#future Anxceit

[edupunkn00b]

All Due Care and Caution

Photo by Taylor Fiehl on Unsplash

Virgil and Janus began their legal careers together, fighting on the side of justice.

Now they're on opposite sides of the court room.

WC: 2195 - Rated: G - CW: non-graphic mentions of a car crash, politics, divorce, swearing Written for @tsspromptmonth's Rare Gifts Event. ---

“Virgil Knight for the plaintiff, Your Honor, and—”

The gallery doors slammed open, jolting Virgil in his spot next to his client. “It’s alright, Thomas,” he whispered, ghosting a hand over the man’s uninjured shoulder. The sharp clack of heeled loafers was deafening in the otherwise hushed courtroom and he cast a quick glance back to see if the defendant’s attorney had finally deigned to show his face.

“Fuck,” he muttered, even quieter this time. The slimeball who’d plowed into his client with a four-ton Hummer was being defended by something even slimier.

“Your Honor, Janus Knight, defense,” he purred with a little bow of his head, the supposed show of deference somehow condescending. Only Jay could manage shit like that. “I wish to extend my apologies to the Court,” he continued in a saccharine sweet voice that made Virgil wish he could take a bleach bath. To think he’d ever let that man—

“This case was reassigned to me only moments ago when the previous attorney, well…” Janus made a broad gesture toward the reporters in the back row. “We all have Twitter, don’t we?”

Of course Jay worked for the same firm as Sadow.

“Is that good or bad?” Thomas whispered as the gallery buzzed with similarly murmured questions. It wasn’t every day an attorney was removed from civil court in handcuffs, but it had been the third time for that particular politician’s case. Even those who avoided the news had seen it.

Virgil shook his head, eyes locked on the judge. She seemed to be wondering the same. “And I suppose you are here to motion the court for a continuance in order to confer with your new client?”

“Oh, on the contrary.” With a sleight of hand better suited to a street magician, a sheaf of bluebacks appeared in Jay’s hand. “I am prepared to present my motion to dismiss the case for failure to state a claim—”

“Your Honor,” Virgil interrupted. “Perhaps the defendant does require some time to review the three-hundred and ninety-two exhibits establishing my client’s injuries and the video of the incident taken from four different vantage points.”

He felt more than saw Jay’s eyes finally turn to him, bright sparks of gold boring into his skull. 

“Counsel, approach the bench.” 

Jay glided forward and Virgil followed, quickly overtaking him with his longer and faster stride. He’d be damned if he was going to follow Jay anywhere.

~

Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck. Janus was going to slaughter Sadow. Along with whoever else at the firm who thought it would be simply hilarious to foist this case onto him.

For the past year, it had been an open secret in the surprisingly close-knit community of civil attorneys that he and Vee had divorced—quite in-amicably. Each of the circuit’s judge’s clerks had gone out of their way to ensure their cases were never scheduled on the same day. And Janus’ firm had been careful not to assign him cases in which the Avenging Angel himself represented the plaintiff.

It seemed that courtesy had ended.

Flexing his fingers to hide their tremor, he managed to keep his voice steady and his eyes away from his ex-husband while he announced his motion to dismiss. It was unlikely to prevail on its merits, but if delivered with enough panache and confidence, he could sow the seeds of doubt in the judge’s—and the jury’s—minds.

To be honest, he hadn’t had time to review the evidence in this case, and he bit back an epithet at his firm’s attorney-in-charge.

“Your hubby’s losing his touch.” Chad hadn’t even looked up from his computer when Janus had protested the assignment. “Ex, whatever. The evidence is shabby. He’s turning into an ambulance chaser.” He barked out a laugh. “You must’ve really bled him dry in the divorce.”

In truth, he hadn’t contested Vee’s attorney’s opening offer and had let him keep everything but Janus’ clothes. The custom suits wouldn’t’ve fit his lanky frame anyway. And the suits were really all that mattered for Janus to keep up his appearance. No-one needed to know that, after alimony, he couldn’t afford much more than a shoebox studio downtown and, when he wasn't entertaining clients on the firm's expense account, survived on beans and rice most nights.

He smoothed down his silk waistcoat and inhaled slowly before approaching the judge. Vee moved more quickly than he did, always faster, always in a hurry. He would only slow down under Janus’ lead, with gentle reminders to rest, to care for himself at least as much as he cared for his clients. To recharge. To sleep. The case would be there in the morning.

The soft days of Vee following his lead, though, were long gone. Glancing back at the defendant’s table where his client sat twirling the keys to her near-murderous Hummer, Janus really couldn’t blame him.

~

“Your honor—” Virgil began, but the judge raised a hand to cut him off, then shoved aside Jay’s proffered motions. Her clerk silently collected the stack and began to peruse them.

“No, you will both listen first. Mr. Knight,” she turned to Jay. “Your client pled guilty to reckless endangerment and failure to operate a vehicle with all due care and caution. Are you disputing those findings?”

“Of course not, Your Honor.” The judge might have missed the tic in Jay’s jaw, but Virgil didn’t. He really got hosed with this case, didn’t he?

“Then why are you wasting the Court’s time with a motion to dismiss? Have you actually reviewed the evidence?”

“No, Your Honor,” he admitted, voice steady and chin held high. To the outside world, Jay looked just as confident as ever. But his right foot pointed toe-in and his thumb rubbed the inside of his ring finger. “With the Court’s permission, I would like to retract the motion.”

“Granted. Mr. Knight,” she said before turning to Virgil. “You were saying?”

“Not confusing at all,” Jay muttered just under his breath. “You really had to keep my name?”

“We both chose Knight," Virgil snapped, turning to face him. Was Jay… smiling? With effort, Virgil returned his full attention to the judge. “My client is ready to proceed, Your Honor.”

“Very well,” she nodded. “Let’s begin.”

“Thank you, your Honor.” Virgil returned to his client’s side, steadfastly avoiding Jay’s gaze. He would not allow his ex to pull those pouty little faces and distract him. He hadn't forced Jay to turn his back on everything they'd studied and struggled and fought for. If Jay had to now lie in the bed he’d made with that evil little defense firm, then so be it.

Yes, so be it, he nodded to himself even as his heart clenched at the flash of yellow in Jay’s palm. If he’d brought out a fidget in court, he was only a few steps from a full-on panic attack.

Jay’s first case had ended in a mistrial with prejudice. He’d fled the courtroom, leaving Virgil to explain to his sobbing client that her attacker would walk free. After searching each floor, Virgil had finally found him in a broken bathroom stall, hyperventilating and clawing at his own hair. It hadn't been the first time he’d seen his outwardly suave new husband break down.

But it had been the last.

“I can’t fail another client like that, Vee,” he’d whispered after Virgil had helped him through one of his own breathing exercises. “The stakes are just too high.”

He’d begun job searching shortly after his next case, jumping from office to office before finally joining his uncle’s boutique defense firm. They'd started small, but eventually made name when they began to pick up famous clients, nepo kid DUIs, movie stars fighting murder charges. Politicians accused of bribery—or far worse.

Neither had known it at the time, but it was the beginning of the death of their relationship. Even when they didn’t find themselves on opposing sides of the courtroom, neither Virgil nor Jay was good at compartmentalizing their work. Wars over briefs soon turned their bedroom into a battlefield.

The writing was on the wall. An assistant district attorney who worked pro bono on civil claims and a flashy—and pricey—private defense attorney were doomed. This was their first case together—together as combatants—since the divorce. If it meant finally being free from lingering worry for his ex, Virgil would happily drive the final nail into that coffin.

Shaking away the butter-smooth laughter in his head about mixed metaphors, he swallowed back the nervousness thrumming against his ribs. Finding that calm that now only came in court, Virgil addressed the jury. “Ladies and gentlemen, today you will see and hear how Ms. Karen Dars ignored a flashing pedestrian signal then roared through that crosswalk, striking my client, Thomas Sanders. He suffered three fractures to his…

~

Vee’s opening statement was… flawless. It never failed. Vee would clam up and refuse to send back a meal, would mutely let a stranger steal his place in line. He was too anxious to call the doctor’s office and reschedule an appointment. But in court?

In court, Vee bloomed. He stood tall and proud and certain, the weight of his client’s future bolstering him against any attack. It was the first thing Janus had noticed all the way back in law school. It was the first thing that had made him fall in love.

And in the privacy of his own mind, Janus could admit at least to himself that he’d never really stopped.

His heart pounded in his chest, a syncopated, thudding staccato that threatened to drown out his client’s hissed whisper. He wished it had. “Why don’t you say something? He’s making me sound like some kind of villain!”

The judge shot her a warning glare but his client continued. “What am I paying you for? Am I supposed to just sit here and listen while he says all those awful things about me?” Big, crocodile tears welled in her eyes and Janus barely fought the impulse to roll his eyes.

“Yes, Ms. Dars,” he whispered close to her ear. “That’s exactly what we do during his opening statement.”

With a petulant huff, she sat back in her seat, arms crossed as Vee finished his argument. She remained nearly silent during his own opening statement. It wasn’t until the first paramedic took the stand that she raised her voice.

“How dare you!” she shouted from the defense table.

“Mr. Knight, control your client!”

Janus stood and pressed one hand firmly on her shoulder. “Ms. Dars, a contempt court charge will not—”

But she wouldn't stop. Pointing at the paramedic, she demanded, “Why do you think I gave you a tip? For good driving?”

Vee had prepared the witness well. The paramedic clamped his mouth shut and turned to Vee, waiting to be asked.

And Vee did not disappoint.

“Mr. Selnick, did the defendant attempt to bribe you while you were rendering aid to my client?”

Ms. Dars' voice rang out, interrupting any response he might have given. “Yeah, and the dumb fuck wouldn’t even take it!”

~

The courtroom exploded in a flurry of shouts and laughter. The tumult was short-lived, snuffed nearly as quickly as it’d begun by the judge’s gavel and Ms. Dars' first swearing at, then biting the bailiff as he ratcheted on her handcuffs. He took his time and summoned another bailiff to chain her waist and ankles.

“Oh, and you’re so fired!” she snarled at Janus through clenched teeth.

“You cannot fire me, Ms. Dars,” he replied, setting down his phone, a prickly squish fidget hidden in his other hand. “I just quit the firm.”

“Is that true?” Vee asked, nearer than Janus had expected him to be.

He looked up, anticipating a sneer but instead, Vee looked… worried? Janus swallowed and nodded once before packing in the files spread across the defendant’s table. “Yes,” he muttered, bracing himself. Vee could be vindictive and a bit of a bitch.

It was another thing he’d always appreciated. Until it had been turned toward him.

But Vee remained quiet, feet shuffling next to him. Janus kept his gaze low. He didn’t want to watch his former husband walk away from him one more time. His breath caught in his throat when, instead of leaving, Vee hugged him.

“I’m proud of you, Jay,” he whispered. The hug was over quickly, the heat from his always-warm hands evaporating into the climate-controlled air. “I—”

Janus looked up again and there were tears in Vee’s eyes. “Why don’t you…" He smiled. "Why don't you swing by the house tonight? We can talk about job openings down at the DA’s office.” When Janus remained silent, Vee scoffed and started to turn back, shaking his head. “Whatever, Janus, if you’d rather—”

“No!” He stood and grabbed his sleeve. The courtroom, the whole world narrowed down to the bright flash of hope in Vee’s eyes. “I mean, yes… Yes, I’d like that. I’ll be there at seven.”

Vee’s lips curled up into a crooked little smile. “Be there at five thirty and you can cook.”

[greenninjagal-blog]

Obligatory, self promos:

Space And Everything In It - An alien au (series) where Virgil and Janus are human highschoolers who found themselves on the other side of the galaxy and best friends with a group of aliens. An insane amount of worldbuilding in the meantime.

With an Enemy Like You (Who Needs a Lover?) - FBI vs the Mob au where Virgil and Janus used to date, broke up, and have spent fifteen years avoiding each other on the opposite sides of the law. Except now situations have pushed them to meet face-to-face again. And Virgil's got a gun to Janus's head.

Alright okay, on to the good stuff!

Virgil's Guide To Avoid Falling In Love With Your Boss' Boss - Virgil Faked It Till He Made It a little too close to the sun and now he's dealing with the fact that his son had a long lost twin brother AND said brother is the son of the extremely attractive CEO of the new company he just started working at. Co-parenting to parenting pipeline, send help.

The Worst Part - a Merlin au where Virgil has magic and uses it sparingly, secretly to protect his prince, and Janus does not make it easy to calm down after yet another near-death experience.

A Deal - an au where summoning a demon goes about as wrong as it can and Virgil now has a boyfriend.

One's Hometown, One's New Home - A new person moving into Janus's hometown is a big deal and everyone loves to talk about it. Virgil would like it please if he could at least one secret to himself, please and thanks. (He's a werewolf).

Plea For My New Self - Virgil is a hyper competent Vampire who decides to burn down his current life as a middle class office worker and restart back at college again. He reconnects with an old flame, and becomes a magical sugar daddy to three broke college students.

On Death's Doorstep - Superhero au where Virgil's totally perfect hero life comes crumbling down after he's forced to kill his husband to save his son and the only ones he can run to are the villains that he's routinely fought against.

Put On a Brave Face - Second born son of a duke Virgil has been sick his entire life and its been interfering with just about anything he tries to do. Luckily, Lord Janus is willing to give it his all for a chance to court him....even if it mean winning the approval of all of Virgil's overprotective brothers.

