•No Ship/Roman centric•
•slight Angst?•
•This happened to me earlier today (3/16/19) and I needed to get it off my chest. Denton is Deceit•

~~~~~~~

Roman and his dad Patton were standing outside while Romans younger brother, Virgil, played in the yard. The two were talking about things Roman had wanted and places he wanted to go.

"I made a list for Logan so he can get an idea of what to send me." Roman stated enthusiastically. The sixteen year old was finally able to get his biological father, Logan, to message him more often. He was even able to convince the older man to let him visit this summer.

"Well, kiddo, I don't know if he'll go through with it.." Patton didn't want to upset the teen but he also didn't like lying.

"I know, but at least he wouldn't have to send me–" Roman was cut off by his step father, Denton. 

"Don't get your hopes up, the fucker doesn't care about you." Denton stated bluntly. "Remember, he waited eight years before actually attempting to see you and he didn't start messaging you more often until after you got the surgery. He also lied about sending you a birthday present, remember?"

"Y-yes but..." Roman shifted uncomfortably. He knew that this was a day where his step dad decided to be nice to him, but he still didn't feel safe in his presence. Too much tension.

Denton rolled his eyes and went back inside, but not before saying, "stop giving him chances and getting your hopes up."

Roman sighed and watched Virgil have fun with the snow that was finally starting to melt.

What's a few crushed hopes? At least I'm giving him the chance to treat me like his child. If he didn't love me then he wouldn't have messaged me after the surgery... Right? Roman thought as he wrapped his arms around his torso. The wind was making the outside colder than it is, which was making the rod in his back grow cold faster.

"I just.." Romans eyes filled with unshed tears, "I just want him to see I'm not a six year old anymore.. I'm not the little kid he still sees me as.."

"I know Roman, but Logan doesn't want you to grow up. I'd be surprised if he actually decided to call you tomorrow like he said he will." Patton sighed. He called for Virgil and the three went inside.

Virgil immediately attacking his older brother with a hug and a murmur of "I cold Woman."

Roman picked the three year old up and cuddled with him on the couch. His mind repeated Denton's words but Virgil was able to get him to smile.

At least someone appreciates my existence.. Roman thought.