BLOODY ROSES [3]

14

"Where are we?"
Stefan sighed as Roman walked in front of him, a wide grin settled on his face.
Roman ignored his twin as he entered the bar with a chuckle.
"Roman?"
Stefan asked again as his twin sighed.
"We're seeing an old friend."
Roman smiled softly turning back around.
"Welcome to New Orleans love."
Roman hugged the hybrid tightly, the two laughing.
Nik pressed a kiss to Roman's temple letting the boy pull back. 
"As I live and breathe. Stefan Salvatore in the Crescent City. This ought to be very good or entertainingly bad."
"We're just here for a little R and R."
Stefan forced a grin.
"How's Elijah?"
Roman asked as the three sat at the bar.
"You know the Mikaelson's we were all in pieces after we thought you died. Especially Elijah."
Klaus rested a hand on Roman's shoulder.
"He's found someone new, and by the looks of it I assume you have as well."
Klaus grinned grabbing Roman's hand.
"What?"
Stefan gaped with a happy laugh.
"Enzo and I are engaged."
Roman nodded.
"Amazing."
Klaus chuckled shaking his head.
"How are things in the Quarter?"
Roman asked making Stefan furrow his eyebrows.
"Quarter?"
Stefan furrowed his eyebrows.
"Please Stefan, your brother used to own this city alongside my siblings and myself."
Klaus and Roman grinned wickedly at each other recalling the old days.
"Well I have some catching up to do,"
Roman pressed a quick kiss to Nik's cheek and hugged his brother.
"I'll see you soon."
Roman told his twin seriously, both knowing it would be quiet a while.

Roman wandered out to the French Quarter with a wide smirk stuck on his face.
He walked into a nearby witch's shop without a worry in sight.
"Could you tell me where Marcel is?"
He asked the witch who swallowed hard in answer.
"Roman Salvatore,"
The vampire grinned turning to face the temporary king of the Quarter.
"Marcel Gerard."
The two wrapped each other in a tight hug as they laughed.
"How does it feel to be King?"
Roman grinned at his old friend.
Everyone in New Orleans knew of Roman, mostly through the originals but some, like Marcel, knew him personally.
"Amazing."
Marcel chuckled.
The two caught up with each other briefly, sharing stories of the Quarter.
"Do you know where the Originals might be staying?"
Roman cocked an eyebrow.
"I wish I did."
Marcel sighed rolling his eyes.
Roman nodded biting his lips as he thought about where the family could be.
"I think I'll explore the city. See you around Marcellus."
Roman waved to the man as he set off to the house on the edge of the city.

❁

"Honey, I'm home!"
Roman grinned as he strolled into the house.
"Roman?"
Rebekah was the first one to the door, her eyes wide.
The Salvatore grinned as he picked the blonde up spinning her around.
"I thought you were dead."
Rebekah sighed pulling back as she cupped the boy's face in her hands.
"Please, I cant stay dead for long."
Roman grinned as Rebekah chuckled.
"Roman Lee."
Elijah gaped at the boy in front of him.
"Lijah."
Roman whispered fondly staring down the brother.
In a few quick strides Elijah was across the room slamming into the Salvatore.
Roman returned the hug eagerly closing his eyes in content.
"I missed you."
Roman whispered as Elijah hummed in agreement.
"H-How are you?"
Elijah asked as Rebekah slipped out of the room unnoticed.
"I'm good, alive. How are you?"
Roman asked with a small smile.
"I'm very well."
Elijah smiled back.
The two let out a nervous chuckle still in shock that they were seeing each other again.
"You're engaged?"
Elijah rose his eyebrows staring at the boy's hand.
Roman smiled softly, his mind wandering to Enzo.
"I am, Nik tells me you have found someone as well."
Elijah smiled the same way Roman had, as if he were in love.
"I did."
Elijah nodded as a soft silence fell over them.
"I don't want you to think I never loved you Elijah."
Roman breathed out, having to get it off his chest.
"I've never thought such a thing."
Elijah assured the boy.
"I loved you so much, but it wasn't time for us. There has never been a time for us."
Roman whispered sadly as Elijah stared at him intensely.
"I know that. I've loved you for years Roman and I feel the same way. We just weren't meant to be." Elijah whispered sadly as Roman took a shaky breath.
Roman wrapped the man in a tight hug, burying his face in the man's neck.
"I love you Elijah and I will always love you,"
Roman whispered as Elijah rested his chin on top of the boy's head.
"I just don't think we'll ever be in love."
Roman pulled back as tears bordered his eyes.
Roman was in love with Enzo, but he'd always cared deeply for Elijah and the thought of hurting the man in anyway brought him pain.
"I've always loved you, but I agree. We just weren't going to make it."
Elijah smiled softly resting a hand on the boy's cheek.
Elijah pulled the Salvatore close placing a long warm kiss on his forehead.
"I used to love you Elijah, but this is our goodbye."
Roman whispered.
Elijah smiled staring deep into his blue eyes, studying every detail of his face. Knowing it would be the last time he could see it this close.
"Goodbye Roman Salvatore."
The vampire shakily left the house, a part of his heart sinking in his chest.

Even though leaving Elijah made him sick Roman also felt free.
He could marry the love of his life without any guilt.
Knowing that the only person who had his love was Lorenzo St. John.