When Dean got home on Monday and he couldn't stop smiling. Spending a long weekend with Roman was exactly what he needed. He was happy, refreshed and crazy in love. He'd try his best not to fuck it up again. He walked into his dorm after he received his good morning text from Roman and he closed the door. Seth was reading a book on his own bed when Dean walked in. Dean dropped his duffel bag in the corner then laid out on his bed with a huge smile on his face.

"Quit cheesing you dork." Seth said as he looked up at his friend. Dean was laying in his bed, deep in his phone, most likely texting Roman. Seth tossed a pillow at him from his side. "Someone must've had a really great time with Roman last weekend if it's Monday and you're still smiling from ear to ear."

"Sorry i was just texting Ro." Dean caught the pillow with one hand and put it under his head so he could lay on it. "He was just telling me good morning and.. you know other stuff." Dean smiled again, this time with a blush.

"My god, the dick game must be proper if you are cheesing like a kid who just got his training wheels off for the first time." Seth got up and moved to lay with Dean. He pushed him over and they both laid in Dean's bed smiling. "I'm glad you guys worked everything out." Seth told him honestly.

"I'm glad too." Dean nodded, looking into Seth's eyes, "You don't understand how he makes me feel bro.." The iris of Dean's eyes widened when he spoke of Roman. The small winkles near his eyes disappeared and left nothing but a fresh faced, happy Dean. "I've never been happier than when I'm with him and he loves me despite everything." Dean was really cheesing now. It was almost sickening how in love he looked. "We stayed in bed all Saturday, only getting up to shower and eat. Then on Sunday we brought some Citi-bikes and rode to Brooklyn together. Came home and fucked for hours. It was the best weekend of my life."

Seth could tell Dean was truly happy. His face glowed, his teeth bared over and over again. He really was a guy in love. He was happy for Dean. Seth's known him since he was young; he's seen Dean at his lowest and through many rocky relationships. But none which made him smile the way he smiles when Roman is around. Seth watched Dean grow up before his eyes and that made him happy too. "Hey.." Seth touched the side of Dean's face softly, "What happened to your sideburns?" Seth touched the barely there sideburns, admiring the precise tamed lines.

"Roman said I looked like i drove a pick up truck." Dean laughed, "So he did em for me. Looks good right?" Seth nodded, touching the sideburns again for a second before pulling away. They looked really good. Perks of being with another guy, you get free grooming. Seth laughed to himself.

"Looks great. Hey can i ask you a question?" Seth hazel eyes turned serious and Dean nodded his head as his answer. "You don't have to respond if it makes you uncomfortable but umm... ya know when you and Roman do the gay sex thing.."

"The gay sex thing?" Dean chuckled deep. "Do you mean when we fuck?" Dean asked with a laugh.

"Shut up. Bro you know what i mean.. when you two.. do the sex stuff.." Seth stuttered a bit, "Do you pitch or do you catch?"

"That's what you wanted to ask me?" Dean turned over on his stomach because he was laughing so much. It was a very random question but Dean had known Seth all his life and he was full of random questions so it didn't really bother Dean. "Well.. to answer your question, I do both." Dean responded honestly.

"Huh." Seth perked up inquisitively. "And does it feel... good?"

"Yeah it feels really good." Dean propped his head up against his hand.. "Why are you asking?"

"I dunno... You never like.. miss having sex with women?" Seth had to ask.

"Not really. I mean i definitely still love women. But when I'm with Ro, I'm happy." Dean sort of shrugged. "You know?"

Seth understood that. "I'm really happy for you, Dean." He nudged him, then got up. Dean smiled at his best friend then laid his head in his pillow and went back to texting Roman. "Oh by the way. you got a package bro." Seth said as he got his stuff together for a shower. "The TA left in front of our door this morning." Seth picked up the big envelope and tossed it at Dean. "It's something in French. I didn't open it." Seth shrugged, "See you in a few man." He told Dean before leaving out the door.

As Seth left the room, Dean sat up, looking at the envelope. On the front of the manila colored envelope was the name: École des Beaux-Arts. It was a nice art school based in Paris. Curiously, Dean ripped open the package and first took out a letter from the head master addressed to Dean himself.

To: Mister Dean Ambrose,

You have been accepted to join us at the école nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France for the spring semester!

