Upon leaving Remus' room, Roman was approached by a rather angry Emile. "Where were you? We needed you, Roman." Roman nodded and pulled out his phone to type why he hadn't come home, but Emile cut him off. "I don't want any excuses. It's simple. We needed you here, and you weren't here." Remy stepped in to the conversation after overhearing his husband's words. "Babe, I don't think that you should be-" "No, Remy. We have let so many things slide, but he needs to be aware that his actions have consequences. He was out messing around with his friends when his brother needed him." Roman felt tears brimming his eyes. He didn't mean to hurt his family. "Roman, crying will not work this time. You need to own up to your mistakes." "Emile, that is enough," Remy said, much louder than before. "No! I am tired of acting like everything is perfect when it's not. Last night was terrifying, and Roman needs to be held accountable for adding to the problem," Emile ranted in his sleep deprived state. Of course, he didn't mean any of this. But he was absolutely exhausted and he couldn't stop the words from pouring out of his mouth. Roman choked back a sob, earning Emile's attention. His eyes softened slightly as he took a breath, running his hand through his hair.

The only problem was that Roman saw his father lift his hand and flinched violently, bracing himself for the hit he was sure would come. Emile gasped lightly. He would never hit his son. Roman looked up at him with fearful eyes before sprinting in the direction of his room, slamming his door shut. Emile started to go after him when he felt Remy's hand on his chest. "I think you've done quite enough already, Emile." Remy was almost never serious, but it was plain to see that he was furious that his husband had spoken to their son like that. "I-I'm sorry.." Emile was cut off quickly. "I don't want to hear it. I don't want to speak to you at all right now, actually. After all that Roman has been through, how could you possibly think that was the best way to approach the situation? You know he's fragile and that he has a lot of triggers. You have to be more careful with him, Emile." With that, Remy walked quickly after his son, leaving a sorrowful and guilty Emile standing alone in the living room.

Remy opened Roman's door lightly, hating the sight in front of him. Roman was curled into a tight ball, rocking back and forth and shaking, tears rolling down his cheeks. Remy could tell that he was going into a panic attack. He approached the bed slowly, sitting next to Roman. "Is it okay if I touch you, Ro?" Roman shook his head violently. "Just listen to my voice. Focus on me, Roman. Can you looked at me?" Roman looked up at Remy slowly, the fear still evident in his eyes. "Good, Ro. Let's take some deep breaths together, yeah?" After about ten minutes of deep breaths together, Roman's breathing was finally under control and his panic was dissipating. All that was left was the sorrow. Roman couldn't stop crying no matter how hard he tried. He couldn't do this anymore. He was the reason his family was so broken. He pulled out his phone and typed a message that would immediately shatter Remy's heart upon reading it.

I want to die

Remy couldn't help the tears that formed in his eyes. "W-what? Roman you can't mean that. Why would you say that?" Roman sobbed loudly while typing his reply.

I hate myself. I hate that this happened to me. I can't live like this anymore. I'm sorry dad. I can't do it.

"N-no, Roman dont say that. Please. You don't really mean that," Remy pleased, but Roman just cried harder. He shaking typed another message as loud sobs wracked his body.

I'm the reason you're all upset. I hate living like this. Everything hurts. If I died then you wouldn't have to worry about me anymore and Remus wouldn't be scared anymore and Papa wouldn't hate me anymore. I need to die so you guys can be happy.

Remy cried out as he read the message. His own son wanted to die. He yelled for Emile, who ran to the room and entered quickly, sitting next to his sobbing husband. Remy handed him the phone, allowing him to read the message. Emile gasped as he read it, his heart wrenching painfully. "Ro?" Emile asked softly. Roman looked up at him with fear in his eyes. "I'm so sorry for everything I said. I was stressed and worried about Remus and I spoke without thinking. I know that's no excuse, but I promise you I didn't mean any of it. You didn't do anything wrong. I don't hate you at all. I love you more than anything in this world, Roman," Emile said, trying to hold back his tears. Roman couldn't believe what he heard. But he knew the truth.

You're lying. I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I want to die so that you don't have to deal with me anymore.

Emile felt his tears fall freely as he read the message. He wrapped his arms lightly around his son. "No, Roman. You're everything to us. We wouldn't be able to survive without you. You're our son, and we would never want to get rid of you." Roman sniffled and typed another message.

I'm sorry.

"Don't be. You haven't done anything wrong," Emile said softly. Remy wiped his eyes before standing up. "I think that you two need some time together. I'll be in our room if you need me." Remy left the room and shut the door, leaving the pair alone. Roman typed one more message, unable to rid his mind if the thought.

Do you promise that you don't hate me?

Emile's arms around Roman tightened. "Of course I don't hate you. Please don't ever think that. And for the record, I would never hit you, okay? I promise you, I will never lay a finger on you, no matter how upset I am." Roman nodded, leaning into his father and hugged him tightly. After a few minutes of Emile shushing Roman and running his fingers through his son's hair, Roman was finally calm. Almost numb, but calm. His body relaxed against Emile, laying against him, his exhaustion taking over. Emile continued to smooth Roman's hair, knowing it calmed and comforted the boy.

"So," Emile said softly, "How was hanging out with your friends?" Emile treasured the smile that appeared on Roman's face. Roman typed a long message, his old bubbly self showing through slightly.

It was so so so much fun! I really like hanging out with them a lot. They're so nice and understanding and they always make sure I'm not uncomfortable. They even made me laugh!! It felt super weird but it was really nice.

Emile smiled as he read the text. "You laughed? Like a real laugh?" Roman nodded with a grin and a slight blush. Emile called for Remy, who rushed in the room quickly, thinking that something had triggered Roman once more. However, he relaxed when he saw the smiles on both of the men in the room. "What's up, babe?" Remy asked as he sat on the bed next to Roman. Emile handed Remy the phone, letting him read the message. Remy laughed as he read the text. He couldn't explain how happy he felt. "I really like these boys. They're good for you," Remy said. Roman nodded.

He really liked these boys too.