#slight virgil angst

[easily-distracted-by-fandom]

Head Cannon: Every so often Roman will set up like "a fair day" in the imagination which is just an excuse to win prizes and play games with his friends because none of them can go to any actual fairs or events like that

Aww that’s adorable! My interpretation below!

Janus and Remus probably aren’t allowed for the longest time- so Janus will sometimes steal someone else’s invitation and go instead.

Virgil always gets spider themed plushies if he wins a carnaval game which causes some issues with Patton, who will flinch away from them (esp because Roman blessed the toys with the ability to come to life in the imagination) but he deals for his kiddos

Remus stole this idea, he has much more bloody carnivals on his side of the imagination (he’s tried to convince Janus and Orange to help him kidnap a light side to join multiple times)

Virgil HATED Remus’ carnivals and avoid Romans, assuming they’d be similar for the longest time. He was pleasantly surprised.

Logan is actually the best at the carnival games (because they’re not rigged). He usually gives the things he wins to the other sides (usually Virgil because he knows they help with his anxiety), but he has a few stuffed animals he snuggles for himself. He feels bad for keeping them but they make him feel safer (some of them are fiddle toys that Roman put in there for Virgil, but Logan really likes them)

Patton’s favorite toys are the stuffed puppies, but sometimes he’ll get a stuffed frog, and then wince and look at Roman.

Roman has made a bunch of duplicates of himself to run the circus tent part. He loves doing death-defying acts that would never work (the other sides don’t really show up to it. Janus does if he’s snuck in, and Patton tries to go to encourage his kiddo, but Logan doesn’t see the point in it and it gives Virgil really bad anxiety)

[lio-the-chaotic-nonbeanie-weenie]

Royal Promise

Summary: Or five times the twins made royal promises to each other and the one time they finally learned of its origin.

Pairings: None, BROTHERLY CREATIVITWINS

Warnings: Nightmares, slight mention of thunderstorms, angst, unintentionally u!patton and u!logan

(A/N: Fun fact the word count for this fic is 10, 792 words! My biggest word count yet!)

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            For as long as they could remember, the royal promise was a special and almost sacred pact that the twins made. It was their thing that no one else had or did. They made it clear that it was special, something meant for royals or very big important promises that can’t be broken. It was a sealed deal and breaking a royal promise comes with heavy risks. The one who made the royal promise would deal physical pain to the one given the promise. So, the twins would take the royal promise very seriously. They never used it for anything small. Strangely enough, no one, not even Logan or the twins themselves knew of its origin. It’s just been their thing that they’ve had since the aftermath of the split.

1.

            Despite Remus being loud and rambunctious, he never really liked loud noises that weren’t his own. He didn’t like yelling either if wasn’t the fun kind. He hated it when the other sides started arguing and yelling. He didn’t like it when Virgil screeched or when Patton cried out in anger. He didn’t like it when Logan angrily told him off. He didn’t look like it, but Remus also hated the loud noises that thunderstorms made. Sure, he could play in the storm all he wanted but once he heard that loud bang of thunder, he’d run back in to either hide somewhere or go cling to his brother.

            This is why Remus has a hate-love relationship with storms. They’re fun to play in but they’re loud and noisy and they make him think too many bad thoughts. What if lightning hits their home and catches it on fire? What if it hits Roman and he catches on fire? What if it hits Janus or Virgil? What if the thunder banged so loud his ears exploded and he can’t hear anymore? Janus had already told him those things can’t happen, but Remus’ mind isn’t exactly good at staying quiet for even five seconds.

            That’s why Remus finds himself restless one night as a storm rolls in. According to Logan, this storm was going to be a big one. That meant lots of thunder and lightning. While everyone else seemed to be getting cozy for the evening, Remus was coloring on the floor while his twin brother seemed preoccupied with something else that he can’t see. Meanwhile, Janus is sat on the couch and reading his book. The heavy rain is already starting to pour outside the window.

            Remus looks up from his coloring book and gazes at the window, the storm whirling and swirling with rain outside. He hopes it’s just rain and nothing more. He then glances at Roman and hums curiously. His brother had come running in with a bunch of stuff and said he was going to make something. When Remus asked to help or watch, Roman said no and that this was very important that he had to do it alone. Remus was a little hurt, but he knows Roman cares about his creations, so he let him be. He’ll probably show him later. He then huffs and sighs.

“Are you done yet, RoRo?” Remus whines, flopping onto his back.

Roman chuckles.

“Not yet, Ree.” he answers, turning to flash a quick smile at his twin.

“But you’ve been working on that—”

Lightning then flashes brightly and-

BANG!

The thunder followed, loud and almost monstrous.

Remus jolts and squeaks before running off to his and Roman’s bedroom, squirming under the bed.

Meanwhile Janus sighs and closes his book.

“Oh, Remus…”

He then climbs off the couch.

“Don’t wander off, Roman.”

“I won’t.” Roman replies without looking up.

Janus nods, curious as to what Roman is up to. He wouldn’t tell him either. For now, he makes his way to the twins’ bedroom. He opens the door and looks around the messy room they share.

There’s stuffed toys and pillows strewn on the floor by the bed. Crayons and papers filled with drawings are scattered on the desk by the window. A paper crown sits on the red chair and a big book sits on the green chair.

“Remus?” Janus calls. “Where are you, little squid?”

Rumbling thunder replies instead and Janus inches towards the bed, pausing when he hears it creak and something thump under it.

“Remus, are you under there?”

A soft whimper.

“No…”

There he is…oh dear, he sounds scared.

Janus goes over to the other side of the bed and smiles when he sees Remus’ butt sticking out from under the bed along with his wiggling feet. He sighs and crouches down.

“Boo.”

“Eep!” *thunk* “Ow!”

Janus laughs a little.

“You really are so good at hide and seek.” he teases.

Remus squirms, still trying to hide under the bed. His chubby tummy stops him going in any further though.

“I am hidden! The thunder can’t get me here if I hide!” he huffs before squeaking as the thunder rumbles again.

“Remus…you know thunder can’t hurt you indoors. You don’t have to hide.” Janus replies, tugging on his leg.

“No!” Remus squeals, yanking his leg away from Janus. “I’m hiding here until the thunder goes away!”

Janus sighs. He loves the twins, but damn are they stubborn.

“Remus…”

Then Roman comes running in.

“Janus, did you find Remus yet?” he asks, hands hidden behind his back.

Janus nods and tips his head.

“He seems determined to hide under the bed until the storm passes.” he answers, moving aside.

Roman giggles and goes around the bed, plopping on the floor.

“I thought you loved storms, Ree.” he teases, poking his twin’s leg.

“Not when they’re stupid loud.” Remus huffs.

Roman smiles sadly. He knows his twin hates loud sounds that aren’t his. There are even days when he gets overstimulated from outside noise. He then pulls out what he’d been working on behind his back.

“I have something for you. You’ll have to come out from there if you want to see it.” he says a moment later.

“For me?”

“For you.”

It takes a moment, but Remus manages to squirm out from under the bed, shaking the dust out of his messy hair. He then sits up and blinks. In front of him on Roman’s lap is a cuddle-sized, green octopus with black button eyes and a matching mustache. There are patches of red here and there on its head.

Roman grins.

“I know you don’t like storms and you don’t have a little friend with you like Mrs. Fluffybottom. So, I made one for you! Do you like him?” he hands the octopus to Remus.

Remus takes it with wide, red sparkling eyes.

“He’s…He’s so ugly!” he giggles, hugging the plushie close. “I love him!”

“Perfect! He’ll keep you safe and sound from the storm.” Roman grins.

Remus blinks at that and gazes at his new octopus friend.

“Really?”

Roman hums and nods.

“Yeah! He’s got the strength of a mighty kraken and he’s not afraid of anything!” he grins. “I promise, he’ll always protect you!”

“I dunno, RoRo…sounds like a big promise.”

Roman thinks then gasps as if he remembered something and makes a crown shape with his hands, placing it over his head.

“I royal promise then! That way, he’ll never lose strength!” he grins wider, proudly even.

“Royal promise?” Remus tilts his head.

Roman nods.

“Yeah! It’s a strong promise because I made it with my prince powers!”

As Janus hears that, he jolts for a moment. Those words…royal promise…they sound so familiar and distant at the same time. A tiny part of him curses the twins for reminding him of the past so much. He wonders how Roman even remembered that. Maybe…no. It couldn’t be. That person is long gone. Still, Janus aches. He can still see him in the twins though. He says nothing and smiles fondly at them instead.

Meanwhile, Remus finally grins as he forgets the storm.

“Okay, I believe you, RoRo.”

“Yay! What are you gonna name him, by the way?”

Remus thinks then grins wider.

“Squishyboo!”

2.

            When it came to being Creativity, the one thing the twins hated was how creative their minds got at night. Sure, they could dream of anything each night but sometimes their minds like to take the shadows from their thoughts and morph them into nightmares. Nightmares that seemed far too sick and twisted for even Remus’ already dark self. Nightmares that felt like a curse, repeating, and replaying all too vividly. Not even Roman’s creative light could save them both.

            Remus’ nightmares often melded with his intrusive thoughts. The shadows would steal the darkest thoughts they could find and create an even darker dream. Dreams of desolate worlds. Dreams of war-torn kingdoms and abandoned castles. Dreams of silent rooms with colorless walls. Dreams of a lost friend and a broken family. Dreams of fallen princes and lost kings. Dreams of pain and screaming. It always led to Remus waking up with a terrified scream.

            Roman’s nightmares liked to play tricks on him. Every dream would start nice and warm…but then it would slowly turn darker and darker until it became a nightmare. A warm, grassy field would slowly turn cold as the green melted away into brown. A bright castle with flickering, welcoming candles would slowly put its lights out one by one until darkness took over the whole palace. A Duke dancing about on stage would slowly grow pale until he collapsed, and the stage fell. A powerful king would slowly grow weaker and weaker until he falls apart, screaming in agony as he tears himself in half. It always left Roman waking up with a horrified sob.

            Tonight isn’t any different. The twins had been put to bed by Janus as usual and were sleeping, sprawled out against each other. Due to the intensity of some of their nightmares and never wanting to be separate, they insisted on sharing a room. Janus let them, knowing how much they needed each other. Remus could hold Roman down when he’d started flailing and Roman could calm Remus down if a nightmare left him a bit lost. As Roman sleeps, his creative mind starts playing with his shadows.

            Roman finds himself standing in a living room he doesn’t recognize. The living room he knows has dark grey walls with pictures of him and his brother and Janus on them. The floor he knows is a darker grey and has a soft, mustard yellow round rug in front of the tv. This living room is…bright and warm. The wallpaper is a light shade of beige, and the floor is an off-white with no rug.

            He looks around and nearly jumps, seeing two figures staring back at him. He looks to his side and Remus is there, holding his hand. He seems upset. Roman doesn’t know and looks back at the figures. They seem to be talking warmly. Roman tries to step forward but finds he can’t move his legs. Oh. He swallows and looks around. He sees Janus standing by on Remus’ other side, head bowed.

“Janus?” Roman calls.

Janus looks up and Roman sees a sad, almost regretful look in his eyes.

“I’m so sorry…”

“What do you mean?”

Before Janus can say anything more, the two figures turn and step towards Roman. In the light of the living room, Patton stands with an unsettling grin, his eyes far too wide with excitement. Logan stands beside him with a blank look, dull eyes gazing at nothing. It makes Roman’s skin crawl.

“Okay, kiddos! Say your last goodbyes! We’ve decided to take Roman and keep him here!” Patton exclaims, tilting his head a little too much.

Roman jolts as the lights flicker.

“B-But what about Remus?” he asks.

Patton laughs and it’s almost ear piercing.

“Oh, don’t be silly, kiddo! Remus has been naughty. He can’t stay here. You don’t need him.”

“H-He’s my brother…what do you mean he can’t stay, and I don’t need him?” Roman whimpers.

Logan leans down and stares at Roman.

“Your brother is not fit to be with us. He is not needed here. Until we can…dispose of him, he will remain with Janus. We will dispose of him once you have been moved here, Roman.”

Roman’s eyes widened.

“A-Are…Are you splitting us…again?” he whispers.

Patton giggles and it seems even louder, his grin twitching.

“Just to be safe, kiddo!”

The room grows darker and Roman tries to move again but he still can’t. He turns towards Remus, reaching out for him.

“Remus!”

Remus tries to reach back only for Janus to grab him.

“Forgive me.” Janus whispers

And Remus goes limp in his arms.

Roman gasps in horror, pain spreading through him.

“No! Give my brother back! Give him back!”

Patton laughs again. He laughs and laughs and laughs. The sound rings and echoes.

“Now, now. Be a good prince, Roman.”

Roman desperately tries again and again to move, arms flailing out as he tries to reach out for Remus.

Janus just turns away with Remus in his arms before fading.

Patton’s laughs grow even louder and it’s making Roman’s ears start to ache. Logan stares at him again, a hand on Roman’s shoulder.

“He’s gone now, Roman.”

“No…No! Bring him back! I need him! I need—”

Roman gasps.

“-REMUS!”

Roman tries to move again but finds that even now he still can’t and flails around, a heavy weight on top of him.

“Let me go! I need to find him! I need Remus!” he whimpers.

“Easy, Ro! It’s me! It’s Remus!”

Roman blinks and his flailing slow to a stop as he squints in the dark. He sees a green blob and after another blink, he recognizes it as-

“Ree?”

Remus gets off of Roman and smiles softly.

“I’m right here, RoRo. I’m not going anywhere.” he replies.

Roman sits up and stares at Remus in the darkness of their shared room, the only source of light coming from their glow-in-the-dark star stickers on the ceiling. Blood red eyes stare back at him and Roman can’t help but launch himself into his twin’s arms.

“I don’t want you to go!” Roman wails.

Remus hugs back, patting his twin as he does.

“I’m not leaving, RoRo. I’m right here.”

Roman sniffs and hiccups at that, pulling away to gaze at his twin. He’s still there. He’s still awake. He’s not limp like in his dream or—

“RoRo?”

Roman hiccups again.

“T-They tried to split us. Again. Morality and Logic. I don’t want you to leave. I don’t want to lose you, Ree.” he whispers. “I don’t care if they think you’re bad. You’re my brother and I need you.”

Remus feels his heart ache. Is that what those light sides really think of him? Are they so cruel that they can’t let him be with Roman? He huffs and pouts, cupping Roman’s face and squishing it.

“Who cares what they think? They can’t keep us apart no matter what. Janus won’t let that happen either.”

“B-But my dream—”

“Is just a dream, dummy. No one will take me, and no one will keep us apart.”

Roman blinks and sniffs.

“P-Promise?”

Remus grins, letting go of Roman to form a crown above his head with his hands.

“I even royal promise, Ro.”

Remus then pulls his brother into another hug, glaring ahead. He’ll make sure no one ever splits them again. Especially not those two. He’ll shed blood if he has to.

Meanwhile, Roman’s sniffles slowly quiet down.

“Thank you, Ree.”

And Roman slips into a peaceful slumber this time, clinging onto Remus’ sleep shirt.

3.

            They were split anyway. It wasn’t their choice, however. Morality decided that Roman needed to be with them in order for things to be more…balanced. That day, the Mindpalace split as well with the Light sides above and the Dark Sides being shoved down a little closer to the subconscious. Janus didn’t like the idea but there wasn’t anything else he could do. He tried to fight for the twins, but Morality insisted on this and of course, who did Thomas listen to more? Morality always did have more influence over everything.

            Roman barely remembers the day of the Second Split. With time passing on, it’s becoming more and more of a blurry memory. He doesn’t know why and not even Logic will tell him. Still, Roman knows he feels incomplete. He doesn’t like being apart from Remus, but Morality is right, isn’t he? He’s a light side now and he must be good. And yet…Roman missed Remus.

            Roman missed his twin. He missed giggling and playing with him. He missed having adventures with him and fighting off nightmares. It took so much time to get used to sleeping alone. He’d spend nights crying silently after every nightmare. He missed having someone to hold him down when he’d flail. Sure, Patton was…kind and he made warm milk, but he wasn’t Remus. Remus would always assure him that his dreams are just dreams. He’d tell him silly stories until he laughed his tears away. He’d hold him till he fell asleep.

            So, Roman finds himself lying awake again as he wracks his brain. It’s been a year since the Second Split, and he can’t remember much of it. He’s still trying to make sense of it but refuses to believe that Remus and Janus were bad. Sighing, Roman sits up and glances at the door.

He wonders…

Before he can stop himself, Roman shrugs his blanket off and stands up from his bed.

“Need Remus…” he mumbles to himself.

Roman glances at his bedroom door before going over to the other side of his room. He has yet to decide where to put the door to his Imagination, so he summoned a portal instead. As long as he had no door, Patton couldn’t follow him in. This felt all wrong but Roman finds himself not caring all too much.

Roman then steps through and closes the portal behind him. The Imagination greets him with a cool, evening breeze. It makes Roman feel a little more at ease. He wishes he could sleep here but with his nightmares still intense, he didn’t want to risk them affecting his beloved world. Roman sighs and begins walking through the grassy field. Usually, he starts at the forest, but he didn’t feel like it tonight.

It feels calm and peaceful, walking through the sea of dark green. Fireflies even join in on his trek, lighting his way. Roman finds himself humming softly, tilting his head up to admire the twinkling stars he placed in the sky. Off in the distant sky, two bright stars glow side by side. One green and one red. Between them is one big golden star. Roman doesn’t recall making those but he adores them anyway.

Soon, Roman finds himself wandering further and further. Past the sleeping village and the castle. Over the rocky mountains behind the kingdom and across the river below them.

At the end, Roman finds himself walking towards the ravine that separated his side and Remus’. He remembers hearing the Mindpalace rumble on the day he and Remus were separated. When he returned to the Imagination, even this world had split in two. The twins had formed a bridge with a gazebo in the center where they could meet every day. The bridge was white on Roman’s side and black on Remus’. No one knew about this but Janus who kept quiet for their sake.

Roman walks towards the bridge and makes his way over, sighing as his hand finds the barrier that kept them apart. Neither twin could go over to each other, and it seemed Morality made sure of it. Roman sighs then…he hears something rustle on the other side. Had he been caught or—

“RoRo!”

From behind a bush and holding a baseball bat, Remus runs out and meets his twin at the barrier. He couldn’t sleep either and snuck out.

Roman gasps and grins, his hands meeting Remus’ as they pressed against the barrier.

“Ree! I missed you so much!”

“I missed you too, dummy.” Remus grins back before sitting in front of Roman. “So, how is it over there in the Light Side?”

Roman sighs and sits too.

“It doesn’t feel like home. There are too many rules and too much work. Morality and Logic are no fun either.” he huffs.

Remus tilts his head. Morality and Logic? Something didn’t seem right about this and his brother, but he decides not to question that for now.

“That’s sucky.” he says instead. “What kind of work are you doing? Do you still get to create stuff?”

Roman nods but then…he sighs again. Ever since he moved to the Light Sides against his will, he’d been losing more and more of his creative freedom. He’d been given rules to follow, filters to watch out for, and an unending mountain of drafts that he had to revise because the original just wasn’t good enough anymore.

“RoRo?”

Roman pulls away from his thoughts and shakes his head.

“Logic gave me a bunch of dumb rules to follow.” he huffs. “He says I have to get it approved by him and it has to be appropriate. So, I followed all the rules and he’s still being a butthead about it. I just can’t please him.”

Remus frowns and so badly wants to hold his brother. Or beat up Logan for making his brother sad. If he could, he’d do both now. For now, he places a hand on the barrier.

“Who cares what that boring towel thinks? He wishes he could create as good as you, Ro!” he exclaims. “Besides, I bet your stuff is still super cool and his eyeballs are just too broken to see it! He’s dumb!”

Roman snorts and giggles.

