Could this be something more? Roman x Neo part 1(?)

Trigger warning. This story contains possible mental and physical abuse, though not actually mentioned it is implied along with mentions of death so read at your own risk.

This is an AU that I created, in this world Ozpin wasn’t revived and therefore no one knows of a way to defeat Salem and the gods left them to figure it out in their own. Roman was originally a businessman but when the city he lived in was destroyed in a Grimm attack he just did odd jobs for money and lived very poorly so he would steal sometimes just to survive, after saving Neo however he decided to try and live a more stable life as he had to care for her as well though he would steal things occasionally when needed.

It was cold in the early spring, snow still scattered about on the ground as it hadn’t quite warmed up enough to melt it all away. A man in a white coat with a cane in one hand and a bag full of food in the other walked along on an old and beaten up sidewalk, his ginger hair covered with a bowler hat that the wind had threaten to blow away. He looked around as if to make sure he wasn’t being followed as he crossed the street into a back ally before opening one of the doors on his right that led into the back of an apartment building, inside was covered with trash and dirt like the place had been abandoned. He quickly climbed up the stairs about four flights then opened the door that led into a hallway, there was yelling coming from the streets below as he entered on of the apartment doors and closing it quickly behind him. He sighed as he placed his cane down next to the door along with his hat before walking towards a very small kitchen area and setting the bag full of food on the counter, he then started taking everything out of the bag and placing each item on the counter. There were snacks along with quick and easy meals such as microwaveable sandwiches or ramen that just needed hot water, there were also a few drinks like water and juices along with some coffee as well. As he was getting everything out of the bag a young woman with pink and brown hair came over to the kitchen rubbing her eyes as those she had just woken up, she gave the man a questioning look about the food and drinks he had but he just gave her a small smile in response to the look.

“I didn’t steal anything if that’s what you’re wondering, I managed to make some money so I got us food since neither of us have eaten for the past couple days. That’s probably the reason why you’re so tired and don’t have much energy.” He told her as he started to heat up some water for the ramen for them to eat, he gave her a water bottle which she gladly accepted and drank a few sips as she didn’t want to drink all of it too quickly. Suddenly they could hear a lot of yelling and arguing next door to them causing the woman to flinch and drop the water bottle as she used her hands to cover her ears, luckily she had placed the cap back on so the only thing that happened was the water bottle got a little damaged but nothing that caused the water to escape. The man went over and hugged her while trying to calm her down to prevent any panic attacks as she gets them very frequently when there’s arguments or yelling going on around them, the man has always assumed it had something to do with her past but as she couldn’t speak he never tried to push for her to tell him. The yelling soon stopped after about five minutes and the woman was able to relax a bit though her body was still tense, he had her go sit down while he finished making food for the both of them.

He picked up the water battle and put it back on the counter before pouring the hot water over two ramen cups for them, he grabbed a couple plastic forks then headed over to were she was sitting and placed the two ramen cups on the small table in front of them. “Are you already Neo? I know it’s hard for you to listen to all that yelling, I’ll try to find us a better place to stay alright? But for now I’m afraid the best I can do is get you some ear plugs.” Neo simply nodded in reply, she has never spoken a single word since the two of them had met and he doubts she will ever speak again. Luckily she knows how to write so if he ever needs an answer from her she just writes it down for him, but sometimes it can be difficult living with someone who doesn’t talk at all since it just ends up feeling like you’re talking to yourself. The two ate in silence with Neo occasionally flinching at the loud noises from outside such as a car door being closed or kids yelling while playing, this wasn’t the greatest neighborhood to live in but they were safe for the moment and that’s all that mattered. After they were done eating Neo got up to grab a pen and paper to write something down, though the man had no idea what it was since he hadn’t really talked much since he got back. While she was writing he went and threw away their empty ramen cups while grabbing the water and bringing it over to the table in case she wanted to drink more, they had a few bottles of it anyway so it should last them a couple days maybe.

Neo soon handed him the note for him to read, he looked at her first as though making sure she wants him to read it which she simply just nodded for him to read it. ‘Roman why did you help me in the first place? We hardly know each other yet you saved me and have kept me safe this whole time. Wouldn’t it just be better for you to drop me off somewhere so you don’t have to deal with me anymore?’ A deep sigh escaped from his mouth as he ran a hand down his face trying to figure out how to respond to what Neo had said, or rather written down. It wasn’t really something he expected her to ask as she pretty much had just been going along with everything he’s said so far, he thought she was okay with how things were for the moment at least. He wasn’t sure if she was just wondering why he was helping her or if she didn’t want to stay with him anymore, either way she was free to make whatever decision she wanted as he wasn’t trying to control her or anything like that. He just saw a girl being mistreated and wanted to protect her, there wasn’t really anything more to that. Their world was already messed up enough as it is, he didn’t think she deserved to be treated badly while trying to live in this world that would probably end soon enough. “I know it seems weird that a stranger would save you for no reason but I had a reason, you didn’t deserve to be treated so terribly especially with how the world is. Living is hard enough, I wanted to give you a chance to live how you want to instead of how you’re told.”