Forced Deception - A soulmate au where you swap bodies with your soulmate at a random point in your lives. Virgil's prepared for this! Really! Except for the fact that his idiot dick of a soulmate has been using the soulmate swap excuse to get days off from work for years and now no one will believe that he's actually a different person.

Stay Alive (For Me) - Janus and Virgil broke up years ago, and said their final goodbyes and probably would have been okay if the other turned up dead. Unfortunately, they're forced to reevaluate how much they care for each other when the serial killer Janus has been tracking takes Virgil hostage.

Ten Things - Ten Things I Hate About You au, where Roman is hopelessly in love with Patton, but Patton's father declares that he can only date when his older brother, Virgil, starts dating. Luckily Janus is willing to do anything for the right price.

Forgettable Secrets - Superhero au where Janus, a living lie and secret detector, is one of the city's three superheroes. Years into this gig of his, a new villain appears with the ability to erase memories of everyone...expect Janus. Caught in a web of forgotten memories the two are forced to work together, even though Janus is certain he convince the villain to flip sides. But trying to uncover the secrets of a man who's more scared of Janus than his superhero persona might lead Janus to remembering things he shouldn't have forgotten in the first place.

I’ve been thinking a lot more about Anxceit lately, so I wanted to ask, does anyone have any Anxceit fic recommendations? I’m scrolling through the ship tag on AO3 myself, but to help narrow down my search I thought I’d ask for recommendations.

(And I drew Anxceit art yesterday, so I’ll be contributing to the ship tag with art at some point)

[theokusgallery]

There's going to be a severe lack of KtS(aWtG) anxceit in the near future for like at least one day so here's a WIP I probably won't post the finished piece of on tumblr

KtS(aWtG) AU by @greenninjagal-blog ! :)

[dndeceit]

Fander Fic Rec Friday (#23)

(Involuntary Valentines: Arranged Marriages)

by a map half-written by Odaigahara Royal AU (Intrulogical) Rating: T Logan's parents have betrothed him to Prince Roman for the sake of a crucial alliance. Logan is dreading his fate, but plans change at the last minute and he finds himself betrothed to the prince's brother instead. He and Remus aren't strangers, as it turns out, but will that matter when so much time has passed? Notes: The Intrulogical is strong in this one. Remus is a menace. Logan is also a menace. They're perfect for each other. It Doesn't Change a Thing, But Even So… by ArtistOwl Royal AU (Loceit) Rating: G Logan and Janus have been married for seventeen years when Janus comes to a startling conclusion... Notes: Very different than your typical arranged marriage romance, but I've always thought this one was very sweet. Marriage to the Serpent King by KieraElieson Royal AU (Anxceit) Rating: T When the announcement is made that the dreaded Serpent King is seeking a spouse, Roman begins to fear that accepting might be the only way to save his people from future strife. Virgil decides he's not about to let his brother make that sacrifice, and rushes off to accept the proposal himself. Notes: In which Roman and Virgil are self-sacrificing idiots, and Janus reaps the rewards of overplaying his own menace, but it all works out in the end.

i'm taller than you by iclaimedtobethebetterbard (foolofaperegrin) Royal AU (Loceit) Rating: T Logan was already feeling ambivalent about his upcoming marriage to a stranger, but its made even worse after chance meeting gives them both the opportunity to start things off on the wrong foot. Logan understands his duty to his family and to his kingdom, but even then it's bound to be a struggle when neither he nor his husband can even tolerate one another. Notes: The best kind of slow burn. Janus is a pill. Logan is obtuse. They're so rude to each other. It's funny at times and heartbreaking in others, and by the end every moment feels worth it. (Also, Virgil is so relatable for me here, both in the older sibling department and as an aro watching from the outside and being so glad they don't have to deal with that nonsense.)

Yours by edupunkn00b Historical AU (Moceit) Rating: T Patton and Janus have been exchanging letters until they're each betrayed to their parents. Against his objections, Patton is swiftly pressured into marriage... (Fortunately, neither set of parents had all the details.) Notes: So much emotion is packed into this fic.

A Kiss On A Silver Ring by Jungle321jungle Historical Fantasy AU (Anxceit) Rating: T Virgil is the orphan son of a fallen merchant family, his only keepsake of better times being a silver ring his parents always insisted would bring him a better life, though they died before they could explain how. It might have remained a secret if a brief run of misfortune hadn't led him to cross paths with the Duke of the North. Notes: Virgil spends so much of this fic confused and flustered. It's adorable.

no fairytale by enragedbees Royal AU (Moceit) Rating: G With only hours before his wedding to a stranger, Janus steals himself away for some time alone. He winds up meeting one of the newly arrived members of the recently arrived entourage, who seems eager to share some concerns about the upcoming marriage with a friendly ear. Notes: This one really cute and sweet. Also Janus tries to be slick and biffs it hard several times. Friggin' dork.

WIPs

Wedding Rings and Annoying Kings by Jungle321jungle Royal AU (Loceit, DLAMP) Rating: NR Newly crowned Emperor, Logan is looking to assemble a harem of royal consorts who can help him administer his empire without the meddlesome and controlling influence that the family of a single spouse might bring... And his first husband has been chosen specifically to help him hand-pick the most competent candidates for the job. Notes: In which Logan has a baffling approach to governance, Janus is game so long as it gets him away from his family, and the rest are wholly unprepared for what's coming for them... The rise of a king and the fall of a queen by TomadoTheTinyGoblin Royal AU (Loceit) Rating: T Janus is dreading his marriage to the crown prince, but at least it will get him away from his family. It's fine, anyway. After all, all he has to do is play along--play the part of being Logan's "queen". Just until he has his opportunity to kill the man and take his place. Notes: Janus deserves a little murder here, to be honest. Fortunately Logan has a very good chance to prove himself more useful as an accomplice than as a corpse.

(P.S. This list is a bit late because I had just finished throwing one together before I remembered it was Valentine's Day and that there was probably a more fitting theme to be had than what I'd originally put together. At least it means I'll be able to get next week's out on time for sure...)

[tss-anxceit-week]

The time has come...

...for spooky season, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, orange leaves and windy storms. And, lest we not forget:

The arrival of the prompts for Anxceit Week 2023!

Thank you all for your wonderful submissions; I hope these pairs of prompts will help inspire you.* 💜💛

Day 1 (Nov. 12): Close & Distant

Day 2 (Nov. 13): Eyes & Apples

Day 3 (Nov. 14): Trust & Betrayal

Day 4 (Nov. 15): Free Day!**

Day 5 (Nov. 16): Home & History

Day 6 (Nov. 17): Kiss & Make Up

Day 7 (Nov. 18): Lies & Promises

*Like I mentioned above, these prompts are first and foremost meant as tools to spark your inspiration. You are free to interpret the prompts however you like, choose either one or both, incorporate them in any degree you wish.

**As the name suggests, you are free to choose whatever prompt you like on Day 4! Go wild! Need ideas? Perhaps some of these honorable mentions from the submissions can inspire you: Lantern, Denial, Web, Photoshoot, Past/Future, Shedding, Nightfall, Sewing, Capes.

As for some final announcements, please keep the rules below in mind:

Tag this blog (@tss-anxceit-week) and/or include #anxceitweek2023 in your post when you submit something. That will help me make sure I reblog all the Anxceit content being made for this week.

Artwork of any kind is welcome! Art, writing, playlists, crafts, animation, poetry - you name it, we'd love to see it!

This is a SFW event. Please be aware that NSFW content will not be reblogged here to keep this space available to as many as possible.

As long as Anxceit is the main focus, you are allowed to include polyships featuring Janus and Virgil as well. And further on that note, the ship can be celebrated in any nature: platonic, familial, romantic, etc.

Don't feel obligated to partake in every single day. Whenever you are able/willing/inspired you are free to join, but take care to not overwork yourself.

And most importantly of all: have fun! I am so thrilled to see what you all will come up with and it's an honor to organize this event for the community here. Feel free to send me an ask if you have any questions or comments!

See you sssssssoon...

💜💛

[kieraelieson]

I wanna do some writing but I’m not sure what

Some details~

Can Two Wrongs Ever Make a Right? - Omegaverse fic with a focus on Anxceit. I’d write something fluffy that helps set up threads for the angst planned in the future.

Mercy - A fae fic with a focus on some power imbalanced Prinxiety. I’d probably set up Roman to go on his quest, or perhaps just skip ahead a bit to him beginning it.

Three Bean Soup - A soulmate fic with Virgil/Remy/Janus and Patton/Logan/Roman. I’d probably start work on the backstory of Patton Logan and Roman.

I’m only really gonna let the poll run until I’ve eaten some food and done some other tasks and am ready to sit down and write, so vote fast~

[prince-rowan-of-the-forest]

Where the Ashes Settle

----

Roman was prepared for normal day, leave the hotel, get coffee, go to the station and head home.

He hadn't made room in his schedule for getting caught up in a villain fight, nor getting kidnapped by the villain and his arch-nemisis, though.

----

| Ao3 |

Warnings: Injury, kidnapping

Pairings: Anxceit, possible future anarociet depending on how you wanna interprit.

Word count: 3437

Notes:

I wrote this whole thing today because I was bored and wanted to have some fun. I've been wanting to make a superhero au for a very long time but I'm too lazy so here's a oneshot instead. :) - i't's not really edited as of right now, I might come back and fix it later, but I can't say for sure.

----

Roman was just a civilian.

He had no useful powers, as much as he’d always wanted to be a hero, being a super one is just not on the cards. Voice Projection. That was Roman’s power, he could make his voice be heard from anywhere, with a microphone it was amazingly useful during concerts. But he could only make his voice as loud as he could yell, so the most he’d be able to do as a hero would be… to cause confusion, potentially. 

So Roman wasn’t a superhero, he was a regular person, an indie singer who was nowhere near as well known as he wanted to be, doing gigs in pubs and at small events who didn’t have the money to hire the bigshots or specifically wanted acts that no-one had heard of. It was fine, Roman loved singing, holding the attention of a crowd was something he was good at, writing and performing music had been something he loved since before he could remember.

He was well aware of the more super goings on of the world, of course. He followed the heroes almost religiously, their instagram stories, the events they were doing, the latest battles they’d won against upstart supervillains. His favourite was a longstanding battle between one of the top heroes - Viper, who was surprisingly popular despite his dark and mysterious persona - and one of the most renowned villains in the country - Tempest, who looked and played the part of arch-nemesis very well.

Roman followed their battles over the internet, watching the videos and footage. Their fights were always immense and almost beautiful, they were evenly matched, skill wise, and they both had crazy power sets. Viper could shapeshift, between human and animal forms, including - to Roman’s delight when he saw the battle - a dragon. Tempest could create - as his name suggested - storms, he could walk on the clouds, draw lightning strikes from the heavens, create heavy rains and strong winds whenever he wanted. 

It was brilliant to watch, after the fight had taken place from the comfort of his mediocre apartment living room.

It wasn’t quite so great to be there in person. 

He’d been getting a coffee at a cute little cafe he’d found whilst staying for a week in a town a few hours out from his own for a few pretty good gigs he’d been able to snag and he was just about to head to the station to get his train back home. He’d decided to stop by the shop on the way. He’d known something was wrong when he’d stepped back onto the street, coffee cup in hand, guitar case slung across one shoulder and backpack on the other, to find it deserted. 

Thunder. He heard it first as he made his way down the street, turning the corner to see the dark, angry clouds gathering just up the street. He rushed forward - blinded from the danger by his eagerness to see the fight - maybe he’d be able to film it if he could get a good view! Witnessing a battle in person - especially one on this magnitude - was rare and absolutely granted bragging rights over all your family and friends, so Roman wasn’t about to pass up such an opportunity.

He must have approached from somewhere behind Tempest, as he creeped along the street and pulled out his phone to record - even as the wind whipped at his hair, thankfully it wasn’t raining. He knew that this was stupid, he’d be in a lot of danger coming this close, but he felt almost like he had to.

Further up the street Roman spotted Viper, shifted into some kind of big cat crouched atop an already damaged car, making up some kind of blockade at the other end of the street. Roman could hear yelling and crying from behind it - he must be protecting people that way. The pair of supers began to fight properly, thunder booming in the sky as they clashed. Viper turned mid-jump into what looked to be a griffin, and ran at Tempest. Roman watched in wonder as the two clashed in front of him. 

Lightning struck, too close to him to be safe. He let out an involuntary yelp for fear when the building began to catch fire. His eyes darted between the rapidly spreading fire to the fighting pair. Neither of them had noticed. He heard a scream from inside the building and - panicking - Roman decided he would have to do something. 

“Hey!” He called, but his voice was lost to the raging winds. He tried to use his power, placing his voice nearer to Viper - “Hey! The- the building’s on fire! To your left!”

Viper looked over, golden eyes widening for just a moment, before he was slammed into by Tempest. 

Shit -! Roman thought, glancing back at the building again, breath quickening, he’d just gotten Viper hurt - he was sure he could probably face legal action for interfering like that, and the people in the building were no closer to getting saved. His power really was useless after all.

Roman was just trying to figure out what to do when the fire began to spread too close to him - across the debris already on the floor. He took a few steps back only to scream as something came hurting at him in the wind. The bit of flying debris smacked into his shoulder hard, sending him flying to the ground and leaving him winded. His vision swam as he laid there on the ground, distantly aware of more yelling than before, was it closer? And the crackling of fire, the screaming of sirens somewhere far in the distance. Roman hoped they’d be fast enough to save the people in the buildings. 

