#virgil: are you trying to make us starve

[jaratedeguadalupe]

Ok but au where remus has gotten banned from every grocery store in a 30-mile radius for drastically different reasons and makes it his life mission to get banned from every single one 

[a-small-batch-of-dragons]

Crush Symptoms

idea, but no pressure: Touch-starved analogical? Maybe a bit of hurt/comfort where they both think the other doesn’t like hugs/other touch, but really they just don’t know how to ask? love your work! – amateurmasksmith

I was wondering if you could do a fic with Virgil as the comforter, since he’s rarely in that role. I was thinking Logan starts working more and taking worse care of himself, and instead of processing his stress and feelings he holds the stress in his body, which combined with sitting more and shit is causing him physical pain, and Virgil, being anxiety, helps him relax and relieves the pain. No pressure tho lol I just thought it’d be interesting to see some physical comfort since you write mental comfort so well – anon

Read on Ao3

Warnings: chronic pain, not-actually unrequited love

Pairings: analogical

Word Count: 3306

Logan is aware that he is what some people might call 'standoffish.' This does not prevent him from developing quite the crush on Virgil. Now, if only he could find a way to talk about it that didn't involve having s mental breakdown...

Logan is aware that he is what some people might call 'standoffish.' He does not invite the same camaraderie that a few of the other Sides do, nor does he make himself approachable for things such as hugs or other forms of physical affection. By and large, he is content to remain this way, as it allows him to perform his duties and adhere to his schedule without being waylaid by those who will not be named that are quite fond of occupying laps or other physical spaces as would a particularly affectionate pet. That is, offended by any sort of dislodging or movement that impedes their ability to use him as a pillow.

Now, this does not mean that he is averse to offering physical affection, far from it. If Patton is in need of a hug, or if Roman insists on sweeping them all into some form of ballroom dance, he will oblige. Firstly because often it is no hardship, secondly because if it is a hardship, complying usually gets it over with a little quicker. However, there are certain forms that he resists wholeheartedly, namely being tackled onto the nearest surface, soft or otherwise. He has several bruises from the trial and error period of figuring out how best to avoid such circumstances.

While this serves him perfectly well the majority of the time, he would be remiss in his conclusions to say that it works out all the time. He is still human, metaphysical or otherwise, and as such, is subject to the same things that all humans are when it comes to his health. He must still endeavor to eat relatively healthily, he must get an adequate amount of sleep, and yes, he must socialize. This can typically be achieved by attending the 'family dinners,' as Patton is fond of calling them, regularly scheduling movie nights for everyone, and partaking in whatever events the twins conjure in the Imagination for them to enjoy. Recently, however, he's been noticing something amiss.

He's begun to get quite cold. At first, he ascribed it to the changing seasons; despite the fact that Thomas lives in Florida, the coming of the winter months is accompanied by some decrease in average temperature. It made sense, then, that he would be colder if it were colder outside. However, the general feeling of the Mindscape did not alter significantly, nor did adding sweaters or cardigans make any sort of meaningful difference. He tried switching his water intake with hot tea, keeping a blanket on hand to drape over his lap when he worked, even trying to make his room warmer using a few extra heat lamps Janus deemed insufficient. Nothing worked, in fact it made it worse. Now he felt both too warm and too cold at the same time, which was endlessly perplexing. How could he be sweating and still feel cold?

It became clear this was not a typical issue of temperature. There is something else at work here, clearly, that is giving him the sensation of being cold without the physical symptoms present. Perhaps some sort of latent emotional response due to something happening in Thomas's life. But as much as he tries to investigate that avenue, he fails to find anything significant enough to warrant this sudden feeling. None of the others imply that anything's wrong, Thomas isn't undergoing any significant struggle, and even checking in on the status of his own work fails to result in anything useful.

The last option, then, is that the problem is entirely internal.

At first, the conclusion makes Logan scoff. What could he be doing or not doing that would result in him feeling cold? He was maintaining his physical fitness, his general health, even his social requirements. He'd just come from movie night, after all, where all of them ended up on one of the large mattresses the twins could summon, huddled under blankets while some generic action movie played on the TV. He hadn't felt cold during that, had he?

Logan sits down at his desk, fingers steepled in concentration. He closes his eyes, trying to remember how he felt a few minutes ago. He'd been sitting with his back against the couch, yes, with Roman and Remus cuddled up near the edge of the mattress as Janus quietly explained to Patton what was going on. Virgil had been on the other side, twisting his hoodie strings back and forth as he watched. Logan hadn't been cold, how could he have been, what with the twins acting as space heaters under the blankets? The only time that he had even approached getting cold had been when Remus got up to use the bathroom, pushing his way through the pile of them and the blanket had flipped up. Virgil had leaned forward to pull it back down and brushed against Logan's arm.

Logan blinks.

Virgil's arm had been warm. Distressingly so. As though someone had taken a hot water bottle and pressed it against him. It had lasted barely a second, as Virgil had quickly pulled away with a muttered apology. But that is, to date, the only memory Logan has of actually feeling warm instead of cold.

Glancing at the clock, he sighs and opens his laptop, quickly typing something in and adjusting his glasses. The cold feeling reemerges as he reads, one hand unconsciously going to the front of his chest as he takes in the words on the screen. He amends his conclusion about what's going on both too quickly and too slowly.

He's touch starved.

Had someone brought up the possibility even an hour earlier, he would have scoffed. He wasn't the type of person to become touch starved. He had all the options for physical affection he would want, how could he be touch starved? His role didn't give him any sort of predisposition to it either, that was reserved for Patton, Roman, Remus, even Janus. Logic, touch starved? The very notion was preposterous.

And yet, once you have eliminated the impossible…

He closes the laptop again and sits back, the hand still on his chest now feeling woefully inadequate. There are solutions to this problem, obviously, his disbelief at its existence signifies as such. He would be able to receive assistance from at least three Sides if he went to them right this moment and informed them of his predicament.

He sits in the chair, unmoving.

Patton would baby him. Treat him as though he were a child, someone to be smothered and cooed at, perhaps even forbid him from being on his own for a while until it was solved. That in and of itself might have the complete opposite effect and make him resent the idea of touch altogether.

Remus would be more aggressive. He might be wrestled down and held until Remus deemed it alright to let him up, which wouldn't be for a considerable amount of time. Besides, he's seen Remus's choice of affection and he's not sure such treatment would work to resolve the problem.

Janus would tease him. Or at the very least, hold it over his head in some way, no matter how innocent or playful it would be, in exchange for his help. He's embarrassed enough as it is, he can only imagine that having to watch Janus smirk and chuckle at him as he tried—badly, because that is all he can do at the moment—to make himself ask for physical comfort.

Roman…might be alright. Out of all of the Sides, Roman is perhaps the only one who Logan can actually imagine struggling with touch starvation. Roman would understand and probably wouldn't hold it over him in any way, or make him uncomfortable about it. He would understand the severity of the situation and the significance of Logan coming to him for help, but…but…

But if Logan is being very honest with himself in this moment, there is only one Side he truly wants to go to and ask for help, and it isn't Roman.

He gets up then, going to the bathroom to finish his nighttime routine, turning off the light and settling into bed. He sets his glasses on the side table and turns over. After a moment, he takes one of the spare pillows and tucks it against his chest. If he closes his eyes, he can attempt to imagine someone else here.

His crush on Virgil is an open secret between him and Roman at this point. Ironically enough, it was one of the first things that solidified this new friendship between them. Roman wouldn't betray his trust, he knows, nor would he actually bother him about it if he knew it was causing him this much distress. Sure, he'd coaxed Logan into doing one of those horrifically cliched rants about how much he liked Virgil once or twice under the justification that it was better to get it out in some way before it spilled out uncontrollably, but other than that, he left it alone. Which was excellent, because then there's a smaller chance that Virgil will find out, but also, that almost definitely rules out going to Roman for any sort of help.

Because Roman is, contrary to Logan's insistence, quite sensible, and he will no doubt suggest that Logan go and actually talk to Virgil.

Even the thought crossing his mind is enough to make him scoff again, burying his face in the pillow. Virgil is not one for physical affection either, which renders the entire solution pointless. If by some miracle he actually accepted Logan's affections—he does not dare give himself the hope that Virgil would return them—that was no guarantee that anything beneficial would become of it. He would simply have to deal with this on his own, or find some way to achieve a solution that would stem the worst of it until he thought of something better.

The cold feeling in his chest spreads a little bit as he falls asleep.

He does not, in fact, succeed at doing either of these things. Instead, he decides that the best way to avoid dealing with this problem is to devote himself to his projects, reasoning that if he has less brain space to worry about it and dwell on his inability to resolve it, it will become less of a problem. In doing so, he forgets three key things: one, you cannot reason or think your way out of being in pain, two, ignoring a problem does not make it go away, and three, ignoring this particular problem makes it much worse.

Much, much worse.

The first time he tries to get up and has to wince at the pull in his shoulders, he doesn't think anything of it. Perhaps he was sitting for too long. He rolls them a few times to stretch them out and continues about his day as though nothing's gone wrong.

The first time he gets up and has to immediately sit back down, he has the thought of reaching for his water bottle and a snack. He looks at the clock and realizes he's been working far longer than he anticipated. Perhaps that was it, just losing track of time.

The first time he wakes up and every single muscle in his body aches, he knows he's gone too far.

He has half a mind to scold himself the way he does the twins for neglecting his physical health in favor of his work, but just as soon as the thought crosses his mind, another pushes itself to the forefront. The physical manifestation of stress has not only caused him to become virtually immobile, but it has a high likelihood of directly alerting the one person Logan would really rather not know about any of this.

A dread that is instantly realized when he feels something soft and warm brushing his hair back from his face.

"Hey, L? L, can you hear me?"

"Virgil?"

"Yeah, it's me." He must be imagining the relief in Virgil's voice, why else would he sound like that? "Sorry to come in without asking, but it seems like you're really not having a good time right now."

He manages to pry his eyes open and sure enough, there is Virgil, looking down at him with concern written plainly across his face. He swallows and his throat protests. Virgil seems to take that as an answer.

"I think you've overworked yourself a bit," he says in that soft way that isn't teasing, not really, but enough to make Logan flush, "can I help you figure out something else?"

"Like what?"

"You're in pain right now, yeah? Shh, hey, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like a bad thing—I mean, it's a bad thing you're in pain, but I'm here to help you not be in pain, not make fun of you for being in pain."

"Sorry."

"Don't apologize for reacting like you're hurt when you are." His hand cards through Logan's hair again and he has to bite his lip at how warm the touch is. "Can I help, though? I know a bit about making this sort of pain go away."

This is a bad idea. This is in fact a terrible idea. This is not something Logan should agree too.

"Okay," Virgil says, when Logan nods because of course he does, why should he stop making bad decisions now, "here's what we're gonna do, okay? I'm guessing there's a lot of pain just sort of in your limbs, am I right?"

"Yes."

"Got it. I'm gonna start stretching them out, okay? You let me know if anything hurts too much and I'll stop right away."

"Okay."

"I'm gonna start with your arm." Virgil's hands are so warm and solid on his arm that he almost bites back a whine. "That okay? Not hurting too much?"

"N-no."

"Okay. Let me know if that changes."

He starts lifting and rotating Logan's arm, bending and straightening it and massaging the tender skin. Some part in the back of Logan's brain recognizes he's trying to restore regular blood flow and a decent range of movement, but the rest of him is currently swallowed in the dry warmth of Virgil's touch. He lays that arm down after a while and moves to the other one. But this has him leaning over Logan with his shadow falling across Logan's face and he can't stop the slight rush of breath that escapes him.

"Hey," comes the gentle voice and that isn't helping matters at all, "hey, what's wrong, bud? You doing okay? Am I being too much?"

"No," he says far too quickly, "no, you're…you're fine."

A bemused smile comes to his face and he nods, continuing to work on the other arm. Logan's torn between letting his eyes fall shut to enjoy the sensation of just someone else touching him and keeping them open so as not to miss a second. Virgil seems mostly oblivious to his dilemma, patiently working his way up and down the arm until he lays it flat once more. He sits back on his haunches, a hand resting on Logan's knee. Even through the covers, the touch burns.

"How're your legs doing, bud? They hurt too?"

"Yes."

"Okay. I'm gonna need to take the covers off so I can see 'em, is that okay?" Logan nods, but as soon as the cool air hits him, the swelling sensation in his chest buckles and he's gasping for air in the next second. "Whoa, whoa, hey, hey, shh, shh, L, it's okay, look, there, the blanket's all back, see? Shh, it's okay, you're okay."

"Sorry," Logan gasps out, "sorry, I'm so sorry."

Virgil shuffles closer, a furrow between his eyebrows. "You've got nothing to apologize for, L, I mean it. I'm here to help, okay? If something I'm doing isn't helping, then you tell me and I stop it. That's what you did, you're doing great."

"N-no, I'm sorry you—you have to help me like—help me like this."

"Like what?"

"You have to—to touch me."

Virgil goes quiet. Logan squeezes his eyes shut and waits for the telltale noise of sinking out. Instead, he almost loses his entire composure when a hand gently cups his cheek.

"Logan," comes the voice, soft, too soft, too sweet, "open your eyes, look at me, sweetheart."

Oh, no. Not the pet names. Literally anything but that.

But Logan is weak and already doing what Virgil asked. The thumb brushing his cheek does make him want to shut his eyes again, because this cannot be real, but Virgil is smiling at him.

"I don't mind touching you," he murmurs, "that's not a hardship for me. Is it that you don't like being touched? Is that the problem?"

"You…" None of his brain wants to work so long as that hand is on his face. "Can't think."

The hand leaves and the cold makes him whimper. Virgil's hand touches his knee again. He blinks.

"You don't like being touched."

"What makes you think that?" Logan just stares at him. "Just because I don't like being tackled by Remus doesn't mean I don't like being touched."

"O-oh."

"Besides, if it were you, I don't think I'd have any problem with it at all." Virgil chuckles when a flush decides that now is the perfect time to spread all over Logan's face. "Wow, okay, I wasn't expecting that."

"You—you—what?"

He leans forward, both hands reaching this time, and they fit gently around the curve of Logan's neck. The rush of warmth is staggering, not helped at all by Virgil's soft voice still murmuring to him. "I thought you didn't like to be touched, sweetheart, that's it. I'm happy to help you, I promise. And Princey's definitely gonna tease the hell out of me when he hears about this."

"Wait, why?"

"Because he knows about the big fat crush I have on you and if he could see me right now…" Virgil trails off when he notices Logan's eyes brimming with tears. "Hey, hey, sweetheart, don't cry, I'm sorry, that was too much to dump on you right now, here, let me help you with your legs and you can—"

Logan doesn't let him finish, surging forward to clumsily press his mouth to Virgil's. The hands cradling his face stutter and for a moment, he thinks he's made the worst mistake of his life, but then Virgil sighs and kisses him back like it's the only thing he wants to do.

"Well," he says softly when they break apart, "I think Princey's gonna be teasing both of us, then?"

"Probably."

Virgil chuckles and rubs their noses together. "How about this, then: let me help stretch your legs out, get you some painkillers, then we'll cuddle in bed and not worry about how smug Princey's gonna be until later?"

"That sounds perfectly adequate."

"'Perfectly adequate,' alright, I can work with that."

Roman does indeed end up being very smug, but he's quietly smug about it, which Logan will take as a win.

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

[frickerdoodledoo]

share jerigrim thoughts (demand not request <3)

Oh hey Tumblr decided not to notify me of this! How fun!

Anyway, Jerigrim.

There's of course the number of popular dynamics they fulfill, Stormcloud x Sunshine, Socially Awkward x Awkwardly Social, Big and Bulky x Scrawny Beanpoll, "If I don't talk about my problems they'll disappear" x "I do! I'm sad...", "He makes me laugh" etc

But there's also a bit of canon content. Unfortunately, in canon, Yorgrim doesn't actually get too emotionally close to anyone in the party, which I do believe is a coping mechanism. But of those in that party, I do see his relationship with Jericho as one of his strongest, aside from Briggsy, of course. Jericho is one of the first to extend a hand of connection to him, while it's clear the others are a bit offput by his standoffishness and delayed entry to the party.

Jericho is making strides to ensure he's included from as soon as Lockwood Manor, lagging behind to make sure Yorgrim is okay, trying to help him cope with the panic of seeing the horrific crooked spirits. And in turn, Yorgrim warms up to Jericho quickly, easily entertained by his jokes and accepting his awkward attempts at help.

And then there's the part which I point to for a lot of my Briggrim material as well, being Yorgrim's death. Of the four remaining party members, it's clear that Briggsy and Jericho were hit hardest by his demise. It could be chalked up to Jericho not being used to loss, but whenever what happened that night at the crooked house is brought up, it's always Yorgrim's name that comes up first for both of them, despite the fact that Farryn died as well.

Regardless, all of that can validly be seen in a platonic light. So now we move on to headcanons on why it would work.

First of all, look me in the eyes and tell me either of these two men are neurotypical. You can't. Because they are two sides of the same autism coin. They bond over being horrible at social cues and not understanding why civilizations work the way that they do, Jericho provides his optimistic perspective on things Yorgrim initially considers frivolous. Neither of them have any idea how "dating" or "being in love" works but boy oh boy do I enjoy being in this mans company basically 24/7. Jericho is also deeply and horribly touch starved and this very large man is a very good hugger so that's a plus.

They are both so, so sad. The thing is, both of them have very similar traumas. They both see the outsider perspective of each other's backstories and understand the other wasn't truly at fault for the actions of people they were supposed to trust. Yorgrim knows Jericho can't control Virgil, and he can't truly be held solely accountable for the actions of a literal demon possessing his body. Jericho knows that Yorgrim didn't single-handedly murder everyone in his village, and that in reality, he was manipulated by his cheiftain and has been forced to shoulder the burden of blame ever since. Both of them understand that the other is not evil, just a man burdened with a duty they were never given a chance to deny nor understand. But they both harbor so much guilt and self-loathing for the very thing the other can plainly see as out of their control. The parallels are sickening.

I could keep going but I am sick and also exhausted.

