5:06pm

Trigger warning: degrading insults towards women

I got this idea from one of the oldest looking books I've ever read (it was published in 1960-ish)

Guess what? This is set in.... ~ olden times ~

Au
—

"Oi, look who it is!" A boy exclaimed, pointing over to Roman who sauntered over with a suave smile, hanging from his shoulder his jacket which he took off earlier in lesson. He, like the rest of his form, had the rest of the day off due to their lessons being over and done with. Their schedules didn't work the students for hours upon end each day which they found to be very grateful for.

"Ha, Prince Charming!" Another boy threw their arm around his shoulder, Roman laughing and leaning into his side, the two slowing to a stop in front of their group of friends. "Sent a letter to your misses yet?" The same boy asked, referring to the girl Roman had been flirting with each time they went to town on the weekend. The same distance they were from town in the opposite direction was an all girls boarding school, similar to theirs but they were all boys, during the weekend (although they weren't allowed to interact) the girls and boys hung out together, Roman had an eye on one specifically.

A sweet girl, with straight neat black hair and delicate brown eyes, probably one of the kindest girls Roman had ever met. But he didn't really know, he likes her but not entirely in a romantic sense - he wouldn't want to lead her on so maybe he'd drop the flirtatious act, sometimes he couldn't help it though, especially if she started it - he loved to reciprocate and be his charming self. His nickname was 'Prince Charming' after all.

"I'm working on it" Roman responded, playfully shoving the boy away. They all carried on down the field until they reached the tall apple tree at the end. No one would have assumed it was an apple tree however due to it never growing the fruit, but the school insisted it was. They assumed it was to make the school look 'better'.

All sitting down the boys talked and hung out like boys do, laughing at every other thing, often talking about the girls and what they'd do on the coming weekend which was only a day away.

"Oh hey" the boy leaning on the tree smirked, throwing a gesture towards the school. "It's the kid with the scar- what's his name again?"

A boy pushed himself up from the ground and propped on his elbows, mischievous grin dancing on their lips. "His parents didn't give him a name, fucking freak, no wonder he was sent here"

"Bet he doesn't even have a home to go to in the holidays" another piped up, Roman stayed silent throughout it all, head turned in the direction to watch the boy dressed in black. He often wore the same or similar clothing, not that he had much different, black jeans with a dark grey t-shirt, sometimes he wore a caplet over his shoulders but only when he was going to town.

The previous boy was right, he didn't have a name. Well, a real one. His 'name' was Deceit and he was the 'freak' of the school. With half his face, neck and chest covered with burn scars he was avoided by everyone, not only that but he had a slight lisp and a fork-tongue.

He strays away from students as much as possible but when caught in a circle not even a teacher would try and split them up. Boys will be boys, they say. He needs to learn how to protect himself, others would say.

Roman didn't bother with him, Deceit's never gone out of his way to hurt him so why would he purposely do it to him? Not that his friends didn't but he wasn't going to try and stop them.

While in thought he didn't notice someone else arrive until he heard their voice, once his eyes landed on him he scoffed quietly. That boy, Max, and Roman had never gotten along. The worst part was he was friends with the people Roman was but he wasn't about to stop hanging out with them just because of Max. He could tolerate his presence and most the time they didn't even interact, but they were dubbed by everyone as 'natural opposites'.

They opposed each other in every way possible, if Roman liked one thing Max hated it, if Max liked another thing Roman hated it. It seemed normal between the two at this point, whenever they argued everyone else found it vastly entertaining.

"Think I'm gonna ask that girl out" Roman tuned into the conversation, begrudgingly listing to Max. "Who? Glasses girl's friend?" Max nodded and smirked, leaning on the tree and stretching out his body like he was the most important person there. Roman was arrogant but Max took it to a whole new, toxic and horrid level. Roman remembered last Christmas his mother teaching him of the word 'narcissist' and instantly called Max it the first day back - he smirked at the memory, Max had no idea what the word meant.

"Yeah, she's hotter than Roman's slut" at this Roman's eyes narrowed, he may not want to date her but she certainly wasn't a slut. A kind girl such as herself would never deserve receiving such an insult. "Take that back" he growled, leaning menacingly at him. Although two boys were the same height Max knew Roman could put up a fight so he wouldn't want to start anything physical.

"What? Can't take the truth?" He sneered and Roman clenched his jaw.

"You with her yet, Roman?" Someone else piped up. He sighed and leaned back again.