“Ree! He can’t be dumb, he’s logic!” he squeals.

Remus smiles. His brother looks so exhausted but at least he’s happy for now.

“Yeah, but he’s not creativity! He’s not the boss of what you create and how!” he giggles. “What about Morality?”

“He’s…okay. But not like Janus.” Roman replies once he’s calmed down. “He won’t let me have extra snacks and he keeps telling me everything I do isn’t princely like.”

Oh no.

Remus frowns and tilts his head.

“What do you mean?”

Roman pouts again and Remus hates what those jerks are doing to his brother.

“He has even more rules. It’s not princely like to be late to dinner or it’s not princely like to make inappropriate jokes. I didn’t even make a joke like that! It was just a fart joke!” he huffs.

“Then they’re both dumb and they don’t get us.” Remus also huffs. “If they want to be goody, goody babies then let them. You don’t have to let them boss you around.”

Roman sighs and leans against the barrier. If he leans hard enough, he could feel Remus’ hands.

“I guess…I don’t like it here, Ree. I don’t wanna be perfect. I just wanna be with you and Janus where everything made sense.” he mumbles.

Remus smiles sadly, wishing he could pet his brother’s hair. He knows Roman likes it when he does that. It’s very calming to both, surprisingly. He wishes his brother was back here too. Ever since his brother was taken, Janus has been sad and drinking a lot. Like a lot more than usual. Their space had grown quiet as well and nothing felt the same without his twin.

            The dark creativity then gazed at his twin. Roman looked so tired. So exhausted. Even his eyes looked…less green than it used to be. It made Remus feel angry at the so-called light sides. Who were they to call themselves high and mighty while hurting someone they wanted to be as one of them? Remus feels his thoughts whispering to go up there and deal with them, but he knows Roman wouldn’t want that and he’s needed here more. So, he tells them unkindly to shut up and decides he’ll figure out a way to get his brother back. Even if it means kidnapping him.

“What?! Remus, you can’t kidnap me! Morality’s going to be mad, and he’ll never let me see you!” Roman exclaims, jolting his twin out of his thoughts.

Remus blinks.

“Huh?”

“You muttered that out loud.” Roman frowns. “Don’t kidnap me or do anything else, Ree. I don’t want them to separate us even more than we are now.”

Remus sighs.

“But…”

Roman places a hand on the barrier, giving Remus a pleading gaze.

“Please, Ree…I need you…”

Remus’ shoulders droop. His brother was right.

“Fine…” he sighs. “I just hate that we’re split like this. I miss you, Ro…”

Roman smiles softly.

“I miss you too, Ree. I promise I’ll find a way to bring us back.” he whispers.

Remus returns the soft smile.

“Royal promise?”

“I, Prince Roman, Royal promise.”

And Remus smiles more as Roman forms a crown above his head with his hand. As the twins talk the night away, the barrier weakens, and the ravine silently closes in a little.

4.

            One day the barrier finally broke, and the twins could go to each other. The ravine stayed by their choice to keep their sides of the Imagination safe, but the bridge remained, its foundation stronger than ever. The twins also decided to keep this a secret, sneaking into their domains in the evening to meet at the bridge. They’d play in the evening then separated just before the sun came up.

            Of course, as time passed, there were ups and downs. Fights and arguments. That didn’t break their bond even if they’d screamed at each other about hatred and despise. They would feel guilty at the end of the day anyways and would come running to each other to apologize.

            They went through many more things. From Virgil changing sides suddenly to Roman being hurt by Janus and Remus introducing himself to the Light Sides officially. Of course, he and Roman had to put on an act to keep their secret, well, a secret. Janus and Virgil knew though.         

            Roman never really interacted with Virgil during his time with Remus and Janus. He saw him once in the kitchen and freaked out, running off. He still feels bad and wonders if that’s why Virgil was so snarky when they finally met.

            When Remus had finally made himself known and went with the act that he and Roman rehearsed, he felt a little bad about whacking Roman in the head. As soon as the episode was done, they met in the Imagination and Roman let Remus triple check to make sure his brain was still there.

            When Janus had gone too far with Roman, Roman had angrily burst into the Imagination and went on a rampage. Remus followed and calmed him down, helping him out of his spiral before they went to see Janus. One deep conversation later and things were on the mend. Or as mended as it could be.

            Due to Roman’s time in the Light Side, he’d been getting worse and worse. He’d be far too busy these days and even much more exhausted. His costume had been growing baggier and baggier. His smile had become strained, almost fake. Tired. Worst of all, Roman grew quiet and serious. Remus didn’t like it one bit. They had changed his brother.

            So, one day, Remus set out to the Imagination to go see his brother again. He had a bad feeling about him at the moment. Especially since he could feel some sort of pain twisting in his gut. It’s a blessing and a curse but ever since The Split, the twins had been able to feel each other’s pain no matter how big or small. Janus called it a twin bond or something. Remus hates how it makes him feel this constant dull throbbing from his brother. Roman hates how he feels nothing from Remus, envying how he didn’t have rules to follow or roles to play.

            Remus keeps trekking on through the grass field, using his twin’s shortcut. It’s the dead of night both here and in the Mindscape so he’s not too worried about being caught. The Intrusive side sighs and gazes ahead, seeing the tiny lights of Roman’s little village off to the side, his bright and tall castle stands just above them. Actually, the castle seemed a little dimmer these days and it made Remus frown.

            Sure, Remus could have gone through his own side but ever since he made himself known to the others, he stopped giving a fuck about the rule of where he was allowed to go. He’s even made it clear that he could go where he damn well pleases. Especially since he’s had enough of them splitting him and Roman. This led to Remus finally barging into Roman’s room to check on him, only to find his door to the Imagination left open. So, Remus followed and here he was.

            Remus then continues walking through the village, feeling a bit uneasy from the silence. Sure, it may be evening, and the people are asleep in their homes but not even the cicadas and the crickets were singing their songs. It made the whole place feel…dead. The Imagination has always been in tune with the twins’ emotions and lately Roman hasn’t been feeling his best. It seems the Imagination knew that. Even the little patches of grass and weeds drooped downwards into the dirt as if they hung in their heads in sorrow.

Remus shakes his head.

“Oh, Roman…”

            The Duke continues on, heading up the path and past the homes of the nobles. Through one of the windows, Remus could see a family gathered together at the table for dinner. At least they were happy. It made Remus want to gag as he tears his gaze away, hurrying towards the golden gates. The guards there merely turned before looking away. It seems they were also worried for their prince.

“Yeah…I know how you guys feel.” Remus mutters as he walks through. “I…I’ll talk to him.”

            The guards nod in return and Remus continues on. The Intrusive side then walks up the path and through the gate, making his way through the courtyard. There’s no sign of anyone. Not even a single noble or a maid around the fountains. It’s unusually quiet and it surprisingly disturbs Remus. Sighing, Remus continues on his way and enters the main doors. Somehow, it’s even quieter inside. There’s usually so much going on that Remus refuses to take the front entrance and prefers to bust through the window. Today, however, no one is around here either. At least, Remus thinks so.

            Remus wanders through the foyer and towards the throne, pausing when he finds the doors left ajar. Usually, they’re left wide open for Roman’s people to come see him when he’s at his throne. It makes the Duke hum in worry as he enters cautiously, wondering what his little brother had done to them…and to himself. Breathing out and ignoring the intrusive voices in his head, Remus enters the throne room and finds-

“Mama?”

“Remus. I’m glad you’re here, dear.”

            Maleficent. The Dragon Witch and Roman’s so-called enemy. Every now and then she’d fly over the village, pretending to attack and Roman would save the day. Maleficent, or Mal for short, was always happy to play her role to see Roman happy. Roman worried about hurting her too much but was always assured that she could take his hits. Mal would continue to do fake battles and when she wasn’t, she lived in her tower up in the far mountains of Roman’s realms.

 Mal also acted like a mother figure for the twins in return for them saving her life after the split. She was going to vanish along with The King who had named her after the character from Sleeping Beauty, but the twins chose to save her. In return, Mal became their guardian and caretaker. Their mother. She would be the one watching over them for her fallen king, making sure they were safe whenever they visited the realm.

Remus ambles over and greets her.

“You never show up in the throne room, mama. What are you doing here?” he asks.

“Something didn’t feel right so I came over to check on Roman. I must have scared the people away when I arrived.” Mal explains. “I tried to talk to your brother, but he won’t even answer to me.”

Remus sighs, a hand on his chest.

“I can feel his pain. It…It hurts so much…” he mutters.

Mal sighs.

“I know, little one. His realm…it’s just as sorrowful.” she shakes her head before gazing at one of the stained glass windows. “Roman told me he was going up to the tower. Hopefully he’s still there and he’ll talk to you.”

Remus nods, blinking away his tears before they could fall.

“I’ll take care of him, mama.” he promises.

Mal smiles softly.

“I know you will, my dear. And please, make sure you take care of yourself too. You look tired.”

Remus sighs but manages a small smile.

“I will.” he nods. “You should go before the people come back to capture you, mama.”

            Mal kisses Remus’ forehead before the mother figure turns and makes her leave. Remus watches her go before turning towards the throne, making his way over to it. It’s golden shine had dulled out and the soft, velvet fabric looks as if it had been picked at. Remus stares at it for a moment, wondering what Roman really felt like even as he sat upon his throne. Roman always boasted about being the best prince and it seemed no one knew or even cared to see how much work that took. It’s strange to see it completely empty. When Roman visits his realm, he always stops by the throne room whenever he can. When the prince wasn’t in, the nobles and castle staff would be roaming about as the guards stood by.

            Rubbing at his face, Remus leaves the throne room and climbs the stairs. He still doesn’t like the heavy silence following him down the corridor and up the next flight of stairs. Several more staircases later and Remus soon arrives at the door to the tower. Roman often hides away here to be alone or to talk to Remus. The tower had been given a spell to ensure that only Mal and the twins could enter whenever they liked. Remus feels lucky that he’s able to enter and lets himself in.

“Ro? Mama told me you were here. She said you were hiding up again.” Remus calls.

“Out here, Ree.” Roman calls back a moment later from the balcony.

            Remus breathes out a sigh of relief and heads over to where his twin is. He goes through the curtains and finds Roman leaning over the parapet of the tower. Roman looks exhausted, the bags under his eyes almost as dark as Virgil’s eyeshadow. Remus comes over, copying his twin and staring at him for a moment before deciding to talk.

“Um…hi, Ro…what are you doing up here?” Remus starts.

Roman doesn’t move, gazing at the hills far in the distance.

“If you think I’m going to jump. I’m not. I’m just…thinking. I guess.”

“Oh.” Remus blinks. “I wasn’t going to say anything about that. At least not now. I just wanted to talk.”

Roman manages an empty chuckle.

“Heh, funny. You usually prefer to swing first, talk later. Did you accidentally swing at yourself, Dukey?”

Remus shakes his head and sighs.

“No. I just really miss my brother. As annoying as he is, I like having him around as the dumb, sparkly, prince he is.”

“I…I don’t know. I don’t feel sparkly. Probably just dumb.”

Remus blinks then stands up straight and turns Roman to face him.

“Okay, Ro-Bro, look. You’re clearly not okay right now. Talk to me. Tell me what’s got your brain being a bitch. That’s what I’m here for, okay?”

Roman stares at Remus, a tear falling down his cheek.

“Ree…”

“Talk to me, RoRo. It’s okay.”

Another tear rolls down Roman’s cheek and-

“It hurts, Ree…”

Remus brings Roman to the stone bench behind him and sits them both down.

“What hurts, Ro?”

“Everything. No matter what I do, I can’t please them. I can’t make Patton happy. I can’t satisfy Logan’s demands. What good am I? What kind of Creativity am I?”

            Remus feels his heart throb in pain. Roman is hurting so, so much. It makes Remus wonder what those light-side idiots are doing to him. Sure, Remus has seen Roman hanging around them and being friendly with them but…in return they hurt Roman. Do they even realize what they’re doing to Roman? Probably not. It pisses Remus off, but he swallows his anger for another day. Instead, the Duke turns to Roman and wipes his tears.

“You know what? Fuck them. Fuck those light side bitches.”

Roman gasps.

“Ree!”

Remus grins.

“Who cares what they say about you or what they think? You are Prince Roman, and you don’t need their goddamn approval.” he ruffles Roman’s hair.

“B-But I- “

“But nothing! Well, except for my butt. Anyways, fuck them. If they don’t want to give a shit about you. You don’t have to give a shit about them.”

Roman manages a small smile.

“I guess…that’s true, Ree.” he then sighs, and that small smile disappears. “I’m just scared. What if they don’t want me anymore? What if they get rid of me or hate me?”

“Woah, there, Ro. Let’s get you off that spiral coaster, yeah? Even if that does happen, you’ve always got me. I’m not leaving you. No matter how big of a bitch you can get.”

Roman finally giggles a bit.

“Hey! You’re annoying too, dummy!”

“Yeah, but you’ll be stuck with me at least.” Remus grins.

Remus feels the weight on his chest start to lighten. Good.

“I think I’ll be okay with that. Promise you’ll be there to catch me?” Roman asks.

Remus hums then grins, forming a crown symbol above his head using his hands.

“I, Duke Remus, royal promise.”

“Remus…” Roman’s eyes widen then he lunges forward and hugs him. “Thank you…”

Remus smiles and hugs back.

“Of course, dumbass.”

The twins stay like that for a while before…

“So…would you mind if I just…talked to the others?”

“Ree, no!”

“Eh, worth a shot.”

5.

            Despite being all grown up now, Remus’ nightmares have not changed. It seems more like they’ve grown darker and more vivid. Sometimes it was hard to tell what wasn’t real and what was actually happening. It was easy to lose himself in the darkest visions of his sleeping mind. It was harder to find the way out with no Roman to save him. Sure, Janus was there, doing his best to keep him afloat but he could only keep the nightmares at bay for a little while. They’d come back every other night, darker than ever. It’s a miracle that Remus gets any sleep, really. Sometimes, the duke is often found sleeping in odd places, napping excessively in the afternoon when he isn’t causing chaos.

            Today isn’t any different. Remus had wanted to do some art to quiet his mind of the annoying loud voices he keeps hearing. He had just finished his third piece as he started growing sleepy. He then soon fell asleep at his table before he could sign his artwork, paintbrush rolling out of his hand as he snoozed away.

            When Remus blinks his eyes open, he finds himself standing in the Imagination. Yet, it’s not his own realm that he’s in. He looks around and finds that he’s in a village. A torn emblem of a red shield flutters beside an abandoned tavern. This is…Roman’s village? Remus shivers and looks towards the castle. A shadowy black haze surrounds it, looking more menacing than the blood red sky above it. Yet, that’s not the terrifying part. No, the true horror is that this is what became of Roman’s realm.

But…why?

            Remus shudders and carries on, searching for his twin. Maybe he just wanted to try something different? Yeah, that’s gotta be it. He walks through the silent village and up the path to the town square where the nobles’ house are. No one’s here either. Remus glances at an open window. He only sees an empty table. Where had everyone gone? Roman loved his people too much so there’s no way he’d gotten rid of them.

            Remus walks on and up the castle path and through rusted gates, passing wilted grass and dried fountains. The courtyard looked more like…a cemetery now. Funnily enough and ironically, Remus isn’t thrilled about this. Roman’s realm is supposed to be stupidly bright and annoyingly glittery like the prince himself. Remus just finds all of this to look completely wrong.

            Soon Remus enters the castles, the grand doors opening with a heavy groan. The foyer is empty and dim with the only lighting coming from the glass windows and the little torches on the wall. Remus steps in, shivering again as he’s greeted by cold air. Usually, Roman’s castle is warm and welcoming. This is just haunting. Maybe it’s a bit cliché to Remus but he reminds himself that this Roman’s place and it shouldn’t be this dark and cold.

“R-Ro?” Remus calls out.

The only reply is the echo of his own voice.

            Remus pushes on, still calling for Roman. His voice echoes back and he worries more. What if Roman was gone too? What if something happened to him? What if he-Remus stops that thought and carries on. Roman has to be okay. He’s dumb but he’s brave. Yeah, Roman’s a big, brave Prince. Remus tells himself he’s probably just hanging out somewhere or up in the tower again. Maybe he’s in the throne room, doing his royal duties. That has to be it.

            So, the duke enters the throne room and looks towards the throne and-oh. There’s Roman sitting there and…not moving. Why isn’t he moving? Why isn’t he blinking? Remus slowly makes his way towards the throne, hoping his footsteps would alert his twin. Still…Roman doesn’t move. He remains frozen. His face does not change. His eyes do not twitch. Remus places a hand on his chest only to feel…nothing. No weight, no pain, no aches. There is nothing there.

“Roman? It’s me. It’s Ree.”

Roman says nothing.

            Remus steps forward, moving closer and closer to the throne. Under the light from the stained glass windows, he could see that the throne had rusted and its velvet fabric was now torn. Odd. He remembers the throne being shinier and cleaner than this. Had it been so long since the last time he visited Roman? Had he forgotten to see him? Remus knows he hadn’t. He visits Roman as much as he can, constantly bothering him even as he tries to get his work done. When did this happen then? Remus swallows and finds himself right at Roman’s throne.

“Hey, RoRo? Can you hear me? I’m right here. It’s Ree!” Remus calls.

Still no answer…

            Then the window on the left swings open with a gust of wind and the curtains fly off. Remus watches them flutter down to the floor in a heap and a little more light floods the room. It trails across the floor and lands perfectly on Roman’s face. Roman’s face had turned to stone. Horrified, Remus runs up to his brother and looks at his brother closer in the light. It wasn’t just his face. His whole body had turned to stone, face frozen with a broken expression. Remus had been too late.

“R-RoRo?”

Remus pats his face.

Nothing happens.

“RoRo, this isn’t a funny prank! Wake up, dumbass! Wake up!” Remus cries.

Still, nothing happens.

Remus shakes his head, smacking Roman over and over as he could chip away the stone to find him underneath.

“Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Roman, please!”

Sure, Remus had imagined scenarios of hurting his brother, but he never wanted him gone.

“Come on, little brother! You can stop now! It’s not funny! Wake up!”

Remus slams his fists against the stone, not caring about the pain that follows after.

“Please, wake up!”

Tears fall from Remus’ face and land on Roman’s head as he screams-

“ROMAN!”

            Remus shoots up from where he’s sitting, his stool falling over as he stumbles backwards. Wide, red eyes dart around in search of his twin. He’s not here though and Remus wanders out of his art room, muttering his brother’s name. He has to be here somewhere. He has to be okay. Remus looks around some more, checking around the living room. No prince there. Remus makes his way towards the door to the corridor that leads to the light sides.

“Remus? Is that you? I heard you screaming. Is everything alright?”

Janus comes down from the other corridor that goes to the bedrooms, worry on his face when Remus doesn’t respond.

“Remus?”

Remus opens the door.

“Need to find him. Find Roman.”

Janus sighs. This wasn’t the first time this happened. He’s usually able to snap him out of it but Remus seems really lost this time.

“Remus, I’m sure Roman is okay. We saw him this morning.”

Remus shakes his head.

“Need to find Roman.”

Janus sighs once more, going over to Remus as he wonders what nightmare he had this time.

“Alright, we’ll go find Roman.”

            With that, Janus and Remus leave the Dark Side and make their way through the cold corridor that separates the two sides. Janus hates this place and how freezing it is, how it came to divide them. He wraps his cloak around himself and follows Remus through to the light side, feeling a bit relieved when they’re greeted by the warmth of the Light Side. Janus refuses to admit that he prefers it over the Dark Side’s coldness. The snake side then turns to Remus.

“Okay, Remus, shall we check your brother’s room?”

Remus walks on.

“Find Roman. Find him.” he repeats in a mutter.

Poor thing.

