#i'm sorry if it seems out of the blue of me to drag thomas into this lol he's my main route that's why i remember

[idk-i-want-mcl-content]

poor roy

[peppermintquartz]

Internet hug because this kind of sucks! If you would like:

Buck doesn't let Tommy just break up with him without a fight and they have an actual discussion about why Tommy can't be Buck's first And his last.

Buck remains frozen in his chair until the door clicks shut, at which he leaps up and yanks it open.

The force which he uses must have surprised Tommy, who is just a few steps away in the corridor.

"Don't you dare leave," Buck snaps out and grabs the older man's wrist. His vehemence catches Tommy off guard too, it seems, because Tommy lets him drag them back inside the loft without any resistance.

Once they're inside, Buck shuts and leans his back against the front door.

"Buck-"

"Evan! I am Evan to you," Buck corrects. His voice is frantic, nearly angry. Good. He is caught between fury and desperation anyway. "And you don't get to tell me how I may feel in the future. Like I can't tell you how you may feel in the future." He gulps. "We're first responders, Tommy. We may die on our next shifts. Can you predict that? Or maybe, maybe you get in your truck, and the next thing you know, some idiot SUV crashes into you. Or this building collapses."

Tommy makes an abortive motion to move forward but stops. "Buck-"

"Call me that again and I will hit you, I swear to God," Buck snarls. He's fighting back tears. "You know why I let you call me Evan."

"Because that's how you introduced yourself to me," Tommy said quietly.

Buck takes three strides forward and grabs Tommy by his shirt to pull him close. "Because I love you!"

It's the first time he's said it.

It feels right. It feels like fire and it feels like comfort and it feels like home.

"I, Evan Buckley, love you, Tommy Kinard, and I want this relationship with you to be my forever," he declares, staring right into Tommy's storm-blue eyes. When Tommy averts his gaze, Buck cups his cheek and makes direct eye contact again. "What are you really afraid of, Tommy? Because I know that your breaking up with me isn't because you're afraid of breaking your heart." He swallows, his throat already in pain. "Because your heart is breaking right now, and mine as well."

Tears are racing down both their faces. Tommy licks his lips and shudders as he bows his head. "I'm sorry. It's just... I told myself, I was moving at your pace, and I really thought I was ready, but now, it's so fast, and I'm not sure I can be what you want, Evan. I don't know if I can be what you want, and I don't want to fall short and be told I'm not good enough, not again-"

Buck kisses Tommy quiet. It feels exactly as it should. Like this is what their lips are made for.

"Thomas Kinard," Buck whispers, "you silly, stupid, self-sabotaging man."

"Evan..."

Leaning his forehead against Tommy's, Buck continues, "You worry you're not enough? I worry I'm too much. Don't you see? We're meant for each other. We complement each other, Tommy, in our strengths and our flaws, and you're enough for me, okay? You're who I want. You are who I need. You are. You take care of me the way I need to be, you let me be who I am, late night research and curses and eulogies to a dead dude and everything, and I honestly forgot where I was going with that, except that I don't want you to walk out of my life just because some voice in your head tells you a lie."

He stops talking. He's still cupping Tommy's face, still breathing his air.

Tommy nudges his nose against Buck's. "You really want me?" His voice is small, nervous.

"Yes, you idiot. Which part of 'I love you' are you not hearing? I love you, I am in love with you."

Another tremble shake through Tommy's frame, and he places his hands on Buck's waist. "I love you, Evan. I'm in love with you." He sniffles, and then chuckles damply. "God. We're both so snotty and gross right now."

"And whose fault is that?" Buck teases, his voice nasal and his throat sore. He slides his hands down, face to jaw to neck to broad shoulders. "You don't have to move in. But stay, okay? I need you to stay. To choose me. Not the lying liar in your brain."

"I'll stay. I'll stay until-"

"There is no until." Buck is adamant. "It's you, Tommy."

Tommy nods, smiling, and then huffs a short laugh. "Actually, you should move in with me. I have way more space than you, and a car lift and a Muay Thai setup. Eddie will kill me if I give all that up for this place."

"Can't have Eddie killing the man I love now." Buck brushes his nose along the side of Tommy's. "Okay. I'll move in with you."

Tommy kisses him, this time lingering, an unspoken question. Buck smiles into the kiss, and leads Tommy up the stairs to the bed.

[justrainandcoffee]

Invaluable (Alfie Solomons x fem!oc) Part 1 of 2.

Summary: A series of events that led to Alfie to make the decision that he wanted a Russian necklace for his wife, even when it wasn't part of the initial agreement with Thomas Shelby. Bad ideas usually meant bad decisions. Especially if anger is in the way.

Warnings: Mentions of antisemitism. Mentions of miscarriage. Mentions of killing. And believe it or not, this contains smut. || It was going to be a fluff fic but watch me writing an angst story instead.

Words: 2.7k

Alfie x Rose masterlist

1924.

4pm. Monday.

"Fuck me."

Tommy stopped his car when he saw another one in middle of the road to the Russians' place. It was red and was horizontally parked preventing anyone to pass beyond that point.

"You think is one of their cars?" John asked.

"No. This is another kind of problem."

The three men got out of the vehicle and walked towards the woman, one that the two eldest brothers knew well, and who was also opening the door of her red car.

"Good afternoon, Tommy, Arthur… and you must be the youngest of them" She said looking at the third one.

"I am whoever you want me to be, sweetheart. Who are you?"

"John, don't." warned Arthur not looking at her. "Don't. She…"

"Great, John," she interrupted "Call me Mrs. Solomons."

"Oh, fuck. I'm sorry, Mrs. Solomons. Shit, I didn't know… I'm sorry."

Arthur could have teased his younger brother because his cheeks were red, but he didn't dare to talk and John avoided any visual contact. The only one who seemed to be unimpressed by her presence was the leader. Although he had questions.

"What are you doing here, Mrs. Solomons?" finally Tommy said. "This is enemy land."

"And yet, you dragged my husband here, Thomas. But first, I want to give you my condolences personally not just by the letter Alfie sent. I can't know what are you feeling, and I don't want to know either, but it must be very hard to lose your partner. So, I'm really sorry, especially because the circumstances. How's your boy?"

"Thanks, Mrs. Solomons. Charlie is just a baby, he'll be fine."

Rose nodded. Obviously he didn't want to talk about that, and she wasn't his friend either so she answered his question "I'm here because you put a bomb inside that fucking house."

"Not yet."

"You did. Alfie is the bomb. One of the first rules to know about him is: Never put Alfie near a Russian, Mr. Shelby. Never. I'm not going to give you a historical speech about antisemitism and how the tsar loyalists were after my people. We jews, we've been killed, tortured by these fucking Russians. But Alfie, more than me, takes this in a personal way because his mother was a victim of these fuckers. Do you think he accepted your deal because of money? Because of friendship? No. He did it to fuck with them. Because you gave him the opportunity Alfie never had: Avenge his mom. He shits on the money you can offer him. But not on this chance… you didn't know, did you?"

Tommy shook his head.

"You know now. If Alfie sees the opportunity, he'll smash the head of Romanov with his own hands and prepare a sandwich with his brain. Now, you are going to prevent that."

"He won't do that."

"No? Go ahead to the fucking meeting then and then tell me what happened," Rose said "you don't know him as you think you do, Tommy. But I do. I know what his mother meant to him and I know if he has the slightest opportunity, he'll take it because that's something Alfie does very well. He's an opportunistic bastard and I'm married to him."

"Tommy," Arthur dared to say looking at his pocket watch "we're going to be late…"

"Shup up, Arthur. I know" he said without looking at his brother. His blue eyes were on the woman in front of him "Tell me your conditions, then."

"I have no conditions. I'm not involved in Alfie's business, but if something happens to him then you're going to be responsible for it. Alfie is a fucking bomb and you put him there." Tommy saw how she took off one of her rings and offered it to him "give this to Alfie. He doesn't know I'm here, but he'll know if he sees it. Alfie could never do something stupid if he knows I'm here."

