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trashyswitch · 1 year

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Why is Patton Talyn? And Other Questions.

Palyn comes back! And...leaves Janus and Remus really confused. Janus is interested and calm, while Remus is disappointed...then way too curious.

Part 3 of Patton, The Cute Little Puppy Baby Bat Fly Fly Baby Dog(s).

Part 2

This fanfic has a slightly rude, slightly transphobic question in it from Remus. So I'm sorry if he triggers you, and know that he got what he deserved.

Palyn looked in the mirror at the Harry Potter glasses, and the Argyle green, black and white sweater vest. They had a white collared shirt underneath, and looked at themself in the mirror. It looked…really good on them. Though the outfit looked like something a 50 year old bigger man would wear, it seemed to really suit Talyn’s facial features and body shape. They also loved it because it also highlighted Patton’s comfy, fatherly outfits. Palyn was impressed by their ability to pull these two types of styles together into one outfit.

“Hey Patton, have-” Janus paused his words as he saw some other person in the room. It…strangely looked like Thomas’s friend, Talyn. But…this was Patton’s mind palace bedroom. No one can go into a mind palace bedroom unless they’re a side.

“...Can I help you?” Janus asked.

Palyn looked at Janus and widened their eyes as they saw Janus. “Oh! Sorry Janus…I was trying something on.” Palyn admitted. Palyn’s voice sounded exactly like Patton’s voice…but…the person had the face and body shape of Talyn.

“P-Patton?” Janus asked.

Palyn chuckled awkwardly scratched the back of their head. “Nnno. I’m Palyn.” They told him.

“Palyn? Is…That a mixture of the names Talyn and Patton?” Janus asked.

Palyn nodded. “Yeah…it is.” Palyn admitted.

Janus hummed, unsure what to think. He looked at Palyn from the top of their head to the tops of their feet. He…wasn’t sure how to react to Palyn without sounding unsupportive or rude.

“Can you get Logan for me?” Palyn asked.

Janus shook his head with a smile as he walked away. Janus turned to the right, then to the left…he soon reached Logan’s room and knocked on the door. “Logan?” Janus called.

Logan opened the door and nodded to him. “Good afternoon, Janus. Can I help you?” Logan asked.

Janus nodded and looked towards the direction of Patton’s room. “Patton has turned himself into Talyn…and he’s going by the name Palyn?” Janus told him.

Logan widened his eyes and sprinted out of the room and past Janus into the hallway. “Palyn.” Logan said in a firm, monotone voice. “Palyn?!” Logan called.

“Right here, Logan!” Palyn called back.

Logan sprinted into Patton’s name and picked up Palyn, spinning them around in circles. Palyn giggled and hugged Logan back. “Hiii Logan!” Palyn greeted.

Janus walked up to Patton’s room and leaned against the doorframe. “You…know him?” Janus asked.

“Them.” Logan replied. “When Patton is Palyn, their pronouns change to they/them.” Logan told Janus.

Janus raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Oh…” Janus reacted. “Well…When was I going to meet this ‘Palyn’ character?” Janus asked.

Logan looked at Janus. “I was going to introduce you and Remus to Palyn the next time Palyn comes out. I was simply waiting for Patton to get into the mood.” Logan explained.

“Is…Is Palyn…” Janus thought for a moment and looked over at Logan. “Is Palyn considered a version of littlespace?” Janus asked.

Logan opened his mouth to speak…and closed it when he realized he had no words. Logan looked at Palyn, not sure what to say. On one hand, he can understand why Janus came to that conclusion. Palyn was smaller, and acting a little more childish than normal. So it could easily be littlespace. But if it were littlespace, then why is Patton changing himself to look like Thomas’s friends instead of being himself? And if it was littlespace, then why is Palyn dressed in something a 60 year old father/grandfather would wear?

“I can see why you came to that conclusion.” Logan admitted. “It makes a bit of sense.”

“But it’s not littlespace.” Palyn added. “It’s more…wanting to be shorter, cuter-looking, and being more okay with…being…childish…” Palyn’s words slowly dragged on as they realized what they were basically describing: Littlespace. “But-but it’s not trauma-based. I did not experience anything traumatic, and it did not encourage me to do this. I just like turning into Thomas’s friends, and Talyn happens to be my favorite person to turn into.” Palyn explained.

Janus nodded, looking down. “I see…” Janus then looked up at Palyn. “Would you like me to get Remus, so he can meet you as well?” Janus asked.

Palyn nodded. “Sure. I would like that.” Palyn replied.

Janus turned around and headed to Remus’s room on the other side of the mindpalace. Janus knocked on the door, and waited for Remus to answer. While he waited, he took a moment to adjust his shawl cover and fix his shirt collar.

Remus opened the door and squealed. “Well look who decided to drop in?” Remus teased, making a black hole below Janus. Janus looked down at the hole, and grew somewhat surprised that he didn’t fall into the black hole at all. He just stood on the black hole like it was a glass floor.

“I have someone you might want to meet.” Janus told him.

“Me?” Remus asked. “Is it…human? Or alien?” Remus asked. “Dangerous? Or harmless?” Remus asked next.

“Human. And…quite harmless.” Janus replied.

Remus’s excitement grew flat. “Oh…Well that’s not exciting!” Remus whined.

Janus rolled his eyes and grabbed Remus’s hand. “Just come with me.” Janus told him.

Janus and Remus walked to Patton’s bedroom, and began to hear muffled sounds coming from the bedroom. Remus tilted his head as he walked up to the open room with Janus, where they discovered Logan skittering his fingers on Patton’s lower ribs. Palyn was covering their mouth, and laughing up a storm.

Remus raised an eyebrow. “I already know Talyn.” Remus told Janus. Then, Remus widened his eyes as he remembered something: Talyn is not a sanders side. Talyn is a real human. “Wait…How is Talyn in the-” Remus looked at Janus with pure confusion. “This is not Talyn. This is Patton, disguising himself as Talyn.” Janus told Remus.

“Oh…” Remus began to fully understand the more he connected the dots. The body looked exactly like Talyn. But, the voice was clearly Patton’s. With that explanation, it made so much more sense. But…then Remus frowned. “Well now that it makes more sense, it kinda ruins the mystery.” Remus admitted.

“When Patton wants to be Talyn, he refers to himself as Palyn and goes by they/them pronouns.” Janus explained.

Remus gasped and covered his mouth. He uncovered his mouth with a big smile. “Age regression? Littlespace?” Remus asked. “PLEASE tell me it’s little space.”

Janus shook his head. “It’s not.” Janus replied. “Just preference.” Janus added.

Remus’s excitement dwindled into disappointment in mere seconds. “Oh…” He mumbled, slightly irritated by the mere normalcy.

Janus rolled his eyes and looked at Remus with his arms crossed. “So do you want to meet Palyn or not?” Janus asked.

Remus sighed and walked up to Palyn, unsure what to do. Patton was giggling and laughing, still being tickled by Logan’s fingers.

“Hello Remus. Care to help me tickle Palyn?” Logan asked.

Remus raised an eyebrow. “You…want me…to help tickle Pat-Palyn?” Remus asked, correcting himself.

“I don’t know. Would you like Remus to tickle you, Palyn?” Logan asked.

All Palyn could do was laugh at this point. So, they uncovered their mouth and nodded their head.

“There’s your answer. Join in wherever you like.” Logan offered.

Remus’s face softened as he grew surprised. Of all the people wanting tickles from Remus, it was Patton? Sorry, Palyn?

Remus slowly walked up to Palyn’s armpits and started skritching and scratching there. “Hi Palyn! I’m Remus!” Remus told them.

“Ihihi knohohow whoho yohou ahahahare.” Palyn told him. “Ihihihi stihihill rehemember yohohou.” Palyn told him.

Remus raised his eyebrows. “Really?!” Remus reacted. Now he was even more surprised.

Logan nodded. “Palyn still has all of Patton’s memories. Patton just has the physical body of Thomas’s friend.” Logan explained.

Remus nodded, still flabbergasted. “But…This is still Patton. I thought I would be the last person Patton would want to tickle him.” Remus admitted.

“Ihihihi dohohon’t cahahare whoho tihickles mehehehe, ahas long ahas thehehey’re sohoft ahahabout ihihit.” Palyn told him.

Remus smiled eagerly. “Okay! But be careful what you wish for. Because soft tickles can drive you crazy too.” Remus reminded him.

Logan chuckled. “He does have a point, Palyn.” Logan added.

Patton squealed as he felt Remus quickly nibble against his neck. “EhehehEHEHEHEHE! WAHAHAHAHAIT! HAHAHAHAhahahahaHAHAHAHA!” Patton laughed loudly.

“Om-nom-nom-nom-nom! Om-nom-nom-nom-nom-nom!” Remus made nibbling noises as he playfully nibbled on Palyn’s neck.

Palyn couldn’t curl their neck in to get Remus out of their poor neck. Logan was smiling as he watched Palyn and Remus, who were complete opposite beings, get along with each other. It was really nice to see for a change.

“THEHEHE NIHIHIBBLEHES AHAHARE SOHOHO TIHICKLIHIHIHISH!” Palyn laughed.

“Om-nom-nom-nom! I bet they are! Om-nom-nom-nom-nom-nom!” Remus teased as he continued to nibble on Palyn’s neck.

Palyn kept on giggling and laughing as both Logan and Remus tickled him at the same time.

“JAHAHANUHUS! HEHEHEHEHEHELP!” Palyn begged.

“And leave you lacking in tickles? No way.” Janus replied.

“PLEHEHEHEHEHEASE?” Palyn asked.

“Please what? Please tickle you? Are two people really not enough? You really want someone else to tickle you?” Janus reacted.