Remus ambles up the stairs, Janus making sure he doesn’t trip. The others are out so Janus isn’t too worried about running into them. They make their way past the room doors and find Roman’s, its star nameplate shining under the light. A big cursive ‘R’ is in the center of it. Of course. Without hesitation, Janus knocks for Remus and a moment later the door opens to reveal Roman with his hair a mess and a pencil tucked behind his ear.

“What is-Janus? What are you doing here?” Roman asks.

Janus steps aside and Remus blinks before he goes up to his twin, snapping out of his trance.

“R-Roman? Is this…are you real?” Remus whispers.

Roman, realizing his twin had another nightmare, nods and takes his twin’s hand. He places it on his chest so Remus can feel his heartbeat.

“I’m real, Ree. I’m okay. I’m right here.”

As soon as he feels the thumping of his brother’s heart, Remus tackles Roman into a tight hug.

“I thought…I thought you were gone!” Remus wails.

Roman squeezes his brother, squishing him in the hug as much as he can. It’s how his twin likes it.

“Shh, I’m here, Ree. Whatever you saw, it wasn’t real and I’m not going anywhere, okay?”

“B-But in my dream your kingdom was all dark and when I went to see you, you were turned to stone…You didn’t move or talk, and I thought...” Remus sniffs and cries again.

Roman pats his brother’s back, heart aching at the sight of his twin breaking down. He’s usually the more carefree one between them, not caring about anything. Seeing him now like this is just sad.

“Hey, your dream is just a dream, remember? What’s real is you and me and Janus and the whole Mindscape. I’m not going anywhere, and I mostly certainly am not turning to stone.” he soothes his twin.

Remus’ cries quiet down to sniffles.

“R-Royal promise? You won’t leave or do something that stupid? You’ll be here forever and ever?”

“Royal promise, brother.” Roman smiles softly, forming the crown above his head.

Remus hugs Roman again at that, rubbing his tears away.

“Thanks, Ro. You better not tell Virgil I was crying like a little bitch.” he sniffs one last time, letting go of his twin moments later.

Roman huffs a laugh.

“I won’t, Ree.”

As Remus lets himself be comforted by the assurance that Roman is right there, Janus smiles fondly off to the side and ignores the ache in his heart again.

+1

            For a long time now, Janus had watched the twins make Royal Promises to each other. These promises were very important to them both, so they were very careful as to when they made it. A Royal Promise carried a lot of weight and pain behind it after all. The pain came from the promise being broken. The twins never ever break a Royal Promise.

The only problem is that the twins don’t know why they started doing that. Roman just felt it was stronger than a regular promise, so he did it Remus, ever curious and always following his twin, copied Roman. It became their little ritual and it was very rare that they let any of the others try to do what they do. Besides, Roman made up a rule that you have to be royal to make one.

Sighing, Janus glances at the twins. They were currently play-wrestling in the field just down the hill from where the snake side was lounging under the King’s Tree. He smiles fondly as he hears them laugh and tumble around the tall grass. Despite the rough times, Janus is glad their bond has remained strong. No matter how many times the others had tried, they refused to let anyone separate them. Sometimes, he wonders if they’ll ever…Janus puts a stop to that thought. Even if the twins could, Janus wouldn’t force them to re-fuse. They seem happier this way.

“Having fun, boys?” Janus calls, chuckling as he sees them pop up together with grass in their hair and stains on their outfits.

“Yeah! We’re wrestling for who gets the leftover spaghetti in the fridge!” Remus answers back, jumping onto Roman’s back.

“You had it last week though!” Roman giggles.

“Yeah, but I want some and Virgey can make you more!”

The twins go back to wrestling for a second as Janus huffs a laugh.

“Okay, you two. Come sit down and take a break first. You’ve been wrestling all afternoon.” he calls, the leaves rustling above as if to call the twins over as well.

The twins giggle and race each other over, plopping under the cool shade of the branches. A nice breeze blows and starts to cool them down. It seems as if the Imagination always knew what they needed.

“I totally won the wrestling match.” Remus grins.

“Excuse me, I pinned you down more than you got me!” Roman puffs in pride.

“Nuh uh!”

Janus laughs again.

“How about you both win the wrestling match and I’ll convince Patton to let me make spaghetti for dinner tonight?” he offers, not wanting them to actually start a fight.

The twins gasp and nod eagerly.

“Yes!”

Janus smiles softly.

“Excellent.”

            Silence falls in as the three relax under the afternoon shade. It’s nice and peaceful and Janus would do anything to stay here forever. No problems. No pain. Just him and the happy twins he promised he’d protect. His promise…Janus remembers when he made the very first Royal Promise…to his King. He wonders if the King knows how hard he’d been fighting to keep that promise. How he failed and went through hell and back to make up for it. For the King. For the twins. For-

“Janus?”

Janus blinks out of his thoughts and looks over to see Roman sitting up, frowning at him in concern and Remus copying his twin.

“Are you okay, Janus?” Roman asks.

“You were really spacing out, snakey.” Remus adds.

Janus sighs and nods.

“I’m alright. I’m just…” he glances up at the tree. “I’m just thinking about an old friend…and promises.”

Roman tilts his head in confusion.

“Promises? Like Royal promises?”

Janus chuckles softly.

“Yes. How did you know?”

“I saw you looking upset while I was hugging Remus and making my Royal promise to him.” Roman replies, smiling bashfully. “Did…Did we do something wrong?”

Janus’ heart aches and he shakes his head.

“No, not at all. It just reminds me of my old friend. The King.” he answers, smiling softly as the tree rustles again.

“The King?” Remus chimes in, sitting up as well.

Janus nods, smile now fond.

“Yes…” he answers, gazing at the twins. Sometimes he sees his old friend in them. “I made the first Royal Promise to him.”

The twins’ eyes widen. All those years of not knowing where the Royal Promise came from…and Janus made the first one to the King. Curiosity grows and the twins move closer to Janus, wanting to know more of the King they once were.

“What was the promise?” Roman asks.

“It was a promise I didn’t think I’d ever have to make. Today, however, I don’t regret making it.” Janus answers. “It was just before the split…”

            This is it. King Romulus knew what was going to happen next. He didn’t think it would ever happen to him. He didn’t think Morality would actually go through with it. Yet, Thomas is changing and growing. His view on this world and what he feels is changing as well. Morality is afraid and Thomas seems to believe he knows best, so Romulus had no power here. What could he say to Thomas who seemed so afraid of who he was going to become?

            Romulus quickly makes his way down the palace corridor. He had called for his closest and most trusted friend to spend one last day with him. He wanted Janus to have one last good memory before they had to say goodbye. Smiling to himself, Romulus makes his way to the throne room and steps in. He finds Janus waiting by his throne.

“Janus, I’m glad you made it.”

Janus looks up from where he’s staring at the throne.

“Romulus. You called me, old friend?” the young side asks, coming over to him. “Has it happened? Are you…?”

Romulus chuckles and shakes his head.

“Not yet. We still have some time before I have to see Morality tomorrow.”

“I wish we had more time. I wish this didn’t have to happen.” Janus huffs. “I don’t want you to go.”

Romulus smiles sadly.

“Neither of us can do anything to stop Morality. We’ve tried. Thomas won’t listen to us. All we can do is accept and adapt to change.”

Janus huffs again, rolling his eyes.

“You’re much nicer than I am.”

Romulus chuckles, patting Janus’ head. Janus was always shorter than his friend. Oddly, he’ll miss the head pats.

“If I could keep myself glued together, I would. I would tape and super glue and suture me to myself if I could.”

“I wish you could. So, what did you want to do with your short time left?” Janus asks, heart aching at that question.

Romulus smiles, offering his hand.

“I want to spend time with you, old friend. One last time.”

Janus sighs then smiles, taking Romulus’ hand.

“Alright, my King.”

King Romulus laughs and tugs Janus along at that. He brings Janus to his garden first. It was one of their favorite spots in the castle to run away to when life was stressful or when Morality’s pressure was too much, and Logic was being harsh. Romulus knows that they mean well but wish they were just a bit more understanding. He knew they had problems of their own and seemed to prefer to repress them rather than bring it to the meeting table.

The garden ended up being Janus and Romulus’ private getaway from it all. It was peaceful and there were always birds singing up in the trees. The air smelled like roses and fresh strawberries. Romulus loved strawberries. There was also a hint of nightshade. Romulus did love to experiment with strange things from time to time. In the center is an open dome that doubled as an observatory and the sun streamed down perfectly on the viewing deck.

Janus and Romulus end up spending all morning picnicking on the deck and chatting. They talked about Romulus’ recent experiments, trying not to think about how that would be his last. They have tea and cake and candy snacks, Romulus telling stories about his last adventure and Thomas’ recent dream. It felt like a regular morning, but Janus couldn’t help but feel heavy as the seconds ticked away. He knew what was coming soon and couldn’t stop thinking about it. Romulus knew it too but chose to ignore it. He focused on making his last day with Janus the best day he could give him.

After a morning of garden strolling, chatting, and tea, Romulus took Janus out of the castle. Janus watched as Romulus strolled through his little kingdom, waving hello to his servants and maids. To his guards. To the nobles and the village people. Janus desperately wanted to tell them what was going to happen to their king, but they wouldn’t understand. It makes Janus wonder if the people were going to one day wonder where their king had gone. Or would the kingdom and its people just…

“Janus, come on!”

Janus hurries along.

“Coming, Romulus!”

            Janus follows Romulus through the village, watching him interact with the tavern owner. The owner nods and walks into his little tavern. Moments later, the man steps back out and hands Romulus a basket as he bows. Romulus thanks the tavern with a handful of gold before waving Janus over to follow. Janus follows along, wondering what’s in the basket. It smells wonderful and it takes Janus’ mind off of the heavy weight for a moment.

            Soon, they exit the village and take a long, winding road through the tall grass field. Janus remembers watching Romulus hunting for bugs and rabbits and frogs when they were much younger. He follows Romulus and wishes the sun wouldn’t go any lower. Not yet. They climb a big hill, and a golden apple tree waits at the top. Janus had helped Romulus grow it a long time ago, calling it their special hiding place that they could go to when they couldn’t hide in the garden. Romulus said he’d bring everyone here one day but…Janus knew it would never happen. Janus didn’t want to bring anyone else here. Not when they would be taking his friend away.

“Janus, are you going to just stand there or are you going to come join me?”

Janus blinks out of his thoughts and sees Romulus sitting on the wooden throne that he made for himself years ago. In front of him is a matching table with the basket on top and a matching chair. Smiling shyly, Janus sits on the other chair and watches as Romulus leans forward to open the basket. The Creative side takes out two wrapped meals and a small jug of grape juice. He then sets the table, putting out the meals and pouring the juice. Once it’s ready, Romulus nods at Janus.

“Go on, Janus. I asked for your favorite.” The king says.

They unwrap their food and Janus is surprised yet touched to see that Romulus brought him some deviled eggs. Silence falls in as they both eat their meals, the sun setting ever so slowly. It makes Janus wish he could freeze time just a little longer. Sometimes he wished he could even turn back time or convince Thomas that everything was alright and that there was nothing wrong with who he was. Yet, Janus knows it’ll never happen. It’s too late now.

Soon, the sun is even lower, and the sky is a mix of reds and oranges and pinks. Romulus and Janus have finished their meals. The table was cleaned up and vanished along with the chair. The wooden throne remained but the two chose to sit on the grass as they watched the sunset. Neither said anything but knew that as soon as the sun was gone, their time together would be ending soon. It brings back that heavy weight from earlier inside Janus’ heart and he glances at the King.

“I wish time wouldn’t move so fast.” Janus sighs.

Romulus chuckles, watching the sun dip lower.

“You’d think as someone in charge of this entire realm, I’d be able to do that. Believe me, I wish I could, Janus.” he answers, waving his hand.

Nothing happens much to both of their disappointment, and they sit in silence again before-

“Janus…may I ask you for one last favor?” Romulus asks a moment later, sitting up on his knees.

Janus turns, mirroring Romulus.

“What is it, my King?”

Romulus removes his crown, placing it in Janus’ hands.

“When I am split, and I am replaced…will you take care of whoever takes my place?” he asks.

Janus’ eyes widen as he gazes at the crown in his shaking hands then at Romulus who’s calmly smiling at him.

“W-What? You want me to…are you sure? Why?” he stammers.

“Because I trust you. Thomas may no longer see you as Self Preservation as much as he used to, but I still do. I need you to promise me you will guide them and protect them.”

“I don’t know if I can…”

Romulus smiles softly.

“You can. Why don’t we make it a Royal Promise?” he suggests.

“R-Royal Promise? What is that?” Janus asks.

Romulus takes the crown and holds it above the yellow side’s head.

“A strong promise that is guaranteed to be never broken. If it is, the one who made it will be in pain until they fix it. I know it sounds like it’s meant for royals so today, you’re an honorary royal, Janus.” he explains.

Janus sniffs, a tear rolling down over his scales.

“Y-You really trust me?”

“Of course I do, my dear friend.” Romulus nods.

Janus looks at his King, knowing he would never see him here again and nods. Whoever becomes the new Creativity, Janus will make sure they won’t be lost to Morality again. So, Janus holds the crown over his head and smiles tearfully at Romulus as the sun vanishes below the horizon.

“I, Janus Sanders, Royal Promise, my King.”

“And when you both manifested, I did my best to keep that promise. Sure, I had my failures, but I intended to keep it for as long as I can, wanting to make sure I didn’t lose you both either.” Janus finishes.

The twins are quiet before Remus tackles Janus into a hug. Roman follows a moment later. They’re both glad Janus took them in. Sure, Morality was…kind and doing his best to look after them but Janus just understood them better. Now, they knew why.

“Thank you, Janus. For that.” Remus whispers.

Roman sniffles and nods.

“Yes, thank you. For keeping us safe. For telling us this.”

The twins then pull away, Remus rubbing his face to get rid of the tears.

“Would it be okay if we kept making Royal Promises? We’ll only use it for important things.” Roman asks.

Janus nods, wiping Roman’s tears away.

“Of course, Roman. It was always yours and Remus’ to make whenever you need it.”

Before Roman can thank Janus, the tree rustles and an apple falls from the branches into Janus’ hands.

Janus chuckles, smiling up at the tree as the twins gaze in surprise.

“Thank you, old friend. I assure you, I’m still keeping my Royal Promise.”

            This time, as the sun sets, Janus sits with twins and smiles. As long as he was here, they wouldn’t be going anywhere. They would never be separate, and they would be safe under his guidance. Promise or not, Janus intends to make sure Creativity would stay strong. Even as two halves. It’s his royal promise to the King and the twins after all.

THE END

[yourchemicallyimbalancedromance]

Comfort At It’s Finest

Prompt: Virgil has a special blanket that sits carefully folded in the closet and only comes out after really bad days, when he needs it the most. It’s the blanket for huddling up and hiding under the bed, it’s the blanket for taking an almost-involuntary nap after the third panic attack of the day, it’s the blanket for pretending the world is less than sixty-four cubic feet in its entirety and has borders of fabric. It’s the blanket for retreating from a dumpster fire to cry himself to sleep.

It’s a blanket he got from Thomas, before he was accepted.

(Credit to @sleepyvirgilprompts for this idea which you can find here<3)

Ship: none? Unless you count this as platonic Thomxiety but I’m not sure, I don’t really see it that way.

CW/TW: panic attacks, swearing, unsympathetic Roman, unsympathetic Janus, sympathetic Logan.

Summary: Virgil locks himself in his room after the sides start fighting again, something about how almost all of them were holding Thomas back? He didn’t know, he didn’t care, he just wanted to feel okay again.

(Halloween has brought up some…odd and negative feelings, to put it lightly, so this is my way of dealing with that<3)

———————————————————————

Virgil couldn’t take it anymore; The shouting, the insults. He slumped against his door and covered his ears, breathing as if he had just run a marathon, trying desperately to remember the breathing techniques Logan had taught him. What was it? In for four out for…five? Fuck. He couldn’t remember, nothing he was thinking made sense, nothing in general, made sense. Everything was so loud and he couldn’t stop trembling no matter how hard he tried. He held his legs down with his palms and they seemed to stop shaking until he let go, all the built up energy making his attack worse than before. It was no use.

This was the third time they’d fought this week.

It was Thursday.

His hands didn’t muffle all the sound, however; he heard every single thing the others were saying in the commons; it was as if a megaphone had been held up to his door.

“well maybe if you weren’t such an asshole I would have t-“ Roman was cut off by..Janus?

“I’m the asshole?! I’m not the one who’s so deeply insecure that they have to project their shit onto others” he screamed.

The house fell deadly silent apart from Virgil’s heavy breathing. He could hear his heart in his ears. He wanted to go home, he was home, but this didn’t feel like what you would call a home.

“Fuck you, Janus. There’s a reason Thomas didn’t accept you for years.” Roman finally said, from the sound of it, through gritted teeth.

He heard someone stomp a few feet near his room, open a door, and slam it. Virgil froze, the sudden noise sending shock waves through his body.

he wanted everything to stop; the loudness, the insults, the fights, the slamming of doors, the stomping, the yelling, the anxiety, he wanted to be held and told he was safe, he wanted to go home, he wanted-

His tearful eyes drifted over to his closet to see a weighted blanket neatly folded and shoved into the back where no one but him could find it.

His blanket.

He pushed himself up off of the ground, a hand against the wall so he wouldn’t fall due to tremors in his legs. He reached up and grabbed it, letting it fall onto him, nearly causing him to fall to the floor.

The blanket was soft; light, but heavy enough to weigh on you a little. It was checkered black and white with little ghosts on every other patch. He eased up just the smallest bit at the sight of it. Thomas had given him this after the ‘My NEGATIVE Thinking’ video.

He quickly fell on to his bed, holding the blanket to his chest. it smelled of cinnamon and honey. Virgil had forgotten how in the worst of moments, if he pulled out his blanket, it would immediately default to any scent of his choice; subconsciously, he had chosen cinnamon. It reminded him of better times, happier times. How he and Patton had baked cinnamon rolls a few months after he was accepted, the smell of sugary sweetness wafting through the air.

The slight hint of honey reminded him of his first panic attack in front of the light sides, how he had curled into himself on the couch, silent tears escaping his eyes, face hot and red, unable to breathe, to speak, to move. Logan had helped him through it.

“Breathe in for four seconds,” he had said, inhaling, crouched down in front of him. “Hold it for seven seconds” he paused and waited for Virgil to follow his lead, and once he did he continued, “out for eight seconds.” He exhaled.

Virgil was so embarrassed that Logan had seen him like that that he proceeded to apologize profusely. “God, that was— I’m so, so sorry, I don’t know what that was, well I do, I think? It’s never been that bad I just—“

“That was what is known as a severe panic attack, Virgil. I take it you’ve never had one to that extent before?” His eyes were kind, caring, behind his glasses.

Virgil just shook his head, he didn’t know what to say, he felt that if he tried to talk the only words he would be able to say would be “I’m sorry” over and over again.

“I see. Say, do you like honey? Maybe lemon?” He had asked

Virgil nodded, and before he could stop him, Logan had begun making Honey and Lemon tea. Something about how “it’s very calming and quite good as well” he had said.

Virgil hadn’t noticed his eyes drift closed but he didn’t feel the need to force them back open. The sharpness of the house felt dimmer, quieter; as if they were sizzling into a low hum, something waiting to pounce again. He was too fatigued to worry about it, even though something in his gut told him to stay alert, something was bound to happen again, he didn’t listen, just readjusted positions under the warmth of the blanket.

He needed to say thank you to Thomas later.

[theelmoarchive]

Sanders Sides theory (rant). I know im mainly a mh acc here but I have thoughts i need to get out there

(just fyi this theory is Roman centric, I know most TSS people nowadays are talking ab Orange and Logan so if Roman's not interesting then continue on 🔥🔥)

(Also slight TW, talking ab the sides "ducking out" and depression themes, so yeah👍👍)

Okay so. I was scrolling through Sanders Sides theories and found that no one seems to have this theory, even though I thought the Roman angst enjoyers like me would be writing this all over the place but. Ig that means I need to talk about it.