Tommy examined the ring. It was a silver delicated rose but quite simple. "He gave it to me when we were 15," Rose said with a nostalgic smile "it was the first nice thing he bought to me. It's a trinket but it holds an invaluable meaning. You don't want Alfie ruining your business, I don't want him being killed because he lost control, that's the only condition I have. You're smart enough to make him understand without being explicit. I'll move my car and you can go."

John and Arthur returned to their car and Rose went to hers. Soon, the road was free again.

"Tommy," she said one last time, rolling down the window "if something happens to Alfie, I'll kill you."

.

5 pm to 6 pm, Monday.

"I don't think they trust me, Tommy," Alfie said as soon as he and Tatiana Petrovna crossed the door. The newcomer saw his colleague with his hands tied up but the Russian aristocrat seemed to be ready to free him.

"Mr. Solomons is the only jeweller I trust in London," Tommy said looking at Leon Petrovich Romanov who indeed cut the ropes.

"Yes, trust. Yes. Might've to add that on the ol' invoice." Alfie said and Tommy perceived his humour changing. In his pocket was the ring that Rose had given him.

"As we agreed, your jeweller will now select items to a total value of 70,000," Tatiana spoke. "When you have selected your chosen items they'll be put into a box and stored. When you fulfilled your part of the deal, the box will be delivered to you."

Alfie and his monologue didn't surprise Tommy but when Romanov tried to outsmart him and Alfie revealed that he spoke Russian thanks to his mother Tommy had to intervene.

"Mr. Solomons," he said putting a hand on his broad shoulder when his grumpy expression seemed to be scaring the Russian. "I found this ring in the way, I think it's yours. It's the one you told me it's invaluable, isn't it."

Alfie's expression changed when Tommy gave the ring to him.

"Where? Tommy, where did you find this?"

"Outside. Coming here. Is it yours, right? Your rose."

Both men stared at each other and Alfie sighed, before putting the ring in his pocket.

"My rose, yes. My Rosie" Alfie finally said and then clapped his hands looking at the Russians again. "…but today it's for forgiveness, innit?"

The selection didn't take long, but was enough for Alfie to choose the best ones, including a gift from the tsar Nicholas himself and a Fabergé. And to make Petrovich Romanov shit on his pants once again after Alfie discovered a fake necklace among the real ones.

Despite Tatiana's attempt to put Alfie away from her family as quickly as possible, Tommy found a moment to speak to him when both men went out where Alfie's chauffeur was waiting for him.

"Where's she?"

"Less than an hour ago from here," Tommy replied pointing to the East. "Take care of her, Alfie. She loves you."

"Yeah. I know, Tommy. I know. The hell she's doing here, I told 'er to stay at home."

"You know her better than me, Alfie. If you're in trouble she's there to take care of you."

"Yeah. That's her. Go inside, they're waiting for you. Enjoy the orgy, Tommy."

"Do you want to stay?"

"Are you inviting me to fuck, Thomas?" Alfie said and chuckled "Nah, mate. I've my sweetheart waiting for me. And I fucked Romanov enough today. Be careful with the Russians."

"I will."

.

Tommy was right. Her red car was parked under some trees when Ishmael reached the spot where she was waiting for Alfie. The sun was already hiding and everything around them was illuminated under a the last gold rays of sunshine.

"Just go to London leave the car in the distillery. Me and my wife we're going later in hers."

"All right, Mr. Solomons."

As soon as Alfie opened the door, she ran towards him and he caught her in the air. He held her against his body and between his arms, at the same time that Ishmael left them alone.

"Are you fine?" she asked, stroking his beard. "I was so worried."

Alfie kissed her. "Shit, Rosie… I'm fine, luv. I'm fine. I fuckin' told ya to stay at home, luv. Didn't I? These fuckers…"

"I couldn't. No when I knew you were going to lost your mind. I was afraid of what you were going to do."

"And you were ready to put yourself in danger for me."

"Alfie, you're becoming reckless when it's about Tommy. I'm fucking scared all the time when he calls you because I don't know where's this going. I shouldn't be scared of losing you. Not you, too…"

Rose bit her lower lip and looked down. After losing their baby two years ago, the idea of suddenly being alone forever became a constant fear in her life. And Alfie being an associate of Thomas Shelby who was always playing with his life, didn't help her at all. Rose preferred the times when Sabini was the biggest menace in Alfie's life and not a bunch of Russian aristocrats who hated jews and could kill him in a minute.

"You're not going to lose me, Rosie. Listen to me, I'm not going to leave you. This is are just business, just business, sweetheart."

"Come on, you know I'm not going to believe that bullshit. I'm not a brainless wife who believes her husband lies, Alfie, and you should know better than this. These are fucking dangerous people and Tommy invited you to play a Russian roulette with them and you accepted. The question is, Alfie, who's going to receive the bullet?"

"Not me."

"I hope not. Because I'm going to end up in hell but first I'm going to kill everyone involved in this shit. And do you know who's the first in my list?"

He nodded "won't be necessary, Rosie, I swear. I promise. Let's go home, yeah? Let's rest."

Alfie took her hand and kissed it. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Al."

"You're calling me Al again. Am I forgiven?"

She couldn't help but laugh. "I don't know. Do something for me and maybe I can consider it."

"I know what to do," he said walking to her car, still holding hands with her. "It's dark already. We're alone… The Russians organised an orgy, ya know?"

"They invited you?"

"No. But we can have our own orgy in your car."

"It doesn't exist such thing as an orgy between a married couple, Al."

"It is when the matrimony is us. We value the double, sweetheart."

"Poet Solomons," she said, opening the door at the same time Alfie was taking off his coat.

Monday-10 pm.

The car's windows were foggy, witnesses of the passion inside it.

The moon owned the sky for the last hours and there was nothing nor no one interrupting them.

After the first encounter hours ago, they fall asleep in the backseat but everything started again when Alfie woke up and saw his wife sleeping on him.

Her mouth slightly open and her calmed breath, caressed his chest. Alfie couldn't help but stroke her bare back and slid his fingers through it until he reached her butt. How many times in his life she slept like that on him, and yet, never he got tired of her? Hundreds. Maybe thousands.

He moved his head a little and kissed her hair.

"Do you want to go home?" she asked him still with her eyes closed.

"I'm fine here."

"Okay," Rose settled herself closer to him and put one of her arms around his body. "Do you remember when I used to enter your house through the window at midnight?" she asked and although it was dark and couldn't see her, he could feel her smiling.

"I always suspected my mother knew."

"It's not like we were the most subtle people on Earth either, Al. We thought we were. Even my little brother knew I escaped almost every night to see you."

Alfie smiled, too "And you're still escaping from home to see me. Some things never change."

"Except that I'm adult now and none can stop me."

"I love you. I really do, Rosie."

Alfie sat on the seat and carried her with him. His wife ended on top of him facing him.

"Did they hurt you somehow?" she asked touching her face with her fingertips. Alfie shook his head.

"They didn't."

She kissed him. Rose wasn't sure that if even Alfie knew he was ready to kill anyone who dared to hurt him. That life, another one, in other universe… it didn't matter. She'd kill for him and it wasn't just a saying.

A moan of satisfaction escaped from her lips when she felt him entering into her.

"Alfie…" she said against his mouth.

That was her love. The only person in her whole existence that she allowed to touch her. Just him. Where Alfie made the life of the rest of humanity complicated, everything was easier for her if he was with her.

Alfie pushed his hips against her to deepening his thrusts. He still felt angry with the Russian man and his fucking family. All the same shit.

He put his hands on her hips, he didn't want to hurt her, but his frustation and anger were making him more aggressive, but she knew it and also increased her rhythm and friction. Rose wasn't happy either after all.

Alfie closed his eyes and threw his head back and felt her clutching around him.

