Twenty Four
Three days had passed since Dean had returned to Beverly Hills to reunite with Roman.
He had already called up his agent to see his house in Tuscany two days earlier. The agent promised to fetch him a good price.
Cesaro had called him over and over; Dean blocked his number. He was in no mood to deal with him. He had informed Paul of what happened and like the smooth cat he was, he informed Dean to leave it to him.
While Roman made them breakfast, his boyfriend's words after their lovemaking three days ago came back to him as he sipped his chai latte.
What was next?
Dean honestly had no idea. He couldn't bring Roman on the run with him from country to country.
Maybe he'd sell this house and the one at Cedar Drive and find one closer to Asylum. After all, his stalker had known where he lived. There was no way he could stay there anymore. Roman's safety was his primary concern.
Just as he had been pondering over possibilities, Paul called him. "I have good news."
"What kind of good news?" Dean asked, leaning forward.
"I managed to secure you a new gig that will help you live out your life playing music and be with Roman too."
"Oh?"
"I got you a four year residency in Las Vegas."
"Paul, what are you talking about? Cesaro-"
"Has interesting pictures. He's prepared to let you go, Dean. These pictures are, well, how do I put it… incriminating."
"Oh? And how did you get them?'
"A friend sent them. Anyways, it doesn't matter who this friend is. I sent him a WhatsApp of those pics and he's agreed to drop you with no arguments."
"Oh."
"So what do you say?"
The opportunity sounded great; Dean had heard of celebrities who did residencies there. "I'll have to discuss it with Roman. Can I get back to you in an hour or so?"
"No problem."
Dean thanked him before hanging up. Trust Paul to come through for him in his hour of need.
"What did Paul want?" Roman asked, putting two plates of French toast on the table before sitting down.
"He's got me a gig in Vegas," the rock star revealed, pushing a mug of coffee towards his boyfriend. "A four year residency."
"What's a residency?"
"Basically you perform concerts from the same location."
"But what about Cesaro?"
"Paul's got that covered. He's got leverage apparently."
"Oh. Isn't that a good thing?"
"It is but how do you feel about Vegas? We'd likely have to live there. You'd have to say goodbye to school, Javawocky…"
"But I'll be with you."
Dean nodded. "Yeah you will."
"And Vegas has lots of coffee houses or gyms. Maybe I can get a job there."
"Take your time on the job. Relax first. So you're okay with it?"
"Sure."
Roman was making his decision awfully fast. Maybe he ought to think more-
"I'm serious," his boyfriend replied as if he had been reading his mind. "I'm okay with it. Being away from you was agonising. I don't want to do it again. This benefits us both."
"If you're sure about it, then I'll let Paul know."
"I'm sure."
Dean picked up his cellphone again to call his manager. "Hello, Paul?" he greeted when his call was answered.
Roman was excited, truth be told, about moving to Vegas.
The possibilities were endless on what they could there outside of Dean's residency.
Like a new environment.
Like a new career.
Like marriage.
Maybe not now but in the near future. Assuming Dean wanted to, of course. Still the idea was a heartwarming one, something Roman had daydreamed about a few times.
"So much we can do in Vegas," Dean commented as he pressed the red button. "I'd love to explore the Red Rock Canyon. Maybe the Strip. Those wedding chapels are cool too."
Roman stared at him. "Wedding chapel?"
"Yeah. I always wanted to see one. Never had the time when Steel Hounds played there. We were always cooped up in our hotel rooms. Of course, it was mostly because we were hungover and some of us were stoned. But yeah, I'd love to see those chapels."
"Right." Of course. What was he even thinking? There was no way Dean would marry him. Financially, his boyfriend had lots of assets to protect.
Not that Roman wanted Dean's money. He was determined to make his own.
"So what do you want to do?" his boyfriend asked, chewing his toast.
"Get married." Roman mentally slapped himself when he caught himself immediately. What the-
Dean was gawking at him. "What did you say?"
"Get ferried."
"It sounded like-"
"You heard wrong." Roman shoved a strawberry into his mouth.
Dean leaned against his chair, eyeing him. "So let's say - hypothetically - I asked you to… ferry me, would you?"
The Samoan man's heart started beating fast. Was his darling implying…? "I… well… why would you want to?" Damn, was he nervous.
"Because life is a journey and I want you there with me. And uh ferrying is, well, something I hadn't considered before… until you."
"Oh. Right." Roman swallowed. "Hypothetically… well… yes. I'd love that."
"Okay. That's great. So ummm… how about we do it? In the early hours of the day before… I start my residency. I don't want the media going after us. We know what happened the last time they got wind of us."
"Yeah. But, Dean, are you sure?"
"I've always been sure about you. I just want to make it official."
"Do you want a prenup?"
"Nope."
"Maybe you should."
"I trust you with my life, Roman. I know what I'm in for." Dean reached across the table to caressed his hand. "We'll apply for a license when we land there and you can pick where you want to get hitched, okay?"
"Where we want to get hitched."
"Right."
Dean watched, from the French doors, Roman admiring the view in front of him from the balcony later that afternoon before he walked over to join him.
"This is such a nice place," his boyfriend said, placing a hand on the small of his back. "It's not too far from town but it's also isolated too."
"Yeah," Dean agreed. "This and the Bel Air one are great."
"So you're still going to sell that vineyard?"
"Yeah. I hardly go there. Speaking of which, we'll have to rent a house in Vegas."
"Oh. Sure. I'll-"
"Not a penny from you."
