9:25pm
I'm unhealthily tired. Like, I'm at the state of fatigue
Au
—
"Hey! Roman! Over here!"
"Roman! Roman! May I ask just a few questions?"
"Mr. Kingsley! Over here!"
As soon as the car door slammed shut Roman relaxed into the plush cushioning attached to the white seats, eyes closed as he felt the car slowly pull out from the curb and onto the busy street. Beside him his manager babbled on about his next performance coming up in five months and he should start preparing for it right away. Although, the idea of finishing one play and moving onto another one immediately was not appealing, and the mere thought made him want to curl up under a rock for a few years with the comfort of Netflix and pizza.
Finally, he peeled open his eyes halfway, gazing out the black-out window absentmindedly. He didn't meant to focus on anything, really, but one man caught his eye. He had his arms out in front of him, trying to defend himself from a much taller, younger looking man who Roman assumed was a teenager. He was hitting his chest with clenched fists every so often, indicating he was asking if he wanted to fight, while the man just looked terrified.
Sitting up, he stared at the red lights with a sigh, knowing if he left the car it would cause the driver a lot of hassle.
But...that man was in trouble, and no one around him were stepping in to help, and if the man kept moving backwards he would end up possibly falling into the road.
He sighed, making up the decision almost instantly. Sending his manager an apologetic smile, he opened his door and basically fell out the car that was being high-tailed by a few news reporter vans.
"Roman? Roman? What the hell-!"
"Sorry, Stacy!" Roman called back, slamming the door shut before sprinting across the road, luckily as he did the cars were all stopped by the traffic lights, giving him a clear path to head straight to the teenager who was pushing the man around. Now he wasn't inside the car, he could finally hear what the teen was saying, and much to Roman's hatred, it was insult after insult, the word 'faggot' somehow always making it into every simple-minded sentence his mouth blurted out.
Now he was here, people's heads began to turn because Roman Kingsley was right there, but he ignored it and marched straight up to the teenager he was the same height as, grabbing his shoulder to whirl him around, glaring dangerously into his playdoh green coloured eyes. "Yo, what the fuck, dude-?!"
"I don't care why you're being such a nuisance to this rather cute looking man, but if you don't leave him alone- well" Roman snorted, crossing his arms as his eyes dragged across his body that was covered with tattered, baggy clothing. "I'm sure you wouldn't be able to pay for the hospital bill" after his words poured from his mouth, he regretted wording it in such a way someone like him might not be able to understand, but then again when he saw fear darting through his eyes, Roman was a little relieved he wasn't a complete waste of a life.
"Whatever, dude, just...back off" the teen held his hands up before stuffing them into his deep pockets that were probably filled with weed, scampering off down the street in a hurry. Beside them, a few microphones were hanging around, and Roman knew he wouldn't be able to stay long. He turned to the cute man, watching him straighten out the blue shirt that clung to his body nicely shyly, a smile creeping up onto his face as his piercing blue eyes stared at Roman through his black-rimmed glasses.
The more Roman stared, the more he noticed little extra details. Like the freckles that were sprinkled across his cheeks and nose bridge, and the small scar just under the left corner of his lip, and the two dimples on each red-coloured cheek. He was blushing. It was adorable.
"I see why people use the term 'love at first sight'" Roman winked, head turning towards his manager who was waving at him frantically from the car roof, his two security guards standing behind him to keep the increasing crowd at bay. Looking back at the man, he sent him one more, natural smile before spinning on his heel and rushing across the road, sliding back into the warm car.
As soon as he did, he regretted not giving or asking for his number, but for some reason...Roman felt like he would see him again. Besides, he was definitely going to be searching for him whenever he's in this area again. Luckily, he didn't live too far away.