[mad-doodle-disease]

//content warning: starvation, neglect, cannibalistic(?, it's toon on cog) ideations byrd cage

timmy riddle leaned back in his cell, gazing over at the sellbot in the large cell desperately attempting to break the bars of their cage.

timmy riddle: youve been at this for days, winston. those bars are not gonna break. winston byrd: t-t-they have to-o-o! i need... fr-freeeee...dom... timmy riddle: nobodys gonna come, winston. they haven't fed me or haven't come to beat you up in WEEKS. i dont think you've noticed, but i've been surviving off rats that scurry near or inside my cell.

timmy jostled his cells bars for emphasis, making the cobblestone around it shake a bit.

timmy riddle: RATS. do you understand how LITTLE a rat is, winston!? how little meat you can pick from them, how rancid that meat is... especially raw!? i am STARVING.

winston whimpered a bit, scratching at their exposed teeth anxiously.

winston byrd: this-th-this... isn't like yo-o-ou, tim-tim-timmy... timmy riddle: oh, cry me a river, winston! i think i've earned the right to be a little snappy, your captors... MY elders ABANDONED US for some... stupid unknown reason!?

timmy chuckles, a bit of desperation in his eyes as he stares winston down from across the dungeon.

timmy riddle: if one of our cell bars do end up breaking, you better oik-ing hope its yours that breaks first. that or you better hope you're powered off when mine breaks. i've always wondered what cog metal tasted like... i'd rather eat your gears than suffer through another RAT-

right as timmy was beginning to yell, the both of them went silent as they heard the faint sound of a wooden door being busted off it's hinges. the wooden door... the wooden door leading inside dungeon! the two of them slowly moved their stares from eachother, and gazed over at the cobblestone staircase leading upwards to the outside world.

a moment of shocked silenced passed, someone was actually coming!? timmy and winston began to shake and bang on their cell bars, yelling and trying to make as much noise as possible. to their ecstasy, they heard the echoed sounds of slow, heavy footsteps making it down the staircase.

a mysterious lawbot walked through the stairwell, immediately locking eyes with winston from across the room. timmy stumbled backwards in shock at the fact it was a COG, but still attempted to get his attention anyway. the lawbot made fast strides across the room before reaching winston's cell, completely disregarding timmy's existence as if he didn't even notice him.

???: i knew you would be here, right where those picaroons left you.

after around a minute of trying to manually unlock the cell with no success, the lawbot sighed and took a couple steps backwards, readying his hand.

???: stand back unless you wish to be immolated.

winston byrd stood still for a moment, trying to figure out what "immolated" meant, but as soon as they saw the embers begin to form at the lawbot's fingertips they got the hint at stepped backwards. as soon as winston was a safe distance away, the bars of their cell was engulfed in flames, making them glow brightly from the heat coursing through the metal. a few quick strikes of the burning metal malformed it enough for winston to squeeze through.

despite the words forming in his throat, the lawbot didn't even need to order winston to squeeze through the burning metal. winston did so almost immediately, all too eager to be free from their cage even if it meant burning their already damaged steel bones.

???: my name is prester virgi-

immediately once freed, winston practically tackled the lawbot to the floor, wrapping their entire body around them while almost crying. timmy watched, laughing his head off.

winston byrd: THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU... (cont.) prester virgil: i did not give you permission to touch me you... you... DEVIANT! timmy riddle: get a room, haha! ew! winston byrd: c-can we bring tim-tim-timmy with us? prester virgil: what

winston motioned their head over to timmy's cage, who was still laughing at the prospect of cog intimacy like a madman.

timmy riddle: diddly-doo, diddly dee! you are now enchanted to free me! prester virgil: absolutely not. winston byrd: b-b-but why-y-y!? he's my fun-fun-funny fri-iend! prester virgil: i would rather die by the maws of those amalgamations outside than allow a fiendish toon my mercy. winston byrd: bu-but he's ni-ice! timmy riddle: come on man it's my birthday just let me out of my cage ple- did you say amalgamations what do you mean by that.

they ended up taking timmy riddle.

NEXT

[tss-whumper]

egotistical - a sanders sides whump oneshot

(this was requested by a few of my friends, and inspired by an interaction i had while talking about roman in a discord server!)

summary: "Uh oh, better not give Roman a compliment. It'll stroke his ego, and we don't need that!". Roman is used to being the butt of the joke, the clown, the silly ingenue, the stupid prince. But what happens when the constant mistreatment and berating break him down past repair? After all, the ego needs praise and approval to survive. If Roman is constantly starved of the one thing he desires more than anything else, then he might just shut down.

word count: 4.4k

content warnings: verbal abuse, manipulation, all of the sides can be considered unsympathetic except for roman, virgil, and remus.

Roman was the ego. And nobody let him forget it.

Ego has a lot of different interpretations when it comes to the definition and what it could mean for Roman as a representation. Is he the Freudian ego, a part of the conscious mind that acts according to reality? No, that didn't sound very much like Roman at all. Is he the literal ego, which is a sense of personal identity and self-worth? Roman would like to think so, but he wasn't completely sure.

The definition of ego that all of the other sides, as well as Thomas, as well as the fandom interpreted Roman as was the figurative ego. Selfishness. Snobbiness. Inflated self-importance. In their minds, ego was seen as a flaw. Something that needed to be fought and suppressed in order to better Thomas.

It only made sense. Thomas was raised in a religion where greed and pride were both deadly sins. Wanting things was an aspect of Roman's purpose. He was the reason why Thomas reached for the stars to begin with. Along with this, was appreciation for Thomas' achievements. Roman was the cheerleader, the one who helped Thomas steel his nerves at auditions, the one who reminded Thomas that he was born to perform, and that the only thing stopping him from doing his best was his own doubts. That was all Roman.

But that wasn't the stuff that was noticed. And as hard as Roman tried to deny it, wearing his prince persona like it was a mask, his sash like a bulletproof vest as insults and backhanded compliments were constantly hurled at him, his visage was slipping.

---

"Look, look, guys, look!"

Roman ran as fast as he could out of his bedroom to the other sides, who were eating their lunch in the kitchen. Bouncing on his toes, Roman spun around, showing everybody the new outfit he had created, using red, orange, and brown accents instead of his usual red and white. It had taken all afternoon, and Roman was so happy with his work. Sewing and needlework did not come easy, and the prince spent a lot of time, trial, and error to ensure that this outfit would be impressive.

"Tada!" he cried out, "Do you like it? Isn't it cool? I can make you guys new outfits if you want! If you like this one, I can make a matching one!"

"Looks good, Princey," Virgil said with a small smile, between bites of salad, "I like what you did with the sleeves."

"You do? Really?" Roman's eyes glimmered with joy and he squealed, "Oh, I'm so glad! See, what I did was I puffed out the sleeves, and then-"

"Aww, come on, Virgil, why'd you do that?" Patton asked, a slight frown showing on his face as he grimaced, "Now he's not going to stop bragging about how great he is."

Roman felt like the wind had been knocked out of him.

"Yeah, Pat's right," Janus chimed in, gazing at Roman's outfit with a critical eye, "And your needlework could use some, well, needleWORK, Roman. The stitches are so crooked."

"I made it for practice," Roman protested quietly, gazing down at his sleeves, hiding them with his hands, suddenly feeling extremely insecure.

Logan sighed with relief when he saw Roman duck his head.

"Oh, good," he said, "Now I can finally focus. Roman, there's really no need to constantly try and show off how great you are. We all have much more important things to focus on than your preening."

Roman forced a smile so big and splitting that it hurt. He hoped that nobody could see the tears that were starting to blur his vision.

"Got it," he said through his gritted grin, "I'll go fix these stitches, then. See you guys later."

He rushed back to his bedroom, only realizing after he closed the door that he had forgotten to grab a plate of food. But it was just as well. After that interaction, Roman's throat had closed up. His stomach was in knots. He wasn't hungry anyway.

---

"I chose the movie for Movie Night last time," Janus mused out loud, "Roman, why don't you choose this time?"

"Really?" Roman asked excitedly, "You guys never let me choose anymore."

"Don't act like it was for no reason," Patton teased, "You kept singing during the movies, even after we told you to stop. You'd better promise not to sing this time, mister!"

Something invisible stabbed through Roman's chest.

"Uh-huh!" he squeaked, trying to hide how much that comment hurt, though honestly, he was so excited about choosing the movie after weeks of not choosing, that he focused back on the DVD collection quickly. "I wanna watch Brother Bear!"

There was a collective groan.

"Is...is that okay...?" Roman asked hesitantly.

"I love Brother Bear!" Remus said enthusiastically, "The moose are so funny, and the faces the bears make are the best."

"It's...alright, I suppose," Janus shrugged, putting in the DVD, sighing as he did, "What led you to choosing that one, Ro?"

"It's about brothers!" Roman cried out happily, before sheepishly smiling over at Remus. "I like stuff about brothers."

Remus grinned in response. "Yeah! Me too!"

"Aww, how adorable," Janus cooed, petting Roman's hair, "You're so valiant, Roman. So considerate of others."

Roman's heart lifted. "You mean it?" he whispered.

"Of course I mean it, doll," Janus purred, "You're such a sweetheart. You ask that like you don't hear praise often. Now, I just know that's not true."

It absolutely was true. But Roman did not dare argue and risk ruining this perfect moment. He was smiling so big that his mouth and face hurt, but it was a real smile this time. He started to rock back and forth on the couch, so joyful. Janus was being kind to him! Janus was giving him a real compliment!

The movie started, and Janus hugged Roman gently as all six sides watched it together. By the time it was over, everybody agreed that Brother Bear was a great choice of a movie. Roman was positively glowing.

"Roman," Janus mumbled, grabbing Roman's wrist before the prince could go back to his room for bed, "Can we...talk for a moment?"

Roman smiled and nodded. "Alright! How can I help you, Janus?"

He bowed courteously, the way royalty tended to. But it was clear that Janus, in all of his smooth, elegant, almost sultry glory, was all business right now.

"I need you to come with me to talk with Thomas tomorrow," Janus whispered, "We have to tell him that Virgil is messing up Thomas' recharge time by constantly filling his head with worries the whole time. I'm sure Thomas has noticed it, and he's more likely to listen if it's both of us."

"Oh, um...I don't know," Roman admitted, wincing slightly, "I think Virgil's doing a good job, as well as he can, at least. Anxious thoughts are always gonna slip through the cracks, right? And- I thought Thomas said that his recharge time has improved."

"Huh," Janus remarked, his expression growing colder, "And here I was thinking that you actually had some sense, Roman. Some basic observation skills when it comes to people besides yourself."

Roman's eyes widened, and he took a shaky step back, confused and astonished.

Janus had just been so sweet to him. What happened??

"I'm sorry," Roman said immediately. By now, he had learned that the sooner he apologized, the better. "I didn't mean to be- um- to not- uh- I-"

"Spit it out!" Janus snapped, before pinching the bridge of his nose and regaining his composure, "You should know by now that an apology means nothing if you don't even know what you're apologizing for. And I thought I was the manipulative one."

"I'm not trying to manipulate you," Roman protested, a tear rolling down his face that he desperately wiped away, but it was too late.

"Crocodile tears don't work on me, sweetheart," Janus cooed, "I give you all these compliments, I build you up and support you all night, and you can't even do this one little thing for me? You just have to argue with me and be right? No wonder the fandom can't stand you. You need to be knocked down a few pegs."

Roman winced as Janus turned on his heels and walked away, muttering under his breath. When the sound of Janus' footsteps faded away, Roman finally let out the sob that he had been biting back. It hurt to restrain it, burning his throat and stinging his eyes, but he didn't want Janus to think he was only crying to make him feel guilty.

It wasn't fair, Roman couldn't help but think. He had really thought Janus' compliments were real. He should have known that the only reason Janus would ever be nice to him was to get something out of him.

After all, Janus said this out loud on camera. And nobody even batted an eye.

Manipulation, the prince learned, was only a sin when Roman was the one being accused of it.

---

"Woah, good flip, Ro!"

Remus laughed in delight as he watched Roman flip pancake after pancake. Roman was not usually great in the kitchen, but when it came to Pancake Saturday, he had grown to master the art. He absolutely adored dying the batter different colors and making silly shapes for each of his fellow sides, so they could wake up to a new art piece.

This morning, as usual, all of the sides were chatting while waiting for their pancakes, and Roman glowed at Remus' praise.

"Thanks!" he said eagerly, "I've been practicing since last week! I think I'm really improving my form, though, I guess it makes sense. I have a pretty strong left arm!"

"Oh, here it comes!" Patton interjected, grinning at the others as he pointed to Roman, "The ego express! Choo choo!"

"Careful, now, Remus," Logan said, a small, amused smile on his face as he cut into his asteroid-shaped pancake, "If you keep inflating Roman's ego, he'll become even more insufferable."

Roman's eyes widened, and his face flushed so with embarrassment that he started to sweat. Quickly, he turned to face the pan, realizing with a jolt of panic that his pancakes were going to burn. He quickly flipped them over and turned down the heat with a trembling hand.

All Remus had done was give him a compliment. Was that not allowed anymore? Was Roman just so insufferable that it was impossible for him to get any sort of kindness without it being immediately reversed into something bad?

"The last thing he needs is more ego-stroking," Janus chimed in, "All he ever talks about is himself."

"All he ever cares about is himself," Patton added with a disappointed sigh, "Maybe we should all lay off on the praise. It's spoiling him rotten."

Roman's grip tightened on his spatula. He was making custom pancakes for everybody, not eating a bite until everyone else had eaten their fill, and somehow, he was still being accused of thinking only of himself?

The prince's mind raced as he thought about all of the things he had done. He had given up the callback, his livelihood, the one thing he wanted more than anything. After bringing up the idea of communicating with both the director of the callback and the fiances of the wedding and being shut down, Roman was the one who had been punished for deciding on the wedding after the fact. It was always his fault. Everything was always Roman's fault, and he apologized, and groveled, and did everything he could. He listened to every degrading joke about him with as much grace as he could. Sure, Roman wasn't perfect. Sometimes, he was pushed to his limits and he just had to fight back. But it wasn't often. Roman went through so much pain to make the others happy. He gave up so much.

When would the sacrifices ever be enough for them?

"Aww, is Princey crying?" Janus taunted, snapping Roman out of his thoughts.

Roman realized that he was indeed softly sobbing, his tears landing on the hot pancake griddle and sizzling as they evaporated. This always happened to him. He got so lost in his own mind that he started to cry before he realized it soon enough to stop. Now the others would think he was being manipulative!

Immediately, Roman reached forward and turned off the heat on the stove. He scooped up the pancakes on the griddle and placed them on Remus' plate. And then, he ran as quickly as he could out of the kitchen and back into his room, hearing laughter echoing behind him. Roman could hear everything

He wished his door was thicker.

"Goodness, that Princey," Patton sighed, "He can't handle any sort of criticism, can he?"

Did Patton realize how hurtful receiving a constant barrage of criticism every second of the day was?

"No, he certainly can't," Logan agreed, "Frankly, it's very disturbing to see him acting so childish. He throws a tantrum every time he doesn't get his way."

Did Logan have any idea how often Roman did not get his way?

"He never listens," Janus scoffed dismissively, "I've tried to tell him to knock it off, but I swear, he's even more spiteful than Virgil."

How could Janus call Roman spiteful after throwing him under the bus in front of millions just because Roman didn't do exactly what he wanted?

It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair.

Roman wasn't an idiot, as much as people liked to call him one. He read every single hate comment. He saw every single poll. Nobody liked him. The other sides didn't like him. The fans despised him. They called him a brat, a narcissist. They made him the butt of every joke, and wrote him as a bully in all of their stories. They only ever saw the person he had practically killed himself trying to erase. They only cared about what Patton and Janus said, and not at all about what Roman did.

"If so many people hate me, then maybe I'm the problem," Roman whispered to himself, gazing into his mirror, pristine and crystal clear. "I can't remember the last time I read a nice comment about myself online. I don't know if there was ever a time when Janus or Patton genuinely complimented me. Maybe I don't deserve compliments. I'm just stupid, old, egotistical Roman! And no matter how hard I try, I'll never, ever be who they want me to be! Never...ever..."

He collapsed against his mirror and cried bitter, desperate tears. His chest was being clawed from the inside out. Roman felt like the world was spinning, and like there was no way out of the hole he was being buried in. There was no winning on Christmas, no winning any day for the prince.

No matter what he did, Roman would always walk away the loser.

---

"Do you have any idea how fucked up that was?"

"You're sitting there eating the pancakes he woke up at 6am to make for you, and you're calling him selfish?"

Virgil and Remus were up in arms, side by side as they angrily questioned the other sides. It was rare that this ragtag duo agreed over anything. Their purposes were so opposite. But in this moment, the one thing they shared was their extreme concern for Roman.

One thing about Roman was that he was horrible at pushing down his feelings. But recently, more and more, Virgil and Remus had witnessed the prince putting on a perfect, flawless mask in order to hide his brokenness. Why wouldn't he? It was clear that when he did show his sadness or anger or frustration, it only resulted in punishment. Humiliation, or chastising, or exclusion. Even on camera, in front of millions, Roman couldn't escape the endless barrage of hate and torment.

"You're bullying him, and you don't even care!" Remus spat angrily, "Do you realize how much Roman has given up, just to make you all happy?"

"I can't even remember the last time you guys have been genuinely nice to him," Virgil seethed, "It's always followed by some smartass, backhanded remark."

"What are you talking about?" Janus asked, narrowing his eyes at Virgil, "You're always teasing Roman."

"Not the way you three do," Virgil snapped, "Always getting after him just for feeling happy? Making him think that he can't ever be proud of himself, that he can't ever express self-worth. You guys are all suppressing the most important part of Roman! I know he can be a bit braggy and over-confident sometimes. But that's his literal fucking job!"

"It's not like we humiliate and dogpile on Janus whenever he lies to us!" Remus exclaimed, "Because we know that's his job! We don't make fun of Patton when he has a bug up his ass! Everyone is allowed to do their job, everyone is allowed to make mistakes and take wrong steps except for Roman. And it's fucked up."

"You two are being ridiculous!" Patton exclaimed, tears forming in his eyes, "Why are you blaming us? Are we not allowed to critique Roman anymore? He has a lot to learn. He's the reason why everything's been going downhill to begin with!"

