#remi nerds out over music and wants others to enjoy the music too

[cryptidmads]

good evening nsr community, i went through the ama from today and came back with an armful or two of lore. there’s a bunch more than last time, and i included bbj as well as the npcs. cozy up, check under the cut, and prepare for a long read. enjoy!

today's ama featured wan hazmer and daim dziauddin again, as well as concept artist ellie and animator ben fong.

BUNK BED JUNCTION (FT. DK WEST)

- mayday and zuke live in the sewers because they're an underground band. it's a pun - there were originally two variations of bbj leaving the sewers - one with mayday hi-fiving gigi (which had a 95% chance of happening), and one with zuke awkwardly fumbling and attempting to hi-five gigi (which had a 5% chance) - one of the inspirations for mayday and zuke were the two main characters of samurai champloo (zuke was jin, mayday was mugen) - someone asked about if the rest of the cast had their own shadow puppets. ben suggested a lemur for mayday, while ellie suggested a zucchini for zuke. she may have been joking. - mayday's guitar solos were done by different people, but zuke's drum solos were all done by bruno valverde. - zuke was the one who implemented the canister thing into mayday's guitar. - someone asked who of the cast are the introverts and who are the extroverts. mayday is an extrovert, zuke is an introvert. - the team does have a bit of lore for mayday and zuke and how they met, but they want to save it in case of a future project. - mayday was inspired by both genevieve from company of thieves and the unbreakable kimmy schmidt. - ben did the animation for mayday swinging the hammer in the workshop. - haz recalls seeing some fanart of mayday being brought up as a rich girl. he doesn't remember the artist, but he does like the idea. - the japanese version has zuke say he has a phd rather than a master's degree. this is apparently a mistake. - the pattern on zuke's pants was inspired by jolyne cujoh and prosciutto from jojo's bizarre adventure. - zuke's toilet seat collection came partially from a story from one of the environmental artists where one of their high school friends pranked another friend with a toilet seat. - zuke does a lot of reading and is naturally inquisitive about things like tech and mechanics. - dk west's shadow puppet abilities might run in the family, and zuke may have it as well. - both zuke and dk west are connected by percussion (zuke with the drums, west with the hand claps) - zuke and west weren't always designed to be related -- west was originally designed as "some guy who comes and goes," but was made into zuke's brother later on in production - dk west is an extrovert.

DJ SUBATOMIC SUPERNOVA

- djss' dj name is obviously a stage name, but the team didn't have a real name for him in the script or anything. - haz joked that his name is bob salad. that's not canon but from what i seen the chat loved it lol - haz brings up the symbolism of djss spinning the planets around himself and how it represents that he thinks of himself as the center of the universe. - ellie helped design the districts, and something she noted about dj's is that it's supposed to look the "slummiest" because he cares more about himself and less about things like blackouts. - dj had some lines cut from his boss fight. those lines? mini lectures towards bbj during every phase. they were cut because the team felt like they were too much for the game, but they want to share them one day. - daim says that dj could be either introverted or extroverted becuase of how much time he spends alone looking at the stars. - dj was never planned to have an approach segment, but funk fiction wasn't told that, so he made him an approach theme anyway. - dodo ice pops are traffic light flavoured, which is a popular ice cream in malaysia. it's strawberry, pineapple, and lime flavored.

SAYU AND THE NERD SQUAD

- three of sayu's creators were based on staff members at metronomik. remi (voiced by ben) was based on one of the programmers and one of the environmental artists (ellie calls him "the lovechild of two dudes"), tila was based on (and voiced by) ellie herself, and dodo was based on danish mak (another environmental artist who also voices him). - sofa wasn't based on anyone in particular, he was more of a "general otaku guy" according to ellie (though haz joked that ellie could just say he was based on him). - dodo is daim's favorite npc -- he also designed him! - sayu was ellie's favorite character to design. she loves drawing mermaids. - the progression in sayu's fight where you go deeper into the "ocean" is supposed to be a metaphor for going deeper into the internet/the deep web. - ellie suggested that if sayu were to have a shadow puppet, it would be a cat. - as for the introvert/extrovert debate, daim says sayu is technically comprised of 4 introverts. sayu herself is the extrovert mask they wear. - sayu's ahoge is a submarine periscope. remi looks through it in one of the cutscenes. - sayu's not a mech. she's remotely controlled by her creators from their computer room. - the backstory between remi and tila is meant to show that artists can come from all sorts of backgrounds.

YINU AND MAMA

- yinu's promotional video was one of the first ones done before they brought in lzbros, so it originally looked different from how it looks in the game now. - yinu's mother's eyes are yellow because she spends most of the fight focusing on yinu (who is mainly yellow). when her eyes go blank white, it represents that she's momentarily forgotten what she loves the most. when her eyes become yellow again after the fight, it means she's remembered yinu and her piano playing. - the way ellie describes natura is that yinu is a plant and her mother is very protective of her, and one of the distinctive features is that there are a lot of domes with plants inside, particularly on the roofs of the houses. - yinu's commercial was not intended to reference little miss fortune. the commercial was shown in 2018, while LMF came out a year later. - yinu's mom turning into a giant tree monster isn't exclusive to her just being angry at bbj. apparently the whole plant thing runs in the yinu family.

1010

- 1010's concept as a boy band had been around since before the team started production, but they were the last to be fully designed -- their designs weren't finalized until way later on. - 1010 were ellie’s least favorite characters to design. she doesn't like drawing guys OR robots. - 1010's early designs had them wearing tuxedos. - 1010 do have memories. - the inspiration for the butt plates came from one of ben's gundam figures from his collection in the metronomik office. thanks ben. - ellie's favorite member of 1010 is purl-hew/blue. - eloni/green is apparently the rapper of the group. - the jingle you hear from the carousel in metro division is a carnival remix of 1010's boss theme. - the numbers underneath 1010's names on the autographs are completely random.

NEON J

- neon j is a dancer. daim explains that in addition to being in the navy, dance has always been his true passion. - in the final phase of 1010's fight, he was originally supposed to control the dance moves of the factory as he was fighting you, but it was cut due to limited resources. - daim designed neon j based on ellie's designs for 1010. - neon j's factory's dance moves were all animated by ben -- no mocap needed. the factory was also his favorite thing to animate. - daim says that "neon j is to tatiana as soundwave is to megatron." basically he is extremely loyal to tatiana. - neon j was one of earliest members of nsr. - neon j seeing 1010 as his sons wasn't planned, but daim loves the concept so much that he could see it being canon. - daim says neon j's brain is "probably" still inside the monitor head. somehow. - neon j is an extrovert. - haz likes the idea of neon j being blind and using his sonar to "see" things. ben joked that the screen worked like giant glasses. - neon j originally had red dots that would pop up on his face when the sonar moved by that were meant to represent acne, and that would've been the reason why he's mostly behind the scenes.

EVE

- in mayday's side of the room when eve splits up bbj, the hands all over the walls are meant to be there to show how eve is angrier at mayday than she is at zuke. - the time signature for the music in mayday's room during the fight is 6/8, whereas in zuke's room it's 4/4. - ellie suggested a platypus shadow puppet for eve. the rest of the team seems to be on board. - eve was ben's least favorite character to animate. he said he struggled with animating her dance moves because it was something he'd never done before, and he still doesn't think he did a good enough job. - eve was born with her split skin tone. - apparently eve's near scrapping had something to do with costs. haz was the one who stopped it from happening. - eve's outfit was partly inspired by beyonce, while her jacket was partly inspired by ariana grande. the team took some inspiration from bjork, as well. - the sleeves on eve's jacket were apparently limbs at one point. - eve is an introvert.

NPCS/OTHER CHARACTERS

- part of tatiana's symbolism is how she used to be a rock star, but her flame/passion slowly burned away, and now she's just a rock, referencing how she was literally on fire as the rock star kul fyra, but now looks burnt out. - daim thinks kliff is older than tatiana, probably over 50. - in addition to the neon j dance lore mentioned above, kayane rambling about neon j after the 1010 fight was supposed to be connected to her watching neon j dance. - ben and haz's favorite npc is mia, and ellie's is dj zam. - dj zam was inspired by one of ellie's college friends, who she says "makes you feel comfortable to be around". - ellie thinks dj zam's neck tattoo says "i love mom". - amal the unicorn was inspired by lady amalthea from the 80's animated film "the last unicorn". he was originally written to be a real talking unicorn, but it was changed partially because his horn wasn't in the right spot on his head. - zed was based on game designer dzaid and has hyperacusis, a hearing disorder that makes it difficult to deal with everyday sounds. - yiruk's name is an anagram of kiryu, the protagonist of the yakuza games. - chef sunshine's design is a homage to julia child. she originally had a bigger physique, but was changed to match lylia's bubbly performance.

[fakeloveaskblog]

aw, sweet loceit in the evening sun. logan is actually super good at explaining healthy relationships and boundaries and stuff actually, i betcha he could recognize abuse no problem

…aye remy! REMY!! HAve you thought about going to that gay bar more often? who knows, maybe you'll encounter someone nice, make friends with like-minded people, hear some disco, the full nine yards. janus might be there, remus might be there. (just look around for the guy with the blue tie, he's a great guy, if he's not wearing it he'll look like he has that blue tie kinda energy! you could totally just get drunk and unload your grievances on him and i bet he won't even mind!)

(Mentions of U!Virgil but I say beforehand when that happens so those who don’t like U!Virgil can enjoy the rest of the fic up until then)

(Words: 4100)

Remy wiped away a tear while looking at your message. The cold light from their phone was the only thing brightening up the room. Virgil was sleeping beside them, his arm was laid around their waist.

"You just like tots gave me the greatest idea! I'm gonna invite Rem out to the bar! It's gonna the funnest thing like ever! Thanks girl!!"

--

2 days later Remus was dangerously close to eating the moss straight from the gay bar's wall. He had been left without supervision for over 15 minutes while he sat outside waiting for his friend to show up, what else was he supposed to do?!

"SSSSUUUP BABE!!!"

Remy came towards him as fast as they could. They had on a short leather skirt, a neon mesh crop top and a leather jacket over it.

They did a little turn "I just like felt a bit glamorous today!" 

Remus choked on his own spit "The world must be a dark place when you aren't feeling glamorous"

"Awwww babbbe"

He sent them a big grin. He'd just put on his usual oversized dysphoria hoodie and matching oversized (:O) sweatpants.

Remus' smile disappeared in an instant as he noticed dark bruises all around Remy's neck. Shades of purple and green collided against each other.

"Ehm did a vampire come and attack you last night? Seriously are you alri-"

"JUst a reminder that it will be loud in there" Remy interrupted.

"Oh. Right!"

He fumbled around in his bag after his headphones. After putting it and a chew necklace on he did a thumbs up. Remy took off their sunglasses and leaned down so they were face to face.

Their face was so close he could feel their breathe against his lips. They put the sunglasses onto him and sent him a soft smile.

“There’s like lots of bright lights too” They explained.

Remus’ heart fluttered. He didn’t understand why “T-thanks”

They moved their arm around his shoulders as they went into the bar. It was past 12 am so some of the daytime furniture had been moved to make place for a dancefloor. There was indeed lots of neon lights flickering all around the bar and fast pop music was blasting through the speakers.

It was hard to see any details of anyone around him so Remus quickly forgot about the bruise. In this lighting it just looked like a weird choker anyway.

A guy with a see through shirt bumped into Remus. He had top surgery scars. For a moment they looked at each other in the most knowing way. The stranger looked away and continued talking with whoever he was with.

Remus whole body seemed to vibrate. There were so many butterflies in his stomach it felt like he was going to puke, in a good way.

Remy sat him down on one of the tall barstools and slumped down right next to him “So whatcha gonna drink?”

“The squashed down organs of my enemies!!!” He shrugged “Soda?”

They burst out into laughter “What? You catholic or something? Not allowed to drink alcohol?”

He slumped in on himself and started fiddling with his necklace “I-I dunno-”

“No. No babe I was just like joking. Like a stupid bitch. It’s okay” They waved at the waiter “Your most alcoholic fruit mix and your finest coca cola please!”

Remus leaned in to whisper “With salt”

“With salt? Please!”

He kept vibrating like an overexcited weasel. After getting their drinks he kept tapping the glass to stim some of the happiness out.

“Honestly I’ve never been to a gay bar before. I’m digging it. Just like how I’m digging graves”

They playfully hit his shoulder “Then I’m tots gonna try my best to make this the  ultimate first gay bar experience! I can’t think of any other lil fucked up gremlin buddy I would wanna have by my side!”

"Muhahah!! I am officially assigned ultimate gremlin buddy-”

“Greetings” A voice suddenly came from behind them.

Both of them flinched away. Remy let out a short yell and Remus was close to throwing his drink in the person’s face when he saw it was just Logan.

He had on jeans and a black button up with the top button unbottoned. He had with him iced coffee from starbucks because he had to drive home later.

“LOGIE!!!” Remy threw their arms around his neck to pull him closer “Babe this is the Log-legend. Once he was like sooo drunk so when he like tried to kiss me puked on my shoes instead!”

Logan grimaced “I am still very sorry about that”

“Oh I already know him through Janus” Remus replied. 

“Oh my gawd babe” Remy looked between them all “So like we all know Janny?! Wig! Sad he isn’t here then”

Remus held up his cola “Cheers to J-anus!” The other two held up their glasses in agreement.

“Cheers”

“Cheerio!”

“He is very pretty and charming and cute” Logan dreamily sighed. He stopped himself from continuing to say compliments.

“Yeah” The other two sighed back in unison.

Logan sat down on a chair next to them. Remy looked around the bar before squinting at him “No Patty?”

He instantly started looking like a Very sad seal “Sadly my wife is away on a convention with her magical girl anime fanclub this whole week. I estimated that going to the bar would make me feel less lonely”

“You have a WIFe??? Like a real one???” Remus exclaimed, his eyeballs were close to popping out from surprise.

“Yes. This may be a controversial opinion but when I marry someone I prefer them to be physically real” He replied druly.

He got a smug grin on his lips “Does she peg you?”

“She does far more than just peg me”

“Nice!” His eyes went even wider “IS That a stim toy??!”

He pointed at the tangle Logan kept between his fingers “Correct. If I do not have something to relieve my focus onto I can easily go into senso- OH a chewie?”

Remus nodded while showing of his chew necklace. The two of them started rambling about their favorite stim toy. Until they went off into special interests (star trek/astronomy and art/animal biology respectively).

Soon enough Remus was showing pictures of the animal bones he’d found. Logan ooeh and ahhed at all of them before asking the most nerdy of questions (where he’d found them, their bone density, if any damage had been done to them) which only made Rem infodump which made Lo infodump which made them both happy stim.

Meanwhile Remy sat beside them completely zoned out. They got time to drink 2 more of those fruit mixes and a few shots. The room was starting to spin.

The loud music wasn’t keeping out the yelling. They dunked their forehead against the bar table and covered their ears to try and get it out. The music was supposed to keep it out! Why was nothing working! The bruise ached. Their throat closed in on itself until they couldn’t breathe. 

“Remus” They gasped out. They looked over to their friend with a desperate look in their eyes. They just needed a distraction.

“So my theory for why you keep finding bones in specifically that part of the woods is because of the kind of dirt making it take longer for them to deco-” Logan was explaining while Remus nodded along.

“Rem! L-let’s like go up and dance or something. Please” 

This time it caught Remus’ attention. He looked over to them “Sure- are you feeling alright? Did you drink too much? You’re looking like a mummy”

“Yes. No. I just like- Like- They’re playing Charli xcx of course we gotta like dance!!”

“I will protect your belongings then” Logan added.

Remy stumbled up on shaky legs. Remus sent them a warm smile that made them want to cry before taking their hand. He let them lead him out to the dancefloor. Honestly he was pretty nervous about it, but being with them always made some of the anxiety melt away.

They stumbled on their own feet and fell forward. Their friend took ahold of their wrists and pulled them close to his chest. Their faces were so close to each other. So so close.

He didn’t let go. They couldn't remember him ever letting them hold him this close. Their chests pressed against each other. Their arms around his shoulders. His hands on their back. 

"You’re right. It is a good song. Good to crash a car too" Remus said absentmindedly.

Remy let up into shaky giggles from how sudden he’d said it “Yeah. Yeah I guess” 

They kept giggling. He chuckled back. He started spinning around on the dancefloor. They moved with him. His arms wrapped closer around their waist. Their cheek leaned against the slope of his neck (even though they had to lean down to get on his height level).

Remy quietly sang along to the music which made Remus start yelling along to it. The enby threw their head back from laughter. They took his hand and intertwined their fingers.

Remus moved his hand out and spun them around before pulling them close again. Their cheeks were flushed red, his was as well. He playfully dipped them down when the song ended.

It continued on into a song neither of them knew but they kept dancing anyway. They didn’t stay as pressed close to each other but they always had some contact. Holding hands. An arm around a waist. A head leaning against a chest.

When they finally got back to the bar table they were both panting. Remy was completely leaning on Remus since their body had started to hurt, but even through the pain they were both bubbling over with so much happiness they kept breaking out into bouts of giggling.

To their surprise Logan wasn’t sitting alone. A tall person with long dark hair sat on the chair beside him. Xir hand was on his thigh. The nerd had a soft smile on his face as they leant close to talk.

“Uh Lo?” Remus had to wave his arms around to get his attention.

His head shot around to look at them “Hello” He glanced to the person “These are the ones I was protecting belongings for” He stood up and held out his hand “Shall we?” Xir took it. Logan waved at his friends before going off to the dancefloor with the stranger.

“Huh. Good for him” 

“I guess”

Remy ordered another high alcohol fruit mix. Remus happily chewed on his necklace while humming along to the music. Between their chairs their hands hang with their fingers intertwined. Holding their hand had started to make Remus feel all funny in the head for some reason.

The enby watched on as Logan and the stranger danced for a bit before moving to a corner to make out. When the stranger started to lead him towards the bar’s bathrooms Remy turned to their friend.

“Yeah okay he’s not coming back for like a while. Smoke break?”

“Of course!”

They finished their drink before leaving the bar. The pair stopped right outside. Remus sat down on the side of the pavement. Remy tried to sit down but they stumbled over themself and fell flat on the ground.

Remus got up to help “Are you okay? Are you sure you haven’t drank too much?”

“I’m fine. I’m fine” They laughed out.

He sat them down on the pavement while dusting off their clothes. He patted them on the head while pouting “You should get some water”

“Naaaah babe. I’m good”

In the moonlight the bruise was visible again. That horrible dark purple bruise around their neck. It looked like it hurt.

Remus put his hand on their shoulder “Beanie are you alright? I do know it wasn’t some halloween monster that got you that bruise”

For a moment their whole body tensed, they forced a smile “It’s fine. me and my boyf just tried like some new kinky shit in the bedroom y��know. Nothing more” They lied.

They took out a cigarette pack and a lighter from their bag. They traced their thumb over Remus’ lower lip and opened his mouth just slightly. Remy leaned closer while putting a cigerette between his lips. They lit it.

Remus took a deep breathe. It’d been a while since he’d last smoked. He leaned so close the cigarette nearly touched Remy’s skin. They parced their lips as he breathed out the smoke right into their mouth.

A smile spread on their lips. He held the cigarette over to them but they shook their head. They looked around in their bag again and took out a small poppers bottle.

“Should you really take that. Won’t your brain melt out of your ears?” Remus asked “I really don’t wanna have to slorp up your brain juice...yet”

“Relax babe. It’s like not dangerous as long as I don’t like take too much and I only take when partying” It took a moment before they quietly added “And I only party when I need to get out of the apartement”

“What?”

They forced on a bigger smile “What?”

Remy moved the popper up to their nose and inhaled as much of it as they could. It took a few seconds before they let up into a giggle. It was in a higher tone than their usual bubbly laugh, it almost sounded like cackling. They could see stars.

(U!Virgil mentions from here on out)

“Y’know my boyfriend gave me like a flashback or whatever last night” They giggled while swaying from side to side.

Remus gently grabbed their shoulders and moved them to lean against him so they wouldn’t fall over “Uhu. Did you stab him?”

“No silly. He just. He’d been soooo sweet all weeek and I just I just ruined it ‘cause i like overeacted to some joke he made while like we were washing the dishes” They were barely even aware they were speaking “And like it just kept going until we were like screaming at each other”

Remy was still smiling and giggling between every word but tears started to form in their eyes. Their fingers felt numb. Bile was rising in their throat.

“And he just like threw the plate he was holding down on the ground. And it like didn’t hit me. He wasn’t even aiming at me. He was just throwing it at the ground. But it shattered and it was so stupid and overemotional and stupid and pathetic but I just I just curled up on the floor and like had a panic attack like a stupid baby”

They smeared their hand across their face to try and get the tears away. They felt sick. Remus quickly put out his cigarette, it didn’t feel like the right time to smoke.

“And I just like- Is that normal? Is that fine? Like throwing stutff like that? I-I- he’s never done it before. Or I mean like not plates” They looked up at Remus “Is it fine?”

He gulped while fiddling with his hoodie sleeve “Well uh did he apologize?”

“Mhmm. He like- like for some minutes he like kept yelling ‘cause he thought I was just like faking a panic attack to like I dunno manipulate him but then he like comforted me and like calmed me down and like held me and cuddled all night until I fell asleep and- and he said sorry a bunch of times and like he said it would never happen again. He uh usually doesn’t lie”

“Well ehm then it should be fine right? Right?” They both shrugged at each other “I mean everyone can make mistakes! And it was during an argument! Everyone does drastic things during an arguments! So it’s fine. I think”

A shaking breathe of relief left Remy’s lips. They stretched themself over his lap and he moved his arms around them. “Thanks babe. I was like tots worried for a bit but y’know i was thinking like that too. So it’s fine”

“Yeah” He combed his fingers through their hair “You do know you can vent to me whenever right? I promise I won’t gross you out with details about how to pull out rabbit teeth ever again so if I can hold that back then I can also listen to stuff! I can super listen!!”

They closed their eyes. They felt so tired. So tired and sick and horrible. “Mhm. I know babe. I know”

Remy sent him a soft smile before suddenly puking. Some of it came on his pants but mostly on the ground. Remus stood up and carefully moved them down to a sitting position.

He rubbed up and down their back with one hand and held their hair back with his other. Their shoulders were shaking and they were taking in shallow breathes between every sudden throw up.

“It’s okay beanie-boo. Breathe. Breathe. You got all the time in the world. Until the sun blows up at least”

“I-I took- too much- too much” They slurred out before lurching forward again. It seemed to stop for now.

“I’m aware” He carefully wiped away some of the puke left around their mouth with his hoodie sleeve.

They leaned back against his chest. They closed their eyes and focused on breathing. He held them so so gently. As if they would break like glass otherwise. He pressed a kiss to the top of their head.

“There you are!” Logan said as came through the bar entrance “What a relief. I assumed you had left without me because you thought my actions were unacceptable” He noticed how pale and shaky Remy looked and got a worried look on his face “Is everything alright?”

“They feel like someone has slammed a fish into their stomach. Not good” Remus replied.

“I see. I suppose it woud be best to get them home”

Logan picked Remy up with ease to carry them to his car. He was quite sure he’d carried dogs that weighted more than them. Remus anxiously followed along.

He sat them in the passenger seat. He shook their shoulders until they opened their eyes. They let out a quiet whine.

He held up 4 fingers “Remy how many fingers am I holding up?”

“Fuck yourself”

“Noted”

They moved to the side and seemed to pass out again. Logan closed the door before turning to Remus.

“Did they take anything?” He whispered.

“Only a popper”

“Good. Do you need a ri-”

“Bus”

“Okay” Logan was about to go but stopped midstep and lowered his voice even more “Oh and Rem...Could you please not ask Janus to hang out next weekend? I am planning a surprise...I hope it will make him happy”

“Good luck comrade....Please text me once Remy is home safe. Please?”

“Of course”

He did a little nod before leaving. Logan got into the car. He couldn’t stop looking at the bruise around their neck. Remy continued to sleep for most of the ride until they they were 5 minutes or so away from their apartment. They suddenly flinched awake.

“Stop the car!” They gasped out. 

“Are you still feeling the same?”

“Logan stop the fucking car!” There was fear in their eyes. 

Logan stopped by the side of the road. The road was barren and dark. It had to be past 3 am at least. Remy crawled back into the backseats while their whole body shook.

“Don’t. Look. At. Me”

“Sure” He stared down into the steering wheel to not accidentally see their reflection in the glass.

“I just. I just have to change clothes. I just. I don’t want Virigl to call me a whore again. I mean. He won’t. But what if. What if he gets mad. I just. I just have to change” They slurred out.

They stumbled out of the car after changing into a pair of long pants and closing their leather jacket. A cold chill went up Logan’s spine. He quickly stepped out of the car as well.

“Okay bye bye Logie!!”

They tried to move but Logan grabbed onto their shoulders. He forced back a choking feeling in his throat “What do you mean by your boyfriend getting mad?”

“Pff! It’s nothing! I’m drunk!! Byyyeeeeee”

They started to stumble away but Logan easily followed along “It did not sound like he called you a whor-...you know what...with your consent. I am simply going to remind you that calling a partner things like that is not okay. Not in any circumstance”

Remy’s expression turned cold. They walked faster “I don’t like what you’re implying”

“I’m not implying anything”

“Yes you Fucking are!”

“Exscuse me for being worried about your wellbeing. What you just said sounded like a very bad sign”

“Yeah exactly it only SOUnded bad! My boyfriend isn’t bad!” Remy snarled out.

“I am not saying he is. He doesn’t have to be bad to say awful things, as long as he changes”

They shoved their hands into their pockets. Their hands moved into fists “You don’t know a fucking thing about me. You tried to kiss me once when you were drunk and that’s all. We don’t know each other”

Logan took a deep breathe “I don’t need to know you to see red flags. Remy-” He searched for words “Remy you’re bruised. How- you can’t expect me to not get worried”

Remy suddenly stopped and turned around to meet his eyes. “MY BOYFRIEND ISN’T ABUSIVE! I-”

“I’m not necessarily saying he is. I just wan’t to talk-” His voice started to sound desperate.

They looked like a cornered animal. Tears were brimming at the edges of their eyes “YOU DON’T KNOW A THING!”

“Remy-”

“I DID THIS TO MYSELF!” Their hand went up to the bruise “I DESERVED IT! VIRGIL DIDN’T DO A FUCKING THING! I DID! I TOOK A BELT AND HURT MYSELF! OKAY?! VIRGIL CARES ABOUT ME!”