"Fuckin' hell, Rosie. Just don't stop… don't."

"I'm not planning to."

They kissed and Alfie embraced her tightly against him. Both bodies moving like one nonstop. He could feel that after few minutes she was slowing her movements and put her on the backseat. He settled on top of him and took the control the last moments together.

"Al… hell, faster."

And he did it. It didn't take her long after that to cum and felt her whole body relax once she did it. Alfie did the same few seconds after her.

"We need to use your car more often," he said looking at her with a smile.

"I can't agree more," she kissed him again, but both of them, definitely more relaxed. "I love you, Al."

"I love you more, sweetheart."

They returned to London about an hour later when she felt her strength return to her legs. Both of them slept the rest of the night until late morning.

Tuesday. 11:30 am.

"That was not part of the deal, Alfie."

Tommy was in his office when his friend called.

"It is now, Thomas."

"You can go to any jewelry in fucking London and buy her the necklace she wants, two of them. The whole fucking jewelry in fact."

"That's not the point. I want one of those."

"Jesus. Fuck, Alfie. Do you know what are you asking me, right? If they know…"

"They won't. That princess Tatiana Petro-bitch or fuck whatever her name is, she's nuts as hell. She didn't even know that fuckin' treasure, right, they've there."

"The answer is no, Alfie, I can't. You'll have your money, give me that fucking list of people who could want the Fabergé and it's over. Buy her the most precious necklace you can find there."

"The initial agreement is still on, Tommy. It's just a fucking necklace."

"I know you're mad. I understand the Russians made your mother suffer, I know. But... No.

"Your answer is no? Then I'll find other methods. She deserves it."

"Alfie…"

"Goodbye, Tommy."

Tommy rubbed his face when Alfie ended the call. His life was already a mess and had the sense that it was only the beginning.

In his house, Alfie looked through the window. Rose never asked him anything but after watching the tsar loyalists covered in diamonds had the feeling that his wife deserved it more than them.

And blind and furious as he was with the Russians, he didn't know it yet, but the new alliance he was going to make it was going to end very bad.

Alfie grabbed his cane and went to see the priest.

---

PART 2 FINAL

[rurpleplayssims]

Meanwhile, Noah spies a fellow Zombie walking past their home and he decides to greet him.

"Hey Thomas!"

"Hey zombie" Thomas said good-naturedly, and Noah grins back.

He likes Thomas; he seems quite fatherly to him and Noah cannot help but wonder if he and Althea would be his adoptive-parents.

He wonders if that's weird or not.

He hopes not, he means they'd be ideally suited together.

His own parents never really had time for him. Jasper was always being told off for sneaking out, and Phillip was the model son that his parents wished was the elder.

And Noah? Well he was smart, shy and was quite an introvert.

It was a big enough achievement for him to voluntarily greet a neighbour outside to be honest.

His progress in regard to his social skills was coming along nicely since they'd moved here. Noah loved the quiet and the stunning scenery around them.

He still didn't have his desired telescope yet unfortunately.

Jasper might just kill him next time if he mentions it.

"How are you?" he asked, remembering what social questions to ask.

Silences with him could be awkward.

Thomas seemed deflated, his shoulders were hunched and his eyes seemed darker than usual. Noah knew his zombie eyes looked like that when he was either sad, tired or both.

Thomas shrugged "Same old. Trying to not think of certain memories, is all. Walking normally clears my head."

"And did it?"

Thomas shrugs again. "Yes and no."

"Want to talk about it?"

Thomas sighs.

Oh crap, did I go too far?

"Sorry" he hastens to say but Thomas smiles reassuringly and stops his apologies.

"It's a long story" he explains. "and whenever I think of it, it reminds vividly of something I can never have."

"Oh" Noah says, having no idea what to say next.

An awkward silence begins and Noah feels his palms begin to sweat.

"Don't worry" Thomas says, saving Noah from the daunting prospect of breaking the awkwardness.

"I'm probably having a blue day."

"A what?" Noah asks, intrigued.

"A blue day" Thomas explains, patient as ever which Noah appreciates.

"I use the phrase to describe it when I cannot lift my mood no matter how hard I try. Sometimes I just have to let it wash over me."

"Some blue days drag on longer than a day however..."

[mother-snake]

Me? Sending a second ask in the same day? Impossible. Yes I'm hurting the nope rope again.

So, what if dark sides and light sides have visible characteristics different from each other?

Light sides have Blond hair with curls, freckles and lighter coloured eyes.

Dark sides have sleek black hair, almost see through pale skin, sunken in eyes and dark almost black eyes.

Everyone thinks that Janus has the dark side look, but if you looked closer... Things weren't right. He refuses to take off his hat and always has all of his hair tucked in, he wears thick layers of concealer and foundation, he has been caught putting in contacts and he owns a hair streightioner.

But, Janus lives on the dark side.

The light sides get curious and ask Virgil. This is what he told them.

21 years ago, a new side formed; this side was the youngest in the mindscape and was covered head to toe in bright yellow. This side had golden ringlets and freckles that danced like the stars on his face. He had a yellow slited eye on the left and a baby blue one on the right, among yellow-green scales that framed his left eye. He formed the youngest a side ever had, maybe a year old. Like all sides, he formed with a toy and a letter -containing the sides name, function and side of the mindscape.

The darks had found the child first because he was balling his eyes out. Wrath wanted to use the child has blackmail to get power from the lights, Apathy wanted to just leave him, Depression wanted to soothe the childs tears, Remus wanted to see if the scales were attached and Virgil? Virgil wanted to take care of him and raise the child as his own. They waited for the lights to show and claim the new member. And waited. And waited. And waited.

Hours later, the child was still crying, they took the yellow side back to their side of the mindscape. When Virgil opened the letter it was obvious what side this Child belonged to.

Name: Janus Sanders

Function: Validity and Societal Self Preservation

Side of Mind: Light

It was written clear as day, the child was a light. They couldn't keep him in the dark. But, the baby was curled up on his stomach; gripping onto his shirt with one hand and a stuffed snake in the other. Virgil didn't want to let him go. Virgil refused to let him go.

It took a lot on convincing of the others to let Virgil keep the child, but they did. Under one condition. They raised him as a dark side.

So Virgil dyed his hair, used his powers to hide the blue eye and covered up the freckles with makeup. He raised the child to be serious, not trust anyone, attack before someone attacked him. He lied to the child and told him he was a different function.

He was Deceit, not Validity.

The child believed his every word.

The other darks were unforgiving of every mistake, Wrath often hit him when he dropped a spoon or talked back. Apathy locked him in the closet for simply talking to him, Remus dragged him into twisted games and Depression nulled his emotions when he got sick of the child crying. Needless to say that Virgil was out numbered.

But abused or not. The child grew up, never knowing where he was supposed to be. He met the light sides when he was 10; hissing softly and hiding behind Virgils leg. Virgil was 19 and introduced the lights to Deceit, the lights felt a slight pull to the child but ignored it as curiousity.

Virgil was Janus' father in short. Virgil protected him from what he could and patched up the injuries of what he couldn't. Virgil cooked and played with him, ignoring when Janus suggested something too light and fluffy for a dark, ignoring when his hair grew and the blond curls came back through, ignoring when he took off the makeup.

Janus was 17 when Virgil left. Janus was pissed, he felt abandoned and thrown at the mercy of the darks. The darks don't have mercy.

Janus was 18 when he gave up hope that Virgil would come back.

Janus was 19 when he showed himself to Thomas, he pretended it didn't hurt when Virgil threw insults at him like the darks did. He lied to himself and said that he was fine. Lying is what he's good at, Janus is Deceit right?

Janus was 20 when he felt sick when he looked at society. How could people throw people under the bus for their own wants? It seems cruel to him.

Janus was 21 when he stood behind Virgil when he told a story. Shaking from anger and tears and disgust. The only thing running throughout his mind was "how could he?"