I've had this theory for years now, since the day I first watched SVS Redux.

I think Roman is going to duck out.

I dont know if I have to explain why but. I mean, just looking at the explosive end SVS Redux had will tell you a lot.

He doesn't belive Patton when he tells him they love him. He thinks Thomas has lost all faith in him in favor of the person Roman views as the epitome of evil. He's been switching views left and right to stay on Patton's side (because Thomas prides himself on his morals), but he always ends up doing something wrong - he always ends up as an antagonist. He no longer believes that he is the one thing that being has kept him stable since "Am I Original?" - Thomas' hero. The only side he has a stable and positive relationship with is VIRGIL of all people. And tbh that could quickly be ruined too. Logan is second, though, but that's EXTREMELY fragile, as we've seen.

Roman always does something wrong and it will and has sent him over the edge. From Roman's perspective, with a very flawed view of everyone around him, he is inherently the thing that flaws Thomas.

+ Roman is really dramatic obviously, so ofc he would do this.

When you look at Virgil's reasonings for ducking out, it seems plausible after everything Roman has gone through recently, too. I mean like:

"I quit. Decided it wasn't worth it anymore"

Why would Roman keep fighting a battle he knows he will never win?

"Well, It didn’t seemed like I was wanted. You all made that pretty clear any time I showed up."

Again, from Roman's perspective, he is constantly and consistently antagonized.

"If I wanted to stand around being insulted, I would've shown up I would've shown up in person like I usually do."

[same thing]

"I actually think you were right to not want me around."

Roman fears that he is becoming the villain (as we see in SVS, SVS Redux and DWIT).

(In fact, Roman has already said something quite similar to that last one in sentiment.

In SVS Redux, Roman says this, which is pretty funny because of the dramatics and the stupidity, and does get shot down quickly, but I am begging you to listen to him.

"The blame falls to me. If you're missing that do-gooder drive... I think It's because I'm in the driver seat... And I'm an awful driver... Perhaps... Perhaps I should let Patton take the wheel.")

(2nd sidenote to the Virgil quotes, can we talk ab Thomas' acting again I just love how tired Virgil is in AA. He's so. Troubled. I love him.)

WAIT ALSO I FORGOT TO ADD THIS UNTIL I WAS AB TO POST IT-

"I've always aimed to protect you,"

THIS!! First of all his face makes me so sad BUT SECOND OF ALL yeah. Roman core idk what else to say, you get it right.

"I thought I was your hero."

So yeah.

Anyway, I think the episode where Roman does this will be centered around depression. Without Roman, Thomas is depressed. Let me explain this further.

Roman is Thomas' creativity, imagination, ego, passion, love, wills and wants, hopes and dreams, aspirations and enthusiasm.

Without any of that, what is left? A guy who can't even will himself out of bed, but can still feel the nagging voice of reason and logic telling him how unreasonable he's being. A guy who cant will himself to talk to friends, family and loved ones, but can still feel sorrow for letting them down and worrying them. A guy who can't will himself to pursue creative content that he relies on for a living but can still feel anxious about letting millions of people down and never being able to create again. A guy who cant even make food for himself or brush his teeth, but still knows he NEEDS to take care of himself. A guy whose only creativity is activly trying to disturb and scare him.

So yeah thats really awesome idk.

Furthermore, I think the sides might be SEVERELY impacted.

It has been said many times over the series that the sides are purely figments of Thomas' IMAGINATION. so. Without Roman, I doubt anything would be left. Obviously, if Roman does duck out, I don’t think they'd all immediately just cease to exist because an episode still needs to occur, but I find it likely that they'd all start slowly fading or maybe even "malfunctioning", glitching, putting them on a timer to get back Roman and making it far more tense.

Is this theory weird?????? I feel like it's the natural progression TO ME but I've seen no one even getting near this and im just confused ghfhfhfh. Maybe it is kind of weird and im just too much of a Roman enthusiast. SORRY I LOVE ANNOYING WEIRDO FREAKS!!!! AND IF I WAS HIM ID DUCK OUT TOO BECAUSE NO ONE IS APPRECIATING HIM ☹️☹️☹️ EVEN THOUGH HE'S LITERALLY WHAT MAKES THOMAS DO THINGS. 🙄🙄🙄🙄

Anyway.

I also think it fits really well because of Prinxiety's parallels, such as:

(using the ship name just as a duo name because that's what I usually do I am not trying to push the prinxiety agenda although I am a fan of it ghfyfgfh)

"Thanks everyone... Well, almost everyone."

And

"I mean, it's cool to see you all trying to be helpful. Well most if you, but-"

The only difference in these two is obviously that Virgil just silently ducks out, while Roman has the entire "You make us better" speech, probably effectivly saving Virgil and Thomas, because it seems like Virgil was going to insist.

(Also another sidenote that I think everyone will agree with: WE NEED A "YOU MAKE US BETTER" SPEECH BY VIRGIL FOR ROMAN that is all)

Also. Who can forget.

Virgil saying that he tried to "duck out" and then

"That's a thing you can do?"

😐

Do you understand what I'm saying. Do you. Huh.

Okay anyway.

Idk how to end this I feel like theres still more I wanna say but i forgot. In conclusion: prin up that xiety. Reminder that FWSA was real and not a fever dream. I lied this is actually prinxiety propaganda.

But Hey That's Just A Theory. A really quite depressing and sad theory. Thanks for tumbling down a hill with me 🫶

[cher-rei]

afterglow pt- 12 [ T.A.A ]

pairings: trent alexander arnold x fem!reader

summary: young and aspiring marketing and business major jamie carter (you) is privileged with working alongside the liverpool marketing and public relations team while also getting entangled with their star player and right back, trent alexander arnold.

genre(s): friends to lovers, fluff, slight angst, slow burn

[w.c: 4.6k] afterglow masterlist

notes: surpriseeeee

you fully expected to get your things in order and call trent just to see how he took the news since virgil said that he'd been all too quiet after the news. there was so much on your mind, that you didn't have a moment to fully process and digest jurgen's end of season departure.

so when you dropped your things in your room and the sound of someone ringing the doorbell sounded, both you and honey shared an equally confused look. and when you opened the door, your lips parted in shock at the sight of trent with his lips pursed into a thin line.

there was a sombre look in his eyes, one that made you want to pull him into the tightest hug imaginable. the two of you just stared at each other for a moment, the air heavy with tension and uncertainty.

"I..." trent began his sentence, unsure of what to say as he licked his lips. "do you want to go for a drive?"

damn, talk about a fast recovery.

your attention was on trent's knee, the brace still on but he seemed perfectly fine as he drove. the car ride was silent for a solid ten minutes until you pulled up to the mcdonalds drive-through and he placed the order that he's memorised from the countless evenings with you.

"hi, can I get two oreo mcflurrys, two large fries and two chocolate milkshakes please?"

the corners of your lips tugged up and you quickly turned to look out the window as you drove to the pick-up window and back to your usual spot in the parking lot that overlooked the quiet street.

the lights illuminated the night air that felt desolate and tense. no conversation was made because you thought that maybe he just wanted the company or wasn't ready to talk just yet. but instead of sitting in depressing silence and wanting to swallow yourself whole, you took the liberty of connecting your phone to the speaker.

from the corner of his eye trent watched as you scrolled through your 23 spotify playlists, a look of determination on your face as you sat back comfortably in the passenger seat. he didn't know why, but the sight of you sitting with your legs up in a hoodie and sweats made his heart race.

to be honest, this wasn't the first time he felt this way. it had been happening more often as the weeks went by— your casual face times with him where you'd be cooking or just laying in bed, when you'd sit with the team during matches, your face flushed in a red blush due to the cold and even better when you'd walk along the touchline and send him a gentle smile while he was playing.

don't even get him started on the moments where he'd hear your laughter sounding through the training centre lounge and he'd turn away from his conversation just to look at you from afar. and the moments where the two of you would just sit in silence in your living room without any distractions.

you were so comfortable around him and he couldn't help but melt and ease into the feeling of serenity that you brought him. and sometimes he was unable to push the thoughts of how it would feel to hug you as more than friends, how it would feel to wake up to you laying beside him and how he longed to see you in a liverpool jersey with his name at the back.

trent swallowed hard, the melody of the next song starting to play breaking him out of his trailing thoughts. you locked gazes with him for a moment, the spoonful of ice cream still in your mouth. neither of you looked away, something simmering in the air that quiet evening.

pardon the way that I stare. there's nothing else to compare. the sight of you leaves me weak, but there are no words left to speak. but if you feel like i feel, please let me know that it's real. you're just to good to be true, I can't take my eyes off of you.

the song played through the speaker. the lyrics heavy and holding a weight incomparable at a time like this. when the moment finally sunk in, you scrambled to lower the volume but for some reason your phone wasn't cooperating.

an awkward laugh left your lips, the redness of your cheeks washing throughout your entire body.

I love you baby, and if--

the music finally paused, and a wave of embarrassment hit you like a truck. trent in the other hand tried his best to stifle the laugh in his throat, biting back the smile while you looked out the window. you couldn't bring yourself to look at him, instead you were getting ready to jump out the window.

he cleared his throat. "I didn't know that you listened to music older than my mother."

his attempt to clear up the awkward atmosphere worked, causing you to sheepishly smile. "yeah, my dad listens to a lot of really old music."

hearing that, trent nodded and mentally praised you for your very diverse music taste. seriously, he felt like he was getting whiplash whenever you played music around him. one moment you were dancing in your seat, then you were screaming your heart out in pain or simply just appreciating the melody.

you often explained the meaning of certain songs to him. it was a cute trait of yours that he found quite charming, especially now that he could possibly write an entire literature essay on cardigan.

"so how are you feeling about... the whole thing," you finally asked, turning your body to properly look at him. his smile gradually fell with a sigh.

you couldn't imagine how hard the news must've been for him. he nodded and threw his head back onto the headrest. "I didn't cry if that's what you're wondering," he joked with a halfhearted laugh before it fell silent again while he tried to find the words to say.

"it's just..." he paused. "he's all I've ever known. literally. so I guess it's just kind of shocking right now, but we'll be fine."

a hum of understanding left your lips, you weren't a big fan of change either. "yeah it's going to be weird for a while," you answered thinking about how it would be to come into work every day next season and not be greeted with the warm smile of jurgen.

who would you rant with on the touchline? who was going to allow you to play taylor swift during gym sessions and mention his daughter whenever you did? you haven't known him on a personal level for long but he had made such an impact on your life so far.

trent started to reminisce with a warm smile on his face, reeling you into his fondest memories about his first manager, the one who pushed him to be the best and who he was today.

"my favourite memory is definitely my debut though," he said with a fond smile that lit up the darkness of the car. "when I was subbed off, he went to shake my hand but I hugged him instead."

your eyes widened at the memory, that you could recall your part of. "dude I remember that," you pointed to him and he raised his eyebrows. "I was 14 I think? yeah I just got back from practice that evening. my dad and I had to rush home, I kid you not."

it was trent's turn to gawk, not just at your age but the fact that you'd known him way longer than he'd known you. it was an insane thought that he couldn't quite get over. "are you serious? ew, you saw me on t.v." he covered his face in embarrassment. causing you to laugh.

"I left everything at the front door, my kit was still covered in dirt and I was rushing to take off my boots because my mom wouldn't let me in the house." you threw your head back at the memory, the way your mother argued with you at the front door ringing through your ears.

"jamie leigh carter, if you step foot into my house with those boots on I'll make sure that you never wear them again," you mocked your mother and trent laughed, watching as you exaggerated your movements. "I left them at the door and hopped straight on the couch, dirt and everything."

trent nudged your arm playfully. "oh, I know for a fact that you got grounded for that, don't even."

your turned to him with a pointed look, your nose scrunched. "yeah, just so that I could watch you play, idiot."

trent rolled his eyes, "no--"

you got up in your seat and moved his hand away from your face, a teasing smile on your lips. "you're the reason I got grounded for a week!"

"how is that my fault?"

"I'll take my payment in cash, thanks so much."

"jamie leigh carter!"

"oh, shut up you did not just say that!"

it was official. the news was out, the video was uploaded and the reactions were just as heartbroken as the news was.

but there was a spark ignited within in the team. the past few matches you took home by a landslide. norwich 5-2. chelsea 4-1. arsenal 3-1. today's match was against burnley, which you weren't too worried about. so far the team was 1-0 up, but there was a certain discomfort sitting at the back of your mind.

trent was playing. he got the green light since he was showing great progress throughout his recovery, but you didn't feel all that good about starting him just yet. however, you weren't the physio or in trent's position and seeing him that excited to be back on the pitch after nearly three weeks was heartwarming.

you kept a close eye on him throughout the match, not that you had the right but you were just taking precaution. he was stubborn and probably wouldn't show that he was hurt or uncomfortable until the final whistle blew.

the second half of the match started as usual and everything was okay. except trent, just as you guessed. he wasn't playing well, to put it nicely. he wasn't able to keep the ball for long, his passes were a bit messy and he just wasn't in the game, which was obvious.

unfortunately that led to him being subbed off immediately which he was visibly upset about. your lips drew into a thin line as you watched him blow an upset breath and take harvey's hand before he went on in his place. his jaw clenched and he walked towards the bench where you were sitting.

"and that's my sign to leave," clara said from beside you, patting your knee before taking off to wherever the hell. you watched her leave with your mouth hung open in shock. was she really throwing you to the wolves right now?

trent silently slipped into the seat beside you but you kept your attention forward. your cheeks grew hot for some reason, his anger and frustration floated heavily between the two of you and it made you uncomfortable. what were you supposed to do?

"how bad was I?" he broke the silence, his attention on what was happening on the pitch.

you didn't know how to respond, a trailed-off hum leaving your lips. "you were..." you blinked at him a few times before giving in. "trent, you just got back from injury, please don't beat yourself up."

he threw his head back at your answer, trying his best to contain any other feelings bubbling up. the two of you fell into a comfortable silence again only for your body to tense up at the feeling of his head resting on your shoulder.

there was a 99% chance that your eyes were dangling from their sockets and for a moment you made eye contact with clara who was helping out with the photography. she slapped her hand on her mouth to stop any reaction and sent you a small thumbs-up, clearly not reading your expression of desperation.

calm down. breathe jamie, this is normal.

not even a minute later trent was absentmindedly fiddling with your fingers and you were definitely hyperventilating. you turned to look at him with your eyebrows raised, wanting to know what he was trying to do.

this was a normal reaction, especially since you were in public. there were literally cameras everywhere and he seemed to not care at all.

he looked up at you with his brown eyes shimmering, a teasing smile on his lips. "what? do you want me to hold your hand instead?"

in utter shock you were just about to pull your hand away so that he could get his act together but he was fast and gently put your hand in his, your fingers intertwined in a way that had your stomach in a knot.

what the actual fuck?!?

you were left speechless looking down at him as he smiled proudly. "weren't you just depressed a few minutes ago?"

he shrugged his shoulders at the question. "you make me undepressed or something. also--" he lifted his head from your shoulder and was now looking down at you. "are you doing anything for valentines day?"

your eyebrows furrowed together, five different emotions hitting you all at once because you still hadn't registered the fact that he had the guts to hold your hand in public. or hold your hand at all! "what?"

he waited for your answer and listened to you stumble over your words, at least four what?'s leaving your mouth until you finally said no.

"perfect, I'll pick you up at 6 then," he said causally and put his head back onto your shoulder, but you wanted answers this time around and moved to the side.

"trent I'm so confused right now can you please ju--"

"--and it's in from luis diaz!!!"

you were abruptly cut off by the sound of the stadium erupting into cheers because of lucho's goal while you were sat there in shock. the past ten minutes have been an absolute blur, the boy next to you happily smiling in victory but you were frozen in place looking at your hands that were intertwined— up in the air for the entire world to see.

it was finally the day that you've been dreading and anticipating for nearly a week. you couldn't sleep the night before, the gnawing feelings of anxiety and nausea keeping you awake and with an immense amount of energy.

at some point, you were jogging back and forth in your living room, doing jumping jacks and sit-ups to try and tire yourself out. it didn't work at all so you just lay in bed, tossing and turning until you finally managed to get some shut-eye at 4 a.m.

the sound of your alarm blared you awake so that you could get ready for work, ready to face the day and trent in a professional environment. you entered the training centre with a deep breath, greeting a few staff members until you made it to the lounge.

the coast was clear so far to your relief which put your mind at ease. but your peace of mind was shortlived by the sound of curtis' voice booming through the cafeteria. you didn't even bother turning around and made a run for it outside, dodging a few staff members to the best of your ability.

damn you for trying to outrun a professional football player because in no time you were yanked back by the back of your hoodie.

"you got her!"

you looked up to see harvey and dominik jogging up to you with smiles, cutis' grip still tight on your hoodie. the three of them greeted you with childish smiles, teasingly nudging your arm but not saying anything.

you squinted your eyes at curtis. "what do you want? this is practically harassment you know?"

curtis rolled his eyes as you crossed your arms over your chest with a stubborn look on your face. "aren't you excited for today?"

it was dom's turn to giggle now and he ruffled your hair playfully but you slapped it away. "so what are the plans? flowers? dinner? are you like in love?"

"no I'm not in love." you yanked your hoodie from curtis and fixed your appearance after the unexpected run. "and besides, wouldn't you know? I'm sure be told you guys something."

the three footballers shook their heads in unison which raised some intruige. seeing as how close they all were, you expected trent to at least let them in on it but apparently not.

"he's not showy about his relationships. it's something he prefers to keep to himself," harvey spoke up honestly with the other two agreeing, backing him up by saying that he never liked putting his partners out in public.

it made you wonder why he took your hand a few nights ago then. was he just messing around? or were you thinking about it too much? either way you had no choice but to take it on head first and figure for yourself. there was no going back now.

you had two hours to get ready when you got home, and you were second guessing your outfit. your entire closet was sprawled out on your bedroom floor, all the way to your bed. honey who was watching you have a breakdown saw it as an excuse to play around and nuzzled a den into a pile on your bed.

a groan of frustration left your lips and you were genuinely on the verge of tears.

"come on, jamie," you spoke to yourself and lightly slapped your cheek in an attempt to get yourself together. "you've been on dates before, this is normal."

this was not normal. for the first time in years you were anxious about something as silly as a date. and even worse, the possibility of a relationship with someone that made your stomach do flips with nothing more than a smile. you were screwed to say the least.

you looked at the outfit displayed on your bed, your lips pursed as you contemplated. "fuck it, let's do it."

not even five minutes later you heard your front door open and honey cheerfully ran out, knowing exactly who it was. he happily greeted your puppy, picking her up and just by the sound of his voice your palms began to sweat, your heartbeat pounding in your ears.

he was sat on the couch as usual, scrolling through his phone as he usually did whenever he waited for you to get ready only this time it felt different. it was different. the cloudy haze of your feelings for each other was finally starting to clear up.

it excited you, though still anxious you were drawn towards the light— the possibility that you'd be able to get something out of this. now seeing trent, his lips slightly parted due to the words lodged in his throat as his eyes roamed from your blushed cheeks, to your outfit and finally to your lips.

it was definitely different this time. the feeling floating around the two of you was no longer the curiosity about each other— it was the longing for each other.

"are you just going to look at me or are we going to leave?" there was no telling where you got the confidence to speak up, a gentle laugh bubbling in your chest causing trent to break from his daze.

there was a boyish smile on his face, the slight embarrassment evident in the way he set honey down and hurriedly stood up and cleared his throat.