He tried to sound soothing “Remy please take a deep breathe-”

“NO! NO! YOU KNOW WHAT LOGAN?! THERE IS STILL CUM ON YOUR FUCKING LIPS FROM YOU SUCKING OFF SOME STRANGER IN A DIRTY BATHROOM! SO NO! I AM NOT TAKING LOVE ADVICE FROM SOMEONE WHO IS CHEATING ON HIS GODDAMN WIFE!”

They stormed away. For a moment Logan was frozen in place before he forced himself to run after them to try and make sure they would be okay.

“I am not-”

Remy looked at him for one last time. The look in their eyes made him feel cold. It was pure hatred.

“Logan get the fuck away from me! I am drunk and high and alone on a street with no one but you who is sure as hell fucking stronger than me and all you’re doing is spouting bullshit! So please get why I want you to leave. And why I don’t ever want you to talk to me again!”

He stopped dead in his tracks “...Right....Yes....I am so sorry”

Remy didn’t even respond. They simply turned and walked away. Logan stayed and watched to make sure they got home to the apartment safe before going back to his car.

He slumped down in the seat. His heart was racing and his thoughts were for once an illogical flurry. He sat motionless for several minutes before finally getting some semblence of an idea.

He took out his phone and dialed one of his usual numbers. It took several signals before Emile Picani picked up.

“Mhm? Logie bear? I can’t today I have clients in the morning” He yawned out.

“This is about one of your patients. I am fearing that they are in danger”

In an instant all of the sleepyness in Emile’s voice disappeared “In danger? Physical? Is it urgent? Do I need to call someone? Which patient are you even referring to?”

Logan hesitated. If Remy had reacted that strongly to him just attempting to ask about his boyfriend it was very likely that they would stop going to therapy if Emile brought it up. His throat tightened, he didn’t want to put them in any more danger.

“I....Nevermind Emile....This was just a far too gone joke...Someone dared me to call you. I am sorry. Have a good night”

He ended the call. He leaned his forehead against the steering wheel and let out a long sigh. His hands held onto the wheel so hard his knuckles whitened.

Logan had no idea what to do. No idea at all. All he knew was fear. Fear for Remy’s safety. Fear for their well being. Fear that anything he did would only make their situation worse.

[willowaudreykeyes]

Monster AU Idea that I don’t know what to do with

Literally what the title says. Idk what to do with this, but its in my head and so i need to write it down and share it before my brain explodes. Talk about it or ask about it; whatever you want. As long as I know about it as it is still my idea, go nuts.

@ladyedwina @sparrowofsong

Warning: Does involve murder, being captured, lots of depressed Roman because I’m mean to him for no reason and it makes me sad, gory removal of fingers (not detailed but it is there), suicide mention, me swearing a lot, stabbing(not detailed), hints of Roceit; Intrulogical and qpr Pattmile

Spider Monster Who-Realises-That-His-Race-Sucks Virgil 

Born like this. Was raised to be alone but he likes being around others to feel safe, so it makes him a little awkward and even anxious around others.

Hates the rest of his kind because he’s the only one who doesn’t want to eat people. So now they all wanna kill him. 

He can retract his extra legs but it leaves small bumps in his back, so he likes to wear his over-sized hoodie to help hide them.

Janus saved him from one of his own kind. Travelled with him and Logan before getting separated by Monster Hunters and running into a lonely wolf-Patton.

Is now Patton’s spider child, despite the fact that said father figure is afraid of spiders. And that Virgil is technically older then him. He does try to look past the ‘too-many-eyes’ and ‘long, hairy legs’ thing; which Virgil appreciates.

The only one of the group that knows how mobiles work and he finds it funny as fuck.

Werewolf Underdog (ha) Patton 

Runt of the litter.

Can shift between a humany appearance, an actual grey-brown wolf and a bipedal werewolf. He isn’t the third one often and actually enjoys being a more typical wolf as he can be passed off as a wolf-dog hybrid and has gotten free bones and pets.

Ran away from his pack as they didn’t want him to die but also didn’t want him to get stronger, then raised a bunch of homeless orphans at a young age and also defended them from a trafficking ring by ripping out a bunch of people’s throats. 

Yeah... he brought them to an orphanage afterwards as it’s safer then the streets. Then he ran away again; at this point he’s only 15-16.

Lives alone and homeless for a few more years before running into Virgil and immediately adopting him. 

Patton helped Virgil find Janus and Logan so now he has more children (who are all older then him but he ignores that).

No one will go hungry EVER with Patton is around. He is the caretaker of this pack and he will not let his pups feel hungry ever- 

He’s not over how shitty his pack was to him and it’s very obvious.

When he meets Emile though, it lifts a lot of weight off his shoulders as he learns not to be so all-bearing of others issues. And he also feels safer talking to him about his old pack as he doesn’t want to be pitied by anyone.

Tired-As-Fuck Vampire Logan 

Who’s like 600 years old and knows that a lot of History that the modern day tells everyone is wrong and HATES that he’d be found out if he started yelling at people how wrong they are.

Parents wanted him to drop science and be a farmer. They, and his younger siblings, all died when their crops were poisoned two weeks after he moved out to do his science elsewhere.

Oh and he was bit by the person who 1. Was his partner in science and 2. He was head over heels for them because they let him take risks but still made sure he was safe as he did them.

So that pissed him off quite a bit. Because he almost instantly killed the couple who took in the sickly scientist because the wife cut her finger. He managed to kill the cow instead but he ran away afterwards and never saw them again.

Ran into Janus 300 years later -after travelling a LOT and learning a LOT and nearly dying a LOT and feeling so much that he doesn’t wanna feel anymore because that’s 300yrs of friends dying- and decided to travel with the one type of guy who won’t die of old age!!!

Then Virgil appeared. Then Patton. Then the Twins. Then Remy. Then Emile. He wishes that his dead heart would stop making him want to protect them all to his last breath but what can ya do?

He will murder anyone to save the others- but much prefers to just stay inside and just experiment on the occasional new thing that he finds.

Protector. Leader. Professor. Tired. Doctor. Cantor (yes he was Jewish for a little while after the bite but now he’s Atheist). University Chancellor. Lots of titles and he got them all legit too, although some are a little out of date.

Do not ask how he feels about the others. Especially Remus. He will glare at you without a word before moving on with his life.

Naga Will-Steal-You’re-Last-$5 Janus

Age? Social construct. He hints at being around Logan’s age but that could be give or take a hundred years or so.

He can shift between having a tail and legs- but ofc much prefers the tail. But he hates that his teeth change with it as it makes him hold his ‘s’ more when he talks.

When no tail, the left side of his face is very scarred. Someone tried burning off the scales on his face but the scars only appear when he’s trying to look human. When he has his tail, his scales replace them and they look fine.

Do not touch his hands or he will strangle you with them. They’re sensitive as hell without his gloves and he doesn’t know why.

He can hypnotise you to take a fucking break and he’s not afraid to do it (except on Logan as he’s somehow almost entirely immune)

Doesn’t like hypnotising his friends unless its just to take a break or to pull them out of an anxiety/panic attack. Every other living thing isn’t off limits though.

Lived alone until he met Logan. He also liked killing everyone he met until he met Logan. The only reason he didn’t kill Logan was because the nerd almost chopped off the end of his tail. The others don’t know this and it’s staying that way.

Has a cane to walk with for days that his legs decide that they wanna be a tail but he’s in public for some reason and he can’t and it sucks.

Almost killed Remy when they first met. Literally- he stabbed him in the side. Now they’re best buds over it and it was weird how quickly it happened too.

Has stolen Roman’s last $5. He will not be returning it. He hasn’t spent it because he finds him cute funny when he’s mad.

Siren But-Flips-Off-The-Sea-And-Heights Roman

Was born a Prince! With his weirdo of a twin. They were well liked and he was next in line for the throne and he was gonna be given a wife-

He wasn’t happy that it HAD to be a wife and when he argued that he wanted a guy; everyone turned on him and threw him into the ocean. So... fuck them.

Sirens saved him by turning him into one. He hates it.

Was forced to eat kelp or people. He chose kelp. He hated it.

Was dragged out of the sea by his brother who had been thrown into the evil swamp nearby and is now a banshee. Not as bad but he’s still rather pissed.

Although he was a little sad when he heard, 100yrs later, that his entire kingdom died of the plague. He moved on quickly though.

He hates the sea and doesn’t go near it. If it all dried up one day, it’d be the happiest day of his life. He doesn’t even eat seafood anymore as it makes him upset just looking at it.

He still likes to sing. He can control if it’s going to mind-control those who hear it or not; but it’s a little annoying as he can’t get too into it without accidentally losing control. Doesn’t stop him though. 

He learnt how to play multiple instruments, made anonymously published books, the money-earner of the two. Although he was jealous that Remus was better at more hands-on stuff and is slowly, but happily, learning how to craft things from wood.

He and Remus never separated. Even when Monster Hunters sprayed him with water, forced his tail to appear, and took him to a facility to be imprisoned forever. That’s another thing he was mad about since Remus refused to just fucking RUN but he was happy to see his brother be proud of him when he dug VERY sharp teeth into a mans arm.

Had to be carried out by Janus when he, Logan, Patton and Virgil decided to free everyone inside. Every other creature could run except him, which led to him and Remus staying with them.

He definitely, 100%, no-doubt-about-it got a massive gay crush on Janus when he taught him how to fight. And sword fight. And dance. And how to look after his rather pretty scales.

In the 200-300yrs since he’s had a tail, he hasn’t ONCE really looked after them. So when Janus helped him out and made his scales less gross and more gorgeous, he actually started liking his tail a bit.

The Ocean can still go fuck itself though.

Oh and the one time they visited the Seattle Space Needle? Yeah, fuck heights too.

Banshee Will-Eat-Your-Fingers-If-Given-The-Chance Remus

After Roman got thrown into the ocean, he went on a rampage. He didn’t kill anyone, but he sure as hell got close to murdering their shitty father.

They tied him up and tossed him into the nearby swamp, where he nearly died. He inhaled days worth of magical fog that eventually turned him into a banshee. Which is just the ability to scream so loud that he makes people pass out, which is useful. Oh and sharp teeth that he looks after really well.

He managed to escape the forest, he screamed at a passing merchant and took his horse, and went to the ocean where he found Roman depressingly eating kelp on a rock off in the distance.

He literally got on a boat, dragged the surprised but happy fish into it with him, and made sure that they would never be separated again.

Didn’t care about what happened to their old kingdom. 

He learnt how to make weapons, how to blacksmith, how to glassmith, how to make clothes- Literally anything he could since Roman kind of sucked at making anything that wasn’t music or a story of some kind. Fine by him since he knew the quality of the weapon he was stabbing people with.

When the hunters forcefully made Roman’s tail appear, he tried to scream to make them all pass out but they were ready and punched him out. He would have found it a little funny if he didn’t wake in a jail cell with a thing over his mouth.

The two worst things about it: He couldn’t see Roman and know if he was okay and he couldn’t cuss out the guards.

When that nerdy but very murderous vampire broke in and helped him out of the prison, he returned the favour by biting off the fingers of a guard that had broken Logan’s glasses. He later on fixed said glasses as well but he thought the fingers removal was a better thank you.

Loves Logan; only Roman, Janus and Emile have figured it out. Virgil thinks he’s plotting to kill the vampire one day, Remy doesn’t pay attention and Patton thinks that Logan is a good influence on him (he’s not wrong as he slowly stops describing brutal murders and talks about gross facts that Logan does and doesn’t know)

Remy No-It-Isn’t-Short-For-Remington-Yes-I-Am-A-Dragon-Roman

Born as a shapeshifting dragon. Was supposed to live like a recluse like the rest of his kind but said ‘fuck that’ and now works at a clothing store in a town full of morons for entertainment.

His kind does get tired rather easily so he lives off coffee. He is addicted and luckily for him; his body won’t get used to it so he doesn’t have to heighten the dose of caffeine in every drink. Yay!

Two things happened when he first met Janus and Roman. The first is that he got stabbed by the Naga because he may or may not have seen him wearing some shiny rings that he REALLY wanted. He wanted it more then Janus, so he found it okay to do- but got stabbed for it.

Two; he then bit Roman (who kinda deserved it when he tried to ‘slay the dragon’ when Janus had saw his unnaturally-bright brown eyes) and was dragged to see everyone to figure out what to do with him.

He managed to talk his way out of being murdered by Remus by sheer amazing personality (he’s x5 sassy when afraid and Remus thought he was hilarious) and just decided to hang around everyone just because he could.

Being stabbed turned into a joke between him and Janus and now they’re besties who totally don’t steal from random assholes that they run into down the street. It’s a now competition to have the shiniest collection (Janus is winning but gives Remy the occasional shiny thing as he knows that dragons get very mad about hoard sizes sometimes)

When they all moved towns, he dragged them to one where his old friend Emile was. He also introduced Virgil to Starbucks and their coffee and is still getting berated for it to this day.

Oh and when he does manage to let himself be a dragon, he’s about as large as a horse and has really pretty black scales with a light brown underbelly. His eyes turn bright green too. Virgil calls him Starbucks’s best mascot.

Emile Is-A-Disney-Fairy-Stereotype

Can grow and shrink on command; can also make his wings appear and disappear although it does hurt not to have them out almost daily.

Pink wings and pink hair. Very popular fairy attributes (for both fairies and Monster Hunters)

Can see aura’s of humans and monsters. They look very different depending on species but he LOVES seeing human ones the most as they are often filled with more colours.

Is a therapist, is a cartoon nerd, is able to make you a dress that disappears at midnight

... Can also see your dreams but doesn’t like doing it as its intrusive and it feels like he’s breaking some kind of human Confidentiality agreement 

Being a therapist has changed a lot of his views on personal space (like the whole dream thing he has). He’s very in-your-face when excited, but as a kid he would CLING to people at every chance he had. Even strangers. It wasn’t a good habit.

Became a therapist, an independent one too, because a human friend of his died of suicide and he blamed his therapist who was telling him a lot of bad advice. And said therapist wasn’t supportive of his friends gender-identity crisis as he was very strict on ‘born a boy is a boy’ kind of thinking.

Now Emile takes in teenagers for free and adults at a lower price then a normal therapist. He doesn’t have a great living space (upstairs from his office don’t tell anyone) but he doesn’t care! 

Met Remy as he was one of his patients once. He can tell when someone isn’t human due to their aura’s and nearly fell out of his chair when a FUCKING DRAGON walked in.

After Remy finished his sessions, he still visited occasionally and always remembered his favourite drink (chocolate smoothie with whipped cream and caramel shavings and a chocolate stick or five sticking out- and Remy thought his coffee addiction was bad)

And after not seeing Remy after six months, only to find that he has made friends with a lot of other creatures made him so happy.

Then confused when they all dragged in this fairy therapist into their group. Where Logan asked for the occasional emotional advice (not at ALL related to Remus-), Janus made sure he got a better living space, Remus and Virgil gave him someone to talk to about darker cartoon ideas, Roman (after the 18 times he asked for a magical dress) started making cartoon-stuffs for him, and Patton...

Patton helped him realise that he was still very gay despite the AroAce that he was. He gave him head scritches when stressed, the help he needed trauma-wise, the cartoon marathons with the doggo using his legs as a pillow-

And Patton gave him someone to talk to about all his feelings about his clients (without breaking any rules ofc). And about his old friend and the terrible therapists that he’s met.

He will admit to anyone that he squealed when Janus told him that Patton was pan aroace. Seriously, just ask. He is not ashamed of his excitement of the fact that he has a CHANCE WITH THE CUTE WOLF DAD.

[maddie-the-princess]

If You Love Me, Let Me Go Part 3

Fandom: Sanders Sides

AU: High School 

Pairing(s): LAMP

Summary: Virgil and his family are new to the neighborhood. He starts a new school where he learns to love himself, and maybe, love his new friends. 

Warnings: Mild language, Gay panic, Slight panic attack

Thank you to @kuroyurishion for helping me with this chapter. Please enjoy the story. 

Chapter Three: Logan, Remus, Remy, and Roman

Virgil’s POV

I compared schedules with Dee and found out we had most classes together. The morning was split into three classes, then lunch, and then another three classes. In the morning I had Math, Science, and History. In the afternoon, I had a Study Hall, English, and then Art. I shared most classes with Dee except for Science, History, and Art. Dee was taking Psychology as his science while I took Anatomy. As for History, Dee was taking Public Speaking as his course. And when I had Art, Dee had Study Hall. I quickly packed my things and stood up before I heard the bell ring.

“C’mon shortstack, I’ll walk you to your next class. Mine is in the same direction.” Dee said, walking out of the classroom. The two of us walked down the hall, talking about how the school works, before stopping in front of what looked like a science lab. “Here you go shortstack.” Dee said, waving goodbye as he walked to his class. Taking a deep breath, I walked into the classroom. 

The science teacher looked a lot nicer than the math teacher. He smiled at me and gestured to his desk. “Welcome to science class Mr. Sullivan!” he exclaimed politely. “I’m Mr. Williams and I’ll be your Anatomy teacher this year. I understand that you took both Biology and Chemistry in your old school, correct?” he asked. I nodded to his questions. “Wonderful. I told everybody about you coming here last week, and the class is ready to make you comfortable. Here, take your textbook and syllabus. Your seat is in the back of class.” He smiled apologetically at that last statement. I gave him a brief smile and a nod of thanks before taking my seat and taking out my things. I doodled in my notebook while waiting. 

The rest of the class shuffled in, some of them looking in my direction curiously. I didn’t look up from my doodles until I heard Mr. Williams got out of his seat after taking attendance. I snapped my head up. I like science class better than math because at least there’s an explanation for something. And anatomy is pretty cool too, which is a bonus.

“Alright class, today we will continue our study of the human body by looking at the human body’s cells. Now, who can tell me what the study of cells is called?” No one in the class answered Mr. Williams right away. I racked my brain for the answer. It was definitely something I learned in freshman year at my old school.

‘Cytology.’ I thought to myself, going to raise my hand, but I stopped. Should I actually raise my hand and answer? What if I get the question wrong? Will everyone laugh at me? Oh god, Mr. Williams seems like a pretty nice guy, so if I answer wrong and he’s disappointed in me, he’s gonna see that I’m such a dumbass. My thoughts were spiraling until I hear Mr. Williams call on someone. 

“Cytology is the scientific study of cells. Cytology is mainly used to screen for cancer or other diagnosis.” a cool voice answered. I looked over to see who answered. It was a boy about my age. He had dark brown hair and matching eyes and wore glasses. He wore a black polo and dark washed jeans with a dark blue tie and black shoes. He looked stoic and dedicated to his work. I cursed. 

‘Oh of course I get to sit next to a nerd. He’s a hot nerd, but- ok, Virgil let’s stop these thoughts right now before you have a gay panic.’ I thought to myself, fighting the blush that was appearing on my face. I quickly turned my head so he wouldn’t notice me staring at him. The class continued like that. Mr. Williams would lecture and ask questions, Mr. Owens answers, and I get to stare at my neighbor while also taking notes. I just hoped and prayed to whatever cryptid out there that he didn’t notice me. Those prayers didn’t work.

Why? Because Mr. Williams let us have the last five minutes of class to ourselves with our only homework will be to study the lesson we had today. Quickly, I put my books away and buried my head in my arms, groaning quietly. I needed to breathe, so I turned my head. I saw Mr. Owens reading a book, and with the sunlight streaming through the window, he looked even better than before. I froze. ‘Nope, not happening. I’m not gonna have a gay panic over this one.’ I thought desperately. I didn’t notice I was still staring at my seatmate until he turned and looked at me curiously. He smirked, like he knew I was sneaking glances at him, and winked. 

He winked. At me. 

When the bell rang, I gathered my things and bolted out of the classroom and tried to find my next class. 

***

I had lunch with Dee. I walked into the bustling cafeteria, scanning for my one and only friend. He spotted me first and waved me over, and I walked toward him and his table and sat down next to him. 

“Hey there short stack.” Dee greeted me fondly. “How were your morning classes?” I gave him a groan in response and he laughed at me. How dare he. “Lift your head up, short stack, I want you to meet some people.” I groan again but comply. Dee smirks and it’s now I notice there were two other teens at the table. One of them was wearing a leather jacket and sunglasses, even though we were inside, and sipping a Starbucks coffee. The other had messy brown hair and wore a green shirt and black pants. 

“‘Sup babe.” the teen wearing the leather jacket teased. “The name’s Remy Anderson.” I blushed lightly at his teasing

“And I’m Remus King!” the other teen piped up. He took his fork and started poking Dee with it. “And who’s this little one?”

“My name is Virgil Sullivan. I just moved here.” I introduced myself, then I glared at Remus. “And I’m not little.” This caused Remus to cackle out loud, drawing other people’s attention to us. I lowered my head instinctively.

“Holy shit Double Dee.” Remus breathed. “I like him already!”

“He is kinda cute, isn’t he.” Remy mused, sipping his drink. 

The rest of lunch passed with us bantering and eating. I felt comfortable with these guys. They seemed cool, and we all have some things in common. We exchanged numbers before the lunch bell rang. Maybe this school will be different from the others.

***

Everything went smoothly until after study hall. I thought I could get through the end of the day without any more issues. I was wrong. So very wrong. Study hall was spent by doing homework while listening to music and doodling in my notebook. Mostly, it was me daydreaming about the people I met. After study hall, I gathered my books in my arms and was out of the room and into the hallway. 

I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings, so I accidentally bump into someone, knocking my books to the ground. The other person and I both groaned and I kneeled to pick up my things. This was embarrassing. The other quickly joined on the floor, helping me. 

“Sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going.” Il said shyly. He was a mess today. 

“Ah, no, don’t apologize. I should apologize because I bumped into you.” the other person said quickly. The two worked to gather all of Virgil’s books and stood up. It wasn’t until l put my books in my bag that I realized the other teen was staring at my sketchbook with wide eyes. He kept staring at the sketchbook while I stared at him. The other teen looked very handsome. He looked like Remus, but his attire was more refined and cleaner. He wore a red shirt and blue jeans with matching red converse. He had dark brown eyes and slightly tanned skin. 

‘Oh no. I think I’m gonna panic because of this one.’ I thought helplessly. He looked over with me with a wide smile. 

“These drawings are really good!” he complemented, holding out my book. I squeaked out my thanks before taking my sketchbook and dashing away. My breathing was getting heavy and I could feel the heat on my face. I could feel people looking at me and whispering. I raced towards the bathroom and leaned over the edge of the sink. Thank goodness no one was there to see me panic. I leaned against the wall and slid down, pulling my knees to my chest. I took a deep breath in, trying to calm down, but I couldn’t. I buried my head in between my knees.

I didn’t hear the bathroom door open, so I didn’t notice another person standing there until they called out to me. 

“Are you alright?” I heard a familiar voice asked. It was Mr. Owens from  Anatomy class. “May I touch you?”

I nodded my consent and I felt two hands gently grasp my hands. “You need to breathe for me Virgil.” he said. “Follow my breathing.” And I did. I followed his rhythmic breathing. In for four counts, holding it for seven counts, and then exhaling for eight counts. We did this repeatedly until I was ok, picking my head up from my knees. “Good job Virgil.” he said, helping me up. 

“Thank you.” I said gratefully, my heart hammering in my chest. “You’re the guy in my science class. I never got your name.” . 

“Ah. my apologies. My name is Logan Owens, pleasure to meet you.” he replied. “And I would shake your hand, but…” I followed his gaze to where he held my hand. I gasped and went to remove my hand and apologize, but he held on when I tried to let go. He smirked at me and squeezed them reassuringly. 

“No, no, it’s fine. I just wanna make sure you’re not going to panic again.” he said. He pulled me out of the bathroom, still holding my hand. “You have English class next, yes? You’re new here, so I’ll take you there. 

‘No. no, you stupid hot nerd, you’re going to be the reason I’ll be in a panic again.’ I thought. Thankfully, the hallways were nearly empty when we got out, so no one really was paying us any attention. He led me all the way to English class. Before he left for his own class, he squeezed my hand one last time. “Have fun in there, short stuff.” He left me gaping. 

English class went the same way as Science did. She explained that her English class will be more interactive because she enjoys making students partner up and do projects. She gave me a textbook and syllabus and pointed to my desk right near the window. I sat down and watched the students walk in, including the handsome teen that bumped into me. He dramatically greeted the teacher, who’s name was Mrs. Davis, and everybody else in class. Then he noticed me and his smile somehow became brighter. 

‘Oh god, please don’t let your desk be next to mine.’ I prayed desperately. Again, my prayers were not answered as he plopped down in the desk next to mine. 

“It’s you! The one with the pretty sketchbook!” he exclaimed loudly. 

“Keep your voice down.” I whisper to him. I didn’t want to have any attention on me. “I’m Virgil Sullivan.”

The teen smiled apologetically. “I’m Roman King!” he stage whispered. “It’s a pleasure to finally introduce myself to you.” 

I opened my mouth to say more, but Mrs. Davis quieted the class and began her lesson. She said the class will start their first book of the year, and today would be an introductory day for it. She passed out papers about The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and advised us to look over them tonight. Then she concluded her lesson and let us have ten minutes of free time. Roman turned to me. 

“So, tell me gatito, what do you have after this class?” he asked innocently. Oh of course the handsome boy next to me can speak a different language. Of course. 

“Art.” I managed out, blushing when he smiled. 

“Are you gonna show off your pretty drawings to the teacher? I think he’ll be impressed once he sees them.” 

I pursed my lips as I looked at my closed sketchbook. “You think so? My art really isn’t pretty.”

Roman gasped. “How dare you say that about your art! Your art is absolutely beautiful. Magnificent! Stunning!” he rambled, complimenting my artwork as I stared at him in disbelief. No one has ever complimented my art before. People always said it was weird and not creative. The bell rang when Roman was still talking. “I’ll see you later, gatito, ok? Get to class safely.” he teased. I didn’t need to be told twice. I waved him a goodbye and went to my last class.

As I walked into Art I was greeted by Patton, who was happily smiling. He grabbed my hand and brought me over to a man who I’m guessing was the teacher. “Hello, I’m Mr. Moore. You must be Virgil.” He smiled softly, I nodded and he told me about what we would be doing in art and told me I could sit wherever I would like. Patton, who was still holding my hand, brought me over to one of the desks and we sat down, and after a few minutes the rest of the class had come in and we started on the lesson. Mr. Moore had decided to give us an easy day and let us sketch whatever we wanted to, as long as it had some sort of meaning behind it. Patton and I started talking about random things and I looked over to see small puppies and kittens scattered on Patton’s page as he talked with me. 

“Um, Pat you do know that it’s supposed to have meaning behind it right?” He looked back with an ‘Oh’ sort of expression.

“They do have meaning! Well, sort of… They’re just so cute I couldn’t help myself!” I giggled softly at the bubbly boy’s reaction and went back to my drawing. “So what are you drawing Virge?” Patton peaked over my shoulder trying to see my drawing and I pulled it off to the side in embarrassment. 

