She put a spell on me...

Chapter 16

Rome's heart was still beating wildly inside his chest. Did he get the most handsome and caring boyfriend in the world? Hell yes. He dug through Pick's wardrobe, taking out underwear, a simple white shirt, grey pants, and dark warm- looking hoodie. He did feel cold even though the blanket and Pick's embrace managed to warm him for a while. After dressing up, he went straight to the kitchen, observing his now boyfriend working on their late breakfast. Now that he was back to himself, he will have to tell Emma. The sudden realisation hit him like a truck. He will have to leave Pick. 

Rome's lower lip quivered as he walked over to the taller man, wrapped his thin arms around his waist, and buried his face between his shoulder blades. 

"Rome?" 

"I don't want to go," Rome mumbled, head still hidden in the older's back.

"Go, where?" Pick asked confusedly. 

"My apartment." Rome sniffled. Pick's body stiffened. Rome knew he must have understood. He carefully turned around, enveloping him with his arms. The tight embrace managed to calm him down, but Rome was still unhappy. 

"You don't have to go anywhere," Pick whispered. He wasn't probably ready to let go, either. 

"Stay here with me." He added. 

"What about Emma? I need to tell her I am back." Rome pointed out, hating the idea of lying to his best friend. 

"Call her, and say you will stay here. I think you still don't have complete control of the transformation." Pick's reasoning calmed him down significantly. He was right. Even though he somehow got the hang of the spell, there was still a chance he would transform back. Rome nodded, reluctantly letting go of his boyfriend. 

"Let's eat and call your friend later." Pick caressed his cheek before giving him a quick peck. They ate in silence, basking in each other's presence, enjoying their newly established relationship. 

The phone in his hands felt heavier than he actually was. Dialing Emma's number was challenging. Yet when her voice echoed through the speaker, all Rome's worries disappeared. 

"Emma." Rome almost sobbed. 

"Rome?" Emma asked unsurely. 

"It's me. I am back." 

"You are back." 

"I am." The conversation was somehow awkward. He had a lot to talk with her about, but he didn't know where to start. 

"Are you okay?" Emma asked. 

"I am. Pick is taking good care of me." Rome smiled, letting Pick sit beside him and wrap his long arms around his waist. He immediately leaned on him, enjoying the closeness. 

"Rome. I made you a shapeshifter." Emma spoke up after a long pause.

"I did some research, and I am sorry." She continued. Rome was silently listening, processing the information.

"I visited a witch, and she said you can't go back to normal." 

Another pause. 

"You won't be a normal human anymore. I am sorry." Emma sobbed, and Rome's heart clenched. He snuggled closer to Pick, silently asking for comfort. 

"It's okay, Emma." He assured her. 

"I simply need to learn to live with it."

"But what if you change randomly? I am the worst." 

"I have to learn to control it, then." Rome smiled, even though his best friend couldn't see it.

"Emma, can you bring my things to Pick's apartment?" 

"Why? You won't come home?" Emma asked curiously. 

"No. Pick, and I think it's best if I stay here. If I turn into the dog again, Pick will be here to take care of me." Rome reasoned, receiving an understanding hum from the other side of the line. 

"I will bring it in the evening along with the school notes," Emma assured him. 

"Thank you, Emma. See you later." 

"Bye, Rome." 

Rome hung up, handing the device back to his boyfriend, snuggling to his side even more. 

"I am a shapeshifter," Rome whispered into Pick's chest.

"I won't be a normal human ever again." He sniffled, letting Pick embrace him. 

"Are you sure you want to be with a weirdo like me?" Rome asked, peeking at his quiet boyfriend. 

"I am more than sure. It's what brought you to me. And I am not letting you go." Pick answered, leaning closer to Rome's face and connecting their lips in a silent proof.