Roman

“Well she said to my face she was going to try to stop the wedding, and that Tali wasn’t a good mother, which we both know isn’t the case, and a whole bunch of other things about what me and Sadie were supposed to have, and I just….lost it,” Aidan admitted, “But she’s left Portland for awhile, so I’ll let you know if or when I hear that she gets back. But I’m glad to hear that. They seem to get you out of your shell a little bit.” 

Roman couldn’t believe what they were hearing. Through Aidan, they had heard a lot about Talia’s sister and very little was positive. The woman was absolutely bonkers and Roman hated that she got in the middle of their best friend’s relationship. Especially when in their mind, they were always destined to end up together. While they’re glad Aidan and Talia got their second chance, Roman can’t help but feel annoyed all over again. “Well, I don’t blame you. I’m not even in your shoes and I feel enraged.” Roman smiled at the thought of Zane, their features softening a bit. “You know, I really like them.” 

Then please pass it along to her. I’d say so for sure. And I hope that’s gone well, and that both of you are still in one piece.

We are definitely in a better place that’s for sure! And we haven’t killed one another with the storm keeping us inside so I’d say it’s a win-win! Did you find any new hobbies while you were cooped up? 

Roman had hit a dead end up with a case and it was starting to mess with their ego. What were they missing? Why couldn’t they figure this out? The missing person’s case Roman had picked up had stuck with them for days now which meant they rarely left the office unless it was to check in on Zane and maybe eat. They had been holed up for hours but it frankly felt like days and it wasn’t until their eyes began to burn that they realized they needed a break. Maybe some food with their partner would help ease all this stress and so Roman made up their mind and stood up, closing their laptop and making their way to the living area only to be met with three other individuals chatting it up with Zane. “Oh hello. God, how long have been in there?” 

Probably! My mom is super friendly and makes new friends all the time. I totally get that. It’s a good way to spend a lot of time together. Hopefully you don’t have a fight or anything.

That sounds like my mother She’s definitely the life of the party. I hope we don’t either. I’m sure it’ll be fine. Maybe we can catch up on some movies or something. 

Moms are the best like that. My mom helped with my wedding, too. I know what that is like. You’re definitely going to be spending a bunch of time together inside with all this snow, right?

Our moms would probably be best friends. And yeah, its looking like it. Not much open right now and the roads are awful. It’s like a weird blessing in disguise. 

“Not much, I mean I did cuss out Lila at the rehearsal dinner, but I wasn’t sure if anyone else heard that. Other than Sadie who managed to get like $20 in her swear jar once we got home with a promise that she wouldn’t repeat anything that I said,” Aidan chuckled, “She actually came to try and convince Tali that she was making a mistake again, and had the nerve to tell me that Tali wasn’t serious enough to take care of Sadie. And you know how the two of them were together, and it’s pretty much been the same now. How about you? How are things going with Zane?” 

“You did what? Man if I were drinking my tea I’d be spitting it out right now. I was unaware. Trying to make sure everything was in order but damn. Twenty dollars? Yikes. Ya dirty mouth lint licker.” Roman chuckled and pulled out their Orbit gum to offer it to Aidan only to laugh some more. But as Roman listened and realized that Lila was no joke, they couldn’t help but frown. “She’s certified nuts. Well, if she gives you more trouble, I can keep tabs on her.” Roman smiled at the mention of their spouse. “Not bad you know? Still getting to know one another. I think we’re finally in a good space.” 

You’re very welcome! Thank you for the invitation! Ah, I’m so happy to hear that! Well, she did a wonderful job. Now, how’s married life treating you?

Thank you. She’ll love to hear that to be honest. lol. So far so good? Well, with the all the snow, we’re stuck together even more so than before so I think it’s a chance to get to know each other better. 

Fair enough! But also lots of fun! The wedding was beautiful, by the way. Congratulations! They did the paperwork aspect of it, mostly– then coerced me into it, lol. But for once, they were right!

Thank so much, Emmy! I’m really glad you made it. lol well, good thing they were right about this! My mother basically planned our entire wedding because she wouldn’t have had it any other way. 

Yeah, it did. I had a lot of people when I was young tell me that I had a gift, and my Mom wanted to really help me follow my dreams and just explained that would mean a lot of hard work when I was young. I don’t regret it, even if my Mom ended up going off the deep end. 

Oh man I’m sorry about your mother but that’s a nice memory. It’s nice having supporting parents that encourage enrichment. I was always very analytical and a problem solver so my parents made sure I had tons of puzzles growing up. 

“They’ll be happy to see you. Though my mom will probably question as to why you haven’t visited her bookstore lately, because she does that to just about everyone,” Aidan chuckled , “But that’s your warning.”

Roman laughed at Aidan’s comment. It was true that they had been wrapped up in work and unable to make it out to see Aidan’s family. They had to get better at that. “Work has been insane but it’s not an excuse. I’ll ask for forgiveness and bat my eyes.” They chuckled. “So, what else has been going on with you?” 