"No, I...don't like her like that" he replied and Max laughed. "So what? You can still have fun"

While the boys laughed Roman glared at him, "you're sick" he spat but it was overpowered by the laughter, Max heard but he couldn't care less.

"C'mon, Ro" a kid beside him nudged his leg, "you can't let Max get a bird before you"

Roman's eyes returned to Max who had such a smug look Roman wished he could punch it off but he didn't want to start trouble with the school. "I could get anyone before him" Roman challenged and a chorus of 'oohs' floated around the group of friends.

"Fine, whoever has a bird by Sunday wins" Max replied and Roman huffed.

"Wins what?"

"Friendship" Max leaned forward, "the loser leaves and hangs out with others"

Roman twisted his mouth, he doesn't know about that. He would hate to use a girl, he had never met one that would deserve to be treated in such a way, and while the black haired girl he had been flirting with would probably accept to dating him he know he'd merely hurt her in the end. While in thought his eyes trailed, moving across the field until they landed on the forest lining the edges, he could see a bench and someone occupying, that specific someone being Deceit.

Suddenly Roman brightened and smirked, turning back to Max. "Anyone, right?"

"Anyone on Sunday"

Roman glanced back over at Deceit, then nodded.

"Deal, may the best man win"

Later in the day Roman slumped down on a bench, taking a swig of cold water from his bottle. The boys had decided to play a game of football as there was simply nothing else to do - coach was more than pleased and watched over the game as the captains bossed everyone around. Roman had just scored a few times and now they were switching, letting others take over the ones who needed a rest.

He only found joy in the game when playing so instead of sitting down to watch he got up and took a walk towards the other end of the field, tossing his water bottle from one hand to the other, voices of the boys becoming more and more distant. He guessed after a few laps he could get back in so that was exactly what he planned to do until he eyed the bench not too far away from him, noticing Deceit was sitting there, back to the forest, drawing in a sketch book.

Roman glanced over his shoulder, he couldn't see any stray students looking over in his direction so he supposed right about now was a good time for introductions.

Continuing over Deceit looked up when he heard footsteps, surprise widening his eyes when he spotted Roman. It wasn't uncommon for some idiot to walk over and insult him but he'd never seen this particular boy make any sort of action towards him. Deceit theorised he was dared to so looked back at his drawing to block out whatever insult he might spew. 

"Hey, Deceit? I'm Roman"

Too curious not too, he looked up. Maybe he wouldn't have if his voice didn't sound so genuine. "Can I...uh, sit?" Roman gestured to the space opposite him. Again Deceit was surprised but he was able to mask it this time. "Why?" He replied, voice low and practically emotionless. Roman felt a shudder run down his spine at the sound.

"I want to talk, I'm very intrigued by you" he explained and Deceit stared at him with a hard expression for a few moments, wondering if he meant what he said or not. Deceit was a liar himself, in turn he could see through nearly all lies thrown at him. But Roman was...difficult. He could see he meant it but there was something else there, Deceit didn't know what.

Shifting his book slightly he tapped his pencil against his page, gazing down at the picture of the snake he was drawing. "Well?" He piped sharply after a moment and Roman flinched a little, quickly taking that as permission to sit down. Doing so he left the bottle beside his feet and clasped his hands together on the table, peering at the sketch book curiously.

"Can I guess what you're drawing?"

Deceit rose his eyebrow, thinking it to be rather childish and useless but he nodded anyway, intrigued to know if Roman would guess correctly. Putting emphasis on his thoughtful hum, Roman's eyes searched around the area, tapping his chin as he did. Deceit rolled his eyes, holding the book closer to his chest.

"Let's go broad, nature! The space around us" he gestured his arms as he did, Deceit shook his head and Roman frowned. "Is it a...person?"

Deceit shook his head again. He avoided talking when he could.

Roman hummed again, tilting his head to the side. "An animal, then?"

Deceit nodded.

"Cute or..." his eyes glowed, "sinister?"

Deceit swallowed slightly, looking down at the drawing to stall. He really didn't want to say sinister, his lisp no matter how slight it was would completely embarrass him as it always has. "Two" he replied with instead, for some reason Roman shifted closer when he heard his voice, he didn't know why but he could certainly get used to it.

"Sinister? I like your taste" Roman grinned in delight, "a dragon"

Deceit deadpanned, "they're totally real" he replied with swiftly and Roman huffed. "Fine! Something underwater? I swear those beasts are terrifying!"