"Roman...what the hell was that!? They are going to be on your ass! Wondering why you almost killed a teenager for a man you have never met! Oh, I bet they even recorded what you said- what did you say?! Did you threaten him? If so, you have a controversy in your hands! Like you made the meal of controversy and handed it to yourself on a golden plate! Do you remember the last controversy you had!? You came out as bisexual and nearly everyone thought you were cheating on your girlfriend with a man! So much so, she broke up with you! Which further made people freak out-"
"Stacy" Roman clicked his fingers in front of her face, snapping her from the rant-trance she was in. Picking up her handbag that rested by her feet, she pumped the asthma pump into her mouth a few times, falling limp against her seat with a long sigh. "Christ, Roman, I hate you sometimes"
This made the celebrity bark out a laugh, staring at her with a twinkle in his eye.
"I love you too, Stac"
After the first encounter, Roman's gut feeling seemed to be right, as only two days later he met with the same man again. He was currently sitting outside of his favourite cafe, dirty blond hair hidden by a hat he usually wouldn't be caught dead in, but he had no choice. If he didn't want to be followed around everywhere he went, he had to put on a disguise. So, he usually chose an outfit he hated the most with a bland pair of black sunglasses that covered his melted chocolate coloured eyes. It worked, as he and Stacy didn't gain a second glance. Even a first glance!
Stacy obviously had to disguise herself too, but she opted for a vibrant pink wig, thick glasses (with no prescription) and a rather show-offy outfit. She hated it. The looks she would receive made her want to gauge their eyes out, but she loved Roman enough, so she could do this for him.
Folding the menu onto the glass table, she stared at her friend with a risen eyebrow. "You're distracted" she stated blankly, watching as he snapped from his daydream, finally placing his menu atop of hers with a small smile adoring his perfect features. "Thinking about men, is all" he excused himself with a wink, resting his head on his curled fist as he leaned on the table to stare right back at Stacy.
"You're always thinking about men. I wonder if you're actually bisexual"
Roman snorted indigenously, waving his hand around. "If I find the perfect woman for me, I would make a move, but until then - if I do not find a man beforehand - I will imagine hovering over a cute, male body, listening to his begs and pleads for me to stop teasing-"
"If you say another word I will cut out your throat with a spork" Stacy warned with complete seriousness, making Roman burst into laughter that was overpowered by the sudden screech of tires from down the road. Turning around, he sat up a little further when the sound of a car horn echoed down the street, and with narrowed eyes, Roman spotted the culprits of the sudden commotion.
It was the man in blue - he had darted across the street at the wrong time, resulting in a red car being forced to tear to a stop. He waved apologetically from the sidewalk, but it obviously wasn't enough as the person inside waved their middle finger through the window as he honked and carried on his way.
Roman glared at the car as it passed by, feeling a wave of anger crash over him. He could be a bit more considerate, it was a zebra crossing, and something like that could get him fined. If only the police would care enough. Shifting his body so he had a better view of the pavement, he spotted the man in blue pushing through the crowd, calling out loud apologies as he did. Roman wondered what he was doing, and why he has to get to wherever he needed to be so quickly. He didn't know why - he didn't even know the man's name - nevertheless, he was curious, and once the man passed him, Roman stood up to follow.
"Oh, you can't be serious" Stacy groaned, earning a wicked grin from Roman who patted her cheek. "I'll be back soon" with that, he took of the same way the man in blue did, able to keep up pretty close, even if he was almost sprinting. Roman assumed he was going to meet up with a friend, and honestly felt a little creepy once it finally dawned on him what he was doing, but when he watched him cross the street and slip into an ally, Roman quickly followed, feeling a little protective just in case. From their last encounter, Roman knew he wasn't much of a fighter.
As much as he tried, it seemed he couldn't really keep up with him once they were off the street. The allies were never somewhere Roman spent his time, but obviously this man knew where he was going, and how to get there, as within two minutes he had...disappeared, and Roman was left standing between three different shadowed paths. With a defeated and disappointed sigh, he pulled off his sunglasses and rubbed his eyes, finally able to get a good look around the place without it being darkened.