Guilty As Charged || Zane & Roman

“Well….I do kind of default to everyone has their shit together more than me,” Zane quietly admitted, trying to take in Roman’s words. Really, Zane hadn’t ever had someone who seemed to care like that before, and they didn’t realize how much they had gotten out of Roman - they had just assumed that Roman was like that. Maybe it was because they still didn’t know each other very well, but it was surprising to find out that Roman really did care about them the way Zane was starting to realize they cared. Only apparently if you like them, let them go was NOT the appropriate way to handle the situation. 

“I guess I’m just always hard on myself. Like I just have all these things I want to do, and there’s just so much work that I’ve done that it seems like people don’t see. So I look at people who are successful, and you’re successful even if you did stop your career to start this, and it’s just like hard not to add up. Because it was hard getting to Portland in the first place and like I just wanted life to be easier. Or really everything to be easier,” they sighed, “But I want to get to know you too, because you’re really cool. I just wasn’t sure if you’d feel that way about me.” 

Roman cast a gentle smile in Zane’s direction. They’d never thought of themselves as someone who had their shit together. If anything, Roman lived on coffee refills and adrenaline half the time. Zane seemed so accomplished in their younger age. They were definitely more social and open; two things Roman could learn more about. “Let’s agree to disagree on that one.” They chuckled, letting their arms fall to their side. “I think we can balance each other out well honestly.” 

Nodding, Roman knew exactly how Zane felt. “Sadly, life isn’t easy. I think together we can probably accomplish a good point where things feel better or easier or stable but don’t be hard on yourself if you haven’t reached what you believe to be the status quo. Remember, things happen on their own time. I’m a strong believer of that. You’ll succeed in all the things you want to. All in due time.” Another smile crept against their features when Zane called them cool and Roman couldn’t help but laugh a little. “You think I’m cool? That is definitely not a word I’d use but yeah, I do think you’re cool. More than that, you’re like a breath of fresh air, Zane. I wouldn’t give this up if I were us. But...that’s my opinion.” 

“Basically this journalist accidentally ends up posing as a nanny to try and write an article about a prince and then falls in love with the prince and then they end up also having to save the kingdom from his cousin who is trying to steal the throne, then the second one is them getting married but also having to stop their country from going into economic collapse becuase they are like completely out of money, and then the third one is them having a baby but also having to renew this ancient peace treaty during a blizzard and also there might be magic.  So basically I like them because it’s ridiculous and sometimes you need that kind of nonsense in your life.”

Roman propped up on the couch, giving Zane their undivided attention as the other went on about the movie. It seemed like a contrived plot but comical. “That all sounds ridiculous but also...interesting?” Roman chuckled, nodding in agreement to Zane’s words. “I have to say I agree with that. My mother would praise you for that mantra.” Roman’s work never allowed them to have any sort of nonsense in their life but it didn’t mean they didn’t want to be a part of that. 

Yeah, absolutely! Because we’re all kind of going through the same thing. I like dressing up and going to the different weddings. There have been a bunch, which is really fun. I think so. How are things going for you after your wedding? I had a lot of fun.

Exactly that. I’m glad you liked it. My mother wanted to make sure it was perfect lol. She’s a stickler for these things. Things have been good. Quiet and nice. Getting to know each other more, you know? 

@dj-zane

Zane, 

I hope that your birthday is filled with the kind of joy you bring to others. 

love, 

Roman

Shower Steamers Variety pack 

Spa gift box 

“There’s sure to be parts of you that will be like them. It’s almost guaranteed,” Dante assured with a slight smile, knowing Roman had good parents much like he did. As he listened to them, he took a small break from straightening up little things around him to give Roman his full attention. And upon addressing the matter of their age difference to Zane, Dante nodded. “Yeah. Sometimes it’s been better for couples, rather than being with someone who’s your age or closer to it. But I’ll keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers for the best outcome. And if you guys do have some kind of a wedding that the Matched people can be at, I’ll be there to support you.”

Roman went through their list mentally, checking off every item. If they were going to try to get Zane to enjoy the outdoors, they had to be prepared. “I sure hope so. My father’s patience and my mother’s ability to calm everyone around her.” They chuckled, really appreciative of the talk Dante had given them. Roman knew how busy the other was so to have him take the time to reassure them meant a lot. “I really appreciate that, man and absolutely. If my mom has anything to do with it, she wouldn’t allow it otherwise.” They laughed once more. “Thank you again.  I’m going to try to take my match camping and see how that goes. Maybe after the wedding” Roman gestured toward the basket. “We’ll keep in touch?” 

They are! I don’t think anyone here is mean. And everyone is pretty generous when it comes to wedding presents, too.

Oh that’s amazing. It’s like everyone comes together. I can appreciate that kind of comradery. I’ve already seen how everyone has been at weddings it’s been nice getting to know them and spending time with them. This app is doing a lot of good it seems. 

Ooh, awesome choice! I’m pretty sure mine were rather lame, but at the time I thought they were cool. Oh, yes! I’ve met Zane! Online here, at least. That’s awesome! I’m glad I can help you out with that. I was so apprehensive, but honestly, this was probably the best decision I ever made. Well, actually, my family kind of did it… but you know. I think it still counts!

lol we were all lame, it’s okay. Yeah, they’re pretty outgoing so that doesn’t surprised me. Oh really? Your family did all of it for you?