Deceit shook his head and Roman frowned, "give me one hint, please" he begged, batting his eyes. Deceit rolled his eyes again and glanced to the side. This was still stupid but Deceit didn't really want it to end.

"The face of evil" and Roman sat up in excitement. "A snake! Right? It must be!" Deceit nodded and Roman cheered, patting himself on the back before requesting to see the drawing. At this Deceit tensed, he remembered boys in the past ruining his self esteem with their insults over his work, but he felt like Roman wouldn't do that.

Slowly he turned it over and pushed it towards him, Roman gasped and picked it up. Looking at it closely his jaw dropped and Deceit watched in his own shock, his art was...that good? No, Roman had to be exaggerating, right?

"It's wonderful Deceit! Spectacular! Where did you learn to draw like this!?" Roman exclaimed, handing the book back to him when he reached for it. Deceit merely shrugged and peered at his snake, he could instantly point out imperfections and knew for a fact he's done better in the past but Roman seemed to really like it. That made his stomach twist in a weird way.

"If only I could draw....alas, my skills lie in performance! Standing upon the stage is such a thrill I don't think I'd ever get enough" Roman leaned on his arm while he spoke wistfully, staring into the distance with a dreamy look in his eyes, probably back on the stage in this very moment.

He was snapped from his revere when he heard someone loudly yelling his name in the distance. He completely forgotten about the game. In a rush he stood up and smiled apologetically to Deceit. "My fault, I forgot! They must want me back, talk again soon?" He offered without waiting for a response, turning around and taking off across the field and around the school to get back to the game.

Deceit watched him go until he has vanished, slowly looking down at his book. His lips twitched and he could feel his stomach squeeze and flip. Why could he feel such things? Because Roman seemed to like his artwork so much? Sighing out Deceit stood up and collected his things, right now he'd much rather be in his room. Before he could leave though he noticed Roman left behind his water bottle. For a moment he debated taking it or not, would Roman get angry? He wouldn't someone to steal it or throw it away.

Finally he took it and held it close while hurrying across the field and into the back staircase. It led to the top floor where students weren't allowed to go - apart from him. After issues he received in the shared dorms, (being hurt that is) the head master moved him to the makeshift room in the attic to avoid having Deceit miss lessons due to being in the nurses office.

Using his key he opened the attic door and stepped inside, placing his stuff and the bottle onto his wobbly desk. Through the window he could see the game, noticing Roman sprinting across the field with his teammates around him, all of them manoeuvring skilfully with the ball, quickly getting it into the goal which the goalie wasn't able to save. Deceit could see Roman was very good at agility.

Locking his door he sat down at his desk and flipped open to a new page, on it he drew out the outline of a person knowing exactly who he wanted to draw. Prince Charming.

—

"It's gone!" Roman wailed to himself, staring forlornly at the bench. His bottle was gone. He had returned after dinner, only remembering it when he and his friends went to their dorm and Roman couldn't see it in his bag. The sun had set, leaving him with the moon and light pouring out the windows from the school. He has searched everywhere but nothing came up - he pouted and ran a hand through his hair, that bottle was really nice! It was his favourite colour. And had a small dragon on it too. Maybe a bit childish but no one commented on it before.

Thinking it was thrown away he crossed his arms in dismay and returned inside, wanting to avoid being told off by a night guard who usually patrols the field. He headed back to his room, ready to open the door when a note stuck to it caught his attention.

Taking the yellow paper down, he read; 'the back staircase'

Roman knew where that was, a forbidden section of the school, only available to staff. Taking a quick glance inside his room he noticed everyone was already inside, either laying on their bed or walking around to get changed, all of them conversing with each other jokingly. Closing the door Roman looked down at the note and sighed, the chances of it being for him were slim but that didn't help his curiosity.

Possibly the stranger knew he was the only one not in the room? More often than not the boys would switch into other rooms for the night though, to hang out with the other forms either a year above or the same year as them. Catching a higher form interacting with a lower form (unless they were related) led to instant name calling and being made fun of.

With a sigh he took another good look down both hallways before turning on his heel and heading in the direction of the back staircase. It was the only staircase that went from the basement all the way to the top floor which was why only staff could use it. Luckily there were no adults around and he quickly made it to where he needed to be, eyes instantly catching red.