—

“Shit!” Virgil yelled when he heard someone scream from far too close to them to be from the crowd. Rearing back from where he’d been about to punch Janus and looking around just in time to see the civilian standing far too close to the fight get flung backwards to the ground - almost into the raging inferno that was the building behind him. 

Janus shifted back to himself as he stared at the same sight. Virgil growled, well aware people were still watching, and darting forward - grabbing the hero by the collar of his shirt and holding him close, making sure his expression was mean enough to appease any watching cameras even as he whispered his split second plan to the hero.

“I’m going to ‘kidnap’ him,” Virgil said, voice barely a hiss, “And run, make it look like you beat me and then get the people in that building out- I’ll make sure he’s okay back at the apartment. ”

“Be careful, Darling,” Janus told him, before transforming into a giant beast and grabbing Virgil, with a snarling growl, flinging him across the street towards the knocked out civilian. Virgil landed expertly, made a show of looking around as if disoriented and got up. Janus roared and Virgil took that as his cue to run, scooping up the civilian and grabbing his things on a second thought before grabbing one of his clouds and swiftly escaping the scene, starting a downpour as he did so. He hoped maybe it would help with the fire. 

He really didn’t want innocent people to get hurt. 

—

When Virgil arrived at the apartment building, the civilian now fully unconscious in his arms, he was stopped by his security guy, Logan. Virgil groaned internally as Logan questioned why Virgil was carrying some knocked out guy and why the fuck he had a guitar. 

“Don’t question me ,” Virgil snapped, his voice slipping into his supervillain persona’s for a moment, startling Logan. He’d have to apologise later, but he had no time for Logan’s never ending questions right now, “When Viper gets here, let him in.”

Logan looked at him skeptically, but Virgil’s expression hardened, practically daring Logan to argue with him. Eventually he just sighed and nodded, allowing Virigl to make his way into the building. He saw Logan rub his forehead out the corner of his eye as he walked away. Maybe he should make him an apology cake.

Carrying the civilian up the stairs was easy when you were able to manipulate the wind to give you a boost. When Virgil finally arrived at his apartment he went straight to the spare room and laid Roman down carefully on the bed, placing the guitar and bag nearby before setting about checking him for injuries. 

He wasn’t burned, thank goodness, but Virgil was worried about his shoulder where the debris must’ve slammed into him. There were bits of it embedded in his skin and the joint looked dislocated. Virgil just prayed that was the worst of it as he - as gently as he could - popped his shoulder back into place and removed the biggest pieces of debris. Cleaning him up and bandaging his shoulder properly. He was used enough to doing this for himself by now. 

Until Virgil heard Janus arrive at his front door, Virgil stayed sitting by the bed, making sure the civilian was okay the entire time.

—

Roman felt groggy when he woke up, like he’d drunk too much at a party or something, though he couldn’t remember any party. This wasn’t his house either - the bed he was lying on felt unfamiliar - and very soft. The covers were tucked up to his chin and he felt very warm and safe here as he stared up at the plain ceiling. No fluorescent lights - so probably not a hospital either. Where the hell was he?

From the next room, he could hear voices, though he couldn’t quite make out what they were saying. When he tried to move up, pain shot through his shoulder enough to make him gasp - and then his head started to feel like it was splitting apart. Right, he remembered now. 

Just because Roman remembered what had happened to him before he had clearly passed out, that didn’t help him to understand where the hell he was, or who was talking in the other room, or who these lovely purple bed covers belonged to. 

His head was killing him, so he closed his eyes again. 

“He’s been asleep for almost a full day now,” He heard someone say, the sound causing shooting pains in his skull, was that voice kinda familiar? It felt like it was, but Roman couldn’t place it, “I’m starting to worry it might be worse than a bump on the head.”

“Perhaps it would have been better to take him to a hospital, Darling.” The second voice said - this one was even more familiar than the first. He started to think he must be dreaming, though, because surely Viper wasn’t actually here. He’d heard that voice enough in interviews and publicity stunts, maybe he was dreaming?

“Yeah well - it wasn’t like we had much time to make that call,” The other voice huffed. 

“I know,” Viper sighed, “If he doesn’t wake up in the next half hour we should take him to the closest hospital.”

The other voice scoffed, “And what, tell them: ‘Oh hey doctor, here’s this guy I almost killed yesterday and then kidnapped because we didn’t know what to do!’ How would that go over, you think?”

“...You’ve got a point,” Said Viper. Roman stewed in his own thoughts as he pretended to sleep, yesterday, almost killed, kidnapped - that familiar voice… Was that Tempest ?? - what the hell was Tempest doing here with Viper, and had they really kidnapped him? What the fuck was happening?

Roman groaned softly as the pain in his head spiked and both of them went silent.

“Is he awake?” Tempest asked, Viper made a noncommittal noise in response, before seemingly walking over. 

“Hello, darling,” Viper said, voice much closer now, “Are you awake?”

That soft tone was so different from the sarcastic, sassy persona he always displayed for the public. It made Roman feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

“Hey- I thought I was ‘darling’!” Tempest said, from further away. He sounded like he was pouting and Roman resisted the urge to laugh as he peeled open his eyes again, having to blink a few times as the light made his head spin.

“You’re ‘Darling’, with a capital ‘D’, Darling, everyone else is a lowercase ‘d’ darling,” Viper dismissed, before looking back at him and smiling. That was Viper alright, his signature scales were glittering gold in the dim light of the room and his mismatched eyes - one blue, one gold - were looking at him with an expression so caring and soft Roman almost reeled back. Why on earth was the hero looking at him that way? His hair was loose, tumbling to his shoulders in blonde waves and topped with a fancy hat that seemed a little silly compared to the comfortable clothes he was wearing. 

His gaze wandered warily to where Tempest stood, a fair ways behind Viper - leaning on the wall beside the door. His identity wasn’t quite so obvious, considering his costume consisted of a mask and a hood. But Roman recognised his electric purple hair and violet eyes regardless. He had his hands stuffed in the pockets of an oversized hoodie and seemed fairly relaxed in posture. 

“Will you sit up and drink something for me, darling?” Viper asked, gently placing a hand on Roman’s shoulder to help him up. The movement made him feel dizzy, but he did think water would be pretty nice right now. 

“...Where am I?” Roman asked after taking a sip of cold water from the glass Viper pressed into his hands. 

“My apartment,” Tempest answered, not moving from across the room. 

“...Why?” He asked, frowning.

“I needed to get you out of the way so that Jay here could save the people in that building,” Tempest shrugged, earning a look from the hero, he groaned, “He’s literally in my house - I don’t think him knowing the first letter of your name is a real issue, here.”

Roman frowned, “Wait- but-” He thought, trying to put the pieces together, hadn’t Tempest struck that building with lighting? “Didn’t you… mean to set it on fire?”

“What? No, of course not,” Tempest looked almost offended at the accusation, “I missed with the strike, that’s all.”

Confused, Roman looked between them, Viper chuckled, “There’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than you know, dear,” He said, gently patting Roman’s shoulder. He felt himself melt beneath the touch. 

“Like… what?” Roman asked.

“Things you don’t need to know about,” Tempest said, finally pushing himself off of the wall to walk closer. He sat back down on the edge of the bed and offered something to Roman, “Here, painkillers - if you need them - you took a nasty hit, they’re still in the packaging.”

Roman watched the both of them as he took the painkillers, examining the packet before taking one.

“I… owe you an apology for that, too, had I known you were standing there I would’ve made sure the debris didn’t hit you.”

It suddenly made a lot more sense why despite how destructive and violent Viper and Tempest’s fights were, no civilian ever actually got hurt. 

“Thank you for the warning, by the way, darling,” Janus told him, shifting to gently card fingers through Roman’s hair.

“Hm?” Tempest asked, looking up in confusion.

“He warned me about the fire… I’m assuming you used your power?” Roman nodded, “I’m sorry I couldn’t act on it sooner.”

“It’s… fine, I just wanted to do something - did everyone get out okay?” Roman asked.

“Yes,” Janus nodded, “I got everyone out unharmed.”

Roman breathed a sigh of relief, wincing at the pain in his shoulder as he did so. He looked around at the other two, before sighing and resting his head back against the headboard. 

“That’s good,” He mumbled. 

“You’re welcome to go back to sleep,” Tempest said, “As long as you eat something first - you’ve been out for at least twenty-four hours by now.”

Roman groaned, even though Tempest was right, he was hungry, and having attention drawn to that fact just made him hungrier. 

“Fine,” He mumbled. Tempest looked thoughtful for a moment, before nodding to himself.

“How about I order pizza for the three of us,” he suggested, “We haven't eaten dinner either - do you like pizza?”

“What kind of heathen doesn’t like pizza?” Roman asked, trying not to laugh. Laughing hurt. Tempest chuckled and pulled out his phone. 

For a long few minutes, they just sat there. Viper was playing with his hair and Roman didn’t mind in the slightest - aside from being a little confused - and Tempest was messing around on a phone, supposedly ordering them pizza.

Eventually, Viper broke the silence, “What is your name, darling?” He asked. 

“Oh- it’s Roman,” Roman said, “Roman Piper.”

Tempest looked up from his phone, eyes a little wider than before, “Roman Piper, as in - the singer Roman Piper?”

Roman was too flabbergasted to speak for a moment, “I- yes- yes, that’s me, you’ve uh- you’ve heard of me?”

Viper just hid his face with his hand and chuckled as Tempest lit up.

“ Heard of you? Dude! I love your music!” He said, “I… can’t believe I fucking kidnapped my favourite music artist.”

Roman couldn’t help it, he snorted, bursting out laughing, though his cheeks were red, “I was actually um- here to do a few gigs… but uh- I think I appreciate this, actually, saves me the hospital bills.”

“Downtown? In that old bar a few days ago? I was there -”

Viper tapped him on the shoulder, leaning in and whispering, “He’ll talk about you for hours if we don’t stop him, darling, though - for the record, your music is lovely.”

Roman blushed a deep red, hiding his face in his hands. Don’t get him wrong! He loves meeting people who liked his music, but when those people where the most notorious villain in the country and his arch-nemisis (Though Roman was starting to think something else was going on there too) who he’d been looking up to for yours it was a little bit different.

“I’m supposed to be resting, right?” Roman said, interrupting whatever tangent Tempest was about to go on. 

“Yes, you are,” Viper said, smiling. 

“Hm,” Tempest said, “I could put on a movie or something while we wait for pizza?”

Roman brightened, “That sounds wonderful - hm… would it be a step too far if I asked for your real names?”

“Hmm…” Viper said with a soft smile, “You can call me Jay, if you’d like, it’s halfway there - perhaps I’ll give you my real name in the future, darling.”

Unable to help himself, Roman grinned - the idea that they might not part ways once this whole ordeal was over was a lovely one. He was honestly starting to quite like these two - not to mention how curious he was about whatever ‘behind the scenes’ things were going on. 

“If that’s what we’re doing,” Tempest said, standing up and offering a hand to Jay, who took it, in turn offering his arm to help up Roman, “then you can call me V, for now.”

“Lovely, both of you,” Roman smiled, letting Jay put his arm around Roman’s back for stability after he stumbled a little to lead him out of the bedroom to a dim, cozy living room strung with fairy lights. It was cute and warm and safe - very homely and cozy looking - totally not what he would’ve expected from the villain had he been asked two days ago. Now it seemed… a little more fitting. 

Jay guided him to sit down on the sofa and V quickly joined them after grabbing a small stack of DVDs that he handed to Roman to choose from. He was delighted to find that they were all disney. 

After a long period of deliberation that had V chuckling and Jay sighing, in exasperation, Roman finally settled on Moana - which he handed to V to put on. Before long, the three of them were squashed together on the two-seater sofa, with Roman in the middle. Something in the back of his mind told him that he shouldn’t feel as safe as he did, considering he was in the home of a supervillain, cuddled between two extremely powerful people who he didn’t really know the intentions of. 

But despite that, he felt the warm haze of sleep drift over him as the movie continued and they ate their pizza in calm, comfortable silence. 

Roman was passed out on Janus’ shoulder before the film even neared its end.

----

Tags: @full-of-roman-angst-trash @your-local-random-dino @cutebisexualmess @glacierruler @roseianxiety @bella-bugatti-frogetti-baguetti @scalesfeathersnfur (if anyone wants to be added, let me know!)

[i-am-bitterly-jittery]

On Death's Doorstep (pt 39/?)