“Please? I won’t judge you or anything!” He pouted giving me the cutest pair puppy dog eyes. After a minute or so I moved my arms away so he could see, Dang those puppy dog eyes! “Ooh Is that a raven?! It’s beautiful Kiddo!” I nodded and blushed in response. “Aw, you're such a Lil cutie pie!” 

‘Ahhhhh! Pat, not you too!’ I mentally screamed. I felt my face heat up for what was like the umpteenth time today, This school is definitely different from my last. Maybe it’s because there are a lot of pretty and cool boys here and wow I’m a disaster. Fortunately, before I spiraled further, the bell rang. Patton and I gathered our things and walked out the door. We stopped by our lockers before walking out of school. 

“Bye kiddo! See you tomorrow!” he exclaimed and hugged me before walking off. I stood there, frozen for a couple moments before walking home in a daze. My parents weren’t home, probably because they were at their new jobs, and I was so glad they weren’t because they would have seen my blushing face and questioned me relentlessly. Taking some food with me from the cupboards upstairs to my room, I locked my door behind me and attempted to do whatever homework I had.

When it was late at night, I reflected on my first day in my bed. I made a couple new friends, and I’ve met three people who sent me into a gay panic one after another. Groaning, I turned over in my bed. Hopefully, I won’t panic when I see them tomorrow. 

Anyone wanna be in my taglist? Let me know! 

Taglist: 

@sure-i-exist

[notalwaysthevillian]

Parent Trapped

Warnings: Friendly teasing, anxiety, a little bit of self-deprecation

Pairings: Eventual Romantic Remile, platonic LAMP

Word Count: ~2.1k

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Masterlist

Chapter 7: Spring

The winter came and went. The kids exchanged gifts with each other just before school ended for break. The Sanders flew to New York to have Christmas with Roman’s birthmom, while the Picanis stayed in town, opting to celebrate the holidays in their new home.

Soon enough, the snow was melting and spring sports and clubs were starting.

“DAD!” Roman screeched as he burst through the door one afternoon, clutching a few papers in his hands.

Logan, Virgil, and Patton were right behind him, carefully taking off their shoes and lining them up on the rug.

“I was taking a nap.” Remy grumbled as Roman dragged him into the living room.

“You’re always napping! And I have news!”

“Good or bad news?” Patton asked as they filed in and sat on the couch.

Roman grinned at him. “Amazing news!”

Once they were all settled on the couch, Roman flipped the paper in his hands around. “We’re doing Into the Woods for the spring musical!!”

“...what is it about?”

A gasp fell from Roman’s mouth at Virgil’s question. “You mean - you haven’t seen it?!”

Virgil shook his head, a small smile on his face. “I’m not really a musical guy, Ro.”

“You watch Disney movies!”

“That’s the exception!”

Roman heaved a dramatic sigh. “Into the Woods is about some of the classic fairy tales. Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel. But it’s kinda dark, which is why I’d assumed you’d seen it, you heathen.”

Virgil stuck his tongue out at him. “Then why don’t you show it to me, ass-”

“Virgil!”

“Dad’s not even here and Mr. Sanders doesn’t care.”

Remy tapped the top of Virgil’s head with a finger. “Hey. Do as I say, not as I do.”

“Are you gonna join anything, Mr. Emo?” Roman teased, earning a pillow to the face.

As Roman sputtered, Virgil shrugged. “I don’t know. I gotta check.”

“Let us know when the meeting is and we’ll join you.” Logan said from the other end of the couch. Virgil gave him a thumbs up. “As for myself, I’m going to join the astronomy club. Remind me to thank your dad for helping me out with that.”

“I can tell you right now that he’d say it was no problem.” Patton gave Logan a smile, which he returned. “I think I wanna join cooking club.”

“Dad, you should join cooking club.” Another pillow hit Roman in the face, causing him to sputter.

Virgil and Remy high-fived each other before Remy turned to his son. “Just because you’re right doesn’t mean you should say it.”

“Virgil, perhaps you should try a sport.” Logan cut in, hoping to stop the rain of pillows. Roman gave him an appreciative look. “It might help get rid of some of your nervous energy. Obviously it won’t get rid of all of it, but it certainly would help with some of it. In addition to that, it would keep you physically healthy, which could assist with your mental health.”

Virgil couldn’t help but smile. “Lo, did you do research for me?”

“Of course I did. You’re my friend.” Ignoring the chorus of ‘awws’ from the other people in the room, the loudest coming from Patton, Logan turned to his brother. “Please tell me I won’t be your rehearsal buddy.”

“Nah, you’re off the hook. Patton already offered, remember?”

Patton nodded. “I don’t mind doing lines with you. There’s always some waiting time in cooking!”

As the two started discussing what song and monologue Roman would use to audition, Logan moved over to Virgil’s side. He had the school website pulled up on his phone to the spring sports page.

“Is there anything that appeals to you?”

Virgil scanned the list. He wasn’t the biggest fan of anything that could get him seriously injured - which took out baseball and lacrosse. Tennis and volleyball were out too, considering he tended to duck things coming at him rather than hit them back. Which left two things.

“Swimming and track seem okay.” He said, pointing them out on the list. “I’m not a very strong swimmer though, so I guess track?”

“You do seem to have a powerful fight or flight reflex.” Virgil could practically hear the gears turning in Logan’s head as he spoke. “That would account for some speed, though it would likely only do that when your response is activated…”

Remy coughed, getting his son’s attention. “You are not scaring Virgil before the track meets to get him to run faster.”

“It was just an observation!”

“Logan, most of your observations lead to hypotheses, which then lead to experiments.” Remy got off the couch, heading out of the room. “No experiments on siblings or friends.”

Pouting, Logan settled deeper into the couch. “Fine.”

After the four of them had figured out which meetings they wanted to go to, they parted ways.

Logan started to head to his room, stopped immediately by Roman.

“And just where are you going?”

“To do my homework.”

Roman got up, grabbing Logan’s wrist before he could run. “Nope, you’re going to do it out here. That way you can help me if I need it, and I can keep an eye on you. Mr. Picani told you not to overwork yourself, remember?”

“Yes, but -”

“Emile’s a smart guy, you should listen to him.”

The boys looked up as Remy re-entered the room, grabbing a blanket off the couch. Logan raised an eyebrow at him. “I thought you two didn’t get along?”

“We’re making an effort.” Was the response that came over Remy’s shoulder before he disappeared again.

“I won’t be able to focus if you start singing Disney songs.” Logan said, slowly trying to pull himself free from Roman’s grasp.

The grip only tightened. “Then I won’t sing them. And we’ll be using the Pomodoro Technique so that you have to take breaks.”

“You know the Pomodoro Technique?”

Roman rolled his eyes, dragging his brother over to the coffee table. “Of course, that’s how I study. Do you really think I can pay attention to anything for longer than twenty minutes?”

“That doesn’t seem to be an issue for movies.” Logan teased, earning a nudge from his brother.

“Whatever, nerd. Just study.”

True to his word, Roman forced Logan to take breaks when the timer went off. After four bouts of studying, they broke to eat some dinner.

“Normally we’d go back to studying now, but I’m not counting dinner as a break.” Roman told him after they’d cleaned up. “Stay here, I got something at the library for you.”

“Roman, you know I don’t enjoy fantasy novels!”

“Just wait!”

Logan sighed. He was glad that Roman had thought of him enough to get him a library book, but he knew his brother’s taste. Roman tended to only read high fantasy while Logan preferred the mystery novels. Particularly ones that he could figure out before the big twist was revealed.

It was a shock when Roman bounded back down the stairs, an astronomy book in his hands. He held it out to Logan, grinning at the surprise on his brother’s face. “You said you wanted to join the Astronomy Club. I figured you’d like to know some things before the first meeting.”

“Thank you.” Logan took the book from Roman’s hands, immediately shuffling through the pages.

The next day at lunch, Logan was telling them all about what he’d learned from the book.

“Did you know our sun is technically considered a Dwarf star?”

As Logan rambled on about Dwarf, Giant, and Supergiant stars to Virgil, Patton couldn’t help but smile. He whispered to Roman, “It was a really good idea for you to get that book for him. Dad said that he wasn’t sure about Astronomy Club at first, but he seems like he’s going to love it now.”

“I asked the librarian for the biggest book on stars they had.” Roman popped a few grapes into his mouth. “They had to go get a stepstool to get it down from the highest shelf.”

Laughing, they tuned back into the other conversation.

“So, the spring sports meetings are today...one of you will go with me to the track meeting, right?”

“I’m free.”

“As am I.”

“Me too!”

Virgil shifted in his seat. “You don’t all have to go if you don’t want to.”

“Why not? It would be informative.” Logan said, glancing at the other two.

Roman shrugged. “I can check out the hot track guys.”

“We gotta ride home together anyway, silly!” Patton flashed his brother a smile.

Relaxing, Virgil let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. “Thanks guys.”

Once the bell rang they all headed off to their next classes, promising to meet up after school on the front steps.

Virgil ended up getting their first, having speed walked out of his last class. He leaned against the railing, doing his best to keep his cool. But he couldn’t help his anxiety bubbling up, making his thoughts swirl.

Thankfully, both Logan and Patton had anticipated this, showing up at the same time. Roman wasn’t too far behind them, completing their group of four.

“Where’s the meeting?” Logan asked.

Virgil’s eyes flew wide. “Oh my god I never figured out where the meeting was.”

As the other two immediately started reassuring Virgil and trying to calm him down, Roman pulled a sheet of paper out of his backpack. “This says it’s in the gym with Coach Leo.”

“Where did you even get that?”

Roman shrugged. “I like knowing what’s going on at school.”

Now that Virgil was much calmer, the four of them headed to the gym. There were a few other sports meetings in there, grouped up around the room. There were only a few kids there for track, Ted being one of them. He waved as they joined him.

“Are all of you going out for track?”

Roman shook his head. “I like exercise, but sports aren’t really my thing.”

“I’d just trip over all the hurdles.”

Logan simply shook his head.

“I’m the only one of us joining.” Virgil said.

Ted gave him a smile. “Cool. Maybe we can carpool to meets and stuff.”

“Good to see you boys!” Coach Leo said, making Virgil jump. “Who’s joining the team.”

Virgil raised his hand, his voice failing him for a moment. “I am, sir - Coach.”

“We’re glad to have you on the team.”

“Don’t I have to try out?” Virgil looked completely confused.

Coach Leo laughed, before bending down to their level. “Yes, you do. But I’ve seen you in gym class. You’re a fast kid, I have no doubts that you’ll make the team with ease. And if you don’t make the team, you can always help me out if you want.”

Shockingly, Virgil realized that he wasn’t very anxious with Coach Leo. Something about him exuded an air of safety. He gave him a rare grin. “That’d be awesome.”

They stayed for the meeting, hearing all the boring details and the more fun ones. Virgil was a little nervous that he’d have to take the bus to away meets, but Ted was quick to reassure him that they could sit together.

“Tryouts will be this Saturday from 9-3. Come when you can and we’ll get you set up.”

With that, Coach Leo started handing out the packets for the students to take home. Virgil was one of the first to receive one, getting a wink from the coach before he moved on.

The four of them headed back to the front of the school, where their parents were going to pick them up.

“No one else has any meetings today?” Logan asked, pulling out his phone. He gently took a sheet from Virgil, adding in the dates of the home track meets.

Roman shook his head. “Auditions aren’t for a few weeks.”

“The cooking club meeting is tomorrow.”

“As is the astronomy meeting.” Logan handed the sheet back to Virgil. “Roman, did you know when the shows were for -”

“April 24th and 25th.”

There was an eye roll from Logan, mostly to hide his small smile.

As the four of them exited the double doors, they saw Emile and Remy talking in the pick up area.

Waving a hand toward them, Roman asked, “Who wants to bet they’re fighting?”

“I’m sure they’re not -” Patton started saying, immediately stopping once they were within earshot.

“I’m not saying anyone needs therapy, I’m just saying it helps a lot of people.”

“I’m not one for dumping my issues on someone else.”

“Dad!” Patton called out, getting their attention. “Virgil has something for you to sign.”

Remy waved to Emile as Roman and Logan got in the car. “See ya, babes.”

“Yes, goodbye, Remy.”

Virgil and Patton exchanged a glance. Something had to be done about those two, they just didn’t know what.

[romantichopelessly]

My Fic Masterpost

A masterpost of all of my written works, if anyone doesn’t feel like visiting my AO3, or wants to reblog my works or something, idk. If you want to read any of these on AO3, they’re on my account, its under the same name as this one.

Drabbles (Less Than 1K)

Tech Support - Logan/Virgil - “This is Technical Support, Logan Sanders speaking. How may I help you?”

Cool Kids - None - Logan doesn’t care for Procrastination. At all. Procrastination is a silly, useless, counterproductive side. He brings nothing to the table but nonsensical chatter and jokes worse than Patton’s. So why does everyone like him so much?

It’s Late - Logan/Nate - Logan is overworking himself again, and Nate takes matters into disown hands, finding a way to get his boyfriend to finally relax.

Reunited - Roman/Patton - Roman hasn’t seen his Canadian boyfriend in a year now, and he’s anxious to see him again, even though he won’t admit it.

The Crofter’s Conundrum - Logan/Roman - Roman wants the Crofter’s. Logan has the Crofter’s.

Blushes and Betas - Declan Trompeur & Beckett Moran - Declan is in town and visiting Beckett, and that silly envy won’t stop being a sap. Really, he would be mad if he didn’t care about them so much. (Set in @insanelycoolish​ TLHR Universe)

Puddles and Puns - Virgil/Patton - It’s raining outside, and somehow Patton convinces Virgil to go out with him. Bad jokes ensue, but Virgil loves his short boyfriend, so it’s all okay.

Prop Theif - Roman/Virgil - Stage tech Virgil is sick and tired of the props going missing, and he knows exactly who is behind it. Roman Knight.

You Know Who to Call - Virgil/Emile - Emile comes home to his fiancé feeling down and out of it. Luckily he has early-2000s cartoons, a psychiatry degree, and plenty of cuddles to go around.

Public Displays - Roman/Virgil - Virgil isn’t one for PDA. Virgil isn’t one for much of anything until he meets Roman, though.

You Put Your Arms Around Me - Remy/Thomas - Disney debates on The Witching Hour tour bus + Quality Remas Time. (Set in @insanelycoolish​ TLHR Universe)

Try Some? - Logan/Nate - “Try Some?” Nate blinked slowly. Once. Twice. Logan was still standing there, beautiful as ever, watching him with a raised eyebrow. “I’m sorry, baby. What did you just say?”

This Is Home - Declan Trompeur & Beckett Moran - Declan is confident in his orientation. Really, he is. 100%. He’s just... not so sure that Beckett really knows what they’re getting into here.

Prom Night - Logan/Nate - Nate goes to pick up his boyfriend for their Senior Prom.

Adoration - Roman/Virgil - Virgil and Roman enjoy a day in the sunlight.

Champagne Kisses - Remy/Thomas - Remy believes that being sober is definitely worth it if his boyfriend is going to be this enthusiastically affectionate.

Okay - Roman/Virgil - Roman and Virgil recuperate after Dealing With Intrusive Thoughts.

Cheater - Logan/Deceit - Logan Berry never carried the title of sore loser before he started dating his number one debate competitor.

Sleepy Time - Logan/Patton - “I am not human, therefore, I do not need sleep.”

Hand Drawn - Virgil/Patton - “Were you drawing me?”

One in a Million - Logan/Remy - “You would risk the lives of millions for one person? Why?”

Breathless - Logan/Roman - “I read once that holding your breath can stop a panic attack so... when I kissed you... you held your breath.”

Cowardice - Deceit/Logan - “You hide away this entirely different part to yourself all because you’re afraid that someone might get close to you!”

Concentration - Deceit/Remus - “Look, I know you’re a hardass, but could you play with my hair? It would really help.”

Birthmark - Platonic Janus&Remus&Roman - Roman asks about Dee’s birthmark. Takes place in my BOTWOT universe.

Sea Ships - Remus/Remy - A short Drabble for my SPOP universe.

Raccoon From Where? - None - The Jack-Jack and raccoon Incredibles 2 scene with my Celestial Kid AU.

F- U - None - Virgil’s claiming from my PJO AU

First Babysit - None - A snippet of Roman’s first time babysitting Patton in my Celestial Kid AU

Oneshots (1K+)

When You’re Not Listening - Logan/Nate - Three times Logan or Nate protected one another behind the other’s back, and one time they stopped being idiots and noticed.

So This Is Love - Roman/Patton - Roman isn’t feeling like his usual glittery self due to a lack of ideas, so Patton helps him unwind. Involving lots of romantic music and dancing.

Backstage Confessions - Logan/Patton - Logan is completely gone on the keyboardist for The Witching Hour, but what else is new? (Set in @insanelycoolish​ TLHR Universe)

More Than Friendship - Patton/Deceit - Deceit was still getting used to this whole “friendship” thing. Ever since the light sides had made reforming him their sort of personal pet project, Deceit had heard the term and others like it in reference to him thrown around far too often. Patton was quite possibly the most confusing new ‘friend’ of all.

In Other Words, Hold My Hand - Logan & Virgil - Virgil has always loved Disney films. The magic of talking animals and princesses fascinated him as a child. His older brother always told him that when he was older he would understand why his favorite characters were always falling in love. He didn't really get it until he met Logan Berry. Even then he wasn't sure that he got it.

Overdue Apologies - Janus/Patton - Patton didn’t expect anyone to visit him. Post Putting Others First.

Not a Cinderella Story - Virgil/Remus - When they were younger, Remus, Roman and Virgil were inseparable. But things change. And people grow up.

Roman’s List - None - “If it is a mistake, I’ll add it to the list!” Romangst.

Peppermint, Ginger, Lemongrass and Truth - LAMP - Patton Bellerose is a witch. This is only a problem because now he has to find a way to tell his three boyfriends, Logan, Roman and Virgil, before his birthday is over.

Line Without a Hook - Patton/Remus - When Patton’s entire world view is challenged–when he doesn’t even know who he is supposed to be anymore, help comes from an unexpected source. Maybe things can be okay after all.

Talking to the Moon - Virgil/Logan - Logan is a man of routine. Routines are sensible. It's perfectly sensible that his routine revolves around his roommate. Virgil. Even though his roommate doesn't know that he's a vampire. Even though his roommate doesn't know that he is in love with him. (Or: Virgil and Logan are vampires. And neither of them know about the other. And they were roommates.)

Series

Don’t You, Forget About Me - ??? - Five kids who don’t fit in. Five kids who have no place. Five kids who don’t really know one another or anyone else. All stuck in one room for Saturday detention. Patton Clark the athlete, Logan Johnson the brain, Roman Standish the prince, Virgil Bender the criminal, and “Deceit” Reynolds the basket case. Part 1 - Part 2

Could You Check Me Out? - Logan/Roman - Roman hates working at the public library, but things get a little bit more interesting when a really cute nerd comes in. It’s a huge plus when said nerd blushed easily. Part 1 - Part 2

Bracelet ‘Verse - Patton/Virgil & Logan/Roman & Remus/Janus - Touch starved Virgil tries a quid pro quo to get hugs from his best friend, and maybe grows some feelings as well. Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Extra 1

Best Of Todays/Worst of Tomorrows - Familial TDLAMPR - Thomas Sanders, 30 years old, is looking for something to do with his life. Not like a job or anything, he has that covered, but he’s recently come to the realization that he isn’t really doing anything with himself. He has too much free time and what feels like next to no impact on the world. Until, much to the shock of his close friends, he becomes a foster parent. In next to no time at all, Thomas is paired with not one, not two, but six foster kids. Seventeen-year-old Patton Hart, fifteen-year-old Virgil Williams, thirteen-year-old Dee Truman, twelve-year-old Logan Croft, and seven-year-olds Roman and Remus Lobo. Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8.1 - Part 8.2 - Part 8.3 - Part 9

[sanderssidesfanfiction]

We’ll Carry On - Chapter Five

We’ll Carry On Tag

General Content Warnings: Sympathetic Deceit Sanders, Substance Abuse, Abandonment, Minor Character Death, Transphobia, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Dissociation, Bullying, Homophobia

September 16th, 2018

“Get out!” his father yelled.

Logan stared up at the man with wide eyes. “I...what?”

“Get out!” his father repeated, shoving a ratty backpack at Logan. “Start packing! If you’re not out of here by the time I’m back from grabbing dinner for my wife, I’ll call the cops!”

Logan stared at his father with wide eyes, uncomprehending. “You’re...kicking me out?!”

“You’re no longer welcome here,” his father bit. “Not until you can see that you are Jessica, not Logan.”

The bedroom door slammed shut and Logan scrambled to start packing. He didn’t bother with textbooks or anything for school, that was all packed in his backpack he took to school every day. He could hopefully take both with him and at least pretend that he had a house to go home to in the evening. He grabbed as many pairs of socks and underwear as he could, stuffed in a couple T-shirts and some jeans. He couldn’t stand any of his sweaters, so he shoved all the other clothes down so he could fit in two hoodies. He wore the third and final one he owned.

January 15th, 2019

Logan exited the car that Sarah was using to drive him to his new house. He was still in the same school district, so he’d be going to the same high school he’d been going to, and he’d get to see Jack Harkness, his best friend, five days out of the week. All in all, it wasn’t the worst situation he could be in.

As he walked around to the curb by the driveway, Sarah got out of the car and said, “Now, these two already are in the process of adopting another boy, so you may have to share space with him. I’m unfamiliar with his background, but I know that the Picanis are accepting and if Roman isn’t, they’ll keep him in line.”

Logan nodded at her just as the door to the house opened and a kid who couldn’t be older than twelve dashed out the door, jumping to a stop in front of Logan. He came up just above Logan’s chin, and he scrutinized Logan closely. When the boy opened his mouth, Logan braced himself for the inevitable comment about looking like a girl, but he just said, “You look like a nerd!”

“Uh...” Logan blinked. “I do care about my grades, I don’t know if it’s more or less than you do.”

The boy laughed. “Oh, you’re a nerd all right!”

Logan cracked a small smile. “You reek of prep, so I don’t imagine that grades are the first thing on your mind.”

“Ha!” The boy stuck his hand out. “Roman.”

Logan took it and gave it a firm shake. “Logan.”

Roman nodded. “Not a bad name,” he said.

“Thank you, I chose it myself,” Logan said with a smirk.

“Yeah, Mister Remy said you were transgender,” Roman said. “I’ll try to respect your pronouns, but uh...I might slip up at first. I’m just used to people with higher voices wanting to be called ‘Miss’ or ‘Ma’am’ rather than ‘Sir.’ It’s not because I don’t respect your identity! I just never knew someone who was transgender before. At least, someone who was pre-transition? Is that the right word?”

“Yeah, you got it right,” Logan said. “I’m impressed.”

“I asked Mister Emile lots of questions. He’s a therapist, so he has some experience with these sorts of things,” Roman said. “He knows a lot, although you probably know more, having to live it and all.”

Logan nodded absently. His attention had been drawn to the two men standing in the doorway of the house, looking him over. To size him up or to make sure he was okay, he wasn’t sure. “Is that them?” he asked.

Roman turned to look behind him. “Oh, yeah! The one with the sweastervest on is Mister Emile. The one with the shades always hanging off his shirt is Mister Remy. They’re both super nice.”

Logan scratched the back of his neck, suddenly nervous. He felt glued to the ground, and he knew he should do something, or wave at least, but all he could do was stare.

“Hey, uh...Logan?” Roman asked.

“Hm?” Logan asked absently.

“Do you...like your hair that long?” Roman asked, pointing to his ponytail.

Logan felt at the ponytail and winced, suitably distracted from this new situation via dysphoria. “No. But my parents never let me cut it shorter than this. Claimed that I might want to braid it someday to look prettier and refused to listen when I said I didn’t want that at all.”

Roman nodded. “Would you want to go to the barbershop whenever I go? Mister Emile was trying to set up an appointment for me. I like my hair the way it is for the most part, but it’s getting a little long.”

Logan frowned. “You’d...they’d...let...me?”

Roman nodded. “More than let you. If they know you hate your hair, they’ll do nothing short of insist that you get it cut to your liking.”

Logan felt himself start to smile. “That’s awfully considerate.”

“They say that my comfort is a top priority, so I don’t see why yours wouldn’t be as well,” Roman said with an easy shrug. “I dunno what happens when our comforts don’t line up, but...”

“Yeah,” Logan agreed. “This...that sounds good.”

Sarah came over with Logan’s backpacks and set them on the ground. “Well, I suppose I’ll leave you two boys to talking? I need to go over a few things with your foster parents.”

Roman waved her off and Logan merely nodded, feeling too choked up to speak. “You okay, Logan?” Roman asked.

Logan cleared his throat. “Yeah. I...uh...I’m just not used to people being so accepting.”

“Hm? Oh, yeah,” Roman said. “I honestly wasn’t expecting Mister Emile and Mister Remy to be as helpful as they have for me. I didn’t have anywhere to go, and they just...took me in, without a second thought.”

“I suppose the same can be said of me,” Logan said. “The man who used to be my father kicked me out. I’ve been living at my best friend’s house for three months.”

Roman wrinkled his nose. “I never had a dad. Well, obviously, I have Mister Remy and Mister Emile, but before I came here...I didn’t have anyone, really.”

Logan winced in sympathy. “I’ve been there,” he said.

The two boys stood there a moment, sizing each other up. Then, Roman jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “Do you want to see your new room?” he asked.

Logan picked up his bags and nodded. “Sure.”

Roman led him inside and up the stairs to the second floor. There was one room with clothes everywhere, and another one which looked like a standard guest room next to it. “The empty one is yours,” Roman said, pointing. “I’m right next door, and the walls aren’t paper thin but they’re not super thick so try not to blast music, okay?”

“I don’t typically blast music, but I will attempt to be quiet at night,” Logan said, looking Roman over. They didn’t appear to have a lot in common physically, but he could in theory believe that they were brothers. “Thank you for giving me an excuse for being away from the adults for a moment.”

“It’s no problem!” Roman said brightly. “I’ve been needing an excuse away from them too. My first day of school is coming up and Mister Emile has been pushing me to study more to make sure I’m caught up with my class.”

“Well, not falling behind in classes is certainly important,” Logan said, frowning.

“I mean, sure, but I passed the placement exams with flying colors. They put me in advanced English and I don’t even need remedial math!” Roman scoffed. “Anything that I don’t understand I can ask my teacher about. Not a big deal.”

Logan tried to wrap his head around that concept. Back before he had gotten kicked out, he was always told he was too smart to ask for help from his parents, and that philosophy soon extended to his teachers. He hardly understood what “help” meant any more. “It’s not?” he asked.