Rushing over he picked up his water bottle with a slight gasp, there was no note, only his bottle. He took a look around the close vicinity but didn't want to stick around so with a defeated sigh he hurriedly returned to his dorm room wondering if the person who did this could possibly be Deceit.

—

"How could you possibly find a girl in one day?" Max murmured to him in class, he decided to sit behind Roman when he nearly came in late (a usual occurrence, was it really a surprise he didn't care about his education?) and leaned forward while everyone was doing work, smirking when Roman sent him an annoyed glance over his shoulder.

The teachers gave students a real telling off when they're caught breaking the rules so Roman didn't respond, instead carried on with work and hoping Max would be caught but unfortunately he was somewhat smart and stayed silent until the bell rang and everyone was dismissed to leave for PE.

Roman personally rather enjoyed PE, it was a nice break from the laborious lessons they had to sit through everyday and gave him time to stretch his legs and have genuine fun with his friends. But it seemed that lesson he wouldn't be doing anything of the sort.

He had entered the changing rooms a bit late due to talking to a teacher who stopped him in the halls, he wasn't worried, usually coach would set up two games and didn't pay enough attention to either to realise if one or two students were missing or joined in awhile later.

Whistling a joyful tune he popped open the door with a nudge of his hip, swaying around while heading over to his locker, pausing when he heard the sounds of sniffles and hissed cursing. Eyes widening he dropped his bag and hurried to find out who was hurt, he was a natural protector and would defend people without a second thought, a trait his mother and sister admired in him very much.

"Hello?" He called, turning around a strip of lockers only to gasp and stare at a boy sitting in the corner in quite the state. Roman hated it but it wasn't a surprise, PE is the worst lesson for him and most the time he's able to slip away; obviously not today and Roman felt his heart shatter at the sight of him desperately holding back tears while struggling to fix his t-shirt that had been ripped off of him, literally ripped at the seams.

Half naked Roman could easily see the scars down his body but it didn't even cross his mind, instead he was skidding over the floor and tugging off his own shirt to give to him. Deceit violently jolted back into the wall when Roman came out of nowhere, now that they met eye to eye Roman could see blood dribbling down his nose.

"Sstop! Sstay back!" Deceit begged without a second thought, half his face burning red in embarrassment when his lisp showed quite clearly but Roman didn't even register, just placed a hand into his to try and comfort him. "I won't hurt you, De, put this on" he encouraged, taking Deceit's dark top from him so he had no other choice.

Pulling it on quickly Roman winced when he heard the sound of stretching but quickly pushed it away, he was obviously in a rush and desperately trying to pull it on, meaning he would stretch it. The top itself pooled around the boy who was quite scrawny and short compared to Roman but it subdued him, not only was he covered but it was a peace offering - he could trust the boy who sent him a small smile.

"Who did this?" Roman then questioned, voice hard around the edges - not only was he worried but he was pissed, before the bullying did irk him, but now it made him furious.

Deceit shook his head and sighed, "all of them, Roman. It won't end. Do not try to fight it" he used the bench beside him to stand up. A bit wobbly on his feet but other than that he was okay, Roman kept on his toes just in case he would trip and have to be caught.

"You don't deserve this" Roman tried, watching as he shakily grabbed his bag and pulled it onto his shoulder. Deceit shrugged lightly, "would anyone?"

Roman snorted and didn't think twice about grabbing his own stuff and following him out of the room, "yeah, Max" call him biased but he knows Max gives Deceit a lot of unneeded shit. "Violence is complicated" Deceit responded quietly, "a fight would not occur without ju.." Deceit hesitated, "justification..." he managed, hating it, hating his lisp.

Again, Roman didn't comment at it, not even raise an eyebrow. Deceit's never had that before.

"I don't think a punch to Max's face would be justified easily" Roman responded with a chuckle, they walked through the quiet hallways together at a sort of leisurely pace, simply because Deceit didn't have it in him to walk any faster. He was worn out and tired.

"You hate him, Roman. And that hate is rightly deserved" Deceit managed, gripping his backpack strap tighter. Roman noticed and lifted his hand, gently tugging at Deceit's until the boy let go and slowly lowered it to his side, staring up at Roman questioningly.

"Your voice is fine" Roman soothed quietly and Deceit felt the side of his face heat up, quickly turning it to the side so Roman wouldn't see. But Roman did see, and he savoured in the fact he made Deceit flustered. 

"Are you going to keep following me?" Deceit asked after awhile, nothing accusatory, he was simply curious.

