Trigger warning: heartbreak

Pairing: Post-Romantic Prinxiety

Category: (slight) Angst

*****

The crowd roared as he finished the song. 'Ah yes, I forgot about that part.' He'd forgotten that he was on a stage with a spotlight shining upon him. He was so far into the memory lane that he didn't even notice the trails of tears on his cheeks. Usually, he would feel like a weight was lifted off his shoulders during a concert, but right now, all he felt was a dull pain in his chest. 'Stop that. Don't disappoint the crowd...' He gave the audience a charming smile. He was an excellent actor after all.

His smile fell as he stepped off the stage, no longer needing to keep up his charm. He still had to do meet and greet with fans later, but he really was not in the mood. All he wanted right now was someone—a specific someone—to be there with him to share everything with. He wiped his tears off his face. No one should see how messy he was. Looking down at his watch, he sighed. Meet and greet would be in fifteen minutes. He gave every backstage crew that walked past him a halfhearted smile until he finally stood in front of his dressing room. He didn't have the chance to even touch the doorknob before the door opened.

"Ey, gurl. You did a great job out there! It's not often those crazy fan o' yours actually hear your music." Remy, his manager, said in an energetic tone as usual. Remy was like a best friend to Roman. He was the few people that Roman actually trusted enough to tell his story about Virgil.

"Yeah... I guess," Roman responded absent-mindedly. When he sang that song, his thoughts went back to the past, when things were good. When he still had Virgil with him, when he still had everything he ever wanted in his life. Back then, he didn't care about fame or success as much. The only thing that drove him to his success was his desire to find Virgil again.

"You okay, girl?" Remy asked, aware of Roman's unease.

"I'm fine! You know, just a little tired is all." Roman replied, putting his dramatic-and-loud mask back on.

"Don't pretend, Roman. I know you're not okay."

And just like that, Roman deflated. His expression turned into a slight frown. When he closed his eyes, his thoughts would always go back to him again. The perfect smile, the bright eyes. Roman could feel his eyes growing hot. He's been holding on for so long. He's been waiting for five years and it looked like nothing was going to happen. He's been waiting for a miracle that will never ever come. It was idiotic to ever hope at all.

"I miss him," Roman choked out, looking at Remy with a pleading look.

Without saying a word, Remy pulled him into a tight hug. Tears were streaming down Roman's eyes, like warm waterfalls cutting through his skin. Yes. Yes, he missed Virgil so so much. He was never able to erase Virgil out of his memory and it was painful. He was glad Remy was there for him. The guy was more like a brother to him that an actual manager or even business partner.

"It's alright, Ro. You'll be alright," Remy rubbed a soothing motion on Roman's back. "Okay, I hate to say this to you, but meet and greet is in three minutes, so you better get ready."

Roman groaned as he unlatched himself from Remy's hold. He loved his job. He loved what he was doing, spreading his stories and creations. But, sometimes he wanted a break. Being a well-known individual is tiring, what with the wave of paparazzi that is always eager to take a peek into his life. He loved his fans, but sometimes they could be quite difficult to handle. Especially the crazy ones. As he saw the line just outside the backstage, he felt more ready to face the crowd again. His previous thoughts and sluggishness melted away, replaced with genuine excitement.

Finally, the people were let into the backstage, four by four. He had fun talking to his fans, taking pictures and answering their questions, but he tried to keep them off his personal life. After two hours of that, the last group of people left and he was left in peace. He leaned against a wall and closed his eyes, letting out a big sigh. He was exhausted and thoroughly drained to his bones. He could hear footsteps coming his way, but he couldn't be bothered to open his eyes to see who it was.

Then, a familiar voice broke through his tranquil moment.

-----------

'What am I doing? What am I doing? What am I doing?'  Virgil repeated in his head. He couldn't believe himself that he was actually standing there, in line for a meet and greet with Roman. Roman freaking Prince. How did he even get himself into this situation?

Roman. He remembered everything as clear as it had ever been. He still remembered how Roman would hold him whenever he broke down. How he felt so safe in Roman's arms that he thought he could stay there and not miss a thing. He still remembered the kisses, so gentle and sweet. He remembered how caring Roman had been. All of that was what made him scared. When he left, he didn't think things through. It was still his biggest regret and most likely the most stupid decision he had ever made. And now, here he was standing in line to meet Roman.

He was thankful that he was one of the last people in the crowd, so it's going to be awhile before he would finally meet Roman. That way, he could still duck out if he thought he couldn't handle the pressure. Besides, being in a crowd is one of the things he hated most, but being in a crowd also meant that you're invisible. So, it's not all too bad.

The hours ticked by, but it felt like nothing to him. Virgil had been standing in line for two hours. He was getting more nervous as the line shrank in front of him, bringing him closer to the door that would lead him to Roman. His thoughts of his past came back to him again. He still remembered how Roman would laugh with him, and how they would have tickle fights. He felt so stupid for ever letting that happiness out of his life.

In truth, he still loved Roman as much, if not more, that he had all those years ago. Sometimes he would imagine what it would be like if Roman was still there, sleeping next to him at night. How it would be like to have someone to share his joy and sorrow.

When the last group went into the room, he purposefully told the girls behind him to go first. He knew he was stalling, but he didn't care. He didn't feel like he was ready. After about ten minutes, the group left. He was the only one left. The guy that guarded the door had told him to go with the last group, but he refused. The guy didn't seem to care either, so he let Virgil wait alone. Waiting for another minute, he took a deep breath and shakily walked into the room.

'What if he doesn't wanna see me? What if he's angry? He must hate me. Or not? Maybe I'm not that important to him.'

Forcing his thoughts away, he walked closer into the door and his eyes searched for Roman. And there he was, leaning against a wall with a small content smile playing on his lips. His hair was a little out of order, but it didn't make him look bad at all. Virgil's breath hitched as he looked at Roman. He was there. Roman was there, literally a few feet away looking as perfect as ever. He wanted to run up to Roman and just launch himself at the man and kiss those perfect lips. He missed the warm and sweet taste of Roman's kiss. He missed Roman so much.

He walked closer and closer and closer until he was standing in front of Roman. What should he say? Roman certainly didn't know he was there and his eyes were closed. He looked so peaceful and beautiful.

"Hey, Princey..."

Roman's eyes snapped open.