[<<First],,,,[<Prev],[Next>] [ODD Masterlist]

Word count: 1381

Rating: Teen

Pairings: familial Losleep, past Logan/ofc, minor Karrot Kings & Anxceit

Warnings: dysfunctional family dynamics, past character death, I may have killed the therapist but we’re still managing to work through some feelings, google translate Spanish

~~~START~~~

A lot was happening in a very small amount of time and Remy suspected another move was in her future. Virgil’s dads — who were really nice — had been moved into the building and were now living in Janus’s spare room; Patton's room was still technically Roman’s spare room, but he’d been sleeping downstairs with his grandpas for the past few days. It would make more sense for them to have their own floor, besides Remy had been living in Roman’s room on Roman’s floor essentially all by herself ever since Virgil left. 

Not that this really counted as living by herself, Barbra — who she wasn’t comfortable calling grandma just yet — or the twins, or Virgil’s dads were constantly popping in to check on her. Janus hadn’t been around much, and Remy knew they were up to something, but no one would tell her what it was.

She hadn’t seen Logan since the day after Virgil left, and she was perfectly content to go on not seeing him. 

But all good things — not that this was very good, it was neutral at best — must come to an end, and when Remy heard at knock at the door, she found that it had been Logan. 

“Remy,” Logan inclined his head, making no move to try to step past her into the apartment. 

“Logan.” Maybe she was imagining it, but she thought he winced at the use of his name. 

“You can’t hate me forever,” Logan stated, a faint undercurrent of anger coloring his voice. 

“Wanna bet?” Remy arched an eyebrow and crossed her arms. She had plenty of experience arguing with would-be father figures from arguing with Mike, Logan had no idea what he was in for. 

“I did not kill you–”

“You think that’s what I’m mad about?” Remy demanded, cutting him off vehemently. 

Logan frowned, attempting to push his glasses further up his nose despite the fact that they had not slipped down even a millimeter. 

“I do not see any other reason for your hostility towards me.”

“Estúpido!” Remy hissed, throwing her hands up in frustration. “Completo idiota! Lo siguiente que me vas a decir es que no sabes de dónde vienen los bebés! Eres un genio, te apuesto–”

“El príncipe es estupido!” Logan interjected suddenly, completely derailing Remy’s train of thought as she struggled to figure out what that meant. 

“What?”

Logan’s gaze locked on the door hinges as he actually looked embarrassed for the first time since Remy had met him. 

“I–” he started, cutting himself off and starting again. “I am ashamed to admit that spoken languages have never been my strong suit, and even when I was living with your mother I never reached a level of fluency required to understand native speakers when they truly got going.”

“…so you told me that the prince is stupid?” Remy asked. Surely there was something she was missing that would make this whole interaction make sense, she just couldn’t see what it was. 

“Yes,” Logan agreed and refused to elaborate further. 

The two of them stood in awkward silence for a moment before Remy decided to bite the bullet. 

“So what happened?” She asked. “Between you and mom, I mean.”

“Your mother, as you likely know, does not like superpowers,” Logan started slowly. 

Remy nodded, her mom had never said as much — not to her anyway — but over the years she’d gotten the sense that Remy’s powers stressed her mom out quite a bit. The manner of Remy’s death probably hurt her almost as much as her actual death. 

“I was well aware of that while I was dating her, but as I had no intentions of becoming either a hero or a villain, I thought… perhaps I could be an exception.” Logan was clearly deeply uncomfortable with this conversation by the way he was twitching and shifting, but he continued. “I did not tell her that I had powers. One day, a month before your third birthday, she found me using my technokinesis in my workshop. She decided to leave and take you with her.”

“And what?” Remy demanded. “You just let her go? You didn’t want me?”

“Of course I wanted you!” Logan snapped. “But your mother wanted nothing to do with me! She threatened to turn me in to the authorities should I ever try to contact her or you again.”

“For having powers?” Remy asked. “That’s not a crime.”

“For selling my technology to supervillains.”

“Oh.”

All the fight drained out of Remy then, she was still angry, but she couldn’t exactly be upset at Logan for leaving if her mom had been the one to leave him. 

“Technokinesis sounds cool,” She said eventually, grimacing at the way Logan lit up at the clear opening. 

“Thank you. Successful inventions do require a knowledge base to build off of, but just allowing the technology to control itself does allow for some interesting experimentation. If you don’t mind me saying, I have noticed that you’ve added some interesting technology of your own to your repertoire.”

Remy shifted in embarrassment. “Yeah well… I just reverse engineered some shit I stole off of Gemini, which… were yours, weren’t they?”

“It was indeed my ‘shit’ that you got from Roman and Remus,” Logan preened. “I have been very impressed with your engineering talents; your ability to recreate and improve upon unfamiliar technology is astounding!”

“Uh, thanks,” Remy mumbled, not quite used to this level of excitement or encouragement from a parental figure. “Is that what you wanted to talk about? My ‘engineering talents’?”

“Ah, no,” Logan shifted from excited to almost embarrassed quickly. “I– I am aware that you are uncomfortable in my presence as I am your absentee father, as it were, and a supervillain, but I would like you to move in with me. On the top floor.”

Remy narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

“For many reasons,” Logan replied, slipping into teacher-mode. “For one, you are a minor, and living by yourself would supply you with undue amounts of stress–”

“I’m seventeen,” Remy objected. “And I’m hardly living by myself.”

“For another thing,” Logan continued, heedlessly. “Janus has informed me that living with their pseudo in-laws is ‘incredibly awkward’, and moving the Flores-Sanderses and Patton to their own floor would benefit everyone involved immensely. And finally, I cannot live with my mother anymore, she is driving me up the wall, so to speak.”

“Babs?” Remy asked. “What’s wrong with Babs?”

Logan’s eyebrows twitched every time Remy called his mom “Babs”, but he declined to comment on the use of the nickname. “As I’m sure you are aware by now, my mother is clairvoyant. I do not appreciate my every thought being taken as an invitation to have a conversation. I love my mother very much, but living with her is an exhausting exercise in control.” 

Remy couldn’t help the way her lips twitched into a smirk. 

“It is not funny!” Logan snapped. “I am a grown man, I do not need my mother weighing in on my dietary decisions!”

“That’s rough, buddy,” Remy deadpanned. 

“Do not think I don’t recognize an Avatar quote when I hear one, my brother was quite a fan of cartoons and he was very insistent that I watch that particular one with him. He said I was very much like Sokka and was adamant that there were many important lessons to be learned from the program.”

“He sounds smart,” Remy commented, well aware that the twins claimed Logan was reluctant to talk about Emile Picani. 

“He was very smart,” Logan agreed with a far off look in his eyes. “His methods were unconventional, but effective nonetheless. He would have been an exceptional therapist, or anything else he set his mind to.”

Remy shifted uncomfortably, she knew what was coming, but she still couldn’t quite believe it when the words slipped past her lips. “I’ll move in with you.”

“…really?” Logan asked incredulously. “You do not need to decide right away.”

“No I– I’m sure. After all, someone needs to save you from living with your mom well into your seventies.”

“I am not in my seventies,” Logan frowned. 

“Not yet,” Remy teased, relishing the way Logan’s frown deepened. 

He wasn’t ‘dad’, not yet, but so far, he was a vast improvement on Mike. 

~~~END~~~

It’s been three months since the last time I posted a chapter 😅 I had a two-ish month writing slump that I’ve finally managed to work through, plus

It’s the TWO YEAR anniversary of ODD!!!

ODD taglist:

@royalty-of-all-things-snuggly @pixelated-pineapple @arsonic-knight @misunderstood-shadowling @lost-in-thought-20 @remy-the-lemon-berry @jinxcrafter @apinkline2715 @gothfoxx @donutsarepartybagels @xoaningout @meganmoneky14 @lunatatic

[twofacedbelief]

last seen: putting others first - selfishness vs. selflessness redux favourite characters: janus, remy, romulus favourite ships: roceit, kingceit, sleepceit, anxceitmus self-insert ships: remance, remanceit oc: stimulation | ira sanders blocked tags: prinxiety, moceit proshipper; don't like? don't read!

Lance • He/him, They/Them or Sea/Sear/Seas • Adult Quoiromantic & Bi/Ace • Autistic

Otherkin: Water/Ocean/Faerie • Former endogenic system

currently writing: belief is deceit is belief & Photophobia

Canon setting

Modern setting

Antemori Shores Music and Memories [anxceit]

Fantasy of Eldritch and Gifted [dukexiety, dukesleepceit, rosleepceit]

[links to be added later, au names and layout may change]

Collabs with @anxiouslyfred vampiceit - canon setting, janus is a vampire disguised as a snake, anxceitmusleep dnau - remus gets into dna tests, janus' dna keeps changing, janus has an identity crisis mafiau - fake marriage turn into taking over a mafia, dukexiety, rosleepceit, freed androids becoming family dragonau - janus is a dragon that hoards boyfriends [needs better description]

AUs from the 4 year break idolau - remy is an idol forced to be the face of scandals, janus is a barista with a dark past, virgil is a bartender trying to save money, roman is struggling to get a role, remus probably has a job and a home, oh and most of them live in the same shitty building marvelau - janus get spider powers, janus is very hot, spideypool, dukexiety, future sleepceit, one-sided roceit

AUs that I think about belief!dee - deceit used to be belief, king is the only one who knows, qpp kingceit, roceit, remus has abandonment trauma, remus is obsessed w roman [belief is deceit is belief] fakimals - remus is thought to be the only dark side because virgil and janus are always in animal form, the animals will still pop up if they disagree with something, ignoring the animals doesn't end well, qpp anxceit, slow roceit local cryptids au - schrodingers sleepxiety -> creepxiety, lomile, roceit, tobus, logan raised the twins, remy and virgil raised dee, virgil's youtube audience has lots of questions, remy owns fluidi-tea the coffee shop [local cryptids] ts magic au - ironshell, deceit has too many people attracted to him, deceit is the only human, fae shouldn't be trusted but also the twins are fae

Other AUs art heist au, bread au, fairytale au, garbage au, haunted motel au, ill-fitting powers, kingceit human au, powerswap au, pride!roman au, sideswap au, soft vibes au, snakely escape au, the coincidence au, toddler dee au, ts sunflower au, ts tangled au, ts witch au, unexpected roommates au, wtnv au

Dead AUs crazy ex au, dead spouses au, deceit too au, hogwarts au, parent teacher au, soulmate wings au, the high school au, ts avatar au, ts mythology au, ts universe au, twin omens au, yet another youtube au

[muppetable]

Why anxceit? /gen

I don't get it - In canon, they hate each other. (or at least, Virge really dislikes Jan)

it's one of those ships where like you see it more as a thing that already happened or could happen, rather than already happening. do they hate each other because they're exes? will they make up in the future? it's a fun idea to experiment with!!

also because their banter seems more like that of an old married couple rather than just pure hatred so i like them being like divorced but still pining

it's a ship that doesn't have much basis in canon but is so fun to play around with.

[loganslowdown4]

Incorrect Quotes

November 2023

- January 2024

Pay It Behind

Factually Incorrect (Logan’s Bday)

Make You Cry

Milkshake. (Intruality)

The Darkness

I Made Tea

Don’t Correct Me

Upsexy

Updog (sequel)

Free Kicks (Demus)

Fluffy The Chicken (sorta logicality IQ sequel)

Chef Compliments (moceit)

Cake Punch

Gay Looks (logince)

Future Nuptials (analogical)

Cold Topic

Fix My Door (Intrulogical)

Nothing Can Cheer Me Up (prinxiety)

Heart Worm (analogical)

Glitter Inside (logince)

Leave Out The Buts

Borrow Your Best Friend (moceit)

Race Up The Stairs (prinxiety)

Pass the Salt

A Video Call (prinxiety)

Insanely Obvious Hints (Moxiety)

Mean Sides (Jan/Remy)

In The Dark (Lomoceit)

Anticipating Needs (Logince)

Principles (prinxiety)

Attic

Chores Before Whores (moceit)

Bisexual Hands (logicality)

My Job Is Sword

Stress Ball

Bored Drama

Light Me Up (royality; anxceit)

Come Out (royality)

Loud Annoying Kidnapping

Flowers For You (multi ship)

Maternal Figure/Problem Child

Bad Boys With Kittens

Everyone To Therapy! (Emile’s Birthday!)

Hugging The Ground

Wrong Lunch

Time Is A Construct (Vee’s Birthday)

Swinging At Demons

Pits Of Hell Bath Bomb

Can’t Swim

Where’s the trust?

Christmas Dinner

Straight Up Cry

Bang Your Fist Against Mine

Surgery

Never Moved So Fast

YOU’RE IN CHARGE?!

NYE Sanders Sides

Queerios

Bath Toaster

Uncooperative

Screw Me If I’m Wrong (prinxiety)

We Thought You Knew (analogical)

Irresponsible

Fell Onto His Lips (logince)

[monkeythefander]

Revealed Secrets Strengthen Bonds

(Part 2 of Anxceit Zombie Apocalypse AU)

Summary: Now that Janus’ identity as a zombie is known, how will the rest of Virgil’s family take the news?

(This oneshot prompt was suggested by DnDeceit (Hazgarn) @dndeceit in a comment on AO3)

Content Warning(s): Zombie Janus, mention of horror movies, mention of food (meat and candy), mention of an illness (a cold), mention of medicine (cold medicine and pain relief medicine), mention of headaches, mention of weapons (morning star, handgun, and knife), fear, fighting, violence, stabbing/killing of a zombie (a random zombie), mentioned past Patton and Virgil angst, mentioned past assumed character death, current Janus & Roman angst (but there is comfort at the end). Let me know if I missed anything else.

Click below the cut to read the oneshot

<Janus’ POV>

Shortly after Virgil and Janus’s heartfelt conversation, Virgil suggested they go downstairs and have a conversation with his family about Janus being a zombie. Virgil could seemingly sense Janus’ distress at the idea though, and immediately tried to comfort Janus and explain himself.

“Jan, it’s better to just rip the bandaid off now. Patton already saw your face, so he’ll probably end up telling the others soon. I was able to get Patton to sit on the couch downstairs to try and calm down and stay safe before coming up here to see why he was scared of you. Uncle Roman and Papa were in the backyard checking on the security cameras, and Logan was reading a book out there as well, so they thankfully did not hear Patton’s scream. So now, you can take some control of the situation and tell the truth. I’ll be with you every step of the way, and make sure they don’t hurt you. I promise. Do you trust me?”

“Yeah, Vee. I trust you.” Janus replied, trying to smile somewhat to show his boyfriend that the reassurance was appreciated.