"yeah, we should def--" he put out his hand towards you for whatever reason but quickly retracted it, mentally cursing himself for the stupid idea which only made him stumble over his words even more. "--you look really pretty."

your body stiffened at the sudden compliment, not sure what to say or what to do as you stood awkwardly in place. your body grew hot at the feeling of his eyes absentmindedly taking in your appearance.

you managed to meekly thank him for the compliment, another moment of unbearable silence passing by before the two of you actually left the apartment. this told you one thing— you didn't like this type of different.

the ride was fairly quiet for a bit, until you mustered up the courage to connect your phone to the speaker once more— the soothing sound of afterglow dripping through the air. then it dawned on you that you had gifts laying around in your apartment from earlier on in the day.

"thank you for the flowers and gifts by the way," you blurted with a soft smile and trent shrugged it off, his heart swelling because he knew that it took every muscle in his body to stop himself from buying you everything he laid his eyes on in the mall a few weeks ago.

yes, a few weeks ago. he'd been planning this all month already but still felt that he was doing something wrong. what if you didn't like what he had planned? what if he read the signs wrong and you rejected him on the spot? his mind was plagued with all these questions and it stopped him from fully basking in the moment.

trent diverted his attention to you for a split second just to feel his heart skip a beat— just to give him a jolt to check if he was still alive. and thankfully, he was. "aw you're too kind. I'll remember to tell my assistant that she did a great job with the gifts then."

your lips curved up at his joke, a scoff leaving your lips. "tell her that she sent me enough flowers to open a flower shop."

"wait," his eyebrows furrowed. "is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

when you arrived at the restaurant the sun had fully set, the night sky making way for the stars instead. it was a high-end restaurant for sure, because in what world would any normal dining place have more than 4 floors?

trent stopped the car and handed the keys to the vale and you were about to follow after him but he pushed you back down in your seat with an almost offended look on his face. you were confused to say the least, only to realise that he wanted to open your door for you.

you tried hard to fight off the smile on your face as he put out his hand for you take. the gesture had you floored, your stomach in a knotted mess because he was irritatingly adorable. a mock gasp left your lips as you got out, the warmth of his hand in yours making you dizzy. "and I thought chivalry was dead."

the two of you entered the restaurant, trent having no more to step foot into the check in area for the receptionist to hand him a key card that was clearly for the vip section.

how can you get more v.i.p than this?

he thanked the receptionist and lead you to an elevator, his hand still in yours. when you got to the fifth floor, you were surprised to see it empty. then it hit you that the floor was rented for the evening. all of this just so that you two could be alone?

the room itself was luxurious in the most breathtaking way, but it became even better when he showed you to your table which was set on the balcony. the view left you breathless and feeling like a child seeing a puppy for the first time.

by now trent was watching as you leant over the balcony, standing on your tip toes to get a better look at the city ahead. his breath caught when you turned to look at him with a sparkle in your eyes. "this is insane. you said it would be something casual."

"casual as in it would just be the two of us," he said walking up to stand beside you, the warmth of your body reaching him. "you and i? causal? as if." his eyes flickered to your lips again. "I'd rather die than have anything less than everything with you."

silence.

your heart : stopped beating

you : stopped breathing

your mind : stopped thinking

hotel : trivago

your face held a blank expression and you blinked at him a couple times. what did just say? what were you supposed to say??? did he just confess?

your lips parted. "huh?"

nothing made sense. not the moment, not trent's gutted laughter, literally nothing. it took him a moment to catch his breath again as you just stood stiff.

he looked to your with a teasing smile and took your hand into his once more. "jamie," he began and your mouth dried up. "I like you. like I like like you. I want us to happen, I really do but I don't want to rush it just yet and then potentially ruin it."

"uh huh," you added in, your eyes squinting as you tried to think of where he was going with this. he took another breath, eased to see that you were actually listening to him.

"so I wanted to know if you'd like to test the waters first?" he gently squeezed your hand, the boyish smile from earlier returning while you tried to make sense of what was just said.

not only were you trying to put it in a way that you understood, but you were also mentally ticking off a pros and cons list because like he said— this could ruin everything if it was rushed.

so, to your understanding, you nodded. "so you're basically offering me a free trial?"

he quite liked that explanation better and smiled, glad to see where this was leading.

"ooh," you hummed, the anxiety bubbling down as you were now filled with intrigue more than anything else. "I get alexander-arnold premium. this sounds good."

he loved the teasing smile on your face and couldn't help but laugh knowing that this was working out and he didn't make a total fool of himself. "well I hope so."

your heart skipped a beat. "does the package come with freedom of physical contact?"

trent rolled his eyes at the question, not wasting a second further and pulling your closer to his chest by your waist. "literally just shut up and kiss me, please."

you were slightly taken back by the rush of emotions at that moment, but it all melted away at the tender feeling of trent's lips on yours. the tension in your shoulders eased as you found yourself melting under his touch, your arms around his neck as he pulled you as close as he could.

your heart raced at the feeling of his lips tugging into a smile, the thought of him smiling all flushed and flustered making you long for him more. throughout the kiss only one thing played through your minds— a relieved "finally".

the night had just begun and you had already found yourself swept up into a cloud of bliss, your cheeks aching at all the smiling and laughing that you've done but this is what you wanted. even if it was just the beginning of the end goal, you were willing to see it through.

see it through until you could call him yours.

spamjam._.

liked by saffiekhan and 2 334 976 others

spamjam._. 💌

view all comments below

trentarnold66 you could totally open up a flower shop with all those flowers [liked by spamjam._.]

→ spamjam._. you're so right!! thanks for the idea bud 👍

→ trentarnold66 no problem. anything for a friend 🤝

user I forgot today was valentines day shut up this is cute 😭

user what's this?? a soft launch??

→ user I'm like 99% sure that this was all sofía 😭 my girl is down bad

judebellingam oh 😃

jobebellingham I see someone is going with the flow [liked by spamjam._.]

→ spamjam._. you're my favourite brother ❤️

→ judebellingham what flow?? what flow are you going with?? why are you guys excluding me?!

→ spamjam._. ask yourself that next time you change the netflix password

harvelliot 🤭👏

szoboszlaidominik 🤭👏

curtisjones 🤭👏

fía.messi that should me be me 😔💔

→ saffiekhan holding your hand 😔💔

→ alexandrasaintmleux that should be me 😔💔

→ clarashaw making you laugh 😔💔

user it feels illegal to even be here

[next]

[monkeythefander]

An Analogince Proposal💜💙❤️

Summary: Roman, Logan, and Virgil have been dating for two years. The princely side is now determined to propose to his boyfriends, so hopefully it goes well.

Relationship(s): Romantic Analogince (Virgil x Logan x Roman)

Characters: Roman Sanders, Virgil Sanders, Logan Sanders, Janus Sanders (only mentioned), Patton Sanders (only mentioned), Character!Thomas Sanders (only mentioned), and Remus Sanders (only mentioned).

Content Warning(s): Some anxiety/worrying, slight Virgil angst (I think). Let me know if I missed anything else.

Click below the cut to read the fic.

—————————————————————

Roman slowly walks towards the stairs, taking calming breaths. This could be the best or worst moment of his life. Patton and Janus are off helping Thomas, and Remus is causing chaos in the imagination. This gives the princely side plenty of time to conduct his plan.

Roman stops for a moment before heading downstairs. He checks in his pocket, making sure the ring box is in there nicely. Roman is going to propose to his boyfriends, Logan and Virgil, today. They’ve been dating for two years now, and Roman couldn’t be happier. He knows his boyfriends aren’t opposed to the idea of marriage in general. They’ve watched many romance movies together during date nights, and all enjoy a good wedding scene. Hopefully they won’t be opposed to the idea of marrying him.

Roman takes one final calming breath before heading down the stairs and entering the living room. Logan and Virgil are both sitting next to each on the couch. The logical side is reading a book, while the anxious side is scrolling on his phone. Roman smiles at the sight of his boyfriends before announcing his presence.

“Greetings, my loves.”

Logan and Virgil look up at the princely side and both smile softly at him.

“Hey, Princey.”

“Salutations, Roman.”

Roman smiles again and walks closer to the couch, stopping in front of his boyfriends. The creative side then starts to say what he’s rehearsed for this very moment.

“My darlings, we’ve been together for two years now and I’ve been enjoying every second we spend together. I love going on dates with you, cuddling you, kissing you, and talking about poetry, books, musicals, and movies with you. I want to be able to do these things with you both for the rest of my life, so I have just one question for you two.”

Roman gets down on one knee and pulls out the ring box from his pocket. He opens it up to reveal two rings. They’re silver with red, blue, and purple gems in them. The princely side then says the question.

“Will you marry me?”

Roman looks at both of his boyfriends, trying to read their faces. Logan looks happy but slightly confused. Virgil looks like he’s nervous and excited. The emo’s eyeshadow has even turned that sparkly purple that Roman loves seeing so much. Logan ends up being the first to break the silence.

“Roman, my star, I’d be very happy to marry you. But you do realize marriage isn’t necessary for us to be figuratively bonded together. We’re already as connected as figuratively and literally possible, considering we are the Sides of one person. We are bonded together no matter what.”

Roman looks at the logical side with a slightly less happy expression on his face.

“So you don’t want to get married then…?”

Logan frowns, regretting his previous comment.

“No, that’s not it. I want to marry you, Roman. I just wanted you to know that if you’re just proposing because you think this is the only way to figuratively bond us together, that I already consider us bonded. Married or not, I want to always be by your side. But if you truly want to be officially married, I’m happy to do so.”

Roman’s face brightens up and he smiles at his logical love, before glancing over at his emo. Virgil is fidgeting with his hoodie sleeves, and looks down at his shoes when he notices Roman’s gaze is now on him.

“Princey…I’d love to marry you, but are you sure you really wanna be married to me. Yeah, you like dating me, but what if once you marry me you realize you’re actually tired of dealing with me and all my worries. I don’t want you to feel stuck with me when you end up realizing I’m too much to deal with.”

Roman grabs one of Virgil’s hands with his free hand, the one not holding the ring box.

“My Emo Knight, you could never be too much for me. I want to be there by your side, whether you’re feeling glittery or gloomy. I want to support you and love you.”

Virgil covers his eyes with his free hand and mumbles.

“Princey, you’re going to make me cry with how sappy you’re being…”

“I hope you mean happy tears, J.D-lightful.”

“Yes, Sir-Sing-A-Lot. I mean happy tears. And to answer your question from before, yes, I’ll marry you.”

Roman puts the ring box down on the ground before getting up from his kneeled position on the floor, and pulls his emo into a hug. The creative side holds his emo gently before glancing at Logan and motioning for him to join th hug. The logical side joins his boyfriends in the embrace and they all feel content in this moment, not wanting it to end. The calm silence is eventually broken by Logan leaving the hug and speaking up.

“So Virgil, my moonlight, will you marry me? Since we’re both now engaged to Roman, I feel like it’s safe to assume that we’d also take the next step in our relationship and get married as well. I don’t have a ring for you, but I can get you one when I get the chance.”

“Yes, L, I’ll marry you too. Don’t worry about not having a ring, worrying is my job. If we get Roman a matching ring then the rings he got us can represent all three of us being engaged to each other.”

The princely side claps his hands and jumps up in excitement.

“That’s a perfect idea Virgil! I can create a matching ring now.”

Roman makes another ring for himself and hands it to Virgil.

“J.D-lightful, you or Logan can do the honors of placing the ring on my finger and I shall do the same for you two.”

The now fiancés proceed to place the rings on each others’ fingers and share a few kisses. The three of them then settle down on the couch and put on a movie to watch together. Roman smiles to himself, happy with how his proposal played out, and excited for the future wedding he would have with his loves.

—————————————————————

End Notes: Thanks for reading! I was originally just going to make a headcannon about how I thought an Analogince proposal would play out, but I got the idea to write out a short fic and this was the result. I might write out a part 2 to this that’s the wedding, but I don’t know for sure. If anything, I might just draw Analogince on their wedding day since I’m getting outfit ideas. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this little story. If you did, please consider leaving a like, reblog and/or a comment.

-Monkey💜

—————

AO3 Link to this fic: https://archiveofourown.org/works/58585345

[a-small-batch-of-dragons]

Shed

Perhaps a Janus shedding fic? Idk with who, but maybe with him getting some scratches on itchy scales, from whoever is helping him through it, especially after scratching wayyyy too hard himself. Even better if he’s shedding because Thomas is going through a change, so he’s never actually done it before :) so he doesn’t know what’s happening :) – cherry-sofa-756

Okay, so. You are hands-down one of the best Sanders Sides fic writers out there and I will die on this hill. I will die on this hill and take everyone down with me. Anyway. Dramatic declarations aside (heh), I was wondering if I could make a request? I know this has been done before, but a fic where telling the truth actually hurts Janus, but he does it anyway because [insert one of several reasons here]? You just do Janus angst so well (you do everyone so well, how are you this good, how do you exist, can I tuck you into my pocket for safekeeping and appreciation) and I am honestly excited whenever I get a notification from you, so I figured why not ask? No pressure, though. I wish you all the best, may your ideas flow endlessly as you wish them, my friend! - anon

Read on Ao3

Warnings: shedding and body descriptions therein

Pairings: gen

Word Count: 2347

    It starts as auspiciously as it could have, he supposes, with a slight twinge of pain on the inside of his glove.

"Hey, Janus, do you remember what the consensus was of cinnamon versus blueberry?"

"Blueberry."

"Oh, great, thanks. Is the good baking tray over there?"

When Janus doesn't say anything, Patton glances up only to see him staring at his hand.

"Uh, Janus? You okay?"

"Yes, yes, I'm fine, I just—mmph."

"You sure? You don't sound okay. Is something the matter?"

Janus looks at his hand for a moment longer before shaking himself and smiling at Patton. "Yes, I'm quite alright. You wanted this tray, correct?"

Patton gives him a strange look but doesn't push, taking the tray and continuing to gather the ingredients they need.

Later, back in the safety of his own room, Janus hisses as he carefully peels his glove from his left hand, wincing as it tugs and sticks in all the ways it shouldn't. When the last of the fabric is gone and he can see his hand properly, it's a curse he hisses between his teeth.

He's shedding.

"Of course I am," he spits, reaching for his first-aid kit tucked on top of his desk, "of course, can't just be a snake in the abstract and metaphorical way, no, I need to be a snake literally too, hmm? Have to molt and shed and hissssss…"

He takes out a tube of ointment and opens it, wincing at the crack of the scales on his hand.

"Sure. Why not?"

Getting a little bit of the ointment on the very tip of his finger, he starts to smooth it over the cracked and peeling scales only to stifle a cry of pain when it burns, leaping up from his desk and rushing to the bathroom to wash it off. He shoves his hand under the cold water and scrubs, almost chewing a hole through his lower lip as the pain flares bright and sharp up his arm.

"And of course, I don't have anything that would actually be useful," he grunts as he finally gets the pain to stop, "why would things I have already be helpful? That would be easy, and god forbid things be easy for me."

Alright. So no ointment. Shit, what do snakes do when they shed?

He could ask Logan, although Logan would want to know how he's feeling, what the scales are reacting like—would want to examine him to determine what snake he resembles the most, would want to see how much of him is covered in scales, because Logan is always curious.

He could ask Remus, but Remus might not understand that Janus wants this to be, well, as painless as possible, that he wants to just have a little bit of help and not find out what happens just for the fuck of it.

He could ask Virgil, who is the only one who might know what this is like with his molting cycle or whatever, but…

But trying to ask Virgil for a favor now, especially after all they've been through, seems like rubbing salt into an open wound.

Or rubbing that goddamn ointment over shedding scales.

"So," he grunts, sitting back down at his desk, cradling his hand in his lap, "the Internet it is."

He finds a dubious-looking article that says to try and keep the snake's environment moist and humid, suggesting paper towels and a plant-mister to keep the humidity levels high. Warm water…orchid bark substrate…and oh, not to forget that a snake's scales will become duller in appearance and their eyes will go all cloudy and blue before they really start shedding.

Great. Just great.

He looks back down at his hand, which is already starting to look dull.

"This is going to be fun."

****

The extra fun thing about it is that it seems that telling the truth makes it worse.

Try to tell Patton that yes, he'd like another cup of tea? Burning on the inside of his glove.

Try to tell Logan that no, he's not being ridiculous with his new paper idea? Side of his face itches like crazy.

Try to tell Remus that he needs to calm down and start trying to clean up? His clothes hate him now, actually.

Try to tell Virgil that everything's alright, that he can work out of the spiral he's in? No legs for him, he has to sit down and not move until his scales settle down.

Try to tell Roman that he cares?

More like try not to jump at the sight of his reflection in the mirror, one eye clouded and blue and almost blind.

The good news—if you can even call something good news in a time like this—is that he's forced to lie to keep up appearances for when the others start asking questions, which at least staves off the very worst of it in public. But when he hides in his room at night, he has to wince and tremble as he peels his clothes off of himself and clambers into a bath that is either too cold or too hot, trying to help the shedding go faster.

This hurts. This really fucking hurts.

Shit, how often does he have to do this?

He crawls out of the bath and dries himself gingerly on a towel, crawling into bed and curling up into a little ball. He closes his eyes and tries to fall asleep, tries to get away from the terrible itching sensitivity that's starting to break out across his scales. If he can just weather this until it's over, he can figure out what to do next time and make sure he does it. If he can just fall asleep…

He lies awake for hours that night, fighting the urge to toss and turn to get some relief on his itching scales and fighting the urge to cry out at every rasp of fabric against his oversensitive skin.

The others are starting to get worried. He managed to plead off the issue with his eye by pretending it was a colored contact from Remus when Virgil cornered him about it, but he knows sooner or later Virgil's going to go confirm that with Remus himself and discover that it was a lie. He's got to figure out something before they all bust down his door, demanding to know what's going on.

"I'm fine," he chants in the sheets, "I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine…"

It's the only way he's able to get to sleep that night, because the lies make the pain a little bit easier to bear.

****

Of course, no lie lasts forever, and Janus wakes up in a dizzying blur of sensation, body on fire and eyes clouded over, twitching and groaning in pain as his scales do their very best to rid themselves of his body. A cry traps itself in his throat, his eyes welling up with furious tears as he tries in vain to find some comfort on the blankets that feel more like hot coals.

It hurts. It hurts, it hurts, it hurts.

No sooner does the pain swallow his senses does he feel the tug of two Sides appearing in his room.

"J? J, I felt that, are you—holy shit."

"Oh, Snakey, you're an idiot."

"Now is not the fucking time, Remus, go go go!"

"Alright, alright, I'm going."

"Hey, J," Virgil's voice says, muffled through layers and layers of cotton, "hey, hey, it's okay. We're here now, we're gonna help you."

Help? How in the fuck are you gonna help me with this?

"Don't worry," he continues when all Janus can do is groan in pain, "I'm sure whatever quip you were trying to make was a winner."

Thank you.

"C'mon," Remus's voice says from a ways away, "I got the door open, bring him through. The cot's still in the spare greenhouse, we can put him there."

"Ready? One, two, three, up we go."

He's hoisted as gently as possible into two strong arms and carried like a babe through to somewhere warm and sweet-smelling. A confused moan leaves his mouth as he's laid to rest on something soft, a gentle breeze following him.

"We need to get your clothes off you, Snakey," comes Remus's voice, "they're only gonna hurt you. It's okay, it's just us."

Hands, gentle hands free him from the worst of his clothing, leaving his boxers to protect what little modesty he has left. When the slightly humid air touches his scales he could whimper from relief. Then there's something soothing and wet pressed against the scaled side of his face and he blinks awake, only able to make out fuzzy shapes as he turns his head.

"Shh, shh, lie still," Remus bids—Virgil must be the one holding the thing to his face— "we gotta get you in a bath, okay? You've started shedding in pieces, we gotta help make sure you get all of it off, okay?"

"R'mus?"