"Don't you ever fucking say that again," Virgil hissed, getting up in Patton's face, which was something that Virgil hardly ever had the courage to do with Patton. But when it came to Roman? Virgil was ready to unsheath his claws at a moments notice. "Roman was the one who suggested that Thomas talk to Lee and Mary-Lee about the callback. We all shut him down. Because we didn't think Roman was capable of having a good idea. Janus, Patton, you two kept pulling Roman in opposite directions, using him as a pawn for your stupid fucking games! Treating him like a trophy, or- or an accessory instead of a real side with feelings and wants!"

"Nobody ever asks Roman what he wants," Remus added, "That's why he's so outspoken. Because nobody ever asks him anything. Nobody ever even tries to make Roman happy, so he, because he's a big, stupid, naive, oblivious idiot, tries to make himself happy! But it never works, because you sick fucks can't stand to see him happy! All three of you use Roman like your free punching bag. Say and do whatever the fuck you want to me. But leave my brother alone. He's fragile, and you know that. He would never fight back hard enough to actually match the amount of hurt you've caused him. And that's why you chose Roman."

"You know it's true," Virgil muttered, grabbing Remus' wrist and walking away, "Come on, Re. Let's go check on Princey."

"He's the egotistical side," Janus said as the two sides walked away, "He needs to be knocked down a peg."

"The only sides who need to be knocked down a peg are you three," Remus responded icily, "Not Roman. Anyone with a brain can see that he's already at the bottom."

---

Roman? Wow, he's a horrible person!

I can't stand Roman. He's so annoying.

Don't tell Roman that you made him happy, it might boost his ego.

By now, Roman was crying so hard that he could barely read the words on his screen. He swiped the top of his hand against his eyes as he tried to move the neverending tears out of the way. Deep down, he knew this wasn't a good idea. Reading hate comments was never a good idea.

But Roman felt like he deserved it.

After all, he was the egotistical side. If he didn't change, then he would never escape this endless hell of insults and deception. Roman had to choose between his own well-being, and the happiness of the others. It was tearing him apart inside. The deepest core of his identity was being stretched thin.

Roman was the ego.

But he could no longer think of himself without feeling disgust and hatred.

"Hey! Open the door, fuckface!"

Roman gasped as he heard Remus' voice. He struggled to his feet and stumbled to the door, wiping and wiping at his face to try and get rid of the tears. He opened the door and tried to smile, in the most unassuming way.

But Virgil and Remus were not having that.

"Stop that, you fucking idiot," Virgil said, before quickly correcting himself, "I mean...Princey."

"What's going on...?" Roman whispered hoarsely, "Did I do something wrong? If you're here to get angry at me, please- just do it. I'll fix whatever I did wrong. I'll change it. I swear."

Virgil and Remus stared at Roman, slack-jawed, for a long time. Roman squirmed.

"Did I say something bad...?" Roman asked hesitantly.

"I'm going to kill them," Remus said simply, his face relaxed, but his eyes manic. "I swear, I'm going to fucking slit their throats."

"Are you even listening to yourself?" Virgil mumbled, guiding Roman to his bed and sitting him down on it, "You're Roman. You're...you're the ego."

"I know," Roman said, his voice pained, "Please don't remind me."

"I have to remind you," Virgil pressed, "Because- you- you're throwing away the most precious parts of yourself. Just to appease those stupid sons of bitches out there. Janus, Logan, and Patton? They have no idea how hard it is to be you. For months, I've watched them bully you and treat you like- like a toy. They never stop pushing you around, and I don't understand how you've survived it this long."

"I haven't survived it," Roman whispered, curling in on himself, "I picked the wedding."

"Because Patton basically made you!" Remus pointed out, "He kept guilt tripping you! He knows how much you care about being a good person, and he used that against you!"

"I- I made fun of Janus' name, though," Roman protested, squirming where he sat.

"After he manipulated you to hell and back and openly admitted that he was only ever nice to you to get something out of you!" Virgil cried out, "I wish you'd done worse!"

"I can't," Roman said firmly, staring at Remus and Virgil with a chilling sureness to his gaze, "You can, Virgil. And you can, Remus. But me? I can't. I can't do anything about this. If I do, it'll just- it'll make everything worse. Every time I try and say something- every time I try and defend myself- it just doesn't work. I just become the villain again. I'm always outnumbered, and- and nobody cares about how the egotistical, stupid prince character feels about anything."

"You're right," Remus said, surprising both Virgil and Roman, "That's why we have to make them care. We should make our very own video, all about you. Telling the fans about everything from your perspective. There are people who care about you. I know it. There are people who call you their favorite side. I just know that there are. We just have to find them."

"But- I can't make a video all about me," Roman whispered, "That's so self-centered."

"Yeah," Virgil said, gently putting a hand on the prince's shoulder, "That's your literal job, Roman. You're supposed to be a bit of a self-centered brat. Just like Remus is supposed to be a dirty-minded fleabag, and I'm supposed to be a paranoid bitch. We're all supposed to be a little flawed. Everyone expects you to be perfect without expecting that from anybody else, and it's...it's fucked up. But the only way we can change that is by you embracing who you're supposed to be. Instead of constantly trying to be who everyone else wants you to be."

"Virgil...that is the most High School Musical pep talk I've ever heard," Roman remarked, "Except for the calling yourself a bitch part."

"Thanks," Virgil snickered, "I learned everything I know about cheesy pep talks from you. You're Thomas' cheerleader, kid. But- you can't be Thomas' cheerleader without being your own cheerleader too. And I know it's hard. Those other sides are dicks."

"Total limp, floppy, teeny tiny dicks!" Remus piped up.

"Yeah, that," Virgil agreed, before continuing, "But- we just have to be stronger. I'm sorry if I ever made you feel like you were all alone, because...I want you to know that I always have your back. Always. We fight, but- you're a good guy, Princey. A great guy."

"And you're my brother!" Remus exclaimed,"We're supposed to fistfight each other to the death every full moon! But...you never forget about me. You never act like I don't deserve to exist. What we have isn't exactly friendship, but...I'd call it brotherhood. In that rough-and-tumble, dysfunctional, indie 90's movie way."

"I like that," Roman admitted, "You guys are the best. I- I'm sorry if I haven't been the greatest to either of you before. If I'd known you felt like this about me...I just- I've always been scared to get closer to you two."

"Of course you were scared," Virgil pointed out, "You had no reason to believe we wouldn't treat you just like Patton, Janus, and Logan do. Why would you risk adding to the bully collection? I get it, Princey."

"I get it too," Remus said, "Now come on, guys, can we please stop being cheesy and start getting some revenge?"

"I don't know about all that right now," Roman said, smiling as he let the tears pour down his face, though now, they were tears of joy. "I don't know if I'm ready yet. But one thing's for sure...from now on, those three can make their own damn pancakes!"

All three of them dissolved into giggles. Together, they turned Roman's room into a blanket castle, with pillows stacked to the ceiling to make towers, and string lights hung around the walls to create a nice ambiance. They watched all of Roman's favorite movies, and together, they all sang as loudly as they wanted to.

And it was wonderful.

Roman realized as he tussled and roughhoused with Remus and Virgil between the pillow columns that it was okay to be the egotistical side. And that even though it was hard, Roman was so happy when he was thinking highly of himself, and bragging, and showing off. And he was even happier when Virgil and Remus were supportive, showing off their own flaws with devious pride.

Pride was okay. Here, pride could be, for just a little while, a good thing. And it was so refreshing.

[fanderficreader]

Sessions.

Characters: sides + Thomas in the beginning.

Ships: none.

(A/N) this is based on a dream I had, so hopefully it's good. Also... 1451 words!!! What?! That's crazy!! Apparently I clarified A Lot of things in this...😅

Patton was making dinner, when all of a sudden he heard noises coming from Thomas's room. He immediately ran upstairs to see what it was. When he opened the door he was not expecting to see Virgil tickling Thomas. Patton cleared his throat to get their attention. "Am I interrupting something?" He said with a smirk on his face. Both Virgil and Thomas looked over, and flushed. They were not expecting Patton to walk in on them.

Immediately Thomas pointed a finger at Virgil. "He started it!" "No I did not! And if you don't stop pointing at me, you're gunna walk out of here with one less finger." Thomas immediately retracted his finger at that. Patton scolded Virgil for threatening Thomas, and then walked out. "You two can continue, as long as you stay out of trouble!" He said and then closed the door. When he was gone they continued their antics.

And that kind of behavior would happen for the rest of the day. Every so often he would hear screaming and a few 'helps' followed by more laughter, and every time it happened he would get this pit in his stomach. Why you ask, well Patton was jealous of course. He was jealous because it sounded like fun, and he wasn't apart of it. So he was jealous. Did the other sides notice this? Of course they did. Cause Patton was super mopey and didn't really talk to them that much, and was all around just not being his normal happy pappy self. And the other sides took notice right away.

It all started when they were having dinner. Virgil was the first to speak. "Hey pat?" "Yeah kiddo?" He asked. "Why have you been so distant today?" Virgil said. Making every one at the table perk up. "Like, you haven't been talking as much, and whenever you do it's just to answer a question." Virgil noted. "Well, I dunno. I've just been feeling a little down lately, that's all." Patton responded. Virgil wasn't buying it. He knew when Patton was actually just not feeling great, and this wasn't it. He was hiding something. "Why do you think you're feeling this way Patton?" Logan inquired. "I dunno I've just not been feeling like my usual self. Anyways, can we get back to eating? I'm starving." Patton stated. Trying in vain to change the subject.

"You're hiding something." Virgil blurted out. Patton looked up from his food in confusion. (And a little bit of horror that he figured it out so quickly, but he was trying to hide that part) "Heh whatever do you mean, Virgil?" Patton said, trying and failing to not panic. "You know what I'm talking about. You're trying to hide something! What is it?" Virgil preyed. Patton was getting nervous and also red from embarrassment. When Virgil saw this, he preyed more. Wanting and needing to know what it was that Patton felt the need to hide from them, and him.

After a while of 'Spill it' and 'I wanna know' and a few 'it's something juicy isn't it?' He finally caved, and told them. All of them had a different reaction than the other. Logan's reaction:😐 Romans reaction:🫢 and Virgil's reaction:😏. They all were some what shocked as too hear that's what he wasn't telling them this whole time. While Virgil was interested in granting Pattons wish. "So that's what you were keeping from us? That you were jealous all day, because you wanted to partake in our tickle sessions??" Logan asked. Not really grasping the situation, but trying his hardest to understand. "Really Padre? You could have just asked when you walked in on Thomas and Virgil earlier. They would have said yes." Roman reassured. While they were all talking, Virgil got a devilishly brilliant idea.

"Hey guys. I think we should cut Patton some slack. I mean," Virgil started. "I can see where he's coming from. He was scared of rejection, and I mean, aren't we all??" They all gave slight nods. Well, except for Roman. He stared off into the distance while he agreed a little too aggressively. "Anyways... I feel like even though Patton isn't in the wrong for what he did. It still wasn't right for him to lie to us." Virgil stated. "So, how about we think up a good punishment to fit the crime." At this point, Virgil had stood up, and was now behind Patton. Gesturing something to the others that Patton couldn't see.

They both nodded and Virgil made his way back into Patton's view. "Oh Patton~ I think we found a fitting way to get you back~" Roman said, in a very unsettling sing song voice. Patton got more nervous as the others made their way closer to him. He started giggling in anticipation, and the others all 'awwed' at that. "We haven't even done anything yet, padre." Patton knew that, but what he also knew, was what they were planning. That's why he got so nervous, so early on. They could all feel Patton's Lee mood radiating off of him -it was quite cute actually, how giggly he was at just the thought of that happening-

With Roman now so close to Patton, he was able to pick him up, and bring him to the couch for better access. Roman straddled his hips, Logan sat by his feet, and Virgil held his arms above him with on hand. While the other was ready to attack. "g'Guys, please. We c'can talk about t'this!" Patton managed through his anticipatory giggles. "Awww, you're already giggling, and we haven't even started yet. How cute." Roman rested his hands on pattons stomach. Watching his breath hitch and him tense up at the touch. "Oh, is your tummy ticklish?" He said in a borderline baby voice. "Hehe st-opp with the t-eeasing!!" He stuttered. Romans hands now started rubbing on pattons stomach, in a nice and steady fashion.

"Can we just get the party started already, princy??" Virgil was getting impatient, and Roman also wanted to hear those sweet, sweet giggles. So, he gave Virgil the go ahead, and let him start at pattons neck. Gliding his fingers up and down pattons neck and a little behind his ear. When Virgil would do that though, it would elicit a small squeak, followed by him scrunching his neck in that direction. Leaving his other side open for more tickles. Soon princy started up again, but this time drawing tiny shapes on his stomach with his left index finger. While the right one, was gliding up and down on pattons left side. Soon enough Logan started on his end too.

All Patton was right now, was a squirming puddle of giggles. But, when he felt his shoes being wiggled off, something flipped in him. "Nohohoo!! Dohhahont!!" As soon as he said that, Logan started at his feet. Nothing unbearable though. Just four fingers on one foot, going up and down his socked sole. But, that was enough for him to lose It. He screamed. -well not a 'ahh' scream. More of a girly squeal- he arched his back, and bucked wildly. That was enough of a signal to Logan to stop at his feet. So, he continued on his ankles. Surely he's not ticklish there. The logical aspect thought. And even if he is, it's probably not unbearable.

Logan started scratching at the moral sides right ankle, and boy was he wrong. Well, he was right, it wasn't unbearable. But, it still made him giggle a lot. After about 10 minutes of this he was getting tired. His laughs were more breathy and he started to hiccup every so often. That was a good sign for them to stop. He then just laid there for a few seconds, waiting for the ghost giggles to subside. When they were gone, Roman let out a hand for Patton to take, and he unhesitantly took it. Helping Patton up, he held firm on his hand, and pulled him into a hug. Which he accepted happily. Then they all got into a big group hug, and after a while decided to relax, and all watch a movie together.

(A/N) I really hope that this was good. If it was let me know what other scenarios or fics I should do, if you have any ideas. Also there might be a part 2 of this coming soon😏 so stay tuned for that. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed and I'll try and write again soon. Bye!! ✌️

[oatmealdaydreams]

Warmth in Its Loveliest Form

If ya wanna be added on or taken off the taglist, let me know!

Pairing: Intruality

Warnings: touch-starvation

Description:  Patton finds out that Remus gets cold easily. He may or may not start hugging him on purpose. He also finds out why his cat hoodie keeps going missing.

Extra: Day 4 of @intrualityweek, prompts are Sharing Clothes & Domestic.

[Masterlist] | ao3 link

[fic under the cut]

When Patton’s cat hoodie goes missing, he knows exactly where to look. Or, more accurately, who to check in on when his clothes seem to vanish. 

When Patton’s cat hoodie goes missing, he doesn’t question when or how because the who and why are pretty clear, and that’s all he needs to focus on to find it. 

Remus gets cold. It’s not the type of cold that blankets and hot tea and heating pads can solve. It’s not because of icy weather during Winter—though they don’t really get much of that, considering it’s Florida. It’s not the cold that you put slippers and a hoodie on for. When Remus gets cold, it’s the kind of icy chill that spreads from inside your chest, freezing over your organs and your arms and your arms, making you shiver and sweat all at once even though you don’t feel cold. This cold is on the inside, not the outside. It’s a cold that won’t go away, no matter how many heat lamps you try to steal from Janus. It’s a terribly lonely thing that engulfs your entire being until you’re crying yourself to sleep under mounds of comforters that could never hope to warm you the way you need it. 

It’s like being starved, as Remus described it once during a quiet moment in early morning dawn. It’s needing something so desperately bad that you ache for it, but knowing you cannot have it unless you’re willing to risk asking for it. And asking for such a vulnerable thing, especially surrounded by people who either don’t know you well or think of you as the last resort of the last resorts? That’s a terrifying thing to do. Being vulnerable is scary, and Patton doesn’t blame him for being hesitant. 

So. Patton’s missing cat hoodie. 

Patton finds it absent from his closet, and he finds it’s also absent from the laundry room. He smiles lightly, knowing exactly who’s taken it. Standing and leaving the basket of clothes on the floor for now, he starts his trek to the other Side’s room. There are few places he could be, and it’s best to check his room first. He walks down the stairs, only to pause once he’s realized what he’s doing. Right, right. The Mindscape reshaped itself after that big blow-up from...well, from the wedding. Patton winces at the thought, but takes a breath. 

Thoughtcrime isn’t real, he reminds himself, almost hearing Remus’ own voice repeat it. It’s just a thought. Just a thought, and I can let it pass by like all the other thoughts I have. 

“You good, Popstar?” rumbles a mildly concerned voice from somewhere in the living room. 

Virgil sits on the couch, calling out as Patton shakes himself slightly from his thoughts. He smiles, coming down the stairs the rest of the way.

“I’m okay, kiddo! Just went the wrong way looking for Remus,” he says. 

“Okay,” Virgil shifts in his spot against Logan. “Wait, Remus?”

“Mhm.”

“Why—y’know what, I’m not sure I wanna know.”

“Ah, Patton,” Logan looks up from his laptop as he types something. “I assume the new layout is troublesome?”

“Just getting used to it, is all! Have either of you seen Remus?”

“Nope,” mutters Virgil as he returns to scrolling on his phone. 

“Not that I recall. Perhaps he’s in his room?” Logan replies.

“Well, that’s where I was heading.”

“Ah, makes sense, then.”

“Mhm!”

“Patton, before you go,” Patton halts and turns back around as he steps up the stairs. “I believe it’s your and Janus’ turn to make dinner?”

Patton blinks, “Oh, right! I think we agreed on pasta and salads tonight.”

“Yes, I recall that, too.”

“Oh, wait, is it also movie night? Or do I have my dates mixed up,” Virgil taps a few times on his phone and swipes as he looks for his calendar.

“It’s...tomorrow night, was the vote from last week,” Logan corrects.

“Ah, fuck.”

“Language, kiddo!”

“Sorry, Popstar. I gotta update my sh–stuff. My stuff.”

Logan smiles, amused, and stifles a snort.

“Alrighty, then, see you closer to dinner!”

“Later, Pat.”

Logan nods in farewell as Patton starts up the stairs again, walking off in search of the resident rat man. 

=====

The hallway upstairs used to be a straightaway, lined with the core Sides’ doors. It used to be light blue, indigo, and bright red doors along the path. There was a window that brought in sunlight from the Imagination at the end of it, where a table and a potted plant would sit under it. It used to be a lot quieter, less footsteps and mutterings in the morning. Less people went up here. 