Roman shrugged. “I mean, not to me. I don’t know about where you’ve been from, so it could be a big deal to you. But there’s no shame in asking for help. At least, you know, when it comes to school.”

“Are there other things that it’s not okay to ask help for?” Logan asked.

Roman shrugged and looked away. “Usually if an adult assigned me a task that wasn’t school-related, I couldn’t ask for help, because I was their help. It wasn’t huge, it was just...like...chores and stuff. It was a little tiring, but I don’t know anyone who enjoys chores.”

Logan nodded, squinting his eyes. Roman wasn’t telling the whole story there. He didn’t know how he knew it, but he did. The trick was going to be getting him to admit it, if necessary. Because Logan didn’t want to push anything just yet, he sniffed and looked away, effectively dismissing his suspicion for the time being. “Well, I should probably unpack,” he said.

Roman nodded. “All right. I’ll be next door if you need help.”

Logan smiled and nodded, before walking into his room, closing the door, and letting out a shaky breath. There had been no time to be afraid after getting kicked out. He had his studies to worry about, to make sure that he had the scholarships to go to college. He had to help the Harknesses around the house to make sure he wasn’t kicked out. There were things to keep his mind occupied. He lived out of two backpacks and made sure that if he were kicked out again for whatever reason, he had money on hand and clothes already packed.

Now, though? He had to unpack, just enough to make these people convinced that he was planning on staying. He didn’t know if he had another part to play, or work to do outside school. He had time to worry, to let the impact of what happened finally sink in. He had felt little inklings of this terror when he had first been kicked out, but he had shoved them down. Now, he had no such luxury. His situation was rearing its ugly head, and the fact that he was now in foster care was hitting him full force. His parents weren’t going to call, say they made a mistake, and let him back in. He was well and truly on his own the second he turned eighteen.

He collapsed onto his bed and felt himself crying. He tried to steady his breathing, to just take one deep breath, but it wasn’t working. He was petrified, and hurt, and he had no idea how he was supposed to keep going when his plans for his future had been so rudely ripped from underneath him.

If asked how long he sat there just panicking later, Logan would say he had absolutely no idea. But eventually, when someone knocked on his door a couple times and didn’t get a response, one of the men from before came in, rushed to his side, and helped him through some breathing exercises. And after a while, it did work to calm him down. He still felt devastated, but he felt less like he was going to puke. The man, the one he had seen before with curly ginger hair, offered him a small smile. “Feel better, Logan?”

The fact that this man used his actual name nearly sent him crying again, but he just nodded and wiped at his eyes. “My apologies,” he muttered. “Everything just sort of...hit me at once.”

“Yeah, that’s understandable,” the man said. “But rest assured, we won’t be like your last family. We accept you for whoever you are.”

Logan nodded. “Thank you,” he murmured.

“Roman said you might want to get your hair cut whenever he goes?” the man asked. “If you don’t like your hair long, then you don’t have to keep it that way.”

“That sounds nice,” Logan said softly. “I’ve always wanted my hair shorter, for as long as I can remember.”

“Well, you can have it that way, hopefully by the weekend. Remy knows a guy at the barbershop who owes him one. He can probably squeeze you both in.”

Logan nodded. “Yeah. I’d like that a lot.”

The man smiled. “Well, then, it’s settled. We’ll head down to the barbershop this week and get your hair cut. It’ll be okay. Deep breaths, all right, Logan?”

Logan nodded again.

“Oh, and don’t feel the need to unpack yet if you don’t want to,” the man said. “If it makes you feel better to have some stuff packed up and ready to go, then by all means, keep it packed.”

“Thanks,” Logan said. “Uh, what should I call you?”

“You can call me whatever your comfortable with,” the man said. “Roman calls me Mister Emile, and he calls Remy Mister Remy. You can do that, you can call us both Mister Picani, because I took Remy’s last name when we married, although that could get confusing. But the point is that neither Remy nor I are picky.”

“All right. Thank you,” Logan said.

“No need to keep thanking me, I’m doing what I like to imagine any half-decent dad would do. If you want, you can come downstairs, Roman and Remy are watching some football game or another, but you’re free to do whatever you want,” Mister Emile said.

“Do you have any books?” Logan asked.

“Yeah, we have quite a few. Fiction or nonfiction?”

“Either. I just like reading,” Logan said.

Mister Emile nodded. “Well, let’s go downstairs and see if you like anything, huh?”

“Sure,” Logan said with a small smile. Maybe this was going to be okay.

[planetkookie]

The Art of Falling in Love

Summary-  A new person moves into the little town that Patton lives in. Curiosity gets the best of him and they strike up a conversation. Where could this new friendship lead?

Warnings- Minor character death, swearing

Words- 5811

Notes- Hey guys! Sorry it took me literal years to get another fic up. But! Here it is! Sorry for the quality, it’s kinda shitty. Kudos to you if you make it all the way through. Let me know if you want to be on my taglist (for writing or my art!!)

Link to ao3- https://archiveofourown.org/works/18389726 

A cheery tune swept through the little bakery, filling up the empty room and echoing around the walls. The sound was coming from a man twirling around the kitchen baking pastries that smelled just as good as his tune sounded. His curly hair was dusted with flour and an actual flower was tucked behind his ear, brightening up the blond curls with white and yellow. His dance stopped at a table covered in pastries as he picked up a tube of frosting and he piped it onto each pastry in an intricate design that was unique to each treat. This was his favorite thing in the world.

A chime rang through the bakery, cutting through the tune as it cut short, and he turned around to welcome the person into his store. His face brightened as he saw who it was, rushing out from behind the counter and into the seating area, throwing his arms around the two people standing in the doorway.

“Roman! Virgil! I thought you two weren’t due back for a few more days!”

The two, Roman and Virgil, were his best friends. Virgil worked with him at his bakery, they had started it together, and Roman was an actor. They were newlyweds and had just arrived back from their honeymoon in Japan. Patton was proud to say that he had introduced the two himself during college during a musical that all three of them were in, and they had hit it off instantly.

They both hugged the smaller figure back, beaming just as wide. “Well, we weren’t. But we both agreed that we missed home. Your reaction was definitely worth it.” Virgil laughed as Patton pulled back, sticking his tongue out in mock upset. “Missed you, Pat.”

“I missed you both too. Well, now that you’re back, I can call Emile and Remy and tell them they don’t need to come in. They are wonderful, truly, but they do not know how to bake!”

The three laughed together at Patton’s comment, and they conversed for a bit as customers came and went. They watched people pass by out front before something caught Patton’s eye. A moving truck drove down the street, and he pointed it out to the other two. Nobody had moved into the little town in a very long time, and it sparked Patton’s curiosity. He couldn’t wait to meet them. Little did he know, that stranger was going to change his life.

-

Patton absentmindedly ran his thumb over a birthmark as Roman rambled about some play or other that he was in. It was a Saturday, and Roman was keeping him company at the bakery because Virgil was sick. The rhythm of his thumb tracing the mark was comforting, albeit a bit distracting, but it gave him something to do. It was unusually slow today, though Patton knew that it was Christmas break and people would either be on trips or with family. That didn’t make sitting in the small bakery any less boring.

His thoughts were cut short by the bell chiming, announcing a customer. Patton hopped off of the counter and turned around and put a cheery smile on his face. For a moment he was taken aback. The man that stood before him was someone who he had never seen before, which was rare in this town. He was dressed in a nice black button-up and a crisp striped blue tie. His face was calm, collected, and his brown eyes read all business. His dark brown hair was smoothed back and out of his face, and his tan face was all angles and edges. Black frames adorned his face, completing the look. Patton opened his mouth to speak.

“We have the same glasses!”

Patton’s face flushed immediately after those words came out of his mouth. That wasn’t what he meant to say. Why had he said that? It was silly and dumb and-

“Why yes, we do. Though I must admit, you wear them much better than me.”

He was at a loss of words. He heard Roman chuckle from beside him, clearly enjoying the situation. The man in front of him was also entertained, his eyes held a sparkle of amusement that Patton could see. The shock of the response wore off and though he knew his face was still red, he continued the conversation as if nothing had happened.

“Anyways, um, what would you like?” He rubbed his fingers on the edge of his apron as the man looked at the display case, contemplating. Patton took that time to glance over at Roman, who met his eyes and raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smirk on his face. He narrowed his eyes at his friend and silently shook his head, frowning. He knew what Roman was about to do.

Roman hopped up onto the counter where Patton had been sitting, crossing his legs and looking over to the customer as Patton’s expression went from embarrassed to panicked. The actor stuck his tongue out and winked at him, before turning his full attention on the man much to Patton’s dismay. “So, stranger, what’s your name? We haven’t seen you around here before.”

The man looked over at Roman and Patton, thinking for a moment before answering. “Well, I am Logan. I just moved here so it is understandable that you wouldn‘t know me. And you are?”

“Well, since you asked so very nicely,” Roman pushed his hair off of his forehead and smiled at Logan. “I am Roman, Roman Prince. I am a Broadway actor, and this nerd’s very best friend.” He indicated to Patton, who shyly waved at him.

“Sorry about him,” Patton apologized for his friend, waving him off of the counter. “He has to make a ‘good first impression’ on people by being super extra. Um, I’m Patton, and I’m the owner of the bakery. It’s nice to meet you. Why’d you move here?”

Logan rested his arms on the counter, leaning forward a little. “It’s nice to meet you as well, Patton.” He smiled at Patton, and Patton’s mouth clamped shut as he flushed again. Logan was too charming for his own good. “I just recently got a job offer here, and it was better than the one I had before, so I moved. I’m going to be a professor at the university here.”

Roman had grabbed a chocolate chip cookie and had bit into it right as he began talking. “Interesting. Well, teach, if you ever need to know your way around town or need recommendations on places, this one right here,” he ruffled Patton’s hair affectionately, “knows just about everything and everyone here.”

The teacher nodded and took out his phone. “I will definitely keep that in mind. Do you think I could get your number just in case?”

Patton nodded, unable to say anything as Roman muttered a quiet, “Damn that was smooth.”

He typed in his number and added his name in, handing the phone back to Logan, who smiled once more. “Thank you, Patton. Now, not that I haven’t enjoyed your guys’ company, but I do have errands to run. Do you think I could have a coffee and whatever you recommend pastry-wise?”

Patton opened his mouth to reply, but Roman responded with a quick “Absolutely, right away. I’ll leave you two to talk while I grab that.” and went to work, but not before sending Patton another wink.

He sighed, pushing his glasses up. “Once again, I’m sorry for him. He likes to tease me a lot. I don’t want to make it awkward for you.”

Logan laughed cheerfully. “Don’t worry, I know people who are like that too. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of Romans, though definitely not as extra as him.”

Patton giggled at that, tucking a stray strand of hair behind his ear. They talked for a few more seconds before Roman came back up to the counter, handing Logan his order and telling him the payment. Logan paid and waved to the two of them, turning to leave.

“Don’t be afraid to call if you need something! Baker boy over here definitely wouldn’t mind!” Patton shoved Roman as the taller of the two laughed.

Logan looked over his shoulder with a twinkle in his eye as he nodded. “I will don’t worry.”

The chime of the bell signaled his departure, and Roman turned to Patton excitedly. “He is totally into you.”

-

Patton was in his house, snuggling with his old border collie the next time he heard from Logan. He was mindlessly scrolling on Netflix, looking for something to watch as he pet Hershey on her head when he heard a chime come from his phone. Picking it up from where it sat on the side table he turned it on, expecting it to be one of his friends or his mom, but it was an unknown number. Curiously, he opened it up.

UNKNOWN: Hello. It is Logan, from the bakery a few days ago. I am sorry to bother you, but I remember Roman said that you knew your way around town and while I am not usually so irresponsible, I was on a walk and didn’t pay attention and it seems I might be lost.

He giggled at that, before adding Logan’s contact info into his phone and replying.

★Patton★: Tell me what street you’re on and I’ll come to pick you up. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! :P

Logan: You do not have to pick me up, I do not wish to interrupt your evening. But I am on the corner of Holly Street and Rose Street. I appreciate your help, Patton.

★Patton★: Anytime, Lo! I’ll be there in a second. :D

He got up, slipping his coat on and beckoned Hershey to follow as he walked into the garage and got into his car. Hershey jumped up into the back seat and promptly curled up on the seats. He drove out of his garage and made his way to Logan’s destination.

It was easy to spot Logan, his dark clothing contrasting with the white of winter. The man was sat on a little bench at the corner of the sidewalk, the snow having been clearly brushed off of it. Patton pulled up slowly, waving at his friend as soon as Logan realized he was there. Hershey was wagging her tail and panting excitedly from the back seat, watching the strange man wave at her owner and get into the front. Patton greeted him with a smile, got Logan’s address, then turned back to face the road and began to drive once more.

“So what had you up and about so late into the evening?”

“I wouldn’t say that it’s too late, only seven. But if you must know,” Logan leaned back into his seat, staring out the window as he talked. “I have been trying to get everything unpacked and it just got to be too much. So I took a walk.” He sighed, turning his head to look over at Patton. “I figured it’d be a good idea to clear my head. And it was, up until the point I realized that I had no idea where to go to get back to my house.”

“Understandable. You know, if you ever need help unpacking, I wouldn’t mind helping out, and I’m sure Roman and his husband wouldn’t mind either. Think of it as us welcoming you to town. Just tell me when, and I’ll round the two up and make our way over.”

“I wouldn’t want to interrupt another one of your evenings again, that’s not-” “Logan, you didn’t interrupt my evening, honestly. And plus, if we plan it, it’s not interrupting then either. Also, that’s what friends do for each other, and I think it’s safe to say that we’re friends, yeah?”

“Yeah, I guess you do make a good point.” Logan hummed., and Patton watched out of the corner of his eye as he turned back towards the window, running his fingers through his hair, messing up the put-together look that he had. “Well, since you are so insistent, when would work for you? I am basically free until this next semester starts and I have to start teaching.”

He stared intently at the road, thinking. The bakery closed at five, and he was free on Mondays and Saturdays, but when were the other two free? Probably Monday, they liked to have date nights on Sundays. “How about next Monday? The bakery isn’t open then and I think that’d be the most likely date that Ro and Virge are free.”

“Sounds adequate. I will put it in my calendar.” There were a few taps, indicating Logan had gone on his phone and had done just that. “All right, I am all set. And it seems it was good timing too because here we are.”

Patton had just turned onto Logan’s street and into his driveway. He parked and turned to look at his friend beside him, smiling. “Well, Lo. I can’t wait to see you on Monday then, yeah?”

Logan shook his head and laughed as if Patton had said something silly. “I think I’ll see you again before then, don’t worry. I very much happen to like that bakery of yours. And the man who runs it too.”

Patton laughed at that, shaking his head in exasperation, feeling the familiar warmth of embarrassment creep onto his cheeks. “You are too sweet. Well, I’ll see you whenever you decide to drop by, I guess. Have a good night, Lo. Try not to get lost again.”

“Will do.”

-

“Geez Pat, you’ve been gushing about this guy for the last half hour, what’s gotten into you?”

It was Thursday afternoon at Don’t Go Baking My Heart (Patton came up with the name for it, he was very proud.) and customers had dwindled down to just a few of the regulars. Patton and Virgil were talking as they each decorated a commissioned cake and the topic had somehow turned to Logan. Patton assumed that Roman had mentioned the new guy in town to his husband, and Virgil had asked about him. On accident, Patton had begun to ramble about his new friend, all the while Virgil listened.

“I am not gushing! I was just answering your questions! I might have gotten a little distracted, but it sure wasn’t gushing.”

“Mhm.” Virgil rolled his eyes. He and Patton had been best friends for quite some time, and he knew all of his friend’s habits and feelings. “Whatever you say, Patton. You were totally just answering my questions by adding unnecessary information and talking about how nice he looks. Cause that’s not gushing.”

“I get it. You can chill with the sarcasm now.”

The bell chimed, announcing a customer, and Virgil made his way over to the counter, preparing to take the customer’s order. Patton continued to ice the cake and think, though it didn’t last very long when-

“Hello, Patton!”

Patton whipped around, making the icing coming from the tube fly everywhere. He glanced mournfully at one of the cookies, which had been sitting next to the cake, as it was ruined. “Hey, Logan, you startled me for a moment. Didn’t expect to see ya so soon.” Virgil took watched the exchange with narrowed eyes, taking into account his friend’s body language towards the man- Logan. Patton noticed him looking, and smiled as if to say “Don’t worry about it.”

He abandoned the cake he was working on and walked over to the counter where the other two stood. “So what brings you in today?”

“Just coming in to say hi. And to get some pastries, because they are truly wonderful.” Patton rolled his eyes, but his smile gave away his joy at that compliment.

“Well, it’s not just me, Virgil here makes half of the pastries here too.”

“Of course.”

They talked for a few more minutes, conversing about their day, about Hershey, and everything in-between. Virgil manned the counters until a sharp cough brought Patton back to Earth. His friend was standing next to him, hands on his hips with an annoyed look on his face. “Sorry V, I kinda got carried away…” He turned back to Logan with an apologetic look on his face. “Sorry Lo, I gotta get back to work. I’ll grab you a coffee though, hang on.”

“Oh don’t worry about it, Patton. In all honesty, I came here to talk to you. It was nice seeing you though!” Patton waved at him as Logan walked out, and turned around with a smile on his face. He saw Virgil roll his eyes as he got back to work on the cake he was decorating. In all honesty, he felt like he could fly.

“So, not into him, huh?” “Oh hush, he’s cute, but he’s just a friend, nothing more.” “Uh-huh. Like that’s believable with the unholy amount of flirting that was going on. I call bullshit. The sexual tension was so thick you could cut it with a butter knife. Roman was totally right, he’s so into you.”

“Virgil! That is not true.”

A chorus of agreements to Virgil’s statement sounded throughout the bakery and Patton crossed his arms and pouted. The taller of the two laughed as he walked over to where Patton was decorating his cake, wrapping his arms around Patton’s shoulders and placing his chin atop his friend’s head. “Don’t take it too personally, Popstar. I remember you doing exactly the same thing with me and my wonderful dipshit of a husband. Though it was definitely less vulgar.”

He laughed, setting down the decorating materials so he could turn his body and accept the hug. “Of course, where would you two be if I hadn’t interfered?! It really seemed like neither of you were going to tell the other one your feelings at all. It was excruciating!”

“Exactly.”

-

Time passed as the two grew closer. Eventually, Logan became a part of the small group of Patton’s friends as well. He fit right in like he was a missing piece in their puzzle. Of course, the teasing got worse from all of their friends, but by now it was normal. Patton also got to teach Logan new things. He taught his friend how to bake, how to garden, anything and everything he could. In turn, Logan taught him new things as well. He learned about outer space, chemistry, and other things. It was absolutely amazing.

Of course, as the friendship grew, so did Patton’s repressed feelings. He had never felt for someone as strong as he did now. It was a strange feeling. The twist in his gut and the flush of his face whenever he was around Logan. He didn’t know how to deal with it. His friends all told him he should act on his instincts, but he knew he couldn’t do that. If he did that he could lose Logan. He couldn’t lose Logan right after becoming friends.

One day, Logan pulled him aside. They had been hanging out at Virgil’s house, playing board games and just talking. He led Patton into the hall, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.

“Logan, is everything okay?” He looked his friend over with a furrowed brow. Logan was radiating nervousness, and he was looking everywhere but at Patton. This was the most panicked he had ever seen his friend.

“Yes, Patton. I am completely fine, I don’t know why you would think otherwise. I am clearly put together, as you can probably see. I just wanted to talk, there is nothing wrong, do not wo-” Patton cut him off by pressing a finger to Logan’s mouth.

“Hey, Lo. Take a deep breath, okay?”

The professor listened to him, closing his eyes and drawing in a breath and visibly relaxing, his body releasing the tension. He opened his eyes and looked down at Patton, adjusting his glasses. He still looked a little uncomfortable but it was better. “I apologize. I don’t usually… ramble that much.”

“It’s okay, I do it too.” He smiled up at his friend reassuringly. “Now, you wanna tell me what you brought me over here for?”

Logan nodded slightly. “Yes, I feel that would be best. Um… how do I start this…? Patton. It seems that we have grown closer these past few weeks, and I would like to ask for you to, um, for you to accompany me on a romantic outing of some sort? Perhaps on Sunday or whenever you’re free?”

Patton’s jaw dropped open. Logan was asking him out on a date?! “I- I would absolutely love to!”

“I understand that you’re probably busy and I just- wait what?!”

He launched himself at his friend- boyfriend? They’ll figure it out. He threw his arms around Logan and squeezed him tight, smiling widely. “Yes! Yes please!”

Patton heard Logan release a breath of relief from above him before he cautiously wrapped his arms around Patton as well. They stood there for a few minutes before rejoining their friends, a smile on both of their faces.

-

Patton was panicking. It was thirty minutes from his date, he wasn’t ready, and he was panicking. Virgil there helping him, and was sat on his bed, wrapped in Patton’s fluffy blue comforter and watching his friend run around his room frantically. He turned to look at his friend with a desperate, pleading look. “Virgil, don’t just sit there! Help me!”

His friend laughed, rolling his eyes before standing up and walking over to Patton’s closet. “Okay, okay. So did he say where he was bringing you?” Patton shook his head and Virgil hummed. “Alright, I guess that makes it a little difficult, but I think I can figure this out. Go, shoo. Finish your hair and makeup. I’ll pick out your clothes.”

Patton did as Virgil asked, trying to tame his curly hair a little bit and finishing up his eyeshadow and eyeliner. Once he deemed himself ready, he put on his glasses, nodding at himself in the mirror. He walked out of the bathroom to find Virgil placing four articles of clothing onto the bed.

“Okay, Pat. C’mere and put these on. It should be casual enough if it’s a casual date and it should be formal enough if it isn’t. Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

He looked over what Virgil had picked out, smiling at the choice. In front of him lay his favorite black skirt, a blue long-sleeved shirt with white stripes, an array of bracelets, and his black suspenders. He turned back towards Virgil, hugging him close.

“Thank you so much, V.”

He slipped on the clothes, having Virgil help him with the suspenders, and turned back towards his friend with his arms out. “Well? What do you think?”

“One last thing, then it will be perfect.” He reached into the pocket of his sweatshirt and pulled out one of Patton’s bows, pinning it into his hair. “There, you look amazing. Go get ‘em, tiger.”

At that moment, the doorbell rang. Patton took a few deep breaths, shaking his hands to get rid of his nerves. “Okay, everything is going to be great and wonderful and it’s going to be fine. Okay. I got this. See you later, Virgil! I can do this!” He raced downstairs to where Hershey was standing at the door, and he opened it to reveal Logan.

Logan was stood in front of him, a barely noticeable blush on his tan face. He was holding a bouquet of daisies and gerberas in his arms. He was dressed more casually than normal, wearing nice jeans and a blue, black, and white flannel. It was unbuttoned and underneath was a plain white shirt. Patton thought he looked stunning.

“Hello, Patton. Are you prepared to depart?”

An enthusiastic nod and a skip down the front steps later, and they were off. He had never been more excited for a date.

-

The ride was quiet. Although he knew that Logan was a quiet man, he couldn’t help but wonder why he was being so quiet today. He had an inkling that Logan was a little nervous, the man in question was tapping on the steering wheel methodically as they drove, so he tried to not bother him too much. But Patton was buzzing with energy, and usually, that was hard to tame. And so, like normal, his curiosity got the best of him.

“So, Mr. Mysterious. Where are you taking me tonight?”

“Do not worry, Patton. It is a surprise. I do hope you enjoy it though.”

“I’m sure I will.” He flashed his date a wide smile, who in turn smiled softly back at him.

They turned down a small dirt road that he didn’t recognize. It was dotted with trees, and one little house that they passed, the house surrounded by flowers. Everything seemed so serene. Patton could see the sun on the horizon, slowly lowering down into the ground as they drove, the sky turning a light pink that turned darker the lower the sun got. As they got further and further away from any form of human life, things got more peaceful.

Eventually, Logan turned the car onto a little path shrouded by trees and parked the car. He stepped out and grabbed a basket and a blanket from the back seat, offering his arm to Patton to take. He led him out into the big clearing of flowers, surrounded by trees of all types. Stopping in the very center, he took the blanket and spread it out before them, sitting down onto it. Patton sat down next to him.

“So, why’d you choose here? Is this always where you take your date?” His words were playful, joking. Either way, it made Logan flush and look down.

“Well, actually, I’ve never taken anyone here. I’ve never taken anyone anywhere.” He seemed to curl into himself a little without ever moving, embarrassment radiating off of him in waves.

He put his hand on Logan’s shoulder. “Lo, that’s okay. I’m happy I could be your first date.” When he saw Logan smile, he continued, “In fact, I think this place is beautiful. I’m glad you brought me here.”

Logan took Patton’s hand off of his shoulder and took it in his own. “I’m glad you like it. It’s kind of special to me. Now, do you want to eat?”

Patton’s eyes sparkled as he nodded enthusiastically.

-

More and more dates passed, and they were everything from going to a movie and dinner to stargazing in Patton’s backyard. From dancing in Logan’s living room to classical music to taking Hershey to the dog park. Everything was wonderful. Logan got along with Patton’s friends, the bakery was running smoothly, and Patton was happy. He didn’t think it could get any better than this.

And he was right. One night he found Hershey lying on the floor whimpering. He had been waiting for her to come to bed, and when she didn’t, he had gotten up to look for her. A sharp cry had come from the kitchen, and he ran towards the noise, finding her on the ground unable to get up. Lifting her up, he dialed the number of the vet, running to his car. He didn’t care that it was late, he just wanted to help his dog.

The brown haired border collie whimpered from the seat beside him and Patton’s brow furrowed as he drove as fast as he dared to the clinic. Tears were pricking at his eyes as he drove, and he picked up his phone, dialing the first number he saw. The phone clicked as the person picked up immediately.

“Patton? Is everything okay? Why are you calling me this late?” Logan’s sleepy but worried voice came from the phone as Patton put it on speaker, putting it in the cupholder.

“Lolo, Lolo I think she’s dying.” As he admitted it aloud, tears started streaming down his face, blurring his vision as he drove.

“Who? Where are you going? I’ll meet you there. It’ll be okay.”

“It’s Hershey, it’s my puppy. I’m driving to the clinic right now. I’m scared, Lo.” “I will meet you there.” The sound of rustling bedsheets was heard and Patton assumed that Logan had gotten up. “You’re going to be alright Pat. Just take a deep breath. Everything is going to be okay.” He did as Logan asked, and his intake of breath was wobbly. “I’ll see you soon. Thank you for meeting me. I’m sorry.” He clicked the end button on his phone and kept driving.