"Yeah, Snakey, it's me. Virgil's here too."

"Hey, J. Long time no see. Oh, shit, uh, I mean—"

A small laugh works its way through Janus's throat and Virgil chuckles.

"Swear that wasn't intentional." He leans down too and oh, there's the blurry Virgil. "Do you think it's okay for us to move you? There's a warm bath over there that'll help loosen up the process for you, okay?"

"Hurts."

"I know, bud, it's gonna hurt for a little bit until we can get you calmed down."

"Why?"

"Blame it on biology if you want. Stress makes the shedding process harder."

"That's stupid."

"Yes, yes, it is. Unfortunately still true."

Janus grunts and leans into Virgil's touch. Remus carefully cards his hair back from his face. "You okay to let us move you, Snakey?"

"Mm."

"Up we go," Virgil says again, carefully lifting him up to carry him across the greenhouse and set him down in a large basin of warm water. "Can we help wash you?"

"Mhm." He turns his nose into the crook of Virgil's neck, breathing in softly. "Smells good."

"What, me or the greenhouse?"

"Both."

Remus chuckles. "That's good to hear. C'mere, give me your arm…"

There's something terribly intimate about letting someone else bathe you. Remus's hands are gentle as they work over the smooth scales—well, less smooth now—and rinse the beginnings of shed skin free from his body. On the other side, Virgil carefully does the same to the scaled parts of his torso, careful to avoid any red and angry bits as Janus begins to drift under the sensation of it.

"You're doing real good, bud," Virgil murmurs, "really good. We're almost there."

"Can we wash your hair," Remus asks, "we'll bring another basin over so the shampoo won't get near your scales, but it might feel nice to not be all greasy anymore."

"Just be careful?"

"Of course." Virgil gets up and he laments the loss for a moment, but then Virgil's sitting behind his head and smiling down at him. "Hey, bud. You wanna let me wash your hair?"

"Mhm."

What kind of greenhouse is this, he finds himself wondering as Virgil starts to spray his hair with a faucet, and why is Virgil so good at this?

Then Virgil starts to work his fingers through Janus's hair and there goes his capacity for higher thinking. If he could be slightly more aware, he might be embarrassed of the noises leaving his mouth, but as of right now he's just going to enjoy not being first and foremost in pain. The shampoo Virgil's using smells really good, not too strong, and leaves a pleasant cooling effect on his scalp even after it's been rinsed out. Remus's hands are sure and gentle as they finish cleaning the last of his scales, sitting back and running a damp hand through his own hair.

"Let's have you soak for a little longer," he says quietly, "then we'll get you out and see what else you need, okay?"

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it." Remus levels a stare at him. "Just come to us next time, yeah?"

Janus shifts a bit sheepishly under the look. "…yeah, okay."

"Good."

"You look sleepy," Virgil murmurs, still working the conditioner through his hair, "if you wanna doze off, that's okay. We'll wake you up when we need to move you."

"…yeah?"

"Yeah, bud, go on. It's okay, we're right here."

And so he closes his eyes, drifting off to the feeling of Virgil's hands in his hair and warm water lapping against his scales.

Maybe…maybe he needn't have been so scared about asking them for help.

Perhaps the worst of it truly is behind him, because the truth doesn't hurt as the warmth and safety lull him to sleep.

General Taglist: @frxgprince@potereregina@gattonero17@iamhereforthegayshit@thefingergunsgirl@awkwardandanxiousfander@creative-lampd-liberties@djpurple3@winterswrandomness@sanders-sides-uncorrect-quotes@iminyourfandom@bullet-tothefeels@full-of-roman-angst-trash  @ask-elsalvador @ramdomthingsfrommymind@demoniccheese83@pattonsandershugs @el-does-photography @princeanxious@firefinch-ember@fandomssaremysoul@im-an-anxious-wreck@crazy-multifandomfangirl @punk-academian-witch@enby-ralsei@unicornssunflowersandstuff@wildhorsewolf @thetruthaboutthesun @stubbornness-and-spite @princedarkandstormv  @your-local-fookin-deadmeme @angels-and-dreams@averykedavra @a-ghostlight-for-roman @treasurechestininterweb  @cricketanne @queerly-fluid-fan @compactdiscdraws@cecil-but-gayer@i-am-overly-complicated@annytheseal@alias290@tranquil-space-ninja @arxticandy @mychemically-imbalanced-romance @whyiask@crows-ace @emilythezeldafan@frida0043 @ieatspinalcords @snowyfires@cyanide-violence@oonagh2@xxpanic-at-the-everywherexx@rabbitsartcorner @percy-07734@triflingassailantofmyemotions @virgil-sanders-the-gay-emo@cerulean-watermelon@puffed-up-bees@meltheromanstan@joyrose-fandomer@insanitori@mavenmush@justablah65@10paradox10@uhhh-hi-there-i-am-nervous@cutebisexualmess@bella-bugatti-frogetti-baguetti @ultrageekygirl

[not-sure-what-im-feeling]

Complimentary

Inspired by talking to @thegoldenduckie and her art of orange side, so that’s the design I had in mind when writing it.

Tags

Logan and orange being buds, slight Logan angst, hurt/comfort, and I might add more tags? I’m not good at tagging

Word count: 710

read on ao3

Reblog if you enjoyed it! I might add more, and I’ve considered adding a tag list of people want that

Logan huffed as he sat down in his room, the exhaustion of his failures weighing on him after only just sinking out from the living room. That day had been especially draining, what with his futile attempts to get the others to listen to anything he said. It was akin to being run over, over and over again, with no one trying to help you. You try to tell people, you try to have the person running you over listen, but no one does. They listen to the person in the driver’s seat. They don’t want to pay you any mind. Why would they? To them, you’re nothing but a bother. At least here, in his room, he could get some peace. He’d be alone, and allow himself to feel whatever taboo feelings he had throughout the day, with no one to bother him.

The light of the setting sun shone in from his window, hitting him behind him and shining around him like a halo of orange light. He loosened his tie slightly, and while he attempted to relax, his shadow stopped matching him. As it shifted, it turned a shade of orange, and a face could be seen where it should be, wearing glasses similar to that of Logan’s. Its face looked inquisitive yet cautious, as though it was contemplating whether or not it should say something. Logan had his head down and eyes closed, so any indication of the shadow being… well, alive, was lost on him.

After a moment, the shadow spoke. “Hello, Logan.”

Naturally, Logan had the only logical response. He let out a small scream. Just a small sound of alarm, and nothing that would tell the others he was in danger–he didn’t know if he was yet–but enough to alert the shadow of its misdemeanors. The shadow’s “face” switched from cautious inquisition to startled alarm, looking like a child caught by an upset parent. Logan noticed the alarm from the shadow, and, though severely hesitantly, said something. “Er… hello? I don’t know you, do I?”

The shadow, now regarding Logan’s amicable approach, let the alarm wash away. It was the one scaring Logan first, after all. “No–well, maybe. In a way, you’ve always known me. But this is your first time seeing me.”

Logan’s brow furrowed at the cryptically insane manner that the shadow answered in. “Alright… So who are you, then? And how would I know you?”

“I’m a side just like you, Logan, I just show myself a little differently. And you know me in the same way the others would. I’ve always been here, even if you never knew. Like Virgil. Or you.” The shadow answered.

Logan nodded slowly, before extending his hand as if to shake on an introduction. “Well, I am Logan, though you already seem to know that. What may I call you?”

The shadow looked at Logan’s extended hand, before grasping it in a shake (as best he could with his form.) “You can call me Aedus. I’ve been very excited to meet you.” He grinned, but when he caught Logan’s (sad) face under the stoic mask peek through, his grin dropped. “Rough day?” Logan didn’t say anything, but his eyes widened a bit before his face fell and he nodded. “Well, do you want to talk about it?”

“…That— that would be nice.” Logan said, before Aedus moved around to be more beside Logan. The shadow nodded to Logan, prompting him to go on. “You know, I think you might be the first person to actually care enough to let me talk about it. The others don’t listen to me—even in conversation. I want nothing more than to help, to have a voice, and they don’t so much as bat an eye. What am I doing wrong? Agh, I just don’t know what to do. Apologies, Aedus, I don’t mean to put you off.”

“No, no, don’t worry about it Lo!” Aedus said with a small smile. “I want to listen. I don’t mind one bit!”

Logan nodded gratefully. “Thank you. However, I ask that you don’t refer to me as ‘Lo’.”

“Oh, sure thing!” Aedus said. “Now, what do you do to get them to listen?”

Logan gave a small smile, and continued on.

[hebuiltfive]

The Alaskan Train Crash: International Rescue, We Have A Situation.

Six months after the return of Jeff Tracy and International Rescue has finally come back off their hiatus. One of their first missions with their dad back at the helm? A mysterious train wreck in remote Alaska.

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Additional Tags: Artist!Virgil, Post season three, slight AU, Mentions of hospitals, Mentions of Blood, description of train crash, Light Angst

Series: Part 1 of The Long Game

NOTES: This has been MONTHS in the making and, I won't lie, I'm a little nervous about finally putting this out in the world. This is only the first chapter of the first part of (what I'm now thinking will be) quite a large story. Disclaimers to say that I obviously do not own any of the characters in this story. They were created by the wonderful Gerry and Sylvia Anderson. The only things I do own are the ideas and situations they end up in. Trust me, they'll end up in some sticky situations in the near future!

Read it below or on AO3 here.

The Hood’s haphazard approach to his criminal scheming, coupled with a blatant disregard for any life that wasn’t his own, only ever led to one outcome — disaster.

The unfortunate beneficiaries of today’s outcome were currently trapped under the wreckage of the buckled front carriage of a derailed freight train. The scene was horrific to look at, even with all of Scott’s years of experience and training that came with being in the rescue business. The whole of the train looked as though it had been flung from the tracks, and had flipped onto its side, except for the back carriage, which had somehow managed to stay the right way up, and the front carriage, which had been capsized completely. In stark contrast to the crisp white snow underneath the wreck, there was a dark patch of leaking oil developing. As Scott hovered in the air over the derailed train, guiding his jet pack over the wreckage to get a sense of the scope, he knew he had to work fast.

There had been three workers on board. Whilst two of the three had seemingly been rendered unconscious by the incident, one was still very much awake and aware of her current predicament. She had made sure that the receiver of her distress call also knew this. John had forewarned his older brother of the severity of this woman’s pleas for assistance whilst Scott had flown Thunderbird One to the danger zone at top speed; the way the woman had begged Thunderbird Five for help had sent shivers down (a normally stoic) John’s spine. Still, despite the advanced warning, nothing could have quite prepared Scott for the look of pure terror on that woman’s face as he landed himself beside the wreck and jogged over to that capsized front carriage.

Two Hours Earlier.

Virgil had just wanted the lounge to himself so he could finally finish his oil painting in relative peace. It had already taken him far longer than he’d expected to get the painting complete. Usually that was due to rescue missions interrupting him and not his two younger brothers, as was the case today. Gordon and Alan had come bounding into the lounge, as loud and as energetic as always, and then began to play the loudest alien-killing game they could have possibly found. Virgil knew that his easel and pallet in front of him had not gone unnoticed by the Terrible Two, but the boys didn’t seem to care. Or, rather, they didn’t seem to realise the disturbance they’d caused. That was normally the case, anyway.

Virgil should have known that asking for any semblance of peace in the Tracy household was very rarely answered. The villa was always a hive of chaotic activity, even when those rescue missions called half of the family away. As Virgil was usually on call in those situations, he rarely managed to find a moment’s grace unless he was up into the late hours of the day. As it was, the sun had already begun to set over Tracy Island and sleep would soon be beckoning to all of them. He only had a few hours left to get some painting done before Scott had another reason to berate him for staying up late again. Thankfully, Tracy Island was large enough to not only house International Rescue’s operations, but also cater enough room for everyone who lived there.

He had not long retreated from the lounge, away from Alan and Gordon’s loud but seemingly futile efforts to defeat an invading alien race, to finish up his work in his art studio.  He should have just stayed there this morning and not gone down to the lounge, but when that room was not occupied by bored, young adolescents, the lounge was just as serene as the quiet his studio offered. The views out onto the expanse of the Pacific inspired Virgil’s creative muse, and the colours seemed to flow so much better on his canvas when the warm, tropical breeze blew up through the open veranda. That being said, the picturesque scenery that now filled his peripheral was just as humbling.

His canvas, he’d carefully carried down from the lounge, had been placed on a new easel that stood in front of a large window. In the near distance Mateo stood, the rocks on the island glinting in the last rays of sun. Far more quieter than the disruption his brothers were currently causing upstairs. Content once more, Virgil started to mix the paints he needed on a new pallet.

He got all of two swipes of raw sienna onto the canvas when there was a gentle knock of knuckles against the wood of the art studio door.

“Virgil?” It was a voice that Virgil had thought he’d never hear again, up until a few months the back, that is. A voice that he was still trying to get used to hearing again after living so long without it.

Jeff Tracy had opened the door and was standing under the frame, his hands sitting idly in the pockets of his jeans. He looked over the artwork his second eldest was working on. To a stranger, or casual observer, they might have been deceived by the seemingly dark piece. With the shades Virgil had decided to use so far, that would have been an understandable mistake. But Jeff knew his sons, even after eight years of being separated from them, and he could see the hope that radiated through the painting. In the background, still only an outline and yet unfinished, he could make out the shape that he guessed would become Thunderbird Two. Jeff could see Virgil’s behemoth of a ship was to rise in the distance, to assist in the abstract disaster that was happening in the foreground. The smile that lit up his worn face gave Virgil a warm glow inside. “Looking good, son.”

In those first few weeks of Jeff Tracy’s return to earth after spending almost a decade lost in the outer reaches of the solar system, International Rescue had gone on an understandable hiatus. The Global Defence Force had offered to pick up the rescue work whilst the family became reacquainted and new routines were established. After all, just having their father sitting with them at their breakfast table in the morning again gave the boys enough of a shock. Despite the stresses and occasional disagreements that naturally came with the reshuffling and reorganising of the organisation, having their dad back was one of the greatest miracles to happen to the Tracy brothers, and they all thanked their lucky stars every day for having him home again.

“Do you have a moment?” Jeff asked, gesturing forward as a way of asking whether Virgil was okay with him stepping into his space.

By the look on his dad’s face, Virgil knew that ‘a moment’ was more than likely going to last longer than Jeff had suggested in his wording, but Virgil nodded all the same. As Jeff stepped inside and closed the door behind him, Virgil placed his pallet and paint brush on the side table beside his easel. He rubbed his paint splattered fingers on his equally paint splattered apron.

“Sure. Is everything okay?”

Virgil was used to being the one everyone came to for advice and assistance in the family. Along with Grandma Tracy, he was the soundboard that his brothers, and Kayo and Brains, relied on when they needed a solid voice of reason. Virgil never minded. He never saw any of them as a burden or a bother. Whenever they needed to seek comfort in Virgil’s warmth and way with words, Virgil was there for them.

“I wanted to just let you know that Grandma will be taking me to the mainland tomorrow.”

Virgil’s heart sank a little at Jeff’s words. He knew what his father’s words were code for, knew exactly where Grandma Tracy was taking him: the hospital. Jeff’s health had been fragile upon his return to Earth. Having had to survive eight years on a rock in the Oort Cloud, it came as no surprise to any of them. They were all wise to the fact that the situation would have been a detriment to anyone’s health, and they all were sure that, had Jeff been anyone else, he wouldn’t have lived through the ordeal for nearly as long as he miraculously had. Jeff’s health had been a major talking point in the reorganisation of International Rescue. The main question was whether he was fit enough to take back the mantel of Commander In Chief, or whether it was better for him to take a backseat and oversee operations from the sidelines instead. Both Grandma and Scott had been firm advocates in Jeff taking the back seat, but Jeff Tracy was Jeff Tracy and he wasn’t the kind of man who was content with being sidelined. In the end, they had all agreed on him sharing the job with his eldest son, at least until he was in a better condition.

Hence the hospital visits. Scans, blood work, physiotherapy, drugs and tests were part of their new normal, and they’d been advised that this new normal was going to stay in place for the foreseeable future. Jeff didn’t mind, so long as it meant he was still able to be of assistance, but the constant hospital trips had the boys naturally worrying.

“If dad is so unwell that he needs to be constantly visiting Doctor Mayhew every month, he shouldn’t be placed in a position that could cause him stress!” Scott had exclaimed on more than one occasion. Jeff never listened to him, always claimed that he was fine which only led to heated debates between the two. Usually it was Grandma who managed to calm them both down, but once or twice, the unfortunate role of mediator had landed on Virgil’s lap. Whilst he still didn’t see it as a burden, it was the only time he minded. It was the one time he didn’t like being a soundboard to his family.

“How long this time?” He asked his father, arms folding across his chest.

“A week. Maybe two. They want to check my legs, I think. It’s going to require a few tests back to back and they say that it’s easier if I just stay there whilst they get the results.”

Virgil nodded. It made sense for him to remain in one place. His next question was one he didn’t want the answer to. “Does Scott know?”

Jeff held silence for a moment or two, and Virgil knew the answer instantaneously. “No. He doesn’t. Not yet.”

Virgil pursed his lips, nodded once… twice, and then began to undo his paint apron. So much for a relaxing evening with his canvas. “He needs to know, dad.”

“He overthinks everything—”

“That’s Scott for you—”

“— and I don’t like how stressed out he gets. I don’t want to add to it, or be the cause of more stress.”

Welcome to the club, Virgil thought, but sighed as he threw the apron aside. Scott never knew how to take things easy. He was a classic overreacher, constantly trying to do more than his best. That perfectionism had only got worse in the months following their father’s disappearance, but that was a fact Jeff had still not been informed about. Their father had developed a legacy in people’s minds, one that only grew in his supposed death, and Scott felt compelled to continue that legacy. He had always looked up to Jeff, but this constant need to try and make their father proud, even in death, sometimes meant Scott took unnecessarily hazardous risks, and it had nearly landed him on death’s doorstep on more than one occasion. Virgil and the others had often tried to slow him down and make him see reason, but their talks rarely seemed to have a lasting impact. Come the next day, Scott would be back to his normal, overreaching self.

“Scott’s capable of handling a lot more than you think, dad.”

Jeff breathed out a long sigh. “I don’t want him to handle so much. He should share the burdens.”

“Good luck getting him to do that. We’ve been trying for years, but Scott is way too protective. It’s one of the reasons why he doesn’t want you being so involved in the rescues right now, what with your… health.”

“I know he’s looking out for me,” Jeff began, his eyes averting Virgil’s own gaze as he took in the view of Mateo from the window. “I just wish he wouldn’t try so damned hard all the time.”

Virgil let out a deep chuckle. “You and me both, dad.” Then, he began to make for the door. “But he needs to know all the same. If you want, I can be your bodyguard.” He joked. In honesty, the thought of having to referee another match between his dad and Scott worried him, but he’d do it if it meant avoiding a bigger conflict in the future.

Jeff’s lips quirked into a smile at Virgil’s humour, but as he opened his mouth to speak, a hologram of John appeared from the holo-disc on the side table beside the easel. “Guys, we have a situation.”

Exchanging worried glances with his father, Virgil dove out of the door of his studio and made his way up to the lounge as fast as possible, Jeff following quickly behind him.

[loganscroftersstash]

the eye of the storm.

platonic loceit/dlampr

—

hello gang

it has been… a while since i’ve written sanders sides content. i was into it for years before i dropped it and now i’ve picked it back up again. i forgot how much i loved this series. i’ve been rewatching it and remembered just how much i was so excited for the reveal of the super mysterious and spooky orange side, and i got a little pang of inspiration from the working through intrusive thoughts aside video. here is some really shitty angst/comfort; it’s been a while so my characterizations may be off, apologies in advance. and also my apologies for the spacing— i wrote this on docs and i didn’t realize the spacing would be so wide. sorry!!

scroll to v end for authors notes!