Palyn shook his head. “NOHOHOHO!” Palyn replied.

“Okay. You’re starting to sound like me.” Janus added as he walked up to Palyn. “Now what to tickle…”

Palyn squealed and pulled his feet back, hoping and praying Janus wouldn’t go for them. But that only encouraged Janus. “I think I’m gonna go for the feet.” Janus told them.

“NOHOHO DOHOHOHON’T!” Palyn pleaded.

“You are REALLY sounding like me now.” Janus reacted, poking his foot with a smirk.

“Shuhuhush! AHAA!” Palyn guffawed at the poke.

“Whoa! What a scream!” Janus reacted.

“What a shout!” Remus added.

“The rhyming I could do without.” Logan muttered out loud.

Remus and Janus stopped tickling for a moment and looked at each other, confused by Logan’s ironic ending statement.

Palyn happily took this time to breathe some much needed air into their lungs again. It was so comforting to have full breaths of air in their poor lungs. As much as they liked being tickled, it was still exhausting.

Palyn looked up at the three sides, and smiled. “Thank you for being so understanding.” Palyn told them.

Janus shrugged his shoulders. “We’ve all experienced an identity crisis before.” Janus replied.

Logan smiled. “Glad we can be of service.”

“If you’re Talyn right now, does that mean you have a vagina?” Remus asked out of nowhere.

Logan looked at Remus with utter shock, while Janus sent Remus a strong glare.

Palyn sighed and walked up to Remus. “I am going to give you one chance to take back your question.” Palyn told him.

“No way! I’m genuinely curious. Since Talyn is technically-” Remus froze, he felt the force of a show hit smack dab onto his crotch. “aaAAH! OWWWWIEEEEE!!” Remus screamed, doubling over, holding his crotch as he fell onto the ground.

“Now think about that pain before you reject another one of my generous offers.” Palyn suggested.

Palyn crossed their arms and turned to face Logan and Janus with a big, smug grin. Logan was originally shocked…but after seeing innocent Palyn’s morbid actions, Logan was left absolutely dumbfounded.

Meanwhile Janus was cackling and laughing so hard at Remus’s pain. He was laughing so hard, he had even started snorting! “THAHAHAT, WAHAS AWESOME! THAT’S WHAT YOU GET, YOU DUMBASS!” Janus shouted.

Palyn took one look at Janus and giggled. “You don’t even need to tickle Janus to make him laugh.” Palyn mentioned.

#patton becomes palyn #tiny palyn #janus meets palyn #remus meets palyn #ticklefic #ler!remus #ler!logan #ler!janus #lee!palyn #fluff

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thepedanticbohemian · 9 months

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Go fan fiction

Props going out to all of y'all folks starting your writing careers with fanfic.

#Farscape fans know me, or used to, as PKLIL. I posted my work on my pklil.com and craischronicles.com sites. I wrote a novella and four novels in that universe. I created an AU told from Bialar Crais' POV.

I learned a great deal from that process that started in 1999 for me. I found that "villain" isn't necessarily what people perceive. Is the villain truly bad or misguided? I learned you can write an OC into an existing story without her being Mary Sue. My joke was always that Senna Romero was "Mary Sue with the numbers filed off." The Greys kidnapped her, prostituted her, and she commits suicide to fuck Scorpy over in his attempt to use her against Crighton and Crais. Then, Scorpy uses her DNA to clone her to capture Crais during a wild rescue in the heart of Peacekeeper territory. When the PTB killed Crais, nobly or not, I had the Builders rescue him and Talyn, setting in stone the rule they must follow or die. It took off from there.

I had as much fun writing these books for my fellow "Scapers as I did my professional work. The thousands of emails/comments fed my creativity. Writing is lonely after all.

So, my point is? WRITE THAT FANFICTION, PEOPLE! No writing is ever wasted. It's good, bad, and informational. If that's all you can write currently? Do it. As you mature in the craft, you'll turn to your own genre and characters. You'll take what you've learned about character development, plotting, themes, and create your own worlds.

I always keep a small spiral in my purse, just in case an idea hits me when I'm not at my desk. Think about doing that, too. It's a fallacy that you'll remember and get it on paper later. And definitely do not go to sleep on your ideas without writing them down. Cell phones notes apps are great for this, too.

Now, y'all, go do that putting words into sentences thing.

#writers on tumblr #writers #writerscommunity #writing #writing community #writer things #novel writing #writerslife #writerblr #writers and readers #fanfic #fanfiction

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kinky-candyland · 8 months

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Hey, where did you go? Did you stop writing?

Hi. Thank you for the question. Here’s a quick update on what’s been happening for those who’ve been wondering where I’ve been.

“What happened? Why don’t you write?” I have fallen out of both Star Wars and Marvel fandoms. The fandom I am currently in is Kingdom Hearts, which is FRAUGHT with under 18 characters, so I can’t really do much here.

“Why don’t you write for Marvel and Star Wars still?” When I fall out of a fandom, I have no drive to write for said fandom. If I ever do get back into them, more works will be coming.

“Where are you?” I still write on my SFW account ( @talyns-fanfics ) and for my other account ( @kingdom-hearts-last ). I’m just currently not writing over here for the reasons listed above and for the fact that I don’t have that much confidence to write NSFW for Terra, Aqua, Axel etc.

“When will the next fanfic here come?” It’s anyone’s guess at this point. I mostly read NSFW more than write. If I do update, it will be an old thing that is ready to go in my drafts.

“Will the request I sent in get posted?” Requesters do take priority when it comes to new content. I have a few requests I need to get through.

I hope that clears up a few things. I honestly didn’t realize I stopped writing here in the first place. I hope any kinky-candyland fans reading this can understand.

#kinky candyland #candyland updates

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i-steal-bones · 1 year

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Talyn from windseeker2305's fanfic Life Renovations

#fanart #original character #harry potter #not my character #not my fanfic #still trying to figure out how to draw faces #and how to use the new markers i just got

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cesabutterflywrites · 3 years

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Prince in the Storm: Chapter Sixteen

Summary: Contrary to popular belief, Virgil was sensitive. Most people saw him as some “spooky, broody dude”, when in reality he was just a private person. Teachers tried to open his mind up with a figurative crowbar. Everyone tried to get him to open up. Well, everyone except his best friend Talyn. They were the only one who understood his personality and inner workings just enough to be his friend. However, they haven’t seen his Marking. No one other than his parents have. Contrary to popular belief, Roman was sensitive. Most people saw him as a fanciful, dreamy, somewhat egotistical thespian who wanted nothing but to be the best of the best. Everyone cheered him on in his performances. Everyone praised his original works. Anything he made others enjoyed. People would whisper about his Marking, wondering where it was and when he would reveal it. He had a whole circle of friends, yet no one except his best friend Joan understood him. Joan was the only one who saw Roman’s insecurities. As students of Kingston High School, with zany principals and try-hard superintendents, it is up to Virgil and Roman to stay alive enough to fulfill their destiny. Ao3

Word Count: 6129

Chapter Warnings: none

Prologue, Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four, Chapter Five, Chapter Six, Chapter Seven, Chapter Eight, Chapter Nine, Chapter Ten, Chapter Eleven, Chapter Twelve, Chapter Thirteen, Chapter Fourteen, Chapter Fifteen, Chapter Sixteen

Bonuses: Immune to Change

Roman woke up with his head at the foot of his bed, hugging his pillow, and his notebook open on the floor. He didn't remember falling asleep. He didn't remember dreaming. He definitely didn’t remember why he had drool stuck to his cheek. He rolled over to shut off his alarm on his nightstand. That's when it dawned on him.

He didn't remember dreaming.

He shot upwards. His heart was pounding. Was this a sign? Were he and Virgil on the right path? He hadn't believed that mumbo jumbo about Soulmate Magic and dreams when Joan told him in the beginning of the school year. When Roman talked about his weird nightmare that Virgil had started to play a small role in. Was that only 6 weeks ago?

But why would they stop when he finally felt comfortable around Virgil? What did it all mean? He really needed to ask Joan for those articles again. Maybe they weren’t mystical mumbo jumbo after all. He should have been paying more attention to them when he was obsessing over the nightmares in the beginning of the school year. After all, internet articles weren’t always unreliable sources, right?

Roman sat at his vanity mirror. His reflection had changed from what he’d been seeing for the past two weeks. He looked brighter. It was like the depressive haze since their first kiss was thinning. He could see the light at the end of the tunnel. His eyes looked crinkled from the wide smile on his face as he gazed into his reflection’s eyes.

Humming a tune from Tangled, Roman combed through his hair. Linda didn't seem up to her usual antics. That rebellious strand of hair was actually laying down with the rest of his hairdo.

He looked...good. Not quite like his old self. This confidence was more...genuine. Happiness looked good on him. Is this what other people saw in him when he walked through the halls? A young man who just radiated the energy of sunny attraction? Or was this a new sight in general? Was he seeing himself clearly, or for the first time?

His hair was caught in a beam of early morning sunlight, bringing out the strands of gold and red that only appeared in the purest of lighting. He resisted the urge to blink as he inspected his eyes. Had the golden brown always been so rich? Was the sun just in a good spot in the sky shining through his window, or was he finally seeing himself the way he’s wanted to since he was a child?

Closing his eyes, Roman took in a deep inhale through his nose. He tried to remember that stormy night when Patton spoke with an anxious Virgil. Smell the rose?

He opened his eyes on the exhale. The morning so far tasted sweet to him. A beginning. A fresh start.

With bold proclamation, he recited his affirmations to his reflection. He sang

them to the tune he’d been using since he first came up with them in the eighth grade.