That was it, that was his honest answer and he didn’t regret a single moment of what he did. The Grimm were winning the war and no one was able to stop them, half of the Hunters had either died or were too seriously injured to fight anymore. It was only a matter of time before all of them were killed off or maybe enslaved, neither seemed like the better option but it’s bound to happen. Neo stared at him as though she wasn’t sure if she believed him but at the same time she’s been with him for a couple months now and he’s never done anything to cause her to be weary of him, she decided to write more stuff down for him to read. ‘Then can I trust you? You promise you won’t just leave me?’ Roman smiled and took her hands into his while looking her straight in the eyes. “I promise I won’t leave you, not of my own free will that is. I can’t promise that I’ll always be here as anything can happen, but I can promise I’ll be with you for as long as you want me to be.” Neo smiled and hugged Roman while laying her head on his chest, though slightly surprised he hugged her back chuckling slightly at her reaction. They stayed like that for a while just enjoying each other’s company, despite all the things happening around them they still found comfort in having each other which is more than others. Most families, friends, and even couples have been torn apart either from one of them dying or simply not agreeing with the other, everyone was stressed out and unable to control their emotions which only made the Grimm stronger.

Suddenly a loud and long siren rang out through all of the city, alerting the people that a Grimm attack was coming which means they either needed to leave and hope they make it out or find shelter somewhere and hope they don’t get found. Roman’s face harden as he stood up bringing Neo with him as he stared outside the window, trying to figure out what the best plan of action would be. He sighed in frustration as he knew their only chance would be to try leaving the city and hope they get away in time, he looked at Neo and saw the her anxiety in her eyes. “Neo I need to focus okay? Grab everything that you need, if you don’t need it don’t grab it, and put it in a bag. We’re leaving the city, understand? We’re getting out of here before the Grimm gets here, I promise I’ll protect you.” He told her as he gave her hand a small reassuring squeeze, causing her to look at him. She nodded and quickly left to the room she had been sleeping in and started packing her stuff while Roman did the same, he also packed up all the food and drinks he had gotten for them and within the next fifteen minutes they were out the door and heading for the streets. People were running and panicking, children were crying and screaming as the whole city turned into a panic trying to escape before the Grimm reached the city. It was easier for smaller groups of people, but those with a bigger group took longer to gather all their belongings which of course only made them panic even more. Roman took Neo’s hand and held it tightly so as to keep her close and so they won’t get separated, they walked quickly but didn’t run as running would just cause other people to start running and possibly start a stampede which neither of them wanted.

They continued to walk as they ed by people sitting on sidewalks or stairs waiting for the rest of their group or maybe just giving up and accepting that they won’t make it out in time, they weren’t about to stop and ask since it would take time and time is something they didn’t have much of. They finally reached the edge of the city when they heard the roars of the Grimm approaching, looking back for a moment they could see fires starting to break out all over the city and knew it was time to run. Holding tightly onto each others hands the two of them ran as fast as they could away from the city and into the forest nearby, although going into the forest wasn’t the greatest idea it was the only place with cover for them to hide if they needed to. Other people ran with them into the forest though they spilt off from them as they were mostly panicking, however Roman knew exactly where he was going as he had already planned out where he and Neo would go next should they ever need to leave the city. They continued to run for a couple miles before they just couldn’t run anymore, however they kept walking even though they were tired and worn out from all the running. Roman didn’t want them to stop until they reached a more safe place as he felt like they hadn’t gotten far enough away from the city yet, Neo was breathing heavily next to him but kept going instead of asking to stop as she chose to trust that Roman knew what he was doing. It was nightfall by the time they had finally stopped walking, luckily there was a nearby cave that they decided to take shelter in from the cold.

Even though it was spring it was still cold so Roman gathered some wood and started a small fire to help they keep warm, he grabbed a blanket he had put in his bag and put it over Neo while he got out some snacks for them to eat as well as water. Neither of them said a single word as they munched on their snacks and drank the water, Roman kept looking up at every sound but he was more worried about people coming over to take their things than Grimm coming after them. Eventually the two fell asleep though it was only for a couple hours as they were both awoken by the sounds of people talking, at first Roman thought the people had come to steal their things but when he looked out he realized it was a small family who had ran from the city with them. “Hello there, sorry if we startled you at all we’re just ing through and mean no harm.” The father said as he raised his hands up as though surrendering, the two small children they had looked rather frightened still and clung to their parent’s legs. “You’re fine, we should probably get moving again as well.” Roman said as he stood up and brushed off his clothes but the brown dirt was not going to come off of his white coat. Neo stood up as well and gave a small wave and smile to the children which seemed to calm them down a little, the family continued to move on while Roman and Neo packed up all their stuff and put out the fire. They followed behind the family but made sure to keep a good distance between them as they didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable, however they seemed to be going in the same direction so it was impossible to not follow them.

