Archive of Our Own

"Didn't say, but he's probably mad about something, you know he always is after meetings!" Remus cackled with a smirk, finding far too much glee in what was likely about to be Roman receiving a fierce scolding for some trivial thing or other he'd missed during the day.

Smoothing his hair and straightening his dull, colorless clothes the best he could in a likely fruitless attempt to at least avoid some comment on his appearance, Roman made his way briskly back down the stairs to the ground level, only stopping to avoid notice as he realized the last of the trustees was still standing in the doorway waiting for his cab to pull up. The way the lights hit the figure left Roman able to see little more than a silhouette. but the dark shadows that faded seamlessly from purple to black brought to mind the image of a late afternoon storm, dark clouds rolling ceaselessly as if fighting to be the first one to cover the earth in rain.

Somehow, that small thought seemed to cheer Roman up enough to brace himself for whatever he would face in Mr. Morris' office. He had always had an active imagination, (not a trait that was encouraged in the slightest in Griffinswood, but still a quality Roman cherished and desperately strived for in himself) and though he had had to learn to keep his daydreams to himself, it made the monotony of his life immeasurably more bearable.

Closing the door behind him once allowed into the office, Roman awaited until he was instructed to take a seat before sitting across from Mr. Morris, doing his best not to fidget under the stern, ever-critiquing gaze.

"You're aware, obviously, that I've spent the majority of the day hosting the trustees of the orphanage for their monthly meeting," Mr. Morris began, barely waiting for or acknowledging Romans hesitant nod of confirmation before carrying on, "During the meeting, it appears your name came into the discussion, specifically the subject of several of your essays your teachers submitted to them..." Mr. Morris trailed off.

Roman couldn't say for sure if he turned pale from horror or red from mortification. His essays hadn't exactly been... complimentary of life at Griffinwood... though in his defense, at the time it had seemed more like amusing satire, harmless fun! Knowing now that the trustees had read his work, or worse still, that there was a chance that they had likely shared it with Mr. Morris... was doomed a strong enough word to describe his situation?

Unknowingly cutting off Romans inner panic, Mr. Morris asked, "Are you familiar with the last of the trustees to leave today?"

Blinking in confusion, Roman stuttered, "I... I saw him briefly, but we didn't speak, and I didn't get a good look at him."

Nodding in apparent satisfaction, Mr. Morris said, "Probably for the best, his remaining anonymous was one of his conditions..."

"Conditions, Sir?" Roman asked before he could stop himself, swiftly snapping his mouth shut again at the fierce glare he received in return.

"It appears you are very fortunate indeed," Mr. Morris went on, "Mr. Dantes, the only name you'll know him by though that is not his real name, appears to have been quite entertained by your work, and feels you have talent worth advancing. He has graciously agreed to put you through college, and pay for the entirety of your continued education, as well as $35 a month for any additional expenses."

"C-college?" Roman whispered, eyes wide and barely daring to believe his ears. An orphan with no money and even fewer connections, it was a dream he had painfully given up on years ago.

"Indeed," Mr. Morris added, "There are only a few conditions to this offer, though you must follow them precisely. First being that Mr. Dantes remain completely anonymous. He is completely firm on this point with every student he sponsors. Second, that you write him a monthly letter detailing your experiences at college and all that you learn, one that you might write to your family if you had one, though he insists that you must never mention any thanks for his providing your education. He believes this to be a perfect way to track your progress, though he also insists that he will never respond to any of the letters, so do not expect it.

Nodding breathlessly, Roman thought there couldn't be any more overwhelmed when he was handed a box with a crisp, new outfit, a suit all in white and black and red, probably more expensive then all the clothes he'd ever owned in his life put together.

"Ensure that you are prepared to depart next week, I will not look kindly on being delayed when dropping you off at the train station if you don't have everything in order," Mr. Morris said stiffly, turning back to his paperwork in a clear dismissal.

Roman, went to stand up, feeling as if he could practically glide out the door. He was leaving, he was finally escaping this dreaded place! No more monotonous daily work, no more hassle of wrangling the younger orphans...

No more Remus.

Violently crashing back to earth, Roman froze, a pit suddenly forming in his stomach. He and Remus might be as different as it was possible for two people to be, but that didn't change that Remus was still his brother, his twin, the only constant in his life since they were born. Could it be anything less then heartless for him to take off, to abandon Remus without a second glance? Perhaps he could go and make his own way, then assist Remus once he was established, but that could be years down the line, and how miserable would he be until then?

"Sir..." Roman said, taking a shuddering breath and bracing himself before continuing, "This opportunity is far more then I could ever dream of deserving. However... I'm... Not sure I can accept..."

Lips tightening in a frown, Mr. Morris demanded, "And why not? You realize you'll likely get nowhere in this world without this offer, and an offer like this will absolutely not be repeated."

Flinching at the harsh words, Roman continued, "I'm afraid, as Mr. Dante has done, that I must insist on one request before committing to his offer. If he is to support me, he must support Remus as well. Surely if he is well enough off to support one orphan, one more will make no difference. Call it selfish if you must, but I would consider myself a great deal more selfish if I were to take such an incredible opportunity only for myself and abandon the only family left to me. If he will agree to that, I'll happily follow through with all he has requested of me and much more, should he ask it."

Lips still pursed unhappily, Mr. Morris muttered, "You were always too bold for your own good..." Pausing a moment before continuing, "I'll pass along your message, though do not be surprised in the least if the offer is extended to another in your place as a result."

Nodding in acceptance, Roman headed back to his room, sure now that his mind would be far too riled for him to even think of sleeping.

Eyebrows quirking, the dark figure read over the telegram, rolling his eyes at himself for being surprised at the unflinching demands this Roman Prince had extended to him. Should he have expected any less from the author of the whitty, sometimes a tad dramatic and snarky but always entertaining writing that had caught his attention in the first place? Had he been almost anyone else in the circles he frequented, he likely would have refused Roman's ultimatum without a thought. 

The fact was though, he wasn't most of the people he spent his time with. He did very well for himself, often didn't indulge in most of the costly things those around him did, and his parents had left him more money then he was likely to find a use for on his own on top of his own income. Not knowing his thoughts echoed Romans in coming to the conclusion that assisting one more brother through school was hardly any more trouble to him, the telegram accepting the conditions was sent. The only other information included was the reminder of the terms Roman would be expected to follow, while at the same time excusing Remus from being under the same obligations as long as he performed adequately in all of his courses. 

By the end of that week. Roman was buzzing with anticipation and excitement as he packed what little he had, feeling as if everything he'd been waiting for his whole life was finally about to begin.