Locking Eyes With Tangled Fingers

Last time, Ayan tried to stop Dean. Roman became conscious and politely asked the man to leave them alone.Dean looks at the boy hugging his waist expecting a positive response. His gaze is drawn to Roman, who, for the first time, does not appear angry or upset, but is relatively calm."Please," Ayan whispered, looking at his teacher and back at his father with pleading eyes, seeking help from his dad."We shouldn't force others, dear. I have taught you, right?" Roman instead spoke to Ayan, who looked down and nodded."Good night, teacher," Ayan whispered, walking back to his father with hunched shoulders.Dean smiled; he sure is dramatic.⋇⋆✦⋆⋇"Brushing is done, right?" Dean asked, brushing the boy's hair. Ayan nodded with a wide grin."Alright, get to bed. I'll turn off the lights." Dean said and looked at Roman, who stepped out of the bathroom."Sir, have you taken your medicines?" Dean asked, looking at Roman's wide eyes."If I didn't ask, you would have surely forgotten, and heaven knows what could have happened at night?" Dean lectures while giving the medicine to Roman, who quickly takes it without muttering anything."What if your fever returns? Have you thought about Ayan?" Dean widens his eyes, realizing his words. "Sorry, sir. I scold my dad sometimes for not taking care of himself. It just--""It's alright. I deserve some scoldings, I believe." Roman said, glancing at Ayan's giggling face."Uh, no, no, sir. Who am I to scold you?" Dean quickly spoke while shaking his head."Ayan's favorite and amazing person," Roman replied, drinking the medicine with a frown.Dean sat on the opposite bed with a sad face. Maybe you'll not think the same after knowing everything."Papa doesn't like medicine either," Ayan said, hugging Dean."Of course not," Roman whispered, looking at the pill and inhaling deeply before gulping it down with water."Yay!" Ayan claps, encouraging his dad. "You can do it; this is the last." Roman looks at the boy hugging Dean and drinks the medicine.Ayan claps, jumping on the bed. Dean tries to calm the boy, who is thinking of the bed as a trampoline."Calm down; we shouldn't disturb the neighbors," Dean says while laughing with the cute boy. The boy ignored it and continued to jump.Dean glanced at Roman, who was sitting calmly. "He'll get tired," Roman said, understanding Dean's gaze. Dean nodded, looking at the boy finally sitting with panting, his chest heaving while lying on the bed."Drink some water," Dean whispered, taking the glass of water. Ayan whines, turning around and facing the wall."Hey, you better listen to your teacher," Dean commanded as though he were very angry. Ayan looks over his shoulder and giggles. "Teacher," Ayan sing-songs, melting the man.Roman laughs, noticing the change in expression on Dean's face from angry to smiley. Dean looks at Roman, wishing to say something. However, they heard someone knocking on the door."I'll check," Roman said, walking towards the door while fixing his hair."Get under the duvet now," Dean said, pulling the duvet over the boy, who pushed it aside and stood up. Dean sighed, having a hunch about the outcome. Ayan started to jump again. This time Dean didn't say anything; he heard his phone ringing. He quickly accepted the video call, wishing to step outside. However, he can't leave Ayan alone. He looks at the closed door and shrugs, thinking Roman went out."Shush." Dean gestured for the boy to sit down. Ayan obediently sat back, looking at his teacher with big eyes. Seeing the innocent eyes looking straight at him, he couldn't hold back his smile."Hi, mom." Seeing the bright smile on Dean's face surprised her.[Woh! Unexpected smiley greeting there.]Dean laughs this time. Ayan looks more curious now."Would you like to talk with my mom?" Dean asked Ayan, who looked conflicted for a second and quickly nodded his head."The reason for my smile is this angel, my student." Dean explains, planning to tilt the camera toward Ayan. However, the boy politely approached his teacher and peeked at the phone.[Oh my! Such an adorable boy.]The compliment brought shyness to the boy, who quickly hugs Dean, hiding his face. Dean smiled, hugging him back with one hand."He's a shy butterfly." Dean clarifies looking at his mom and smiling at him.[Hello, little one. I'm your teacher's mom.]Ayan looks over his shoulder and smiles shyly. "Hello, my name is Ayan Carter. I'm four years old, studying in the Kids World School."