A few days came and went as they continued along like this, sometimes camping out with the small family that way they only needed one fire. Neo obviously never talked to any of them but Roman and the father would talk sometimes, they learned that his name is Trevor along with his wife who’s name is Margret and their two kids Violet and Corin. Since they were going to the same city they decided to travel together as it was safer with more of them traveling together, though it seemed unlikely that any trouble would come their way as they had made it safely so far. Roman and Trevor would take turns keeping watch on them overnight so nothing sneaks up on them, Neo would always sleep right next to Roman and cling to him in her sleep as though she was scared he would leave her. Finally after a couple more days a few Hunters showed up out of nowhere and offered to escort them all to the closest city as they were also heading there, it only took a few hours for them to reach the city of Mantle which sat underneath Atlas. Roman was slightly surprised to find this city not in shambles but then again Atlas probably kept it well protected with their robots and well trained soldiers, as they entered the city they went their separate ways as Trevor had family in the city he could go to. Meanwhile Roman and Neo looked for a place they would be able to stay in, with Roman offering to work just to keep a room for the two of them. After their third attempt to find a place they were finally accepted in but only because Roman offered to work for the room as they needed help around their hotel, they settled down for the night in their room though it only had one bed it didn’t bother either of them as Neo was a lot more comfortable sleeping next to Roman now.

“We’re finally safe.” Roman said with a sigh of relief as he sat down on the bed putting his head in his hands, the stress of not knowing if they’d make it finally leaving his body. Neo came up from behind him and hugged him tightly with a small smile on her face, he patted her on the head and turned so that he was now lying on the bed. “Well, starting tomorrow I guess I’ll be working here. That’s going to be interesting, never really had an actual job before.” Neo giggled without making a sound as she grabbed some paper and a pencil to write with. ‘Do you think we’ll be able to stay here?’ Roman thought about it for a moment as he placed his left arm behind his head while Neo sat on the bed staring at him. “I think, for now at least, we’ll be able to stay here. There’s no telling how long they’ll be able to keep this place safe but that’s something we’ll worry about when the time comes.” Neo nodded and laid down next to him cuddling up to his side, she fell asleep rather quickly which Roman remained awake thinking about what they had just gone through and how that city is probably completely in ruins. It’s unlikely that many people made it out of there alive but he hoped that at least some others managed to make it out, it was honestly surprising to him that they made it out and that none of the Grimm had come after them. His only thought was that the Hunters who lived there fought off the Grimm for as long as they could to let people escape safely, he just hoped they didn’t give up their lives to save the rest of them. Eventually he finally fell asleep due to being exhausted and didn’t wake up until late the next day, they were both awoken by a knock on their door which Roman quickly had gotten up to answer as Neo rubbed her eyes still sleepy.

When he opened the door one of the staff was there with food on a tray for them and a small smile on his face as though he was slightly awkward about this interaction. “We know you two probably went through a lot having to get here so we let you sleep but though it best to wake you up now so you could eat, don’t know if you were able to eat much while you were out there.” The man stated holding the tray out for Roman to take, he was a little confused but took the tray of food anyway as they had been living off of small snacks the whole time and this was a full meal. “Thank you, I appreciate it. Sorry we slept so much, ah um well bring this down when we’re done.” The staff member nodded and told him he would let the others know they’re awake and walked away. Roman closed the door and set the tray of food on the table, Neo perked up immediately and walked over before smelling the food as though checking to see if it’s real. Roman chuckled a little and ruffled her hair before rubbing the tiredness out of his eyes, at least the people here seemed nice enough since they brought them food. They happily ate their warm food which consisted of scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, pancakes, and buttered toast, they finished their food and then got cleaned up by taking showers and changing into different clothes. Neo giggled a little seeing Roman in plain blue jeans and a black t-shirt underneath an orange and black flannel, these were just random clothes that Roman had but hardly ever wore before now. Neo meanwhile had put on a black tights underneath a pink skirt with brown lace and a white shirt, this was more normal for her compared to Roman who normally wore suits and not just casual clothing. They took each other’s hand and walked out of their room, welcoming their new life here and hoping that things will go well at least for a while as a little bit of normal would be good for them.