A Path That's Right for Me

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You don't have to answer me if you don't want to. I just wanted you to know that I really am sorry

Love you Ro

Roman read through each sentence carefully. His face remained void of emotion, but he couldn't contain a worn out sigh. Dorian's messages were difficult to get through. Both because Roman's sorrow about their separation was still fresh, and because he couldn't really say whether or not any of those confessions could be believed.

Love had the ability to change people — not always for the better.

Before Audrey, Dorian was trustworthy. He was a patient ear to listen and a welcome voice of reason. He constantly tried to make sure Roman was doing okay. Dorian pushed his cousin to be unapologetically himself after living a life where Roman hadn't been able to.

After Audrey, Dorian became unsafe. He cared about her words and wishes more than anyone else's. He willingly followed her despite seeing signs of her being manipulative and secretive. He stopped listening to those who only wanted to defend him from a woman who hadn't been known for being a good person.

Audrey became Dorian's world to the extent of pushing him to sully his positive relationships.

Him finally deciding to take a step back and rethink things was a good thing. It didn't automatically mean Roman was in a healed enough state to care, though.

Roman

I need time to sort through stuff myself

Whenever, if ever, I'm ready to talk to you again then I'll let you know

Until that happens please don't contact me again

With that, Roman blocked Dorian's number.

Roman didn't want to stress about whether his next text or call would be yet another reminder of their complicated relationship.

Making himself a nice, hot drink would be a better way to utilize his time.

Roman climbed out of bed with a shiver. He pulled on one of Jensen's sweaters, inhaling the familiar scent which clung to the fabric. Roman's body slackened in response to the fragrance. He toyed with the neckline to keep his mind occupied for the time being.

Jensen was seen lying down on one of the couches outside with an empty plate and mug on the table in front of him. He held up a piece of jewelry, inspecting it. His gaze pointed toward the starry sky above, only shifting when the kitchen lights turned on.

Roman barely had a chance to wave before Jensen made a beeline for the door.

"What're you doing up?" he asked, his deep voice hardly above a whisper.

"I could ask you the same."

Jensen nodded in the direction of his dishes. "I got hungry and made a snack. What about you?"

Roman raked a hand through his messy hair, fiddling with a strand which pooled over his cheek. "Bad dream. I can't sleep, so I figured I'd make tea."

"I'll do it. You relax."

Roman was guided to sit at the island. He watched Jensen fill up the electric kettle, readying a porcelain mug, a green tea bag, and some sugar for later. Roman traced the edge of the spice rack in front of him. A coffee stirrer was accepted with a quiet, tired thanks.

"You seem tense," Jensen noted as he stood behind Roman to circle both arms around his waist.

Roman tilted his head back to rest against Jensen's chest. "...Dorian reached out. It was a lot to take in. I told him not to text me again and that I would if I was ready."