[Such a cute boy. How are you, dear?]"I'm doing good. Thank you. How about you?" Ayan replied, sitting comfortably on his lap. Mrs. Rayden noticed the change in her son. His posture, politeness, and softness while speaking to the boy.She felt happiness blooming in her heart, feeling proud of him. He has come a long way to reach where he's now and she prays for him to get all the things he deserves.Dean's father quickly joins in, followed by complaining Ethan, who is showing he's upset because his brother is enjoying his trip and he's working in front of the computer. Ayan was getting shy with their compliments. He would snuggle in Dean's arms.On the other side of the door was Roman standing with Freya."I was just worried about you," Freya whispered, looking at the red carpet below her high heels."Don't get me wrong. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. But you are a lady, and if someone sees us in the middle of the night like this, They'll get the wrong idea." Roman tried to make the lady understand his point of view."I understand. It's just... when I got to know you're sick. I wanted to see you. You're Amelia's husband, and she was my friend. I just felt guilty for not being here." Freya's eyes couldn't move from the carpet.Roman bites his lips, feeling his words were too harsh. "I apologize. Did you eat dinner?" Freya shook her head."I went to another city for the brand's inauguration. I returned just a while ago." Freya replied, holding out a polite smile as she peeked at Roman."Another city? You must be exhausted." Roman looks at Freya with guilt. "I'm so sorry. That was very heartless of me. I should have understood you first before asking you to understand." Roman rambles. Freya smiles, shaking her head."It's alright. I'll go now. I wanted to check whether you're okay." Freya said, turning on her heels."Make sure to get good rest," Roman said, watching her walk away.Roman waits for her to step inside the elevator, as she's staying on a different floor. He smiled, turned around, and gasped in shock."What are you doing?" Roman asked Liam, whose face was very close to his. He softly pushed the smirking man away."So? Something, something?" Liam wriggles his eyebrows.Roman rolled his eyes. "I have got a son.""When did I say you don't? By the way, get my suitcase. I'll stay with Sabastian." Liam ordered, glancing at his phone."Why? Something wrong?" Roman raised his eyebrows."Something wrong? You're asking me? You watched your son pull me out of the room. It felt like he kicked me out. Get my things now." Liam demands, saying everything in one breath.Roman chuckled, looking at his colleague. "I'm sorry on his behalf." Liam smiled and said, "It's alright. How are you feeling?""I'm feeling better now. Also, thanks for getting a doctor. I mean, you were busy with meetings. But---""Ok, ok. Stop. Won't you do the same thing? Will you not leave the meeting or somehow get help for me?" Liam asked while raising his eyebrows. Kind of offended by the "thanks.'Roman smiled and nodded, saying. "Yeah, I would surely do that. I owe you one though." He pats his shoulder."Get my suitcase. I need to sleep. Such a tiring day," Liam said massaging his shoulder.Roman stepped inside and saw his son lying on the bed with Dean. He tiptoed to reach the suitcase when he noticed their closed eyes. Ayan is hugging Dean, who is patting the boy's head.He quickly picks up the bag and softly drops it in front of Liam."They're sleeping," Roman explained before Liam could ask. Liam nodded, bidding bye and good night.Roman closed the door. However, it made a noise. A sensitive sleeper woke up with the noise. Roman didn't mind because Ayan is a heavy sleeper. When he walked back to the room, Dean was blinking his eyes."Sir, is everything alright? You were out for a long time." Dean asked with a yawn."Yeah, everything is completely fine." Roman quickly steps towards the man and pulls the duvet over Dean's chest. He glanced at a sleeping Ayan, hugging his teacher's arm."He's fine, don't worry," Dean assures with a sleepy smile.Roman looks back at Dean, whispering, "The fact that he's asleep without my presence and throwing tantrums." He smiled, "I know, he's fine with you."Dean yawned and nodded, not understanding much. "Good night," he heard it faintly as he turned to his left, keeping his arm on Ayan's back.