—

The date with Nico had gone so good! Thomas was reeling him in hook, line, and sinker; and Remus was able to be contained for the whole time! Sure, he had some moments, but nothing that none of them couldn’t handle. Now, as the sun set and shades of fuchsia and orange painted the sky above the exhibit, everyone decided it was time to go home.

The moment Thomas began to walk back all of the sides sank out, reappearing in his mind in an all too familiar routine. Remus was the only one absent for their outing, everyone else should have been here.

While Roman and Patton were happily reminiscing about the date, exchanging compliments and giggles, Virgil glanced around. He refused to glance in a certain serpent’s direction, but the room still felt empty.

Something was off.

Was it the coffee table? Couch? Maybe the blanket…?

Click.

“Where’s Logan?”

That seemed to break Roman and Patton from their conversation, and they both turned to look at Virgil.

“…Hey, yeah! Where’s our Logan?” Patton asked.

“Oh, who cares! He’s probably sulking because Thomas went out and had fun with the cutest frickin’ guy ever!” Roman proclaims, overly dramatic as always.

Patton puts his hands on his hips. “Now, Roman. Be nice to Logan! He was just trying to get Thomas to be productive— ya can’t argue the state of his home is a little…”

“Revolting?” Virgil finishes the sentence for him.

“I was gonna say icky, but that works too!” Patton grins at Virgil. “But anyway, don’t get mad at him for trying to help!”

“Pfft— help. Nerd.” Roman chuckles, earning a slight glare from Patton. “He could try to help by not getting in the way of our already non-existent love life!”

“You know, Patton’s right, Roman.” Janus murmurs from his corner. “Your twin gave him quite the bit of trouble today…”

Roman straightens his posture, almost defensive, as he glares at the slimy fiend. “What do you mean? What did that mangy mongrel do to him?”

Janus shrugs. “Oh. Nothing. I’m sure you wouldn’t care about that, Logan is just a speed bump on the road to love, and all that…” He says dismissively.

“Tell. Me.” Roman insists, moving closer towards Janus. “What did he do?”

Janus examines his glove, almost unbothered before he looks up at Roman. “Well…”

Roman glares. A silent message to get it the hell over with.

“When Thomas was up in the wee hours of the night, Logan and him decided on a new schedule. You know how those work out for Thomas.”

“Yeah. They don’t.” Roman murmured.

“Mhm. Usually it’s just because Thomas is more… spontaneous. Carefree, if you will. He likes to jump from task to task. Doing a list can be overwhelming, but Logan was just so dedicated to helping him stick to it. And poor Thomas even wanted to do it!…”

“…Jan. You lied, kiddo.”

“Whatever.” Janus shrugs. “Anyways. Remus decided to make Logan’s life a living hell by trying to kill or maim Thomas or Logan himself, but usually he ended up hurting himself.”

“Is that where the sparkly green eyepatch came from?!” Roman gasped.

“…Yes.” Janus murmured. “Anyways. Logan tried to reason with him and—”

“Is no one gonna ask why he knows all this?!” Virgil interjects.

Janus huffs. “Are ANY of you going to let me talk?!” He sighs. “And before you ask, I listen. To everything. Are there ANYMORE questions before I answer the first one?!”

Patton raises his hand for a moment before it shoots back down.

“Perfect. Great. Back to what I was saying… Logan confronted Remus after a few failed attempts and tried to reason with him, because this was one of the few times he’s actually gotten Thomas on a schedule and he tried to stick to it. So, you can tell why he’d be a little irritated about his incessant attempts at getting him off task.”

Roman raises a brow. “And…?”

“Logan screamed at him.”

“Oh.” Roman chuckles. “Yeah, he does that—”

“His eyes shone orange.”

A silence fell over the room. There was a silent, unspoken yet unified agreement that they all knew what that meant. And they knew it was bad.

Virgil was the first to break the silence. “…fuck.”

“…Did… Thomas? See? Do we have to have another confrontation so soon?!” Patton gasped.

“No. No he didn’t. Remus mocked him for the outburst almost instantly and as far as I’m aware, the interaction was over after that.”

“…What made Logan lose his cool that badly over something like that?” Roman hummed.

Janus rolled his eyes. “Oh, I don’t know. How about the fact that you all ignore him?”

“How dare you! I don’t ignore Mark Zucker-nerd; I just don’t listen to him!”

“…Roman. Buddy. That’s ignoring.”

Roman paused, looking down. “…so it is! But either way— we don’t ignore him, Janus. It isn’t my fault he never has anything helpful to add!”

“Oh, please. Logan is literally the embodiment of Logic. He’s resolved how many of these past issues? Logan does the most and gets the least reward, Roman. You have the most influence over our host, followed by Patton and Virgil. Maybe lately me and Remus have had a little fun taking the wheel every now and again— but when was the last time you let Logan make a big decision? You decided to skip the callback, you decided to go on the date. All Logan gets influence on is his little passion project, which he’s probably abandoned at this point because I seriously doubt there’s much passion left in him.”

Janus’ rant has left the other sides staring; Roman in disbelief, mostly at the audacity, Patton in shame, and Virgil in guilt. Deep down, they knew Janus was right.

“…Okay. Maybe I’ve been… a little… controlling.” Roman murmured.

“A lot.” Janus hummed.

Patton leans over to him, “Hey, Jan— kiddo. Small wins.”

“Right, Patton,” He whispers back, sighing. “Anyway. I suggest we try to make this up to Logan one way or another. After we make sure he’s alright.”

“I’m not checking on him. I love the guy, but if I step ten feet near conflict I’ll throw up and die.” Virgil mumbles, throwing his hood up.

“Logan doesn’t usually take comfort from me all that well. I think he finds it kinda patronizing…” Patton frowns. “But I’d be happy to try!”

“No, you're right… and he’d only think I was mocking him.” Roman murmured.

One by one, all their eyes drift to Janus.

“…You want me to go in there. Don’t you.”

“Well, yeah! You’re the most neutral with him! Logan doesn't know you super well and while I’m sure he didn’t appreciate your impersonating of him, I think you see eye to eye with him on a lotta stuff! That helps!” Patton grinned. “You might be the best candidate for this kinda thing.”

Virgil sighs. “….I can’t believe I’m agreeing with this… but yeah. Janus is the best candidate for this particular job…”

“…Of course. Fine. I’ll go check on him.” Janus huffs. He leaves his little corner in the shadows, brushing past the other three and making his way down the hallway. It doesn’t take him long to reach Logan’s door. Usually there’s light peeking from underneath the door, but that’s absent this time. Hmm…

Janus knocks three times.

Usually a “one moment” or a “come in” would follow. But there is silence.

Janus waits a moment, before knocking again, this time accompanying it with a “Logan? You alright?”

He’s met with silence again.

Janus sighs, placing his hand on the doorknob and twisting slowly. He pushes the door open, peeking in just a bit to get an idea of what he’s getting himself into.

The moment the door opens just a crack it’s blown open with immeasurable force, pulling Janus inside and slamming the door behind him. The room is barely a room anymore— more so a culmination of wind. Janus can make out a few objects— calendars with black and red marker scribbled over the dates, some books and some pages torn from them, blank sheets of paper, and a few pens and little knickknacks. Glancing around quickly, Janus realizes there’s a soft, barely there orange glow coming from the center of the room.

Fuck.

“Logan!” Janus calls, trying to push his way through but inevitably getting pushed back against the door. “Logan, let me in! I will help!”

There’s some sort of loud noise, but Janus can barely make it out throughout the pounding sound of wind against his ears.

Fine. Be difficult. It takes a lot of strength, and a lot of mental willpower, but he’s able to carve out a path directly into the eye of the storm. Janus heaves a bit as he walks, immediately taking note of Logan.

He’s… never seen the other so distressed. And honestly, it stings.

Logan is sat on the floor on his knees, hunched over and sobbing. Janus has never seen him cry, never heard it either. But this is just too much…

“…Logan?” He calls quietly, softly. Trying his best not to startle the other.

Said side looks up with a horrified gaze. His eyes gleam with amber tones and the best descriptor Janus has at the moment is overwhelmed.

“Calm down, calm down.” Janus shushes, kneeling to Logan’s level. Instinctively, Logan tries to back away, and Janus lets him. He gives Logan his space. “Deep breaths. Breathe…”

And he tries. All he can manage is panicked and shaky short breaths that can’t be delivering much air to his brain. Janus could see this plain as day. “Logan. Think you’re stable enough to talk?”

Logan glances up and after a moment's hesitation, he nods quickly.

“Five things you can see. Can you do that for me?”

Logan glances around quickly. “Books.” He murmurs, almost rapid as he speaks. “…Calendar. Marker. Pen…” He looks around again. “Cube.”

“Alright. Good. Four things you can feel?”

“…Clothes. Glasses.” His tone is almost robotic, despite it being watery. “Wind… and… and… and the floor.”

Janus can see and feel the wind slowing, even if just a little bit.

“Good. How about three things you can hear?”

“You. Me. Wind.”

“Almost done. Two things you can smell?”

“Um…” Logan panics again. Another question he can’t answer. Of course. “Cologne? Maybe… and… and…”

“Focus, Logan. You’re okay. It’s okay.”

“…Ink.”

“Good. Last one. One thing you can taste.”

“Salt…”

The wind slows to a stop. All the objects fall from where they were propelled. They could deal with that later.

“See? You’re okay. It’s okay.”

Logan looks up, eyes still watery and overflowing with tears. He’s shaking. The word that comes to Janus’ mind is helpless. He knows it’d make Logan worse so he decides to keep that thought inside.

“Now. Would you like to talk about this?”

“I don’t know how!” His tone is surprisingly aggressive, but it doesn’t seem like Logan. It’s out of character for him. He’s crumbling. “I don’t know how to… to talk about this! I’ve never— I’ve never felt so… so…”

“Breathe, Logan.” Janus offers. “It’s alright. Just—”

“LET ME TALK.” Logan shouts; the ferocity of the moment is only comparable to earlier when Remus had pushed too far.

And Janus falls silent. He doesn’t take it personally. He knows it isn’t— Logan is just so overcome with it all he’s lost control. He knows just how bad they can be.

And Logan realizes just what he’s done a moment after, and he falls back into helpless sobs, curling around himself. He feels so fucking awful. Not only is he useless, but he’s an asshole too. Another flaw to add to the ever growing list.

“Logan, I know you’re overwhelmed…” Janus reaches a hand out to touch, but he hesitates, and quickly lets it fall back to his side. “Tell me what’s going on. What’s got you so upset?”

Logan hesitates speaking, before he sobs out his words, “I’m so awful, Janus…”

“If this is about today, you’re not. Remus is especially heinous and you know that—”

“It isn’t just today!” He shouts. “It’s getting harder and harder to do my job and get through to him— I-I’m not good enough, Janus. I can’t do anything anymore! I used to be able to… to do everything, and it was fine. My calendars were in perfect order, I kept the others in check while maintaining a balance— I wasn’t a fucking emotional wreck!” Logan sobs, looking up at Janus desperately. “I’m useless. I can’t— I’m not—”

“Logan. You’re magnetizing.” Janus murmurs.

“Magnifying.” He corrects.

“See? You’re still capable of doing your job. And you still do your job just fine.” Janus puts a gentle hand on his shoulder, smoothing over the wrinkled shirt. “Everyone’s been in chaos these last few months… and that’s partly me and Remus’ fault. We haven’t been easy adjustments.” He sighed. “But,” And he holds up his finger with a dramatic pause, “You of all people have been the most versatile. You put forth your best effort Logan— more so than the other sides have. You know that.”

“But my best isn’t good enough.”

“It is. It is. You don’t believe it is, but it is.” Janus assures. “It isn’t your fault you’re getting overshadowed.”

“Perhaps if my methods were different, if my tactics were better—”

“Shhh.” Janus presses his finger to Logan’s lips, effectively silencing him momentarily.

“Logan. You’re doing nothing wrong.”

“Then why am I getting ignored?”

Janus didn’t have an answer immediately. And he could tell that upset Logan even further, despite the fact he was trying to conceal his tears.

“I don’t know, Logan. I’m sorry.” He sighed. “But I’ll never ignore you. You know that, right?”

He sniffles, nodding.

“…Do you want a hug?”

Logan hesitates for a long moment, as if weighing the pros and cons. Potential comfort and warmth, but also a huge dent in his reputation.

This was a pretty big dent too. Fuck it.

“…Please.”

Janus wraps his arms around Logan, hugging him tightly. “You’re alright. It’s alright..” He murmurs. “You’re okay.”

While Logan quietly cried into Janus’ shoulder, the scaly of the two silently wills the objects back into their places. He doesn’t need Logan even more stressed.

“Do you feel better?”

Logan nods, swallowing thickly. His throat feels scratchy…

“…I don’t think I’ve ever felt those… those feelings so… intensely.” He cringes at the word; it feels sticky and wrong on his tongue.

“I know… but it’s all over now. You’re calmer. Your room isn’t a tornado.”

Logan blinks, glancing up. “Oh. I was…” He looks around quickly. “Everything is in its place…?”

“I put it back. I know mess overwhelms you.”

Logan can’t help the microscopic smile.

“Thank you, Janus… I… apologize for all this.”

“Don’t mention it. It was out of your control. Now,” He pulls away slightly. “Do you need me to stay? I’m more than happy to.”

Logan thinks for a moment, and then shakes his head. “No. I believe some time alone would benefit me. I need to ‘recharge,’ if you will.”

Janus stands and makes his way to the door. “Alright. If you need anything else, you know where my room is.”

“I do. Again, thank you.”

“No worries, Logan. That’s what friends are for.”

—

(i wrote these authors notes as i wrote the story; i didn’t wanna stick them in as i wrote so i put them all at the end.)

authors note: i forgot how vividly i imagined their headspace; even down to the order of the doors. in case you’re wondering, the hallway of their rooms (which you enter from the right side) goes from left to right as such: virgil, logan, roman, and patton. the dark sides have their own separate wing (because of course they do)

authors note 2: i feel like sides have a lot more willpower and control in the headspace than we originally think— and the dark sides seem to be more powerful than the core 4 so they have an easier time doing stuff like that. obviously since deceit can transform into any of the sides— which i feel like the other sides can do but choose not to?? if they can become thomas’ friends they should be able to transform into each other,,— and remus can summon objects outside of the mind palace and headspace— we’ve seen other sides with fidgets or swords or little caps but never anything like super big i don’t think? it’s been a while hah

authors note 3: i’m trying to make up some shit about the orange side while also keeping it vague so it’s not too specific. mostly cause i want this to be logan centric but also i want this to have the best chance at holding up after he is revealed

authors note 4: logan may be the logic side but he is also the autism side

authors note 5: this just became a loceit fic but i’m not even mad. logan x anyone supremacy

authors note 6: this just became a self projection fic but i’m not even mad. logan x self projection supremacy

authors note 7: i didn’t know how to end this so have some weird janus and logan

okay hi!! finally done writing. got this done in like… two hours shockingly. i speed ran this fr

no beta read we die like men.

reblog if you enjoyed!!

[roseianxiety]

Always You

Summary:

As a young boy, Virgil often swooped in to save his geeky and timid childhood best friend, Roman, from his bullies. After years have passed without seeing each other, his friend has come home from abroad and now a completely different person than before, and ready to sweep Virgil off his feet. Virgil, of course, falls head over heels for the other.

AO3 - Part 1, Part 2

Content Warning: Swearing, Slight Bullying, Mild Angst

Author's Note: I used Google Translate for the Italian so sorry in advanced if there are any errors.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Chapter One

"Piggy! Piggy!"

"Eww, you're disgusting!"

"Oi, get away from him!"A young boy, looking no older than ten, shouted at the three other young boys who were making fun of his friend. "Leave him alone!"Virgil exclaimed as he stormed towards them. The bullies immediately scattered away as soon as Virgil approached them.

Virgil took advantage of this to grab Roman's wrist. Virgil dragged Roman out of the way, pulling the younger boy with him. He sat Roman down on one of the benches outside the school. Virgil bent down to face his friend.

"Are you okay?"

Roman nodded but tears were already rolling down his chubby cheeks. His freckled face was splotchy red as he clutched his stomach, struggling to breathe through hiccuping sobs. "Am I ugly, Vee?".

Virgil sighed and put a hand on Roman's shoulder. "You're not ugly, Ro.". "Then why are they so mean to me!?" Roman wailed, his whole body trembling.

"They're just being dumb jerks, don't listen to them. If they keep picking on you, then I'm here for you and I'll beat them up, alright? So stop crying now!"

"Pinky promise?"Roman sniffled as he reached out his pinky finger towards Virgil. Virgil wrapped his pinky around it and shook it firmly. "Pinky promise.".

•=•

Virgil quickly woke up from his slumber when he had fallen off the bed, his whole body hitting against the wooden floor, creating a loud thud. He groaned before groggily getting up from the floor and plopping back on the bed. He yawns and stretches his arms above his head. He glances at the clock on his nightstand.

It was 9:34 am, surprisingly earlier than the time he usually wakes up.

He got up from the bed again and slipped on his fuzzy cat slippers before heading out of his room for breakfast.

"You're awake early today, sweetie."His mom chirped when she saw her son. She was currently cooking up something, Virgil had no clue on. Virgil rubs his eyes as he waddles his way to the kitchen, sitting himself on a stool. "Fell off of bed, that's why.".

His mom giggled softly at his words before turning around to give her son a quick kiss on the cheek then going back to what she was doing earlier. Virgil hums at the kiss, smiling slightly.

"By the way, sweetie, there's some pancakes I left for you. It's in that container near you."His mother stated.

Virgil nodded quietly and grabbed the white container and opened it, the smell of pancakes quickly wafting to his nose. He reached for a fork before finally digging in.

"Are you going to work this afternoon?"His mother asked softly, plating the food she just finished cooking.

Virgil shook his head in response, "No, why?". He queries with a mouthful of pancakes.

She hums as she reaches the top cupboard to get something. "Remember that childhood friend of yours that lived across from us?". Virgil nodded his head at her question.

"Well, he just came back from Italy and moved to that same house. He looks and acts like a different person now, such a charming young man."Virgil's mother continued. Virgil swallowed his bite before nodding slowly, unsure what to say. "So did you like, invite him for brunch or something? Assuming you're cooking a lot more than usual."He asks.

"Oh of course! And it's best that you two have your little reunion after years of not seeing each other."His mom answered.

Virgil nodded before continuing to eat his pancake while listening to his mother talk about his childhood friend.

Virgil just stepped out of the shower in newly cleaned clothes, drying his soaked hair with a dry towel. He walked downstairs to find his mother preparing the table and decided to help her when the doorbell suddenly rang.

"Deary, can you get that door for me, yeah?"His mom called out from the kitchen. Virgil sighs and responds to his mom in agreement before heading to open the door.

As Virgil was opening the door, he saw a towering man smiling down at him. He was utterly starstruck. No man can be this handsome and sexy, like damn. This couldn't be... Could it...?

"Roman?" Virgil's voice came out quieter than intended. Virgil cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure.

The taller man's, or Roman's, face brightened and the grin on his face got wider when he recognized who the other man was.

"Virgil, is that you, mio amico!?"

Roman cried out happily, his Italian accent dripping in his words like thick honey. He pulled Virgil into a tight bear hug, almost crushing Virgil with his strong arms.

"I-I can't breathe."Virgil wheezed out. As he tried to catch his breath, he heard Roman gasp and pull back, only then realizing that he was squeezing Virgil too tightly.

"Mi dispiace, sorry, Virge. I've missed you so much!"Roman exclaimed excitedly, still clutching Virgil by the shoulders. "It's nice to see you, too, Ro." Virgil replied, unable to form coherent sentences due to– well, circumstances.