“ I am pretty

I am a star

I am an artist

I am perfect

I am a prince ”

When he had first written those affirmations down, Joan teased him because he used ‘Prince’ instead of ‘King’, like his last name. Roman explained it to them as best as he could. Princes were at the beginning of their journeys. Princes got to perform, they got to explore. He told Joan all those years ago that he’d change it to King when he was older and had enough life experiences under his belt. Or when he was ready to settle down with his true love.

Roman sighed as he remembered that day while getting dressed. He wondered if Joan actually did understand, or if they had just nodded to get him to shut up.

No, that wasn’t true. Joan was the only person who understood him. Even though by now Joan had probably forgotten about the affirmations. They didn't know he still did them five years later. It wasn’t something that really had a place in everyday conversation.

Half an hour later, Roman was pulling up to the student parking lot earlier than usual. That’s what happens when one gets decent sleep , he supposed. There were a few students milling about. The air was getting crisper. The summer humidity had changed to a fall humidity (the difference only noticeable to a long time resident of Parkwill, of course). Roman was glad he had decided to leave his jacket at home. Any rain that came wouldn’t be too bad. It would probably be more misty than anything.

He made his way to his first class on the second floor, English with an old man named Mr. Richardson. He needed to ask for an extension on his essay. He had been ignoring most of his homework in his depression since Virgil kissed him. He wondered how he’d be feeling after their date. Would he be in such a joyous high that he’d continue to ignore his studies? It was a worry for him. His deal with his parents was good grades as a trade for continuing theater. Briefly he considered even telling his mom that he had a date tonight.

Roman paused in the doorway of the classroom as the realization hit him. He was going on a date. A date! He was going to be taking Virgil on a date. That Virgil initiated! Virgil, distant Virgil, handsome Virgil, with a mouth that tasted like the heat of a summer bonfire and lips that felt like plug outlets.

Roman felt tears prick at his vision. Happy ones. Virgil had asked him on a date. Did this mean they were ready to move forward? No more nightmares?

No, he wouldn’t get his hopes up yet. He needed to go slowly. He had always planned from the beginning that his soulmate would be the one to reveal himself, or Roman would after he was done with his travels. When he was ready to settle down. Also, just because Virgil wanted to go on a date, it didn't mean they were ready to jump into the thick of it. Roman needed to be patient.

Patience is a virtue, but I’m not a freaking nun or anything, Roman thought as he walked down the hallway.

Roman walked into the room with a strange feeling of electricity dancing over his arms. He looked at the desk his English teacher usually sat in during the morning. Instead of Mr. Richardson, though, there was his favorite teacher and a man he had only seen twice before, but had never been introduced to.

“Oh, Roman, you’re a bit early, aren’t you?” Mr. D asked. What was that look on his face? He was...smiling. He only did that when he was looking forward to something special.

“Uh, yeah, I got decent sleep.” Roman was eyeing the two men. He couldn’t help but feel off-kilter as the sparks continued shooting up his arms.

“Good, good.” The drama teacher patted Roman’s shoulder absently. “By the way, no rehearsal tonight. We all need a night to relax and regroup, right?”

Roman nodded. He knew that the teacher was implying something, but he didn’t know what it was exactly until he spoke up.

“Wow, Princey, you always look this good?” a gruff voice called from the back of the classroom.

That explained the weird feeling in his arms. “Oh, hi, Virgil!” He ran his hand on the back of his head, which most likely would wake Linda from her slumber. “Sorry I didn’t see you there...in the shadows.”

Virgil rolled his eyes as he walked forward. “Whatever, I’ll see you later.”

Then he did something Roman didn’t expect. Virgil embraced him, not even minding the awkwardness of the backpacks they both wore, and then kissed his cheek.

“See you at lunch, Roman.” Virgil winked at him before he left.

Roman was frozen from the weird pain/not pain feeling in his abdomen. He jumped at the sound of Mr. D chuckling.

“That’s the action I want to see from you when we get back to rehearsals. Pull on that feeling okay?” The theater teacher pat Roman on the shoulder again as he walked out.

Roman stared at the superintendent, who was grinning like he had just won a goldfish- or a freaking puppy-at the fairgrounds. What was that all about? Virgil must be scheming something, and the superintendent looks like he’s expecting something from me.

Roman did what he did best, he played it off cool before he died of stage fright.

“How rude of him not to introduce me to you, I’m Roman. Roman King.” Roman stuck his hand out politely. He hid his relief that the buzzing had stopped vibrating on his skin.

“Yes, of course, my nephew hasn’t always had the best manners.” The man shook Roman’s hand. “But that’s why you like him, isn’t it?”

Roman let out one of his ‘Noble Noises’, a name that Joan gave to the sounds he couldn’t help but let out when he was at a loss for words.

“Wh- I- ha-”

“Relax, Roman.” Thomas chuckled. “Mr. Richardson is going to be out for the week. Due to the lack of-” he clenched his jaw- “stability in this school, Principal Duke hasn’t set up any substitute teachers to be on our call list. I could have had other teachers work on their off periods to cover the class, but I have free time.”

“Isn’t being a substitute a bit below your paygrade?” Roman asked without thinking.

“I was a sub before I was anything else.” Thomas held his arm out to direct Roman to take his seat.

A group of students wandered in as the bell rang. Mr. Sanders smiled warmly at Roman. A bit too nice, as if he knew a big secret.

Jeesh, was Roman getting too paranoid for his own good? Or was he getting his hopes up?

Roman made his way to his desk, excited to see how the Superintendent of the entire district would teach. He knew that Mr. Sanders was taking the fall semester to exclusively monitor how Kingston High was improving, but he didn’t know that he’d be this involved. His reputation for caring about education seemed to hold more truth to it than Roman thought. Hopefully it meant that he'd leave the drama department alone.

The second bell rang. Mr. Sanders walked up in front of the whiteboard to write down his name. Not that he needed to, he did just introduce himself to the entire school just a short time ago.

Roman pulled out his English notebook. He was sure that Mr. Sanders would make them continue their assignments. Mr. Richardson had them working on learning about the various types of essay formats. The unit was difficult, especially since he wanted them to do three different essays in different formats as a way to show how well they understood.

Mr. Sanders’ demeanor had changed now that he was in front of the classroom. Roman recognized that shift. It was the type of body stance that actors took right before getting into character. The tension in his stance to fend off the stage fright.

“Hello class,” Mr. Sanders greeted. He sounded like a car salesman rather than a substitute teacher. “Mr. Richardson will be out for a week. I will be your teacher while he is gone.”

He turned on his heel to the whiteboard. He wrote out a phrase on the whiteboard:

“Soulmate Magic: Myth or Fact?”

Roman felt himself about to choke on his own spit. He hated the Universe sometimes. He had just been wondering about that this morning.

“Who here believes in Soulmate Magic?” Mr. Sanders asked the class while he drew out a chart of some sort on the whiteboard.

Roman felt his arm lift up without his permission. He hurriedly looked around the rest of the classroom. There were a few students also looking around with their hands in the air too. One guy in the back of the class was chuckling to himself.

“Mr. Flannigan, what’s so funny?” Mr. Sanders asked as he turned around.

The boy shrugged, causing his bulky headphones to shift on his leather jacket. “This is English class in high school ,” he emphasized with a sneer. “You can’t expect us to believe that fairytale bullshit.”

Roman and the others had put their arms down by then. If he had been asked this before meeting Virgil, he would have been on the fence. However, since the first day of school there were just too many coincidences and feelings and experiences he had noticed. After all, he did start believing the Dream Theory enough to go with Virgil to his house when they had barely known each other...and also kiss him that next morning.

Mr. Sanders didn’t even acknowledge the cuss word from the bold student. He looked amused. “I take it the rest of you feel this way too?”

The class all seemed to shift uncomfortably. Gabrielle, the girl who sat behind Roman, spoke up first. “It’s not that I think it’s bull, it just feels like something we say to kids.”

“Oh? Then do you know why Markings exist?” The Superintendent looked like he was holding information no one else had. Roman had a heavy feeling in his stomach at that look. His smirk was an older version of Virgil’s.

Gabrielle frowned. “No one does. They’ve been around forever. They’re just...something that’s natural.”

“Would you be willing to argue that point as passionately as Mr. Flannigan in the back?” Mr. Sanders asked.

Gabrielle blushed and looked down at her desk as a few kids snickered. “Well, maybe, I don’t know.”

Mr. Sanders went back to the whiteboard and labeled the columns he had drawn out. On the left he had written “Myth”. On the other side he had written “Fact”. Underneath “Fact” he started writing the names of some of the students who had their hands raised earlier. Roman felt sweat start to form on his forehead as his name was written in the “Fact” section.

As he wrote, Mr. Sanders spoke. “Your teacher was doing a unit on the different types of essays in academia. I’m sure you’re all familiar with the traditional thesis statement. For the first half next week you’ll be spending class time working in groups on finding research online supporting your side of the argument. We’ll spend one day in the school library looking for books as sources too. Then the second half of the week you’ll each write your own essay about why you think Soulmate Magic is or isn’t real.”

Roman sighed. Could he use personal experience as his only source?

Mr. Sanders had finished writing their names on the board. He uncapped a pink marker. He looked behind him at the class and asked. “Who here has met their soulmate yet?”

Roman gulped. He didn’t want to jump the gun. There was still a chance he was being set up for disappointment despite the other ‘signs’. Maybe this project would help him find the truth-or as close as he can get-about what the hell was going on with Virgil without actually talking about it. Obviously he'd need better sources than Buzzfeed's 'Six Signs You've Found Your Soulmate' article he had seen floating around.

Mr. Sanders put a pink asterisk next to the names of the students who had found their soulmates. There were a few on each side of the chart. Roman felt a lump in his throat. There were more people who found their soulmates while young than he had thought. That didn't help with the whole "not getting his hopes up about his career" thing.

