?" he demanded.

"Your mother and I invited him."

"Why?"

"He's our guest. His parents are too but they'll be running late."

Seth smiled at Dean as he sat down, ignoring Roman blatantly. "How's work, Dean?"

"None of your business," he snapped.

"Can't we put the past behind us?" Seth asked. "I miss you, Dean."

"Funny. I sure as hell don't miss you."

Dean's mother was a beautiful woman with long brown hair and a nice smile. She walked in from the kitchen holding a big plate of quiche. Behind her, two men were holding individual portions of waffles with raspberry compote and whipped cream.

A while later, fresh bread, scones, Mediterranean Chicken Salad, slices of turkey with sauce, pasta with shrimp, tomatoes and basil and some fresh fruits were placed in the centre of the table.

Each guest had a glass of Mimosa and Bloody Mary.

"We can make you coffee or tea if you want," Hunter informed everyone. "Oh, Steph. This is Roy, Dean's friend."

"It's Roman, Dad," Dean corrected.

It was evident to Roman that Dean's father was not a huge fan of him. Seth was smirking.

"Right," Hunter said. "Roman. Roman, this gorgeous woman is my wife and obviously Dean's mother, Stephanie."

"Nice to meet you, ma'am," Roman greeted her.

"Hi," she replied. "Okay, let's dig in."

She was all smiles and Roman wondered if she was as nice as Dean.

Conversation during dinner was smooth to Roman's surprise though it was a bit cold as Seth was pretending Roman did not exist.

Stephanie asked Roman about his job and Dean told her he was in the middle of a career change.

Seth snickered. "Roman is staying with Dean."

Dean shot him a glare.

"Oh," Stephanie said. "So you're housemates."

Dean said nothing. Roman's heart sank. Maybe he had been reading everything wrong.

"That's between Roman and me," Dean finally replied, his gaze directed at Seth. "I don't appreciate you bringing up our living arrangements, Seth. In fact I'd rather you mind your own business instead of being preoccupied with my life when you should be making something out of yours."

Seth immediately looked down at his plate. Hunter cleared his throat. "That wasn't necessary, Dean."

"Actually it was. Roman is my guest here. Who we are to one another concerns no one but us. Have the decency to treat him with respect."

Roman felt humbled then.

"You were always at work,' Seth suddenly spoke up.

Dean looked at him incredulous. "What?"

"You were always busy with work. I was feeling lonely. And you're so cold that I wondered if you had a heart."

"Why don't you two take it somewhere else now?" Hunter suggested.

Dean frowned. "There's nothing to talk about."

"You two obviously have unresolved issues to talk about."

"Yes, Dean," Stephanie agreed. "Go. The study den is available."

Dean muttered a curse under his breath. "I'll be back," he said to Roman, giving him a squeeze on his shoulder.

Seth followed behind the blond as they left the dining room.

Hunter cleared his throat and Roman looked back at him. "So, Roman. I'd like to know what your plans are… besides mooching off my son, of course."

"What?" Roman said in surprise. "I'm not-"

"Look, this whole thing is new to Dean. But he doesn't seem to understand that what you two are having is nothing but an attraction, a crush… hell even lust. If you care about my son as you claim, you'll leave him the hell alone."

"But I love your son," Roman insisted. "I know it makes no sense-"

"You're right," Hunter cut him off. "It doesn't."

"I love Dean with all my heart. He's a good man and he-"

"I don't think you understand where I'm going with this, Roman. I know you don't have much money and if I have to, I'll write you a check and you leave Dean alone."

Roman stood up then. "I cannot be bought, Sir."

"How much do you want? Ten grand? Fifty?"

"Nothing. I only want Dean. That's all."

"Well, you can't have him. This charade of a relationship that you think you're having… he can't even call you his boyfriend. What are you both doing exactly? Stay away from Dean. I'm not asking you; I'm telling you." Hunter took out a check book and started to write in it.

Roman looked at the floor. "I don't want your money."

Hunter stopped writing and pocketed the book. "So you understand then. Rich people date rich people. That's how the world works, Roman. This isn't some story like Romeo and Juliet or a fairy tale. This is someone's life; my son's. As his father, it's my duty to do what's best for him. I will not have someone of your caliber associate yourself with him. Understand? The fun and games are over."

Stephanie smiled. "We know you umm… love.. Is that what you called it? We know you love Dean but love can only do so much for you. Money is what makes the world go round and we have lots of money to spare. So does Seth."

At that moment, Seth returned, scowling. "You're nothing but a charity case to him, Roy. He'll snap out of this very soon."

"Roman understands. Don't you, Roman?" Hunter questioned.

There was no winning, was there? He'd have to go home and tell Dean he was moving out and try to figure out how to move on with his life and get over him.

Dean walked in. "Let's go back, Roman."

"Why so soon, son?" Hunter asked.

Dean rolled his eyes. "Because it's Sunday and I want to rest at home. Okay?"

"Well, call us soon."