Now, there’s a hallway that diverges into…other hallways? Kind of? It’s not easy to explain, really, but now there’s six doors instead of three. One hallway has bright walls and this sparkly hue of something everywhere you look. Another hallway is much darker, fit with cobwebs and weird stains in the carpet. There’s an area where the hallways conjoin, and a truly grand window sits attached to a plentiful cushioned nook. It’s like a bay window, only a little bigger to suit everyone’s needs. The curtain gets slid open during the Summer months, wonderfully warm and golden sunlight pouring in from the Imagination. You could lay there for hours, safe and warm, dozing contently in the sunlight. It’s a perfect spot to find a certain Snek Boi laying to steal warmth from whoever he decides will be his pillow for the afternoon. Usually, it’s one of the twins, since they’re both practically space heaters. 

There’s the lighter hallway, the darker hallway, the wonderful window, and...um, well. It’s not a hallway, it’s hardly even a concrete thing, but…there’s something else up here. It’s like a door was set on fire and then removed completely, leaving nothing but scorched marks in the outline of a door on an empty wall. Patton’s never seen it, only heard. Something near the darkest parts of the darker hallway, encased in some barrier that makes your body scream run run run, lies this weird there-not-there void of a door. Patton doesn’t know what it leads to. Janus refuses to say anything, and Virgil shuts down immediately if asked about it. Remus will avoid any talk or mention of it at all costs, which is...unlike him. 

Patton’s not sure he wants to know what that weird void-door is. 

He digresses. 

As Patton walks down the darker hallway and reaches Remus’ door, he pushes the thought away. He raises his hand to knock, three short ones followed by two longer ones. A little passcode Remus came up with back when Patton had almost gotten dunked in slime because of a prank war the twins had been engaged in. There’s shuffling on the other side of the radioactive-green door as Patton wipes his knuckles on his khakis. Remus’ door has this slimy look to it, and it’s a guessing game whether the slime is real or not each time he visits. This time, the slime is very much real. 

A curse under a breath, “C’mon in!” 

Patton takes the invitation and opens the door, it creaking slowly like a horror film cliché. Once inside with the door shut, Patton has to bite back a coo at the oddly adorable sight bouncing around the room. 

Remus, as Patton had guessed, wears the missing cat hoodie, hood up and hands slid inside the paw-sleeves. He looks paws-tively adorable in it, working away at a project that involves...dragon scales? Or are those sequins? Patton’s not quite sure. Whatever they are, they drip some fuzzy-looking substance. 

“Hey, Pat-Pat, whatcha want?” Remus asks as he grabs a needle and thread. 

“Uh,” Patton has to will the pink blush off his face, “Well, my hoodie went missing.”

Remus nods along. 

“Remus, why don’t you just ask? I don’t mind you wearing it!”

Remus dips the needle in a vial of...um, ‘human excrement’, and threads it through one of the scales. He sniffs. 

“Not sure whatcha mean, Daddy~” he teases, a smirk playing upon his lips. 

“I-” Patton ignores the heat on his cheeks, “You know what I mean, Remus.” 

Remus’ hand stutters for a moment, gripping the needle. He tugs on the thread to make sure it’s sturdy enough for what he’s making, its strangely translucent appearance glittering as he does. It makes this tiny bell sound, ringing when it’s guided and tugged on. 

Patton frowns. He knows Remus gets cold. He knows why he gets cold, the poor thing, and he tries to coax Remus into hugging him as often as he possibly can. Sometimes, though��sometimes, it’s like Remus is genuinely afraid of it. 

His heart clenches at that thought. 

“What’re you working on?” Patton tries a different route, walking closer to Remus as he threads the needle through another scale. 

“There’s this tournament thing in Roro’s boring kingdom next week,” Remus starts to explain, feigning annoyance as he talks about his brother. “Some Dragon Hunter or whatever—a total asshole, if you ask me—this dickwad is planning on attending and keeps babbling on and on about some freakish armor made from dragon scales.” 

“Language,” it’s barely a chide, and Remus knows it. 

“So, I wanted to see if ya could actually make durable armor outta dragon scales. Roro lent me some shed ones ‘cause he’s betting I can’t win, even with freakish dragon armor. So, I’m makin’ some armor so we can duel it out before the tournament thing to see if this hunter asshole has some sense in ‘em, or if they’re a little shithead.” 

A poke through another scale, the thread rings and jingles again as it’s tugged. 

“Well, I hope you have fun with it!” Patton’s voice remains cheery, though he feels like scolding this jerk himself.

Dragons are scary, yeah, but hunting them? It doesn’t sit right in his stomach. Not all dragons are scary beasts out to get you! Remus taught him that with this one little hatchling that broke into the Mindscape. Its playful squeaks as it fluttered around the kitchen echoes in Patton’s mind. He smiles, remembering how Remus and Roman chased the little thing around until it finally listened to one of them. Remus showed him a trick with restless baby dragons. Apparently, if you hold them in your hand and scratch just under their chin, they purr at you. It was so cute!

“Beating Ro-bro will be fun!” Remus replies, pulling Patton from his memory. 

Patton can only look at him fondly while he’s in the cat hoodie, working on his project, pacing in front of the craft desk as he connects another scale to the rest. Remus looks up at Patton for a moment, stopping mid-pace when he spots his gaze. It’s soft and tender, the kind of look you give those you care about when they’re enjoying the thing they’re doing.

Patton tilts his head again, looking adorably confused in such a way that it’s Remus’ turn to blush bright pink across his face. Even bundled up in a stolen hoodie, he looks cold. Patton steps closer, only to notice the slightest of shivers racking through the Duke’s body. 

Well, that won’t do.

“Come here,” Patton opens his arms, his head no longer titled.

Remus just stares at him, blush fading away. 

“Take a break, Remus.”

“I already—”

“Come here.”

Remus sets down his project on the desk. He watches Patton for a moment, hesitant, but decides to come closer anyway. Patton wouldn’t hurt him. It’s—it’s okay, right? He just wants his hoodie back, and so he can—

Patton immediately engulfs him in a firm hug, tender and soft and oh, oh no, oh shit. 

Remus lets out a shaky breath as he hides in the crook of Patton’s neck. Patton coos, using one hand to card through his hair. Another rubs up and down his back soothingly. 

“There you go, sweetheart,” he murmurs as Remus wraps his arms around him. “Yeah, that’s it, gotta get you warm.”

Remus whines softly as the hand carding his hair is firmer, grounding him in the touch. He lets himself slump against Patton, melting as his hand scratches at just the right spot. Patton sways with him, rocking him the best way he can while they stand. Remus loses himself in it. At some point, Patton starts humming a lullaby, and Remus fights to keep his eyes open. 

Patton chuckles, “Feel better?”

“...maybe,” Remus mumbles.

“Hm. You can always come to me when you’re feeling cold, sweetheart. Just let me know, and I’ll cuddle you.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, you don’t have to sneak out with my hoodie.”

“But ‘s comfy.”

“You don’t have to try and hide it, baby. I don’t mind.”

“You don’t?”

“No, I don’t mind. I just wanna make sure you’re all warm, Remus.”

“Mm.”

Remus breathes in from where he rests his face, inhaling the smell of cookies and tea. He smiles, a loopy thing spreading across his face as warmth seeps into his bones. 

“C’mon, let’s lay down on your bed, okay?”

“Mm, ‘s dirty.” 

“Hm...wanna cuddle in mine?”

“Mhm, you’re warm.”

A soft smile from Patton, “I know, baby, take the warm from me. I got some to spare.”

“How’re you so warm? ‘S not fair.”

“Maybe it’s all the baking I do, hm? All the time I spend in front of the oven.”

“Hogging the oven…”

Remus, honest to god, pouts, and Patton giggles at him fondly. 

“Come on, sweetheart, let’s go.”

Patton and Remus sink into Patton’s ever-nostalgic room. Photos of Thomas’ family and friends hang on a corkboard. From when he was younger, in school, his first Vines, the projects from middle school, and even from that one school concert–although, that concert ended up being embarrassing. There’s strings of fairylights hanging on the wall against his bed, soft and golden light spilling onto the covers from it. Attached to the fairylights via clothespins are polaroids of the Sides. Photos of when they were all younger. A group shot of Logan, Patton, and Roman during the college years. A shot of Janus and Virgil lounging together. A shot of the twins dueling with wooden swords, right next to another shot of them falling asleep together after a long day. A picture of Patton and Virgil after his Acceptance. A group photo of Janus, Remus, and Virgil playing Mario Kart together. A photo of all of them resting on the couch, snacks and drink littered about as they got ready for movie night. Another photo, one of Janus and Roman, cuddling tightly together after a long and emotional talk about everything that they’ve been through. 

And so, so many more memories. 

Patton holds Remus to chest as he pulls the cover over them. Remus’ eyes finally flutter shut as Patton returns to carding a hand through his hair, scratching the right spots that make him hum sleepily. He plants a light kiss to the Duke’s forehead, which earns another whine. Patton shushes him gently, snapping himself in soft things as the warmth of the room settles in the poor little Duke. 

“That’s it, you can sleep, sweetheart,” Patton murmurs against Remus’ forehead. 

And sleep he does as Patton holds him tightly, protecting him in the safety of his room, in the calm and peace of pleasant memories, in the domestic air that buzzes around them. 

Taglist: @lost-in-thought-20 @thegoldenduckie @not-sure-what-im-feeling

[candied-peach]

ao3: "gold and green in his ivory tower" rating: T warnings: platonic creativitwins, insecurity, touch starvation, crying genre: hurt/comfort description: Roman's not having a good day. Remus intervenes. (prompt from @oatmeal-stans-the-trash-rat : "If you're still up for prompts, may I suggest something with the twins? Perhaps Roman is having a very insecure day, and once Remus finds out, he hugs his brother and squeezes the life outta him (affectionately). Bonus points if Ro is touch-starved?")

Roman huffs an exasperated breath, rubbing his ink-stained cheek and trying to blink away tears that burn the corners of his eyes. The blank page in front of him glares at him, and he winces. He has no ideas for the next video. No good ideas, anyway. His trash can pays testament to that. Crumpled and torn pieces of scribbled-on paper make his stomach cramp.

Logan's going to be so disappointed in him. He already scarcely sees the use in Roman to begin with. Or at least, it feels that way. It stings, but he understands. They just...clash. And normally, that's okay. Normally he's got at least one useful idea. But this time-

Roman's vision blurs and he slumps in his chair, letting his pen carelessly drop to the desk. It's pointless. He'll just have to fake it in the meeting. The meeting that's in- he squints at the clock and his face pales. Ten minutes. He can do this. He can. It will be fine.

It's not fine.

Oh, he's bullshitting his way through. Trying to come up with something on the fly, but his brain feels painfully squeezed dry, like a sponge wrung out far past its lifespan.

"And that's why I thought we might enjoy doing a performance for the video," Roman concludes, his forehead sweaty. He swallows, glancing around at the sea of uncertain faces, and his heart twinges. 

"I don't know," Virgil says doubtfully. "I mean- what if Thomas messes up?"

"Then we can do another take," Logan suggests. "Unless you wanted to do this live, Roman? I do not think that a live performance would be the best of ideas."

"I-" Roman stalls. He hasn't thought this far ahead. "I don't know," he finally says weakly, knowing they are the wrong words, but not knowing what else to say.

"Well, it's an idea," Thomas says, and the doubt in his voice makes Roman feel like he's cracking apart at the seams. It's not good enough. It's not good enough and he knows that it's not good enough, but he doesn't know what else to say. Sorry guys, my creativity just wasn't up to snuff this week! He can't say that. He needs to do better. He needs to be better. He needs-

He needs a hug.

But he can't have one, especially not now, so Roman swallows hard and tries to tune back into the discussion. Patton's gesturing animatedly about some kind of kid show, and Roman doesn't have the heart to remind him that they've already tried out puppets, there's only so much in that arena they can discover. 

It's almost too much. Janus and Remus keep looking at him, especially Remus, and his brother is unnaturally quiet. That's never a good sign, and Roman keeps casting him sideways glances when no one is looking. Remus looks innocently back, eyes guileless and green, as he fidgets in his seat.

"I'm stealing Roman," Remus finally announces to the room, popping up and seizing Roman's elbow before he can react. "Bye for now!" And he sinks out, dragging Roman with him into Remus's bedroom. Roman wrenches his arm free, glaring at the other side of Creativity.

"What are you doing?" Roman demands. Remus eyes him.

"What's wrong?" Remus asks. Roman freezes.

"Nothing," he immediately tries to deny, and Remus scoffs loudly.

"Might not be Janny but I know that you're full of shit," he sing songs. "Come on, Ro Bro, tell me. Tell me, tell me, tell me-"

"I don't actually really have any ideas," Roman blurts out, breathing heavily. "Not- not this week, I just-" He sighs and glances down at the carpet stained with things he doesn't want to think about. "I'm a failure," he whispers.

"Nah," Remus says. "You're just a little burnt out, that's all." Roman's head jerks up as he stares, wide-eyed, at his brother.

"What?" Roman says dumbly. Remus nods, eyes glittering.

"Burnt out like a candle thrown into a hurricane," he says. "That's all. Just gotta tell the others you need to rest up for a while."

"They need me," Roman objects. Remus rolls his eyes- literally, making Roman's stomach turn.

"They do," Remus acknowledges. "But they need Roman. Not Creativity."

"I don't get what you mean," Roman says, a little stiffly. Remus grins, and his teeth are a little too sharp in the dim light.

"You're part of their fam-ILY or whatever the fuck," Remus says, flapping one hand. "Come on, Ro. You're more than what you can do, you know." Roman blinks in surprise. 

"You-" Roman trails off. He isn't sure what to say. Remus is surprisingly perspicacious. Not that he should have expected anything less. He knows his brother is more than dork jokes and over the top threats. Remus thrums with the vibrance of possibilities, no matter how dark or strange.

"Can I have a hug?" Roman finally asks in a small voice. Remus's grin widens.

"Thought you'd never ask!" He crows, and flops on top of Roman, driving him to the bed. Despite the 'oomph' of breath leaving his lungs, Roman enjoys the pressure of his brother sprawled across him, wrapping him in a warm, shockingly well-scented hug.

"Janus made you bathe today," Roman mutters. Remus makes a face.

"Yep," he agrees. "I'm not letting you go until you feel better, by the way. You're stuck with me."

Roman is okay with that.

[wouldyoustayvn]

Virgil wearing MC’s close and he’s the big spoon. Just think of Galaxy rubbing back into him as they watch something. The thinned out clothing in all the right places as MC keeps making themself “comfy”.~ They even ask if poor Virgil is alright.~ Despite being rubbed on for nearly an hour with teasing noises.

Virgil noticing how touchy his beloved being, touched starve he is, he continue to let them “adjust”. He pulled him close to him, letting them feel his body, using it, “it’s getting cold and you’re so warm.” Excuse, trying his best not to whine and wimper in their presence.

Oh dear you just know how to make him desperate.

[wh3nturtlesfly]

Set Him Free (Chapter 10)

First | Previous | Next

Relationships: Slow burn prinxiety and logicality

Word Count: 2022

Summary: I had a plot guide, to which I used to outline these chapters, and as a title/not title for this I had written “Woah Roman, can you turn down the drama for a second”… I think that about sums it up

CW: Injury, Slight blood and sharp objects mention

The sun was setting behind the hills again. Roman watched powerless as the golden rays trickled down from the windowsill, replaced with the shadows of the night. Five days that he had now been held captive, and still, he saw no such opportunity for escape.

He tilted his neck side to side, trying to work out the soreness that came with sitting in the same position for days on end. It seemed to be working slowly but surely, the initial ache that had been aggravating his joints now only surfacing as the occasional sting.

He glanced out the window again, twilight enveloping the outside and a soft glow. The forest was quite beautiful, and if it weren’t for his current situation, Roman probably would’ve spent hours exploring it.

He allowed his mind to wander, a habit he had newly picked up after spending hours on end in silence. It helped to fill his longing for home, and even provided a sliver of hope that he would find a way out.

Muffled shouts called out from what Roman assumed was a few rooms down, followed by sustained giggling which could only have come from Remus. He tuned it out the best he could, instead opting to picture what lived around these woods.

He imagined sparrows, soaring through the trees in perfect streamlines, and young fawns galloping past creeks and stones. Every organism within the acres of forest living free, unbound by orders or regulations. How he envied them.

A loud crash surfaced from outside his room, jolting Roman from his thoughts. Several louder noises emerged in its wake, sounding suspiciously like an entire dish cabinet.

The minutes that followed included bits and pieces of a stern scolding, and the slam of the front door. Then finally, silence.

Moments later, the door clicked open, soft footsteps making their way inside. A spiced scent instantly wafted through the air, and Roman did everything he could to keep his stomach from growling.

There was a ceramic bowl held in Virgil’s hands, translucent steam drifting from the dish. Roman felt his mouth water. Though he had been given water within his captivity, the prince had not eaten anything since he stepped foot outside the castle.

As Virgil sat in front of him, Roman could feel the steam graze his cheek. Now that he had a closer look, the bowl looked to be filled with pumpkin soup, and he almost fell apart then and there.

“Figured you’re probably hungry,” Virgil muttered.

Roman looked again to the warm soup, the hollow in his stomach suddenly feeling much larger than before. He shifted in the chair, leaning forward to glance at the bowl placed in front of him. “Can I be untied to eat?”

Virgil shot him a skeptical glance, “Not a chance.”

“What’s to stop me from starving myself then?”

Virgil dipped a spoon in the pureed pumpkin, pushing it towards Roman, “Just eat.”

“You could have easily poisoned this.”

One could practically see the frustration overcoming the thief, “You’re not gonna die, Janus still needs you alive for the kingdom’s secrets, idiot.”

“Prove it to me then,” Roman narrowed his eyes.

Sighing, Virgil lifted the spoon to his own mouth, carefully blowing away the steam and taking a bite. He swallowed, waiting a few seconds to show that the soup was clearly not poisoned.

Roman’s distrustful expression lessened. “Hand me the bowl,” he said.

Virgil rolled his eyes, “There’s nowhere for me to hand it to. You either eat off the ground, or accept the spoon.”