They spent the rest of the class being assigned to their study groups. They were sorted into groups of four. Roman was assigned to work with Marissa Falcon, Andrew Harrison, and Mercy Fenton. They had changed their seating to make sure they were all sitting together. They had moved their desks to face each other close to the door.

Marissa was definitely excited about this project. Her tight red curls bounced around her face even when she was still. She was one of the students with a pink asterisk next to her name on the board. The only one in their group, actually. Meaning that she had already found her soulmate.

“So, putting aside the weirdness of the superintendent of the entire school district being here, can we just talk about how cool it is to learn about this?! Much better than what the old man was doing.” Her voice reminded Roman of bubblegum and the color pink. She was excitable, bright, and definitely had the glow of someone who considered herself an expert.

Roman was just glad he wouldn’t have to take the lead on the project. Maybe working with someone his age who had already found their soulmate would help him out with his personal life as well as give him an edge on his essay. The other two in the group barely participated in the rest of the conversation. He got the feeling that Marissa and he were the ones who were going to take the assignment seriously.

It was too soon that the bell rang for his next class. Disappointed, Roman packed his backpack. He waved goodbye to the substitute. Mr. Sanders gave him a smile in return as he pulled aside Gary Flannigan. Probably to talk to him about the cussing earlier in class.

Roman went to his next class. Thinking to himself, I hope this is a sign I’m on the right path with Virgil .

-------

“Jeez, Talyn, don’t tug my hair so hard!” Virgil griped. He was trying not to flinch as Talyn precariously combed the dye through his hair.

“Well, do you want me to be thorough or no?” They responded tersely. They were trying - unsuccessfully - to hide their smile at Virgil’s pain and suffering.

“Remind me to never let you dye my hair in a bad mood, Talyn” Joan snarked as they read a book at Virgil’s desk. The Chrome Borne was the title that Virgil caught.

It was weird, Virgil admitted to himself, to have his maybe-boyfriend’s best friend hanging out with him without Roman being there. Not bad, just weird. It made Virgil a little annoyed that he couldn’t have one on one time with Talyn as much anymore. Still, Joan was fun to have around. They were able to keep Talyn from smacking Virgil upside the head quite a few times.

“Don’t make me flick some of this on your stupid face,” Talyn muttered so only Virgil could hear.

“Why are you being so rough with my precious head? I don’t need a concussion on my first real date, Tal.” Virgil winced as Talyn purposefully tugged on his bangs.

“You can’t get a concussion from hair pulling, smartass.” Talyn responded sweetly. “Besides, maybe next time you’ll give me more time to prepare to do this. I know I’m magic but I’m no miracle worker.”

“Not my fault I’ve been busy!” he whined. “You don’t want me to fail classes do you?”

Talyn huffed as they clipped up the section they had finished. Their movements were more gentle now. “No. You need all the help you can get.”

“What does hair dye have to do with failing classes?” Joan asked. They set down their book and spun in the desk chair to face Virgil.

“Virgie has finally decided to take school seriously. So he’s gotta learn how to do homework for the first time.” Talyn was starting to trail off as they poured their focus where it should have been - making sure Virgil’s hair dye wasn’t fucked up.

He rolled his eyes. “What they mean to say is that Mr. Charles has been helping me after school twice a week to get my homework done. I’m in a stupid deal for the first half of the semester to actually try to be a good student.”

Joan’s eyebrows raised. “Never took you for a hard worker, no offense.”

“None taken, neither did I.” Virgil grinned. “Hey, can I ask you something?”

Joan made a show of rolling their eyes and groaning. “How dare you burden me with trying to find answers to the universe?” They put their wrist against their forehead and leaned over the side of the spinning chair. “It’s so hard being an oracle. Haven’t you heard of google?”

Virgil and Talyn snickered. “I see where Princey gets his theatrics,” he remarked.

Joan immediately shot up, leaning their elbows on their knees and looking at Virgil with mighty curiosity. “Why do you call him Princey? His name is King.”

Virgil shrugged impulsively, causing Talyn to flick him for moving. “I dunno. It slipped out one day and kinda stuck.” There was more to it than that, but there was no way he was going to give that information to Roman’s right hand.

“It’s just kinda funny to me,” Joan’s eyes looked lost in thought, “That you’d choose a nickname for him based off of his affirmations.”

“Roman does affirmations?” Virgil asked, surprised. “Isn’t that for people who don’t like themselves or something?”

Joan frowned at Virgil, and in a reprimanding tone said, “Not necessarily. Sometimes people do it to control how they view themselves. Sometimes it’s to remind them of their goals.” Joan sounded sad when they added softly, “Besides...Roman doesn’t exactly have a very high view of himself. He probably doesn't even know that I remember he made affirmations all those years ago."

Virgil snorted. “The guy’s got an ego the size of the Chrysler Building.”

Talyn paused their work and shared a look with Joan. Joan shifted in the seat, looking down. Their voice a near whisper, “Not really. He’s just a good actor, ya know?”

Oh.

“I get it now,” Virgil looked down as Talyn pushed his head forward. “He did seem really...hollow...after something-”

“I know what happened, Virge, you don’t need to go into it.” Joan didn’t sound like they had fake disinterest. They truly weren’t digging for information and wanted to respect Virgil’s privacy.

Remembering that fuck-up was hard for Virgil. It was still so fresh in his mind. “No, it’s okay, I want you to know my side.”

He didn’t wait for an acknowledgement. He told Joan about Roman meeting him on the bus, their walk home, the panic attack, the family dinner, Roman spending the night, the morning, the kiss, him running away, and the talk with Uncle Thomas.

Joan helped fill in some blanks for him, too. He heard about how Roman had been so distraught when he visited their house right after. Joan mentioned something about a song, which led into the trio getting sidetracked into Joan’s history of creating with Roman. It was nice hearing stories about Theater Camp. Hearing about Roman’s softer side was way better than hearing constant praise from people who barely knew him.

“So, what was your original question?” Talyn nudged while they put the shower cap on Virgil’s head.

Virgil thought for a moment. What was the question he had?

“Oh! Right! Hey Joan,” Virgil reached for his phone in the pocket from his jeans. “Could you tell me if Roman would like this surprise idea that I have?”

Joan took the phone that they were handed. Their face slowly grew more mischievous and they were laughing a creepy, sinister laugh by the time they were done with it. “Yes, yes he will love this.”

“Really?” Virgil asked as he stood up to stretch his legs. “I hope he’ll understand what I’m trying to say.”

Joan bit their lip in thought. Talyn sat on their lap in the small rolling chair, which creaked under the weight of them. Virgil just sat on his bed while waiting for their response.

“I think,” Joan started in a more serious tone, “that it’s a sweet idea. He’s always said that he didn’t want to know his soulmate before he was ready with an established career.

“But I don’t know, he’s changed a lot in the past two months. He may not be willing to commit to it no matter what you say. He’s been down pretty bad, Virge.” Joan started rubbing their finger up and down Talyn’s forearm while swaying back and forth. “I say, go for it. You’ve got most of it all planned out. I will say that if you go through with this, maybe prepare yourself for him to not be understanding of what you’re asking for. Because it is a lot.”

Virgil nodded slowly. “I’ll see how the date goes tonight. I don’t really wanna jump the gun, you know?”

Talyn got up to sit next to Virgil and rub his shoulder. “Your date is going to go fine. You already know he’s in love with you. You’ve just gotta clear the air on some things. This is a time for honesty.”

“And really, this surprise you’ve planned out, Virgil?” Joan giggled. “I’m gonna do everything I can to make sure this happens.”

“Yeah, watching you two dance around each other is better than any soap opera.” Talyn agreed.

The trio talked for a bit more before the timer on Talyn’s phone went off for Virgil to rinse out his hair. He rushed to the shower so he could be ready on time for his date.

Virgil was in the shower rinsing his hair when it hit him. Roman would be going on a date with him. It wouldn’t be just a normal date, though, but a chance for Virgil to be vulnerable about everything. He needed to come clean about his side of what happened. Especially hearing about how Roman was so empty after that first kiss.

The water was cold, which normally didn’t bother Virgil, but he found himself shivering at the thought of hurting Roman again. Was he ready to try? What if he was just doing this to make himself feel better? What if, when he explained himself, Roman thought he was toxic? What if Roman just couldn’t be with someone who won’t reveal their Marking? What if he fucked up again ? What if he can't open up after all?

Once the water was running clear in the tub, Virgil stepped out to dry his hair off with his “Trash Towel”. It’s the towel he used when his hair was freshly dyed. He didn’t want to ruin a bunch of different ones with leaky hair. This was a white towel with stains of all the different hair colors he had done over time. He probably should have replaced it long ago, but that meant ruining another towel again.

The sound of the hair dryer wasn’t enough to drown out his thoughts. His fingers felt numb as he worked on his hair. Once that was done he returned to his room to get dressed. Talyn and Joan were downstairs. It sounded like his dad was home and talking to them. That was good. He needed some time to gather himself for what he was about to do.

He didn’t want to look like he was trying too hard, but he didn’t want to look like he didn’t care either. He wondered if Roman would be dressed up all fancy for their first date. No doubt the boy was at his house fretting over what he’d wear. That image of Roman freaking out over what he’d be wearing comforted Virgil a bit.

Virgil was glad that Mr. D had agreed to cancel the club meeting for that night. He was a weird teacher. He kept his distance but it was obvious he cared deeply about his students, especially Roman. The few times Virgil talked to the mysterious teacher, he always held a fond sparkle in his eye when Roman came up in conversation. It was really cool of him to give special treatment, and as Virgil changed he figured that Roman must be really special to his teacher. Which was good, considering that he needed Mr. D’s help with his surprise later on if his date went well.