"Sure," Dean replied shortly, stalking out of the kitchen. Roman followed behind him closely. "I'll see you next month!" he shouted before closing the front door.

The drive back was quiet. Roman could feel the tension in the air as Dean drove the car, Led Zepplin playing softly in the background.

"Dean?" he asked quietly.

"Yeah?"

"Can we talk?"

"Later."

When they reached home, Dean slammed the door behind him shut. "Alright, Roman," he said. "Talk."

"I… uh… I think it's best if I moved out."

Dean looked surprised. "Why?"

"Because… well…" Because I've ruined your life? But how? Oh right. His parents.

"My dad must have done a number on you then."

"Dean-"

"What did he say? Because I'd really like to know." He crossed his arms and stared at Roman. Roman felt intimidated then. Dean's stare always did that to him. "I'm waiting, Roman."

"He.. he said he couldn't… I mean… he said our relationship was a charade and that…" He didn't dare finish the sentence.

"Do you think that this relationship is a charade?"

Roman shrugged lightly. "I don't know."

"Don't know what exactly?"

"What we are. I… I suppose we're friends with benefits."

Dean didn't look too thrilled at the sound of that. "What?" he said sharply.

The Samoan flinched. "I… mean…" He gulped. "Let's change the topic."

"No. Let's stay on topic. Roman, do you think that I'm just your "friend"? Because I was under the impression that we were more than that."

"That's why I said with benefits."

"So I've been reduced to being your friend with benefit. I thought I was your boyfriend, Roman."

Roman's head snapped up. "But… but you didn't say anything-"

"I have not explained myself to anyone unless I chose to since I was eighteen, Roman. That includes my personal life. So I meant it when I said that it was no one's business but ours what we are to one another. Which I just learnt that we were friends with benefits, instead of boyfriends."

"You never said as much."

"Roman, I have never in my life told anyone I loved them except you. Why wouldn't I think you're my boyfriend when I called a sociopath the very same thing months ago?"

There was silence following that. Roman didn't know what to say. He owed Dean a huge apology. He resolved to himself to make something out of himself to give back to his… boyfriend. That would take some time getting used to.

"Still want to move out?" Dean asked.

Roman shook his head. "No."

"Good. Cuz you're moving in… with me in my bedroom." His cellular phone rang then interrupting what he wanted to say next. "Hello?" he answered in an authoritative voice. "What? Okay I'll be there soon." He hung up the phone and pocketed it.

"Work?" Roman guessed.

"Yeah," Dean affirmed. He walked over and gave Roman a quick kiss. "We're good?"

"We're good."

"Alright. I'm not sure what time I'll be back but order in if you want. There's money in the first drawer of the side table. Don't wait up for me."

"Ummm… okay." That'd be another thing to get used to too: Dean's late working hours.

"See you," he said before closing the door.

Roman looked around the living room. Now what?

"Look sorry, Dean. I know your relationship is new-"

"John, stop being biased because it's Roman," Dean said sternly as he walked over to his partner near a body covered with a white cloth by the steps of the Frances Park fountain. "It's our job. What do we have here?" He uncovered the sheet and found a young man with black hair and beard with an ear pierced. There were markings of fingers on his neck; he had been choked. "Looks like he's in his thirties too."

"Correct," John said when Dean covered the body back. "Name's Frank Singleton. He's thirty years old and he lives not far from here."

"And?"

"And he was raped too. There is evidence of forced penetration near his perineal. Also this time he left us a message." John uncovered the cloth again. Dean found on the victim's leg were the words engraved, "Come and find me".

He stood up and stared. "Is that all?"

"Yeah. Once the lab takes a look at this will we only be able to do more."

"He has a type," Dean said slowly. "That much we know: thirties and black hair."

John and him walked slowly to the car. "I'll talk to lab tomorrow. They said they'd be able to give me some details before noon. Let's head back to the station and read Billy's statements. Considering that he's the only one who survived."

"Were there no witnesses?"

"Apparently only the guy who found him. He was brought down to the station for interrogation." Then John looked at him. "Dean?"

"What?"

"Look, just… with all these patterns and all… keep a look out for Roman too. He fits the type as well."

Dean gave him a quick nod but inside he was starting to worry. Roman did fit the type. He'd have to ask him to be on his guard, to always carry his phone and to stay away from quiet areas.

Once he reached home, he secured the doors. He found Roman sleeping in his bed. As was his habit, he took a warm shower while going through the case in his head.

Putting a pair of boxers, he crawled into bed before pulling Roman to him. His boyfriend's arm went around him and he settled near the crook of Dean's neck. Dean smiled. How trusting he was. "Babe? What time is it?" Roman mumbled sleepily.

"Eleven."

"How was it?"

"I'll tell you in the morning."

"I missed you."

Dean pressed his lips to Roman's forehead. "I missed you too."

A/N Thank you for all the favorites/follows/reviews. I appreciate it. The case will be a slow burner but I hope you'll stick around :-) Also I'd like to apologise for the smut; I clearly suck writing it.