Straightening his posture, he wrinkled his nose at the rancid smell from the rotten...things littered on the floor, and bins that had their insides scattered across the muck-covered floor. Twirling around on his heel, Roman hurriedly walked back the way he came, feeling a spike of anxiety shoot through him when he finally noticed the other people that were dotted around the place. Some leaning against the wall, smoking some type of drug, others laying on the floor, or sitting by dustbins, a few people even leaned out of windows from the tall, foreboding buildings he was surrounded by, their dark and judgemental eyes staring down at him as he zipped through the paths.
Shit. What did he get himself into?
Suddenly, he felt his hat being whipped from his head. Turning around, he went to glare at whoever stole it, but he froze a little when he realised there were four people behind him. Although he did compliment himself with the ability to be able to defend himself if needed, he felt like he couldn't beat up four people on his own.
"Huh, what's a famous actor like you doing down 'ere? Tryin' to find drugs?" The one who nicked his hat spoke with a chuckle, his three mates wearing their own amused grins.
"No, unlike you, I can find my happiness in things that won't destroy my life" he fired back, the filter between his mouth and brain non-existent when in a moment like this. He felt nervous, the feeling to just flee becoming incredibly strong, but he was too prideful for his own good, and didn't want to look like a scared idiot in front of these men.
"You really talking like that down 'ere? To us? You're alone, mate, choose your words carefully" another man said with a snarl, arms crossed over his chest. Roman's glare didn't ease, nor did his squared-up pose, but everyone knew this wouldn't end in Roman's favour, so without another word Roman twirled on his feet and headed down the nearest ally hurriedly, secretly feeling relieved when he landed himself back on the bustling street.
Well, he was relieved, until he realised his disguise had been compromised.
"Roman!? Oh my gosh, Roman! May we get a picture?"
Shit, he thought, smiling as he turned to the group of young teenagers who stared at him giddily. "I-well, I really should be going-" he spoke with an awkward tone, slowly backing up until someone wrapped their arms around his waist, their face looking up at him enthusiastically. "I can't believe it's you! I've always wanted to meet you"
"Awh, I'm honoured, I really am, but I must be going-" he tried, softly prying their arms from his body when more voices accumulated behind him. He turned to face them, but the crowd he was once facing only became larger, and he felt like he would be better back in the maze of allies!
Suddenly, an arm grabbed him and he was being tugged through the crowd, only once he fell through the other side did he realise it was Stacy. He sent her an apologetic smile, and an expression that said 'I can explain'. She rolled her eyes and they were running down the street, the crowd quickly chasing after them as a news van came speeding down the road, too. How do they find him so quickly!?
Stacy opened a taxi car door and shoved her close friend inside, falling in beside him and asking the driver to just go. He agreed and pulled off into the street, leaving the crowd on the curb, disappointed. Roman panted, breathing out as he relaxed, running a hand through his hair that ruffled up from the wind.
Stacy turned to face him, pissed.
"You can't keep it in your pants, can you!?" She swatted his arm, glaring. Roman sighed, turning to face her with a sad smile, one she couldn't stay mad at. "I only wanted to talk to him! But he disappeared! Someone stole my hat, I lost my sunglasses...and here we are!" He threw his arms up to gesture to the inside of the taxi, and with the sudden reminder, he leaned forward in his seat and gave the driver his address.
"I can't believe you sometimes. Remember last time you were swarmed by a crowd? You fell to the ground and was practically trampled on by a stampede! You were in hospital for three weeks, Roman, three weeks! Two broken ribs, a broken arm, and your throat was out of commission for two months!" She held a hand over her face, not staring at her friend who slumped in the seat, pouting.
"I understand you're a self-centred, arrogant, cocky child, but can you act like an adult for once? We each have disguises for a reason, Roman, to keep you safe. I don't have to do this, but I do, my job is practically being your baby sitter! So grow up, stop chasing after men you don't know the name of, and-"
"I get it" Roman's low voice cut her off. She sighed, realising she let her worry get to her. Glancing at her friend, she felt worse when she took in his hurt and closed off expression, his arms tightly clasped in his lap, body tense. She knew what this meant. He was angry but emotionally pained at the same time, and he was trying his damned hardest not to explode.