Dean's heart stopped when he finished reading the letter. He applied to Beaux-Arts a long time ago, right after he broke up with Roman. But he never thought he would ever get in. It was one of the best art schools in the world and they wanted Dean. He actually got in! Dean wanted to fist pump the air in excitement as he started to read the brochure they sent. It had pictures of their campus, and classes Dean would be taking. Dean was smiling from ear to ear while going through everything but suddenly.. a feeling of dread started to come over him.

Roman.

Dean only applied when he thought that it was really over between them. He had no idea that they were gonna get back together. Dean adams apple bobbed up and down slowly. If he decided to leave for Paris, this could mean expanding his knowledge and getting the experience he needed to make it as a real artist. But if he went... It meant even farther distance between him and Roman. They were about to move in together... Roman loved him. Dean couldn't sacrifice their relationship to go overseas. No. Dean told himself. Roman loved him. Forget school. Dean had everything he wanted here and now. He started to put everything back in the manila envelope and then subsequently tossed it in the trash. If it came down to choosing love or academics...

Dean would choose Roman... every single time.

Roman came home after school and went straight to bed. He was exhausted. Officially, starting tomorrow he was going to take the bar. All the studying in the world couldn't prepare Roman for this moment. He laid down against his pillows and sighed. He knew he was ready to take the next step, he just hoped that he didn't fail it. As he was laying down in his bed, Roman heard a knock on his room door.

"Hey big man.." Sami said as he stood in Roman's doorway. "Got room for one more?" Roman lifted his head up enough to nod at Sami. His best friend smiled then got up to crawl into bed with him. "You seem tired.." Sami noticed, snuggling into one of Roman's pillows.

"I am. I've been studying all day." Roman mumbled back. "For the bar exam."

"Oh that's right you take it tomorrow." Sami moved closer to Roman and smiled at him. "Have I mentioned how proud I am of you Ro? You're gonna be a lawyer." Sami nudged him. "Can you believe it?"

"I don't know if I can." Roman turned towards Sami, "I mean it's everything I wanted for so long. Now I'm about to have that.. and Dean's about to move in.. my life is sort of falling into place Sam, and that scares me."

"It only scares you because it's a good thing." Sami gave him the truth tea. "I mean you and Dean had your ups and downs and you and your father too. Now that none of that is no longer happening.. it's scary because it's time for the good. But don't you think for one second you don't deserve the good stuff Ro. You're one of the greatest people I know and even though starting a new chapter in your life can be crazy.. it's rewarding. I mean look at me? A year ago I was married to a woman, pretending I wasn't gay in a job I hated and now, I'm doing something I love and I have a guy who loves me too." Sami blushed at that. "A guy who wants me to move in, and start something real."

Roman smiled at his best friend. Sami grew up so much. He was no longer scared to be himself and Roman was happy he finally got the confidence he always knew Sami had. "I can't believe you and Kevin are moving in together. Look at you Sami.." Roman pushed him playfully. "You changed for the better and I'm so so proud of you." Roman wrapped Sami in his arms and Sami smiled, leaning towards give his best friend a kiss on his forehead.

"I'm proud of you too." Sami responded quietly. Sami fit more into his best friends embrace then slowly closed his eyes. "I love you Roman." Sami whispered softly.

"I love you too Sam." Sami looked down and before he knew it, Roman was sleeping on his chest. Sami smiled then closed his own eyes, falling into a deep sleep as well.

Dean got back to the dorm after classes and decided to call Roman. When he didn't answer he sighed, left him a voicemail letting him know how much he's missed him and then hung up so he could do homework. He dropped his bag by the side of his bed, then looked at Seth who was sitting there watching him, arms crossed and anger flashing in his eyes. "What's your deal?" Dean wondered while he began kicking off his shoes, then plopped down in his own bed.

"I think you know Dean." Seth's tone was harsh, his voice deep. He wasn't playing around.

"I really don't." Dean answered, giving Seth an annoyed look. "So.. unless you're gonna clue me in.."

"Why did you throw this away?" Seth cut him off, tossing the trashed envelope to him. It caught Dean by surprise but he still caught it. Dean gulped as he looked at the envelope. He put it on the bed behind him while trying to think of an excuse to tell Seth.

"Because I-" Dean began to say.

"Because you what, Dean? Huh?" Seth was super pissed off at his friend, "I fucking googled that school. Do you know how hard it is to get into that school? Almost impossible. Yet, you got in, and they're offering to pay your tuition for the next year in FULL so that you can go study in one of the greatest places in the world.. and you just throw it away?" Seth was livid, Dean could understand why. He was his best friend and wanted him to succeed in life but he didn't get it. He was in love with someone who loved him back with everything in him. He couldn't just up and leave to France.