Finally, he pulled up to the veterinary clinic. His breaths were coming in sharp gasps as his tears flooded down his cheeks as he got out of the car, picking Hershey up and bringing her inside. He could feel his heart pounding wildly as he explained the situation to the bored-looking person at the front desk. She told him that she’d get the vet with him in a moment, and she left through a door behind the desk. He heard a ding from behind him, signaling someone had entered the office, and he turned around. Logan was finally there.

It took everything in him not to run and leap into Logan’s arms. He was already crying, but as soon as he saw his boyfriend something inside him broke, the crying becoming loud sobs that wracked his body. Although he was hysterical, he made sure to hold onto Hershey tight. She had to be safe. He sunk to the floor, his head resting in Hershey’s fur, of which who was whimpering quietly. The sound was heartbreaking.

Logan crouched down by Patton and put his arm around the weeping figure. The warmth of the professor helped calm him down, if only a little, and he drew in a deep breath. The desk-woman came back, barely stealing a glance down at the two men and stated that the vet would see them now. His grip tightened around Hershey as Logan guided him up and into the next room.

A professional looking woman stood next to a large examination table, where she motioned for Patton to put Hershey. He obliged, sitting down in the seat across from the table as Logan stood next to him, his hand on Patton’s shoulder.

After the examination, the vet explained what was wrong with Hershey. She said that the border collie was old, and her systems were failing her. Not only that, but she was suffering from a tumor in her body that was most likely fatal, and if it wasn’t originally, it would be now because of her old age. The woman sighed as she saw the devastated look on Patton’s face and suggested that it would probably be best to put Hershey down. To stop her suffering, which, according to her, had been going on for much longer than Patton had realized.

With his hands clenched in his lap, he agreed. He didn’t want his baby to be hurting any more than she already was. He didn’t want her to be hurting at all. If this was the way to do it, then so be it. Although Logan advised against it, for Patton’s mental health, he insisted that he stayed in here. With Hershey. The dog he had since he graduated high school and moved into his first apartment. When he had graduated from college. When he opened up his bakery. When Roman and Virgil got married. This was going to be harder than he thought.

Logan stood by Patton’s side, squeezing the shorter’s hand in his own as they watched the euthanization. Waterfalls of tears fell down Patton’s face, and his grip on Logan’s hand was like iron, but he kept a straight face. It just showed how strong of a person he was. He was able to hold it in until the very second he stepped out of the vet’s office. As soon as the jingle of the bell sounded from behind him, he started shaking, his breaths coming in loud gasps. Logan just held him until the shaking stopped. They would get through this.

-

And they did. It took Patton a while, and lots of tears were shed, but he did get over it. Not fully, but enough. And life continued. The bakery was still going steady, Logan and Patton were too. They took it day by day.

Just like normal, one day Patton and Logan were chatting over a donut and some coffee on their lunch breaks. Logan was complaining about his students and their incompetence, and Patton was cracking jokes. Somehow they got onto the topic of movies, and Patton was ranting excitedly, his eyes lit up and his hands waving everywhere. Logan was just staring at him, mesmerized.

“Do you want to move in with me?” The words were out of Logan’s mouth before he could stop them and regret what he said. Patton stopped mid sentence, his flushed face turning to look Logan in the eye, shocked.

“I, um, shit, I didn’t mean- I- Nevermind!” Logan shut his mouth quickly, averting his eyes.

He placed his hand atop Logan’s, causing the taller man to look up at him. He could tell Logan was scared, afraid what his reaction would be, and he forced himself to look as calm as he could, careful to not look too excited. Although he very much was.

“D’you really mean it, Lo?”

Logan averted his eyes again, and Patton noticed a light tint of red on his boyfriend’s skin. “Well of course I did, Patton. I wouldn’t say it if I wasn’t. It is a very big thing, not meant to be joked about.”

“Well,” he continued to force his calmness, for Logan’s sake. “I would love to.”

Seeing Logan brighten up after doubting that Patton would want to made Patton’s day. He watched as Logan sat up straighter, the tenseness of his muscles dissolving as he looked at Patton in surprise. The way his eyes lit up with hope and happiness was too much, and Patton’s calm exterior broke as he surged forward across the table, knocking a few things off of it, and pressing his lips to Logan’s.

Logan immediately accepted and reciprocated the kiss, wrapping his arms around Patton’s waist. It was clear he was a tad inexperienced, but Patton didn’t care one bit. It was their first kiss! His boyfriend wanted him to move in with him! This was the best day of his life!

After a few seconds they broke apart. Logan’s face was flushed a deep red, and Patton was smiling widely. A few customers and Virgil whooped loudly, causing Logan to flush even more, but Patton ignored them. Leaning forward for another, this time Logan met him halfway and things were good.

-

Taglist-

@literally-logicality-trash

[chungledown-bimothy]

Lost Ourselves in the Bright Lights

Hello hello hello! About a month ago, a LOVELY anon gave me a multitude of prompts. One of which was “Virgil and Logan are at a concert. Virgil cause he loves the band and Logan because he brought his brother (Patton or Roman) and at first Logan Hates the whole thing but then he sees Virgil and Virgil is singing along and he thinks virgils beautiful and that’s how they meet”. 

Here’s to you, Prompt Anon. <3

Warnings: some swearing, some sexual innuendos/suggestiveness, but nothing anywhere near explicit. 

Pairing(s): analogical, logince as brothers, patton is logan and roman’s dad. very brief virgil and remy as friends.

Word Count: 3701 (a Big boy)

Tag List: @ren-allen @ilovemygaydad @ccecode @emo-sanders-sides-loving-unicorn @bloodropsblog @funsizedgremlin @raygelkitty @roxyfox23 @thomasthesandersengine 

"I understand that you want to go, Roman, but what does this have to do with me?"

"Because, Logan, dad says I can only go if you come with me 'to keep me out of trouble,’" Roman begged.

Logan sighed. "That's not fair to either of us. Aside from the fact that we graduate high school next month and are capable of keeping ourselves safe, now I must choose to either suffer through an evening of mediocre music played far too loudly to be safe or prevent you from seeing your favorite band."

"That's what I told dad, but he wouldn't budge! Please, Lo? I'll do your chores for the next two weeks if you come with me."

"Okay, I will. Don't expect me to have fun, though."

"I have a feeling you're gonna have a better time than you think, little brother."

"How many times do I have to tell you? Not only are we twins, but I am taller than you!" Patton stood in the doorway with a soft smile, listening to his sons bicker. He knew full well that Roman would have been just fine at the concert by himself, but something told him Logan should go with his brother, and all of the best things in Patton's life had started with that same feeling.

-------------------------

"Why is it already so loud?" Logan complained.

"It's called hype, calculator watch!"

"It is obnoxious. Enjoy the concert; I'll be at that table. Come find me when it's over."

"God, you're such a nerd. Did you even listen to the playlist I sent you, so you knew what to expect tonight?"

"Are you referring to the playlist entitled 'Mayday Parade Owns My Sad Gay Ass'? If so, no. All of this genre sounds alike, and the name itself is absurd, bordering on oxymoronic."

"You're absurd and bordering on oxymoronic!" Roman cried.

"I'm certain you don't know what that word means. Regardless, you're wasting your time here with me; it appears that what is colloquially known as the 'mosh pit' is filling up, and I know how much you wanted to be there."

"Good looking out, Lo! Mayday's going on soon anyway. I don't know how you think you're gonna be able to read once they start playing, but I hope you enjoy your book."

"Go have fun. It's what we're here for, after all." Logan smiled briefly before turning to the e-reader he brought, loaded with the newest Song of Ice and Fire novel. It wasn't long before the band started playing, and, loath as he was to admit it, Roman was right. Between the flashing lights and the ear-splitting volume, focusing on a book was simply impossible, so he decided to indulge in an exercise in observation, or 'people watching'.

Logan Sanders did not believe in fate or kismet or providence or any term one could use for that sentiment. He believed that the universe is cold and indifferent, and that even the most serendipitous events are simply chance. But, for a split second, after about fifteen minutes or so, he believed all of it when the spotlight paused its sweep over the crowd, illuminating the most beautiful man Logan had ever seen. He was a lost Bernini sculpture brought to life, soft lines belying a quiet grace and strength. Lost in the music, he was swaying and singing along, and he was radiant- purple hair and sharp features glowing in the light.

Logan Sanders certainly did not believe in love at first sight; he didn't even believe in love at all. In that moment, however, he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he needed to meet this man, that he was special.

And that absolutely terrified him.

He tried to keep his eyes off of him, he really did, but it was impossible to look away for long. So when the band took a break and his mystery man went to the bar to get a drink, Logan knew it was his chance.

"I apologize if I'm being too forward, but I couldn't help but observe you in the crowd tonight, and you are stunning."

"I wondered if you were going to come talk to me. What were you trying to read, before it got too loud?"

"I- I'm sorry, what?"  The man was even more handsome up close; dark eyeshadow and lipstick contrasting what Roman would call 'killer contour and highlight'. The overall effect was truly striking, leaving Logan speechless for the first time.

"A guy dressed like a teacher at a Mayday concert trying to read and clearly wanting to disappear into the walls? I'm sure most people, like you wanted, didn't notice you, but I'm not most people." He smirked, looking Logan up and down.

"Clearly." Logan replied, returning his 'elevator eyes', if he remembered the colloquialism correctly, and finding his voice again. "My name's Logan."

"Virgil. You obviously don't want to be here, so why are you?"

"Correction- I didn't want to be here. My brother loves the band, and our father insisted I accompany him."

"Past tense? What changed?"

"You're an intelligent man, Virgil. You tell me."

"You've licked your lips twice while we've been talking, and your breathing is uneven and shallow. And I'm fairly certain that if I do this," Virgil stepped forward, getting as close to Logan as possible without touching. "Your pupils will dilate and your breath will catch. Just. Like. That." He finished, whispering.

Logan looked up at him and noted the same physiological responses. "That's not what I asked, now, is it?"

"No, it isn't. What do you want, Logan?"

"Once again questions you already know the answers to."

"Once again, you're not answering them. Maybe I just want to hear you say it."

"Maybe I don't want to give you the satisfaction."

"Now that's just not true. If satisfaction wasn't on your mind, you wouldn't still be standing so close to me." Virgil leaned in and tilted his head, daring Logan to make the next move.

"What do you want, Virgil?" Logan whispered, eyes locked on his lips.

"You. All of you," Virgil confessed.

"Then take me." He barely got the words out before Virgil closed the gap between them.

Logan was no blushing virgin; while he hadn't had a relationship per se, exploring one's sexuality is a traditional part of the high school experience. He'd never been kissed like that, though. Like the answers to the world's most profound questions lay between their lips, and then oh. Virgil's hands were on his hips, pulling him even closer.

Logan broke the kiss, panting slightly. "We… we shouldn't be doing this here."

"You're right. Come back to my place? It's not far from here."

"I want to say yes, but…"

"You can't." Virgil stepped back, and Logan's heart metaphorically dropped when he saw the sadness in his face.

"If I were here alone, I absolutely would, but I promised I'd keep an eye on my brother."

"I get that, and I respect the fuck out of you for it. Here, put your number into my phone, and then come dance with me."

"I'll gladly give you my number, but I can't dance."

"Well, you're in luck, then. There's only one rule when it comes to dancing."

"What, pray tell, is it?" He asked, not looking up from Virgil's phone.

"Pick a partner who knows what he's doing." With a wink, Virgil took his phone back and led Logan to the dance floor.

The rest of the night was a blur of pounding bass, stolen kisses, and hands everywhere.

All too soon, the show ended, as all things must. With great reluctance, Virgil and Logan parted ways with a promise to meet again soon. Logan wasn't above admitting that while he didn't want him to have to, he enjoyed watching Virgil walk away.

"Ooooh, who was that, Lo-Lo?" Logan jumped, not having heard his brother's approach.

"Oh, that was, uh… that was no one."

"Falsehood, as you say so often. You were all over each other! I'd never seen you like that before. You like him!"

"Preposterous. I don't know him. And, as you said, my behavior was entirely uncharacteristic. I don't know what came over me."

"You stopped thinking with your big brain, and apparently your little brain has game. Please tell me you got his number."

"I don't understand; I only have one brain, and it is the average size for an 18-year-old male. Regardless, I did not get his number, but I gave him mine."

"You're gonna have to look that one up yourself- I'm not explaining it to you. Going off of how he was looking at you, I guarantee he'll call, and soon."

"I… honestly don't know if I want that or not."

"Trust me, you do. Come on, let's go home."

"That is the most rational thing you've said all day. And please don't say anything to our father about this. He'll be insufferable."

----------------------------------

Virgil woke up the next morning with dreams of dark eyes and a sharp tongue dancing through his mind. Some of them, though, were memory, not fantasy, and that realization brought his thoughts to a grinding halt, leaving just one behind: oh fuck.

In an instant, the night replayed in his mind's eye. The music, the dancing, the cute guy looking miserable and trying to read, the flirting, the kissing, the proposition, being turned down, the dancing. The only things he didn't remember were what possessed him to be that bold and the guy's name. He grabbed his phone and saw that the guy put his name, Logan, in with his phone number. One mystery solved, and he knew he wouldn't be able to solve the second alone.

[V]- 911 im fucked

[Rem]- i assume not in the good way?

[V]- no, im texting you with a dick in my ass.

[Rem]- 1) we both know you aren't a bottom 2) watch the attitude, babe. you sent the 911. what's up?

[V]- well i met a guy at the concert last night

[Rem]- FINALLY. was he any good?

[V]- we didn't fuck

[Rem]- no offense doll, but why are you telling me about him then?

[V]- i have his number, but i wasn't really me last night. i was smooth and confident. what happens if we meet up and he hates actual me?

[Rem]- then he can fuck off? i don't get why you're buggin about this

[V]- because im me and need a common sense filter sometimes

[Rem]- you're welcome, girl. now hit him up and lmk how it goes, mmkay?

[V]- ofc

----

Logan's alarm went off the next morning at 7:30 as usual, but, for the first time in years, he was tempted to turn it off and sleep in. A single thought, however, floated to the front of his mind, and he was wide awake. Virgil. The handsome stranger who, with a smirk and a kiss, made Logan question everything he thought he knew about love attraction as well as himself. What happened to me last night? I'm never that bold, that impulsive. It was completely irrational, not to mention possibly dangerous if I'd taken him up on his offer like I wanted to. Dear Newton, I wanted to. Well, I'm not going to solve anything just laying here, and Crofter's helps solve any problem. Breakfast time.

A few minutes later, Logan was in the kitchen with his Crofters-smothered English muffin and a steaming mug of his favorite tea when Patton came in.

"Hey, kiddo! Did you have fun last night?"

"Erm, yeah. More than I initially anticipated, in fact."

"That's great! Did you make any new friends?"

"I don't know what Roman told you, but it was nothing, and nothing will come of it, so there's no point in dwelling on it."

Patton chuckled. "I haven't seen Roman since you guys left for the concert. He's still sleeping." Logan blanched, realizing he'd given himself away. "Now, kiddo, wanna tell your old pop about this 'nothing'? Seems like it's weighing pretty heavily on your mind; maybe we can talk it out."

"It really is nothing, dad."

"Hmm. Well, if you don't want to talk about it, how about I guess, and you let me know if I'm right?" Realizing he wasn't going to be able to avoid the topic, Logan nodded. "Awesome. Okay, so, you're all out of sorts and insisted 'there's no point in dwelling on it', so it's a problem you don't think you can solve. The last time I saw you like this, you were 14 and had the biggest  crush on that boy… what was his name?"

"Gabriel," Logan muttered, embarrassed.

"That's it! I knew he was no good for you. Anyway, I think this is about a boy you met last night. Now, you're my little boy, and I've been to enough concerts to know that I don't want to know the details, but to throw you for a loop this big after one evening, there must have been a real connection. Am I on the right track?" Logan nodded, impressed and embarrassed by how accurate his dad was. "Thank you for being honest with me, Lo. I know feelings are messy and can be scary. I was absolutely terrified when I met your mother."

"Dad, we don't need to- this isn't-"

"It's okay, Logan. Yes, she's gone, but she's still part of us. I know how much it changed all of us, especially you, but you can't shut out all possibility of love because ours didn't work out. I won't pretend it didn't hurt like heck when she left, but I wouldn't trade what happened for the world; that pain was nothing compared to the love I have for you and your brother or how happy you both make me every single day." Patton reached across the table and wiped a tear from Logan's cheek. "The boy you met last night. He's special, right?"

"Y- yeah, I think so. He brought out a side to me I didn't know existed."

"Then go for it. Take a chance."

"I… I think I would if I could."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't have any way of getting in contact with him. I gave him my phone number, but didn't think to get his."

"He really did a number on you, huh? Well, look at it this way: it's out of your hands. What happens next is up to him. I know it's hard, but really all you can do at this point is to try to put it out of that brilliant mind of yours. Hey, do you wanna watch that Sherlock show you love so much with, uh, what's his name? Scratch-and-sniff Cabbagepatch?"

"It's Benedict Cumberbatch, and you hate BBC Sherlock. I've been trying to get you to give it another chance for the last year."

"That's what I said. Bumblebee Anglerfish."

"Getting further away. Benedict Cumberbatch."

"Burgerking Capncrunch."

"Never mind. You're clearly trying to distract me from the Virgil problem. Thank you, dad. I love you too."

"Virgil, eh? Nice name."

"Oh sh-"

"Language!"

"Sorry, dad."

"It's alright, kiddo. Come on, let's see what all the fuss is about Bandersnatch Cuttlefish."

-----------------------------

As difficult as it was to decide that he was going to message Logan, actually typing and sending a message was infinitely worse. "Hey" was too vague. "Is this Logan? It's Virgil from last night" implied that he thought Logan gave him a fake number, which he didn't. "This is Virgil. What's up?" could be interpreted as a booty call, which it wasn't. After an hour of staring at his phone, he took a deep breath and sent a message.

[To:Logan?]- Hey, Logan, this is Virgil.

Now all he could do was wait. He hated waiting.

------------------------------

Patton and Roman, worried about Logan, did all they could to keep him distracted, but nothing could stop him from checking his phone at least once every 5 minutes. It was shortly after 3pm when it lit up with a new message.

[Unknown Number]- Hey, Logan, this is Virgil.

"Umm... Roman?" Logan called across the house.

"Yeah?"

"Can you come here? He just messaged me." He'd hardly finished his sentence when he heard a thud and Roman's footsteps, running to join him in the living room.

"I told you he would! What did he say? What are you going to say?"

"That's why I called for you. Here, take a look and tell me what I should do. I don't have any experience with this, and reading the message gives me an odd feeling in my abdomen."

"Those are butterflies, calculator watch! Wow, you really like him, huh?"

"I assume you mean metaphoric butterflies referring to the influx of dopamine, norepinephrine, and testosterone released when one is experiencing attraction, as it is impossible for any lepidopteran to survive, let alone reproduce, in the human digestive system. And yes, I believe I may have... feelings for him that are far stronger than the briefness of our acquaintance should allow."

"Oh my god, you are insufferable. Now, let's look at the message. Simple, to the point. He's as nervous about this as you are, Lo."

"How could you possibly know that from just 5 words?"

"Science is your thing, love is mine. I also literally just got a 5 on the AP Psychology exam. You want my advice, here's what I've got."

"I apologize. I asked you for advice; questioning that advice was bad form."

"Thank you. Now, as I was saying, he's nervous. I think your best bet is to match his tone. Don't try to pretend you aren't nervous, too. I won't tell you what to say, just that you should be completely honest. In any relationship, but here especially. You're afraid he won't like you; if you keep your messages legit, he'll get to know you, and I'm sure he'll love you."

"You can't know how he'll feel about me, but I appreciate the advice, and will certainly take it."

[To:Virgil]- Hello, Virgil. I wasn't sure you'd reach out, to be honest. The reply came almost instantly, which he wasn't expecting.

[Virgil]- I wasn't sure I would, either. Do you… wanna get coffee or something some time?

"Oh my god, I ship it so much! Y'all are so cute I can't even!!" Roman shrieked, scaring Logan so much he fell off the couch.

"E equals mc scared! Why did you feel the need to scream like that?"

"You guys are so precious. Clearly, you aren't the only one who was uncharacteristically bold in the face of new love. You're going to say yes, right?"

"It would be foolish of me to decline, given the emotions I've felt over the last..." he checked his watch, "approximately 21 hours."

"Take him to Jimin's cafe! Now that he's got a boyfriend, it's all domestic and cute. The perfect romantic location for a first date!"

"You mean the cafe where the barista put salt in your soda?"

"Okay, technically, yes, Jimin did that, but I was flirting with Taehyung. I deserved it, really."

"Despite my better judgment, I'll propose we go there, but only because I'm at a loss for an acceptable alternative."

[To:Virgil]- Coffee would be excellent. My brother's friend runs a cafe downtown- Bulletproof, I believe it's called. I've been reliably informed that it is a common first date location; are you available tomorrow, by chance?

"Oh my goodness, Logan, you are a disaster. It's obvious that you need me to teach-"

[Virgil]- haha yeah, I know Bulletproof. Really good coffee. Would 11 tomorrow morning work?

"Never mind. Clearly, he's into your nerd vibe, for some reason. Alright, I've gotta leave before dying of loneliness. Good luck in your romantic endeavors, brother dearest."

"Clearly you are not distraught enough to abandon your propensity for hyperbole. Thank you for the well wishes, and I truly hope that you will find someone to satisfy your romantic inclinations soon. You certainly deserve it."

"Ew, gross. Mushy Logan is weird. I'm leaving." With that, Roman stood up and left the room.

[To:Virgil]- 11 tomorrow would be perfect. I look forward to seeing you again.

[Virgil]- same. See you then :)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was 10:55, and Logan was sipping an Americano, so lost in his thoughts and anxieties that he didn't hear the bells on the door jingle when someone walked in. He was startled back to reality by a barista's cheerful "annyeonghaseyo!", the cafe's standard greeting for customers, and looked up to see him. Virgil. His heart started racing as he took in the more casual look, leather pants and tight t-shirt swapped for ripped skinny jeans and a hoodie with purple plaid patches and no makeup, except for some dark eye shadow.

As Virgil got closer, Logan stood to meet him.

"Hello, Virgil. It's, it's nice to see you again." Logan's heart, already beating faster than was strictly speaking healthy, started pounding when Virgil smiled and blushed.

"You too, Logan. I, um, I'm gonna go order a drink. I'll be right back." Logan tried not to stare as Virgil walked away, but it was an exercise in futility.

A few minutes later, Virgil returned, drink in hand.

"May I ask what you're drinking?" Logan asked, internally cringing at the banal attempt at conversation.

"It's a caramel macchiato. Usually I'm an Americano kind of guy, but that barista recommended it and made it sound really good, and he was totally right."

"In that case, here's to finding pleasure where you don't expect to." Logan raised his mug in a half-toast. Virgil raised his in return and smirked; only then did Logan realize the double entendre and blush.

"So we're back talking about pleasure, eh?"

Logan cleared his throat. "Perhaps this is not the appropriate venue for that conversation. May I suggest space as an alternative subject?"

"VIVA LA PLUTO!" Virgil shouted, immediately looking down and blushing. "Sorry. Impulse. I'm clearly still bitter about some things."

"No, no. I completely agree. August 2006 was a dark, dark time. Viva la Pluto indeed."

They spent hours in that cafe debating, joking, and flirting. This time, Logan accepted Virgil's offer to go home with him.

[nekoabi]

Fic Masterlist!

I finally made a post version of my masterlist, which allows it to be viewed on mobile! Everything is also available on my AO3, which is also NekoAbi. 

The Five Times Patton Smiled And The One Time It Didn’t Reach His Eyes - Angsty. Romantic Royality. Romantic Prinxiety. Implied NSFW. College AU. School AUri

Admitting It - Romantic Logicality. Kiss. Sleepy boys. Terrible Title Syndrome.

Stitches -  Hurt/Comfort. Platonic Moxiety. Patton tears.

Falling For You - MASTERLIST! Romantic Logicality. Romantic Prinxiety. Platonic LAMP. One-sided (for now). Implied NSFW dreams. Implied wet dream. Swearing. Logan and Roman being know-it-all lil pieces of shit. School AU.

Planning - Platonic LAMP. Fluffy shenanigans.

Snow - Platonic LAMP. Virgil enjoys the snow. Pain mention, Self-inflicted pain.

Calm - Platonic LAMP. Its a calm day and Virgil gets introspective. Food mention.

Library - MASTERLIST! MASTERLIST (Rewrite) Library AU. All pairings, a different pairing each chapter, ending with LAMP. Cute fluff. Falling in love in different ways. Logan, head librarian. Patton, hired work. Virgil, volunteer. Roman, volunteer.

Too Close For Comfort - Past Prinxiety. Crying, Break Up. Roman is processing a break up, maybe some music can help.

Royality vs. Analogical - Romantic Royality, Romantic Analogical. Food mention, kissing. Each relationship is different; some are loud, some are quiet.

Nerdy - MASTERLIST! Romantic Logince. High School AU. Logan’s always been a lone wolf, but recently someone’s just been playing on his mind.

Fragrance of Dark Coffee - Romantic Prinxiety. Angst. Major Character Death Prior To Events. Influenced by Ace Attorney.

On the Verge of a Heartbreak - MASTERLIST! Eventual Moxiety. Angst in later chapters. School AU.

His Last Chance - Prinxiety. Angst. Implied cheating, lots of sadness.

Prompt Fill Fic Collection - University AU. Most LAMP ships. A collection of 9 prompt fill fics.

Logan’s Birthday - Written for Logan’s Birthday 2018. Platonic LAMP. Food mention, happy crying.

Tea Break -  Patton finds Roman having some issues with homework. Platonic Royality. Food mention. School AU.

Hands - Soft Logince. Roman’s frustrated by something.

Of Princes and Potions - MASTERLIST! Pining Logince. Royal Fantasy AU. Sympathetic Deceit. Mentions of war and injury. Chapter 6 involves blood, swords, knives, injury and strong anxiety attack parallels.

Rain On Me/You’re Perfect/The Way You Held My Hand/Stupid Band - School AU. Virgil is new to the school, meets a cute boy, can’t handle it. Themes of personal isolation.Chapter 3 had allusion to self-harm and talk of injury. Based off of a songs from Emo the Musical.

If I Can’t Love Her - Based off of a song of the same name. Roceit. Sympathetic Deceit. Roman hears a new singing voice, and needs to find out who it is.

Perfect - Romantic Royality. Kissing, Playfighting. Roman and Patton begin by playfighting, end up doing something they didn’t expect.

