Rome has always wondered what life would be like if he had never met Pick. As he looked up at the sky, he contemplated what a future without Pick would look like. Maybe Rome would not cry so much, he would be oblivious to what heartbreak truly was. Maybe he would be happily travelling across Latin America taking pictures alongside P'Din. Maybe Rome would have switched his major completely from photography to film. Rome continued contemplating even as the sky above greyed. He sighed. It didn't matter, Rome was sure that a life without Pick would be dull and colorless regardless.
Rome didn't know what a proper relationship was. He always dreamed of being courted, going to dates, being asked to be exclusive, and growing alongside his significant other, making memories. He was disappointed in himself when that wasn't the case with Pick. Did Rome have too much expectations? He didn't think so, but he blamed himself for falling for someone who claimed to be straight. Seeing Pick with a new girl on a weekly basis always made Rome feel somewhat dirty. Like he was a disgusting secret.
Every time they are apart, Rome hates Pick. However every time they are together, Rome is at his happiest because Pick is his. That is until they argue about their status as a couple.
The years pass and there is still no clarity on their status. Their situationship has progressed to just "benefits" with the occasional cuddle. Still no dates and still no change in Pick's cowardice. Rome had contemplated ending things, but just the thought of not having Pick in his life made him hyperventilate. He hated this strong attachment to Pick.
Eventually Rome discovered that Pick was still going on blind dates to appease his father. A million needles stabbed Rome's heart, but he needed to be selfish in order to survive. He was never letting go until Pick makes up his mind and decides what to do. In the meantime, he made more of an effort on their situationship.
Unfortunately the extra effort wasn't enough. "I'm getting married." Pick dropped the bomb. Rome stood frozen unsure of what to do next. He remained silent as he processed what Pick had said. "What does this mean for us?" Rome meekly asked scared of the answer. Pick caressed Rome's face and started to wipe the tears away. "I want you to move in to the guest house." Pick expressed. Rome raised his eyebrow before realizing what Pick wanted. He started to chuckle, "What's wrong with me? Why am I even entertaining the thought of being your mister-ess?"
Pick reached for Rome's hand, "Please." Pick whispered with tears threatening to spill over. Rome succumbed to his heart once again and nodded to Pick's request.
Once again Rome felt like a disgusting secret. But over time he had gotten better at ignoring the feeling. The pills helped a lot.
When Pick's wife announced her pregnancy on social media, Rome couldn't stomach it. He absolutely detested himself. Pick showed up that night assuring Rome that it was only because his wife and his dad kept begging for a kid. He caved. Rome just nodded as he was already numb.
Throughout the whole pregnancy, Rome could feel Pick's distance. He hardly came to the guesthouse. He was always busy. Rome went out one night to go clubbing. When he returned, it was 5am. Rome sighed, as expected, Pick was nowhere in sight. Rome shrugged it off and decided to continue drinking.
Pick's wife came over one day. They had tea in the backyard when she made a request. "Please leave. I want to raise my daughter with unconditional love from both parents." Rome remained silent. He smiled weakly, "Your daughter will be the most loved." She smiled in gratitude and they continue to sip the tea quietly.
Rome was preparing to leave mentally, but his heart wasn't in it. So he kept delaying moving out. Pick had promised to take Rome out on a date and he was super excited to finally have an official romantic date with Pick. Rome got ready and went to the restaurant.
He waited until the restaurant closed. Pick had not shown up and Rome knew it was time to let go. He pulled up social media to see that Pick's daughter was born on their anniversary day. Rome took advantage of the event and moved his belongings to a storage room while he got on the next flight to wherever.
A week passed. It was torture for Rome. Not being able to see Pick. He started taking the pills again just to be able to see an illusion. The pills really helped in numbing his pain.
Rome walked towards the shore of the ocean. He looked across the blue horizon and once again he contemplated on what life would be like if had never met Pick. Maybe Rome would have more friends since he didn't have to worry about them finding out about him and Pick. Maybe he would have met another Prince Charming that would follow the proper relationship timeline. It didn't matter though, because Rome did meet Pick. And a life without him is not worth living.
Rome found a way to numb the pain forever and walked into the blue abyss.
----------------------------------
After the birth of his daughter, Pick went to the guest house in search of his Rome. Once he entered, a terrible gut feeling came. Pick look around frantically at the eerily dark room. He opened every door and with no sign of Rome, his uneasiness multiplied.
He was about to leave in search of Rome as his dread grew but he couldn't leave with a newborn to care after. Pick cursed himself and called everyone that might know where Rome could have gone. He was shocked to hear that Rome had not kept in contact with any of their friends. Pick sighed. He called Emma. Emma scolded him for being a terrible person for refusing to let Rome go. "Please." Pick pleaded tears already streaming.
Emma sighed, "I wish I knew Pick. I don't. Rome and I haven't been on speaking terms for awhile because I didn't agree to your situationship. I'm sorry." Emma apologized. "P... Take care of your daughter. I'm sure once Rome has some time to himself he'll return to you. He always returns." Emma said. That calmed Pick down. He had an eventful day and needed to recuperate. "Thanks."
A week passed and still no Rome. This had been the longest week of Pick's life. All he could think about was his Rome. He wasn't himself... just a shell of who he was. He picked up the call that would forever shatter his life.
Pick always thought he had a high pain tolerance. However the news of his beloved Rome's passing broke him. His person is no longer with him. That type of pain was unbearable to Pick. So much regret and guilt clouded Pick's mind.
Years passed and Pick finally had the courage to visit the last place Rome visited. Pick walked alongside the ocean shore and looked at the breathtaking view of the horizon. His happiest moment with Rome surfaced:
"Phi, I love you." Rome whispered. Pick opened his eyes and surprised Rome with a peck. "You said it first, that means you love me more!" Pick teased. Rome pouted. Pick laughed and pinched his cheek. "Rome, I love you too, my cute squishy!" Pick responded. Rome broke into a huge smile and they spent all day in a happy mood because they were just two people in love.
Pick broke down and sobbed. He closed his eyes and prayed. "Please, please, please, I beg, if there is such a thing as a parallel life, reincarnation, next life... please please please let me meet him again. Please, please, please." Pick curled up and cried himself to sleep.
----------------------------------
Pick woke up with tears streaming down his cheeks and a heavy heart. He looked up to see his Rome looking at him with worry.
"P'Pick, are you okay? You started crying in you sleep?" Rome asked as he gently wiped Pick's tears away.
"I don't remember my dream, but it made me feel really sad." Pick answered while holding Rome's hands. Rome patted Pick's back, "It's okay Phi. It's okay."
Pick looked at the time on the clock: 3am
"Oi! We should go back to sleep, we're meeting the wedding planner at 7am." Pick said alarmed. Rome giggled. Pick and Rome got back to the bed and Pick snuggled closer to Rome. "Rome, I love you more." Pick whispered before dozing off.
Fin.
----------------------------------