She dragged her hair back and stared out the window, letting Roman get out of the taxi once they stopped outside his house. He paid the driver, and added the right amount of money he would need to take Stacy home, too. He didn't watch the car drive off, but he heard it as he silently walked up to his house, eyes casted down.
She was right. She was always right. He was a child.
But when a child wants something, a child gets it. And Roman wants to know that man.
The next day, Roman cleared his schedule, but Stacy didn't argue. She knew he would probably need a day to cool off, and it was better spent inside than out on the public eye. At least, that was what she thought he was doing. Instead, he was out on the street, hair covered by a different hat - one he hoped won't be stollen - and eyes masked with grey coloured contacts. With some makeup, he didn't entirely look like himself - of course, if someone were to stare at him for more than five seconds, they would realise who he was, but in a large, busy city like this, unless someone knew who you were upon first glance, they didn't care.
Roman didn't want to return to the ally, but if he couldn't find the man on the streets, he felt like that would be something he would have to do. Hands swaying by his sides, he let a smile rest on his lips as he traveled down a few different streets, eyes peeled for the man that intrigued him so. He felt almost desperate to finally know his name, and possibly even his number, something about him made Roman want to know more, and maybe become friends.
The hope that flame inside of him dimmed down throughout the next few hours, as he couldn't spot the man anywhere. He knows it was stupid of him to think he could, the man had a life of his own, and was probably at work or at home, or doing something that resulted in him not being here on these certain streets - but Roman wasn't giving up, which was why he was standing in front of the entrance to an ally, hoping he wouldn't be killed.
"Is that him?" He paused his movements when he heard the soft whisper from his left. Unable to cure his curiosity, he turned his head, spotting a few young adults standing only a few feet away, their eyes lighting up when they could finally take in his features.
Shit.
"Oh, Disney" He murmured to himself, whipping around to the opposite direction before hurrying down the street, disappearing into the crowd and away from the voices that called his name. He knew this would bring a lot of unwanted attention, now that his name was being called people around him began to lift their heads, wondering if they could spot Roman anywhere, and he wouldn't be surprised if he saw a news van come screeching around the corner.
Seriously, it was like they had cameras waiting to spot out celebrities on the street!
Crossing the road, he headed into the first building he came across, leaning on the closed doors, the voices becoming muffled. He sighed out, wondering if he could slip into a clothes shop and possibly change his disguise, but then what would he do? He's fuelling false hope that he might possibly find the mystery man again, and he truly wondered if he would ever see him again. That thought made his heart fall.
"Well, I didn't know people like you came to places like this"
Roman felt his hands clench at his sides, eyes still closed even if someone was talking to him. Why was he now a different type of person? He acts in plays and movies, so what?! He was still human! Some decency wouldn't be impossible. Pushing himself from the doors, he sauntered over to the table the woman who spoke sat behind, staring at him with a condescending expression.
"If you're lost, the Gucci store is down the road-"
"This is a homeless shelter?" Roman cut her off without a care, because if she was being rude, it have him every right to be rude back. She glanced down at the leaflet he scooped up gently, his gray coloured eyes gazing over the words with sympathy. She rolled her eyes, tapping her biro against the desk in impatience.
"Yes - now, where's the camera crew, huh? Ready to show the world how much of a good person you are?"
Roman chuckled lowly, clicking his tongue. "I don't need to show the world when they already know it"
She leaned forward, head tilted back to stare at the man who also leaned down on the table. "You're the one who runs away from his fans"
"I'm the one who nearly died last time I didn't run" he muttered out, venom dripping from each word. Both stared at each other for a few moments longer before she leaned back on her plastic stool, shrugging loosely as he did have a point - crazy teenagers were ruthless when it came to their idols. She turned to the book she was reading, gesturing behind her to the open doors.
"You can go in if you want" she shrugged, holding the pen between her teeth unconsciously. Roman stood up straight, running a hand through his hair to calm himself down. He didn't know why, but something propelled him to go further inside - even if he came into this store to save his ass, he didn't realise it would be what it is. Side-stepping past the table, he ventured to the doorway, moving down the short hallway towards where most of the voices were coming from.