"But-"
"No buts. I want to take care of you."
"And so do I."
"Trust me when I say you've done more than enough." Dean pulled him in for a long kiss. "When do you want to go on a honeymoon?"
"Well, once you've completed your residency-"
"I'll have breaks in between. Is there anywhere you want to go?"
"Yeah. I've always wanted to go to Rome."
"Rome it is then. We can see the ruins of the Colosseum… you know which was built during the Roman Empire."
His boyfriend laughed. "Really, Dean?"
"Well, I don't even have to go to Rome to see the Colosseum." Dean gave him a lookover. "I'm looking at it right now"
"Cheesy."
"Can't blame a guy for trying. You know what I want to do in that chapel?"
"What?"
"I want to sing you a song… a cover."
"I Live My Life for You?"
"Nope. Everything I Do (I Do It For You)."
"Dean…"
"I think it'll be a nice touch. Maybe we can have a huge ceremony too when we return home-"
"No. Vegas alone is fine. We can treat our friends to dinner when we return back."
"Sounds like a plan."
"I can't believe we're getting married."
"You didn't think I would ask you?"
"Honestly… yeah."
"I would have but since you let it slipped… I figured why not. You've seen me at my worst. Yet you still stuck around."
"Because I love you, silly."
"I know you do. I feel the same way. It was only a matter of time we got hitched, babe. We just had that plan pushed forward. That's all."
While Roman napped a while later, Dean watched television; Tye was announcing his split from his band, adding that he was going solo, signing up with Cesaro of all people.
The auburn haired rock star couldn't think of two people who deserved one another more.
The Whatsapp group for Steel Hounds was going crazy upon that with Seth sending so many emoticons that left little to imagination. Corey merely texted LOL and revealed that the incriminating photo was one of Tye and Cesaro hooking up with that pop star.
Well then.
Guess Cesaro and Tye had something in common after all.
"Happy to be back?" Dean asked when they reached their home in Cedar Drive a day later.
Roman smiled. "Yeah. I've missed this place," he admitted. "So much." After all, they had built a home together here despite all the challenges that came their way.
The house was exactly the way it had been left. While Roman unpacked their bags, he could hear Dean calling Paul to inform him they were back and to thank him for looking after the place in their absence.
Paul was a good friend to them, having a cleaning company take care of their house. The entire place was spick and span.
Once he had put things away, Roman threw their clothes into the washing machine and let it do its work while he ordered take out for them.
"Paul's coming over with Brock," Dean said, walking into the kitchen. "They'll be here in the evening."
"That's nice. I ordered our usual for lunch. Should be delivered in thirty minutes."
"Okay. I know what we can do to pass the time."
Roman pinched Dean's butt. "Later. First, let's just relax. That was a long flight."
"Awww…" Dean pouted as he led Roman into the living room where they both collapsed on the couch. "You owe me a ride later."
"Whatever you want, baby boy." Roman got up to switched on the TV and to his surprise, Tye's face was on screen with Cesaro by his side. "Tye and Cesaro?"
"It's an interesting relationship," Dean quipped. "One of hookups and betrayals."
"Betrayals? Hookups? Sounds like a VH1 dream story."
"Oh I bet they'll love it when news breaks out."
"What do you mean when news breaks out?"
"Seth leaked out to the press a photo of Tye and that pop star. That goes his tough guy image. Tye was always spitting out to the press how he hated pop music and how anyone who sings or produces it is rubbish. That picture though… well, I'm sure VH1 will be having a field day with it. Especially since the producer is his boyfriend."
"No," Roman breathed. "Really?"
"Yep."
The grey eyed man could not imagine being in such a position. This was public humiliation. "But why would Seth do that?"
"Typical feud, rivalry thing. Some of us got along with other, some of us didn't." His boyfriend held up his hands. "I had nothing to do with this. No matter how much I hate him, I wouldn't have done something like this. Unless he messes with you again. Then I may have to reconsider."
Paul came over that night with Brock and a bottle of champagne.
"Champagne?" Dean raised an eyebrow. "For?"
"Your residency," Paul beamed as he stepped in. "They'll be scanning the contract over tomorrow. Hey, Roman!"
"Hi, Paul," Roman greeted, standing beside Dean, looking all handsome in his white t-shirt and black jeans. "Brock."
Brock smiled. "Roman."
"I'll be reading through the contract and all," Paul continued, walking with Dean into the kitchen while Brock and Roman caught up, "Maybe negotiate more for your benefit. Would you like to live in the hotel or will you be getting your own place?"
"Renting our own place, yeah," Dean answered. "We need the privacy."
"Understandable."
"Thanks, Paul."
"I love you like a son, Dean. I'm happy to help you any way I can. Asylum will be in safe hands. And, hopefully, Vegas will be good for both of you."
Dean grinned, thinking of their plans. "I'd like to think it will. Shall we pop the champagne now?"
"Let's!" Paul clapped his hands before clearing his throat. "Gentlemen!" He called out to Roman and Brock. "Your presence is needed in the patio."
Together, underneath the stars, Dean pushed the cork of the champagne bottle and there was cheer among the four of them as the bubbly liquid gushed out.
Roman claimed his lips then and he found himself melting at the thought of their future together.
Dreams do come true.
A/N Hi guys! It's been a while. So I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I may end the story in the next chapter for this or leave it as it is now. I'd like to thank everyone who has supported this fic. It really means a lot to me. :-) Adrianna, I'm not sure if you're reading this but this chapter goes out to you!