He couldn't just leave Roman.

"You don't get it okay so don't pretend you do. You don't understand..." Dean whimpered, "Me and Ro's relationship is exactly where it needs to be right now. I love him. If I i leave for Paris, our relationship.. won't survive." Dean's words came out almost pathetically. But he needed Seth to understand that he was doing this for love.

"Dean.." Seth exhaled, "If Roman loves you, then your relationship can survive anywhere." Seth closed his eyes for a second, opening up once again so that he could calm down. "This opportunity supersedes everything. Including loving Roman. This is your career, Dean. You could make something of yourself. Don't you want that?"

"Yes, but I also want to be with Roman. I lost him once, for months over my own stupidity, and now what will I tell him? Oh hey babe, I'm going to Paris for a year to study abroad. Don't worry we'll be fine. 10 hour trips back and forth, video chats? It won't work. The separation would kill us. We'll start to resent each other then have a bad breakup. I won't do it Seth. Roman needs me right now... just as much as I need him. We're in love and I'm choosing love over everything else." Dean sounded like he was up against the wall and Seth sort of understood. But he didn't care about Dean's love life. Even though Roman made him very happy, he's seen Dean struggle all his life and he just wants something good for him. Something concrete.

This was that something.

"Look.." Seth exhaled, "I understand it's a scary decision to make. But Dean, think about all the regrets you'll have if you don't do this. Think about how much guilt Roman would feel if he knew he was the reason you weren't living your dream. Roman might not always be there, but your passion for art will. Just think about it okay?" Seth got up, taking the package off Dean's bed. He handed it to him, then gave Dean a hug.

"I love you and only want what's best bro." Seth pulled back then smiled. "I'm gonna go hang out at Bryan's with the crew. Wanna join?"

Dean shook his head, looking down. "No, I gotta catch up with homework." He fell on his bed and picked up his bag, opening it. He started taking out books, and a pencil, ignoring the obvious look Seth was giving him right now. "Tell the guys I said hey. AJ too." Dean's face was buried in his book it caused a frown from Seth.

"Okay I will and Dean?" Seth called to him, but Dean's head didn't look up from his book. "Just think about it okay? I know you're pissed at me but I only yelled because I care about you." He kissed Dean's forehead and then left the room.

When he was by himself, Dean picked up the envelope and held it close. Despite everything, Seth was right. This was an opportunity he couldn't pass up if he wanted too.

But the thought of leaving Roman scared him more than the great unknown it would be to explore his dream and live out his passion.

"Fuck me." Dean sighed.

Friday night- 12am. (NYC)

"Mmm." Dean was on top of Roman as they made out of Roman's couch. They were supposed to be watching a movie, but it was watching them as of right now. His lips smacked against his boyfriends and his hips grinded slowly against Roman's sweats. Roman had Dean's ass in a vice grip and refused to let go. Although he did like the kisses, he also didn't mind just sitting on the couch with Dean and watching a movie. But everytime they would try to behave and stay away from each other they end up right where they are now, making out and grinding.

"Babe.."Roman's tongue glided against Dean's in his mouth. "Do you think we should get back to the movie?" His question was of course ignored as Dean grabbed the back of his head so he could deepen their kiss. Roman decided to kiss him back for just a second then he pushed Dean back so he could breathe. "Dean.. hey.. let's just.. cool down for a second okay?"

Dean didn't want to cool down. He frowned, pushing his brown curls back. His cheeks flushed as he smirked and he crawled back towards Roman. "Why cool down when we're having so much fun?" He sat himself fully in Roman's lap and slowly he grinded his swollen cock against Roman's. "I wanna fuck you, Ro." Dean was being really tense now. Usually he would stop when Roman asked him too but now it was like he was in a whole other world. "Don't you want me?"

"Yes but-" Roman was cut off by Dean getting off of his lap, and turning him around on the couch. He laid his head on the arm of the couch then pushed Roman's ass in the air, causing him to bite his lip. "Dean.." Roman looked back at him, wondering if he was okay. Not that he wasn't used to being manhandled by Dean before but this was something completely different. Roman knew something was wrong. "What's going on? Are you alright?"

Dean pressed himself against Roman's back and left a soft kiss to his neck. "I'm fine. I just want you. Is that so bad?"

"It is when you're being rough for no reason and even more tense than usual." Roman turned himself around now, pushing Dean away and crossing his arms. "Talk to me. Tell me what's going on?"