My Hero - Romantic Moceit. Kidnapping, Gangs, Violence, Fighting. Patton is kidnapped, and all he wants is for his boyfriend to come and save him... but that would never happen... right?

Ultraviolet - Logince. Past Prinxiety. Swearing, alcohol mention, past FWB relationship. Roman’s crushing on a fellow teacher and his inner performer can really help with that.

Bad Day - Implied Romantic Mox. Panic attack. Virgil has a bad day, Patton knows how to help.

Animals Know Best - Logicality. Prinxiety. Soulmate AU. Everyone has a partner animal that chooses them which not only has traits of their soulmate, but will also lead them to their soulmate. Virgil doesn’t believe in it all too much, until he can’t help but admit it.

Insomnia - Remile. Insomnia talk, mention of sleep therapy, mention of smoking. Remy’s dealing with some really bad insomnia and he’s referred to a sleep specialist. Yet the most interesting thing is the receptionist who works there...

Torn Apart - Heavy Angst with a happy ending. Lots of violence; stabbing, cutting off limbs, strangulation, choking, head injuries. Wrath is an OC of mine, he’s an angry man. Virgil sets him off. It’s a bad time.

Lullaby for a Duke - Remus mention. Based off of Lullaby for a Princess, an MLP song and animation.

Ranking Up - MASTERLIST! Splatoon Sides. Deceit and Remus are involved. 

Lies - Virgil-centric. Angst. Unhappy Ending. Suicide, Alcohol, Dangerous Driving, Car Crash, Death, Suicide (both implied and described), Implied Abusive Deceit. Based off of Lies by McFly.

This Day Aria - Villain!Deceit. Based off of the same song from MLP:FiM.

It’s (Im)possible - Roceit. “What you just asked for is impossible” and “Fuckbuddies falling in love”.

I’m Fine! - School AU. Roman’s sent to the councillor’s office against his will. Sure, he may have mentioned something in drama, but he’s fine!

Headache - No AU. Thomas has a headache and it affects where the sides reside... and to Roman more than the others.

Paint Me - Royality. Human AU. Struggling artist Roman needs some inspiration and the stranger knocking at his door is just what he needs. Based off of Paint Me from Firebringer.

To Love a Remus - Demus. No AU. Remus is an idiot, but Deceit thinks he’s hot anyway. Blood and Injury mention. Birthday fic for @doces-e--tuga

Virgil the Small Purple Emo - Moxiety. Love Makes You Grow AU. Virgil was unloved at a young age and stopped growing. A chance meeting might change his life. Secret Santa for @midnightsdarkangel (also my first and probably last attempt at GT)

Battle Bonds - No AU. Thomas is on a Pokemon kick and its affecting his imagination more than he could... well... imagine.

Theatre Technicians are basically Vampires - Vampire/Human AU. They all live in one house, work at the same place and are vampires. Angst included about their pasts which include the following: attacks, blood, talk of death, injury, scarring and attempted suicide.

Recreating - MASTERLIST! No ships. No AU. Thomas liked to watch Disney movies. That fact was one of the least surprising things about him. He could sit down and watch almost any of the Disney movies and have a wonderful time. Sometimes, scenes from those movies got stuck in his head. He never thought anything of it. 

Love on the Fly Floor - Theatre AU. Prinxiety, Roman is crushing bad on one of the flymen for the show he’s on. When his birthday rolls around, the cast and crew give him a surprise.

While The Sides Are Away, Virgil Will Play - No AU. The sides have a day out and leave Virgil at home. They don’t expect to come home to him looking... like that.

How Not to Help Your Nerd Boyfriend Find a Swimsuit - Human AU. Intrulociet. Logan needs a swimsuit. His boyfriends want to help. They are no help. Birthday fic for @cloverlyanxious/ @maeofclubsandart

Pier Pressure - Human AU. Logince/Pining Moxiety. The four go to the lake to hang out, Roman’s mad that his brother and friend are so clearly into each other but not taking the hint.

The 5 Times Patton Tripped and the 1 Time He Fell (In Love) - Human AU. 5+1 fic. Moxiety. Patton falls a lot, has done since birth. Doesn’t mean everyone’s used to it.

Remus Kidnaps You - Idk AU... mix of canon and human, maybe? No Ship. Remus kidnaps you to play with your hair. That’s about it.

Oh My God, They Were Roommates - Human/College AU. Prinxiety. Virgil meets an old friend, gets a crush on him, walks into him basically naked, freaks out. Ends happy.

Heatwave - Sides-Are-English Human AU.  There’s a heatwave. All the roommates are shedding their usual clothing for something cooler, except one.

Explainable Coincidences - Human/Teen AU. The twins explore an abandoned hotel, but they didn’t expect others to be there too.

Don’t Think Twice - Human AU. Song Fic. Roceit. It’s the happiest day of their lives, yet they still reflect on where they started from.

Keeping It Quiet - Human/Influencer AU. Prinxiety. Virgil and Roman keep their relationship quiet on social media. Not silent, just quiet.

Don’t Drink And Livestream, Especially When You’re Famous - Human/Famous AU. Platonic Roceit. Being drunk, drinking, kissing. Janus tries to help his friend get over his ex.

A Simple Mistake With A Simple Solution - Human AU. Logince. Roman messes up, Logan’s pissed. Roman makes it easy.

Skipping Ahead A Few Steps - Human AU. Logicality. Patton brings a dog home, Logan’s baffled and confused.

Oh How The Tables Have Turned... - Royal AU. Roceit, background Intrulogical. Roman’s brother likes Roman’s retainer. Roman doesn’t think he likes his brother’s. He’s wrong.

Just Like In The Fairy Tales - Semi-Fantasy/Royal AU. Royality. Patton sneaks off to his favourite place to enjoy the view.

An Apple A Day... Hurts Like A Bitch - No AU. Platonic Sides. The 5 times Janus got apples thrown at him and the 1 time he threw one at everyone else.

–

TVFH Related Stories

Pocky Day - Written for Pocky Day 2018. Shenanigans with TVFH cast and the pocky game.

Coffee Break - Virgil returns to his room and finds Reggie having problems with homework. School AU.

House Party - Roman throws a house party after a show. Mention of drunken behaviour and alcohol.

Beach Trip -  It’s hot, the gang decide to go to the beach. The night before, shenanigans ensue. Sexual implications. Relia focused.

--

FFXV Fics

Type Found - Pokemon AU. Prompto finds a Pokemon in an imperial base, saves it and plot things happen. The boys have partner pokemon.

Hair Troubles - No AU. Ignis can’t get his hair right and it’s frustrating. Prompto steps in to help.

Prompto’s Bike - Pre-Roadtrip. OT4 Chocobros. Prompto has a motorbike. The other bros really like it.

Cor’s Cooking Lesson - Pre-Roadtrip. Cor finds young Ignis attempting to cook and helps out.

[magicallygrimmwiccan]

Only Time, Part V

Summary: This is... basically pure fluff. I’m not even going to lie. I promised a happy ending, and I delivered. Set five years in the future, at college, with a little bonus scene about the holidays at the end. 

Notes: @dailypattondoodle​ / @moonfang03​, here ya go. It ends happily! Sorry it took so long to get up, my Internet has been absolute shit for like... a week. 

Thank you all so much for coming on this ride with me! This is the longest thing I’ve written to date, hoo boy. Enjoy the ending! 

Five Years Later

“Roman, slow down, hon! He’s not going anywhere!” Remy called, walking at a normal pace ten steps behind his hurrying boyfriend. Roman turned around, stopped, and waited, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

“But Rem, I haven’t seen him in a year! I need to make sure he’s okay and that he hasn’t burnt himself out or anything!” Roman whined, tapping his foot impatiently. He really did just want to see his brother, was that such a crime? Logan had seemed to be doing okay when they had last talked, but a lot could have changed, he could have been lying, and Roman needed to be sure he was okay.

“I know, love, but calm down, okay? You’ll scare him off if you charge in there right now.” Roman puffed out his cheeks but calmed down, allowing Remy to catch up and lace their fingers together. “Now, let’s walk like calm, normal, well-adjusted humans and we’ll find-”

“You must be Roman,” a voice drawls, causing the two to jump and spin around to find a young man with vitiligo smiling at them. This was not a friendly smile, however: it was sharp and carefully constructed, meant to disarm and disguise.

“Y-yes? Who are you?” Roman finally asked, eyeing the stranger suspiciously. Said stranger chuckled and stuck out a hand, the sleeve of his black and yellow sweater sliding up a bit.

“I’m Dee, Logan’s boyfriend. He’s still in class right now, but he’ll be out in half an hour. Would you like to drop things off in Logan’s room?” Roman nodded, and Dee smirked before spinning around and marching off towards Logan’s dorm, both Remy and Roman hurrying to keep up.

“So, Dee. How’d you and Logan meet?” Roman asked as they climbed the stairs. Logan hadn’t warned him about a boyfriend, and Roman shoved that pang of jealousy down into the Void That Shan’t Be Touched.

“In band, actually. I play bassoon and we met at the band meet-and-greet party on the first day of school. We had about a year of just friendship, dancing around each other, and then we went to a party one night. I confessed— yes, we were both sober, don’t look at me like that— and then we started dating and we’ve been dating ever since,” Dee answered, smiling softly the whole time. They quickly reached Logan and Dee’s room, set their things down, and sat down to wait for Logan. Dee sat in the chair at one of the desks while Roman and Remy sat on the bed.

“Ow, okay, hang on, I have to change the batteries quick,” Dee hissed suddenly, clutching at his ear. He popped out a hearing aid from each year and reached over into one of the desk drawers, pulling out a pack of batteries that he proceeded to swap out for the ones in the hearing aids. Roman kinda… stared, but averted his eyes the second he realized what was happening. Dee finished and put them back in, smiling grimly.

“Now, any other questions?” Dee asked, slightly tenser than before. Remy shook his head, as did Roman, and Dee nodded before pulling out his phone. “Then make yourself at home, Logan will be here soon.”

The door opened and closed, depositing a Logan into the room. He smiled, raised a hand, and signed Actually, Dee, I am home now. Dee lit up and hopped off the bed, yanking Logan into a deep, yet chaste, kiss. Logan pulled back after a few moments, beaming like a fool. Did you miss me, love?

“Yes, you dumb dumb,” Dee laughed, gently hitting Logan’s shoulder. “I always miss you and your cute face.” Logan flushed and squeaked before gently booping Dee’s nose, causing a giggle to break out from the yellow-clad man. Roman almost felt bad for having to break this up, but he really, really wanted to say hello to his brother.

“Logan! How are you?” Roman called, jumping up and yanking Logan off his feet, twirling him around before crushing him into a hug. Logan startled before relaxing, realizing it was just his rambunctious twin, smiling at Roman before pulling back to answer.

Perfectly acceptable, Roman. How are you? His eyes fix on Remy, and the grin drops slightly. Is that Remy?

“Yep! Logan, this is Remy, my wonderful boyfriend. Remy, this is Logan, my amazing twin brother!” Roman chirped, setting Logan down. Logan gulped and waved shyly at Remy, who waved enthusiastically back. Remy jumped up and grabbed Logan’s hand, shaking it enthusiastically.

“Nice to meet you! Roman’s told me so much about you!” Remy started, large smile far too wide for Logan’s taste. “Especially about your academics. Double major and a double minor, hm?”

Yes, majoring in Chemistry and Music Performance and minoring in Astronomy and Literature. What is your major, again? Logan didn’t trust this stranger with his pristine leather jacket and indoor sunglasses and Cheshire-cat grin. This stranger who was too similar to his brother yet far too different. This stranger with the perfect hair and the perfect teeth and the perfect face, perfect for Roman in every way, and that scared Logan, thinking back to freshman year and Roman’s perfect friends. Was this about to start again? Was Logan going to be left behind yet again?

“Oh, I’m a theatre major,” Remy answered, smiling. He let go of Logan’s hand finally, allowing Logan to flex his wrist and step back to a comfortable distance. Remy seemed not to notice, but Roman did, eyes widening in worry. He’d forgotten to warn Remy that Logan hated handshakes. He’d already fucked this up, hadn’t he?

“Hey, Dee. Why don’t you show Remy around campus? I’d like to catch up with Logan. Alone,” Roman suggested, shooting Dee a look he hoped conveyed his thoughts. Apparently, he was correct, as Dee grabbed Remy’s arm and dragged him out of the room, leaving the twins alone for the first time in months.

I’m sorry, Roman, you didn’t have to send Remy away, Logan signed, hunching his shoulders slightly. Roman sighed and reached out to ruffle Logan’s hair, eyes burning with love and sympathy.

“Hey. I forgot to warn you I was bringing him, and I know he’s a lot if you’re not used to him. That’s on me, Logan. Don’t blame yourself for getting overwhelmed.”

I just felt like you were going to leave me again. Roman’s eyes widened, horrified, and Logan quickly moved to explain himself further. Remy is perfect for you in every way. And I… am a bit scared, that we are about to right back to freshman year. Roman blinked in shock before relaxing, gently grabbing Logan’s shoulders.

“Lo. No. It’s not going to be freshman year. I won’t let it. I’m not abandoning you for Remy. In fact, Remy really wants to meet you and is really scared of screwing up. Okay?” Logan nodded, and Roman smiled softly. “Good. Now. I gotcha something.”

Oh? Should I be scared?

“Not at all! You’ll like it. I made it myself.” Roman walked over and began to dig through his suitcase before making a triumphant noise as he pulled out…

Roman? Is that… a Fourth Doctor scarf? Excitement bubbled in Logan’s stomach as he saw the familiar stripe pattern. Roman nodded, beaming, and gently wound the scarf around Logan’s neck.

“Yep! I made it myself. I thought you’d like it. I know Four isn’t your favourite, but I couldn’t figure out how to make a trench coat with so many pockets,” Roman babbled. Logan smiled and buried his face in the scarf, pulling Roman into a tight hug.

Thank you thank you thank you, Logan signed. Roman giggled and hugged back, dropping a kiss into Logan’s hair.

“Of course, bro. Anything for you.”

“Logan! You’re out of your room!” Mika’s voice came from behind him before a long-fingered hand dropped into Logan’s hair. Roman blinked, startled at the appearance of the nerd, but Logan just smiled and swatted Mika’s hand away playfully.

I leave my room more than you think, Logan shot back, glaring. Dee and Mika both laughed, sitting on either side of Logan, and the three fell into a clearly-easy pattern of signing, giggling, and friendly touches. Roman looked over at Remy, lost and confused. He had known that Logan had friends, but he did not realize how different their method of communication would be from his.

“Hey guys. Hey Roman. Hello new person,” Wirt called, sitting next to Roman across from Mika. He quickly joined in the conversation, leaving Roman and Remy still left out.

“Roman, should we leave?” Remy murmured. Roman was about to reply when something in the air froze. He turned to look and found the four other people starting at him, eyes ranging from judging to terrified. Roman swallowed and looked at Logan as he answered.

“No, we’re staying. They were just catching up,” Roman answered, nodding slightly. Logan relaxed and smiled, hands lifting in preparation.

Yes, Roman, that’s exactly what we were doing. Now, shall we chat? Dee nodded, Roman smiled, and Remy seemed to relax a bit.

“So, Roman. Remy. How long are you planning on staying?” Wirt asked, nibbling on a spring roll.

“Just a couple days. Want to meet my boyfriend’s brother,” Remy answers, sipping his coffee. Roman smiled and smooched Remy on the cheek, not noticing how the other four shot looks at each other. Dee cleared his throat and leaned forward, tapping the table.

“Well, Remy, you can ask Logan questions now,” Dee drawled, eyes flashing in challenge. Roman was highly confused as to why, though. Remy hadn’t done anything, so why was Dee looking so defensive?

“Is it true that you made Roman listen to all your poetry presentations?” Remy asked, giggling a bit. Roman’s blood froze as his stomach dropped and his mind began to scream at him. He never should have said that that one time when he was drunk. He knew Remy would most likely not realize why it was important and take it as complaining. It hadn’t been that bad, really, as Logan was amazing with making presentations engaging yet informative. Drunk Roman was just very bad at making his thoughts clear.

Logan wasn’t faring much better, eyes wide and breathing choppy, quick, and uneven. Wirt was trying to offer comfort across the table, Dee has signing soothing words at him, and Mika looked to be about five seconds from murdering Remy. “That. Was so fucking rude. Especially because you have no idea the context,” Mika hissed, fist tightening around xyr knife. Remy startled and leaned back as the tall Brit stood, towering over him like an angry slasher villain in those movies Logan liked to watch sometimes.

“You know why? Logan just wanted Roman to spend time with him, and that was the best way to do it at first!” Dee hissed, shooting Remy a glare while his hands kept moving.

“Roman didn’t mind, you know. He was perfectly fine with Logan giving presentations to him,” Wirt mumbled, fidgeting in his seat. Logan nodded, sniffing, and Roman had to actually fight the urge to lunge across the table and comfort him. Remy paled, seeming to realize just what he had said, and reached forward, eyes widening in horror.

“Oh, Logan, no, I’m sorry, I didn’t know,” Remy stammered, gently grabbing Logan’s hand. Logan yanked it away, and hurt flashed across Remy’s eyes.

“Logan doesn’t like people holding his hands if he needs to communicate,” Roman explained, his own hands raising. You good, L? he asked. Logan sniffed, nodded, wiped at his eyes, and began to answer.

I am adequate, Roman, thank you. I was merely not prepared to have such an emotional conversation today. Roman nodded, still skeptical, and Logan gave a short, watery laugh and kept going. Really, Roman, I shall be fine. My thanks for your concern.

“Of course, Logan,” Roman answered, smiling softly. Still his same brother, then. Dee noticed the smiled and finally allowed all the tension to leak out of his shoulders.

“Well, this was… nice. But Logan and I have classes to get to,” Dee announced, smoothly standing and reaching out a hand for Logan to grab. He rolled his eyes but took it, standing and bumping his hip against Dee’s.

“Wirt and I also have classes. Perhaps you and Remy could explore campus?” Mika suggested, standing and placing xyr dishes to be washed on the rack. Wirt followed, shoving the rest of his spring roll in his mouth, and with nary a glance back, the four walked out, leaving Roman and Remy alone.

“... so we should most likely have a talk, yes?” Remy asked, sipping his coffee. Roman nodded and sipped his own tea, settling in for a long explanation.

“Logan and I were extremely close as kids. When we hit high school, though, we started to… drift. I spent far more time with my friends than with Logan, and his only two friends both were extremely busy and had other things to do. I didn’t think anything was wrong— Logan likes his alone time, still— until our parents suggested I talk to him about his recent depression. I did, and I found out it was because I was practically ignoring him in favour of my friends. The two of us both promised to try and work on communication,” Roman explained, falling quiet at the end.

“That’s great, Roman. I’m glad you figured it out. But why did they all react so violently to my question?” Remy asked, cocking his head to the side in confusion. Roman swallowed.

“I wasn’t done, Rem. So… it got better for a bit… and then I fucked up. It was the day I was supposed to help Logan with an important project, and I didn’t show up. I forgot, and went to lunch with my friends, I didn’t even check in with Logan. He went into a panic attack, and his friend Mika— the tall angry British one— literally marched into the cafeteria, chewed me out, and made me skip fifth hour so we could chat.”

“What the hell, that was an accident! It wasn’t your fault!” Remy cried. Roman sighed and gently grabbed one of Remy’s hands, squeezing lightly.

“Love, it’s alright. We were stupid kids, and it actually helped. Let me finish, please.” Remy nodded and fell silent, and with that, Roman took in a deep breath, preparing himself to tell this story’s conclusion.

“So, I talked to Logan that night. We both cried a lot, we got all our issues out on the table, and we eventually decided that communication was the most important. So, we started to actually legit communicate. And to start… it started with poetry presentations, and then it went to history, then it just became a lunch study session. That lasted for all of high school, I started giving Logan my presentations as well, and then… then we both went off to college. It’s a tradition, still, when we have large presentations due. It soothes us both, and a critical eye is important. So… giving each other presentations is just our way of showing that we care. It’s a way to say ‘hey, bro, I’m still alive’ and ‘I value your input, please tell me how trashy this is’. So, by kind of… turning that into a joke, Logan started panicking. I’m not mad, but… that’s why Logan reacted that way, Remy.”

Remy paled. “Oh, Roman, I… I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.”

“You’re fine, sweetheart. Just apologize to Logan at some point, okay?” Roman smiled softly and stood, tossing his empty cup away. “Now, I kind of want to go exploring. Come with me?” Remy tossed his empty coffee cup away, stood up, took Roman’s hand, and together, the two of them bounced outside, intent on enjoying the beautiful sights and the fresh air. The aura of darkness was dispelled, just for a moment, and the two lovers took a few hours to themselves to enjoy nature before reality inevitably came crashing back.

“Logan? Would you like to come with me for a coffee run? I think it would be fun,” Remy suggested. Logan blinked and lifted a hand.

We cannot communicate, though, as you do not know sign language, Logan pointed out.

“... what?” Remy asked, confused. Logan nodded, as if to say Exactly, and went back to his book. Remy huffed, cheeks puffing out in frustration. He just wanted to get this solved, why was it so hard?

“Perhaps,” Dee murmured. “You, Roman, Logan, and I could have a conversation.” Remy startled, whipping around to stare at the short bassoon player, who was smirking up at him almost like he enjoyed causing Remy to almost have a heart attack.

“That’s a wonderful idea! As such, Wirt and I shall leave,” Mika answered, and promptly grabbed the small poet’s arm and dragged him out, kicking the door shut behind them. Logan looked up, now concerned, and Roman settled down next to him, laying a head on his shoulder.

“I’ll start. Remy, you hurt Logan earlier,” Dee droned. Remy nodded, expecting that reaction.

“I was going to apologize. So…” he turned to Logan. “Logan, I’m very sorry. I didn’t know the whole story, and I made a joke without thinking how it would affect you. I hope you don’t hate me.”

I don’t hate you, Logan replied, Roman translating for Remy’s sake. You made a mistake. I do not hate people for making mistakes.

“Okay, that’s good,” Remy breathed out. “Dee, anything else?”

“Not right now,” Dee replied, bringing his knees into his chest. Remy nodded, but Roman cleared his throat.

“I have something to ask. Dee? Why are you so defensive?” Dee looked up, blinking in shock, before glancing over at Logan. Logan nodded, Dee nodded back, and let out a sigh before beginning.

“Logan had a rough time our freshman year, and I had to deal with his douchey boyfriend. Logan did break up with him after he made fun of Logan’s attachment to you, Roman, but… it kind of left me really overprotective.”

And I’ve told you, love, it’s fine, as long as it isn’t possessive, Logan shot back, eyebrows furrowed. Dee sighed again and signed back I’m aware before continuing.

“I just don’t want him hurt, Roman. That’s why.” Roman nodded, hugged Logan closer to him, and shot Dee a thumbs-up. Dee smiled at that, recognizing the sign for what it was: Roman’s approval over his brother’s choice of boyfriend.

Now, can we put this behind us and move on? Logan signed, a distinctly sarcastic bent to his gestures. Dee giggled and blew him a kiss, while Roman just laughed and ruffled Logan’s hair, freeing his curls from their gel. Logan squawked and swatted Roman’s hand away, causing the taller twin to giggle and poke Logan’s ribs. Logan eeped, and an evil grin crossed Roman’s face at that.

“Tickle fight!” Roman cried, flinging himself atop Logan and attacking his ribcage with light touches and moving fingers. Logan shrieked and gently kicked back, to no avail.

Dee, help me! Logan signed, laughing, tears streaming down his cheeks from the force of his joyful laughter. Dee smirked and leaped onto Roman with a warcry, poking the actor in the ribs. Roman yelped and Dee went to work, prying him off of his boyfriend.

“Remy! Avenge me!” Roman yelled. Remy snorted and poked Dee’s ribs, causing the shortest one to let out a squeak. Remy pounced, tickling him into submission, but didn’t notice Logan sneaking up behind him until he was rolling around shrieking with laughter as the bespectacled nerd attacked him with affection. The four of them eventually ended up in a pile, all panting heavily from the previous activity, joy oozing out of them to fill the room with mirth.

“So. That was nice,” Dee panted out. “Who wants to calm down and watch Netflix?”

“Heathers!” Roman called, sitting upright with a giant, sunny grin on his face. Remy slapped him lightly, groaning.

“No, we’re watching Umbrella Academy, you dumbass. I’ve seen Heathers far too many times, if I have to see it one more time I will scream,” Remy groaned. Dee snorted.

“Oh, you would like it more. I vote Dragon Prince,” Dee called. Logan snorted and raised a hand above the pile.

I suggest Sherlock, he offered.

“How about we just watch Hilda and leave it at that?” Dee shot back, pulling out his laptop. Logan agreed, Roman nodded, and Remy cocked his head in confusion.

“Hilda? What’s Hilda?” Remy asked. Dee and Logan’s jaws both dropped, and Remy felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. This wasn’t going to end well, was it?

“It’s only the cutest cartoon ever!” Dee shrieked, yeeting blankets atop Remy as he typed furiously on his laptop. Logan shoved Remy onto the bed before sitting next to him, keeping him from running.

It’s amazing, and we’re watching it, Logan signed, eyes burning with determination. Remy gulped, and suddenly Roman was on his lap, giggling.

“Come on, love, it won’t be that bad! It’s a really sweet show!” Roman chirped, leaning back into Remy’s chest. Remy sighed and hugged Roman closer as Dee started the show, happy he wasn’t hated but still a tad uncomfortable.

Also, Alfur the elf is my new favourite thing and I want one. Dee and Roman both snorted in unison and answered “You would,” together, voices a mix of fond exasperation and good-natured humour. Remy laughed and settled back, relaxing for once, as the four of them fell into a perfect quiet, only piping up with commentary or fanboy squealing, especially Logan when a tiny white being appeared for the first time.

Dee I want him. “I know Logan.” Dee he is me. “I know Logan.” Dee I need to learn how to sew to make one. “There goes my Christmas present.” What? “Nothing, just watch the show love.” I’m suspicious. “Good.”

“You know, Roman, you’re basically Hilda here.” “Shut up, Dee, I’m clearly the Raven, excuse you.” “Nah, you’re a sweetheart who’s too dramatic for his own good, you’re Hilda.” “Dee I will fight you.”

“This is actually really good.” “I know, right?!” “Roman, careful, you almost hit Logan in the face.” That is far from the first time, I assure you. “What?!” Relax Dee, it’s fi- Dee don’t hit him! “I must defend your honour!” This isn’t Merlin, Dee, calm down.