Roman’s jaw clenched. Grudgingly, he allowed Virgil to slip the spoon into his mouth, swallowing the savory pumpkin. He felt the warmth of the soup run down his throat, and he couldn’t help but hum at how good it tasted.

It was creamy, yet it possessed a tart quality at the same time, causing Roman to soon devour the soup spoonful by spoonful. Heat now encircled his core, something that had been absent for the past few days.

The bowl emptied quickly, and Virgil set it down on the floor. As he did so, a light caught the ceramic surface, catching Roman’s attention. Whole, the bowl seemed useless, but shattered? He only needed a distraction.

“I need water,” Roman blurted.

“And why is that?”

The prince hesitated, hoping Virgil didn’t notice his uncertainty, “I haven’t had anything to drink for a day and a half, so I will say it again. I. Need. Water.”

Virgil pressed his lips into a thin line, “Alright, fine.” He stood, his hand now lingering just over the doorknob, “Will a glass full be enough?”

“Yes, that will suffice.”

The thief nodded, then set out for the cottage’s well. Roman was at the edge of his seat the moment the door was shut, waiting for the sound of footsteps to trail away from the room.

He counted to himself- one…two…three…, then nothing. The tapping of Virgil’s boots had disappeared from his range, leaving Roman truly alone.

He brought his heel up, swinging the sole of his boot down in a swift arc. His heel met the bowl, though it did not break. A web of cracks spread across the ceramic surface instead.

It was difficult to put force behind the motion with Roman’s hands tied behind his back, but he shifted forward and tried again. This time he focused on jutting out his heel, bringing his foot down as hard as he could.

Roman felt the tip of his boot collide with the bowl, the impact sending shards in several directions. The wooden floor was now littered with fragments of ceramic, the biggest of the pieces lying just beside his chair.

Carefully, Roman placed his boot over one of the bigger pieces, sliding it behind his chair. He strained to reach back, flexing the tips of his fingers until they brushed against the sharp pottery. Roman was left holding the shard between his fingers, clutching it gingerly to keep from cutting himself.

The prince bit the inside of his cheek and bent his wrist until the fragment rested against the rope. His arms were pulled taught, trying to maintain the position long enough despite the tension that had settled in his shoulder blades.

He brought the shard back and forth, fearful that someone could return at any moment. Roman was trying his best not to shake, though he managed to lose hold of the shard for a split second, and it sliced his palm.

Blood trickled from his hand, making the piece slippery in his grip, but he didn’t stop, not until the snap of rope confirmed that his wrists had been freed.

Roman jumped to his feet, swaying slightly due to not having stood for five days. He allowed himself a few seconds to gain balance, then he was back on full alert.

In the distance, Roman could hear the front door opening. With silent feet, he crept behind the door, gripping the ceramic shard tight in his hand. The cut on his palm stung, but he didn’t dare make a sound, not as the door opened and shadows spilled in.

His heart beat faster as Virgil first stepped into the room. Then, without hesitation, he slammed the door shut and delivered a kick to the back of Virgil’s knees.

The thief cried out, landing hard on the floor. He attempted to get back up, though Roman was already holding the sharp piece of ceramic to Virgil’s throat. Virgil gasped, trying and failing to form sentences. The water glass he had been carrying shattered with the fall, adding to the array of pieces on the floor.

“I’m leaving. Don’t follow me,” Roman hissed, pressing the tip of the shard to Virgil’s skin enough to make a point, but not enough to further harm him. He watched as Virgil nodded slightly, and rushed out the doorway. Then, he ran.

The front door was a straight shot from the hallway he had just entered, and Roman rushed to exit the cottage before someone else noticed his escape. To his luck, it seemed no one else was home, though that didn’t erase the fact that Janus or Remus could return at any second.

He ran out the door, immediately getting slapped with the chill of the night. It left his muscles rigid, though he didn’t dare stop moving. The sky had nearly turned pitch black, and Roman couldn’t see anything more than three feet in front of him.

This made for a very difficult task, especially in the maze of trees. Someone called out behind him, and he sprinted faster, hoping with everything that he wasn’t traveling in circles.

The wind bit at his cheeks as he sidestepped shrubs and uprooted soil, while the distant shouts grew louder. Roman had to move faster. He was breathing heavily, each footfall landing hard on the uneven forest floor.

He hadn’t even noticed that his leg had been wrenched from underneath him until the ground came rushing up to meet him. The pain that followed was immediate, slashing through his ankle and shooting up his spine.

Roman bit his cheek to hold back a cry, pushing himself onto his elbows and gingerly pulling his ankle from the burrow he had been caught in. He could already feel the limb begin to swell, hot tears now flowing freely down his cheeks.

There was another call, this time so close Roman could sense the adamant tones within it. Desperately, he grasped at the branch of a small tree, pulling himself to his feet.

Roman steadied himself again to run, though as soon as he placed pressure on his ankle, a searing pain shot up his leg and he collapsed again to the ground. His ankle had to be badly sprained.

Shaking, he managed to right himself whilst leaning heavily against a tree, and began limping forward. He dragged his ankle behind him, each small movement sending a sharp prick through his nerves, though he didn’t dare stop.

Footsteps pounded behind him. Roman struggled to move faster, though he was easily falling behind. A strong hand encircled his wrist, and Roman thrashed in the grip, but it did not loosen.

He was pulled back and he cried out, his body aching harshly in protest.

“Stop struggling!” A voice swore in his ear, and Roman instantly recognized it as Virgil’s.

The prince swung his free hand towards Virgil, but the thief was too quick to dodge, “Let go of me!”

“Just stop and listen!” Virgil had managed to gain a hold of both Roman’s wrists, twisting him so that they locked eyes, “Janus is going to be furious if he returns and finds you gone, then both our lives are going to be a living nightmare.”

“Why should I care?” Roman continued to struggle, his muscles feeling as if they were on fire, “I hope they see how you’ve failed. If I’m already losing everything, then I’m going to drag you down with me!”

Virgil gripped the prince’s wrists harder, aggravating the bruises that had formed from the ropes, “Do you have a death wish? Is that it, because if you keep acting like this, they’ll never let you go.”

Roman sent a sharp kick forwards, to which Virgil barely avoided “You’re a fool if you think they’d release me anyways,” he panted, sweat dripping down his forehead.

He could feel his limbs growing limp from exhaustion, and his ankle throbbed with each breath. With a swift jab, his elbow managed to connect with Virgil’s temple, and the thief grimaced. Unfortunately, the hit knocked Roman off balance.

He landed crooked on his injured ankle which crumpled under the weight and brought a strangled cry from the prince. He could feel his limbs growing sluggish as his heartbeat pounded in his ears.

The chance of freedom was slipping through Roman’s finger’s like the sands of an hourglass, but he couldn’t find the energy to fight back.

There was one last stabbing pain that shot up his back and spread through his shoulders before he found himself giving way to the forest floor, blacking out from the pain.

[tinydeskwriter]

Cosmopolitan Couple’s Timeline

A/n: this is the Part II of Buzzfeed Article; It’s fluffy 💓, and more about their relationship. The photos used are only illustrative because after writing I got too lazy to search into pinterest. I hope you all like it as much as you liked Buzzfeed Article.

A Complete Timeline of Jack Harlow and Y/n L/n’s Relationship, Because You’re Nosy

There are celebrity couples who make sense and then there are celebrity couples who click together so seamlessly, their love is basically an aesthetic. Jack and Y/n are proud members of the second group. They are both infinitely photogenic and seem to float through life like it’s all one photo shoot that they were absolutely prepared for.

Quick question: Do you remember where you were when Y/n L/n and your boyfriend Jack Harlow went Instagram official? their *little* (read: earth-shattering) relationship caused women everywhere to weep real tears. Life’s a beach, ain’t it? Since then, these two have been sharing teensy looks here and there at their equal parts enviable and adorable relationship.

(Rude of him not to be dating me, but okay.)

That said, there is a LOT of ground to cover in Y/n and Jack’s yearlong relationship, including how Mr.Harlow went down to one knee, so let’s get down into the details of the Hollywood coupling almost too good to be true. Almost.

August 13, 2021

Newly single Y/n basically ✨manifested✨ her beau after posting this, on Twitter:

L/n had just got out of a long term relationship with Australian heartthrob Liam Hemsworth, the two had been going strong since October 2019 (visit their timeline here if your feeling nostalgic) with rumors of a engagement on the horizon, sources close to the former couple claim: “Liam was very much ready for the next step, and he wanted that with Y/n, they are very likeminded, but Y/n didn’t see herself as a wife and mother at this stage of her life. She is also very close to her family and the idea of living permanently in Australia wasn't very attractive to her, she'd lived there with him during the pandemic, and she was terribly homesick.”

September 13, 2021

They met on the red carpet, minutes before posing for pictures “Tommy Hilfiger set us up” the actress joked, recalling the moment, “The flowers on my dress and in my hair were made from scraps of fabric from Jack's suit”. “I was a little anxious, trying not to let it show, and this one turns to me, cute smile and all, and says, just pretend I'm the most perfect thing you've ever seen and the pictures will be perfect, and in my head I’am: I don't think I need to pretend.” Jack comments nearly a year later when the couple is interviewed by Vogue.

There you have girls, those looks of pure adoration were legit. A source tells Us Weekly, “They were all over each other. Super smitten and gazing into each other’s eyes as they danced together their whole night.” Jack and Y/n left the Gala together (she had his suit over her shoulders). 

They reappeared together in Virgil Abloh's After-Party—and again left together—. L/n described the moment to Net-a-Porter magazine: “On the way back to the hotel we stopped at this hole in the wall pizza place, I was starving, we ate in the van because they were already closing, we played a game of 'forty questions', and in the end I just wanted to run away as fast as possible, because I was like: oh shit I've known this guy for a few hours and I'm in serious danger to falling in love' surprisingly Jack felt the same, and didn't run away, he basically picked me up and threw me over his shoulder, caveman style, so, you know, we can say that we have been together from the day that we met! Two weeks later he accompanied me to Ireland for a month.”

October 2021

They had been seeing each other for two weeks when Y/n had to jet off to Ireland to re-shoot scenes for her new project. Very romantically for someone who claims to have never been in love—and shockingly—Jack accompanied his Lady Love. Perhaps even more shocking is the fact that the couple at that moment had not even exchanged their first kiss. Yeah, they were taking things *slow*. “I’ve been jumping from relationship to relationship since I was eighteen, I wanted to make sure it wasn't just infatuation,” the Golden Globe-winning actress told longtime friend Hailey Bieber on an episode of 'Who's in my Bathroom.' “He was super patient and by the end of the second week I was pretty sure he was going to be my last first kiss, we kissed on our first night in Ireland, we were coming back from dinner at the local pub, we took the scenic route by the sea, it was very romantic.” Our hearts.

October 28, 2021

Just a few short weeks after that initial Met Gala meet-cute, Jack and Y/n went Instagram official on *both* of their accounts. It came just days after Harlow went solo for Doja Cat's 26th birthday party at Delilah’s, at the time it was widely reported that the Atlanta-based rapper was staying at the actress' home in Chatsworth, no explanation was given for L/n's absence, leading some outlets to report that the romance had come to an end. Y/n posted a couples picture that oozed Gen Z Fifty Shades of Grey vibes (in a good way).

Jack shared two pics—one of Y/n solo in bed, city lights in the back, and, a very sweet kiss pic, captioned ‘The best view’:

October 31, 2021

Vas J Morgan and Michael Braun Halloween Bash. It was the place to be on Halloween, and it was the first appearance of the couple after making the relationship IG official. Everyone who follows Y/n knows that Halloween is the actress's favorite time of year, and she takes it seriously, Y/n is one of our favorite celebrities to watch this time of year because she always comes up with the best costumes. And she didn't disappoint. Jack and Y/n appeared in a couples costume, Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, and they looked sexy.

November 16, 2021

Weren’t expecting Jack to be so open about his relationship with Y/n? Same, TBH! In a new interview with Complex, Jack said that being open about his relationship with Y/n isn’t exactly his style, he usually prefers to keep things more private, but he decided to switch up his usual tactics because he’s sooooo smitten with her. “She’s game-changer.” “I’m a private guy and I want to protect that, but it just felt like trying to hide it only make things worse, makes curiosity around us grow, especially when your dating someone like Y/n, she has one of the most recognizable faces in the world, it’s insane, she got that level of fame,” he said. “I feel more comfortable about the public nature of the business that we’re in nowadays than I did a year ago. So for me, it was a moment to, I guess, take ownership of that and then get back to work.”

November 25, 2021

Thanksgiving was a good time for the couple. From Y/n’s Instagram photo and video dump celebrating the day, the couple spent the holiday together and with his family ~Yes, girls! He took her home to Louisville to introduce her to his mamma!~ from the looks of it, Y/n also met all of his childhood friends, and was given a tour of the city. Your! Faves! Could! Never!

December 5, 2021

It was Jack's turn to meet his girl’s family. They spent the beginning of December in Vermont enjoying snow sports. Apparently Jack immediately bonded with everyone because the universe had fated this romance, clearly. The Kentucky rapper along well with Y/n's older brothers, if you can’t tell from the countless photos the three men shared on IG. He took her younger siblings snowboarding~our hearts~, and played Tea Party with her adorable nieces. The young couple was photographed by fans having lunch in town with Y/n's parents, and according to the photo's author, "They seemed very comfortable together, and Jack and Y/n's father seemed very friendly to each other. ”

December 25, 2021

The couple spent their first Christmas apart, and Y/n shared a photo of the couple with the caption “miss u❤️”

December 29, 2021

She didn't miss him for long however. On December 29th the couple was spotted in Miami, where Jack was performing at NBC special Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party (Yep, Miley, her ex-ex), before jetting off to Hawaii where Y/n presented us with a certain enviable level of photo dump. To be her.

January 8, 2022

Ireland was also the place for several important milestones for the couple. Like Jack bringing up the subject of children. Yep. That happened.

About the episode, Jack commented during a radio interview in early January, “I knew from the first smile she gave me that I wanted her to be the mother of my kids, I was like, Damn, I want my kids to have that smile.” The rapper revealed. “Fast forward, we're in Ireland, and I had no idea Ireland could be so romantic, I went to visit her on set, totally unprepared, Y/n is there, fully dressed in her character's clothes, and she has a baby in her arms, that made me feel something,” the Kentucky native continued, “there were other kids, because they were still testing various ages, but none were older than, I don't know, six, and they were all relatively similar to her. It made me want things.” “Did you guys have that talk?” The radio host asked. “Oh, Yeah.” Jack replied with a self-satisfied smile. “It was how we ended up with a dog. If Jacques is alive and healthy in a year we will have this conversation again, she says.”

Their dog is adorable by the way. And huge. But his parents are 6ft3 and 5ft7, so 🤷🏻‍♀️.

January 9, 2022

Y/n was nominated for a Golden Globes, we were ✨finger cross✨ hoping to see Jack Harlow as her arm candy on the red carpet, but we were holding back on our expectations since Y/n famously doesn't walk red carpet with her boyfriends (we've had our hopes crushed when she was dating Harry Styles and then later with Liam Hemsworth, the actress' two longest relationships to date), we were already resigned that we would see the New England beauty walking accompanied by one of her yummy looking brothers when they arrived, AND! WE! GASPED! First, he opened the door himself and helped her out. 

Second, he straightened the train of her dress BEFORE he offered her his arm and they walked down the red carpet like a couple out of a Hollywood Golden Age dream (with a futuristic twist), they were wearing Dior, which the actress was recently announced as a Global Ambassador, and they looked to die for.

And the glances? It's like their eyes scream 'I love you'.

February 8, 2022

Jack celebrated his Oscar Nominee girlfriend with a post and a sweet caption: ‘Just found out I have a Academy Awards Nominee girlfriend. Congrats my heart, you deserve all the validation for the fantastic work you've been doing over the last decade.’

February 14, 2022

2021 crowned Michael B Jordan the ultimate King of Valentines Day surprise, we ~and the rest of the world~ thought it would be hard to beat closing an aquarium for a romantic dinner.

Boy, were we wrong.

'Cause Jack Harlow managed to close the Griffith Observatory for Y/N's Valentine's Day Surprise and we're dying… of envy. God does has favorites, and little Miss L/n just happens to be one of them. 

According to an anonymous source, 'Jack turned the place into a blooming garden, Soul Food, Y/n's favorite pastry from a Vermont bakery, he went all out for their first valentine's day. She was really touched, no one has ever done something like this for her before, she felt bad that she only bought him a watch.' 

Unfortunately, Jack and Y/n haven't shared their Valentine's Day photos with their followers.  But when asked about the gift he received for Valentine's Day Jack replied: 'Y/n gave me a Rolex, the same type and year of manufacture as the one Paul Newman got from his wife, on the back she had it engraved: Come home, we miss you. And before rumors get wild, the 'we' in question is her and Jacques, our dog' the rapper clarified, when asked what he got his girlfriend he said: 'I bought her a necklace, she hasn't stopped wearing it, so I think she liked it.'

February 18, 2022

The couple managed to steal the spotlight from another rapper-actress couple during the NBA All Star Games weekend. Not a feat for many women, but Y/n managed to overshadow Megan Fox.

For starters, she was dressed cute and to die for in a vintage Versace look wore in ‘95 by Kate Moss ~a bit reminiscent of a cheerleader/schoolgirl outfit~, white New Balance sneakers, her hair pulled back in a ponytail with a 'Harlow' silk ribbon, and Team Nique Varsity Jacket with number 80 on the back.

Second, she cheered her man for every point he made like he had just own a Grammy ~goals~. Last but not least, Jack dedicated his 4 pointer to his lady, which was sweet. Team Nique lost, but you wouldn’t say that by the kiss the couple exchanged courtside.

March 13, 2022

On Jack's 24th birthday, Y/n posted several pictures of her boyfriend and the couple on her IG, including some messages exchanged between them that give us a glimpse into their relationship. And it's gold. The actress captioned it: 'Happy your day, old man. As part of the old L/n tradition, I'll expose you. But I love you❤️.'