After that, Virgil told Janus he’d go downstairs first to check on Patton and call his parents and uncle inside to gather in the living room. Then Virgil would return to bring Janus downstairs with him. The emo told Janus he could choose to cover up his face again if that made him more comfortable, or he could keep his face unmasked as it currently was. Whatever Janus wanted to do, Virgil would support. Janus wondered how he got so lucky to have such a sweet boyfriend, as Virgil kissed him on the forehead before leaving to go get his family situated downstairs.

———-

All things considered, Janus found the family meeting went better than he expected. Logan and Remus already respected Janus before the apocalypse started because Virgil brought Janus over a lot, so the two parents thought Janus was a good friend to their son. If anything, the news of Janus being a zombie seemed to lessen some of the anger Logan and Remus held towards him.

Logan said that Janus technically did not fake his death, and he could now better understand why the younger man was hesitant to contact Virgil after the incident, so Janus had officially been forgiven by Logan. Remus also could better understand Janus’ reasoning for not contacting Virgil for a year, and fully forgave Janus as well. The two parents then proceeded to ask Janus a lot of questions related to being a zombie. Logan asked out of wanting to gain more knowledge on how to better accommodate Janus as a guest in the house. Meanwhile, Remus asked questions because as a horror movie fan, he wanted to know everything he could about zombies directly from the source. Remus even asked if Janus was still able to physically age as a zombie, which Janus thought was something he’d had to think about in the future.

During this question and answer session, Patton was sitting on Roman’s lap, and somewhat hiding his face in Roman’s shoulder. Janus noticed that Patton seemed slightly less scared compared to earlier, and that the child was glancing every so often at Janus’ hand, which was being held by Virgil’s. Roman just sat there and listened to Janus’ story, seeming indifferent about Janus. The older man avoided looking Janus in the eye, and didn’t seem like he’d be trusting the undead man anytime soon, but at least Roman wasn’t chasing Janus out of the house.

After the family meeting was over, they carried on with their day like usual, except for meals Logan made sure meat had been prepared for Janus so the undead man wouldn’t be missing meals anymore, which Janus was very thankful for.

A break in routine and an answer for Patton’s staring during the meeting occurred that night when the six-year old was getting ready for bed. Janus was sitting in his room, reading a book when a knock on his opened door drew his attention.

“Oh, hey Vee, what’s up?” Janus asked, not expecting his boyfriend to be looking to hang out now, as the undead man had learned that Virgil usually read a bedtime story to his cousin at this time.

“Pat wants you to help me read a story to him before bed tonight. I don’t know why considering he hasn’t asked you to do so since you arrived here, but he was insistent about it.”

“…Do you think he might not be afraid of me now?” Janus didn’t want to get his hopes up, but he wanted to ask anyway. He trusted Virgil’s opinion.

“Maybe, Jan. Being able to read to Pat is an honor, considering he used to only want Roman to read to him. I don’t know what I did to gain storytelling privileges, but whatever it was made Patton enjoy my company a lot.”

“Okay, I’ll come with you to read to Patton then.” Janus replied before getting up from his seat on his bed and following Virgil to Patton’s bedroom.

Patton was sitting under the covers on his bed, surrounded by some stuffed animals. He was holding a book in hands and smiled brightly at Virgil, before smiling a bit less brightly at Janus. Virgil went to sit next to Patton, while Janus took a seat on the end of the bed, making sure to face the kid.

“So… I heard you want me to help your cousin read you a bedtime story?” Janus asked, wanting to make sure Patton didn’t change his mind.

“Mhm, Virgil is good at reading, but he can’t do as many voices like my papa can. Virge used to say you liked to act, and I know papa is good at voices because he liked to act too. So I want you to help Virge act.” Patton explained as he handed the book over to Janus.

Janus nodded, hoping he wouldn’t disappoint the kid with his narration as he started to read the book. Janus would read a chapter and then hand it off to Virgil, and the two would switch back and forth. They stopped after getting through 4 chapters, since it was getting late. Virgil gave Patton a hug and made sure the six year old was comfy in bed, before motioning for Janus to follow him out of Patton’s room. Before Janus could leave however, Patton called out to him.

“Thank you for reading to me Janny. You’re a good actor, and you’re much nicer than other zombies. I haven’t had to see any zombies close up before, but papa says they’re scary and dangerous. I thought you’d be, but you’re not, and Virge likes you, since you were holding hands earlier, so I trust you. Can you read to me again with Virge again tomorrow night?”

Janus found himself almost tearing up from happiness at hearing that another important person in Virgil’s life trusted him. Virgil, who was standing behind Janus and heard Patton’s statement, smiled and placed a comforting hand on Janus’ shoulder.

“Yeah, Patton, I can read to you again soon. Good night kiddo.”

“Goodnight.” Patton finally closes his eyes, and Janus and Virgil head back towards their own rooms.

Maybe being honest with Virgil’s family would work out for Janus after all.

———

Janus thought that Patton’s trust in him could possibly convince the child’s father to trust him as well, but Roman would still act cautious around Janus. The creative man would only speak to Janus when necessary, and seemed nervous whenever Patton was spending time with Janus. While Roman wasn’t being outright rude, it still hurt every time Roman avoided or acted uncomfortable around Janus. But Janus guessed he would have to just settle for the way things are; he can’t expect everyone he lives with to like him. Things would change between Roman and Janus though two weeks later.

Patton had caught a bad cold, and was coughing a lot. There wasn’t any cold medicine in the house, so the family had to determine who’d go out to find some. Logan preferred to not get into fights unless absolutely necessary, so he said he’d stay home with Patton. The sick child was clingy with Virgil and asking for stories to be read whenever he woke up from naps, so Virgil was also out of the running. That left Janus and the twins, and Logan said it’d be a good idea to have them go as a group of three since it’s been a while since the family last needed anything from the store they could find medicine in, so having three people around to look out for any danger would be an advantage. Roman seemed unhappy about Janus tagging along, but didn’t say anything, so Janus tried to not let thoughts of Roman’s opinion on him take over his mind.

The twins and Janus head out, each carrying their preferred weapons. Remus’ was his morning star, Roman’s was a handgun similar to Virgil’s, and Janus had his trusty knife. Upon arriving at the store, Remus and Janus went towards the medicine section. Roman said he wanted to look for a stuffed animal to give Patton, to try and cheer the kid up.

Remus and Janus are able to find the medicine they need, and Remus puts the medicine into his backpack. Once that task was done, Remus decided he wanted to go look at the snack aisle. The chaotic man figured he could find some candy for Patton, because if Roman could buy a present for Patton, then Remus might as well do so too. Left alone in the medicine aisle, Janus figured he’d grab some pain relief medicine since it’s good to have in general in case of headaches, which Janus knew Virgil got every so often. After Janus put a bottle of pain relief medicine in his own backpack, he suddenly heard a scream coming from the direction Roman went. Janus immediately took off running towards the noise, pulling out his knife in case he needed to use it.

Janus reached the toy aisle to find Roman backed against a wall, handgun on the floor, and a zombie about to grab Roman by the neck. Janus immediately reacted, rushing forward and pulling the zombie back by the shirt before they could touch Roman, and then stabbed the zombie in the back. The zombie groaned in pain and started to turn around and lash out at Janus, but Janus quickly stabbed them in the chest, and then the head, killing them. The dead zombie fell to the ground, and Janus stared at it, making sure it was truly dead as he caught his breath.

Janus looked back over towards Roman to make sure the older man was okay, and saw Roman had slid down against the wall and was sitting on the floor, his face filled with exhaustion and sadness. The older man seemed to notice Janus was looking at him and spoke.

“I’m sorry, Janus. You saved me, yet I didn’t show you any kindness or trust before. I told myself I wanted to be a hero when the apocalypse started. I moved myself and Patton over to my brother’s home to keep us safer, and to try and provide Patton with some happiness being surrounded by his family. Patt was so scared when the news announced the apocalypse, and for a while I’d have to hug him while he cried himself to sleep. And then I had Virgil to protect too when he came home from your college, heartbroken because he thought you died. So I comforted him the best I could, only for you to eventually show up, clearly not dead and apparently a zombie. So I kept my guard up around you, wanting to make sure I’d be ready if you tried to hurt my son or nephew. But I judged you too quickly, didn’t I? And I couldn’t even protect myself in the end, so what kind of hero am I now?” Roman chuckled self-deprecatingly, and began to silently cry.

Janus was caught off guard by Roman’s sudden show of vulnerability around him, as well as the apology. And hearing Roman’s side of the story made it hard for Janus to be too upset with the older man. Roman was just a father and uncle doing his best to protect his family, and clearly he was overwhelmed by it all but did his best to hide it if his silent cries were anything to go by. Roman may have been unfairly rude to Janus, but the creative man had an understandable reason for doing so. Janus walked closer to Roman and knelt down in front of him, resting a gentle hand on the older man’s shoulder. Roman looked up at Janus, an expression of surprise on his face, clearly not expecting Janus to comfort him in any way.

“I forgive you Roman. I wasn’t mad at you before, just upset that you were so quick to judge and dismiss me. Now that I’ve heard your reasoning, I can understand and forgive you. And I don’t know if you care for my opinion on the matter, but you’re a hero Roman. You brought your son to a safe place when the apocalypse began, and comforted those who needed it. That seems pretty heroic to me. You don’t need to be fighting zombies to be a hero, Roman.”

Roman sniffled and smiled slightly.

“Thanks Janus, I think I needed to hear that.”

Janus smiled and hesitated for a moment before opening his arms to offer a hug, since it looked like Roman could use one. Roman nodded and Janus wrapped him in a hug, and the two stayed like that for a minute before Remus reappeared.

“Hey guys, I got some candy for Patty-cakes! What happened here? And cool, you’re getting along now.” Remus said, smiling at his twin and Janus while somewhat glancing at the dead zombie on the ground.

“Janus saved me from that zombie over there. He was a true hero today.” Roman explained to his twin, smiling at Janus.

Janus smiled back, finally feeling like he was accepted by the Sanders’ family. He couldn’t wait to go back home and tell Virgil about the positive outcome of today.

But first, Janus was asked by Roman to help him pick out a stuffed animal for Patton, so the two chose a plushie snake. Janus felt that this could be the start of a good friendship.

-The End-

————

End Notes: Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed the oneshot, please consider leaving a like, comment and/or reblog. If you’d like to see more oneshots in this au, feel free to let me know.

-Monkey💜

——

Links:

Link to this oneshot on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/63213952

Link to Part 1 of this series: https://www.tumblr.com/monkeythefander/775672892626173952/ill-love-you-even-after-death-fic-summary-after

Link to Part 3 of this series: https://www.tumblr.com/monkeythefander/775921190434914305/cuddles-tattoos-and-hoodies-part-3-of-anxceit

[touchtranscendslanguage]

essentially anxceit week is a way to create short drabbles or art peices based on the prompt voted on. tss-anxceit-week is the new account that you could apply to to find out more. theres a forms on there that explains it better then i have

Sounds like fun, but I'm honestly no good at drabbles, they always turn into longer stories lol. Might be something I'd want to try in the future, but I doubt I'll be participating this year. I'm definitely excited to see what everyone else does, though!

[nandysparadox]

thanks for the tag :D

When did you post your first fanfic?

can't say exactly but 2017! it was a short little thing i posted on amino but it counts XD

First Character you wrote for:

it was an undertale au fic so. frisk i suppose?

Main character(s) you're currently writing for:

roman <333 although i do write from patton and remus' pov often enough 😆

Character(s) you haven't written about before but plan on writing about soon

no current plans in regard to that, I've written about all the sides before i think so all there's left is ts shorts characters

Fandom(s) you're currently writing for:

sanders sides (i might do more for roleslaying with roman in the future though if the mood strikes me)

Platonic pairing(s) you currently write for:

platonic moceit and moxiety are everything to me 💖

Romantic pairing(s) you currently write for:

royality and dukexiety gdkkd im not opposed to writing more ships in the future though, i just haven't got ideas for them (anxceit is the exception 👀)

Your top three tags on AO3 (if you post your works on AO3):

Fluff, Alternative Universe - Human, Hurt/Comfort (same hat !👒)

Your current platform where you post your works:

ao3 and on tumblr !

Snippet of A WIP you're currently working on:

here's a sneak-peek of the next chapter ;)

You’d think that if he’d get one thing right it would be his job, but here they were. Yet again he led Thomas to unachievable goals, chasing dreams he couldn't fulfill. But he supposed that was his role — dreaming, wanting. Falling when unable to reach it, heat on his fingertips when he nearly touched it, ever the Icarus. After all, it was human nature to want, and he’d made up that part.

No pressure tags: @vinbee631, @creativia10, @typically-untypical

❦ ➷ get to know your fellow fanfic writers better ༊ ✧.*

I had fun doing this! ♡

when did you post your first ever fanfic?

January 2017, I think. wow, it’s been 6 years! (no, I’m not giving you my Wattpad username)

first character you wrote for:

Joker. it was during my Wattpad era. I have zero regret, but I’m not giving the link lol

main character(s) you’re currently writing for:

Daniel Harrow & Henry Creel (as in separate fics that aren’t crossover, but wouldn’t it be nice if I wrote a crossover with these two…)

character(s) you haven’t written about before but plan on writing about soon:

Henry Morgan (from Forever tv) !! also, I’d love to write more about Captain Jack Sparrow

fandom(s) you’re currently writing for:

Harrow & Stranger Things

platonic pairing(s) you currently write for:

Daniel Harrow & Simon Van Reyk (Harrow), Henry Creel & Eleven (Stranger Things)

romantic pairing(s) you currently write for:

I know it’s been more than a year since my last update so I can’t say currently, but Loki/Mobius. other than that the more recent one is Will Byers/Mike Wheeler but even then, it’s still rare. so I guess I focus more on writing platonic relationships lately (honestly it just depends on the characters whom my hyperfixation is on and whether their relationship with the other characters is romantic or platonic.)

your top 3 tags on AO3 (if you post your works on AO3):

whump, hurt/comfort & angst

your current platform where you post your works:

tap HERE for my AO3

snippet of the wip you’re currently working on:

should be posted hopefully within the next few days!