"Wow... uh, you've changed. A lot."Virgil commented as he took in the rest of his friend's appearance. Roman had an extreme growth spurt, he used to be shorter than Virgil but now the tables have turned. And, God, those muscles... Virgil blushed at this last thought as the realization set in that he has been staring at his friend's biceps.

"O si, and so do you! You've grown as well! Though, not to offend, but why are you puny? You were so much taller than me."Roman said, cocking his head sideways.

Virgil shrugged and averted his gaze from Roman. "I dunno, I guess I didn't have a growth spurt as much as you did.".

Before they could even continue their conversation further, Virgil's mom popped out from the kitchen, interrupting them.

"Oh, Roman! You're finally here."She cheered. Roman smiled brightly at Virgil's mother before taking a step forward and embracing her in a warm embrace for a bit.

"Good morning, Mrs. Barret. You look beautiful as ever."Roman greeted politely with a smile, pressing a soft kiss on the back of her hand. Virgil's mother, Mrs. Barret, chuckled lightly. "Such a sweet young man. You flatter me too much, child.".

"Anyway, brunch is ready. You two follow me to the kitchen."She said as she motioned to the two boys and headed to the dining room.

"You know, you used to be timid and shy. What happened to that?"Virgil spoke, glancing at Roman. Roman gave Virgil a soft smile. "Life changes people,"Roman said simply.

"Yeah, I guess they do..."He said before following after Roman.

•=•

"What is it like in Italy, Roman?"Mrs. Barret asks curiously as she places another slice of meatloaf on Roman's plate, who only smiles thankfully at her.

The man replies eagerly while taking a small bite on the meatloaf, "It's lovely there! The weather is always perfect, there are gorgeous cities like Rome with the most beautiful views! The people there are so kind! They have wonderful food as well. È fantastico!".

Virgil watched as Roman practically swoons over Italy, talking all about the country which has become his home. Roman's smile never faltered even once during his entire long story about how living in Italy was.

"Oh I just can't wait to bring you two there! I'm sure you all would love it!''He exclaimed excitedly. Mrs. Barret giggles as she waved him off, "Oh that's sweet of you, dear, but I'm not one for traveling. But I'm sure Virgil would like to.". She then glances at her son.

Virgil, who was busy devouring his own meal, nods slightly and says, "Italy seems cool, so yeah I guess.".

Roman gives a triumphant nod and exclaims, "Yay! That settles it then! I'll make it happen soon!".

"Oh I remembered, Virgil, you haven't told me anything new about yourself."Roman said nonchalantly as he ate, clearly oblivious to the way Virgil stiffened.

"Uhmm..." He trailed off. "Well I dropped out of college and I work at a nearby coffee shop... Nothing's really new about me.". He responded awkwardly.

"Why did you drop out of College?"Roman inquired curiously as he put down his utensils, leaning forward towards Virgil slightly.

But instead of Virgil answering, Mrs. Barret interjects, "He wasted so many opportunities just to take care of sickly and pathetic me.". She sighs sadly.

Both Roman and Virgil frowned at her. Virgil placed a hand on his mother's shoulder and squeezed gently. "Don't say that, mom. You're not pathetic and it's my duty as a son to take care of you.". He reassured, his tone softening significantly.

A small smile appears on his mother's lips as she nods, giving her son a thankful glance.

Roman smiles gently at the scene, placing a hand under his chin to rest his cheek against it. His eyes twinkled with amusement as he observed the interaction between mother and son.

"Anyway, I think I should rest now. You two continue while I go take a nap,"Mrs. Barret said as she got up from her chair. "And sweetie, will you tidy the table for me if ever you're done, yeah?"She added, softly patting Virgil's cheek before heading out of the dining room.

Virgil smiled and nodded obediently. He looked back at Roman, who was staring at him. "What?"Virgil asks, raising an eyebrow out of confusion.

"Niente, I just thought it was quite cute."Roman admitted with a shrug. He then gets up from his chair and takes his empty plate plus the utensils but Virgil stops him.

"I'll take care of that, you can go and relax,"Virgil insisted.

Roman shook his head and went to put his plate on the sink, "Shush, I'll help you tidy up."He retorted.

"But you don't have to-"

"Chiuso, I insist on helping."

Virgil let out a groan in defeat before grabbing the rest of the dishes and carrying them to the sink.

"If Italy was so great then why'd you leave?"Virgil asks Roman while they were washing the dishes together. Roman hummed in thought before replying, "I simply missed my hometown.".

"Hmm, what about your parents?"Virgil queries.

Roman's smile fades slightly before responding. "They..well, they passed away a few months ago... now it's just me and my brother.".

Virgil winced in sympathy at Roman's reply. "Oh.... I'm sorry about that.". Virgil said guiltily. Roman merely waved his hand, shrugging nonchalantly. Virgil's eyes narrowed slightly and he asked, "Do you wanna talk about it or not?".

Roman purses his lips into a small smile, "Some other time maybe.". Virgil nodded in understanding and continued washing the dishes. After some time they finished washing the dishes, and Virgil placed the plates and utensils back in their place, Roman helping him as well.

Once everything was tidied up, Virgil led Roman to the front door. "Thanks for visiting, by the way. It's nice to finally catch up with you."Virgil says with a warm smile. "It's no problem. It was great catching up with you too!"Roman said enthusiastically.

"Can I perhaps get a farewell hug with you?"Roman requested sheepishly, spreading his arms out as an indication.

Virgil snorted with laughter and said playfully, "Okay, okay, hugs it is.".

Roman beamed happily before pulling Virgil in for a tight warm (and also suffocating) hug, which Virgil gladly returned.

"Okay, let go, you're suffocating me again."Virgil laughs out. Roman released Virgil immediately, letting out a light chuckle. "Sorry, you're just so tiny and huggable!". He laughed.

Virgil rolled his eyes, swatting at Roman's arm with a light grin on his face. "Okay now you're insulting me.".

"No, It's a compliment!"

Soon then, they finally said goodbye to each other and Roman left, but not after giving Virgil a bear hug for the last time.

Virgil let out a soft sigh as he closed the door behind him and headed to the stairs, deciding to go to his room.

"Roman already left?"

Virgil felt like his soul left his body in surprise and was about to go into fight mode when he realized it was just his mother.

"Jesus Christ, mom, you scared the absolute shit outta me."Virgil hissed, placing a hand over his beating heart. His mother chuckled apologetically. "Sorry dear, didn't mean to scare you.".

"But yeah, he already left."The man said with a long sigh, calming himself down. "I see, so did you two catch up on each other?"His mother asks, smiling fondly at him. He just shrugged in response. "...Yeah, we did. He also told me that his parents passed away.".

"Ohh, poor boy... Is that why he moved back here?". She inquires.

"He didn't particularly say why he moved back here, he mentioned that he just missed our hometown,"Virgil explains. His mother merely hums and nods in response before finally coming down from the stairs, "Hmm, I hope things will go well for that kid.". Virgil hums back at her in agreement.

"Also, didn't you say you were going to take a nap? It's still 3pm."Virgil queries her as he begins to walk back upstairs.

"I did, it was just a short nap."His mother replied, already headed to the kitchen.

Virgil smiles softly and shakes his head, going to his room to rest.

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

Writing Taglist: @cutebisexualmess (please tell me if you want to be added or removed in the tag list)

[tera-91]

Mid-April thoughts

I didn’t mean to take a pause in posting. My thoughts have been a jumble lately.

My pup will need to have surgery so ive been working extra hours so that I can work less during the healing process. It sucks but I would rather go through with it now than the little cuddle bug be in discomfort. Poor thing has had some rough luck in the knee genetics department.

I have also been contemplating a job change but I would have to go to school for it. So Ive been dealing with checking out everything that I need to do for that. I think if I can be patient, which for me is kind of difficult, it would be a really good thing cuz I could potentially basically make in a day what I currently do in a week. It would definitely make things easier for me. But I wont be able to complete it for a few years. So I don’t know exactly what to do with my time between now and when I would be able to start taking courses.

Another jumbled thought I have is should I take advantage of the down time to try to pursue some side quests to make a little extra here and there to build it up so that I can quit my job while I go through school. I will have to be a three quarter to full time student while doing it so working and school might be a little bit of a juggling act. Also as bad as it might sound, I would rather do side quests than my actual job. I know that for most jobs dealing with people can be completely unavoided and there are jobs where it can be which would be a plus but I just get drained both mentally and physically dealing with people.

Other things have been good though.

I think I have figured out a way around some issues I was having with my videos. I just need to be able to spend some time to edit those so that I can post them. I have a pretty decent bank of them so I can spend time with my fluff ball to make sure healing goes well.

Writing I think is going good but also having a bit of a block. While I know I said I was probably going to take a break on sanders side stories, I somehow have 3 I’ve been working on. Maybe because I feel like I resonate with Virgil so its easier to write something with him verses starting something else. I can get anywhere from 300-500 words before my brain just halts and I cant figure out where to take it. I have an idea of the beginning but the further into it the murkier it gets and I don’t know where I want to take it. Part of me wants to go a fluff route but also writing is a bit of an emotional outlet for me. So part of me wants to just follow whatever emotion I have going at the time. Whether it be anger, frustration, etc but when I take a step back to review and edit I have hesitations. I know angst is a category and an option to post but at the same time I want what I create to be an escape for someone. Would that be helpful to others to read that or could it not be.

I guess anything could be helpful to anyone. Just a little bit of internal struggle. Maybe that is what is causing the block. Also I think I have a slight hesitation to post anything short after posting 2000-3000+ stories in the past. Even my word salads have been decently long. Also I get easily distracted or something just takes longer than I think it should and I get discouraged.

I hope everyone is having a good April. The weather is finally warming up but I think it has gone a bit too far. Gone from cold straight to HOT. I was hoping to have a little more slightly warm days so that way I could spend some time hanging outside and get back into painting. Or even just to enjoy nature for more than 15, maybe 20 minutes if Im lucky before it gets too hot out there. After I post this I might go try to enjoy as much time I can tolerate in the heat. I got some good nature photos the last time I went outside with my camera. Sometimes I contemplate if I should post them on here or maybe make an Instagram account and post them on there.

[transkingoryx]

Virgil

taglist: @troubledpan​ @nb-demon​ 

let me know if you want to be added or removed!

[the17thmeatball]

Mister Glassman

A Virgil fic based on the song Mister Glassman by Scottie Sire.

Human AU-ish

———————————————————————

Virgil was shy. Like really shy. He couldn’t even raise his hand to ask his teacher to slow down so he could write down the rest of the notes. He was too soft spoken. No friends, no social status. No one knew him, hardly anyone knew of his existence. But no one notices hlass unless it’s broken, right?

Now it was a few months later, there was a boy Virgil liked in his class. Prom was coming up, but he couldn’t bear to ask him. How could he? No one knows about him.

On the night of prom, all alone. No one to reassure him. Oh well. Nothing out of the ordinary, he was okay with that, wasn’t he?

A few years later now, and he really was okay. It did get better, of course he still got shy, but that’s okay.

That boy he liked? He still does, in fact, he loves him. They got married and adopted two kids. He made it through the bad time in his life, and so can you.

——————————————————————

It started angsty but ended well. Hope you liked it. If not, we are on the same page.

[teenytinystorage]

Green With Envy : Chapter 4

Summary: The sides’ Christmas Eve movie night is interrupted by the malicious Envy, and while Virgil tries to defend his friends from the scaly dark side, Logan, Roman, and Patton have a much more unique and catchier way to fight back.

Word Count: 1,488

Genre: Hurt/Comfort + Suspense (plus tons of fluff. My present to y’all!)

Warnings: Food, panic/fear descriptions, verbal attack/abuse mention, crying mention, a harsh insult/verbal attack

Pairings: None

... Previous Chapter ...

Enjoy! Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone :)

-

“I’m just letting you know now that you can never escape me.”

Virgil turned his head to the voice. He clenched his teeth. He balled his fists.

“Get behind the couch,” Virgil demanded, his voice barely peeking out of his mouth. He knew Envy would start heading downstairs to find them.

“Virgil—” Patton trembled.

“Now,” Virgil hissed, baring his teeth at the others.

Patton frowned, lifting Roman down behind the couch. Logan lifted himself onto the top of the couch and slid down. Patton was the last one to get behind the couch. He slid up onto the couch, whispering “Be safe.” He then quickly slid down to hide.

Virgil sat up from his seat. He trudged over to the start of the staircase. He took in a deep breath, his exhale becoming shaky from his unease.

“Envy. Glad to see your stupid scaly face again,” Virgil started. He thought an insult would shake Envy’s confidence.

“Virgil? Is that you down there? You blend right into the darkness with your new wardrobe.”

“Who told you about my new style, was it Mr. Lies and Dolls?”

“Ah, of course you assume it was him!” Envy cackled. It echoed through the house as if it were a siren. “I’m much more observant than you’d think for being pushed into the shadows all the time, you know.”

Virgil stepped back. But not to avoid Envy’s malicious pine eyes, no, he stepped back from fear, from the flight impulse clanging inside his skull.

“Dark outfits aside,” Envy continued, tapping his clawed fingers onto the railing, “where have the other fright sides gone? I can’t hear their peppy, positive voices or see their sickeningly sweet smiles anymore.”

Virgil took a moment.

“Oh. Ohhh. Fright sides, light sides. Reaaal clever.”

Envy’s confident aura crawled up Virgil’s arms.

“And the other sides don’t wanna hear your blabber. You probably scared them off with your dumb face.”

Envy cackled once more. His laughter burst through the room like a popped balloon. Virgil scowled at him.

“Oh, how hilarious! Deceit was right about your sense of humor!”

“Mhm. Yeah. Got it. Now go back to the sewers and leave,” Virgil ordered.

“Oh, the cowering mess ordering the likes of me to leave? I could just burst from laughter at that!” Envy bellowed pridefully, “Get with the times! You’re only a terrified toddler with a Hot Topic obsession.”

Virgil stepped back.

Envy always thrived off of getting reactions. Virgil didn’t let him get one. He just kept the scowl on his face.

Envy’s steps echoed down the staircase as he examined his nails. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have more people to greet.”

Virgil’s hands trembled.

“You go back!” Virgil stabbed his finger at Envy. Virgil’s voice was distorted and echoed through the house as he hissed and spat his threat.

Virgil could already hear the horrendous things Envy would say to the others. Envy would yell and threaten and hurt them until their tear ducts were dry. Until they had nothing else to do but weep dry tears.

Virgil was not letting that happen, no matter what.

“Oh, valid point.” Envy stopped walking down the stairs. His feet ceased from stomping against the staircase. “Let me think about it.” He paused his monologue mockingly, glancing to the side in fake pondering.

“No.” Envy curled his lips, continuing his frightful trudging down the steps.

Virgil walked backward as if being tugged by invisible strings. His body shook against his will. He didn’t know what he could do now. He couldn’t know. He’d never know. He wouldn’t be able to, he had to, but he never could—

“Hey, Envy.”

Virgil turned his head to see none other than Logan next to him. Logan stood confidently, holding a microphone in hand. Virgil’s anger of failing to protect Logan overtook his worries.

“Logan—” Virgil clenched his jaw.

Envy raised an eyebrow, smirking. He was now only a few steps up the staircase.

Logan turned to Virgil, whispering, “It’s alright, Virgil. I’ll take it from here.”

“But—”

“It’s okay. You’re loved and valuable to us. We’re going to get Envy back for this, for your and Roman’s sake.”

Virgil paused. He peered back at Envy. He let out his breath.

“Patton, now.” Logan held up a finger from his free hand. He motioned for Virgil to move back. Virgil stayed in place, eyes glued to Logan.

Patton’s head popped over the couch’s back. He held a thumbs-up for Logan and tapped his phone screen.

A rhythmic beat played from the device. Repetitive piano melodies flowed while clicky techno beats spiced the rhythmic recipe.

Logan gulped.

Roman popped his head up and gave a smile. He snapped his fingers, and two spotlights appeared over Logan and Envy, with Logan’s being brighter than the crocodile creature’s.

Logan inhaled. He put his free hand in his pocket.

The techno beats started again.

He held out his free hand.

“So you think you’re number one, huh?

You think you’re the real one here, huh?

Well, I have some news for you.

A harsh attack is about to ensue.”

Virgil had his eyes glued onto Logan. His eyes were filled with confusion.. and intrigue.

Roman hopped over the couch and grabbed the microphone in Logan’s hand. He cleared his throat.

Envy glared down at the spotlight for Logan and Roman, tilting his head up. He had to squint his eyes to shield them from the light above him.

The beats came on again.

“Listen here, Croc.

No need to gawk.

With your conceited walk

And your ugly talk.

I’m not here to make fun,

I’m here to get this done.

I’m pointing out your wrongs

One by one.”

Virgil’s jaw hung open like a door with broken hinges. He was trapped in place. Was this rehearsed?!

Logan snatched the microphone back.

“First, all you say are lies.

Your falsehoods are no disguise.

You never compromise

All you do is criticize!

From others, you only get yelps

But I’d recommend you get some help.”

Logan held the microphone over to Roman.

“I wouldn’t be saying threats if you’re not much of one yourself~”

Patton cheered from the couch.

Virgil smirked, glancing over at Envy, who flinched at the remark.

Roman caught the microphone that Logan dropped into his hands.

“Secondly, you slimy reptile, let’s talk about your style.

It hardly makes you look less crocodile.

A heaping dumpster pile

With a mischievous smile.

I’d say more

But there’s nothing left in store.

Leave out the back door,

Go on, I implore.”

Envy opened his mouth to snark back.

But Logan and Roman were already ahead of him.

“We’ve saved the best for last,” Logan remarked.

A pause held over the room.

The techno rhythm returned, and so did Logan and Roman’s voices respectively.

“Contrary to negativity you spray,”

“We sides are loved in every way.”

“We rescue the day,”

“While you betray.”

“You stray,”

“We slay.”

“No one left as your prey.”

“Samuel Seabury, go back to broadway.”

Envy growled under his breath.

“Now goodbye, uncool sir.”

“You can’t get rid of me that—”

“Good day!” Logan and Roman yelled.

Envy walked up a stair. He tried to put words together, but each time he started a sentence, he stopped it. He was too shocked to say a word.

“You heard them,” Virgil called out.

“Fine, but you aren’t rid of me yet! I’ll always be back, anytime, anywhere!” Envy pointed a finger in the air.

Envy’s wrinkled scaly nose and his curled lips from his turned head were clear to see. He cackled noisily, though now instead of being intimidating, it was the cackle of a man who held no more power over the sides.

He was gone in a puff of green smoke.

-

“Wonderful show!” Patton cheered.

“That was— good, it was good.” Virgil rolled his eyes and stuck out his lip, still a bit stunned from the performance. “Did you guys rehearse that or something?”

“We may have planned a few lyrics beforehand,” Logan shrugged.

Roman had a proud smile on his face and comfort in his heart.

Envy is a liar, Roman thought to himself.

I’m a wonderful, inspiring side.

Not useless in any way.

Perfectly useful.

Perfectly dramatic.

Perfectly inspiring.

Perfectly flawed.

“Sooo, anyone want brownies?” Patton asked, now holding the cooled tray in his hands.

“I’ll take some!” Roman beamed.

“...Fine, I’ll compromise and have one,” Logan groaned.

Patton stared at Logan, a frown on his face.

“Two,” Logan clicked his tongue between his teeth irritatedly.

“That’s the spirit!” Patton smiled.

“...Thank you all, once again,” Roman admitted, “you really are quite the help for melancholy monarchs like me.”

“It’s no issue at all! And remember,” Patton sighed cheerfully, pausing a moment.

He cut a brownie out of the tray and set it on a plate, handing said plate over to Roman.

“There’s nothing to envy if you’re already perfect yourself.”

-

Taglist: @datfearlessfangirl @yeet-ceit