"Ro.." Dean sighed then sat back against the arm of the couch. "Why can't we just have sex?" Dean asked sort of angrily.

"Because you're using sex as a buffer." Roman answered. "Tell me what's going on with you?"

"Nothing." It was Dean's turn to cross his arms now.

"Liar." Roman countered. "Talk to me babe!"

"You know what? UGH." Dean got up and walked off in anger towards Roman's bedroom. Roman followed, catching up with Dean before he reached the door. He pulled on his arm, but Dean snatched himself away harshly. "Ro, stop pestering. I said I'm fine!" Dean was getting really angry now.

"And usually i would believe you except i know you Dean, I know you better than you know yourself. So just fucking tell me what's wrong so I can help fix it!" Roman pleaded with his boyfriend.

"You can't fix this!" Dean yelled at him. "You can't fix it, Roman!"

"Tell me what it is and I'll fucking try Dean!"

"FINE!" Dean screamed, "You wanna know so bad?"

"YES!" Roman yelled back. "What the hell is wrong with you Dean?!"

"I'm.. going to Paris. For a year." When the words came out of Dean's mouth, Roman felt his heart sink. Dean was.. leaving? Did he just hear that correctly? And.. he didn't think to tell him until now? His heart sunk even lower, creating a pool around his feet, melting into nothingness. Dean in Paris. Dean gone for a year. He looked at him and saw the tears start to fill in the blue iris. He was hurting just as much as Roman was right about now.

"You applied to the art school over there?" Roman asked, trying to keep it together.

"Yeah." Dean whimpered, "And I fucking got in. Full tuition and everything." Dean responded with a sniffle.

"Dean.." Roman was trying not to break down. "That's so great. I'm so happy for you." Roman willed himself not to cry as he picked Dean off of his feet and hugged him tightly. "This could be your big break baby!" He wouldn't let go of the hug. Dean wrapped his arms around Roman's shoulders and smiled while he cried. Roman was happy for him. A huge weight was lifted off of his chest. When Roman put him down, Dean noticed he was doing his best to try to not look him in the eye.

"I was afraid you wouldn't want me to go..." Dean started to say. "I applied before we got back together and i just got the acceptance letter a couple of days ago. I wanted to tell you right when I got it but.. i didn't want to have to tell you news like this over the phone."

"No need to explain yourself. You did what was best for you." Roman was acting weird. Too overly happy about this, not meeting Dean eyes, faking smiles. Dean knew he was probably a wreck inside. "How about we go out to celebrate your big day?" Roman started scrambling around the room for stuff to wear and that's when Dean realized he had to stop him. He grabbed onto Roman's wrist and pulled him in, forcing him to look into his eyes. Roman was holding back tears, fighting with them, begging them not to fall.

"You don't want me to go." It wasn't a question. Dean already knew the answer. It was written all over Roman's face. But he knew he wouldn't admit it. Roman wanted him to be happy at all cost. Even if it cost them their relationship.

"It's fine. I just.." Roman was afraid to say this.. "I don't think we could-" Roman tears fell freely now. "I don't know if we could survive that long of a distance." He didn't want to admit it but it was on both of their minds and they knew it. They wouldn't survive a year without each other. They couldn't.

"I don't either." Dean's agreement was something Roman wasn't expecting. Their foreheads pressed against each other softly and they both started to cry in each other's arms.

"Dean.." Roman sniffled, closing his eyes. "I want you to go. I want you to do this. I just don't think it's fair to either of us if we lie to ourselves and say it'll work out."

"I know." Dean said back, closing his eyes too. The realization that they were breaking up actually was hitting Dean hard. He didn't want to lose Roman. He loved him so much. "I'll never love anyone the way I love you." Dean choked up, shaking his head. "Roman.." he cried.

"Stop." Roman cried too, holding onto Dean for dear life. "Don't say anything else. Just kiss me please."

Dean nodded, and granted Roman his wish. When their lips connected, there was sparks all over both bodies. Their lips were lit a flame as they touched and igniting a fire in them that no one else would ever match for either man. Roman pulled away and slowly he took off his shirt then his sweats for Dean. He walked to the bed then sat on it, looking at Dean with tears in his eyes. Dean took off his shirt and pants too, walking to the foot of the bed. He stood over Roman and they gave each other one look. A look that said it was over. That this was the last time...

One look that let them know.. no matter where they were, or who they was with, There would only ever be that one person for them..

Each other.

A/N: Well there you have it the end of Once. But don't worry there's an epilogue coming up! As well as my commentary and special thanks. See you then! -Melle