"Oh" Roman hesitated, "can I..? If I'm overstaying my welcome then-"

"Nothing like that" Deceit cut him off, "I am merely going to my room. I don't know if you would want to join me" he explained and Roman nodded slowly, only the teachers knew where Deceit's room was and wouldn't disclose the information to anyone in favour of the students safety. Roman was curious and honestly didn't want to leave his side just yet.

"May I?"

Deceit nodded, "but.." Deceit paused, turning to face him. "If you tell anyone where it is-"

"I promise I won't" Roman cut him off, sincerity gleaming in both his eyes because he was being honest - he wanted Deceit's trust and would never do anything that would lead to him being hurt. He doesn't know much about the boy, Hell they've only talked twice but Roman's becoming entranced and more and more protective over the small boy. "It didn't even cross my mind" he emphasised after Deceit stayed silent for awhile.

Deceit nodded and turned forward again, murmuring a small 'thank you' before they continued on. Once they reached the back staircase it wasn't much of a surprise to Roman that this was where his bedroom was, the top floor that only held one or two rooms, a small hallway led to his own which he unlocked with a key he kept on the bottom of his bag.

Once stepping inside Roman gasped and rushed over to the window, taking the view in with gleaming eyes and a jealousy strike. "You're telling me you get to stare at this every morning!?" Roman exclaimed, staring at the vast expanse of beautiful land, he was sure it was fucking ethereal during sunsets/sunrises.

Deceit, after placing his bag beside his bed and locking the door, turned to Roman's side and looked out too, shrugging lightly afterwards. "Because I totally care about the view" he drawled and Roman chuckled, sagging forward a bit which made his gaze drop down to his desk. Lighting up when he noticed the sketch book he flipped through the pages while Deceit had his back to him, taking out another t-shirt from his closet as he was sure Roman wanted his back.

"Don't look-" Deceit cut short when he realised Roman was gazing at his drawings, face flushing after seeing which one exactly. The one he drew of Roman, usually when he was invested so much into a drawing it didn't take too long to finish but he didn't have Roman finding it in mind.

"Roman, I-sstop! Closse it!" Deceit demanded, humiliation coursing through him. Roman flipped it shut instantly but his eyes were dazed, slowly lifting to lock with Deceit's who held the book to his chest, glaring at him for his invasion of privacy. "I'm...sorry, I-" he shook his head and gently took a step closer, "that drawing, is it me?" He asked quietly and Deceit turned away, stuffing the book into a draw and slamming it shut.

"Yess! Sso what?" He hissed.

Roman came up behind him and gently placed a hand on his where it rested on the small set of draws. "It's beautiful, thank you, may I have it? I've never seen such a drawing, not because it's me, you're merely incredibly talented and I'm honoured you'd want to use your talents on me" he explained in a soft voice and Deceit tensed due to not expecting that answer at all, glancing at Roman to make sure he was telling the truth but he hasn't lied yet.

Deceit swallowed and looked back down at the draw, slowly pulling it open. "If you want. It's not that g-"

"It's amazing" Roman squeezed his hand and smiled side. Deceit chewed his lip and opened up to the page, gently ripping it out and handing it to the boy who held it in such a delicate grip Deceit knew he meant every word. His heart thumped heavily at that, quickly looking away but now he left his sketch book out, not feeling so self conscious anymore.

"Keep staring at yourself" Deceit commented, turning around back to his bed. "I'll change-"

"Why?"

Deceit gave him a confused glance, "have you forgotten this is your shirt?"

Roman smiled and eyed him clearly, Deceit visibly turned in on himself at that. "Keep it on, I like seeing you in my clothes" he responded before sitting at his desk and picking up the sketch book, returning to look through the pages. Meanwhile Deceit had to sit down after his legs turned into jelly, heart ready to burst out of his chest to let free the butterflies crawling, flapping and swooping in his stomach.

Had Roman no idea how that affected him!?

Awkwardly Deceit put his own top back and slowly sat down on his bed, using tissues to wipe away the dry blood under his nose. It was only a small amount and stopped bleeding pretty quickly, but he still hated looking anything less than pristine. He wished he had better clothes but alas he had no money to buy more.

With Roman busy looking through his drawings he had nothing to do, so laying on his bed he shifted to the wall and sighed out, letting his body relax after the injuries it endured earlier. None of them were too severe, the most they'd do was leave a bruise. Deceit was very grateful for that, he had already visited the hospital that week - he didn't need it again. Being started at, asked questions, touched. He hated it.