But Harrow forced a smile as he greeted Simon with a hug. And when he hugged Simon, his smile became real. And for a moment Harrow could forget the guilt and the shame he carried with him. For a moment, he could really breathe, knowing that Simon was safe. In his arms.

* aka a fix-it fic where Simon lives.

🏷️ no pressure tags at random: @foodiewithdahoodie @queereldritch @bebataylor84 @ohfallingdisco @eddiemunsons-missingnipple @sillylittlerock @jcbbby @maladaptive-jcb @highwarlockofphilly @can-of-pringles @mirilyawrites @chaos-monkeyy @harringroveera @medium-rare-bimbo @deliaqbower @ripcreel @rins-love-wins @okilokiwithpurpose @lokisgoodgirl @loki-is-my-kink-awakening @daddiesdrarryy @loki-hargreeves @zodiyack @cha-melodius @insert-witty-user-name-here @dewdropreader @blackbirdofasgard @mimisempai @underwhelmingalchemist @excusemefangirlhere @abitofboth @worstloki @littlekinng @andiwriteordie @cluelessbees @suzieburself @waroftheposes @drop-of-infinity @bookinit02 @bizarrelittlemew @ghostalservice @pilkingtonian @thefatedthoughtofyou @brbsoulnomming @spooky-brakers @cosmicanamnesis @cranberrymoons @onirislanding @thefreakandthehair @thisapplepielife — if I didn’t tag you and you’d like to join, please do! everybody is welcome

[tss-anxceit-week]

We're already halfway through the week! Time sure flies when you're having fun. Get ready for...

Day 4: 💜 Free Day!* 💛

*As the name suggests, you are free to choose whatever prompt you like on Day 4! Go wild! Need ideas? Perhaps some of these honorable mentions from the submissions can inspire you: Lantern, Denial, Web, Photoshoot, Past/Future, Shedding, Nightfall, Sewing, Capes.

As always, be sure to tag this blog (@tss-anxceit-week) and include the tag #anxceitweek2023 when you post for this event.

Have fun! 💜💛

[edupunkn00b]

Dee, Chapter 7: The Way of Peace

Prev - The Way of Peace - Masterpost - [ AO3 ]

Rated M - CW: vampirism, blood drinking, injuries, brief but graphic description of broken bone, graphic description of reset broken bone, sex referenced/implied - WC: 6979 ---

The monster in the shape of his dead brother twisted back his arm, tearing the tendons and shattering his bones. Geminus cried out and hid further down the dark alley, cradling his arm, fighting to stay conscious against the overwhelming pain as he watched his pack brethren leap down to his defense. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t stop the high pitched whine pushing past the back of his throat. His arm was on fire, every pant jostling the bits of broken bone, jabbing and grinding them into his flesh as his supernatural healing tried to make sense of his injury.

“Logan, Remus, get behind me!” Geminus thought he would be sick. Dracula spoke to its spawn like they were still people, desecrating his brother’s name. He watched from behind the edge of the dumpster, curled protectively around his wounded arm. He’d let down his brethren. He’d let down his pack. He’d jumped too soon. He just couldn’t stop himself. When he saw Dracula’s spawn pass the alleyway, when he saw with his own eyes what they’d done to his brother’s body… a white-hot rage filled his gut and he felt a roar press against his lips and his muscles and bones moved before he could even think.

And now Pathos and Ire were left to take on not three, but four bloodsuckers by themselves. He whined and winced in empathetic pain as he watched Dracula grab Pathos, twisting his fur and throwing him against the dumpster.

Get up, get up, get up, get up! He prayed. Those monsters’ll kill you if you don’t get up! Finally, Pathos shook himself and, glancing quickly in Geminus' direction, let out a low, soothing growl to tell him he was alright, and then he leapt back into the battle.

Outnumbered, Pathos and Ire still fought with everything they had. Ire snarled as he grabbed onto Dracula’s spawn with both paws, ripping and tearing at the monster’s flesh. Geminus cheered with a low growl when Ire managed to almost drive his teeth into the creature’s thin skin, scraping just deeply enough to draw blood and leave behind his venom. If nothing else, that made tonight a victory.

But it wasn’t a fair fight.

Dracula grabbed Pathos and shouted at him, its reptilian yellow eyes filled with animalistic fury. Then the impossible happened. The monster ordered Pathos to stop fighting and he did. Geminus watched, eyes wide, as Pathos froze in Dracula’s grip and changed from his powerful battle form and into his weak, vulnerable human form. By the word of the monster itself.

“Get out of here, now!” Dracula spat its command at Pathos. And he obeyed. Geminus shook his head. This can’t really be happening. Pathos isn’t a traitor. What is he doing? He watched, unable to believe his eyes, as Pathos let the monster wearing his brother’s skin pick up Dracula’s spawn, tossing its body over its shoulder like a sack of meat and retreat back to the sidewalk.

Geminus whined, hoping to draw Ire’s attention. They’re getting away! Quick, bite another

Then the smallest monster grabbed Ire, staring up at him with its tiny, cold blue eyes. “Go!” it shouted and Ire, powerful, strong, fullblood Ire curled in on himself at the words of the weak little bloodsucker and started to shrink down to his human size.

Geminus stared in horror as Ire simply backed away. He didn’t fight back, he didn’t bite, he didn’t even bare his teeth. He just obeyed the filthy little bloodsucker. Geminus whined in pain when Ire grabbed his fur as he passed, dragging him along. They fled down the alley together, following in Pathos’ cowardly steps.

---

Chopin played quietly in the room as Logan and Remus curled together on top of the covers on the bed, sitting up and leaning against the headboard.

Unknowingly, they mirrored Dee and Virgil’s positions downstairs, with Logan nestled against Remus’ side, the other's arm wrapped around his back, hand gently carding through his hair. Logan had taken off his glasses so they wouldn't poke against his skin. He hummed along to the melody, drawing little circles against Remus’ chest.

The music had been Logan’s idea. Sound traveled perhaps a little too well in the penthouse, but the soft piano helped, giving them something to distract their preternatural hearing in order to grant Dee and Virgil some degree of privacy. Even over the music, Logan and Remus were both confident they would quickly hear if Virgil was in distress and needed their help. But as the minutes ticked by and there was no sound above the quiet murmurs muffled by the sonata, the chance that Virgil would need saving grew slimmer and slimmer.

“How much time do you think we should…” Logan finally asked, tilting his head up to catch Remus’ eyes.

He shrugged with a tiny wince. “I’m… I’m not really sure.” Remus started to gnaw at his lip and Logan reached up, tugging it away before he could draw blood. He smiled a thanks and kissed Logan’s fingertips before holding his hand against his chest. “You’ve known Virgil longer. Do you… do you think he would ever go back?”

“To Europe? No. At least I… I don’t think so. His life is here now.”

“To Dee.”

Logan closed his eyes and buried his face against Remus’ chest, rubbing a cheek against his skin. He sank into Remus’ embrace and sighed. “I don’t know.”

Remus nodded, letting his own eyes fall closed as he breathed in the spicy coffee and cedar scent pouring from his sired. He wrapped his arms tightly around Logan, nuzzling against his hair.

“No matter what—” Logan’s voice caught in his throat and he roughly brushed away a tear that escaped his control. He shook his head. “No matter what Virgil decides to do, though…'' Again he looked up at Remus. “I want you and I to always be together. I won’t ever leave you.”

Remus smiled sadly and leaned in to kiss his lips. “Same for you, Love.” Logan reached for Remus’ shoulders, drawing him closer. Remus lifted him up and settled Logan onto his lap, dragging a hand through his hair before cradling the back of his neck and deepening their kiss.

When they finally broke apart, Logan leaned his forehead against Remus’, panting softly. “We could… we could easily get carried away up here.” Remus nodded, turning his head to leave a line of kisses up Logan’s throat and across his jaw. Logan whispered into Remus’ hair. “We should go downstairs to check on them.”

“Hm-hm,” Remus hummed against the other side of his neck, letting his mustache bristle against Logan's skin as he mouthed his soft flesh.

“Soon,” Logan murmured, pressing his body closer.

“Hm-hm,” he replied, slipping his fingers under the hem of Logan's shirt. “Soon….”

---

Later, Remus and Logan slowly opened the door to Virgil’s room, making no effort to quiet the sound of the hinges, and letting the last movement of Nocturne spill softly from the room. Logan called out, just loudly enough to let his voice carry, “Is it… is it alright if we come down?”

Dee’s low chuckle wafted up from where he still sat on the couch, Virgil curled against him, sleeping. “Yes. Yes, of course, please do.” He looked up just in time to catch them as they nodded to each other and, clasping hands, mimicked Dee’s earlier move and leapt over the edge. They landed safely, if not quite as softly as Dee had.

Raising his eyebrow at their exhilarated smiles, he purred. “Is this the first you’ve tried that?”

Logan nodded and tilted his head away, blushing. Remus grinned. “Yeah, it was fucking awesome,” he whispered.

Dee returned his smile. “I… I hope to show you more.” He met their eyes. “Both of you.” Logan and Remus’ smiles shrank as their eyes fell on Virgil and their earlier uncertainty returned.

All three fell silent, watching the gentle rise and fall of Virgil’s breathing. His wounds were completely closed, now just a series of bright red lines drawn across his skin. “I’ll—I'll get him a shirt,” Logan murmured before squeezing Remus’ hand and darting into his room where Virgil still kept a few sets of pajamas.

Remus called quietly over his shoulder. “Juice?”

Logan nodded as he slipped through the door. “Good idea.”

“I’ll be right back,” he said to Dee and left him alone again with Virgil. Remus quickly returned bearing a tray with the bottle of pineapple juice from the refrigerator and four tall glasses. With his shin, Remus nudged the coffee table closer to the couch and set down the tray.

Dee watched Remus as he sat on the floor in front of Virgil and poured the juice. “So, uh… you and Virgil, huh?” Remus murmured in a light voice belied by the shaking in his hands as he filled each glass.

Reaching out, Dee brushed his fingers along Remus’ shoulder. The pitcher slipped a bit from his hand, landing heavier on the tray than he’d intended. Remus turned to face him. “While I realize it was perhaps not solely for our benefit…” Dee glanced up at the bedroom, from which the faint strains of Holst were clearly audible to them through the closed door. “You and Logan do not need to hide away from me. Or ask permission to be here. This is… this is your home.” He looked down at Virgil and brushed a lock of hair from his face. “And your sire. If anything, I am the interloper.”

Remus nodded, eyes still on Virgil's face. "Thanks."

Dee looked down, watching Remus’ calloused hands as he continued to prepare their drinks. “Besides, I… I rather enjoy your company, Remus. I would… welcome the opportunity to get to know you better.”

“Hm,” Virgil grunted against Dee’s shoulder, eyes still closed. “Dee, are you hitting on Remus right in front of me?” He sat up and stretched, wincing against the bright light. He blinked, then smirked at them. “At least wait until I’m awake so I can help.”

Before Dee or Remus could respond, Virgil asked, “Where’s Logan?” as he looked around the room.

“I’m right here, V,” Logan whispered from his doorway, hugging a soft purple fleece against his chest. His voice was rough and eyes ringed in red. Virgil craned his neck and held out his arm.

“My star,” he called, and Logan moved to Virgil’s side, sitting on his knees next to him on the couch and draping his arms around his shoulders.

Logan sighed against him. “You are looking much improved.” He gently prodded the skin around his wounds, smile broadening at their rapid healing. “How are you feeling, though?”

“Much better. Thanks to you.” Virgil cupped Logan’s cheek and dragged his other hand through Remus’ hair before meeting Dee’s eyes. “Thanks to all of you.”

“We’re simply relieved that you are well.” Logan turned his head to kiss Virgil’s wrist. “We know you would have done the same for any of us.”

Remus stroked his thigh. “As you literally already have. And on that note,” He raised his hand with a flourish and twisted to grab one of the drinks on the table. He pressed the cold glass into Virgil’s hand. “Drink. I bet you need it.”

“Thank you, my Prince,” Virgil said, bending down to kiss his forehead and then his lips.

Grinnning, Remus picked up two more glasses, handing one to each Logan and Dee. Logan let his hand linger on Remus’ as he accepted it with a smile and sipped. Dee held his with both hands, inspecting the bright yellow liquid.

“I thought you were only using a euphemism when you suggested ‘juice.’” He looked at Remus. “Surely it’s acceptable to have something with a little more bite at this time of the evening.”

Remus tilted his head at the windows, lips twitching in a barely concealed grin. “The sun is up.”

“Just drink the damn juice, Dee,” Virgil laughed.

Logan chuckled, pushing up his glasses. “Actually, the bromelain enzymes in pineapples are sufficiently strong to break down protein chains into simpler amino acids. In fact, they're a common ingredient in meat tenderizers.” He took another long swig. “In a way, pineapple juice does have a bite.”

Dee merely raised an eyebrow and tilted his head as he sniffed at the glass.