The four of them eventually fell asleep in a large cuddle pile, happy and content with the previous few hours. Remy had finally managed to worm his way into Logan’s heart, Dee had stopped worrying about Logan getting hurt by his brother, and the twins had slipped very easily back into their old patterns. In short, all was right with the world, just as it had been five years ago when two boys had embraced after a final concert, happy tears flowing from their eyes. Now, instead of happy tears, happy laughs had permeated the air, showing that no matter what, everything would be perfectly okay for these two and their loved ones. After all, they had far too many people who cared to let them be sad.

Bonus Scene:

“Roman! Kiddo, can you put the star on the tree?”

“Sure thing, Papa! Just let me… There! It’s perfect!”

“Thank you so much! You got so tall! Why, I remember like it was only yesterday, and you were about as tall as my waist-”

“Papaaaaaa don’t embarrass me in front of my boyfriend!”

That’s not very hard to do, Roman.

“Logan! Don’t be mean to your brother!”

“Logan, you’ve betrayed me! However shall I recover?!”

Not my fault your ego is so fragile.

“That’s it! I’m leaving! I am clearly unwanted!”

“No, Roman! I love you, kiddo, please stay!” Roman giggled and looked back at his father, blue eyes wide and pleading. Behind him, Logan giggled, eyes sparkling with mirth. Roman smirked and turned around.

“Oh alright, Papa. Only because I want to see Logan’s face when I steal all his presents!” Logan gasped, placing a hand to his heart dramatically.

You wouldn’t! 

“I would!” Roman crowed back. Logan pretended to swoon onto the couch, causing Roman to giggle even more, unaware of the three in the background filming this whole thing.

You fiend! However shall I recover?! The effect was ruined by Logan’s laughter and wide smile. Roman giggled and plopped down next to him while Patton still stood there, confused but starting to smile at the contagiously happy atmosphere.

“You just have to surrender to my perfection~!” Roman cooed. Logan rolled his eyes and gently, playfully, shoved Roman away, standing smoothly and walking over to the tree, picking up a giant box.

This goes to Remy, then. He hasn’t betrayed me.

“No, Logan! I’m sorry!” Roman cried, bursting into laughter at the end. Logan joined him, keeping the box in his arms before turning to leave the room.

“No, Logan! I’ll do anything, I promise!” Roman cried. Logan smirked, turned back around, looked Roman dead in the eyes, and raised a hand, signing two words.

Then perish. With that, he walked out, listening to Roman’s overdramatic howls and cackling to himself. He ran into Dee, who was also cackling and holding up his phone, showing…

Dee. Did you record all of that? Logan asked, eyes narrowing. Dee nodded, giggling. You have five seconds to hand it over.

“Make me~!” Dee chirped before sprinting away. Logan gently set Roman’s present on the table, cracked his knuckles, and began to chase his fiance, grabbing Roman on the way. Roman took this whole situation in stride, and eventually, the two caught up to the little snake, trying to wrestle his phone away. It was too late, however, for the video had already been uploaded to Instagram. Neither of them could be truly angry, and there the three of them stayed for the next hour, simply giggling and hugging, the holiday spirit infecting them with far too much cheer. And if Dee snuck a couple more pictures while the twins weren’t looking? Well, he certainly wasn’t going to tell.

Notes: This... this was so much fun. Thank you so much, Wren! I hope you liked this! And thank you to everyone who’s read the whole thing! You’re all amazing and I love you. I’ll see you all next update, and I promise, angst levels shall return to normal soon :) 

[ilovemygaydad]

Friends in Dark Places [ch 16]

pairing: moxiety, logince, background eventual remile, background eventual remy/emile/deceit

WARNINGS: kissing, past fights, awkwardness, anxiety, shouting, arguments, guilt, swearing, possibly something else

tag list: @hufflepuffgirl01 @cocobearthe4th @cas-is-a-hunter@band-be-boss-blog @theunoriginaldaisy

a/n: jsyk, it’s totally okay to ask for a modified chapter if you need it or if i need to add tags! i get it, and it’s no problem for me to quick edit a chapter or whatever :) also, feel free to send requests or questions that you have!

first - previous - next - companions

consider buying me a coffee (please)

-

Logan didn’t want to pick Roman up, but he couldn’t just ditch him. He felt bad about leaving his friends yesterday, and he didn’t need that kind of guilt. The beat up car rolled to a halt in the Patrick’s driveway.

Roman was already standing outside, clicking away at his phone. He slipped into the front seat without looking up, only taking time to readjust his headphones. That’s fine; Logan actually enjoyed driving in silence.

---

Virgil and Patton immediately knew that something was off. It was completely silent in the car, which might have been fine if Roman had been absent, but he was not. Not only that, but Roman didn’t even look up from his phone to greet his friends like normal.

The whole car ride was painful; the weighted silence sat heavily on the two boys in the backseat. Just when they couldn’t take another second of it, Logan pulled into his parking spot. 

Thank god. Virgil sighed, slumping back slightly in his seat.

“Hey, guys—And they’re gone…” Patton called after Roman and Logan, but they had practically bolted from the car as soon as it was stopped. Okay? Maybe they were just having an off day! That’s fine; it happens to everyone.

Virgil shrugged the whole situation off, too, as soon as Patton grabbed his hand and lead him into school. They hadn’t officially announced that they were a thing yet, but it was pretty obvious. Word spread quickly without them needing to do much else but hold hands in the hallway and kiss each other on the cheek at their lockers. It was already old news by Monday afternoon.

Of course, nothing was ever really as simple as it was made out to be.

---

Lunch started off just as weird as the car ride to school. Logan had sat opposite of Roman, something they hadn’t done in… well, ever. That, in turn, forced Virgil to sit next to Logan and Patton next to Roman. It was disorienting to Virgil, and he already could feel his anxiety rise. He needed a distraction.

“Hey, Roman. How’s it going with the cast?” The musical. A perfect subject to talk about with his geek friends.

“Fantastic!” Roman said with an enthusiastic smile. “If everything keeps running as smoothly as it has, we’ll be off book by Friday.”

“Surprising that you numbskulls even know how to read,” Logan muttered, not even looking up from his book. An oppressive silence hung in the air between the four boys; although, Logan didn’t seem to notice. Patton threw a worried glance at Virgil. Okay, maybe it’s a bit more than an off day, but nothing a little time can’t fix. 

Right?

---

The car ride home was when everything truly hit the fan.

It had started just as the ride this morning, but Patton decided to break the silence and talk to Logan. “Hey, Lo. How’s it going?”

“Fine, Patton. Why are you asking me at the end of the day?” Logan gave him a quizzical look in the rear view mirror before turning his eyes back on the road.

“It’s never too late to ask a friend how they’re doing! You’re so smart that sometimes I worry you take on too much.” Patton’s voice was sincere, but he was mostly just trying to figure out what was going on between the two up front.

Roman muttered something under his breath, barely even audible, but it obviously hit a nerve in Logan. “Oh? Is there something you’d like to share with the class, Roman?”

“Sure,” Roman challenged. “I said that you were as dull as a pair of old scissors. You couldn’t cut your way out of a paper box.”

That’s really not good.

Patton quickly handed Virgil some headphones before the fighting got too out of hand and tried to interject, but the boys were already too heated to listen.

“You son of a bitch! I have never met someone as narcissistic as you. I can’t believe you’d say something like that.”

“Don’t you fucking call me narcissistic! Have you ever heard yourself speak? Your ego is so inflated you’re at risk of it popping.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Look-At-My-Twenty-Trophies. Didn’t realize that I couldn’t be happy about getting good grades!”

“I swear to god, Logan! You’re thicker than molasses.”

“Says you!”

“ENOUGH!” Patton yelled, finally reaching his limit. “I will not allow two of my best friends to have a screaming match in this tiny metal deathtrap! You’re half a second away from causing Virgil to have a panic attack. Think about that for a second. How awful must you have to be to completely disregard the well-being of one of your close friends just because you’re pissed off? I’m disappointed in you.”

Disappointed. Patton’s least favorite word, but he had to use it. Roman and Logan knew so much better, yet they still acted recklessly.

“I’m sorry, Patton,” Logan mumbled, moving to park the car on the side of the street. It was obvious they’d be having a “talk.”

Both boys in the front looked meek and ashamed, which was a strange sight. Virgil gently pulled out his headphones, noticing the silence blanketing the car. Roman and Logan turned back in their seats and gave him sorry smiles. He just furrowed his brows in return. He didn’t like this at all.

“What the hell is happening between you guys? Just two days ago you were, like, postcard best friends, and now you loathe each other with your entire existence? Is there something I’m missing here?” Virgil’s voice was becoming more rapid as he spoke, mirroring the rising anxiety he felt.

“It’s my fault!” Roman blurted. “I started it. It’s my fault.”

“What happened, Ro?” Patton coaxed softly.

“Yesterday at the park I… I snapped. I wasn’t angry at Logan, not really; I was more frustrated with myself because… because…” Roman buried his head in his hands. “Because I’m too afraid to tell Logan that I like him.”

Logan froze in his seat, staring wide-eyed. “Oh… I… Um, wow.”

“It’s stupid. I’m stupid. I just… Yeah. Forget it, Logan,” Roman mumbled. 

“No! I was just going to say that I... like you, too.”

“Awwwww!” Patton squealed, but he quickly clamped his hands across his mouth. The two in front exchanged a look before bursting out laughing. It was just so Patton.

“So are you guys gonna kiss or what?” Virgil asked lazily. Internally, he was cheering them on, but he didn’t want to push too hard. Pat jokingly hit him on arm.

“I mean, if you want to, Roman.” Logan’s cheeks were dusted light pink, and he hadn’t really recovered from Ro’s confession.

“Are you kidding me? I’ve wanted to kiss you for years! Come here, you nerd.” Roman reached out and tugged on Logan’s tie, pulling him closer until finally they met in a soft kiss. It took all Patton had in him to not squeal at the adorable scene in front of him. It was just! So! Cute!

Both Logan and Roman were bright pink when they pulled apart. Virgil probably would’ve laughed if he hadn’t worried about Roman murdering him.

---

After Logan dropped Virgil and Patton off, he began the ride to his and Roman’s neighborhood. It was… strange. Actually acquiring what he had yearned for that suddenly was such an odd occurrence. It was fantastic, of course. Just different.

“I’m sorry for everything I said to you.” Roman rubbed at the back of his neck nervously.

“I accept your apology. And I do see where you were coming from, regardless of how exaggerated your claims were. I can be extremely behind when it comes to feelings,” Logan waved him off. It was over and done. He didn’t really mind anymore.

“That doesn’t excuse that I said what I did. So, as repayment, I propose we go to the park and have a remake date. Tomorrow,” Roman suggested.

Logan nodded as he pulled into Roman’s driveway. “Satisfactory. Make sure Virgil and Patton know the plans.”

“Of course! Goodbye, my love!” Logan just rolled his eyes and watched Roman deeply bow.

“Bye, Roman.”

next

[runaway-horses]

Merry Christmas, Logan

Hello lovelies! This is my gift for @really-sleep-deprived-nerd as part of the 2018 Fanders Secret Santa! I hope you like it, I sure had fun writing it!

Word Count: 2.2k

Warnings: Fluff! Minor hurt/comfort, but really it’s all fluff. Google Translated Spanish.

Read on AO3 here!

Logan neatly stacked the papers on his desk and slipped them into their appropriate folders. His classroom was quiet, a rare occurrence given it was typically filled with the raucous sounds of high schoolers. He put all the folders in his briefcase and gave his classroom a final glance to ensure nothing was left behind before he left. While Logan would enjoy the break, he had to admit that he would miss his students.

Well. To a degree. Most of them.

Satisfied that he wasn’t leaving anything behind, he turned off the lights and shut the door, letting it lock behind him.

“Oh hey Lo-lo!” Logan couldn’t help but sigh at the sound of his flamboyant coworker. “Hello Remy.” He greeted, turning towards the voice. Remy was leaning against his own door, a mischievous grin on his face. “Oh girl, you look tense. Wanna grab drinks? Flirt with some cute guys?”

“Remy, you’re asexual. And in a relationship.” Logan deadpanned. Remy waved his hand dismissively. “So you’ve seen through my clever ruse to get you out. C’mon Lo, doesn’t your routine get boring?”

“Quite the opposite Remy, I find my schedule pleasant. And what makes you think I am lacking in companionship?” Before the art teacher could respond, Logan was already heading for the door. “Have a good break Remy!” He called over his shoulder, ignoring Remy’s spluttering.

•••

The drive home wasn’t long, really. 25 minutes. Logan would be home before it 6:00. It passed quickly, and before he knew it he was pulling up to his apartment.

When he opened the door to his empty apartment, he couldn’t help the pang of loneliness in his chest. He found himself wishing he had taken Remy up on his offer, if only for some company for the night. It wasn’t like he didn’t know he was coming home to an empty house, but...well.

He placed his bag on the kitchen counter and put the kettle on the stove to make himself some tea. As he waited for the water to boil, he unpacked his briefcase. He had assignments from his students to grade over the break, but not so many that his break would be strenuous.

He hadn’t assigned anything over the break other than asking his students to try to glance over their notes at some time. While he had enjoyed school when he was a student, he understood the need for breaks from the pressures of high school. He could only hope his coworkers hadn’t assigned too much work.

Once everything was out of his bag and on the kitchen table, vaguely organized by grade and  Logan already starting on a ninth grader’s paper, the kettle whistled loudly. Logan started slightly, before pulling it off the heat and pouring the boiling water into a mug with a tea bag already waiting in it.

He went back to the table with his mug in his right hand and the paper in his left, prepared to work away the loneliness pricking at his skin.

•••

And work he did. He had almost finished the stack of ninth grade papers before he looked at the clock and realized it was past eleven. It was then that he noticed how heavy his eyelids were, and how his neck ached from bending over the table for so long.

Logan stood up and stretched, feeling his back pop from the change of position. He poured out his (cold) cup of tea, and neatly stacked the marked papers on the corner of the table. Pleased with the amount of work he had completed, Logan looked forward to falling in bed and, hopefully, falling asleep quickly, before any unwelcome emotions found their way back into his thoughts.

His phone dinged from its spot on the table, and he opened it to see a text message from Roman.

From: Roman

oh my god

lo

logan

code rainbow

i repeat: code rainbow

shit lo he’s looking at me

Logan sighed and instead of attempting to decipher his texts, called his dramatic friend, who picked up almost immediately.

“Roman, where are you? What is ‘code rainbow’? Who’s looking at you?”

“Hay un chico lindo aquí y me está sonriendo! Logan, I’m too gay for this. I will die, right here, on this barstool, of a gay heart attack.” Logan rolled his eyes at his friend’s antics. He could hear the loud music thumping on Roman’s end of the speaker. “I’m guessing you’re at a club?”

“As a matter of fact I am, and everything was fine until he decided to start staring at me with his gorgeous eyes and pretty lips and precious freckles! Like I said, this will be the end of me. It was nice knowing you, Pocket-Protector. Do me a favor and make sure they put “Too gay to function.” as cause of death or me.”

Rearranging himself so he was sitting on the couch, Logan pinched the bridge of his nose lightly.

“Roman, you are simply too dramatic for words,” Logan kept speaking as Roman made an offended noise from the other end of the call. “But I know you know how to flirt. Go dance with him, offer to buy him a drink, and tell me about it in the morning.”

“Logan, was that a compliment?” Logan cut him off as he could hear the glee in his friends voice. “Goodbye, Roman.”

“Now hang on here Microsoft Nerd-” But Logan hung up before Roman could finish, quite uninterested in whatever smug comment Roman had prepared.

Logan and Roman had known each other for years, and while their personalities clashed somewhat frequently, at the end of the day they enjoyed each other’s friendship and found the friendly banter to be fun.

And for as long as he had known him, Roman had been a notorious flirt, and his good looks and lovely Spanish accent made him quite popular among the single population of their town. And more importantly, he was a really great person, if a tad too dramatic for Logan’s taste.

Logan shifted on the couch to get more comfortable as he picked his phone back up. It was nearing midnight. He really needed to get to bed soon.

But surely it’d be ok if he sat there for a minute longer…

•••

Someone was moving him. There was cold air hitting his skin where the blanket fell away and even barely awake Logan could feel his neck aching.

“Mmnhh.” He moaned, expressing his displeasure with being disrupted.

He heard a warm chuckle. “It’s ok darling, it’s just me. You fell asleep on the couch, your neck is going to hurt if I let you stay here.” The familiar voice of his husband had a deep part of his soul settling down in peace and happiness.

“Virgil,” Logan sighed out, pushing into his embrace, still half asleep and not aware enough to be self conscious about his behavior. Virgil pushed his fingers into Logan’s hair gently, scratching at his scalp.

“Hey Lo.” Virgil’s voice was warmth, the calm familiarity of a loved one, the comfort of a hot drink during a cold day, warming you from your soul out. Logan wanted to pepper his face in kisses and sit up and talk with him, but sleep was pulling too heavily on him.

So he simply allowed himself to fold into Virgil’s body and drift back to sleep, content that he was here.

Before letting sleep reclaim him, he felt the gentle press of lips to the top of his head.

•••

Logan woke up in his bed, and was momentarily disoriented. Hadn’t he fallen asleep on the couch?

Then memories of last night came back to him, and he sat straight up, scanning the room for Virgil. He wasn’t in their room however, and Logan allowed himself a brief moment of disappointment that he had woken up alone, again, before getting out of bed to search the house for his husband.

He didn’t have to go far. Virgil was awake and moving around their kitchen with his back turned to Logan, who caught the scent of coffee in the air.

“Good morning Virgil,”

Virgil turned around and smiled at him, and Logan wasn’t one for emotions but damnit he had missed that smile. He felt small pricks in his eyes indicative of tears, and whatever emotion he was experiencing must have shown on his face because Virgil came forward and pulled him into a gentle kiss.

Home home home love warmth Virgil.

Logan sighed into the kiss, a happy little sound, and felt Virgil’s responding smile against his lips. Virgil started to pull back, and Logan made a noise of protest and put his hands on his face to keep Virgil where he was.

“Hello love,” Virgil said, disconnecting their lips to rest their foreheads together. Logan opened his eyes to look at Virgil and felt his heart give a little flutter.

“Hello,” Logan murmured, feeling his face flush at the pet name despite his best efforts. “Are you hungry?” Virgil enquired without pulling away from him.

“Yes, I am a little hungry,” Logan admits.

With another quick peck to his lips, Virgil pulls back to move whatever he was cooking off the heat. “There’s coffee in the pot.” Logan made a humming sound of appreciation and pulled two mugs out of the cabinet.

There’s a calm quiet in the kitchen as they move about their respective tasks, and Logan feels more content then he has in weeks.

They settle on the couch to eat, something they rarely do with Virgil’s need for cleanliness, but it seems unspoken that today they want to be as close as possible. They exchange coffee and plates and Logan smiles at the French toast and scrambled eggs that Virgil has prepared. He’s been eating mostly breakfast bars and cereal since his husband left.

It’s quiet for a bit as they eat their food, but eventually Logan is no longer hungry and has questions. “What are you doing home? I thought you’d be gone for another week at least.”

Virgil shrugged. “The editor that I went to meet wasn’t suited for the job. I discovered rather quickly that we wouldn’t work well together and wrapped up the interview. I caught the first flight out of L.A. and came home. I would’ve called but it was so last minute. Plus, I wanted to surprise you.” Virgil said the last part almost shyly, as if Logan could possibly take issue with him being home.

“Well I’m glad you’re home. I missed you rather badly,” Logan was loathe to admit just how much he had. He knew this trip had been necessary for Virgil’s job and he didn’t want to make his husband feel bad because he was lonely.

But Virgil knew anyway. He was always good at reading Logan.

“God, I missed you too Logan. So much. I’m not doing another of these trips for a while, ever, if I can help it.”

“But your books, your publicist, you can’t just stop-” Logan protested. “I can do whatever I like, I’m the writer.” Virgil cut him off. “Besides, I don’t even like these trips. You know how much I hate public speaking.”

Logan sighed. That was true, but he still felt a twinge of guilt at the relief that washed over him.

“Lo. I can hear you thinking,” “That is a scientific impossibility-” “You know what I mean you nerd.” Virgil pressed a kiss to his forehead. Logan quieted and smiled. “You’ll talk to Thomas?” “I will talk to Thomas,” Virgil confirmed. Logan gave a tiny nod and Virgil smiled.

“Now that that’s settled… Are you doing anything today? Cause I was hoping for a Netflix marathon. Oh wait, do you have school stuff to do? Stuff to grade?” Logan shook his head.

“I did quite a bit of grading last night. I don’t sleep very well in the empty bed so…” He trailed off

awkwardly and saw a pained look pass over Virgil’s face before his husband pulled him up into his lap. “I know darling, I’m so sorry it’s been so long,” Logan leaned contentedly into his warmth. “It’s okay, you’re here now.”

Virgil set his chin on top of Logan’s head after pressing a kiss to the soft hair.

“I am. And now I’m going to take a page out of Roman’s book and spend the next few days wooing you.”

“You don’t need to ‘woo’ me, you already have me.” Logan objected with no real bite, a smile hidden in his voice.

“You can’t argue your way out of this one Logan. I’ve made up my mind that I’m going to romance you for as long as you’ll tolerate it.”

Logan huffed out an annoyed breath, but the effect was slightly ruined by him burying himself in Virgil’s chest. He threaded his fingers in Logan’s hair and played with his hair as he queued up Netflix.

And, if he was being honest, watching his husband be ridiculously over the top for the next few days sounded quite nice.

As long as he was here in the warmth of their home, with the love of his life, Logan didn’t need anything else. It was perfect.

The end! Happy Holidays to everyone, and here’s to a better New Year!

-Athena

@secretsanders

[forever-forgotten-angel]

New Year’s Experiment

Pairings: Mainly Logicality, Side Thvi, One Line of Implied Roman/Remy

Hello, I am getting this posted around 11pm my time, so it’s my last fic of the year. See you in 2019 everyone! Hope you enjoy this!

Logan was sitting on the floor in front of his coffee table, not working which was somewhat unusual, but instead finishing up a puzzle, his last one of this year.

He was attempting to find the right spot for a particularly tricky piece when a knock sounded on his door. The knock was firm but quiet. Loud enough to alert him of the noise but not enough to disturb. The knocker did not attempt to knock again after the first knock despite several moments passing. “Come in Virgil.”

At his words the door cracked open and sure enough the anxious side peered in before entering the room. Virgil pulled the beanbag chair logan had gotten specifically for him up next to the logical side and plopped down. He gestured to the puzzle. “Is this one of the ones you’re determined to finish alone or can I help?” The other asked. “Feel free.” Logan responded, handing Virgil a piece.

They worked in silence for a minute, both finding the spot for their piece at roughly the same time. Logan picked up two more. “So, did you need something?” He questioned as they started on the new pieces. “Nah. The others are finishing extra decorations for the New Years Party, so I figured I’d come hang with you.” Logan nodded in understanding.

“Are you doing okay? With the party and all later?” Virgil shrugged. “It’s just going to be us and a few of Thomas’ friends so it shouldn’t get too wild and  it won’t be too crowded . Besides, I’m too excited to get worked up right now.” Logan tilted his head in confusion. “Excited? What for? I know it’s the new year and all but you didn’t seem that excited last year. Something about how ‘the passing of time is ultimately meaningless and the new year is just another day’ if I remember correctly.

Virgil waved his hand dismissively. “Yeah, yeah. That’s true. But this year is different because Thomas and I are together.” Logan’s look of confusion remained unchanged. “Why is that a factor?” He queried his companion. “Are you kidding me? I have been fantasizing about being Thomas’ New Years kiss every year since I was like fifteen. And now it’s finally happening.”

Logan’s confused expression shifted to one of slight surprise. “Ah, I didn’t realize you would be one to be invested in such a pointless tradition.” Virgil was halfway through rolling his eyes when an idea came to him. “As far as I can remember, you’ve never had a New Year’s Kiss.” Logan had turned back to the puzzle now, but was listening. “Indeed. Because it is a frivolous endeavor.” Virgil shrugged as he slid another piece into the puzzle. “I don’t know. Dismissing a tradition without even trying it seems a little…..illogical.”

Logan turned to him. “It is a silly tradition attempting to apply special meaning to a particular instance of lips being smushed together.” Virgil looked at him with mischief and challenge in his eyes. “Then prove that theory Logic.” Logan huffed at the emphasis on his trait name.

“Fine. With whom shall I test my theory?” Virgil pretended to think about it. “Well, I’d offer but I obviously have plans. No offense, but I’d rather kiss Thomas than you.” A deadpan expression covered Logan’s face and his next words had the tone to match. “I’m crushed.”

"You could ask Roman, if you don't mind being teased for all eternity. Also I think he might have a deal with Remy. I personally think your best bet is Patton. He won't tease you about, he's likely to agree as he's a generally affectionate guy, plus he's a good kisser."

Logan felt a sharp spike of...something go through him at Virgil's words. "How would you know that?" Virgil gave yet another shrug of his shoulders, keeping his head down to hide the small smirk that had graced his lips at the jealousy he could hear in Logan's voice. "Game of slightly buzzed truth or dare during one of our best friend sleepovers."

Logan didn't know why that thought unsettled him a bit, however he considered Virgil's proposition. He would be able to prove his point once and for all, and he was strangely intrigued with the idea of kissing. Purely for science of course.

"I suppose I could partake in a hands-on experiment to prove my theory. I will have to see if Patton is agreeable first though." Logan informed his fellow side. "Oh I'm sure he'll be more than agreeable." Virgil muttered with a slightly suggestive tone. "What was that?" Vigil spoke louder than before as he clarified. "Oh I just said I'm sure he'll be happy to help you with your experiment."

Logan eyed him suspiciously but turned his focus back on the last pieces of the puzzle, never seeing the mischevious edge sparkling in Virgil's eyes.

Patton was setting up drinks for their New Year's Eve get-together when he heard footsteps approaching from behind him, judging by the professional steady stride he presumed it was his favorite logical side.

"Patton if you are agreeable and have no other partner I would appreciate the opportunity to share the traditional New Year's kiss with you." Patton nearly dropped the champagne glasses he was putting out. "Sorry, what was that Logan?"

"I have chosen to participate in the tradition of a kiss upon the second of the New Year as a scientific experiment, I would appreciate you as a partner for this venture."

Patton tried hard to keep his cool. He was a bit disappointed that Logan was asking him as part of an experiment and not just because he wanted to, but he still felt excitement growing in his chest. "I don't have anyone else I planned on kissing tonight." He may just be being hopeful, but it seemed as if the pleased expression on Logan's face seemed to be for more than just being able to do his experiment.

"May I ask why the experiment this year?" He couldn't help the curiosity. Logan had never exhibited any interest in performing such an experiment before. "Oh Virgil was telling me about his excitement for about his first New Year's kiss with Thomas, and I admitted I theorize it to be a quite pointless tradition, as one meeting of lips shouldn't mean more than any other no matter what time it is performed at. He suggested I test my theory, and even proposed you would be the perfect individual to assist me. I agree with him."