After awhile he was soothed by the sound of Roman's breathing and the sound of pages turning, so much so he was dozing off until the space beside him suddenly dipped and he was bright alert at the fact Roman was laying right beside him.

"Vincent Van Gogh has some competition" Roman remarked jokingly, Deceit might've chuckled if they weren't so close. "Seriously" Roman rolled onto his side and Deceit slowly turned to face him, inches apart. "Your artwork? It's in..." Roman cut himself off, then a wicked smile grew on his lips. "It's nearly as incredible as you" he corrected, making a quick glance to his lips.

Deceit's breath stuttered and he flipped his head to look at the wall, rolling his body away. Roman laughed and shuffled closer, laying down behind him with a content sigh. Deceit could feel red seeping through his face, ears and down to his chest, never before had he received such treatment and he felt like he couldn't handle it. This must be a sick joke, right? He couldn't trust this, surely? It's so out of nowhere...why would Roman be showing an interest now? Why would he show an interest at all?

Muscles tensed when Deceit felt Roman loosely lay an arm across his waist, slowly shuffling until they were spooning. "This okay?" He whispered so delicately Deceit clenched his eyes shut as they stung.

"Y-yes..." he whispered, voice dry. Roman smiled and shuffled closer and Deceit relaxed in his warm hold, he's never been touched like this, so gently, so caringly, tingles electrified his body and he never wanted it to end.

And, yes, Roman was still shirtless.

—

That evening once dinner was over Roman sluggishly pulled himself to his dorm room. Today was a tiresome one but he wore a smile nonetheless. After he and Deceit cuddled for awhile he eventually left (which made them both disappointed) to return to class because after PE he had another unlike Deceit who had the rest of the day off.

Roman spent his time with his friends until he was too tired to stay awake, but unfortunately his friends weren't the same. Entering his room he winced, everyone was talking and a bunch more people were in the room than usual - looked like his dorm was being shared tonight. Although he usually doesn't mind today he was shattered and needed some peace.

Then an idea sprung to mind.

Collecting his things he brushed his teeth before creeping towards the back staircase, fluttering and hiding from a teacher who missed him luckily by miles. Coast being clear he hurried up the staircase and down to Deceit's room, knocking on the white chipping door.

For a moment he wondered if Deceit was there then realised he needed to clarify himself, "De? It's the one and only" from his voice alone Deceit knew who it was, sitting up in bed he wondered what he was doing here. For a split moment he imagined he brought all of his friends but after looking through the keyhole he could see it was just him.

Unlocking the door it creaked open, Deceit stared at him curiously.

"Sleepover?" He suggested and Deceit's breath hitched. "My room is occupied with noise and I'm...I'm..." Roman covered his mouth to yawn, "tired.." he smiled sheepishly and Deceit couldn't say no, stepping aside to let him in, locking it afterwards.

Already changed Roman slipped into the bed and frowned, before it wasn't too uncomfortable (and it still wasn't) but he realised the blanket wasn't at all thick and the room was very cold. The pillow was quite flat too and he could not sleep with only one.

"It seems changes will have to be made" Roman commented, instantly sitting up.

"What?" Deceit replied, lifting his leg to climb in but Roman was up and out, taking his key to unlock the door and lock it before he left. Deceit watched with wide eyes, slowly sitting down and wondering what Roman meant.

Back in his room his friends didn't question him when he grabbed his pillows and thick blanket his mother made for him specifically, keeping him warm even through the coldest of winters. They assumed he was sleeping in another room which wasn't frowned upon obviously.

Unlocking the door Roman stepped in and dropped the stuff on top of Deceit who made a call of alarm, being half asleep before this.

Roman laughed, locked the door and hurried back over, putting everything from the bed onto the floor. "Like your bedding is any better than miNE- Roman!" Deceit yelped when Roman suddenly scooped him into his arms bridal style, clutching onto him tightly.

Roman laughed and spun him around gently, "you weren't moving! I had to do something!"

"Your Neanderthal brain didn't think of asking?" Deceit responded and Roman laughed again, delicately placing him into his desk chair. Turning back to the bed Roman grabbed the pillows, fluffed them up and placed them at the head, throwing the warm blanket on afterwards. Picking Deceit up again before he even had a choice Deceit yelled but from how his stomach twisted he knew he didn't exactly mind.