⋇⋆✦⋆⋇"Uh, Dean?" Dean felt a pat on his pillow. He frowned with a hum and continued to sleep."Dean, uh, good morning." He heard it again. He blinks his eyes, opening them with difficulty.Roman was leaning forward to tap on the pillow again. He didn't want to touch the man without consent. Moreover, he didn't want the man to feel uncomfortable. His eyes raked over Ayan, who sleeps on his stomach, his back towards him. He knows his son's habit of pouting while sleeping. He turned back to see Dean again. However, the mentioned man pushed him onto the floor.Roman falls to the floor with a gasp. He didn't expect this. He woke up early out of habit and ordered breakfast for all of them. He freshened up, and the aftershave scent still lingers on his face. When it's around eight at dawn. He thought to wake Dean first.His eyes snap at Dean, who looks at him with wide eyes and mutters. "So-sorry,""Wow, just wow. Take care of someone yesterday and kick them the next day." Roman stood up and walked to the other end of the room in anger."I didn't kick you; I just pushed--" Dean was quick to follow him."I fell on the floor, right? Both would have the same impact?" Roman paused his steps. Dean didn't stop and continued muttering strings of apologies."Maybe more--" Roman turns around, and Dean tries to put a break in his steps, which turns out to be fruitless. With instinct, Roman held Dean's waist, attempting to stop the man from falling. However, they crashed on the floor. Roman placed his arm behind Dean's head."Aren't you too clumsy?" Roman whispered, narrowing his eyes.Dean shook his head and noticed the arm that protected his head. "No, I'm a martial arts specialist.""Yeah, I just saw the demo." Roman chuckled."I'm sorry, it was out of instinct. I didn't mean to harm you." Dean whispered, locking eyes with the man above him."I can forgive after you answer a question." Dean was quick to nod his head."Why were you crying yesterday?" Roman's question brought a flashback for the model.Dean's heart feels heavy now. The soft atmosphere is long gone. He couldn't keep looking at the man without feeling sad. He diverted his attention to Roman's black shirt."Uh, you should get up now.""That's not the answer."Dean inhales, looking at the man. He didn't mutter anything.Roman sighed, saying, "What's the trouble? The way you were crying... I have rarely seen a man cry so profusely unless they lost something precious to them." By this statement, they both held different emotions. Roman remembers his wife's funeral, and Dean remembers his donor."So, a crying man is weakling?""Of course not. I have taught Ayan the same thing: crying is ok. It makes you feel lighter and better.""But, my tears don't make me feel better." Dean's eyes brim with tears."Maybe you should share it with someone," Roman suggests."I don't want to bother others with my issues. They have their own problems." Dean shook his head as he inhaled, stopping himself from breaking apart."That's why we have a family. They stay with you in your tough times.""I am not worth their worry." Dean's lips wobbled. "They have gone through so much because of me." He closed his eyes looking distant.Roman blinks, giving it some thought. "You can share with me. Sometimes sharing with an outsider makes you feel better because, you know, their thoughts don't matter to us."Dean snaps his head to Roman. "Sharing your deepest, most vulnerable side with some stranger is not ok. Thank you so much for being thoughtful. I'm not worth it. I'm the worst--"Roman pressed on each word as he spoke. "First of all, stop hating yourself. You--"Dean shook his head. "You don't understand. I know I am not—""Then, make me understand. You are not the worst or anything. Trust me, you're the softest and kindest man, full of philosophy. Your deep words sometimes just go above my head. You know, whenever I see any artificial flowers, I am reminded of you and your words. Damn, man. Never in my life have I ever thought those plastic plants are more than non-living.""Really? You are not saying this out of sympathy, right?" Dean looks at him with teary eyes. Sympathy is the last thing needed in his life.Roman sat up, pulling the emotional man with him. "Take your time; I'll listen to you.""Can I get a hug?" Dean whispered, messily wiping his tears. Roman opens his arms, hugging the man, tangling his arms over his shoulders.Roman gave thought to understand; he remembers how Dean argued with him for his brother, which implies he has a good bond with his brother. Then Dean could share it with him. He closed his eyes while rubbing his back in the hope of calming the man. Then he realized something."Is it about the surgery you mentioned yesterday?" Roman asked, looking at the man, who was resting his head on his right shoulder. He felt a slide node, with tightening arms