A/N:

Thank you all so much for the overwhelming response for the last chapter. Since I know that you are probably sitting on the edge of your seats waiting to see what happens here is another chapter. Oh and ummm…keep a tissue handy again, just in case.

Chapter 17 - $ 23,02

Roman checked his watch for the millionth time. It was just after 8 pm and the restaurant was buzzing.

He had tried to call Dean four times but no answer. To say he was a little worried was a big understatement. If Damien could handle the cooking a little better he would have left an hour ago to check on his boyfriend. He just had a funny feeling in his stomach and he needed to make sure that his chaotic lover was alright. But he couldn't leave. But maybe…

"Nikki!" Roman called out to the busty twin. The brunette had witnessed Romans worry about Dean progressing by the hour.

"Yes boss?"

"I want you to go and check on Dean. Quick." He pressed his keys into her hand and already had her out the backdoor before she could protest.

"Call me as soon as you get there."

Nikki just pressed her apron into his hands and hurried off.

She understood Romans worry and to be honest, she was a little anxious herself after Roman had told them that Dean was sick. Dean was her friend and she could only imagine him being his ridicoulous cute and crazy self. That he could get sick, even if it was just a cold, had never crossed her mind. So she rushed to the apartment as quick as her high heels would allow her to walk without breaking a foot in the process.

Ten minutes later she entered the dark and silent apartment.

"Dean? It's Nikki. Roman sent me."

She switched on the lights in the hallway and progressed further down the hall quickly checking the living room to find it empty.

She opened the bedroom door and found it equally empty, the bed untouched.

An uneasy feeling settled in her. She retraced her steps, double checking every room, until she was in the kitchen where she spotted the note, the key and the money.

Swiftly she scanned the note and had to put a hand on the table for support because her knees gave in.

If she felt like someone had just shot her how would Roman feel? For a second she thought about not telling him but she had to. She had to tell him what was in front of her. Simply had to no matter what.

She was about to grab her phone but it already rang. Romans name was on the display.

"Ummm." she answered.

"How is he?" Romans voice was frantic by now.

"He is not here. Roman. You may want to close the restaurant and come here with Damien and Brie. Hurry."

Nikki hung up and didn't answer her phone again when it rang two seconds later with Romans name on the screen again.

She grabbed a chair and sat down, staring into space, fiddling with her fingers.

Dreading the time Roman would enter the apartment. Afraid to witness what would happen to her big, strong boss. And her caring and adorable friend.

Half an hour later Roman rushed into the apartment followed by Brie and Damien.

"What is it?" Roman grabbed Nikki by the shoulders. She had walked out of the kitchen as soon as she had heard Roman enter the apartment.

"The kitchen. We will wait in the living room."

Brie wanted to protest and ask questions but Nikki grabbed her and walked into the living room with her and Damien and shut the door giving Roman privacy.

Roman who had just been like on speed two seconds ago stilled and didn't move. He had an idea what happened. Nikki had said Dean was not here.

Swallowing some bile that wanted to rise he entered the kitchen. Blindly he sat down at the table on the chair Nikki had vacated moments ago and only now he let his eyes look at it. His key lay there. Well, Deans key really. He had put a bright neon pink key ring around it just to annoy Roman and he would take it out in public adoring his pink key ring. Some money probably what Dean had left in his pocket from the last paycheck. Roman picked it up and counted 23 Dollars and 2 cents.

Last he picked up the piece of paper. The handwriting was more a scribble but he had gotten used to it over the past weeks and strangely it fitted Deans character perfectly. So he had really no trouble reading the short text even if it appeared to be a little more shaky than usual.

"Dear Roman, I am sorry for leaving like this but I couldn't stand this anymore. Pretending to live a normal life. I am homeless and beyond saving. If I stay I hinder your career and that is something I will never do. You mean too much for me to let my past drag you down as well. Please don't come looking for me. I am a tough SOB and I will be fine. Take care Roman and I hope you get the Michelin star you deserve so much soon .

Love always, D."

Roman recounted the money. 23 Dollars and 2 cents. Why didn't he take it? It was his. Why...why did he leave? Roman knew Dean had feelings for him and if they were only half as strong as his own...

Roman jumped up and ran into the bathroom where he threw up in the toilet. When his stomach was empty his flood gates opened and he cried. He put his big hands in front of his face as silent, salty tears ran down his cheeks. Why did he leave? Didn't that asshole understand that Roman gave a damn about his past and what people thought about him? Everyone could be put in that position and what counted to Roman was getting up on his feet again. People should look at Dean and be proud and not raise up their noses.

"What do you need us to do?"

Nikki's voice filled the bathroom and Roman looked up at his three employees. Friends. They were more like friends by now.

And they all crowded in the doorway and wanted to help.

"Could you girls drive around the Westside, look for him there? Bring him back if you find him?"

"Sure." Brie said.

"Damien will you drive around with me for a bit?"

"Of course."

The four of them left and Roman let out the twins at their car at the restaurant where they split up.

Damien and Roman drove down the streets, looked into alleys but really it was like searching a needle in a haystack. Around midnight Roman dropped off Damien at his apartment and after calling the twins he drove home.

When he unlocked his apartment he kind of wished that Dean would be back but he wasn't. The place was empty and quiet. Frustrated Roman switched on the radio like Dean would have done. Then he sat in the kitchen and stared at the money. Stupid asshole. He should have at least taken the money. Hell he could have taken Romans money out of the sugar can as well for all Roman cared about.

But no. He was an honest man. He had only taken the clothes he had paid Roman back for. He had even left behind a couple of new t-shirts because his backpack must have been full. Instead of leaving old stuff behind he left the new stuff behind.

Roman made his way into the bathroom like a zombie. He showered and stepped out going through his cabinet searching for new toothpaste.

He noticed a bar of soap missing. He had had three in the morning. He was sure of it. Now there were only two. His index finger traced over the expensive soaps.

So he had stolen something...

Roman remembered one night where they had fooled around with the soap in the shower. Dean had confessed to him how good it smelled on Roman and how much he loved the scent.

He had taken a piece with him. A piece that would remind him of Roman. Leaving him he must really have felt like he was weighing Roman down. Stupid asshole. He didn't weigh him down he made him fly.

Naked Roman stepped into the office and grabbed one of Dean's t-shirts he had left behind. He put it on. It was a tight fit but Roman didn't care.

He used his last strength to put on a pair of boxer briefs as well and then he climbed into bed where his eyes watered up right as Dean's scent hit his nostrils. With wet cheeks he fell asleep a long time later.