Being laid down underneath a blanket that instantly warmed him was something else and for once he felt like he wouldn't shiver through the night. Shuffling over for space Roman got in beside him and curled the blanket around both of them, not even hesitating to pull Deceit into a cuddle. He wasn't expecting it, maybe let out a small yelp of surprise, but was he complaining? Not at all, in fact quite the contrary, his whole body was ecstatic and he nestled into Roman's chest which radiated heat.

"It's so quiet" Roman whispered, never had he ever slept in a quiet room in this place before. If it was warm in here Deceit would be living the dream. "Hmm, even when you talk" Deceit responded dryly and Roman chuckled into his hair.

Roman sighed wistfully, "talking to you yesterday was the best choice I've ever made" he whispered and Deceit breathed in, eyes opening to widen. Then his eyebrows creased together, bottom lip trembled, nose tingled and eyes watered...

"De?" Roman whispered when Deceit sniffled, he felt his shoulders shudder and Roman merely hugged him tighter. "Th-thank you" Deceit managed and Roman's heart broke yet warmed at the same time. He didn't realise that had such an affect on him but he didn't regret it - he wanted to make Deceit feel this way all the time, maybe not to start crying but to make him not feel so hated anymore.

And, unbeknownst to both of them just yet, he sure managed it.

—

The next day the boys who went to town were surprised not to see Roman anywhere, some of them assumed he got the early bus while others called him out, saying he gave up and didn't want to be humiliated when he couldn't find a girl to ask out on a date.

On the contrary, he was still asleep in Deceit's bed, the two cuddled up to each other nicely, perfectly, slotted into each other's arms like they had been doing it for years. Truly made for each other. Due to all the ruckus the boys make in the morning Roman's never been able to sleep in here while Deceit is always awoken by the cold, so when both issues are fixed...neither of the two woke up until midday where Deceit's eyes began to crack open, tongue sticking out to wet his lips, wondering for a moment why he was staring at a chest until he remembered and his face reddened like blood.

But then he relaxed, he was too groggy to be embarrassed or flustered. Instead he shifted further against Roman and let out a mixture of a sigh and groan, he hadn't slept like this before in years.

A few minutes later Roman awoke too, Deceit could tell when he tightened his hold around his waist and buried his face into his hair.

"This is extremely comfortable" Deceit mumbled into his chest, half jokingly. Roman laughed tiredly and loosened his grip, slipping his arms away and stretching them above his head. Deceit watched from where he laid on his back, Roman's blissed out expression everything to him. He would most certainly draw it.

"Good morning" Roman grumbled after a moment, eyes still closed. Deceit smiled and rested his head on Roman's shoulder, shifting closer when his arm curled around his waist. "Good morning" Deceit replied back, just...happy. Extremely happy.

"Deceit" Roman frowned, staring at the ceiling. "Can I tell you something?"

Deceit knew that tone of voice, he hated that tone of voice. Slowly sitting up he stared at Roman who sat up too, bracing himself for the worst. He couldn't believe he let his guard down like this-

"I like you" Roman admitted.

Oh...Deceit stopped breathing for a moment.

"But I can't continue without telling the truth" and again Deceit braced himself, tense and ready for Roman to cut this whole thing off. It was nice while it lasted, Deceit supposed.

"You know Max? Me and him made a deal on Thursday, whoever managed to get a date first by Sunday won..." he admitted but quickly carried on before Deceit could say anything, "but I don't care. I don't care about losing" he reached forward and grabbed his hands, "I've never felt this way with anyone before and I'll wait forever until you're ready, that is if you'd ever consider dating me. I know this isn't normal, we might be killed for this but" Roman met his eyes and squeezed his hands, "I really like you and I'm not letting you go because society says so" the big admittance was a lot off his shoulders but he meant it - they've only spent a small amount of time together yet Roman truly felt this way about the boy with beautiful scars.

Deceit stared at him in shock, he...expected that Roman didn't come up to him because he wanted to, but he couldn't hold that against him. Not now. Especially not after that.

Deceit's eyes dropped down to their hands, then back up to his face.

"You mean that? Every word?" Deceit needed reinforcement. He needed truth.

Roman nodded his head hurriedly, shifting closer. "I do" he promised.

Deceit bit his lip and smiled. "I like you too"

And together they were happy for the rest of their lives.

—
I painted my nails black-

Hope this was good? :/

Also I'm a MAN he/him pronouns

1:34am