Janus was 21 when he threw his hat at Virgil and shouted that he hated him for screwing over his entire life. Janus was always short, barely 5'4'' while Virgil was 6 ft but the height didn't matter. Your child telling you that they hate you sinks deep into your soul.

Janus was 21 when he stormed away, soaking his shirt with tears.

Janus was 21 when the Darks found him in his room, blond ringlets on full display.

Janus was 21 when he felt pain and sorrow claim his soul. He let the darks do what they want.

Janus didn't speak much anymore, soon it'll hurt to talk.

Virgil refused to leave his room, he couldn't stop the guilt that chew him from the inside out.

Patton, Roman and Logan wished they spent less time on a welcoming party 21 years ago...

I think I just carved out part of my heart and then stabbed it with a kitchen knife. So uh your welcome for the tears. As always if you want to write it go ahead. I'm going to go read a pile of fluff to make myself feel better.

Janus baby I'm sorry

Here!

[bleepblopbloop56]

The Murder in the Dressing Room

Chapter 3: 2 buttons

Chapter one, chapter 2, ao3

Warnings: slight suggestive content around the end (not too bad), murder/character death

As always @pathos-logical did an increble amount of work on this and everyone should go give her all the love

-

"Dada!" Logan could hear Patton's protest from the other room, which was quickly followed by the sound of unsteady footsteps that grew louder and louder until his one-year-old had run straight into his legs. He finished buttoning up his shirt before leaning down and lifting the child into his arms. Logan was the last person on earth you'd expect to want a child, and in a way he didn't. Or at least, he hadn't, not at first. About 16 months ago, his best friend had died giving birth to Patton, and all hopes of becoming "Uncle Logan" were thrown out the window and replaced with "dada".

His roommate Virgil walked in the room after the child, a small grin on his face. "The lil rugrat keeps getting away from me!" he laughed, sitting on Logan's bed. "I don't think he wants you to leave." Logan bounced the baby on his hip before handing him down to Virgil, earning a soft "nooo" from the child. 

"Thank you for watching him Virgil, I really can't tell you how much you're helping me." Logan shifted his attention back to Patton and smiled, poking his nose lightly. "Dada's gonna be gone for a while, okay?" The baby shook his head furiously, pouting before stretching out his arms and making grabby hands. Powerless to resist that face, Logan picked him up and began to bounce him again. 

"Pattttonnn," he sing-songed. "I gotta go, baby, or else I'll be late." He smiled at the boy clutching his shirt while trying to discreetly check his watch to see how long he had till he needed to leave. "Go to Uncle Vee now, okay?" Despite having lived with Virgil as long as he had lived with Logan, Patton had never really latched on to him the way he had Logan, deeming "Uncle Vee" as tolerable but not preferred- probably because of Virgil's piercings, tattoos, loud music, and overall gloomy vibe. 

Logan slowly pulled Patton off his shirt and placed him back in the arms of his roommate and friend. 

"Fix your hair before you go out," Virgil commented, standing up with the baby and tossing Logan's hair around with his hand. Logan looked in the mirror to see a "messy on purpose" look much more suited to Remy than him. 

"What was wrong with how I had it before?" he asked, flinching and covering his glasses when Virgil brought the hairspray to his hair.

"Too neat. If you really want this dude to like you, ya gotta loosen up." Virgil winked at him before unbuttoning the top two buttons of his dark navy shirt.

"This isn't a date, Virgil, this is a meeting between two friends to discuss the loss of… an acquaintance," Logan sniffed, but the shirt remained the way it was.

Patton let out a big yawn, arching his body before settling into Virgil's side. He seemed to have resigned himself to his fate and decided now was a perfect time for a nap. Virgil effortlessly adjusted his hold on him before quirking a pierced eyebrow at Logan. "Oh really? Your ex-boyfriend strolls into your life after you lose your mutual best friend, and now you're meeting up for the first time since the breakup." Virgil walked to the corner of Logan's room where Patton's small baby bed was set up, laying him down gently. "I've seen enough telenovelas to know that this will end with a makeout session in the rain." 

Logan rolled his eyes before stuffing his wallet and phone in his back pocket. He leaned down and kissed Patton's head softly, whispering a soft "love you" to the sleeping baby before making his way to the door. 

"Be home by 10!" Virgil called playfully, careful to make sure not to wake up the baby. 

"I am not a child, Virgil, I do not require a curfew," he joked, smiling back at his friend. He walked out the door and softly clicked it closed as he made his way down his apartment's hallway. 

"Is!"

"Isn't!"

"Is!!"

"ISN'T!"

"IS!" Remus shouted over Roman, laughing loudly before kicking his legs out, only to be silenced to a pillow to the face. 

"It. Isn't. A. Date!" Roman punctuated each syllable with another whack of the pillow, earning himself a kick in the gut. Amazing how even after twenty years they acted like they did when they were five. 

Remus kicked Roman again, shoving him into the floor and also probably leaving a considerable bruise. 

"Jesus fuck," Roman groaned, "do you always have to play so rough?" He lifted his shirt to observe the red mark on his stomach, flinching as he prodded at it. 

Roman ignored Remus' whiny "It's not my fault! You were trying to kill me!" and pulled himself up, picking through the mess on the floor to look through Remus' closet for anything he could pass off as acceptable fashion. Unfortunately, his twin's taste in clothing was… very different from his own, to say the least.

It had been three days since he and Logan had agreed to meet up, three days since Thomas has been murdered, three days since he'd last returned to his and Thomas' house. It hurt too much to go back now- he needed time. 

"Why the hell is everything you wear straight out of a clown's formal wear catalog?" Roman sneered, holding up a neon green polka-dotted suit jacket before dropping it in the trash can. Really, it was a wonder anything was hung up at all, considering the state of the house Remus was currently infesting. 

"Shut up and take what you can get!" Remus snapped, coming up and scanning the closet beside his brother. He reached in and yanked out a black pencil skirt before shoving it into Roman's hands. "There, that'll get you some detective D," he leered, wiggling his eyebrows. It took every ounce of self-restraint Roman had to not fucking deck the man in the face.

"I had planned on wearing pants," Roman scowled, thinking of how cold the walk back home could get, but he folded the skirt over his arm nonetheless. After some more bickering and insults, Remus managed to dig up a plain red short-sleeved button-up for him from the bottom of his drawers. 

"Do you have any makeup?" Roman called from the bathroom, frantically smoothing out his shirt from where it was tucked into his skirt, trying to keep it from leaving any weird bumps or wrinkles.

"Why the fuck would I have makeup?!" Remus yelled back. ‘Probably for the best,’ Roman decided. ‘Spending another minute in this bathroom might be hazardous to my health.’ 

"I don't know," Roman complained, stepping out of the bathroom and pulling on a pair of Remus' shoes. "You paint your nails and own a fucking pencil skirt, it doesn't exactly seem like you've fallen victim to toxic masculinity." He very maturely stuck his tongue out at Remus as he took out his phone to check the time. He glanced down, and then again with disbelief. Shit. He'd spent way too much time bickering with his brother, and now he was running late. 

"If I'm not back by midnight, don't come looking for me," Roman winked. It was an old joke- they used to say that to each other every time they snuck out of the house for a date or to hang out with friends. 

"Aha! So you admit it's a date!" Remus cheered, leaning forward for effect. Roman simply slammed the door in his face and began his trek to the restaurant. 

The restaurant was bustling. Friday nights were the busiest for all of the restaurants in the area, especially the nice ones. Roman had picked the place, although the reason he would choose such a nice place for a friendly gathering was beyond Logan.

As per usual, Logan had arrived early and seated himself in a booth near the back of the restaurant. Today, however, he was regretting his punctuality for multiple reasons. First of all, the restaurant's dim lighting, supplied by fake candles and an overly gaudy chandelier, called back to other times he had waited on Roman at some fancy restaurant for date night, and the longer he waited, the harder it was to suppress those memories. Second, the more time passed, the more self-conscious Logan got. After seeing all the men in nice suits and ties pass by, he was starting to regret letting Virgil mess up his hair instead of sticking with the neat slicked-back look he wore on a daily basis. 