“But that’s not why Virgil likes it,” Remus sang quietly, leaning back against Virgil’s leg, tilting his head to rest on his thigh and wink up at them.

“Oh… Are you referring to the belief that pineapple consumption may have a positive effect on the gustatory perception of”—Logan cleared this throat—”fluids?”

“Bingo,” Remus laughed, chugging half his glass.

“While there is a paucity of true scientific evidence to either support or refute such claims, anecdotal reports”—Logan adjusted his glasses—”seem to support such hypotheses.”

“Yep, Lo's saying it works.” He raised his glass to Dee and waggled his eyebrows.

Dee narrowed his eyes at Remus, then, smirking, clinked their glasses together and took a sip.

Laughing, Virgil stood and picked up the shirt Logan had brought for him. “You are all incorrigible!” Remus shifted when he stood up and, watching Dee out of the corner of his eye, lightly leaned against his knee. Dee let his free hand fall on his lap and rest next to Remus’ shoulder, stroking his skin with the backs of his fingers.

Logan stood, taking Virgil’s glass and setting it down with his own on the coffee table to help when Virgil winced as he stretched his newly healed shoulder. He grinned at him. “Whatever would you do if we were corrigible, V?”

Pulling him closer for a kiss, Virgil murmured against his lips. “I’d be very, very bored.”

---

“Why didn’t you warn us that Drac could enthrall werewolves?” Pathos crossed his arms in front of his broad chest, fighting to keep a calm exterior. He tried to sit at his desk but the shaking restlessness in his legs forced him to his feet and he paced the floor in his small office. Pathos took a few deep breaths. Ire could get away with losing his temper, but he could not.

Ire looked up from where he worked to reset the worst of the fractures in Geminus' arm. They’d waited too long to set it and the bones had healed poorly. “I didn’t think it was real. I thought it was just some trick.” Ire shook his head, growling. “I certainly never thought some pipsqueak little mosquito would be able to do it, too.”

“Well it looks like it can. And if it can do it, any bloodsucker could.” He pounded his fist on the table and the little recruit in the corner edged further against the wall, his uninjured hand gripping his moonstone.

“Oh, Geminus. Nobody's mad at you, Kiddo. Yes, you should’ve waited for the signal, but… I don’t think it would’ve made a difference either way tonight. Not with this new power they have.” Ire looked away.

The room was mostly silent, save Ire’s whispered warning, a sharp, wet snap, and a whine of pain as he broke and realigned the last of Geminus' fractures. Ire growled empathetically, stroking the hair around his ear. Geminus leaned against his hand for a moment, then nodded.

Ire wrapped a splint around his arm, securing it with a long bandage, winding slowly and checking the tension every few turns. Geminus was a particularly active recruit and could not be counted on to remain still long enough for the arm to heal without support.

He kept his eyes trained on the young hybrid’s arm and muttered to Pathos. “I’m not sure how new this power really is. He did this the first time I met him, as well… back when I first started.”

“What!? How could the Carpathian Guild keep this from us?”

“We weren’t sure. The thrall fades with distance and time and by the time I’d returned…” He sighed, helping Geminus adjust the straps on his sling. “We didn’t know if it was just the natural fading… or if it hadn’t even been real. They nearly expelled me over it.”

He stood. “You must understand. That book caused an uproar across Europe. We didn’t want to cause a panic. And we certainly didn’t want to give any of the damned bloodsuckers ideas. We needed to be sure before we raised an alarm. It shouldn’t be possible to enthrall us.”

“Well, clearly it is real.” Pathos growled.

“Why didn’t you come forward, then? Before this? Drac seemed to know you.

Pathos whined in the back of his throat, pacing the room.

“He compelled you not to, didn’t he?” Geminus finally spoke. Pathos lowered his head, curling his back away from the other two. “Did he do the same to you, Ire?”

“No. No, I don’t think so.” They were quiet for a long time, the stench of their fear pheromones stifling in the room.

“We have a real problem if we can’t trust each other.” Pathos finally spoke, looking each of them in the eye. “If we can’t even trust ourselves.” Ire and Geminus nodded, looking down at the floor.

“We're losing this war. We need a new plan.”

---

Laughing, Virgil was bringing the juice tray back to the kitchen when something was slipped under the front door. He set down the tray and picked up a light blue envelope, turning it around in his hands. It was unaddressed and had no postage stamps, adorned only with the Hunter’s Guild seal embossed on the back of the heavy linen paper.

Alerted by his sudden silence, the others gathered around. Dee’s eyes widened when he saw their mark. He rushed to the door, yanked it open and looked down the hall, searching for any evidence of which Hunter had delivered it.

Logan shook his head, staring at the envelope. Remus curled his arm around Virgil’s waist protectively. “We have a private entrance,” Logan said. “They’re trying to scare you by demonstrating they could get in.”

Dee closed and locked the door, scowling.

“There’s only one way to find out what they have to say.” Virgil brought the envelope back to the couch and tore it open. They gathered around him as he read the short letter inside. Remus read over his shoulder. Virgil looked up, eyes wide. “They want a meeting.”

He passed the note to Logan and Dee and they read together, exchanging a quick glance.

“They want to meet tomorrow morning, at the library on Fifth.” Logan’s brow crinkled. “That leaves them very little time to prepare and it’s a true neutral ground. They’d have no advantage.” He turned the letter over in his hands, sniffed it and held it out to Dee. “They’re panicking.”

Dee nodded. “We’ve revealed the Hunters’ quiet shame.”

“I believe you are correct.” Logan frowned at Virgil and Remus. “While Dee was enthralling the werewolves one at a time, they were able to maintain plausible deniability and could perpetuate the myth that the new Hunters could not be enthralled.” Logan returned the letter to Virgil. “But after last night—”

Dee nodded at Logan. “And last night Logan at least partially enthralled a pureblood.” He bowed his head slightly. “That was… impressive,” he murmured. Logan fidgeted with his sleeves, looking away until Virgil stroked his cheek.

“And there was a witness. That other hybrid.” Remus added. “I think I broke its arm.” He grinned wildly. “I sure hope I did.”

“It doesn’t give us much time to prepare, either,” Virgil said, looking down at the letter.

Remus stared at the other three. He shook his head. “We’re not seriously considering answering this creepy-ass summons to some giant library though, are we?”

Logan gestured to the letter. “It’s a safe location.”

“What, the books will keep us safe?” Remus snapped. Immediately he groaned, then moved to sit on the armrest next to Logan and buried his face against his hair. “Fuck, no… I’m sorry, Lo, I—”

Logan turned and tugged him down into a kiss. “It’s alright.” He shrugged. “In a way they will. That library is run by Thecari. It’s neutral ground. The protective spells over the space are there for everyone.”

Remus huffed out a little laugh. “But magic isn’t real…right?”

“‘Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.’” Logan shrugged.

“Bibiliothecari simply use very old ‘sufficiently advanced technology.’”

Logan turned to Dee in surprise. “Are you familiar with them? How old are they?”

"How old are the Bibiliothecari?" He winked at Logan. "Or how old am I?"

Logan shrugged with a smirk.

Dee chuckled. “They were founded after the Library at Alexandria was destroyed. That day made it clear that libraries needed more than the biased and limited protection that a single political leader could provide.”

“Fascinating. What leads you to believe thecariwere a response to the attack on the Library and not a reactionary cause?”

Dee raised an eyebrow and shrugged. “I was there.”

“Really?” Logan leaned in closer to Dee, eyes bright. “So who actuallydestroyed The Library?”

Virgil sat back against the couch and watched Dee and Logan gossip about two thousand year old history. Remus stood, kissed the top of Logan’s head, then brought Virgil another glass of juice. He curled next to him, tucking up his feet and nestling against his shoulder. Virgil wrapped his arm around him and pulled him closer, fingertips brushing up and down his arm.

“They could be at this for a while,” Remus murmured quietly.

Virgil chuckled, “I have no doubt.”

“So you really think this is a good idea?”

Kissing the side of his head, Virgil nodded. “I do.”

Remus sighed against him. “I just…” He gripped Virgil’s hand, holding it against his cheek. “I just don't want you to get hurt again. We… We were so worried about you.”

“I’m right here, my Prince.” He cradled Remus’ chin in his hand and kissed him. “We’ll all be working together and be ready for anything.”

He nodded and snuggled back against Virgil’s side. “So… It looks like you and Dee are… patching things up.”

“How do you feel about that?” Virgil asked, meeting his eyes. “How would you feel if… he was around more? A lot more?”

“Dee’s good in a fight. And now that he’s treating you and Logan better, I won't hafta kick his ass…” His voice trailed off as he watched Dee and Logan talk excitedly over a book, gesticulating wildly. The pair had moved their conversation to the small library in the corner and were flipping through the pages of a giant atlas.

“And, um, he… he’s got the whole sexy nerd thing going on like Lo.” Dee hefted the atlas, lifting it to a high shelf, and the thin, tight material of his borrowed shirt revealed the cut of every muscle in his arms and back. Remus swallowed. “I… I can see the appeal.”

“Good,” Virgil hummed, stroking Remus’ hip. “I think he likes you, too.”

---

The four vampires stood under the arches at the top of the steps of the New York Public Library. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon at their backs but was not yet high enough to breach the skyscrapers along the eastern edge of Manhattan. The street was quiet, dark, and cold. One lone dog walker across the street muttered to themselves—or their pooch—while they huddled against the chill, hurrying back home. The Library would not officially open for several more hours. By then, the building would be crowded with patrons, and tourists, and scholars of all types. At this hour, the doors were ordinarily sealed and locked.

But this morning, they were expected.

After a few moments, two of the Thecari met them at the doors. They entered the darkened building, and their footsteps echoed as they were led through the vast, high-ceiling Rose Reading Hall and back to a secluded study room in the northwest corner of the building. The room was lined with books and journals, and had two broad floor-to-ceiling windows draped in heavy velvet blackout curtains.

A circular conference table sat at the center of the room, its polished surface gleaming in the low light diffused from the sconces along the walls. Several high-backed chairs surrounded the table, providing plenty of seating for their two parties.

“Please make yourselves comfortable,” the one called Gaineamh said. “The others are yet to arrive.”

The one called Ni smiled. “If you need anything, we’ll be here.” Ni looked closely at Dee, then bowed his head, murmuring, “Namal 'an tajlib alsalam maeak alyawm.”

Dee nodded, translating for the others. “Ni hopes we”—Ni’s head shook—”that I brought peace with us today.” He nodded again. “Han waqt alsalam baynana. It is time for peace between us.”

Ni and Gaineamh smiled one more time, then slipped through the heavy door, letting it fall closed behind them. Dee sank into a chair, fingers steepled in front of him. Virgil sat next to him and took his hand. “Did you know them?”

He nodded, swallowing dryly. “They’re older than they look.” He took a deep breath and found a smile. “And a lot stronger. We’ll be safe here.”

Logan and Remus settled into seats on either side of them. “That was a big fucking thing to promise, Dee,” Remus said, tightening his jaw.

Dee took Virgil’s hand and kissed his palm, then held it against his cheek. “Fighting won’t keep you safe. Any of you. Not forever. The Hunters nearly got you last night.” He looked at Logan and Remus. “If there’d been more of them, they would’ve gotten all of you.”

Logan gripped Dee’s shoulder as he searched for words. “We’ve been at war with the Hunters for thousands of years. I’ve been at war with them for thousands of years. They’ve taken enough from me. And I’ve…” He shook his head and blew out a hard breath. “And I’ve taken enough from them. We need to find a better way.” Virgil nodded and reached over to squeeze Remus’ hand. Remus squeezed back.

“By calling for this meeting here," Logan said quietly. "The Hunters appear to have drawn a similar conclusion.”

“Let’s fucking hope so,” Remus said. “I just hope—”

The door opened and they all stood. Ni and Gaineamh led in two Hunters, both in human form.

Pathos entered first, brandishing a large wooden cross as they entered. Dee rolled his eyes. “For fuck’s sake, I was copying scrolls Euclid three hundred years before that god was born.” He snatched the crucifix out of the shocked Hunter’s hands, kissed it, then returned it. “Now will you put it away?”

Pathos exchanged a look with Ire. “So what else do we have wrong about you?”

“What, are we playing I’ll show you mine if you show me yours?” Remus looked around the room. “I suspect there won’t be a whole lotta surprises in here.”

Dee shook his head. “Most of what is in that book you cling to isn’t accurate.”

“Maybe you’d be willing to share your notes with us, then,” Pathos said smoothly, settling into a seat opposite Virgil and Dee.

“I have an annotated copy.” Logan winked at Dee. “I wouldn’t turn down a fact check from another primary source, though.” Virgil chuckled into his hand.

Ire remained standing. “If you think I’m going to sit down with Vlad the Impaler and chat, you all must be out of your mind!” He crossed his arms in front of himself and glared at Dee.

“You do realize we were different individuals, don’t you? I was born over eighteen centuries before Vlad Țepeș.”

“Then why did people call you that?”

Dee rolled his eyes. “Oh, sweetie. Ever heard of a double entendre?” After a second, Remus threw his head back and laughed. Virgil just lowered his head and tried to hide his smile. Ira growled and shook his head at the same moment that Logan met Virgil’s eyes, one eyebrow raised.

Pathos shook his head. “I really don’t see anything funny about torture.”

Ira scoffed and leaned over to whisper in Patton’s ear. His jaw dropped. “Why—why would you let people call you that?”

“What people? It was a phallic joke made in poor taste by one vampire in Styria over five hundred years ago. I didn’t think it would evolve to the point that anyone was actually foolish enough to take it literally.”