Glancing inside, he spotted long tables filled with people who ranged from different ages and sizes. The way it was set out was reminiscent of his school cafeteria. Slowly, he pushed open the door, stuffing his hat into his pocket as his contact-covered iris scanned the room properly, listening to the chatter that mixed together, making it almost impossible to hear what they were saying unless you focused in on a certain conversation.
Crossing the room, he noticed a few of the smaller tables held a bunch of kids who all seemed content eating their food and talking to one another enthusiastically. Some of them were drawing, too, with the small collection of crayons the table owned. He smiled at the sight, suddenly becoming aware of the fact the room had quietened down considerably upon his entrance. He felt awkward, and suddenly wanted to leave when a short gasp sounded behind him.
Turning around, he came face to face with him. With the man dressed in blue.
Instantly, he felt his nerves vanish as happiness bubbled up inside of him, smiling widely when the man smiled at him shyly, in his hands he held a red coloured box with a yellow lid, a mostly scratched off sticker on the side revealing it was filled with colouring pencils. "Greetings, you" Roman stepped forward, arms clasped behind his back. "I have been dying to know your name" he explained a little sheepishly, heart exploding when the man let out a short giggle, tugging the colourful box closer to his body.
"I'm Patton..." he murmured in a shy tone that made Roman want to scoop him up and hug him forever.
"Patton? An adorable name to match your adorable personality" he commented, feeling elated when a blush rose onto his freckle-covered cheeks. "You flirt" he commented, flicking his hair to the side. "Can we talk more in a sec? I promised the kids to give this to them" he chuckled, gesturing to the box he held. Roman nodded his head, stepping back to let him pass, watching with a soft gaze as Patton placed the box on the table, all the kids gasping in delight as he did.
"Thank you, Dad!" They all cheered happily, reaching inside to bring out the colours they needed for their drawings. Patton gushed at each of them, telling them they should all hang them on the walls in the hallway to brighten up the building. As they interacted, Roman watched the wholesome scene happily, but also a little guiltily. He's been to many places before, and the toys they had for the kids were exceptionally better than these coloured pencils - most of which weren't even sharp enough to use. He's never thought once to donate to shelters like these - of course, he had given money to charity, but he now feels like he could do so much more.
"That man is staring at you!" A child's voice caught his attention, he was obviously trying to whisper but Roman had heard him clearly. Snapping from his thoughts, Roman smirked at the kids who all giggled quietly, Patton smiling at him too. "Kids, this is Roman, Roman this is Valentina, Jenny, Howard, Miya, Monserrat, Eliezer, Zendaya, Alora, Decker, Ramiro, and Yisroel!" He pointed out each kid as he listed off their names, all of them smiling and waving politely at Roman who waved back.
Standing beside Patton, he glanced down at each of their drawings affectionately. Some of them were better than others, but that was to be expected, the younger ones just scribbled a bunch of colours across the page with some sort of character behind it while the older kids drawings were more easier to...explain.
When his eyes landed on Yisroel's drawing, his grin brightened, realising it was him from his most recent movie he acted in. The super hero - himself - paired up with the princess to save the dragon that was in grave danger from the villagers who were ready to attack and slaughter her.
"Who's that handsome fellow?" Roman remarked, taking a seat beside Yisroel who blushed, his long black hair hiding his face as he drew his hands to his chest, shrugging loosely. "It uh...it's you" he forced out, glancing at Roman to see his expression, relaxing a little when he saw he was smiling happily, holding up the picture to get a better look.
"I don't think I've ever looked better" he slowly turned back to the boy who chuckled softly, taking the drawing back. "I could've done better...can you draw?" Roman tapped his chin, reaching over the table to pick up one of the blank pieces of paper, groping around the red box until he pulled out a pencil.