And third, Logan had been waiting for so long he was beginning to suspect Roman had backed out on him. Just as he was promising himself he'd leave after another five minutes, he saw a man in a red shirt and tight black skirt squeeze his way through the restaurant. 

"Hi, I'm sorry I'm so late!" Roman rushed out. His expression went from apologetic to annoyed in a second as he said, rolling his eyes: "Problems with my brother, he can be a real bitch sometimes."

The explanation startled a laugh out of Logan. Roman's exasperation looked so genuine that Logan couldn't doubt him, and… it was nice to see that Roman hadn't changed after all this time. He waved off Roman's worry, who smiled with relief before sitting down and picking up a menu. "Wine?" 

Roman giggled as Logan pushed him against his car. Okay, so maybe after a bottle of wine it was… more or less a date.

Logan's hands pulled at Roman's shirt, unbuttoning it and pushing his hands under the fabric. It had been so long since they'd kissed like this- far too long since Logan had kissed anyone, really, and Ethan had never used to kiss Roman like this, like he was the center of his universe. 

Logan ran his hands over Roman's stomach, accidently pressing on the fresh bruise. Roman winced and pulled away, pushing at Logan's hands.

Logan backed away immediately. "What's wrong?" he asked seriously, brown eyes wide and sparkling down at Roman with concern. Roman chuckled and pulled up his shirt, showing off the now red and blue bruise.

"Remus," he sighed wearily. "You know how he is." He leaned back in and connected his lips to Logan's, wrapping his arms around his shoulders and dragging him down in a much less heated kiss.

"Can we go back to yours?" Roman asked quietly. This was really what he needed after things ended badly with Dee. Even if they could just snuggle like they used to, it'd make everything seem okay again. 

Logan shook his head. "I can't," he winced regretfully. "I have a child now, Ro, and Virgil's still there with us…" He trailed off, fiddling with his glasses. Roman smiled softly and nodded- not pushing, not asking for more. They'd just have to wait. 

"I could give you a ride back to Remus' if you'd like," Logan offered instead. "Making you walk home after, ah, that, seems rude." He laughed a little awkwardly, his smile a little strained, but Roman only nodded and pulled open the passenger door he was pushed up against only moments before. 

When Roman returned home just before 1 am, it was to find Remus lying dead on the kitchen floor, a golden mask with a deep frown adorning his face. Just like how he'd found Thomas…

The murder in the dressing room taglist:

@cataclysm-al @theteenagetrickster @intrurality-fusion @katie-the-noble-fangirl @whizzie72 @grayson-22 @i-have-n0-idea-what-im-d0ing 'm-d0ing @winterwonderland7669 @missieluvsmurder @sign-from-god-complex @dragonindigo245 @angryfanboyscreaming @ninja-wizard101 @sombraookami @crystalistrappedintheinternet @imtooaromanticforthis @why-should-i-tell-youu2 @dragon-hair @satanblessi @spookilyfingergunsoutofexistence @skruffy901 @selectivereality

[alj4890]

Chapter 10 Cronuts and Confessions Part 1

The Royal Romance Fan Fiction (Liam x MC*Riley) (Maxwell x OC*Amanda) (Drake x Olivia) (Hana x Rashad)

These characters are from the amazing writers of Pixelberry's Choices stories: The Royal Romance and Red Carpet Diaries. The only character of my own is Duchess Amanda Bridgerton of House St Orella. 

Masterlist of The Other Friend TRR

Chapter 10 summary: After a successful day impressing the press and the Queen, Riley entices everyone to sneak out for a night of fun and cronuts. Ryan Summers surprised Amanda and invited her to dinner. The night is full of possibilities.

Chapter 10

Maxwell stands in Liam's room listening to his two friends discuss what to do about Lord Nicholas Bridgerton's requests.

"Look. All I'm saying is that I found a loop hole. That was how I was able to get the three dates done within a night and a morning. We all knew I wouldn't be the one to be with her anyway, so why should I have dragged it out."

Liam contemplates what Drake said. "I don't know how to even find time to do this. I've got Father watching closely anytime any lady comes near. On top of these court events, I've got speeches to prepare and committees to speak to. I'm lucky to find time for sleep."

"Well, you're free tonight. After Brooks' cronut run, why don't you and Amanda have your first date. One of ours was just a walk. The main point is to hang out, then kiss. I mean, in his letter he did stress that last part."

Liam nods. "Lord Nicholas was a hopeless romantic. I suppose I could think of something Amanda and I could do. Maxwell? Do you have any suggestions?"

Maxwell looks at Liam. "Huh? Sorry. Lost in thought."

Drake smirks at him. "I thought something was off. Liam, we've had peace this entire conversation."

Maxwell rolls his eyes. Liam chuckles. "Drake suggested that I try and get the three dates over with. After we return to the palace, I could go ahead and have the first one. Any ideas what we could do?"

Maxwell groans. "She won't be with us for the cronut escape. Ryan Summers surprised her at the derby and asked her to dinner this evening."

Shock goes through the room. "Wait a minute. You mean he flew in just for dinner? What did Amanda say?"

Maxwell leans against the wall. "He didn't really give her an opportunity to say yes or no. She uh...she offered to get out of it. If I wanted."

Drake runs a hand through his hair. "You told her don't do it, right? I mean, she gave you the chance to tell her you didn't like the thought of her being with Mr. Hollywood. You had to have taken it."

Maxwell rubs his face with both hands. "I told her she should go."

Liam shakes his head in disbelief. "Maxwell. Why? You heard Sir Francis and the guidlines. She can't have a future with him unless we all refuse because we are with someone else. We have to do these dates and we have to make a decision. If we don't, then we have to hear which one of us Lord Nicholas picked or it is left up to my father."

Maxwell nods. "I...I couldn't seem to get the words out. She told me she wouldn't stay long and that she would come find me afterwards. You probably should tell her to find you so you can get these dates over with. I will...I'll see you guys outside in a little while."

When Maxwell closes the door, Drake turns to Liam. "Look Liam. I know you. I know you are trying to follow Nicholas and his plan from the grave because you think it is the honorable thing to do. But, are you really considering marrying Amanda? You've got suitors ready to wrestle for just a moment of your time. Amanda isn't officially a suitor, so how would you get that approved? And what would you do about Maxwell?"

Liam leans back in his chair. "I...I honestly don't know."

"What about Riley?"

Liam looks cautiously at Drake. "What about her?"

"Come off it Liam. You might be able to fool some people, but after seeing you two together, It is so obvious. You're crazy about her. Do you really want to lose that chance?"

Liam closes his eyes for a moment. "No. But I have to do what was promised. I signed the document just like the rest of you. If I back out of this or lie, what does that tell the people? If I can not do what is right for the people that are like family, then why would I do the right thing for those I don't personally know?"

Drake shakes his head. "Alright. Alright. Do the honorable thing. You wouldn't be you otherwise. But still. Go ahead and try and get something planned. You are going to have your hands full at Olivia's the next few days."

Amanda pulls outfit after outfit and lays them on her bed. This is nonsense, she thinks. It's just Ryan. I've had dinner with him before. Quite a few times. Oh why did he kiss me and say he wanted to date me?! I'd much rather go out with everyone else. How am I going to be able to keep this platonic?"

Amanda quickly puts on her little black dress and heels. She looks in the mirror. "Why did you not say 'no'?" She asks her reflection. Oh! If only Thomas were here. He would be the perfect romantic equilavent of a bucket of cold water.

There is a knock at her door. Amanda opens it to find Liam standing there with a thoughtful expression. "Liam! What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be planning your escape?"