around him."Many people get surgery in this world. Are you guilty about the medical bills or something?""Yeah, about that too. My dad took a loan for that."Roman got the word too and understood it to be more than that. He planned to give it more thought. However, he knows less about him."This surgery gave me a new life." Dean inhales, looking at the closed door. "Previously, I was an alcoholic. I didn't care about life." He closed his eyes as tears flowed freely. "I took everything for granted," He quickly looks at the silent Roman."I wasn't always like that. I wanted to live a good life. I wished for many things. I have a bucket list too." Roman nodded while wiping new tears from his eyes."Something happened, and everything changed drastically enough that even I didn't realize what I was getting into. I didn't see the darkness of my actions until I was bedridden." Dean keeps his head on Roman's shoulder again."Did a miracle happen?""Yes, an angel saved me, gave meaning to my life, and helped me understand the wrong deeds.""Now, replace angel with I," Roman says, looking at the model and smiling. "Yes, I saved myself, gave meaning to my life, and helped myself understand the wrong deeds." Roman repeats the words with alteration, which gives them a new meaning."Nobody can save a sinking person unless they attempt to save themselves from drowning." Roman further added with the hope that Dean understands something."Forgive yourself and forget the past. Whatever has happened, it's gone now. What you're doing now should matter the most."Dean looked keenly at the man. How can he just forget everything? It's not as easy as that, right? If memories were a chip, probably he would have crushed it under hydraulic pressure. Should he just tell the secret now? Will this man not hate him?"Trust me, my son keeps rambling about you until he shuts his eyes." Roman playfully rolls his eyes. Dean chuckled while sniffing."Feeling better?" Dean nods his head. "Also forgive me for making you sad too.""It's ok, I feel light now," Dean mumbled, closing his eyes and resting his head again."Maybe you needed both. An ear and a tissue." Dean nodded shyly.Maybe he is correct; sometimes you need both: someone to listen to and shed tears to."I don't mind this hugging session, which is quite comforting, if I may add. However, Ayan will need to fill his stomach." Dean was quick to break the hug and turn red with embarrassment."I'm so sorry, sir. I didn't---""There we go. All my efforts went in vain. Also, call me Roman. Enough with sir. It makes me feel as if I'm someone great and have crossed 60 years." Roman quickly caressed his face. "Do I look like one?" Dean shook his head."Good. So, Roman, it is and not sir.""Ok, Roman," Dean whispered, standing up from the floor."By the way, you just shared your venerable self with a stranger," Roman said while pointing at himself."Probably, I don't see you as a stranger anymore," Dean replied with a quick rush as he stepped inside the bathroom.Dean peeks from the bathroom. "Roman." The said man looks at him. "How are you feeling now?" Dean steps out and places his palm over Roman's forehead."You were hugging me a while ago," Roman points out."I wasn't thinking about your health during that time," Dean replied, checking his own temperature with another palm."The fever has gone down. But you should take the doses." Dean instructs, and before Roman could protest, he says, "Take care of yourself for Ayan."Roman smiled faintly. "And you call yourself the worst? You came here to check on me as soon as you remembered I was sick. You were there yesterday, too. Which worst person will care about others?" Dean did not have any replies for this."You have become a better version of yourself, and you should be proud of it. Not everyone has the will and courage to accept their mistakes and work on them. However, you did it." Roman further added and pushed the man."Fresh up before Ayan wakes up. Because he takes a long time preening himself, probably to impress his favorite teacher," Roman whispered, glancing at the sleeping boy hugging the pillow."He is very self-conscious," Dean whispered, looking at the tiny angel with a tender smile."Trust me, I wasn't like him. He got this habit from his mother.""But, we have to make sure it doesn't go extreme." Dean looks at the father. "If it happens, it can turn him to worse or fall abyss of hatred for himself." Roman frowns when he saw the sad smile.Roman suddenly had a doubt whether Dean was talking about himself or just his normal philosophy?-