“I have some bad news for you about that word, then,” Ira muttered. Logan chuckled and quickly covered his mouth.

“Fine, I’ve heard enough.” Pathos nodded at Ni. “It’s safe for the kid. Can you let in Geminus?” He scoffed at Virgil’s raised eyebrow. “What, you, thought we’d walk in here that badly outnumbered?" He shook his head. "We just protect our young ones,” he snarled at Logan and Remus.

The third Hunter stepped through the door and Remus’ jaw dropped. “Ro? What are you doing here?”

“How dare you say his name, bloodsucker!” Pathos jumped to his feet and snarled. Ni and Gainaemh raised their hands and a gossamer veil slid down, splitting the room in half. Both sides found they could not cross to the other half of the table.

Remus barely noticed, eyes fixed on his twin’s face. “Wh—what?” He shook his head. His eyes finally landed on the cotton sling strapped over his chest, his broken arm immobilized. “Wait, Ro… You’re the one who attacked us?”

“You do not have permission to call him that.” Ire growled, standing between him and the others. “He is called Geminus.”

Logan’s eyes jumped between the brothers. “Twins,” he whispered.

“Oh, Patton, really!” Dee rolled his eyes. “They are clearly brothers. Look at them!”

“Enough!” Virgil raised his hands at right angles in an eerie imitation of the Thecari. Everyone fell silent and Ni and Gaineamh nodded, then backed out of the room. “Between all of us, we all know each other's real names. I’m Virgil, this is Logan, and Remus, and this is Dee.”

Dee nodded across the table at Pathos and Ire. “And you are Patton, and Luka.”

“And my brother is Roman,” Remus added quietly, staring across the table at Roman’s injured arm.

“You’re not my brother, bloodsucker. I know what happened to him. My friend Marcus told me where he saw you, impersonating him. You had him fooled at first, too, until we could educate him. My brother died and you’re just walking about in his skin.”

“Ro. No, it’s me.” He shook his head. “Virgil saved me. How else could I know your name, Geminus?”

“You could’ve just enthralled him and compelled him to tell you his true name.” Luka sneered at Dee. “It’s how Drac learned ours.”

“Fine!” Remus stepped as far around the table toward his brother that he could within the bounds of the Thecari’s spell. “Ask me something only I would know. Where did we grow up? Who was your first crush? Why did—”

“Okay, bloodsucker, you wanna play?” Roman glared at him. “If you’re really my brother, tell me how you got the scars on your back.”

Remus froze. His eyes darted over to Virgil and Logan. His voice shook as he mumbled, “Please don’t ask me that, Ro.”

“Why? Because you don’t know?”

He stepped a little closer, whispering to his twin as he glanced again at the others. “No, I just—”

“Speak so we can hear you,” Patton demanded. “No parlor tricks today, bloodsucker.”

Remus shifted his weight from side to side and he shook out his hands. Virgil was closest to him and tried to stand behind him, but the spell blocked his path. “I got hurt. And had to go to the hospital. We told mom and dad how we were playing on the fire escape. I fell.”

Roman shook his head, turning back to the Hunters. “He's a fake.”

“Okay, wait.” He hung his head and hugged himself. “I jumped out of the car when Dad was driving.”

“Yeah? And?”

“And when I told the truth at the emergency room, Mom and Dad said I was lying to get attention. I had to stay in the “behavioral health” unit for two weeks until I changed my story.”

Roman shook his head but didn’t turn away. “That’s all in my brother’s hospital records." Luka and Patton growled to each other, muttering. "You could have wormed your way into someone’s mind there and just—”

“I jumped because I thought it was the only way to make sure you wouldn’t crash when you got your permit." The room fell silent. Remus wouldn't look at anyone. "Then they sent me back when I punched Coach Greaves for poisoning your athletic tape. And then again—" he voice failed and he tried to catch his breath, squeezing his hands into fists.

After a minute, he continued. "And then again when I attacked your biology professor so he couldn't dissect you in class.” He rubbed his arms. “By then I’d graduated to the adult ward.”

Remus finally met his brother’s eyes. “The last time you saw me was right before I got out and I showed you the bruises I got for talking in my sleep.”

“My brother never told anyone else why he did all that.”

“Yeah, I know.” Remus whispered as he stared at the floor. “That's ‘cause it’s really me, Ro.”

Remus looked up and saw Roman was crying. Roman stepped forward, meeting Remus at the centerline of the room. He pulled Remus toward him with his unbroken arm and cried against his shoulder. “It really is you. I thought you were dead, Re. It's why I…” he tugged at his moonstone Hunter necklace.

“That’s what I’ve been telling you, dumbass." He sniffled. "I’m just different now… like you.” He smirked. “Just… I won’t need a flea bath every night.”

Roman laughed out a little sob. “Yeah ‘cause you’re the flea.”

Wiping his tears with one hand, Remus pressed the other against his chest. “Excuse you, I am not a flea. I am a sparkly sexy vampire, thank you very much.”

“Oh, shut up,” Roman muttered and hugged him again.

Luka plopped into a chair and propped his feet on the table. He growled, “This is all very touching, but how do we know he hasn’t just enthralled you?”

Patton stood next to Luka. “Geminus,” he called. Dee cleared his throat, eyebrow raised and Patton rolled his eyes. ”Roman, come here.”

Roman hugged Remus one more time, “We're gonna figure this out.” Remus nodded and waited for his brother to return.

“Remus?” Virgil’s voice was quiet and just behind him. The spell had let him take another step forward, but he still couldn’t get close enough to touch him. “Remus, what did you think would happen if you told us?”

“I—I didn’t want you to be afraid of me.” He shrugged. “Most people were, when they’d heard where I'd been.”

“Oh, my Prince,” Virgil held out his arms and Remus fell into them. Virgil rubbed his back and whispered in his ear.

Logan and Dee approached. Logan kissed the top of Remus’ head where it rested against Virgil’s shoulder. “We love you, Remus. Nothing could ever stop that.”

Dee pulled Virgil aside, so Logan sat with Remus at the table, speaking quietly. Dee crossed his arms, watching the Hunters speaking together, communicating mostly with growls and pheromones to prevent the vampires from listening in. “Any guesses on what they’re saying?”

Virgil shook his head. “None. Let’s be ready for anything.” He stood a little closer to Dee. "I'm really glad you're here."

Dee smiled as ran his hand down Virgil's spine and whispered, "Me, too, Dragă."

Logan held Remus’ hand and turned their seats to face the windows, their backs to the Hunters. Dee and Virgil stood between their chairs and the border of the spell. Logan whispered, “That’s why you went looking for someone to turn you. You’d heard it cures schizophrenia.”

“Yeah. It was a popular rumor back in the hospital. I thought it was better than going back. But how…?”

He shrugged with a little smile. “There are several documented cases in the literature.”

Remus cupped Logan’s cheek, chuckling. “I should’ve expected you to know about it. Is there anything you don’t know?”

Logan kissed him and covered Remus' hand, pressing his palm closer to his cheek. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“Oh! That’s just sappy enough to work,” Remus laughed lightly, kissing him back. Then they turned and waited for the Hunters' next move.

---

“For heaven’s sake, Ira, how can I prove to you that I’m not enthralled?” Roman flung his arm in the air, growling softly.

“We can’t prove a negative. That’s part of why we’re here.” Patton scowled and scratched the back of his neck. “We can’t even tell when one of us has been compromised.”

“Well, there must be something,” Luka insisted.

Roman leaned back in his chair. “I dunno… tell me to do something you think he wouldn’t want me to do.”

“Punch him,” Luka shrugged.

“What? I don’t wanna hit my brother.”

Luka waved a hand dismissively. “He’s a bloodsucker. He’ll heal. Punch him. That or we walk. This isn’t getting us anywhere.”

“Well, we started at zero,” Patton sighed. “We can’t win this war. The vamps have nukes and we’ve got wooden stakes.”

“But the toxin—” Luka started to insist.

Patton shook his head. “Virgil’s right there. Look at him, Ire. The toxin doesn’t work.” Patton growled low in his throat. “Go on. Geminus, go do it.”

Roman sighed heavily and walked up to the border as far as he could. It wasn’t as close as last time. “Remus? Can you step forward?”

Nodding, but noticing the change in the border on his side, Remus stepped close enough to touch his brother.

“Remus… I’m really sorry,” Roman muttered and he swung back and socked him in the mouth. With a layered growl that shook the windows, Logan, Virgil, and Dee leapt to their feet and tried to force their way to the brothers.

“I’m alright, I’m alright, I’m alright.” Remus stood up, waving his arms and wiping away his blood with the back of his hand “Don’t touch him! Don’t do anything!” Remus shouted. “What the fuck, Ro!?”

“I’m sorry, Re. They needed to see that I wasn’t in your thrall.” He stretched his hand across the border. “Call it even for the arm?”

Remus scowled but he shook his brother’s hand. “Even.”

“Satisfied?” Roman asked, glaring at Luka and Patton.

They growled quietly to each other. “Fine.”

“Shall we sit?” Virgil said. Everyone found seats around the table again. Roman and Remus sat next to each other, Remus next to Virgil and Roman next to Patton, linking the opposing sides. They all noticed at the same time that the table had also shrunk, leaving only seven chairs around it. There was was a gap at the side opposite the brothers, where the border separated Logan and Luka.

“It appears as though the Thecari believe we’re ready to begin.”

---

Two hours later, all the sides could negotiate was a temporary truce until they met again in two weeks.

“We will enforce our side,” Virgil said. “But we need Emile’s and other meeting places to be safe zones.” Patton sighed but nodded once in concession. “And you need to tell us who’s your mole there.”

Patton looked at Roman. He nodded rapidly. “It was Marcus.” Patton sighed. “And Yann. but you took care of him”—he eyed Remus—”for other reasons.”

“And did you really execute all of my Hunter contacts?” Virgil asked.

Patton and Luka growled to each other. Finally, Luka shook his head. “They were ordered to stand down but they’re fine.” He glared at Dee. “We were just trying to get Drac here.”

Ni and Gaineamh slipped into the room. Ni looked at both sides of the table, gaze lingering on the twins. “You have made more progress today than you realize. Lilsalam.”

“To the peace. Lilsalam,” Dee answered as Ni and Gaineamh led them out.

---

After an abbreviated visit to Emile’s to spread news of the agreement—and to allow the younger vampires a much-needed chance to feed—the four returned to the penthouse, exhausted. With a pointed look at Virgil, Logan and Remus excused themselves to prepare for bed upstairs.

“You’ll be needed upstairs, as well, Dragă.” Dee stroked Virgil’s cheek as he looked up at the bedroom door as it closed. “They—they might not admit it, but they’ll need you tonight.”

Virgil nodded and started to turn toward the stairs.

“Before you—I—I need to…” Virgil looked back at Dee, brow furrowed at his tone. He swallowed hard, his sarcastic charm dissolving. “Your forgiveness means so much to me.” Dee shook his head and took Virgil’s hands, pressing them against his lips. “You really do carry a part of me with you. Right there.” He placed his palm flat against Virgil’s chest. “And I am so grateful that you have been able to grow and….” He exhaled and tried again.

“I'd thought… when all this is done and I go home, I was going to ask you to come with me, Dragă. So we could be together, but—” His voice broke and his eyes trailed upstairs. “I'm part your past. The rest of your world… the rest of your life is waiting for you up there.”

Virgil took Dee’s hand and held it tight. He nodded, brushing away a tear that stole down Dee's cheek. “I’ve already lost one family because of you, Dee. I cannot lose another.”

Dee's mouth trembled as he pressed his lips together and he nodded. "Of course," he managed. He turned away and began to leave. Virgil wouldn’t let go of his hand.

“So stay with us, Dee.”

Dee turned around and held his breath, afraid to speak, afraid to make a noise that might break this spell and wake him. “They’re falling for you, too," Virgil said, grasping his other hand. "You don't need the thrall to be… needed.”

“You'd still want me… Even… even after everything I’ve done?” Dee whispered, eyes filled with tears.

Virgil pulled Dee close, hands tangled in his hair as he captured his mouth in a kiss. Dee hummed happily and opened his mouth, bottom lip grazing Virgil’s teeth, tongue darting out. Finally, Virgil broke away and whispered against his neck. “You said you’d always be with me.” His teeth brushed against his ear. “So prove it.”

Dee melted into Virgil's arms as he kissed him again, the soft, familiar taste of his mouth and skin bringing back a long-dead warmth in the center of chest. He drove his hands through Virgil's silky hair, letting his fingers trail down over the back of his neck. He began to float, tethered only by Virgil's mouth, the feel of his skin, and the salt of his own tears. Suddenly he leaned back, looking into Virgil’s eyes. “Dragă, but are sure they'll want me—”

“So are you two coming up here or do we have to come down there?” Dee and Virgil looked up at the balcony and saw Logan and Remus, arms linked as they leaned over the railing, grinning. Remus winked. “I gotta warn you, though, the bed downstairs is a lot smaller than the one up here.”

---

"Hey, Lo…" Remus whispered as he drew his arms low around his hips, fingers splayed against the small of his back. "They caught that I said come upstairs right?" Logan laced his fingers behind the back of his head, lightly scratching his scalp. He pulled Remus close and chuckled against his lips, "Oh, yes, Remus, they definitely did." "Good, 'cause if not, I could always just say we're all gonna go fu—" Logan crashed their lips together in a hungry kiss as they waited for Virgil and Dee to join them.

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