Liam smiles. "Since tonight is one of those rare evenings I have without an event, would you like to have the first required date? To be honest with you, I have no idea what we could do together. We would have to stay in the palace and away from anyone seeing us."

"Well, we could meet after my dinner with Ryan. We could...I guess have some...Liam, I'm drawing a blank here. What would you be doing this evening if we didn't have to do this?"

Liam thinks for a moment, inspiration lighting his blue eyes. "Amanda! I think I know how we can have the three dates, be alone, and do an activity. With your talent, no one will think anything of our spending extra time together. We will work on my speeches in the study."

Amanda laughs. "Oh I see how it is. You're trying to exploit me for my fame. That sounds like a great plan, Your Majesty."

Liam bows his head in thanks. "I do what I can." He gives her a quick wink. "Enjoy your evening out. I will see you in the study later."

After she closes her door, Amanda is hit with an idea of her own. Grabbing her phone she sends a quick message to Thomas Hunt. Within minutes she gets the reply she was hoping for. Thomas wanted to discuss some of what he thought needed to be stressed in the story and where in Cordonia that might best be filmed. Amanda grins as she picks up her laptop and tells him to get ready for FaceTime.

She glances at the clock and realizes that the car to take her to Ryan's hotel will be here shortly. One more stop along the way seemed the best way to go. She walks to Maxwell's room and knocks on the door.

Maxwell is lying on his bed with a pillow over his face. Ryan. Summers. The man flew in early to sweep her off her feet. Ryan. Summers. Now, not only will she have a handsome movie star for dinner but also a prince for a late night snack. Great, he thinks to himself. Now I'm hungry and sad. He sits up when he hears a knock. "Probably Bertrand wanting to tell me about something else I've messed up," he mutters.

He opens the door to find Amanda smiling at him. His eyes take in the black dress, molding her curves to perfection. He gulps and steps back to let her in. "What's up?" he tries to say casually.

Amanda puts her stuff down on his dresser. She walks over to him and wraps her arms around him, and presses her lips to his cheek. He immediately pulls her closer. "I've thought of a way to have a work dinner this evening with Mr. Summers. Thomas will be FaceTimeing us about shooting locations and Ryan's character. That should dissuade any romantic notions. Liam had the brilliant idea to have me help write his speeches so that we can end his dates. That will leave just you and the required three dates. Which, in case you haven't noticed, I am very much looking forward to. I...I hope that you don't want to quickly get them over with."

Maxwell feels hope blossoming in his heart again. He leans down and kisses her, softly at first and quickly getting intense. His hands rove over the soft material of her dress drifting down to her bottom. His lips travel down her neck, and back up toward her ear. He pauses to whisper, "Our dates will need a lot of time." He then kisses her deeply. And her phone interrupts them. Again.

The car was waiting for her. Maxwell looks at her. "No phones on our dates. I don't care if you are really a secret spy with astrophysics knowledge and the fate of the world surviving a giant meteror attack is happening. We will not have phone calls or messages interrupting us."

Amanda kisses him one more time, unwilling to leave his embrace. "I second that." She picks up her purse and laptop. "See you soon." Maxwell smiles. "I'll bring you back a cronut." She smiles and leaves.

[spicycreativity]

Soft-Shoe Shuffle - Ch 9

Chapter: 9/12 Additional Notes: See Ch 1 for more information. Read on AO3 under "WizardGlick." Any formatting/italics errors are holdovers from AO3 that I was too lazy to fix. Chapter Content Warnings: N/A; ask to tag Excerpt: "You don't think he's in love with you, do you?" Roman asked in a strained tone. Silence. "Do you?" Roman demanded. "Oh my god," Virgil said through gritted teeth. Janus could practically hear his jaw creaking. "Virgil!" Roman whisper-shouted.

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it

That's my life and all that I've got

Call me a liar, call me a writer

Believe me or not, believe me or not

The sound of a door open and closing startled Janus out of his dreams so violently that he jerked and gasped before falling still again.

Silence followed, but he kept his eyes closed and tried to orient himself. He felt like Remus had used him as a training dummy and remembered very little of the reason why .

Roman's voice broke the silence. "It's not your shift yet, Smoke on the Water."

"I thought you could use the company," Virgil said. "And maybe I missed you."

"Oh, don't lie." Roman sighed and his breath ghosted over Janus' cheek. He was close, then. "That's his job."

Virgil scoffed. "Not anymore, apparently."

Janus focused on keeping his breathing even. It wouldn't do to get caught now of all times.

"You don't buy it?" Roman asked.

"I don't know!" Virgil exclaimed, loud enough to make Janus flinch. In a softer voice, he continued, "I guess people can change. I mean, I did. But it was gradual, and this seems… It seems awfully sudden for a change of heart, especially for someone as stubborn as him."

"You don't think he's in love with you, do you?" Roman asked in a strained tone.

Silence.

"Do you?" Roman demanded.

"Oh my god," Virgil said through gritted teeth. Janus could practically hear his jaw creaking.

"Virgil!" Roman whisper-shouted.

"Have you noticed Patton calling him 'honey'?" Virgil whispered back.

"Wait… You don't think--"

"I don't know!"

"But Patton wouldn't--" Roman tripped over the end of his sentence. "Not him-- "

"You don't just fall in love overnight. What if this some… some campaign for Patton's love?"

"Like a quest?" Roman asked.

Janus nearly laughed. Leave it to Virgil to land three steps to the left of the correct conclusion. And leave it to Roman to spur him on.

Despite the ache in his joints and desperate dryness of his mouth, Janus could feel his mind sliding back toward sleep. There would be no fighting it unless he moved, and he couldn't move without giving up the game.

Oh, well.

"It makes sense, doesn't it?" Virgil asked. "Janus doesn't apologize. Janus doesn't do anything unless it serves some sort of end."

"And where does collapsing in my room factor into this master plan?"

"I don't know," Virgil said. "Maybe this part was just bad luck." He sighed and pulled the covers higher up Janus' chest. "It's weird seeing him like this?"

"...Asleep?"

"No, genius. Vulnerable. He doesn't show weakness either."

"Ah, Virgil," Roman said delicately, after a moment's silence. "Not that I'm the best at math, mind you, but something isn't adding up."

"What do you mean?"

"According to Logan, Janus knew he was sick when he came to visit me. Nearly fainted in the kitchen, from what he said. If he's so averse to showing weakness, as you say, why wouldn't he just, you know, wait?"

"...Huh."

"And why would he apologize to me in private? If he wanted to look good in front of Patton, surely he would have found some way to confront me in front of Patton. Janus is still a part of Thomas; he likes an audience. "

Virgil let out a short puff of air through his nose and said nothing for a few moments. "Well… Maybe I shouldn't jump to conclusions like that."

"It's good that you want to be careful," Roman said with undisguised fondness in his voice. Janus almost frowned. Roman and Virgil, really?

"I guess I'll have to wait and see. I really want to know why he keeps calling my name. Rem-- Uh. Okay. Remus said he did it a bunch yesterday."

"He's not Voldemort; you can say his name around me."

"I don't want to make you upset, that's all."

Virgil's words spun lazy circles in Janus' mind, and whatever Roman replied was lost in the rolling fog.

He had expected Virgil to be mistrustful of him; he had every right to be. Janus had expected him to make conspiracies out of nothing and it didn't hurt his feelings.

It also didn't make him happy, not at all, that Roman had defended him with nothing to gain from it.

Sleep came languid and slow, and for once not accompanied by tongues of fire.

--

Maybe it was luck or maybe it was Virgil's sense of duty, but the next time Janus opened his eyes, it was Virgil that he saw.

Virgil's eyes widened almost comically and he froze.

For a moment, they just stared at each other. Then Janus regained his wits and said, in a tone like they were coworkers who had just passed each other in the hall, "Good morning, Virgil."

Virgil opened his mouth, closed it, opened it again. "It's afternoon."

"Well. Forgive me for not counting the hours when I was unconscious," Janus said with venom. Because he was scared.