The post was later followed by another photo of the couple, captioned with a love declaration by the actress ‘My Handsome Jack, I knew I like you when you made me feel nervous, and my heart would beat faster than the wings of a hummingbird every-time you looked at me with your gorgeous ocean blue eyes. I knew I loved you when I felt calmer with you than without you, and just your presence there was able to calm my anxiety attack. You made love songs make sense to me. You made home a person instead of a building for me. I love you Cowboy, my barbarian, my angel. Thank you for holding my hand and never letting me run away.’ and Jack replied in the comments with 'I love you babygirl'

Let's not forget they were in Turks and Caicos with Drake at the time.

Oh, and the Valentine's Day necklace finally made a visible appearance in pictures, it’s a diamond ‘J’on a white gold chain, how very Taylor Swift’s Call it What You Want of them.

March 27, 2022

The 94th Oscar Ceremony. Where to start with this ceremony?

For starters Jack and Y/n again rocked the red carpet in Dior. As a nominee for one of the main categories, Y/n went all out in a gold gown and, yes, she wore a star-studded tiara in her hair ~but she is just that level of gorgeous~. A couple in their early twenties has no right to look as cute and put together as these two *they even look like they smell good, if that's possible*.

Will Smith vs. Chris Rock happened.

Will Smith won an Oscar and received a standing ovation ~although Y/n neither clapped nor stood up, and the camera focuses on the exact moment she shakes her head at her boyfriend~.  

Y/n L/n then won the Oscar for Best Actress, and delivered THAT viral speech, 'Over the years I've watched my idols at these big fancy events, over the internet, and on the streets protesting countless causes, it made me proud to see these people who inspired me on the front lines of such noble causes, made me want to do more. Over the years we protested for the BLM, Violence Against Women, the Me Too Movement, we protested against violence, period. And tonight something happened, which under all California laws is misdemeanor crime, by the way, perpetrated by one of ours against one of ours, and in an act of absolute hypocrisy, you, who march against acts of violence, who protest against acts of violence, gave a standing ovation to the aggressor, you normalized aggression against an act of comedy […]Toxic masculinity in 2022 is not an excuse[…]So tonight, I applaud you, the Hollywood Elite, for your hypocrisy.’ The actress, who did not accept the Oscar upon going on stage, was about to leave, to the silence of the audience, when she returned, accepting the award from Anthony Hopkins hands, who quickly congratulate her. 'I was going to leave this here in protest, but I deserved it, and it may be the only one in my career after today.' The actress was finally applauded by audience members ~mostly the younger generation~.

The actress' attitude was congratulated by many industry members, despite having received criticism online and from other actors.

April 2, 2022

Their GQ Couples Quiz. It’s the most viewed Couple Quiz in the channel and is #couplegoals. This couple is *obsessed* with each other, as we’re obsessed with them. In the nearly twenty minutes video we learned that they are living together full-time now—at Y/n LA house, that once belonged to Frank Sinatra—but Jack claims that none of them are LA people. Their song is Fire on Fire by Sam Smith, 'but there's a lot of Taylor Swift on our relationship playlist' the actress admitted while her boyfriend hid his face behind the questions cards. They're a compatible couple according to their zodiac sign—he's a Pisces and she's a Taurus— 'We were meant to be, Sunshine' Jack jokes. 

'What would make me the happiest man alive?' Jack asks with a smirk. 'This one is easy, are you ready?' Y/n asks looking at the production behind the camera with a mischievous smile. ‘Okay. Hands down. Eight mini-me.’ Minute of silence ‘She’s right.’ The rapper agreed with a lazy smile.

Our favorite moment must be the ‘Describe me in one word.’ to which Jack responded with a smirk ‘Mine’ and like Y/n we just melted.

(You can watch the full video here)

April 3, 2022

The Grammys! Jack was nominated for two awards, and would perform alongside Lil Nas X. The couple arrived in all-Black Givenchy, and Y/n absolutely slayed in sheer lace. 

The couple also accidentally starred the cutest moment on the red carpet, when without realizing they were separated during photos and interviews, Y/n turned her head looking over her shoulder in search of your beau ~a move worthy of Sharon Stone and Angelina Jolie~, the microphone of the E! Channel captured the moment when the actress asked her assistant 'where is Jack?', and almost instantly, in five strides, the rapper is reunited with his girlfriend, their hands intertwining almost unconsciously, and he just looks at her with a smile and 'Hey babygirl' as if they haven't seen each other in days. *Again, to be her*

About the couple, Little Nas X, who is a close friend to both, commented 'They're one of those weird couples that even breathe in sync.'

Jack didn't take the Grammy home, but the couple had fun, and Y/n was dancing and singing along during her boyfriend's performance.

May 2, 2022

Jack may not have followed the assignment, but Y/n rocked the theme for both of them *and even made us imagine her in a wedding dress*.

May 6, 2022

Not only was it the Kentucky Derby and the couple attended together, it was also the release day of Jack's new album, Come Home The Kids Miss You. Y/n was the star of the 'First Class' video, an obvious choice when your girlfriend is a world-famous movie star, she's also going to appear in the 'Churchill Downs' music video with Drake by the looks of it.

In interviews prior to the album's release, Harlow commented that he was moving back to Louisville, initially it was unclear how the move would affect the couple's relationship, however in an interview during the Derby the Louisville native confirmed that Y/n and him were making the move together.

May 13, 2022

Am I the only one who finds it absolutely adorable that this couple is exactly two months apart in age? The actress celebrated the date being pampered by her boyfriend, surrounded by family and friends at the couple's new home in Louisville, Drake was present at the party. 

Jack shared a birthday tribute to Y/n, which he captioned, “Happy birthday my dreamgirl, the love of my existence 🤍 you have the most beautiful heart and soul I’ve ever known.”

June 2022

You might have thought that at this point in Jack and Y/n’s Hollywood love story, they were out of IG milestones, but on June 13, Y/n took it to the “publicly calling each other soul mates” level calling her handsome beau “the other half of her soul”.

And not to be out-gushed, Jack called his “soulmate,” which is basically a synonym.

Due to professional commitments, the couple spent some time apart in June, which Y/n briefly commented on in the 73 Questions with Vogue video. Y/n posted on IG with the caption: I miss you, please, bring your ass back home.

July 2022

Were we ready? No! Did we know it was going to happen? Yes! On July 13th (always 13th because 13 is a lucky number for the couple, they were both born on the 13th, Y/n ✨manifested✨ Jack on the 13th, they met on the 13th…) Jack got down on one knee in the couple’s home in Louisville. The first floor was transformed into a sunflower garden, there were candles, and the couple's playlist playing in the background.

“Today I asked my soulmate to marry me and she said yes, babe we’re using the buddy system for the rest of our lives, ” he wrote. “I promise to be the best husband and the best father for our future eight daughters 🤍 I love you babygirl.”

September 13, 2022

Jack celebrated his and Y/n’s one-year anniversary with a thirst-inducing, sexy picture (is that now the new traditional first anniversary pic)?

“365 days by your side, My Heart” he wrote. “I’m the luckiest man in the world to be able to call you mine. I cannot wait to grow old with you and start our team of mini-us. love you so much sweet girl🤍”

September 19, 2022

Jack appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and shared some previously unknown details about his proposal to Y/n.

Jack went all out to maximize the romance at the proposal, which he said took place at  their home and involved a a entire floor filled with Y/n’s favorite flower (sunflower) as well as candles, her favorite champagne, and pizza (from the same place they eat that first Met Gala night). While this scenario might scream MARRIAGE PROPOSAL to most people, Jack and Y/n are so romantic in private and gush about their feels so regularly that she didn’t actually realize what was going on at first, “I don't think she ever imagined herself living in Louisville, Kentucky, and I don't believe anyone imagines a woman like Y/n living in Kentucky, she's the pinnacle of glamour, someone you imagine living in LA or NY, so when we broached the subject of living in Louisville, she touched me when she said that as long as we were together anywhere was home, I promised I wouldn't let her regret that decision, so grand romantic gestures are common at home.”

“Man, you're making some of us look bad.” Kimmel joked. “I just like to make her happy, it's not that hard.”The First Class rapper said with a shrug.

But that was not the initial plan, as bad cold postponed the proposal. “I had planned a trip just the two of us, our families were going to join us, but she didn't know that part, I planned to propose to her on June 13, under the light of Aurora Australis, there was a Symphony Orchestra hired for the occasion, and Maria Grazia from Dior—thank you Maria, you absolute angel— sent the dress she was supposed to wear, I already had her father and grandfather's permission, her overprotective older brothers too, her mom gave her blessing, but then on the 10th Y/n had the worst cold, and I ended up canceling the trip.”

During the interview with Kimmel we had another huge revelation:

“But it all worked out in the end, you two are happy…” Kimmel commented. “Yeah, yeah, my wife and I are really happy...” Jack said with a smirk. “Your wife…?” Kimmel asked with a double take. “Oops.” It was the only thing the rapper said, covering his mouth, making the audience cheer with the confession. “When did this happen? Congratulations!” “We are legally married, on the 14th we took a flight to Vegas just the two of us and our parents.” 

They are planning a ceremony for after Jack's tour ends. Our bets are that the ceremony will take place in Kentucky or Vermont. The bride will probably wear Dior and the groom Givenchy.

September 20, 2022

The day after Jack's interview on Jimmy Kimmel's show, Y/n posted a photo of the couple in Vegas with the caption, “Since the cat is out of the bag… our first photo as Mr and Mrs Harlow, I love you husband. ”

[avenirdelight]

Her Brothers’ Trust

Kostas Tsimikas (ft. Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Henderson, Robertson)

After being encouraged (or slightly threatened?) by his teammates, Kostas comes to a point where he has to ask her out.

Kostas' eyes followed Trent who strode towards his table with a full plate in his hand and a glass of water in the other. Without even a hello, Trent sat down on the unoccupied chair across from him, settling down the things on his hands to the table.

"So, have you asked her out yet?" Trent said, eyeing the mouth-watering chicken he'd got on his plate. He was starving; the morning training session was quite exhausting.

"Good morning," Kostas answered, looking down on his own almost-empty plate. He could feel Trent's eyes on him now, but he didn't quite have the courage to meet the gaze because he knew Trent was judging him.

"You haven't, have you?" Trent's guess was spot on; even the tone of this voice was judging. He shook his head. "You're wasting your time."

"I don't think I have to rush," Kostas answered but he lacked all the confidence; he didn't even sound convincing to Trent.

Trent fell silent and it was somehow suspicious. The look on his face was also suspicious, like he was holding back from something he was dying to say. But Kostas didn't ask, because he knew Trent was going to say it anyway. Trent tended to do that.

Before both of them could say anything, a huge figure came to the table, sliding himself to the chair beside Trent as he drank his juice. It was Virgil.

"What are we talking about here?" The man asked, as if he'd already sensed that there was something interesting happening on the table between the two.

"Talking about Tsimi being a coward," Trent muttered, giving Kostas a certain look. It had been two months since Trent found out that Kostas liked his best friend, three weeks since he revealed to Kostas that she liked him back, and Trent was disappointed with how slow Kostas was moving.

Virgil sighed. Trent didn't need to explain what he meant for Virgil to understand. He also gave Kostas a look, but it was a lot kinder compared to Trent's. "You haven't made a move on her?" Virgil sounded surprised. "You like her, she likes you. Hendo, Bobby, Thiago, Ox, and I—"

"And me," Trent added.

"And Trent, have given you the permission. Robbo hasn't but I know he will, so what's holding you back?" Kostas didn't answer, so Virgil continued, "Give it a chance. I wouldn't be saying this if I didn't think you would be a good match for her," Virgil turned to Trent for a moment and Trent gave a light shrug, gesturing that he agreed. "But remember, if you hurt her, you're going to deal with all of us," Virgil warned, and he sounded serious.

Kostas gulped. That was the thing he worried about the most — hurting her and not living up to his teammates' expectations.

She was one of their nutritionists, everyone's favourite staff, everyone's little sister, and they were so protective of her. He was someone new; he'd been so scared if everyone found out about him liking her. But then Trent found out, then almost half of the team found out, and he'd needed to go through his weird period of time where they interrogated him, testing him if he'd be good enough for their beloved sister. They'd given him the green light.

And Kostas would like to try to ask her out, he wanted to, but he couldn't promise that he would be the most perfect guy to ever exist. She was a really nice girl and even though his teammates had even encouraged him, Kostas still thought that he wasn't good enough for her.

"You know she's been giving you signs. Even I see it," Trent said. "Are you going to make us witness the tension between you two forever? I'm getting sick of it." Again, Trent looked like he wanted to say more, but kept himself from saying it. Kostas didn't dare to ask, something was telling him that he wouldn't like what Trent would say.

They all fell silent. Kostas finished his meal first and he appreciated that Virgil tried to make conversations with him about topics other than her — training and the next match. Virgil left the table after emptying his glass of juice, saying that he needed to go see their physiotherapist before the afternoon training session. Kostas was left alone again with Trent.

Kostas felt that it would be too weird if he left first, so he decided to wait for Trent. He got his phone out and pretended to check on some messages. Trent, on the other hand, was contemplating about something and he completely looked like it, making Kostas feel pressured to ask about it. So the second Trent dropped his knife and fork, Kostas turned his attention back at him.

"Okay, I'm saying this because I'm her friend and I want the best for her," Trent began again before Kostas could even ask. "And I think you're way better than the guy she's been going on dates with."

Kostas gritted his teeth. It was enough to show Trent that he disliked the information Trent had just given him. "She's seeing someone?"

"No, not yet. It's just a couple dates from what she told me, and she's not sure about this lad," Trent explained. "But if you don't make your move soon, you might lose your chance."

—

"So I still can have yogurt, right?" Kostas asked for confirmation which she responded with a little laugh.

"Not too much, okay? And have it with fruits," she repeated. Kostas nodded, making mental notes of everything she just said.

She smiled before getting back to her computer to complete her report, leaving Kostas with his mind — his panicking mind.

Kostas had spent three days thinking about the piece of information that Trent had given him over lunch. And Trent's words had urged him to make a decision. Because to be honest, he knew he would regret it so much if she ended up with someone else, especially when he knew that she was also interested in him.

He had a session with her today. He'd made up his mind. He'd made a little plan to ask her out.

But it wasn't really going well. His heart was thumping in his ears, he was clasping his hands together to stop it from nervously fidgeting, he was constantly moving his right leg – he was awfully and extremely nervous. He'd never been this nervous asking someone out.

He hoped he could just say, "Hey, I really think that you're so beautiful and I love how your hair looks in a ponytail, I like your sweet voice and the way you talk, I love your personality and how smart you are, and I really, really like you, would you go on a date with me?" but he already stuttered reporting to her what he ate for the past week.

She always made Kostas feel like this. He didn't even remember when he started crushing on her, but one day he just started to get excited every time he saw her, he started to get nervous when they interacted, he started to get jealous when he saw his teammates goofing around with her or teasing her. And if he got jealous just by seeing her interacting with the people she'd been friends with for years, he didn't know how he would be if he saw her with another man.

"I hope you don't have a plan to eat out this week. No birthday dinners to attend to, right?" Her voice snapped Kostas back to his senses.

"No, but, uh..." He rubbed his nervous hands against knees. "I have this yogurt place that I really want to visit. I came across it on Instagram and I... I'm interested."

She looked up, flashing him an adoring smile that sent his stomach flipping. "You love your yogurt, don't you?"

"I used to grow up eating it. My mum used to always take me to a yogurt place near our house after a football practice and I'd get mad if she didn't."

The smile stayed on her lips. "Glad you did. I know a certain someone who didn't like dairy at all and he sometimes gave me headaches with his requests. I can't tell you who it is, though."

"Do you like yogurt?" Kostas blurted out. It was so sudden that it almost changed the whole mood in the room.

Her smile faltered a bit. "I do," she gave him a small nod.

"Do you want to go with me? To the yogurt place?"

The silence that followed as soon as Kostas dropped the question was almost deafening. They only stared at each other; she was trying to process the question and Kostas was realising how lame he must have sounded.

She dropped her gaze, settling her gaze on anything her eyes caught. She tilted her head as she pursed her lips. "Are you asking me out on a date?" Her small and shy voice asked.

"Yes," Kostas answered firmly, straightening up his posture on the chair. He didn't know where he got his confidence from, but he was determined not to mess this up. "Would you like to go on a date with me?"

She didn't answer right away and it made Kostas start to worry. She was taking her time and Kostas' nervousness gradually grew with passing seconds. But the biggest relief washed over him when a sweet smile made an appearance on her face.

She nodded. Was that a yes? Kostas raised his eyebrows, too stunned to react. She must've sensed his confusion, so she nodded again.

"Yes, I'd love that."

Kostas let out a breath that he didn't know he'd been holding. "Thank you," he beamed. "Thank you, well, uh—" He scratched his neck again. "We'll get busy this week so maybe we'll find time next week?"

She was about to answer, but they were interrupted by a knock on the door. They both turned their attention to the glass door and could see Jordan behind it.

"Mate," Jordan said after he opened the door, peeking his head in. "The gaffer's looking for you. In his office. Now," he informed.

"Okay," Kostas bowed his head. "Thanks, bro."

"No problem." Jordan then turned her little figure behind the desk, tugging his lips upwards. "Hey, sis," he nodded his head at her.

"Hey, skipper, I wanted to see you," she said. "Are you free now?"

"Let me have my lunch first? I'm starving."

"Okay. Remember—"

"More protein. I won't forget," he cut her off and she responded with a little giggle as she gave him a thumb up. "The gaffer's waiting, Tsimi," he reminded Kostas, slightly raising his eyebrows. "Don't get too comfortable here."

And then Jordan winked. To Kostas. Jordan gave Kostas a teasing wink.

Kostas' heart dropped to the pit of his stomach and he could feel his cheeks getting warm from embarrassment. Kostas wished she didn't catch whatever that was, but she let out another giggle, which only meant she caught that and understood that Hendo was teasing him.

"Okay," Kostas said with widened eyes and slightly tilted head, signalling Jordan to leave. The skipper just grinned and left.

Kostas turned to her again and she was already looking at him. She had a small shy smile painted on her face and maybe Kostas was wrong, but she was blushing. She looked incredibly cute; his heart skipped a beat again and before he even realised it, he smiled.

Their smiles grew wider and it eventually became chuckles. They both briefly looked away. A genuine happy smile was shared between the two of them when their eyes locked onto each other again.

"So... We'll find time next week?" Kostas asked again and she nodded rather excitedly. "Okay. Thank you, uhh, I better get going, then," Kostas said, getting up from his chair. "I'll text you, okay?"