After Virgil was mostly satisfied with his appearance, he went downstairs to see that it wasn’t just his dad who was home.

Logan was sitting on his couch, with his arm over Patton’s shoulders. Patton leaned into Logan like he was relaxing after a long day. They were talking to Joan and Talyn. The four of them were laughing at something his dad must have said. Virgil felt his chest start to warm. It was such a natural sight, except for the empty loveseat in the corner. It was easy to see himself laughing along with them, with Roman’s head on his lap as they talked.

Hope swelled within him. Could it be that he could make this work? Maybe he wasn’t going to fuck up after all.

He walked into the room. His dad saw him and stood up to meet him. “You look so handsome, kiddo!" he squealed. The pride was so evident on his face. “My baby’s first date! So exciting.”

Virgil pretended to frown. “C’moooon dad. Don’t embarrass me in front of my friends.” He tried to not laugh.

Talyn stood up, playing along by stomping their feet. “Young man, I worked way too hard to make your hair perfect. The least you could do is let your dad take pictures of my masterpiece.”

Virgil lost his composure by then. Talyn calling him ‘young man’ was just the cherry on top. “Sure, go ahead!” he called out through his hysterical laughter.

Logan spoke up, nervously grinning. “I have my camera in my car. It would produce a better quality for pictures than our phones.”

“Need some help?” Joan asked excitedly. They didn’t wait for an answer as they made their way to the door. Logan just chuckled to himself as he left after the excited teenager.

“Talyn, don’t tell me your soulmate is a photography nerd! You hate taking pictures of yourself.” Virgil teased.

“Shut up,” Talyn grumbled, though their grin was noticeable. “Joan’s only got a passing interest in it. They haven’t asked me to be their muse or anything.”

Patton chuckled. “Trust me, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Artists are very serious about their work.”

“Dad, have you been modeling on the side?” Virgil asked. He wasn't teasing, but genuinely curious. That hadn't talked bunch about Logan or the galaxy tattoo since that fight.

Logan had walked back in by then and made his way to Patton. “Your father has a very symmetrical face, and when he smiles I want to keep it with me forever.” He kissed Patton’s suddenly red cheek.

Virgil noticed the way his dad stiffened as he waited for Virgil to react. It was weird to see another man lovingly touch his dad. He faked a reassuring smile to the pair. He didn’t want to think about the prickling in the back of his head. He needed to get used to Logan being around in a more casual manner. He'd have to get used to the fact that Logan was here to stay.

He made sure to put all of his focus into watching Talyn and Joan from there on out. He tried not to blink when the camera flashed in his eyes. He fought within himself to keep that earlier hopeful feeling from flying away from him. He wouldn’t let his pessimism win.

This night was about coming clean. It was about asking for forgiveness, giving context, and taking his next step to be a better man. It was about searching for compromise in good faith. It was for finding faith in the opportunity for fresh starts. After tonight, he’d be able to see a brighter future for himself.

It was when they were still taking pictures that there was a knock at the front door. Talyn let out a squeal that seemed out of character. Virgil raised his eyebrow at them, which welcomed another click, flash! from the camera. He walked away from the staircase to open the door.

His forearms felt like he was being pricked by static shocks all over when he saw Roman standing there, the beginning sunset behind him looking like something out of a movie. Virgil was speechless. He couldn’t think of anything flirty or sarcastic to say. Had it only been at lunch period that day he last saw Roman? He looked like royalty.

Roman had his hair combed back. It was a bit longer since he hadn’t gotten it cut, so his hair had some flow to it. He had worn a long sleeve button up with black slacks. The shirt was a deep red color, bringing out the hazel eyes and white teeth. He was wearing a small bit of brown eyeliner and mascara, nothing obvious, but enough to bring out the features of his face. The rosey blush that Virgil loved so much was starting to form the longer he stared.

“Um, I didn’t know where we were going, so I figured I’d make myself look nice.” Roman looked Virgil up and down. “I’m glad to know we had the same idea.”

Virgil looked down at what he was wearing. He had chosen his only pair of slacks -a gray pair that his grandmother got him for his birthday - and a deep wine-purple button up. He had chosen a dark gray necktie with black stitching to look like spiderwebs. Just to keep a little bit of his dark personality obvious so he wouldn’t feel completely out of his depth.

“Oh, right, yeah.” He responded lamely. His voice cracked and he felt like he wanted to shrivel up in embarrassment.

“I got you this. I hope it’s not too cliché or tacky for you.” Roman handed Virgil a single black rose. It was plastic, and the stem was dark purple with glitter. It was definitely something cheesy, but Virgil smiled anyway.

“Thank you, Roman, I love it.” Virgil heard his dad clear his throat loudly. He rolled his eyes. Feeling more normal now that his bubble with Roman had burst, he swept his arm behind him. “Come in. We’re just taking pictures as if it’s fucking prom or something.”

Roman laughed at that. “I’ll never say no to a photo op!”

Joan and Talyn gave hugs to Roman when he was in the room. “Looking as royal as ever, your highness.” Joan remarked.

"Wait, isn't Highness for a prince?" Virgil asked. "I always call him Majesty."

Roman chuckled. "Majesty and Highness can be either, depending on the situation. Majesty is more formal, and Highness is a sort of catch-all."

Virgil didn't have a good response to that. He didn't know anything about royalty and all that fancy shit. He was itching to go, but automatically he pulled Roman by his waist. "Let's get our pictures done quickly, I'm starving."

Roman and Virgil took a few pictures at the bottom of the staircase. Roman didn’t seem bothered by the blinding flashes. Virgil kept his arm tight against his date’s waist. After he felt he was thoroughly blinded, he ended the photo session. “Alright, if I want to be able to see Roman’s sexy face I need the flashes to stop.”

Roman whined behind him as he made his way to his jacket by the door. “But I wanna make sure all of my sides have been captured…”

Virgil just ignored him. In a rush to leave, he gave hugs to everyone except Logan, and walked out the door while Roman gushed his thanks to Logan for taking pictures.

The pair settled into their seats in Roman’s car. The silence was nice as Virgil adjusted to it after the noise of the living room. He looked at Roman nervously. He seemed relaxed. His handsomeness seemed never-ending. “Alright, Captain Cranky, you ready to go get some fancy food?” he quipped, too giddy for Virgil's own good.

Virgil rolled his eyes and huffed. “Only the best for you, your Majesty .”

Roman chuckled. They pulled out of the driveway as Virgil plugged in the aux cord to his phone as if he had done it every day.

By the time they arrived at Marina's, Virgil had educated Roman with every song on the Welcome to the Black Parade album. They got out of the car laughing as Roman gave the keys to the valet.

With a warm blanket of joy between the two, they entered the restaurant to start the first part of their date. Virgil tried not to think about the nerves bundling up in his abdomen, or even consider the coincidence that his Marking was warmer than usual.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Fluff and worldbuilding? Fluff and worldbuilding.Thank you for reading and supporting this story. I didn't mean to drop off the face of the earth everywhere, but for about a year now a family member of mine was getting sicker and sicker until he passed a few weeks ago. It's been a hard time, but he's at peace now & I feel like I can refocus my life.So, we're looking at an update every other month here. I don't want to promise more or less than that. I can say that I think about this fic ALL THE TIME and I want to just publish my rough drafts of the chapters and speed through it, but I know these boys love to take their time, so I will too.I hope you have been doing well, readers, and let me know what you thought of this chapter! And maybe comment your guesses on how you think the date will go ;)also, I have a discord server join for updates, bonuses, and talk with other readers!

@404-morality-not-found, @k1ngtok1, @lovelivingmydreams

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callboxkat · 4 years

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Second Chances part 8: The Visit (1 of 2)

Author’s note: Very excited to finally bring you guys this next installment of Second Chances! The second half should be out in a few days. Until then, enjoy this one :)

Summary: Between some difficulty getting along with his coworkers and his quickly approaching visit with his parents, Roman has a lot on his mind. He can only hope that things will turn out well.

Warnings (for part 1) : fear of being rejected, food mention, arguing, panic attack

Word count: 6134

Second Chances Masterpost!

Writing Masterpost!

...

Roman received his first paycheck on the Friday of his first week at the Sanders Café. He didn’t have an account set up yet for it to be directly deposited into—he and Logan were planning to take care of that over the weekend—so this first one was a literal paper check.

Roman was very excited, practically jogging back to the house. When he arrived, he immediately tried to give the check to Patton, in return for letting him stay at the house.

Patton turned him down, cheerfully saying that Roman didn’t owe them anything, and he wasn’t going to take his money. Roman probably should have expected that. He knew that Patton had benefited a lot from the kindness of strangers in his past—of course someone like him would try to pay that forward.

So, when Logan got home, Roman went to him instead and tried again to hand over his check, figuring that Logan was more likely to agree to the exchange. However, Logan just shook his head and pushed it back to him. “That’s yours, Roman. Maybe you can contribute something with future checks, but you should build up some savings for yourself, first.”

Roman had tried to insist, but Logan wasn’t budging, so he’d finally given up. He did have one more idea.

Maybe Patton and Logan had flatly turned him down, but surely there was one person who wouldn’t refuse some compensation for him being there. She hadn’t wanted him there to begin with, after all, and even though she had accepted him now, he still felt that she was the most likely to accept his offering.

This was how he found himself outside Val’s bedroom that evening, his paycheck clutched in one hand. He knocked with the other.

“It’s open,” she called.

Roman opened the door, staying in the hall. Val was sitting at her desk, painting her nails.

“Oh, hey, Roman,” she said, putting the brush back in the bottle and inspecting her handiwork. “What’s up?”