Virgil scowled at him. "Whatever. Glad you're not dead. I'll go get Patton now."

"No, wait." Janus tried to sit up, hating how his arms shook. He brought out another set to assist, as Virgil seemed disinclined to help, or do anything other than just stare at him. "Force of habit."

"Yeah," Virgil said. "I heard you were on an honesty campaign." The disdain in his voice was almost painful. "Let me guess: You're so sorry for how you treated me in the past. You were jealous because I got what you always wanted and you didn't know how to handle it so you lashed out like the snake you are. And then you couldn't apologize because you were trapped in the image you'd created for yourself, only now, now it's falling down around you and you don't even have your precious pride to stand on, and now there's only one thing left to do." Virgil broke off, a little out of breath. "So you come crawling on your belly to me. The last item on your little 'good person' checklist."

Janus shook , and no amount of blankets could melt the ice that crawled down his veins. Virgil's image blurred, cold tears threatening to spill over. And really, what did Janus have left to lose? Hadn't he earned this? At the end of the day, he was the architect of his own demise.

"For what's it's worth, Virgil," he said, his voice so cracked and rasping he barely even recognized it, "I am sorry. I was jealous. And… I tied my own hands. I see that now."

"So you're saying…" Virgil straightened a little. "You were wrong?"

"Yes, Virgil. I was wrong."

Virgil laughed.

He doubled over, shoulders spasming, and laughed until his face turned red and tears ran down his cheeks. "I can't-- I can't believe this…"

"Um, Virgil?" Janus' humiliation gave way to concern as Virgil's breaths became more and more erratic.

"You have no idea how long I've been waiting to hear you say," Virgil said. "I had so many ideas for how I was going to throw it back in your stupid, smug snake face." He wiped his eyes even as more tears fell.

Janus just stared at him.

"Here's what's funny," Virgil continued. "Now… Now that it finally happened and I have you right where I want you, I don't want to do it ."

"You--" Janus' heart leapt. "You believe me?"

"I believe you." Virgil looked at him, eyes still shining. "But only because you look so sweet holding that teddy bear."

"What?" Janus looked down and realized with a jolt that he did indeed have a stuffed bear tucked under his arm. It was pale brown with white felt on the paws and ears, and was wearing a little T-shirt with 'get well beary soon!' printed on it. "Patton."

"Patton," Virgil said with a nod.

Janus looked around properly for the first time and he realized that Patton was not the only one who had left a gift.

A magnificent bouquet of white roses dominated his nightstand, nearly overshadowing a smaller bouquet of baby's breath and hydrangeas in a Mason jar. Behind the vases stood a 6-pack of blue Gatorade, and balanced on the lids was a small, handmade book.

Virgil noticed him staring and passed over one of the Gatorades, breaking the seal on the lid so Janus wouldn't have to struggle with it.

"Um, Virgil," Janus said, taking a shaky sip and realizing he wasn't wearing his gloves. He grit his teeth and tried not to mind. "I do understand if you don't want to be around me right away."

Virgil shook his head. "I'm done being mad."

"...Just like that?"

"I…" Virgil bit down hard on his lip. "I'm making the choice to forgive you. And maybe I'm being naïve and maybe you'll sink your fangs into my neck the second my guard is down, but… Well, you know, maybe for once the best-case scenario will happen and we'll all be best friends and Thomas will never have problems again."

Janus smiled. "You've changed, Virgil. A lot."

"Yeah, well." Virgil shrugged. "So have you, I think."

Janus raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Virgil leaned in, his grin wolfish and wide. "You're still holding the teddy bear."

Janus' face burned, but he for once made no effort to hide it. "It was a gift, Virgil, it would be rude to--"

"Stop snuggling it and put it with your other gifts?"

Janus closed his eyes and let his head rest against his headboard. "Yes."

"Airtight argument," Virgil said, but the laughter was gone from his voice. "I should get Logan. And you should finish your Gatorade. You probably feel pretty shitty, huh?"

"No, Virgil, I feel fantastic."

"I'm gonna let that slide because you're half-dead."

"Mm." Janus slid further down, gently aware of the Gatorade bottle tipping in his hand.

"Okay." Virgil grabbed the bottle. "No spilling. I'm gonna leave this here with a straw in it. You'd better drink some."

"Okay," Janus said, though he had no intention of doing so. Exhaustion washed over him, a rising tide promising to drag him under.

"You know, once word gets out that you're… not, like, delirious anymore, everybody's going to come running."

"Then don't tell," Janus mumbled, rolling over and pulling the covers up over his head.

"Are you really going back to sleep? You just woke up!"

"Just readjusting."

"Sure."

Janus sighed and wriggled so just his face was poking out from underneath the covers. "Happy?"

"I just don't think you should go back to sleep without drinking something. And no, one tiny sip of Gatorade doesn't count."

"You want to talk to me." Janus was too tired to properly revel in his information, so he settled for a smirk. It was difficult to do with half his face smushed into the mattress, but he was well-practiced.

"Keep pushing and I'm gonna start reading to you from Remus' book of dirty limericks. He hand-wrote that for you, by the way."

"What?" Janus fought to keep the nervous edge out of his voice.

"He said it was an inside joke."

With a concentrated effort, Janus sent the booklet to the top shelf of his closet. He doubted even Remus was reckless enough to expose Janus'... total lack of romantic feelings for Patton in such a careless manner, but still. Better safe than sorry. "Virgil?"

"Hm?"

"What did you get me? I assume the roses are from Roman and the Gatorade is from Logan."

"And the blue flowers are from Patton also."

"Surely they guilt-tripped you into livening up my deathbed as well?"

"My gift was more... abstract."

"Not smothering me to death with Patton's teddy bear does not count as a gift."

"Oh, no." Virgil smirked. "I told Patton how you really take your coffee."

The uncomfortable feeling of being not only seen, but known made Janus hide his face under the comforter again. "You didn't."

"Oh, I did. He knows all about your whipped cream addiction."

" Virgil."

"You're welcome, honey."

Janus went completely still. Half-formed memories of Roman and Virgil conversing in his room swam around his head and oh. Virgil had guessed it. Part of it, anyway. Janus had thought he'd let it go with the rest of his little conspiracy theory, but… And now he'd just completely missed his chance to bluff. He tried anyway. "If this is your way of calling me sweet--"

"Busted," Virgil interrupted.

"Go back to being scared of me," Janus muttered into the blankets.

"Look," Virgil said, voice deadly serious. "I can't tell you what to do, but I swear to all things dark and stormy, if you break Patton's heart, I'll break you ."

"I don't--" Janus tried. "I-- We're not…" He made an exaggerated, high-pitched coughing sound. "I'm going to tell Logan that you antagonized me while I was trying to sleep."

"Oh, please."

"And Patton and I aren't-- He doesn't-- He doesn't feel that way about me."

"That fever must have evaporated some of your brain cells," Virgil said.

Janus was inclined to agree, although for different reasons-- He couldn't think of a single way to change the subject. He settled for a long, drawn-out hiss.

"Just talk to him, okay?" Virgil said. "Or don't. Actually, don't."

"I don't need your permission to start dating Patton," Janus spat, forgetting himself.

"So you do want to date him."

"...No."

"I believe you."

"I'm going back to sleep now."

"Gatorade first." Virgil drew the covers back and held the bottle up to Janus. There was a straw in it now, a purple bendy straw that poked Janus in the lip. He fixed Virgil with a death glare and was privately relieved to see Virgil shrink back under its intensity. Like a river changing course, the parts of Janus that made him who he was were still there, even if his direction had altered.

That was good enough for him.

But he still wasn't going to let Virgil nurse him like he was some kind of helpless baby animal.

Careful not to drop the teddy bear, Janus sat up and took the bottle from Virgil. He drank half of it before his shaking hands gave up on him.

"Go to sleep," Virgil said, setting the bottle on the nightstand. "I'll tell the others not to crowd you." He turned to leave.