"I'll be waiting."

Kostas grabbed his phone from the desk and headed to the door.

"Tsimi?" her voice stopped him from opening the door. He looked at her over his shoulder. "Thank you. For finally asking the question."

Kostas' stomach flipped once again. He nodded as he gave her another smile. "Thank you for saying yes."

—

"Can't say I'm happy about it," Andy said as he sat down beside Kostas in the boot room. It was a surprise to Kostas for Andy to approach him first. The lad hadn't even talked to him for a whole week since he'd found out that Kostas finally asked her out.

"But this morning the girl smiled so bright like she was competing with the sun," Andy continued and it finally hit Kostas what his teammate was talking about. They'd finally gone on a date last night; Andy must've found out about it. Andy turned to him and he was glad that the older lad didn't look so annoyed. "I don't really mind that. But if one day she came into work with a sad face and puffy eyes, you'd be my first suspect."

Kostas needed a couple of seconds to process Andy's words as he watched the lad bent down to put on his shoes. "O– Okay..." he stuttered. "Thank you." He didn't even know why he even said thank you, but out of all of his teammates, Andy was the closest to her and definitely the most protective of her. He remembered how mad Andy had gotten the first time he learned that Kostas liked her, so knowing that Andy finally gave him a blessing, it meant a lot to him.

Andy didn't say anything else and Kostas only sat on the bench like he was glued to it. But his eyes darted to the front, where Trent, Jordan, and Virgil sat there looking at him with the same subtle smile on their faces. Kostas wasted no time to look away, feeling a little bit embarrassed with the whole situation. It would be too awkward if he just left, so he bent down and pretended to fix his boots.

But he couldn't stop his smile from breaking. He tried to hide it by tucking his lips in between his teeth so no one could see. Andy left soon after by not saying anything, Kostas only watched him walk away from the corner of his eyes. He was getting ready to get up and also leave for the pitch, but he once again met Jordan's eyes and the skipper looked like he was about to say something, so Kostas looked back at him.

"She does look very happy today," Jordan said, standing up from the bench, fixing the hem of his shirt. "You've earned our trust so don't break it. Be good to her."

Kostas quickly nodded. His face was serious; he hoped Jordan could see how he meant it. He promised himself that he would never mess this up, not only for her or himself, but also for the people who loved her. He'd earned her brothers' trust, now it was time to earn hers.

—

anyway, have you ever seen a new guy and think "ok i want to write a fic for this guy"? this is exactly what happened! (also i watched like 8 videos of liverpool before writing this and i felt like i cheated on spurs lol) i haven't really known kostas tsimikas yet but i hope this story fits him! enjoy!<3

i didn't how how it got so long — almost 2500 words?? and yes it was definitely more of a liverpool fic than a kostas/yn fic... i didn't know if his teammates called him "tsimi"? and i'm also curious who his best friends are! (i only know mo and i guess thiago)? please tell me so i can write him better next time:')

but i wish i was her though, working at the club, being everyone's favourite staff, even being a sister to them?ㅠㅠ i hope you enjoyed it! tell me what you like about this one!<3

My Masterlist🤍

[a-small-batch-of-dragons]

Erudite

The ship fics are adorable, however I am also aro as heck and I have a proposition: Aromantic (possibly acespec, idrc whatever you wanna do there that's not the main focus) Logan being absolutely baffled because the other sides are flirting with each other and getting into relationships and flirting with him (not that he picks up on it) and he's just like. What. (long ask, so cut for brevity) - anon

Could you write a fic with aromantic or aro-spec Roman in it? – monkeythefander

*materializes into existence* Hi :D Mayhaps I request some Logince (Logan and Roman) hurt/comfort? Logan has a nightmare and Roman comforts the touch-starved Logan. Logan being a bit overwhelmed by all his emotions. Roman grounding him and giving him all the affection. Maybe some insecure Logan? Random Headcanon: Roman calls Logan "Erudite" as a comforting, loving nickname? Cause Lo is a lil nerd. Do what you will. Have fun :D – oatmeal-stans-the-trash-rat

THOUGHT THOUGHT THOUGHT!! This has been on my mind for a while Names, as we have learned, are very important to the sides. (this ask is super long so not all of it is here) - anon

Read on Ao3

Warnings: mild arophobia

Pairings: background virgil/patton/janus/remus

Word Count: 3123

Logan blinks awake with sweat soaking his sheets and an ache in his muscles. In the middle of the night, the only solace he can find is with someone who might understand.

Logan blinks awake with sweat soaking his sheets and an ache in his muscles.

"That's it, come on, now…"

There's a voice. Someone is speaking to him. Is it in his head? No, he would not have used such a phrase for himself at this moment.

"Stay with me, come on, I'm right here, wake up, L."

'L.' Ah. Virgil. Logan blinks again, stirring and wincing at the tug in his limbs as a blurry face swims into view. Virgil smiles at him—at least, he presumes he does, it is difficult to tell without his glasses—and ruffles his hair.

"Hey, there, buddy. You doing okay?"

"Virgil?" He swallows through his dry throat and tries again. "Virgil?"

"Yeah, buddy, it's me. You were having a nightmare, do you remember?"

His brow furrows as he tries to recall it. No images come to mind—though perhaps that is for the better—but the ache in his limbs coalesces into a strange and heavy soreness that isn't reminiscent of any sort of muscle pain. On instinct, his hand moves toward its center to try and figure out what's going on, but his fingers only scrabble uselessly against the soft fabric of his shirt.

"Hey, hey, uh-uh," Virgil interrupts, taking gentle hold of his wrist and pulling it away, "stay here. You with me?"

"I'm with you. I don't—I don't remember my nightmare, but my chest—my chest hurts."

"You think it's from hyperventilating?"

He shakes his head. "Not that kind of hurt."

Virgil nods, the mattress creaking slightly as he leans back to give Logan his space. "You wanna talk about it at all? You need to be grounded?"

"Can—?" His throat dries up again mid-question. "Can I have some water?"

"Yeah, yeah, sure, I'll be right back."

The mattress squeaks again as Virgil's weight leaves it, the light to the bathroom and the sound of the sink following shortly. Logan drifts in the strange fuzzy half-dark of his room for several moments more before Virgil reappears with a glass of water. He sits up, carefully, and drinks about half of it.

"Thank you."

"Sure thing, bud. You need me to stay for a little longer?"

The soreness hasn't receded, but the prospect of letting Virgil stay makes it…worse. His fingers twist into the blankets. Virgil waits patiently until he sighs and his shoulders drop. "Can you see if Roman's awake, please?"

Surprise flickers across Virgil's expression, but he nods and stands. "If I can, I'll send him up. If not, do you want me to come back?"

"Just to say you couldn't find him, or he isn't awake. You don't have to stay."

"I don't mind," he says softly, but Logan shakes his head. "Okay. I'll see what I can do."

Virgil sinks out and Logan lets out a breath he hadn't been sure he was holding, putting the glass on his nightstand before his hands can shake too much to spill it. He rubs his chest. The soreness hasn't abated, but the lancing pain atop it has. Despite knowing how ill-advised it is, he finds himself once again trying to remember his nightmare. His fingers worry the creases in his shirt.

A knock on the door startles him out of his thoughts.

"Logan? It's Roman, Virgil said you were looking for me?"

"Come in."

Roman opens the door and glances around, spotting him in the bed and smiling. He looks…far too awake for the middle of the night, but at least he's dressed down in a T-shirt and sweatpants.

"Hi, Specs," he says quietly, shutting the door behind him, "what can I do for you?"

"I—"

Roman's brow furrows when he cuts himself off, taking a small step away from the door. "Can I come over?"

Logan nods and he comes to sit on the edge of the bed, still a respectful distance away, but close enough to lay a hand encouragingly on Logan's blanket-covered knee. Even through the fabric, the touch grows warm in a rush. Roman's hands are callused, he realizes, from years of swordfights and writing alike. His thumb makes little strokes back and forth, filling the room with the sound of fabric rustling.

"Logan?" Roman smiles when he looks up. "I think I lost you for a moment there."

"Sorry."

"Don't apologize, I'm pretty sure it's my fault." He indicates his hand. "Do you want me to stop?"

"No."

"Okay, then." He pats his knee. "Not that I'm not thrilled to see you, but I can't imagine midnight socializing works its way onto The Schedule, so—"

Logan snorts.

"—if you wouldn't mind telling me a little bit about what's going on in your head right now?"

"I had a nightmare."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"Virgil was here, he…he woke me up. He got me water." Roman nods. "He…asked if I wanted to talk about it."

"And did you?" Roman prompts when he doesn't finish. "Is that when you asked him to get me?"

"Yes."

"Do you…want to talk about it with me?"

His mouth hardens into a thin little line.

"You don't have to," he continues, softer now, "I can just babble on and distract you until you get bored enough to fall back to sleep."

"That's not—" he touches his shirt again— "my chest hurts."

Roman blinks. "Okay. Um, do you want me to have a look at it?"

"…can you?"

"Of course, Specs, can I come a little closer?" Logan nods and Roman scoots up the bed. He briefly mourns the loss of the hand on his knee only for his breath to stutter when Roman's warm hand comes to rest gently on his chest. "Is this alright?"

He nods, not trusting his voice. Roman carefully rubs his hand back and forth, back and forth, in small circles, then bigger circles, then side to side, then down his sternum. A small furrow appears between his brows as he goes. When he's finished, he lays his hand right over Logan's heart and closes his eyes.

A few moments later, he opens them again.

"I can't feel anything wrong," he says, looking up at him, "but it does…I can feel something a little sore. Is that what it is?"

"Yes."

"Do you think it's just from the nightmare?"

"I don't even remember what the nightmare was."

"Okay, that's okay." His fingers tap lightly against his chest. "Is—can I keep asking questions?"

"Yes."

"Thank you. Does it have anything to do with why you sent Virgil to look for me?"

Logan's quiet for a moment. Roman waits patiently, his fingers still drumming lightly against his chest. "I…it didn't feel right."

"Right?"

"To ask Virgil."

"Why not?"

"He's…they're…"

Roman makes a soft oh sound and scoots the slightest bit closer. "Is it because the others are in a relationship now?"

It had been a long time coming, if the others were to be believed. Patton and Virgil and Janus and Remus—the four of them had recently started to explore the dynamics of a polyamorous romantic relationship and it had been going well. The four of them had been…happier than Logan could remember seeing them.

The thought of it is enough to twinge the ache.

"Hey," comes Roman's gentle voice, "stay here with me?"

"I'm here, I'm here."

Roman carefully pats his chest. "I'm guessing that was it?"

"…yes."

"Do you want to talk about that?"

Logan's mouth thins again. "It's stupid."

"If it's giving you nightmares, Specs, it's not stupid."

"It's not—" his head snaps up to look at Roman, who meets him with such soft and patient understanding that Logan's hand twitches toward his unconsciously— "do you…think that's what it was?"

"You woke up without being able to remember the nightmare except for this ache in your chest," he says, "you didn't feel comfortable letting Virgil comfort you, and you asked specifically for me."

Logan swallows. "Your logic is impeccable."

"Why, thank you."

"Still, it seems like an inappropriate thing to have a nightmare about." He shifts to ease a cramp in his leg. "The people that matter to me have gotten together and are happy about it. How is that supposed to give me a nightmare?"

Roman doesn't say anything, just looking at him expectantly. He sighs.

"I don't know, Roman."

"Do you want to try and figure it out, or do you want me to distract you from it until you can fall back asleep?"

"It'll frustrate me if I don't know why."

"Then let's figure it out."

"But that's hard," Logan mumbles, mostly under his breath. Roman chuckles and strokes his thumb across a wrinkle in his shirt.

"You like hard problems."

"Not when they keep me from sleeping."

"Come on, then, Braniac," Roman encourages, "let's get you thinking."

Logan sighs again, leaning back against the headboard. Roman goes to lift his hand from his chest but without thinking about it, he covers the hand, keeping it there. Roman makes a surprised noise.

"Sorry."

"No, no, it's alright." His hand shifts to get comfortable. "Can I ask why—would it be helpful if I asked you questions to help you think, or do you want to do it on your own?"

"You can ask."

"Thank you. Can I ask why you felt more comfortable asking for help from me than from Virgil?"

"We went over that."

"Say it again for those of us in class that aren't as clever as you."

Logan frowns slightly—Roman is clever. "Virgil has recently entered into a relationship."

"So?"

Logan turns to look at him. "What do you mean, 'so?'"

"What does that have to do with Virgil comforting you?"

"I'm not part of the relationship." Roman gestures for him to keep going. "That should—I'm not one of the people Virgil loves. Yes, yes, I know," he interrupts before Roman can say anything, "Virgil might love me, but he's not in love with me—he does not feel romantic love for me."

"I'm going to keep asking you why this matters, Logan."

"He's not—shouldn't he be doing that for his partners?" Irritation bleeds into his words. "Isn't that how that works?"

"How what works?"

"Romance," Logan spits, only belatedly realizing that Romance is Roman's thing, "as soon as you enter a romantic relationship with someone, they become your one and only priority, or whatever, they're who you're supposed to comfort, to seek comfort from, it doesn't matter what other relationships you might have, or might have worked on for years, as soon as someone gets the label of romantic partner, everything else might as well not exist."

Only after he's finished speaking and he sees Roman's expression does he realize what he's just said.

"…oh."

"You're worried the others won't think about you as much anymore," Roman summarizes with devastating softness, "and that they won't see their time with you or their relationship with you as important, is that right?"

Logan nods, shame bubbling into tears that Roman wipes away with a gentle noise.

"Does it scare you?" He nods again. "Oh, Logan…it's okay, can I hug you?"

Logan barely has time to nod again before Roman's sliding up and wrapping his arms around him and oh, Roman is big and soft and warm and his brain isn't coming up with good words anymore and he doesn't care because Roman's still hugging him and the ache in his chest is glowing and he's all warm and it almost burns and it—and—and—and—

"Shh, shh, Logan," he hears from a great distance, "it's okay. I'm right here, okay? I'm right here."

He decides he's not going to think about anything else. Nothing that isn't the fingers running lightly up and down his back. Nothing that isn't being rocked against a strong chest. Nothing that isn't the soothing murmur of words in his ear.

"I've got you, Logan. It's gonna be okay. I'm not going anywhere."

When he next surfaces out of swimming in the sensation of warm soft comfort Roman safe, he realizes Roman's moved them. He's leaning up against the headboard, Logan balanced halfway across his lap. He looks up from where his head is pillowed against Roman's shoulder. Roman smiles.

"Hey," he calls, running his fingers through his hair, "you feel any better."

"Mhm."

"That's good." He returns to scratching lightly between his shoulders. "If it's any consolation at all, I'm sure the others wouldn't be upset at getting able to comfort you at all. I think they'd miss it, actually, and start passive-aggressively fighting for the chance to do it again."

"That's kind of you."

"I'm serious! Mark my words, they'll be squabbling for the chance before you know it."

Despite himself, he laughs at the mental image of it. Roman's chest rumbles with a laugh of his own. "I don't think I would mind so much," he mumbles, tongue loosened by Roman's warmth, "if I didn't know it wasn't for me."

"If what wasn't for you?"

"That sort of thing." When Roman still looks confused, he sighs. "Romance…all of that. That sort of thing."

"What do you mean, romance isn't for you? Not that it's a problem," he says quickly, "that's your decision and you're welcome to make it, I'm just…curious."

"I'm aromantic."

"Oh. Me too."

"I just mean that—" he stops and looks up. "You're what?"

"I'm aro too, Logan," Roman says, smiling softly and running a finger down his cheek. "What's that look for?"

"You're—you—but you're Romance."

"And Janus is perfectly capable of honesty even though he's Deceit. Just because that's what I represent to Thomas doesn't mean I have to experience romantic attraction." Roman shrugs. "It's not like I'm against it, or for it, it's just…well, like you said. It's not for me."

"But—but—" Logan's still trying to make sense of this image— "but you flirt with the others all the time."

"It's fun."

"It's not fun, it's confusing. I get accused of flirting all the time and I don't even know what I'm doing that counts as flirting."

"Well, they're probably guessing that the way they flirt with you is how you'd flirt back at them."

"But that doesn't—"

He stops again. He furrows his brow. He bolts upright to stare hard at Roman.

"What do you mean, how they flirt with me? They don't flirt with me!"

"Yes, they do," Roman says patiently, "believe me, the only reason I know that is because I walk in on them scheming on how to flirt with you."

"They—you what?"

"Look, just because I'm Thomas's Romance doesn't mean I understand all of it myself."

"Why is this so complicated and confusing," he grumbles, letting Roman chuckle and coax him back into a hug, "why can't everyone just make sense?"

"I don't think they'd be themselves if they made sense 100% of the time."

Logan begrudgingly grumbles an acquiescence, but he doesn't have to like it. Judging by the way Roman laughs again and ruffles his hair, he won't hold it against him.

"You look better," he observes softly, smiling, "do you think you might be able to fall back asleep?"

He toys with the edge of Roman's shirt. Most of the ache is gone, but there's something still lingering that he can't quite figure out how to dissipate. "I don't—alright, this next part is going to sound stupid."

"Great. I love stupid-sounding things."

"They have…they're going to have secrets now. And I…I don't…" He sighs. "Do you remember when Patton told Thomas my name?"

Roman nods. Logan rubs the hem of his shirt between his fingers. After a moment, Roman hums. "They shared something private of yours, and now you don't know how to feel that they know everything about you and you won't be able to reciprocate?"

"When did you get so perceptive?"

Roman just chuckles. "I am sorry about the name thing, I don't—"

"It's fine. It was going to happen at some point."

"Still, Logan, you should've gotten to do that on your terms." Roman drums his fingers against the small of his back. "What if…what if we did it over?"

"Did what over?"

"What if you had a name—or something, that was just a private one? And then you could keep it, it could be your secret, and you could decide how you want to tell them about it, if you ever do?"

Heat begins to color his cheeks. "Like—like a pet name?"

Roman looks down. "If you wanted?"

"Okay."

"If you're not comfortable—"

"If it's you," Logan butts in, "only if it's you."

Roman pauses, looking at him, before a soft smile spreads across his face. "Okay. I'm okay with that. Do you have anything in mind?"

