Page 53 of Oh, Sacred Dark
“Ro. These aren’t judges. These are your friends. They’re here for fun—to see you. I know it’s scary, but there’s no failing at this. Even if you felt like you failed, there wouldn’t be a consequence for it—we’d all love you just as much.”
That appeared to stun Roman still. He stared at Tyler with his big, blue eyes, blinking them owlishly. Tyler didn’t know if the reaction was due to verbalising that Roman was loved, or the fact that he was loved unconditionally, but he seemed shaken either way.
“That’s right. We all love you. And there’s nothing in your nature that will lead to us not loving you. You’re stuck with us.”
Roman didn’t cry, but he gripped Tyler hard, winding his arms around his neck. They stayed there for a long time, Roman’s breath shaky, Tyler just holding him.
Eventually, Roman stirred. “Okay. Okay, I’m good.”
“You’re perfect. Let’s do this,” Tyler replied, making the sub blush from his neck to his curls.
The dinner party, of course, was amazing. They’d already made the salad, and the lasagna and garlic bread could go in the oven last thing, so it gave Roman time to sit with everybody in the living room before dinner was served.
Setting the table was organised chaos, Cross, Connie, and Charlie helping despite Roman’s protests.
“Hey,” Connie pointed her finger at him. “You cleaned in my house, so I get to set the table in yours.”
Roman pursed his lips. “Fine. But you’renotcleaning.”
“We’ll see about that,” she responded, sticking her tongue out.
Everybody dug in enthusiastically, but the chewing silence didn’t last long.
“Holy.Fuck,” Connie said, mouth still full.
Charlie nodded. “This’s a mean lasagna. What’s this sauce? It ain’t cheese.”
Roman’s cheeks pinkened. “Oh. It’sbéchamel. I can do it with cheese next time if you—”
“No, this is delicious. I’mma need a moment with this dish, excuse me,” Charlie said.
Connie snorted, shovelling another forkful into her mouth.
Tyler looked at her incredulously. “How are you not burning your mouth?”
“’Ish too good to wait.” She shrugged.
The next minute was occupied by a startlingly quick demolishing of food, even Cross digging in with more fervour than he usually displayed. Tyler sent Roman a, ‘See?’ sort of look, making the sub smile, sheepish and pleased.
Tyler glowed with pride and affection and protectiveness. This was how Roman should always be.
The conversation picked up eventually, weaving through subjects—how well Roman was taking to riding, how much Seashell loved him, how Cross was finding his first months on the job. They talked about how the search for another Animal Magic user was still struggling. About a TV series they’d all been watching.
And, finally, about the fact that the six-month mark since Cross and Roman’s arrival was just a few weeks away.
Connie waved a fork between Cross and Roman. “You guys seen where they’re moving you when you get clasped?” she asked.
Roman tilted his head in confusion as Cross answered, “Not yet.”
Connie hummed. “Well, if you don’t like it, you know there’s always a place at the farm. You can shack up with Charlie.”
Charlie snorted. “Nope. Y’all look like you snore.”
“I’m a perfect guest, actually,” Cross replied.
“Yeah, yeah.” Connie smiled. “For real, though.”
Cross nodded. “I know. Thanks.”
