All four of them climbed into the car, Virgil had insisted on driving, as he always did when he was in a car, and Patton had requested to sit in the back with Roman. It was no secret that Patton was an affectionate person. It was also well known that Patton was a bit stubborn when it came to showing affection, he didn't take no for an answer. So, Roman didn't fight it as Patton laced his fingers tightly around Roman's, giving his hand a light squeeze.

Logan and Virgil in the front were quiet as Patton whispered sweet encouragements to Roman.

"You were the most handsome man up there."

"You did so well, I am so proud of you."

"You put in so much effort and it really showed."

The words drowned out the buzzing of Roman's phone, his thoughts focused on Patton's sweet words. Before they were even halfway to Starbucks, tears were sliding down Roman's face. He hadn't realized how much he needed and craved these words of encouragement. His heart drank up the sweet assurances like a sponge drank up water. He gripped Patton's hand tighter, not daring to make a sound.

Patton noticed. Patton always noticed, and he scooted closer, resting his head on Roman's shoulder. "A penny for your thoughts?" He whispered, snapping Roman out of his indulgence.

"What?" The confusion was written all over your face, not fully understanding and absorbing the words Patton had said. His mind was still catching up.

"Unless you are afraid of coppers."

Roman's lips were pursed in confusion until it dawned on him and a weak smile slipped onto his face.  "That was clever, Pat."

"No that was a joke!"

Roman snorted, and they could hear Logan audibly groan, hiding his face in his hand. No one noticed the slight smile he hid. Virgil was focused on the road and Roman and Patton were focused on each other.

Roman's smile and laugh only encouraged Patton.

"Do you know what an actor sings in the shower?"

Roman's smile grew and he shifted preparing himself, "What?"

"Soap operas."

Roman laughed harder, "that was excellent Padre." His shoulders relaxed and he looked a bit less stressed.

"Knock, knock!"

"Who's there?"

"We Olive."

"Olive Who?"

"We olive You!" (AN: Read as 'we all love you')

"That was funny, you always were amazing at making jokes, Pat."

"Serious though Ro, we care about you and we're here for you." He gave Ro's hand another squeeze as they pulled up to the brightly lit coffee shop.

Roman smiled again but it slipped away as felt his phone buzz once more. He stepped out of the car, hand going to his pocket but Logan was by his side, gently putting his hand on Roman's and shaking his head. "Leave it, just for tonight, don't concern yourself with what Lewis wants. What do you want Roman?"

What did he want? Had he thought about that recently? "I want, I want Patton's cooking, I want to watch Disney movies and sing along to all of them, and I want to sleep." He sighed, "But I also don't want to be an annoyance to all of you."

"You are not an annoyance. After Coffee, we will do just that. We will go home, we will watch Disney movies until we fall asleep, and we will ask Patton to make dinner. The original plan was to go out for dinner, but I am sure Virgil will be much more comfortable with this idea."

"You already had plans, you don't have to change them for my benefit." Roman was surprised that he got his full sentence out. Logan would typically cut him off, but this time he listened to the end.

"Although I do prefer to make plans and stick to them, I think today would be a good day to make an exception. Your plan is a good plan and when you have good ideas, they should be followed up on."

He couldn't help but stare at Logan, watching him closely. "You've changed T-800. Sorry, I yelled at you."

"I won't lie, your words hurt, but I also don't blame you. Lewis has that effect on people's emotions."

Roman chuckled as they began walking, Patton occasionally throwing glances back at them. "So, you know Remy?"

"Yes, we attended the same college here in Florida. As I am sure he has made you aware, he studied art and stage production. I believe he would consider us friends, and, most likely, I would as well. Though, I did not have much choice in the matter."

Roman smirked, he held his head a little higher now. It wasn't much, but it was a start. "That sounds like Remy."

"Gurl! Took you four long enough." Remy was waving them down. He already had a new coffee in his hands and was sitting alone at a table outside.

Dee was also there but he seemed preoccupied. The darkly clad man was pushing another man up against the wall, lips locked up in a passionate hunger. Virgil's face contorted is concern and disgust, mouth agape until Roman spoke.

"Remus!" He shouted, the two finally men separating. Dee had a star-struck look in his eyes as he backed away, a sly smirk on his face.

"Pleasure to meet you, Remus," Dee slurred a bit, shoving his hands in his pockets. "I'll meet you back at the house Vee, and congrats Roman." He locked eyes with Virgil who followed after his brother quickly.

"Dee what the f-"

"Language," Patton yelled.

"Remus, what are you doing here?" Roman's body language was tense and his head fell a bit as he took a step behind Logan. Normally he and Remus would already be at each other's throats but in one moment everything came crashing back to him.

Remus has always been the center of attention, their parents constantly concerned over his antics. Remus has been the one who was given therapy for his outbursts. Remus was the one that was now a director.  Roman could hear Lewis praising Remus for his work. Roman didn't want to be compared to his brother again.

"What, you didn't think I would miss my little brother's big performance did you?" Remus had a twisted teasing smile on his face, but it fell when Roman just shrugged.

"What, did someone defang the great and powerful Roman?"

"Did you just come here to harass me?"

There was silence as Logan and Patton stood protectively in front of Roman who did his best to square his shoulders and regain his composure. The only sound was Remy sipping his drink as he watched the drama unfold. For a moment they all looked at each other until Remus finally spoke. "Someone really did get under your skin." He turned to Remy. "Who do I need to kill?" His eyes suddenly turning wild and uncontrolled.

Remy took a long slurp of his drink. "I don't know Re, that's not my tea to spill, and you are the type to actually go and kill someone."

"OF COURSE I AM! I am the only one allowed to harass my brother. He is MY brother." He growled. "Someone hurt Roman, it's my job to protect the idiotic prince. Damn it." He turned on his heal, looking at the two protecting his brother and his eyes narrowed. "Was it one of you two? I swear I will carve out your eyes, slowly and painfully."

"It wasn't them." Roman finally blurted out. "I'm just not feeling well."

"Don't give me that shit!"

"Language."

"Oh shut it crumbled cookie, who hurt my brother?"

"By the screams of snipped snakes in a Gorgon's salon, Remus stop! I'm fine!" He wasn't. He really wasn't but that seemed to pacify Remus. His brother's snarl fell into a giddy little smile.

"That's the Roman I know." He pushed Patton and Logan out of the way as he hugged Roman. "Don't make me start complimenting you. Neither of us will be comfortable with that Prince Pacifier."

"Yeah, alright Duke Dumbass."

Virgil came walking back over. "Well, nice to see we are all buddy-buddy now. What does everyone want?"

"I will come with you." After grabbing drinks the four of them all sat down and discussed the play. Remus obviously had opinions on the play but he was careful not to insult Roman. By the time they were done Roman was in the back of the car, curled up against Patton, sleeping soundly.

AN: I love the idea of Remus being extremely protective of Roman but only when Roman needs it. I feel Roman would do the same, being protective of Remus but only when Remus needs it. That's just my two cents on their relationship. 

I wanted to once again thank all of my wonderful readers who leave me comments. It absolutely makes my day. You all are absolutely amazing. Have a great day!