"You're Creativity," Logan mumbles, trying to hide his blush in Roman's stomach, "you think of one."

Roman tugs lightly on his hair in retribution but settles, humming as his fingers card along his scalp. Logan finds himself drifting off under the gentle touch, roused here and there by Roman trying out different names. Starlight is too close to his nickname for Virgil, all the generic ones are taken because the others might use them, anything to do with Logic is too impersonal…

"Erudite."

Logan stirs. He looks up. Roman cups his cheek and strokes his thumb across his cheekbone.

"Erudite," he says again, voice gentle and tender, "what about that?"

A lump appears in Logan's throat.

"Is that okay, Erudite?"

He sniffles.

"Oh, it's okay, Erudite, come here…you fall asleep for me now," Roman coos, cuddling a sleepy, weepy Logan to his chest, "shh, Erudite, it's okay…it's okay, let's try and sleep now…"

The ache in his chest fades away as he falls into a dreamless sleep.

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[anxiouslyfred]

Virgil Cooks

for @dukexietyweek prompt Food

Summary: Virgil cooks and Remus asks to be cooked for

/\/\

Virgil cooks.

That's really all there is to it. Virgil cooks for himself, for his friends, for just about anyone really.

He cooks.

Now you'd be mistaken if you thought that Virgil believed he's good at cooking or that he ever believed any compliments he received. In fact the only person who wouldn't get immediately shut down when praising the things Virgil cooked was Remus and that because he, like pretty much everyone, saw Remus eating things straight from the bin, or food abandoned on picnic tables. It was nice for him to hear that at the very least his food was better than rubbish.

It didn't mean he expected to have Remus come over asking for food and claiming it was the only thing palatable to him.

“Seriously my food isn't that good.” Virgil half scowled, letting Remus in regardless and heading into the kitchen.

Remus made a protesting noise before replying, “Better than the places Roman's been dragging me to.”

Digging through the cupboards for something quick to cook, he glanced over his shoulder. “I could swear you don't lie so what game are you playing?” Virgil asked.

“I'm playing I want good food so am asking the best cook I know for it.” Remus had perched on a counter, legs swinging and hands tapping as if holding cutlery and hurrying food along.

“Sounds fake. I don't think Roman's been taking you to dumps, has he?” He scowled a little, mentally checking he would need that counter space for the dish he'd decided to cook.

Remus waved one hand. “Nah. Uppity places that would be scandalised if a decent portion was put on a plate.”

He nodded at that, well aware of the minimal portions posh restaurants provided to try and get more money spent at them. “Okay I can believe you hate posh food but there's infinitely better cooks than me even in our friends.”

“There isn't and I'm feeling half starved so please cook while arguing with the compliments cause I ain't taking them back.” Remus immediately argued, acting as if it wasn't clear Virgil was already cooking from the ingredients he'd pulled out and the pots he was now looking for.

“How about instead of compliments that sound entirely exaggerated, you tell me just how you've convinced Ro to stop domesticating you for the post world?” Virgil suggested.

Remus took that option willingly, but still included some complimentary comparisons to Virgil's food in the stories. He was fairly sure they were stories, given a riot breaking out in any high end restaurant would definitely make the news. So would someone releasing rats into any restaurant which Remus would probably have had to escape the police for doing as well.

“And then Ro was angry and demanding to know why he couldn't just have a nice meal out with his brother and I said that you're a better dinner date and a better cook than he or any of the chefs in the shmancy places. So now Prissy is all upset because he wants to matchmake for us but I said I can do the charming on my own.” Remus was saying as Virgil served up the finished meal, very nearly spilling it.

“Rewind, actually rewind and freeze! I'm no chef and nobody likes me like that, so what the hell are you thinking saying any of that bullshit to your brother? You know he gets stars in his eyes at any suggestion of a crush unless concerned that he might be experiencing one.” He snapped, slamming the pot back onto the side and whirling to glare at Remus.

Remus blinked for a moment before snickering. “I can be nobody if you want me to be. I like you, wanna date you, so if that makes me nobody then I can do that! Besides!” Remus jumped up, grabbing both plates and cutlery that had been placed next to it up to go through to the table. “This is basically a dinner date already. Just need to throw in kissing, maybe some touching or cuddling, and it'll be a perfect one.”

“Normally people just ask for a date, not beg to be cooked for as if having been starved all week.” Virgil grumbled, carefully not agreeing or disagreeing to anything. He wasn't sure what reaction either would have given how unpredictable Remus was about everything else.

“Then you get nervous and lash out, tearing down anything you might like about a person and turning it into an insult.” Remus stated, reminding Virgil of the few times he'd been asked out in public and blew the chance because getting flustered made him want to fight the cause.

As they sat down and Remus finally returned the meal Virgil had dished for himself to him, he finally figured out what he'd prefer. “We can treat this as a practice date. If it goes to hell or I screw something up, You have to promise nothing will change between us and our friendship stays as it is.”

“I promise I will only fall in love with you more if things get exciting tonight, even if you view it as mistakes.” Remus quoted instead.

A roll of Virgil's eyes was all the reply given for a few moments as they began to eat.

At the end of the night, Virgil found himself agreeing to another date, and wondering how, when he's the one who cooks, Remus was the one who managed to prove that food is the way to a person's heart.

[froggyplanet4269]

portal slice of life anime when

ok so I'm gonna go ham with hcs now hold on

much better

ok so chell is the mc (obv) and she's the New Girl in Aperture College or High School or whatever you prefer because I'm fucking indecisive

she's mute and speaks sign language but also draws on a portable dry-erase board (it's a hell to animate/draw but ok)

idk much about what to do with her but she's aware of everything even tho she isn't. she also narrates everything in her thoughts so we CAN hear her voice but not actually talking with anyone, similarly to the disastrous life of saiki k

she also likes girls (it's important ok)

glados is the girlboss of the place

she has connections all over the school, and knows everything about everyone, and uses that to her advantage.

she's also the school council's prez-o-dent (yeah). being in her place is basically like being an omnipotent goddess lol

she's a gifted kid, and actually skipped an entire grade because of that (she's chell's age, but she's just a grade higher). but even with that, she's very mean and takes her anger out on you through her passive-aggressive remarks.

oh and she's making the portal gun and gets chell to test it for her (that's like. a big plot thing)

also chell glados gay girl crush stuff happens too

wheatley is chell's new neighbor and she hopes he dies (/j). also his parents traumatized him through emotional abuse and all that (yeah the scientists are his parents ig). so he's also fucked up too.

he sucks at his studies and chell and grady have to tutor him and stuff. (IM NOT GOING TO LET YOU STARVE GRADLEY ENJOYERS)

he's also in the drama club because IM in the drama club.

grady, virgil, rainbow, mel and nigel go all to another class in the same year

grady is also working on some inventions with virgil too. (they're tech bros)

these inventions go on to be the turrets, and they have a whole episode in which they go rogue and have to stop them from trying to kill everyone

this doesn't stop grady and wheatley from seeing each other cuz they met in some computer class or something

everyone knows they're pining for each other except for themselves. and also wheatley told chell about him liking grady and at some point they have like an entire Operation dedicated to them confessing or whatever

dunno much about nigel, mel or rainbow so they're just there. hanging out. vibing even.

rick, fact core (nathan) and space core (pluto) are besties fr

rick is an absolute WHORE and he's flirting with like. so many people. (and sometimes dating them too). he also likes nathan but doesn't want to to ruin their friendship by saying anything about it

nathan is in the Science club and in the council at the same time (boyboss) and he admires glados a lot (platonically). he's pluto's elder brother figure

pluto is the founder of the Space club, and is trying to get people in it. he loves astronomy in general and yknow. he's vibing

alma and rose are in the botanic AND science clubs and are girlbossing and love each other so much <3

[seldomscilence16]

Whumptober day 3: Alternative 4&7

Fandom: Sanders Sides

Prompts;

Touch-Starved

Protective

(Honestly probably a couple more on total accident since a lot of things go hand in hand...)

Inspiration where for art thou? Using the alternatives this time round cause brains on vacay. Been a minute since I focused on these guys, Im behind on the series and as such this is an au so to speak and probably ooc. Also, I seem to have a common ish setting for all three so far... hm.

Thanks!

"Why are we doing this again?"

"Because, Gloom and Doom, Thomas asked us specifically. This is a great honor, so stop trying to rain on my parade!"

"This is a stealth mission Roman, a parade would be highly counterintuitive."

"Come on fellas, if we want to get this done we need to work together!"

They stop as a group, silence falling over them as they take to the shadows the forest provides, watching another troop trudge by. They have several carts, each covered with a large fabric to hide its contents. The troop is well armed, and no doubt itching for a fight, ready to defend their cargo, but also bored of their no doubt long trek.

Roman grips the hilt of his sword with white knuckles, but restrains himself from actually confronting the troop. He knows how important the task they've been given is, and should their prescence in enemy lands be known, the mission would fail, and their lives as well as Thomas' would be in grave danger.

The troop passes, and Romans grip laxes, opening his mouth to no doubt say something that would instigate another debate. Virgils hand covers his mouth, having crossed to his side faster than his companions could track. Romans offense could be felt, ready to lash out, only to see Virgils eyed trained on something past the bushes covering them.

The four watch with wide eyes as an ogre, easily twelve feet tall and as thick as all four of them combined, scans the forest as he takes slow steps to follow the troop. He bears the sigil of their enemy, and an axe larger than any theyd seen before- and Remus did love collecting ridiculous weapons so this was quite the feat. His steps leave indents in the dirt below his feet, but make no other indication of his presence, some silencing spell purhaps to trick people no doubt.

Only once he is far past their line of sight does anyone breathe. Roman grasps Virgils wrist to remove his hand,

"How the heck did you catch that?!"

His grip is warm on Virgils cooled skin, as he pulls away the warmth stays but his skin prickles and tingles annoyingly.

"Hes 12 feet tall Roman." He states simply, putting distance between himself and the others once again.

"But made no noise to indicate his presence, your diligence is impressive Virgil." Logan pushes his specticles higher on his nose, regarding Virgil with a look he can only depict as respect of some kind.

He looks away with a shrug, tucking himself into his cloak more fully,

"We should keep moving."

..

His advisors learned his chosen after the fact, and really only because Remus was pouting as he carved the 'face' off the training dummy and mumbling about said decision.

"Im not questioning your decisions Lord, its just the fact you chose... those four... to do something so important."

"So you are questioning my decisions?"

"Seperately they all have good qualities for this mission, its just that... well together they cant even agree on what color the sky is, much less how to go about such an important mission."

"Look, I know my people. They've been through a lot, but I trust them to complete this mission and make it back in one peice." Thomas turns away from then all, not wanting to see any doubt in his choice.

He was nervous for them, sure they didnt always get along, but he trusted them to do what needed to be done. Because if there was one thing they could agree on, it was helping Him. He just hoped whatever ways they decided to do that would work together and get them home.

Gods help them all if they didnt.

..

"And we're sure its in there?" Patton asks, squinting as if he could look through solid rock.

"We've followed the directions thoroughly, unless we've been decieved, what we're looking for is in there." Logan confirms, though hes examining their surroundings skeptically.

"Alright, we all know the plan, lets get in and get out and get home." Roman, the one who'd been on missions of all kinds-far more than the others had- is the most serious they've ever witnessed.

Even Virgil, ever one to question the warrior, is silent, simply sharing a nod with the three. He would be watch, the one to warn them of danger. Virgil swears, in his own mind as he always does, to protect the others and Thomas with his life.

The others would sneak in, they would get what they came for, and then escape, hopefully with their enemies none the wiser. They had made it this far, past many lines of defense, all without raising alarm, this part should be easy enough, they just had to get out before knews spread of what they came for.

Night has fallen since their arrival, the guard schedule has been memorized, and their plan begins without a hitch. Virgil watches as Roman leads Patton and Logan through the entrance of the cave turned stronghold, watches them disappear from his reach, feels colder for it, but sets his shoulders in determination as he turns to keep a watchful eye.

If they were lucky no one would think to enter after them, but Virgil was not one to rely on luck. He would ensure their departure of this place, one way or another. So unsurpisingly, ten minutes in, everything goes down the well.

"Im telling you I heard something!"

A small group of men, being led by one of the guards, are making their way to the hold. Should they go in, the others will trapped, Virgil has only a moment to think of a plan. He moves the shadows near the entrance, in vaguely human shapes, heading towards his own hiding place.

"There! Halt!"

"Hurry, to the hills!" His voice deepens, carrying across the distance. The hills are the opposite direction of their true escape, meaning the others way will hopefully be clear. But to keep up his shadow illusions, Virgil will have to go with them, away from his post, and all alone.

He runs.

.

"Guys? Theres a commotion outside." Pattons words are a mere breath, peeking around the corner to try and get a glimpse out.

Logan, item secure in his sachel, and Roman come to join him, watching as men go running past the entrance.

"To the hills! Dont let them escape!"

They share a puzzled look,

"The hills? Did someone else try and raid tonight?" Roman asks.

His companions however, know the same as him, so they wait for the men to pass before creeping their way forward. They'll signal for Virgil, wait for his all clear, then make their escape. Patton makes his animal noise, and they all wait for the response, and wait... and wait.

Patton tries once more, but silence is their only answer. Logan takes the risk of looking past the rocks, to find a near empty surroundings, and no sign of Virgil. Just torches in the distance and the dots of a small army. He studies the scene for a long moment before a realization comes to him,

"Virgil has led them away."

"What!? That wasnt part of the plan!" Roman snaps with a hiss to rival one of Janus', "why would he do that!?"

"You know as well as I Roman, Virgil takes his job seriously. If he strayed from the plan,"

"Its because he was protecting us." Patton finishes gravely, Logan nodding as Romans glare clears to one of horror.

"He has an army after him! How does he expect to escape??"

"He expects us to escape Ro, to follow the plan." The sadness that laces Patton tone tells the two just what he thinks of that idea, how much it hurts him to even think of it.

Had this been the time of their meeting however long ago, Roman would have barely batted an eye to leave behind the storm cloud. All three of them probably would have put the mission first back then, when things were tense and they didnt understand how Thomas could possibly need such a man as Virgil.

This was not then though.

They had learned since then, that even though they dont always get along, they could trust eachother. They had been without Virgil before, and the choas that followed had been dire, and that was when they were no more than occupants breathing the same air. After what theyd been through since, however much they fought, Roman could say he saw all three of them as his friends. They were family at this point, the ones who reunited him with his brother, the ones who have fought at his side and seen him at his lowest and still stood by him. Logan could list all of Virgils valuable additions to their cause, but Virgil was more than that, he was a friend, a confidant, one who took the time to try and understand him, Logan could not give him up, not after everything the man had done for him. And Patton, he may not have always understood Virgil, but he loved him none the less, loved all of them, and without him, a vital piece of their life would forver be missing.

They would not be leaving one of their own behind.

..

Virgil was used to the bone deep cold he'd lived with for most of his life. He'd lived to accept it long ago, as a part of his life, he was supposedly cold hearted or blooded or whatever they called him, so it just made sense that hed feel cold like some curse.

It was a surpise the first time, that feeling of warmth he didnt think possible. Patton had gotten excited about something, and clutched at the nearest thing- Virgils arm. The warm had shot through his viens like fire, and as such hed stumbled away with a muttered excuse and an arm that burned for hours after.

The burn at touch lessened to a tingle the more it happened, and it scared Virgil as much as he longed for it. Wondered if more than a touch would kill him, and if that would be so bad.

He supposes its just his luck that instead he'll go with the stab of a blade.

He lays on his back, beaten by the sheer number and strength before him, panting, bruised, bleeding, and utterly exhausted. But content with the fact the others should be long gone, with a completed mission and a new hope for Thomas and his continued mission.

"Where are the other thief!" The man above him holds a sword point to his throat, surrounded by his men.

"They are long gone, you were too slow, just as you always are. One step behind, too stupid to give up, to weak to win." Virgil is too tired to think of too many digs, but sometimes its the simplest words that leave an impression. Call a man stupid, and eventually he will begin asking himself if he is.

"You will tell me who sent you, or you will die and rot in hell."

"If thats your best threat, I can see why your men cringe when you open your mouth."

His arm moves, barely a twitch really, accompanied by a sound of rage, before pain blooms across his temple. A small cut, blood already blooming, Virgil wonders if this man even has the stomach to kill him.

"Final chance scum." His voice shakes and Virgil knows the sound well.

A final hurrah then?

He lowers his voice again, angling his head so the moons glow reflects off his iris',

"As my blood has been spilt so too shall yours, anger stirs in the air and death soon comes to your own doors."

It echoes just so, an eery air left behind as the soldiers shift tensely. A seed of doubt, discord will bloom. Anger and fear flash in the mans eyes, his sword raises, and Virgil steels himself for the blow-

A squealsh, a grunt, a thud. The whistle of arrows through the sky. Virgil stares at his fallen attacker, then turns- nice and slow- to glare at the remaining. As arrows continue to befall, the fear spreads,

"He's cursed us! Run! Retreat!!!!"

And run they do. He watches their forms disappear, slumping further to the ground as the shock of a 'rescue(?)' Sets in. He grunts however when a weight collides with his body and wraps around him, encasing him in that warmth.

Its more than ever before, a little overwhelming, but also... nice in a way. Chasing away the cold, calming his erratic heartbeat. Even as wounds and aches are dug into, he cant bring himself to push the body away. He often found it hard to push Patton away though.

... wait...

"PATTON?! What are you doing here!?"

A new wave of adrenaline shoots through him, as he grabs the mans shoulders to pull him away far enough to meet his eyes- clinging to the warmth as much as he can.

"Well stormy knight, we couldnt very well leave our protector unprotected now could we?"

His head flips around to see Logan and Roman as well,

"But, the mission!? Why, why would you guys, I dont understand, I gave you the perfect escape!"

"The mission included the detail of all four of us making it home. While your actions were valiant, we could not stand by while you were in danger." His eyes darken as he glares after the barely there forms of the retreating enemies, "They were lucky I hadnt more time to prepare. It was a grave mistake to threaten you as they did."

"In due time my friend. We will ensure this never happens again." Roman puts a hand on both Logan and Virgils shoulders, Patton burrying himself agains Virgil again.

"Dont do that again okay? We need you."

And... maybe Virgil was starting to understand that.