“Hey, Val,” he responded. He looked down at the check in his hand. “I wanted to ask… Pat and Logan wouldn’t take it, but….” He held out the check. “For uh, rent, I guess.”

“Is that your first paycheck?”

Roman nodded.

Val shook her head. “No, I’m not taking your money. Even if I wanted to, Patton would kill me. Or make my brother kill me.”

Roman sighed. He’d gotten this job in the first place so that he could help out and stop being a freeloader, and now not one of them was letting him do that!

“You know what you should spend some of that on?”

Roman looked up. “What?”

“You’re going to see your parents, right? You should use that for your ticket.”

“Mamá already paid for it,” Roman said. “She won’t let me pay her back, either.” She’d probably throw a fit if he tried.

“Okay, Plan B.” Val got up, stepped out into the hall, and closed the door behind her. “Let’s go get your parents a present. What do they like?”

“Weren’t you painting your nails?”

“Just finished. They’ll dry on the way. Now what do your parents like?”

Roman hesitated. “My mamá likes to garden.”

“Okay. Let’s go get her a plant. I bet she’d love something with flowers. What about your dad?”

“He… I don’t know. He’s really into birdwatching, I guess? But I don’t know what you’d get someone for that.”

“What else does he like?”

Roman dithered uncertainly. “Well, he used to collect a bunch of really old coins… but I don’t know where we’d find something like that.”

Val looked thoughtful. “I came across a site a while back where you can buy old Roman coins for like ten bucks each. Does that sound like something he’d like? If we ordered it today I’m sure it’d be here by the time you leave next week.”

“I—yeah, I think so,” Roman said, having the sudden urge to hug Val. “Thank you.”

She smiled. “No problem. Let’s go downstairs; we can pick one out, and you’ll pay me back once you deposit that check of yours.”

…

They ended up choosing a coin that was about $15, with positive reviews, guaranteed to arrive well before he left. Val placed the order, and then she took Roman to a garden store.

“Sure, you could wait and go with Patton and my brother, but my brother has no taste in plants, and Patton’ll probably buy whatever plant looks the saddest because he feels bad for it. Or end up accidentally getting a plastic one. You think I’m joking, but he literally did that once.”

So, Val and Roman went to the garden store alone. They picked out a little plant with small blue flowers, in a cute ceramic pot that had been glazed a darker blue.

Patton and Logan were sitting at the kitchen table when they walked in.

“What’s that?” Patton asked when he saw the plant in Roman’s arms.

“Present for my mamá,” Roman explained. “Val took me to get it.”

“Oh, she’s going to love that, kiddo!”

Roman smiled. “You think so?”

“Of course! It’s so pretty. What kind is it?”

“It’s…” Roman checked the label. “It’s a… myositis. Forget-me-nots.”

“Oh, cool!” Patton said.

“That can’t be right,” Logan said, frowning. “Myositis is a term for muscle inflammation.”

Roman blinked, then checked the tag again. “Sorry, it’s myosotis.”

“That does make more sense,” Logan said. “Interesting. Were you aware that that name translates to “mouse’s ear” in Ancient Greek?”

“Why do you know that?” Roman asked, staring at him. “Who just knows things like that off the top of their head?”

Val started snickering. Logan shrugged, looking embarrassed.

…

Roman was starting to think that being homeless and unemployed hadn’t been so bad. At least then he hadn’t had to deal with this hell spawn.

“I can’t do it!” Roman wailed as he flung open the door (while still making sure it didn’t smack the wall). “I can’t do it! He is the worst!”

Patton, who had been standing at the kitchen counter, cutting up vegetables, set down his knife, looking concerned.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

Roman sighed, walking over to him. He put his elbows on the counter and hid his face in his hands. “It’s this guy I work with.”

“Your manager? Thomas?” Patton guessed.

“No, not him—he’s great. The other one.”

“What’s wrong with him?”

“He hates me, and I don’t know why!”

“Come on, kiddo, I’m sure that’s not true.” Patton picked up the knife and started slicing carrots again, still watching him between cuts to show he was paying attention.

“It is! He acts like every time I mess up, I’m doing it just to spite him, and then he gets on my back about it, which only makes me mess up more, and then he gets even more annoyed at me….”

“Could it just be growing pains? It’s only your second week. Maybe he just needs some time to get used to you.”

“I thought so too, but…” Roman sighed heavily. “It is not working.”

Patton paused. “If it’s really so bad, maybe you could look into possibly working somewhere else? Tons of places would be lucky to have you.”

Roman looked up sharply. “No… no, I’m not doing that.” He shook his head. “I do that, he wins.”

Patton bit his lip uncertainly.

“At least tomorrow is his day off,” Roman sighed. “So I get a break.”

“Well, that’s good,” Patton said. He pushed the carrots into a bowl with the potatoes he’d already cubed, and he picked up an onion. As he started to peel the skin off of that, he said, “Maybe it’ll be nice for both of you to get a break from each other. It could be you’ve just spent too much time together lately.”

“Yeah. Could be. I just don’t know what his problem is.”

Patton glanced up, humming thoughtfully. “Do you think any of this has anything to do with your visit coming up?”

Roman hesitated. “Maybe,” he admitted.

A major source of stress for him at the moment—maybe the main source of stress—was the fact that he was set to visit his parents at the end of the week, for the first time in a long time. If you considered five years to be a long time.

It certainly didn’t help that at the start of those five years, Roman had lied to them about heading to college and basically vanished off the face of the earth, leaving them with no idea where he had gone or if he was even still alive. That is, until Patton and Logan had convinced him to call his mamá the week before.

Ever since then, he had been calling her every evening before dinner, to talk. Mostly, they talked about unimportant things. How their days had been (Roman always sugar-coated things if they hadn’t gone well), what they were up to (you know, besides the homelessness), and how much they were looking forward to seeing each other when Roman was able to get enough time off for a visit.

Getting the time off he needed had turned out to be easier than expected. Roman’s schedule already gave him weekends free, so he had only requested one additional day—a Monday.

He hadn’t been sure whether to be relieved or sad that he had had to wait an additional week to go, since they’d been understandably reluctant to give him a day off in his second week on the job.

Of course, both Thomas and V, all that Roman knew his other coworker by, knew that Roman was taking the day off. Thomas hadn’t seemed to mind coming in on that Monday—since he usually took that day off—but V hadn’t seemed all that enthused. The fact that Roman was taking a long weekend after only working at the Sanders Café for two weeks hadn’t helped the barista’s opinion of him.

As one might imagine, Roman’s stress about the upcoming visit did not go well with the attitude V took with him, and it had already lead to several clashes.

As exemplified by today.

“Want to help me cut up some veggies?” Patton asked. “We’re going to roast them for dinner later tonight. Maybe it’ll help to take out some of that stress on an onion.” He picked up the newly peeled onion and offered it to Roman.

Roman sighed. “Sure.” He went to the sink, washed his hands, and took the onion and knife from Patton. “How do you want this cut?”

“However you like, within reason!” Patton said. “How about I heat up some leftovers for you, for lunch, while you do that? We’ve still got some spaghetti.”

“Sounds good. Thank you, Patton.”

…

Patton sat curled up on the sofa with Logan, only half-watching the news that his boyfriend had put on. After a while, he stretched and sat up.

“I’m going to go check on Roman. He seemed pretty upset when he came home from work today.”

Logan frowned, turning to look at him. “Did he say what was going on?”

“Some kind of disagreement with someone he works with. But I think he’s really just stressed about this weekend.”

Logan nodded. “That seems reasonable.”

“Anyway, I’ll be right back.”

“Okay.” Logan reached out, held his hand for a fraction of a second, and then let Patton go. Patton got up, walked past Val, who was reading, and went upstairs.

He stopped outside Roman’s room, whose door was slightly ajar, and knocked softly. “Roman?” he asked.

He waited, but he didn’t get an answer, so he tried again. When that still went without a reply, Patton gently pushed open the door, wondering if maybe Roman had fallen asleep.

The room was empty.

“Hm.” Patton leaned forwards to look around inside the room, but unsurprisingly, Roman wasn’t hiding in any corners.

He backed up, returned the door to how it had been before, and looked around.

Finally, he realized that he could hear something, faint, but not so faint that he thought it was coming from downstairs. Patton followed the sound.

Was that singing?

He stopped outside the bathroom, which was dark other than the light let in through the tiny, curtained window, but whose door wasn’t quite closed.

Roman stood in front of the sink, singing a song that Patton didn’t recognize. He was singing very quietly, but it was like he was serenading himself, complete with acting.

He also looked like he’d been crying.

Patton, who had been about to knock before he caught a glimpse of Roman in the mirror, stepped back before Roman could spot him. He did want to stay and try to help, but he really felt like he was intruding. Whatever Roman was doing, it seemed to be some kind of self-soothing method. Maybe it was a little unusual to serenade oneself in the mirror, but if it helped cheer Roman up, then Patton wasn’t going to judge him.

Patton quietly padded back down the hall and went back downstairs.

He settled himself back against Logan, who took his hand again. Patton read a headline on the TV screen about that week’s tragedy and sighed, turning his head so his face was against Logan.

“How’s Roman?” Logan asked, subtly changing the channel to one showing reruns of an old sitcom. “Did you talk to him?”

“He didn’t seem like he wanted to be bothered,” Patton replied, looking up again.

Logan nodded in understanding, although he was frowning.

“Is he okay?” Val asked as she turned a page in her book.

“I’m not sure,” he admitted. “He’s really nervous about this weekend.”

Logan fiddled with the remote without actually changing any settings. “I’d assume he’s afraid that his parents will reject him,” he said.

Val gave him a look. “Please don’t say that when he’s down here.”

“I don’t think it’s likely,” Logan quickly clarified. “They’ve seemed eager to talk to him thus far.”