Patton felt suspicion growing in his chest. "Virgil suggested this?" Logan nodded. "Yes,  though he is right that any good conclusion should be scientifically tested and proven. So will you help me?" It didn't take much thought on Patton's part. "Sure Lo, if it'll make you happy." Logan gave him a small smile that made the moral side's heart flutter. "Excellent. If we are not already in the same place, we shall meet on the living room couch at five minutes to Midnight. I'll see you then."

"See you Logan."

"Oh come on! Don't give me the dad look!"

After finishing arranging the drinks Patton had found his best friend listening to music in his room. He was desperately trying to ignore the spider webs around the room as he focused on Virgil. "Did you influence Logan into asking to kiss me Virgil Sanders?"

"First the dad look, now the full name, what is this?" The dad look intensified. "Alright, alright. Yes. Kind of. I didn't force him into it. I just....played to his love of scientific experimentation and proving himself right." Patton let out a sigh as he sat beside Virgil on the anxious side's bed.

"Listen Pat. You like Logan, and the nerd clearly likes you back he's just too blind to see it. So I gave him a little nudge. It was his choice, and the real work is up to you. Not that I think it will be too difficult. Anyone would fall all over you after one kiss." Virgil's tone was certain.

"You didn't." Patton teased. Virgil gave a chuckle. "Yeah, but only because I was already head over heels for Thomas. Otherwise I totally would have fallen for you. As it is, I'm just happy your my best friend forever." Patton grinned at the other side. "Awwwwwww, I'm happy your my best friend forever too. Hug?" Virgil nodded and Patton squeezed him tight for a minute.

"You sure this is a good idea with Logan?" He asked a bit nervously. "Absolutely. You kiss the hell out of him so he has no choice but to finally drag his head out of his ass. Then you can put your head in his ass instead." Virgil commented, wiggling his brows. Patton gave him a light, good-natured shove.

"Shouldn't you be focusing on your love life and not mine and Logan's?" He pointed out.  "Oh Thomas already knows he can put his head in my ass any time he likes." Virgil said while giving him a mock serious look. "I'm sure he does." Patton responded, giggling which set Virgil off laughing.

"Seriously Pat, best cast scenario Logan finally realizes how much he likes you and kissing you and you can start a relationship. Worst case you get a New Year's kiss with your crush. You can't really lose." Patton nodded at the sensible words.

"True. Speaking of, you ready for your first New Year's kiss with Thomas? Making your teenage dreams come true?" Patton could help but smile wider at the look of pure happiness that spread over his best friend's face. "God, why can't it just be midnight already?"

Patton couldn't help but agree, looking forward to the fateful hour.

At eleven fifty-seven post meridiem, Logan made his way to Thomas' living room couch with two champagne glasses, rushing as he had been in the bathroom when his alarm went off and had to finish. After washing his hands thoroughly he had headed straight for his destination, only stopping for a fraction of a second to pick up the two beverages.    

Patton was already there waiting for him, looking around with a forlorn expression that made Logan's chest squeeze in an unpleasant way. Shaking the feeling off, he approached the other side. "Salutations Patton. My apologies for my tardiness. I was in the restroom. I picked us both up a drink on my way over though."

Patton gave him a large smile as he took a glass from Logan's hand, the happy expression ridding Logan of the last remnants of that unpleasant feeling and replacing it with a quite content one edged with a strange amount of excitement.

"That's alright Lo. And thanks for the drink. I was starting to think you had changed your mind about this....experiment." Patton admitted. "Not at all. And even if I had I would have informed you, not just left you wondering. That would be quite rude. However, I am still quite eager to test my theory if you are still agreeable." Patton gave him a nod.

There was just over a minute left until midnight. "So is there a particular way we should kiss?" Patton placed their glasses on the table for the moment. "Here, just come closer." Patton helped maneuver him until he was just in front of the moral side, nearly in the other's lap, his arms a bit awkward at his sides. "You can put your hands on my waist, it will probably feel more comfortable." Logan obliged and yes that was much better….much more efficient.

He was about to ask Patton if the other should put his hands on Logan's waist as well, for even more increased efficiency, when he heard voices all around him. "10...9..8..." Patton's voice joined the chorus and he added his own, though his was considerably less exuberant than the others. "7...6...5...4...3...2...1...HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

He barely had time to speak the words and vaguely register Patton leaning in, his warm hands now cupping Logan's face before their lips met. Softly but firm and solid.

At that moment, any thought of science, experiments, theories, proving himself right, anything that wasn't Patton Sanders, flew straight out of Logan's head.

At a few minutes after midnight, a couple holding hands tightly and leaning against each other a bit wandered into the living room with disheveled appearances and giddy expressions.

Virgil could now fully confirm that kissing Thomas on New Year's in reality was better than he's ever dreamed. And he'd had some really, really good dreams before. He thinks this is the widest he's ever smiled in his life, apart from the day that Thomas asked the anxious side to be his boyfriend.

His wide smile impossible grew even larger when he saw his two fellow sides on the couch. Logan was in Patton's laps, gripping his waist firmly while Pat's arms were wrapped around Logan's neck. "They're still going." Thomas commented with a look of amusement and happiness for his sides as he gazed at the lip-locked duo.

"Oh yeah. I told Logan that to best test his theory he should follow the original tradition of kissing his partner for the same number of minutes as the last two digits of the year, with an extra for luck. So since it twenty nineteen, that's twenty minutes of kissing." Thomas gave his boyfriend a fond roll of his eyes.

"First of all, that's not a real tradition." Virgil cut in. "Loga doesn't know that." Thomas tried hard not to laugh. "And secondly, why didn't we do that?" He asked with a fake pout. "Damn it, why didn't I think of that?" Virgil muttered before speaking louder. "Maybe we still can?" He suggested hopefully.

Thomas put a thoughtful expression on his face. "Maybe." They glanced back at the two on the couch as a soft moan was heard through the room. Neither of them was sure which man it came from.

When their eyes met again, Thomas' were lit up with an idea in such a way that if made Virgil pleasantly shudder just a bit. "What?" Thomas gave him a mischievous grin. "Logan's not going to be too happy you tricked him. He's going to want there to be some consequences." Virgil scoffed. "From the looks and sounds of it, he should be thanking me when this is over." Virgil's response seemed perfectly timed as another moan sounded from the sofa.

"I don't know. You fooled Logic. I think he's going to require punishment." Virgil motioned without looking to the kissing sides. "I think he's a bit preoccupied to punish me." Thomas' grin grew as if Virgil had just fallen into his trap. "True. I suppose as his host I could punish you in his stead, just to get it over with so everyone can move on. In fact, I already have several ideas." Thomas let his eyes rove over Virgil's body at his last statement.

Virgil's gave another, much more prominent shudder at Thomas' words and the tone he said them in. "Well, if I have to be punished then I have to be punished." Virgil stated, submitting to his fate with unreserved enthusiasm. Thomas chuckled. "You could at least pretend you're not going to enjoy your punis-"

Virgil cut him off with a short but passionate kiss before dragging Thomas up to the host's bedroom, making sure to lock the door behind them.

A year later, Virgil and Logan stand talking about an hour before the shift into twenty twenty.   

"So what do you think about New Year's kisses now?" Virgil asked the logical side, who will be celebrating his one year anniversary of officially getting together with Patton tomorrow. "I still think it is a pointless tradition. Kisses with Patton are just as special and pleasurable at any moment in the year than they are at the very first moment of the year." Virgil nodded at his explanation, the anxious side giving his own boyfriend a loving glance. "I can't argue with that logic, but it's still fun to have an extra reason to kiss isn't it?"

"That is certainly not a falsehood."  

Taglist: @organizeddiscord , @lesliealiceinwonderland, @theagenderghost, @riley-castillo, @winterknight1087, @yourfriendlycouchlesbian, @max-is-tired, @obsessingovermanythings

[sanders-sthetis-and-fics]

Comfort Of Each Other

Send Me A Prompt | Prompts

Pairing: Platonic LAMP (can be seen as romantic if you want)

TW: Transphobia, Transphobic parents, Deadnaming, Misgendering

Word Count: 1,762

Summary: Logan has dinner with his parents. It doesn’t go well.

~~~~

Logan Berry didn’t hate many things.

He didn’t enjoy being wrong but was getting better at admitting it. He got annoyed with ignorant people but found ease in educating them. He often found himself frustrated whenever he got worked up and emotional but knew that there were times it was necessary. He was angry when someone directed a hurtful joke towards his friends but calmed when he saw how easy it rolled off of them.

What he did hate was when someone took an aspect of himself and telling him that it was wrong. And in any other situation, Logan would have argued and fought.

But now, Logan kept quiet. 

For once in his life, Logan bit down on his lip as his chest swell with anger and hatred. He knew there had been a reason he didn’t want to spend time with his parents. It wasn’t a secret that Logan was practically living with his childhood friend Virgil and his older cousin Remy. He hadn’t stepped foot into his parents’ house in months so why had he shown up now? Because he promised Patton.

Sweet Patton, the one who wished for nothing but that Logan could have a good relationship with his parents. Patton who didn’t really know just how bad things were between him and his parents. Patton who had still offered to come along with him. He should have said yes.

"I can't believe you did that to your hair, Lauren."

Again with his hair. Again with that name. Logan tightened his grip on his fork, keeping quiet as his mother picked up where his father stopped.

“Your father is right. You had such lovely hair. Though it isn't difficult to figure out who's to blame; it was that Virgil Storm’s idea, wasn’t it?” Logan's heart stopped. "He has always been just a bad influence. I don't understand why you spend time with him and those other boys." His mother continued to talk about his friends and their influence, not to mention the rumors that /must/ be going around about them. "It just isn't right that my daughter is spending all her times with boys like that."

Grinding his teeth together, Logan hissed "falsehood" under his breath before he could stop himself. Both of his parents went silent, their glares burning holes into him even though Logan refused to look up.

"Excuse me?"

Logan knew that tone all too well. It was a warning, a hint telling him to apologize and shut up. But perhaps he had been spending too much time with friends because he kept talking. "My haircut wasn't Virgil's idea. It was mine. He encouraged it because it was what I wanted. He cares about me. They all do."

"Don't you realize how you look? You look like a boy, Lauren-."

Logan's head snapped up, his eyes matching glare that his parents were still giving him. "I am a boy!" He yelled, pushing himself up from his chair, the fork he was holding now ringing as it dropped to the floor. Logan was burning with hatred, but underneath that, he was trembling with fear and panic. He hadn't planned on them finding out like this. He hadn't planned on ever telling them. Just two more years of high school, than he was leaving this town with the other three and he would never have to see his parents again. They weren't supposed to know.

Sparing a glance at his parents, Logan could feel his eyes water. There was a reason that he had never wanted his parents to know. 

"Get out-."

"Gladly." Logan left the kitchen, picking up his bag from the floor and all but ran out the front door.

~~~

Logan couldn’t bring himself to go home. He knew Virgil was waiting for him and when he wasn’t back by the time he promised, he would surely call Roman and Patton. It wasn’t like they didn’t know. Everyone knew. But he didn't want to tell them what happened with his parents. Not to mention, Logan couldn't bring himself to look at anyone right now. It was hard to breathe, and his tears were still falling.

As he walked, Logan found himself headed to the library. It wasn't open this late, but the familiar building was still comforting. Though not as comforting as a hug from Patton with the feeling of Virgil's fingers in his hair while Roman sang would be. He dropped himself on the stairs of the library with a sigh, staring down at his phone.

All three of them had texted and called him, as well as Remy and Dee. Logan knew he had to talk to someone. Unlocking his phone, Logan typed out a text with shaking hands and hit send before he could stop himself.

Shortly afterward, a car pulled up by the sidewalk, the window rolling down so Remy could lean out of the window. “Logan! Get in, babe, I’m taking you home.” Even though Logan still had a few tears in his eyes, he couldn’t help but smile at the other. Pulling himself up, Logan opened the passenger door, tossing his bag inside before climbing into the car. They sat in silence for a moment before Remy turned to look at him. “What the hell happened to you, Logan?” Their tone was so gentle, filled with worry that brought more tears to Logan’s eyes. Logan wanted to see Patton, Roman, and Virgil but he needed to talk to someone else first.

It wasn't like they didn't understand. They all faced hatred, but this was different. He needed to talk to someone who understood in a different way.

"I-I told them," Logan mumbled, bring his hand up to rub at his cheek. Remy was quiet for a moment before resting a hand on his arm. "Babe... are you okay?" They whispered. Questions questions questions. Logan was almost sick of them, but he knew what Remy meant. So he nodded. Remy leaned over and pulled Logan into a hug, resting their cheek on top of his head as they rubbed his back. “They didn’t... hurt you, did they?” Remy was open about being nonbinary, but it was only after years of being hurt by people who didn't accept them. That was the last thing they wanted for any of the kids that spent time at their home.

Logan sniffled and shook his head. “N-No. They just gave me that look. I’m not going to be allowed back in that house. Not that I want to go back. But I can’t stay with you and Virgil until we graduate. Not to mention my things-.”

"Logan, stop.” Remy shook their head, tightening their grip on the panicking boy. “One, if they can’t be decent enough to love you as who you are, then fuck them. They don‘t deserve you.” They pulled back to look down at Logan, smiling at him. “And second, you think we‘re gonna let you leave? I’m not putting you out like that and Virgil would go to hell and back for you. As for your things, we can take care of that. Now, can I take you home?”

Could he handle seeing the others, is what Remy really meant. Did Logan have it in him to see them, knowing they were probably waiting in the living room for them to return. Patton's probably curled in a tight ball on the couch with his glasses pushed up in his hair because he's been crying. Roman draped a blanket over Patton before settling on the other couch, nervously chewing at his nails while trying not to be noticeable. Virgil's pled on the chair, watching Dee pace back and forth just because he couldn't sit still. They needed him and he needed them. So Logan rubbed away any stray tears from his face and nodded.

~~~

When the door open, Remy was the first one inside. The four shot up, questions moments away from leaving their lips when they raised their hand to stop them. The four of them lowered themselves back down to their seats, waiting for Remy to explain.

"He's okay. He was out by the library when I picked him up."

Patton frowned, gripping the blanket tightly. Why was Logan out there?

"Where is he, Remy?" Virgil was the first to speak up, his eyes locked on his cousin.

"Logan is outside. He wanted me to talk to you first. He had a long night, and he’s not comfortable going into detail right now." They all nodded, even though that only made them worry more.

Remy sighed, leaning against the wall. "Right now all you need to know is that he didn't have a good time at his parents. Tomorrow he might explain what happened, but more importantly, we'll be going back tomorrow. Pack his things." They looked up at Virgil, pressing their lips together. "He's been staying here long enough. We're moving all his things here."

Anxiety worked up Virgil's throat, tears stinging his eyes. Logan basically lived with them already, so what happened with his parents to make this happen? Dee shuffled closer to Virgil, nudging his arm with his elbow before looking up at Remy. "Can we see him?"

Remy was quiet, glancing around at the group of boys before nodding. They turned back to the front door, opening it and stepped outside.

Logan came inside, his eyes low and his fingers messing with the straps of his bag. Roman was the first to move. He kept slow, not wanting to send his friend into another panic. "Hey, nerd," Roman spoke softly, offering him a small smile. Logan barely glanced up at his friend when he dropped his back and fell into Roman's arms. One by one, the others joined the hug, doing anything they could to sooth Logan.

They managed to shift back to the couch, Logan settled in the middle. Remy left again shortly after with Dee, taking the teen home as well as giving the others some time together.

Logan didn’t talk about the dinner and none of the others pressed for answers. At one point, they left the couch and piled into Logan’s room, changing before laying down. Patton had his back pressed against the wall, Logan curled next to him with Roman on his other side. Virgil set his phone on the nightstand, low instrumental music played as he crawled into the bed. He tucked himself between Roman and Logan, resting his head on Logan’s stomach. They laid there, one by one falling asleep in the comfort of each other.

[maya-tl]

Slice of Life

Author's Note: This fic is inspired by @altruistic-skittles and their Slice of Life Sanders Sides AU, which can be found here. All worldbuilding credit goes to them, I only stitched the ideas together in writing.

Author's Note #2: Due to Tumblr restrictions, the story was split into three chapters. Next chapter will be posted on Sunday.

Honorary mentions: Keep your eyes peeled for @themicrosoftnerd and @crofters-jam , who make an appearance in this chapter!

Shoutout to Toby, who is part of the AU but sadly doesn't get a mention in the story.

This work will also be posted to Ao3 in the near future.

Link to my Ao3 profile will be at the end! Tag list will be in the replies! Enjoy!

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3

***

"Virgil~"

It's barely above a whisper, but he groans anyway and sinks into the pillow like dead weight. He swears he hears someone giggle just above him and he feels warmth through his chest.

"Virgil, honey," he feels a hand on his shoulder that gives it more of a gentle nudge than a shake, "get up. You'll miss breakfast."

The prospect of waking up just makes him settle down even deeper under the comfy blankets.

Truth be told his brain had probably kicked into gear a good while ago, but once the dreaded feeling of expectation that his alarm would be blaring into his ears any minute had passed without coming to fruition, he hadn't questioned any of it and simply gone back to sleep.

He doesn't know if he's actually gotten any rest since, but the fact that his mind is a foggy blank space probably alludes to a yes.

The mattress dips beside him and the hand on his shoulder resumes its shaking—definitely a shake this time.

"Viiirgiiil~" they say, stretching the word like it's a song lyric, and he can hear the smile in their voice even through his sleep clouded mind. "Wakey wakey, sleepyhead~"

He groans again—though it comes out more like a whine—and tries to wiggle out of the hand's reach. There's another giggle, and this time he grudgingly opens his eyes just enough to muster a glare, but even that's half-hearted and reduced useless when the offending figure leans down and plants a kiss on the tip of his nose.

He laughs softly, reaches up to rub at his eyes, and the steady warmth in his chest flares when the source of said warmth laughs back, beautiful and genuine and music to his ears even after nearly two decades of hearing it every day.

"Five more minutes?" he tries, raspy with morning voice, but even as he's saying it he's already sitting up and stretching his stiff muscles.

His answer is a peck on the cheek this time, and he can see Patton's entire face break into a smile out the corner of his eye when he leans into the touch.

That reminds him, their anniversary's coming up. He makes a mental note to get something ready in advance, even if that won't be for a few months now.

"What time is it...?" he mumbles and reaches for his phone, effectively draping himself across the bed.

"Kids are already up and about." Patton offers as he rises from the bed and goes to open the curtains.

"Wow, I outlasted Roman's beauty sleep? That's a first." he squints through the sudden flood of light and gapes at his phone screen until he's sure his eyes might roll out of their sockets. "Breakfast?? Pat, it's nearly noon."

Patton gives him a sheepish look, though his smile doesn't falter. "Brunch then? We've all had breakfast except for you and Ro—Lolo and I already had pancakes. Roman thought I batter go wake you before you turned into Sleeping Beauty—"

He snorts, both at the pun and the implication; sounds like his eldest alright.

"—and he wanted to make his own breakfast. I'll go get some leftovers ready for you, yeah?"

"If there are any leftovers..." he mumbles under his breath, before it's silenced by another kiss.

"You know Roman is too worried about his physique for that and Logan doesn't approve of pancakes in the morning. I barely got him to eat his share." Patton smiles, and it's crooked and beautiful and the sunlight beaming through the windows brings out his freckles and Virgil gets this inexplicable urge to kiss every single one of them. "Take your time getting ready, you haven't been sleeping much for the past week and I don't want you falling asleep at the table again."

He chuckles, standing up and stretching some more; he can hear the birds chirping downstairs when Patton opens the door on his way out.

Someone that sounds suspiciously like his son is talking more loudly than is necessary on the phone and he swears it's a habit he only picked up after they moved; he must've stayed up late and gotten friendly with that Remy kid at some point, because Virgil knows his 'beauty sleep' is more of an excuse to sleep in rather than an actual concern with beauty.

On second thought, knowing Roman, it's probably both.

"Oh! I almost forgot," he hears his husband, who sounds like he's halfway down the stairs, "Thomas told me yesterday that his car broke down!"

Again? He should probably ask Emile for some lucky crystals or whatever he's into these days, their soft-hearted neighbour could sure use it. That man has such a knack for trouble that sometimes Virgil finds himself wondering how he hasn't burned down his house yet.

Would be a shame too, apparently it's been in the family for generations.

"Do you mind if I drive them to the theatre today? Ro agreed to extra practice hours and his whole group of friends wants to come see how the big play's coming along!!"

Of course he did, and of course they do.

"Nah, I'll do it." he says, even though that's the last thing he wants to do today. Not that his other options are much more exciting; he mostly just feels like sleeping the whole day through. "I've got a shift in about three hours anyway, might as well waste a bit of gas."

"You're working? I thought you had weekends free??"

He pulls out some sweats and a simple black T and heads to the bathroom to turn on the shower. His work clothes are already laid out for once, look at him being productive.

"It's just a small shift, Pat, I took it up so I could have less overtime, it's a compromise."

He can hear the underlying tone beneath the innocent question, the silent implication that if his boss is screwing him over Patton can and will physically fight them, because for all his fun loving self he's also dreadfully overprotective.

He knows Patton's not convinced, but he's also learned that Patton still puts a lot more trust in him than he ever expects to receive, and just like that Virgil suddenly feels an overwhelming sense of belonging.

He loves this kind, beautiful, incredible, perfect man that he shares his life with so much he vaguely wonders if he's legally, ethically and morally allowed to marry him again.

Patton laughs again, and so does Virgil when he realizes he's spoken out loud.

How did he ever get so lucky?

***

Patton walks in on the sight of his eldest son pacing a hole into the kitchen floor, a piece of toast in one hand and a bunch of disorderly papers in the other, with his phone squished between his shoulder and his ear.

"Right?! I would make for a brilliant prince!!" he tries to get out between a mouthful of toast and jam, flailing the papers around like they were the ones who didn't give him the part. "Thomas is totally underestimating my incredible acting skills, the audition I gave was practically flawless!!"

"Or perhaps your ego has finally rendered all your other brain functions useless and you are living under the misguided assumption that you are better than anyone at everything you do."

"Nobody asked you to speak, Microsoft Nerd!"

Logan doesn't even lift his eyes from the book he's reading. As a matter of fact he flips the page over, looking utterly and purposefully disinterested in the tantrum of his older brother, who is currently at risk of choking on his food if the fact that his entire face looks like it's gotten sunburn is any indication.

"No, but you are yelling rather loudly and I am trying to enioy a quiet morning lecture." he adds, manoeuvring his cup from its place on the table to take a sip of tea without breaking the narrative he's currently engrossed in. "Not that anyone ever gets any peace and quiet in this household when you're home."

"I beg your pardon?!"

"Play nice, kiddos." Patton chides as he walks in, opening the fridge to take out a rather large stack of pancakes and some orange juice. "And Roman, quit talking with your mouth full."

Roman quietly mutters something like 'gimme a sec Val' before dropping the papers—which Patton assumes are pages of his current script if the neon highlighter marks he catches a glimpse of are anything to go by—into a messy pile on the counter, a tactful distance from the sink.

He even makes a show of swallowing to prove that he's not in any life threatening situation before propping the phone right back to his ear.

"Sorry, my dumb brother interrupted me—"

"I'm not the one actively trying to fail math after the semester's hardly begun." there's suddenly a definite edge to Logan's tone and he's giving his brother a stare so cold it's a wonder his head doesn't turn into a block of ice.

Patton knows that tone; if there's anything his little Lolo is insecure about it's his intelligence, no matter how many times he or Virgil assure him that he's not only the smartest one in the family but also one of the smartest in his school. A work friend of Virgil's they invited over once even called him a prodigy, and that must mean something coming from a therapist.

Unfortunately, Roman's impulse of speaking with absolutely no filter is just as immovable, which means their children have raised the term of sibling rivalry to a whole new level.

Patton decides to stop the argument before it's begun.

"Boys." they clamp their mouths shut immediately, as he knew they would, but he places his hands on his hips just for a little more authority. "What did I just say?"

'Play nice?' Roman more asks than answers at the same time that Logan lets out a tight 'Play nice.'

"Now, what's the right thing to do?"

They sigh in tandem and speak together. "Sorry dad." When he gives them a pointed look they share a glance and give in, both their shoulders dropping the tension simultaneously.

"I'm sorry I called you dumb, I didn't actually mean it..." there's genuine emotion in most of his eldest's apologies, because most of the time he really does blurt out his first thought without considering it and realizes it when his head's in the clear.

"I didn't mean to undermine your creative skills or make you feel inadequate in any way." his youngest is not the most in touch with emotions, but he is smart enough to know when an apology is in order and to differ between a sincere and insincere one.

He gives them a nod of approval and goes back to putting together a late breakfast, plopping the pancakes into the microwave and reaching into a cupboard for a clean glass. Logan likewise resumes his reading as if nothing had happened; Roman is the only one who settles down, picking up his conversation at a more acceptable volume.

As the pancakes are heating up he opens another cupboard door and frowns.

"Have any of you seen the honey?"

"Mhm?" Roman glances over as he chews around another mouthful of toast with too much jam on it. "Oh, it's over there."

Patton turns to the area he'd vaguely gestured to and spots the bee shaped bottle peeking out from behind a very familiar jar of jelly, both items that have long become staples in the kitchen due to Logan's surprising demands. The cap of the jar is undone, and as he swiftly puts it back on his dad reflexes kick in before he can think better of it.

"Who left the jar open?"

The microwave decides to beep at the same moment that Roman abruptly freezes, sticky fingers in his mouth, and he immediately turns to his brother. Logan puts it together in a matter of nanoseconds and practically leaps out of his seat, book tumbling off his lap.

"Is that my Crofter's?!?"

Seeing that not even his acting skills can provide an escape, Roman spreads his arms in a shrug. "Uh, do you own the company?"

It's difficult to get Logan truly riled up, but Roman does have a habit of biting off more than he can chew. Literally this time.

"You know it's family owned—that's not the point, Roman, it's my food!!"

"Oh come on, you have like fifty jars, you can share."

"You didn't even ask me if I'm willing to share!!"

"I was hungry!!!"

"Dad!!!"

Patton manages to suppress a sigh, but only just. He shoves his glasses up and pinches the bridge of his nose for the briefest moments.

Honestly, he loves his children unconditionally, but sometimes, on occasion—and he would never in a million years ever admit this to anyone except maybe Virgil—sometimes he loves them a lot more when they're in separate rooms.

On separate floors.

With their doors closed.

***

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