Janus almost let him. "Thank you, Virgil. And…" He'd had quite enough of showing his belly, and yet…. "I really am sorry. For everything."

"I know, Janus. Get some rest."

[mother-snake]

I FOUND FREE TIME!! Sorry if this one is a bit rushed Jessie!!

Italics are memories

-----

The first thing a yellow side notices is that his head feels like its being split open. The second thing is that he's laying on a very soft couch. And the third? The third is that he doesn't remember anything.

He makes a slight noise of discontent before opening his eyes, only to have five people swarm him. Talking to him very fast and keep trying to touch him. He tries to curl up only to be unable to move.

One by one the colourful people back away only a dark blue person stayed by him. His lips keep moving but it all sounds like its underwater. Only to clear.

"-us, Janus! Can you hear us?"

His voice is raspy but he manages to respond, "Who's Janus?"

The people seemed to not like that answer, he didn't know why but making someone upset makes him feel like he's in danger, the indigo side didn't react that much.

"You are Janus, that is your name. Do you remember us?"

Janus shook his head.

"Well, I am Logan, Thomas's logic. The red side is Roman, one half of creativity. Green is Remus, the second half of creativity. The purple one is Virgil, he represents anxiety. And the light blue side is Patton. Thomas's morality.

Janus seemed to be taking the information in. Thinking about that one name he said... What was it? Timothy? Tobias? Travis?

"Do you remember Thomas?"

Janus had to stop and think. Thomas... Thomas was their centre. I'm one of his sides. Janus nodded

Logan handed Janus a glass of water, helping him take careful sips. The water felt like heaven, it was cool and soothing. But the heaven was gone soon enough.

"Do you remember your function?"

He squeezed his eyes shut trying to remember. "Deception?.....Or was it self preservation? I- I can't remember."

Logan had a small smile on his lips. "You are correct, your title is Deceit and your function is Self Preservation."

"Deceit... Isn't lying bad? Am I bad? Why does my head hurt?" Janus didn't notice the looks of pain on the others faces because they put those thoughts there.

Logan's smile disappeared. "No, you are not a bad side. You work for the good of Thomas. Why would you think that?"

"Because they told me so."

"Who?"

"..... I don't remember... They wore a lot of black."

"Do you mean the Dark Sides?"

A sharp gasp came from the yellow side. Blood, there is so much blood. Its my blood. Screaming. No, not screaming. Yelling. I'm running, the hallway is dark, the rug keeps triping me, my door lock is broken, I'm hiding... I can feel my breath.... The door to my room is open. Orange. I scream.

Janus is still screaming, he's trying to run but something is holding him down, he can feel someones breath. "Let me go! Please I'll do what you want!" he feels a slight sting in his arm before his eyes get blurry. The voices in the background get farther away as he feels himself involuntarily relax and fall back asleep.

Logan pulls the needle away as Roman, Remus and Virgil all let go of the sleeping side. Worry is blinding them as all of them walk into the kitchen to talk.

"The NopeRope doesn't remember anything. What do we do here?" Roman kept messing with his sash.

"His memory seems to come back with certain prompts or questions. However it seems to have a bad reaction-"

"A bad reaction? A BAD REACTION?? Logan, he was screaming for help while repeating the word no! That is more then JUST a bad reaction!!

Logan sighed, "Virgil, I know that you're worried about him but he does need to get his memory back."

"Does he?"

Everyone was now staring at Patton.

"I mean well, if he doesn't remember what the others put him through and what we put him through maybe he would be happier? He just looks to peaceful while he's asleep that I've never seen him have before."

"He will most likely remember anyway when he sees the scars, we can not hide this from him forever."

The kitchen was now an awkward silence. Until Remus broke it.

"How long till he wakes up, nerd?"

"Should be around 3 hou-"

"He'll be awake in five"

"What? Why five?"

"He's smaller then normal, plus he's not a full grown side yet, so-"

"What?" Patton didin't seem happy knowing that info.

Remus shugged, "he popped up in the gray when Thomas was ten, followed virgil around like a lost puppy next to a railroad. He just grew fangs a few months ago! I don't think they have venom though, bit of a shame. Everything is better with venom.-"

"Remus, getting off track here. Janus is the youngest?"

Remus nodded enthusiastically. "Yep" poping the P, "he was a cute little baby snake! Loved strawberries! The other three didn't like him very much though."

Patton was pressing his palms to his eye sockets. "they burned, beat and tried to kill a child?"

Remus nodded and looked to the ground.

The sides split up to go a few things before Janus woke up again.

When Janus opened his eyes all he could smell was strawberries. A song played in the background. He felt stronger and managed to sit up. He looked on the TV to see a frog singing the loveliest lies of them all.

"Vee! Vee!" Boucing up and down. "Can we watch Over The Garden Wall?" Virgil looked over at the shorter side. "You just watched it yesterday, short stack" even though the yellow side was 15 he still bounced and gave Virgil the puppy dog eyes. Virgil sighed, "Fine. Bring up the episode." trying and failing to sound annoyed. The smaller side smiled even wider.

"Vee?" Janus mumbled under his breathe the name. The side in the memory looked similar to...What was his name? VIRGIL! That was it! Was Vee Virgil? The snake zoned out in his thoughts and the song from the frog. Only to be brought out of it when a light blue side stood in front if him.

"Patton? That was your name right?"

"Yep! You got it in one mr scales!" Patton seemed nice, wait. Scales?

Get out of here you slimy boi! reptilian rapscallion! Snake! Evil! Villian! You are no good for Thomas! Just leave! Leave! LEAVE! LEAVE!

Janus lifted his hand and touched the left side of his face. Smooth scales greeted his hand and old burnt skin next to his eye. Tears started to leak for a reason he couldn't pin point. Continuously touching the scales, stoking over the sharp bottom of scales. Sooner then he thought someone was sitting next to him.

Patton sat next to him and was counting numbers.

1 2 3 4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Janus didn't know what the numbers where but he followed along anyway.

Soon he could smell the strawberries again. He likes strawberries right? Janus thinks he likes strawberries. When he looks up, Patton gives him a hug. Wincing when his arms touch something on his back.

More and more time passes. With each memory things get clearer. Janus still doesn't know why he can't remember anything. Until another memory happens.

"WILL YOU PLEASE JUST SHUT UP?" " No! Roman I want to apologize! I'm sorry I compared you to your brother! I'm sorry I manipulated you at the courtroom! I'm sorry I sent Remus to deal with my problems! You don't have to forgive me but ay least listen to me!" Roman growls "FUCK OFF!!" And suddenly, he is back at the dark household.

He needs to get out before the others find him. Who knows what they would do to h- "Ohhh Deceit! So lovely for you to stop by~" Too late.

He runs to his room, tripping on the carpet. The lock is broken. He hides in the closet. Wrath finds him. He's dragged to the dark side commons and chained to a wall for days to become the personal punching bad. Apathy set him on fire, Wrath beat him up and Depression.... Depression did something to his head. He was thrown into the gray after depression had his fun. Then he blacked out

Janus doesn't want to leave his room. He's being punished for wanting to apologize. That seems like bullshit to him.

Weeks pass. People keep knocking on his door, they say that they're worried. What a bunch of liars.

After a month, the sides make Thomas take them inside if the bedroom. After a bit of convincing, Janus tells them everything.

And much to his surprise. They are livid.

------

Beep boop. Thingy done! I hope this thing made sense! Brain is broken atm. This one was inspired by Once Upon a December from Anastasia.

This turned out a lot more fluffy then I originally thought.... Hope ya like it! I need to go write a poem now ❤💛❤

protcetive sides alert! yeah! may i say that this is some quality content? im running out of things to say wihout repeating myself but they are all just so amazing and normaly leave me with energy to write stuff. (sorry im responding to these now, i was asleep when i got them last night and consumed by school fr the past few hours...)