“They’d better not turn him away,” Patton said. “I’ll fight them.”

“I thought we agreed you wouldn’t be fighting anyone. Besides, if they were going to turn him away, I’m sure it would have happened by now.”

Val closed her book, resting her head on one hand. “Whether it’s realistic or not, he’s obviously upset. And it’s probably not helping him, locking himself away upstairs with his thoughts. We should ask him to come downstairs in a few minutes. He likes to help with dinner, right?”

Patton glanced at the time. “That’s true. We should probably start cooking soon.”

“You cut up the vegetables like I asked?” Logan checked.

“Yep! Roman and I did.”

“Thanks. It shouldn’t take too long, then.”

Val set her book to the side. “Should I go grab him then, or…?”

“I’ll give him a few more minutes and then I’ll do it,” Patton said.

“Okay.”

A few minutes later, Patton walked back up the stairs. He was relieved to see that the light was on in Roman’s room now.

He knocked on the door, and waited for an answer.

A moment later, the door opened, to reveal Roman. He smiled, and if Patton hadn’t seen him before, he might not have known Roman had been so upset. “Hey, Patton. What’s going on?”

Patton smiled back, deciding not to bring it up. “We were planning to start dinner soon. Want to help?”

…

Roman had been making a point of getting to work early ever since his mistake the week before. So, it was no surprise that he was the first employee to arrive at the café that morning. It was a surprise, though, when neither V nor Thomas showed up. Instead, two younger employees, probably 18 years old or so, took their places: Talyn and Joan. Roman had worked with each of them before when they occasionally joined his shift, but never at the same time.

“Is Thomas not coming?” Roman asked, watching as the pair approached. He’d known it was V’s day off, and that Thomas didn’t come in every day, but usually their manager worked whenever V didn’t.

“He’s sick,” Talyn said, pulling on their apron. Joan went into the back to put their things away.

“Oh. Is he okay?”

Talyn shrugged. “He calls in sometimes. He asked me to take his place today.”

“Okay.”

“Joan and I can finish getting everything set up back here. Want to take the chairs down?”

“Sure.” Roman walked out from behind the counter to do just that.

“So how are you liking this place so far?” they asked as Joan returned from the back.

“It’s alright,” Roman shrugged. When V wasn’t getting on his last nerve, at least.

“Just alright?” Joan asked.

Roman flushed slightly. He didn’t want to complain about his job, not at his job, to his coworkers. That didn’t seem like a good plan at all.

Joan laughed. “Relax, I’m just teasing. It can be tough, at the start. Customers are something else. Plus I know Virgil can be prickly.”

Roman blinked. “What?”

“Virgil?” Joan looked confused. “The barista you work with?”

“Oh, right, sorry. I didn’t quite hear you,” Roman lied. He had a feeling he’d get teased if he admitted he’d gone nearly two weeks only knowing Virgil as V, or as the numerous aliases of the other worker’s name tag collection. “Glad to hear it’s not just me.”

“Has Virgil been treating you okay?” Talyn asked.

“Yeah. He can be kinda pushy, but he’s okay… most of the time. I do like his name tag collection.” Roman had tried to compliment Virgil on one of the name tags, pointing out that it was funny that the barista chose to wear one that said “Mary Lee”, and had only gotten even more hostility in response. Maybe Virgil didn’t want Roman to acknowledge that the name tags didn’t have the barista’s actual name on them? Maybe Virgil misunderstood, and thought Roman was making fun of whoever the actual Mary Lee was?

Whatever the case, trying to be that creepy cookie’s friend was proving rather difficult. Thomas’s “Storm Cloud” nickname made a lot of sense.

Talyn bit their lip, glancing at Joan, then looked back at Roman. Roman blinked, unsure what that was about. “Virgil can take a while to warm up to people, sometimes,” they said. “It’s probably nothing to worry about.”

Not long after, it was time to open up the café, and the attention of the three baristas was diverted to the grumpy swarm of early morning coffee-seekers.

It was a busy morning, with a lot of disgruntled people who thought they were entitled to their caffeine before anyone else and didn’t even tip well (if at all), but at least Talyn and Joan didn’t get mad at Roman for spilling a few coffee grounds, or for nearly forgetting the whipped cream on one of the orders. That was a welcome change.

Still, that afternoon, Roman spent most of his time holed up in the former guest room, trying not to stress too much about the next day, which was, of course, his last day of work before he got to go see his parents for the first time in years and hope they wouldn’t turn him away.

…

The following day, Virgil was back at work. And as tired of Roman was of his coworker hounding him like every little mistake he made would bring on the apocalypse, he did have some new information at his disposal, and he was going to take advantage of it.

Roman looked up as the barista came in, reluctantly lowering the headphones that had doubtlessly been blasting some sort of emo music moments before.

“Hey, Virgil,” he said pointedly, grinning.

Virgil hardly bothered to glance up, grabbing one of the aprons that still hung on the wall. “Hey, Princey.”

Roman was almost offended by that lackluster response. “How’s it going, Virgil?” he tried again, louder and with more emphasis.

“Fine?” Virgil said, giving him a strange look. “How’s it going, Roman?”

Roman sighed. “Disappointing.”

“What?”

Whoops. Virgil wasn’t supposed to actually hear that. He scrambled for an excuse. “…I said disappearing. The sun is gonna be disappearing sooner. The days are getting shorter again. You know.”

Virgil glanced outside, at where the sun was just beginning to rise, bemused. “I guess?”

“Aaaanyway. How was your day off?” Roman asked, tying his own apron in place.

“It was great. I actually got to miss the sunrise, for once.” Virgil started taking down chairs from the tables, putting them in place on the floor. “It was over pretty fast, though. Sure would be nice to take three days off in a row.”

Roman frowned.

“What are you doing this weekend, anyway? Video games? Binging Lord of the Rings or something?”

Roman let out a long sigh. “I’m visiting my parents,” he reluctantly admitted. “I haven’t seen them in a while.” Ever since Virgil had found out about Roman’s days off so soon after starting the job, Roman had skirted around answering the question of why he was taking that break. And while it still wasn’t really any of Virgil’s business, Roman was getting tired of this, and really didn’t want to deal with passive aggression when he was already worried enough. Today was Friday, and Roman was getting on the bus to go see his family that very afternoon.

Virgil’s mouth thinned. “Oh.”

The other barista turned away without another word, and didn’t bring up Roman’s days off again that shift. Roman felt that this was worth the admission. It would have probably been nearly unbearable otherwise, since Thomas was apparently still not feeling well, so it was just the two of them for the entire shift. As it was, other than Thomas being gone, Roman might have said that things were going… at least sort of well. Virgil wasn’t getting on his back too much, he wasn’t messing up as much as he’d expected, given how much he was thinking about that weekend (although he still messed up quite a bit more than usual). But of course, his luck couldn’t last.

He took a break during a lull in customers, and he came back, opening his mouth to tell Virgil to go ahead and take a break in the back, now.

But no words came out of his mouth. Instead, he froze.

Standing in the middle of the café, reading the menu, was a familiar figure. His dark hair was swept to partially cover his face, and he wore a black faux leather jacket over a band t-shirt.

Jay.

Roman felt dizzy.

“Roman?”

Roman shook his head, took a step back, and then sat down hard on the tile floor.

“Roman! F*ck, okay, hold on—Sorry, sir, get out, please! The store’s closed! Bye!”

“What the hell are you talking ab—”

“Store’s closed!”

Virgil herded the guy out, and as he disappeared out the door, Roman got a better look at his face. It wasn’t Jay at all. Just some guy who looked ridiculously like Jay.

“Dammit,” he whispered, wishing this realization would stop his heart from pounding, would erase the way he’d just embarrassed himself, was continuing to embarrass himself.

Virgil knelt down in front of him, hovering uncertainly. “Hey. Hey, Princey, what’s going on? Are you okay?”

Roman shook his head, his attempts to breathe only strangled gasps. It was all just too much. The stress of this new job, and the visit this weekend, and thinking he’d seen Jay, who’d been a catalyst in all of this— It was too much.

“I think you might be having a panic attack.” Virgil shifted uncertainly, hovering around him. “Does that sound right?”

Roman shakily nodded.

“Okay. Okay, good. No ambulance, then. That’s great. I mean, not great that you’re panicking, that—never mind. Can I help?”

“Yeah,” he gasped. Please make this stop.

“Cool. Cool, cool. Try breathing with me. It’s an exercise I use when I get anxiety attacks.” Virgil started with a long inhale, counting off a pattern.

“In, 2, 3, 4… hold, 2 3, 4, 5, 6, 7… out, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.”

Roman did his best to follow the pattern, with difficulty at first; but soon enough, rather than freaking out, he was a more reasonable amount of mortified, and this time more about the fact that he’d freaked out in the middle of the café, in front of Virgil, than about anything else.

Virgil seemed relieved when it was clear that Roman was no longer panicking. The barista looked him over for a moment, then offered him a hand up.

“I think maybe you should go in the back for a little longer,” Virgil suggested as Roman was pulled to his feet. “I can take my break later.”

“…Yeah, maybe,” Roman admitted, not meeting Virgil’s eyes. “Might be a good idea.”

Virgil led him to the back room, shoved a plastic cup of tea in his hands, and promised to return in a bit.

Roman sat there, sipping his tea, wishing he could sink into the floor.

Several minutes later, Virgil returned.

“Sorry,” Roman said as soon as he saw that distinctive purple hair, gripping his cooling cup of tea tightly. “I didn’t….”

Virgil sat down on the arm of the sofa. “What was that about?”

Roman shook his head.

Virgil sighed, glancing back towards the main area of the store. “Fine, don’t tell me. But are you, like… good? You’re not going to freak out on me again?”