"You can draw?" Valentina suddenly sat up in her seat, leaning over the table to be closer to Roman who shrugged, lips upturned for a moment as he delicately dragged the pencil lead across the page, placing his other hand to stabilise the paper as he drew the basic shape of a body. "I suppose I dabbled as a child...it was a distraction" he dismissed, the kids falling to silence as they watched the adult silently draw, staring in awe at the work he was creating. Patton, who took a seat opposite, rested his head in his palms, smiling softly at the expression of pure concentration lingering on Roman's beautiful face. Yes, Patton thought he was beautiful, in fact Patton thought he was the most gorgeous person he has ever laid eyes on.
And he's seen a lot of people.
Once ten minutes had passed, Roman sat up in his seat, puckering his lips as he added a few more details to the drawing he had created in such a short amount of time. "It's not perfect" he eventually spoke, twirling the page around and sliding it across the table to Patton who sat up a little in the process.
"But I tried" he added, handing the pencil to Monserrat who sat on the other side of him. Patton's blue eyes lit up as he realised Roman drew him. He had one arm behind his back, the other fiddling with the sleeve of the cardigan he usually kept wrapped around his shoulder, head tilted down slightly in a sheepish way.
"Can you draw me?" Eliezer asked, biting his bottom lip, head tilted to the side in a way Roman couldn't possibly say no to. In the end he gave in to everyone's wishes, and each child had a drawing of themselves, Roman feeling incredibly proud from the positive feedback he received. He had never met kids who were as kind as these. He regretted to admit he definitely wasn't this nice as a child.
"You should stay for dinner!" Zendaya exclaimed, all the other kids agreeing excitedly. Roman chuckled, glancing at Patton who smiled, nodding his head to show it would be okay. Just as he was about to accept their offer, his phone began to ring in his pocket, the loud noises gaining each of the children's attention. He sighed, plucking the device from his pocket, feeling worse when he read the ID.
"May I take this?" He asked, looking up at Patton, "of course!" He clasped his hands together, watching the celebrity hold the mobile to his ear, eyes gazing at the table his other arm rested across.
"Hey, Ro!"
"Greetings, Mother"
"Plans are still on for tonight! We called Stacy to remind you but she said you weren't home"
Roman turned around to stare out the window behind him, noticing it has become considerably darker outside. Deflating, he glanced at Patton with an apologetic frown, sighing out sadly. He didn't want to leave and eat at a fancy restaurant with his parents and their friends, he wanted to stay here and get to know Patton more than he already had throughout the day.
"Ah, well, yes...I apologise, I suppose I should've told her" Roman stood up, looking down at Decker who grabbed his pant leg, round eyes staring at him sadly.
"No need, she's only your manager - now, I need to buy my outfit, be outside my house in two hours!"
She hung up, leaving Roman to slowly pocket his phone, eyes traveling across the table to Patton who was still smiling, but it had weakened, trying his damned hardest to not look disappointed that Roman had to leave. It would be a lie if Roman said he wasn't disappointed too, but his mother had been planning this evening out for weeks, every time she would rant about how this restaurant was spectacular, the food was heavenly, and she would live there if she could.
If he were to bail last minute, he would seem like the biggest douche in the entire world, but that didn't cross his mind when he sat back down at the table, smiling at Patton who tilted his head ever so slightly, smile growing once he realised Roman was staying.
What did cross his mind was the nights he spent alone in his big house, wondering if his mom would come back that night and follow her promises she always made but never kept. He would lay on the couch, watching tv until it was midnight, only then did it dawn on him she forgot again...
All he wanted was a mother, but instead he received someone who cared more about her social life and fame than her own son.
Which was why Roman now cared more about these kids and Patton more than her - he was staying, and now he thought about it, he turned off his phone completely, not really feeling like talking to her again. He didn't feel guilty, either, because did she care when her son would cry thinking she was dead because she forgot to come home for weeks? Forgot to tell her son she was okay?
Whatever. He wasn't thinking about that now. What he was thinking of was Patton and how beautiful he looked.
—
*shRUUUUUUUG*
11:10pm