“No, I’m… I’m fine.”

Virgil looked at him doubtfully. Roman set his jaw, and then Virgil nodded. “Alright. Maybe clean yourself up a bit, though.”

Roman felt his cheeks burn. He nodded.

As Virgil turned to leave, Roman cleared his throat.

“…Thanks, Virgo.”

Virgil paused, turned, and said, “I’m a Sagittarius,” before leaving the room.

Under different circumstances, Roman might have laughed. As it was, he simply took a deep breath, set the remains of his tea to the side, got to his feet, and went to the employee bathroom. Looking in the mirror, he had to admit he looked rather… disheveled. He’d definitely seen worse days, that was for sure; but his hair was a mess, and his eyes were red and watery like he’d been crying.

(Had he been crying? He suddenly wasn’t sure.)

Roman reached over for a paper towel, folded it over, and ran the water over it for a second. He stood there at the sink for a while, the cool, damp paper towel held against his eyes. Once the redness had died down, he combed his hair with his fingers until it was back to its normal groomed appearance. Finally, he took a deep, steadying breath, washed his hands, and returned to the front of the store. Virgil looked up when he appeared, in the middle of making a cappuccino, and nodded.

Roman resumed his post without a word, and they both pretended like nothing had happened.

When Roman went back to the house that afternoon, he didn’t complain about Virgil, for once. Of course, he did have other things to think about. Like the little detail that he was leaving in only a couple of hours.

…

“Are you sure you have everything?” Logan asked as the trio walked to the bus station. They’d parked a couple of blocks away, since the parking spots at the station itself were metered, and rather expensive. Logan had offered to park there anyway, but Roman had insisted that he was fine with parking farther away. It was a nice day, anyhow; and he would be spending quite a while on a bus. “There’s still a little time, if we have to stop somewhere.”

“I think so,” Roman said, adjusting his grip on the handle of the small, baby blue suitcase Patton had lent him. It rolled behind them, occasionally bumping over an uneven patch of sidewalk. “I don’t have a lot of stuff.”

“And you’re sure you’ll be okay by yourself?” Patton checked. He held the small potted plant that Roman and Val had picked up as a present for Roman’s mamá. He almost seemed more nervous than Roman. Almost.

Roman swallowed, then nodded. “Yeah. I’m sure. It’s just a bus ride. My parents are going to pick me up at the station.”

Patton reached over to squeeze his hand. “They know what time you’re getting in?”

Roman nodded. “And I can always call, if I need to…. Thanks again for the phone, by the way.” They’d picked him up a cheap, prepaid one for emergencies, since Roman hadn’t had a phone of his own in a very long time.

“It’s no problem,” Patton said. “Just be safe, okay?”

Roman gave him a shaky smile.

“There’s the station,” Logan said, gesturing across the street. “Which bus are we looking for?”

“17,” Roman provided. He didn’t even need to check his ticket. He’d spent long enough staring at it the night before.

Logan glanced to make sure no cars were coming, then started across the street. He and Patton were already scanning the busses collected at the station, looking for the correct one.

“I don’t think it’s here yet,” Logan said. “That’s not surprising. We are early, after all.”

“Let’s find a bench to sit on,” Patton suggested.

Logan didn’t exactly look enthused, but he went along with Patton’s suggestion. They found an empty bench, and Roman and Patton sat down. There was still room on the bench, but Logan stayed standing.

“Perhaps I could pick us up some coffee from inside,” he suggested.

Patton giggled. “Only if Roman’s not sick of coffee yet.”

Roman cracked a smile. “Maybe just water for me. Lemonade if they have it. But water’s okay.”

Patton requested whatever coffee drink was the sweetest, iced.

Logan nodded and walked off towards the station’s building.

“He just doesn’t want to sit down,” Patton said, leaning over conspiratorially. ��Logan hates public benches.”

“Logan hates public everything.”

“You’re not wrong!” he laughed. He set the plant at his side. “So, do you and your parents know what you’re going to do this weekend?”

Roman thought for a moment, then shrugged. “I hadn’t really thought about it.” He’d been too busy worrying.

“You don’t always need a plan. Maybe it’ll be nice to just get to hang out with them, catch up.”

“Or awkward as hell.”

“Ehh.” Patton shrugged. “Maybe at first, I won’t lie to you.”

“Yeah.”

“But they’re going to be really happy to see you. I’m sure they’ve missed you a lot.”

“…Yeah.” Roman knew they had. But he couldn’t help the terror bubbling up inside him, just under the surface, at what they would think when they saw him. At how angry they would be.

Apparently Roman’s silent dread had not been as hidden as he’d hoped.

“Don’t make me hug you,” Patton threatened, pointing at him.

Roman let out a startled laugh.

“I’ll do it! You know I will!”

“I do,” Roman agreed. He watched as another bus pulled up. Number 33. Still not his.

“They did have lemonade,” a voice said. Roman glanced up to see Logan, holding out a bottled lemonade. He took it. It was cool and already slightly damp with condensation.

“Thanks.”

Logan offered Patton another drink from the carrier in his arms. His was a very pale brown, mixed with ice and with whipped cream and drizzles of caramel and chocolate on top.

“Ooh, thank you!” Patton said. He hopped up, kissed Logan on the cheek, and then sat down, sipping loudly from his straw.

Logan coughed, his face slightly red. “You’re welcome. Has his bus arrived?”

“Not ye—oh! There it is!” Patton pointed. A new bus had just pulled in, the number 17 in its window.

“Excellent.”

Roman leaned over to look at a clock on the station wall. He still had ten minutes before he had to be on the bus. Reassured, he sat back and opened his lemonade, taking a sip. Then he recapped it and put the lemonade in his lap, tapping on its sides with his fingers. “You guys don’t have to stay if you don’t want to. I’ll be fine.”

“No, no,” Patton insisted. “We’re going to make sure you get on your bus alright.”

“It would be rather unfortunate if we left early, and something happened,” Logan agreed.

Roman exhaled through his nose. “Okay. If you’re sure.”

“Yep! Besides, I can’t finish this in the car.” Patton took another loud sip of his drink. “So we’ve gotta stay!”

“True.” Logan was generally pretty insistent about there being no open drinks in his car. Or at least, that was the idea Roman had gotten so far.

Logan took a drink of his own iced black coffee and shrugged. “Coffee would be difficult to get out of the upholstery,” he justified. “Like any darkly colored beverage. One time, one of Val’s friends spilled fruit punch in her car. It was a figurative nightmare to get that out. I refuse to go through that again with my own vehicle.”

Roman glanced at Patton, who looked amused. “That’s fair.”

A few more minutes passed, with the three of the just enjoying their drinks, before Patton glanced at the time on his phone. “We should probably get you on that bus, don’t you think, Ro? You don’t want to get a bad seat.”

Roman shifted. “…I guess.”

Patton looked at him sympathetically. “Don’t worry. You’ll be okay.” He stood up, grabbing the plant; and Roman reluctantly followed, pulling the suitcase along behind himself.

In no time at all, they stood in front of the bus door, and Patton was handing the plant off to Logan and pulling Roman into a tight hug.

“Don’t be afraid to call us if you need anything at all, okay? I’m serious.”

“Okay.”

“Okay. Now go see your parents.”

“Have a pleasant trip,” Logan said as Patton released him. He offered a hand, and Roman accepted. Logan shook it.

“Thanks. I’ll… see you guys.”

“Good luck.”

Roman took a deep breath, picked up the suitcase and took the plant back from Logan, and stepped up onto the bus before he could change his mind.

“Hello, sweetheart,” the driver said, smiling kindly at him. She was probably in her fifties, and had clearly noticed how apprehensive he was. She held out a hand. “Have you got your ticket?”

“Yeah—um,” Roman pulled it out of his pocket, quickly did his best to smooth it out, and handed it over. “Here.”

The woman looked at it for a second, smiled, and handed it back. “Welcome aboard. Usually, we have everyone put their luggage in the storage area under the bus, but I think yours is small enough that you can keep it up here, if you’d like. We don’t have a full bus today. Do you have a preference?”

“Could I keep it?” Roman asked. It was Patton’s suitcase, and he was afraid that it might get damaged—or worse, disappear—if he let it out of his sight.

“Of course. You can go ahead and pick whatever seat you’d like.”

“Thank you,” Roman said. He turned to the rest of the bus, which was about a quarter of the way full with other passengers. He picked a seat about a third of the way from the front, beside the window, and put Patton’s suitcase and his mamá’s gift at his side.

He looked out the window, and saw Patton and Logan there, on the sidewalk. Patton noticed him and perked up, waving and batting at his boyfriend to get his attention. Logan waved as well, with significantly less energy, looking amused.

Roman hesitantly waved back.

He spent the remaining time until the bus departed just trying to keep calm, reminding himself that he did in fact want to do this, that it was a little late to back out even if he wanted to, and that even if his visit went about as horribly as it could go, Logan and Patton had promised that they wanted him to come back.

Finally, the bus driver stood up. She reminded everyone of which bus this was and the route they were taking, just in case someone was on the wrong bus, and how long the trip would take. Then, she sat back down, and they left the station.

Patton and Logan waved until they turned a corner, and then Roman was alone.

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, then turned to the suitcase. He unzipped it and pulled out a book, which Logan had lent him for the trip. He settled in, doing his best to focus on the story rather than on his fear over what was to come.

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talyns-fanfics · 1 month

Text

My Hero Fantasy

Chapter Three

Content Warnings: swearing, slightly suggestive

Notes: Deku is Quirkless and no one speaks medieval.

Bakugo and Ojiro were currently heading to the camp, but also needed to take a detour. “What are we doing here?” Bakugo impatiently asks Ojiro, who was busy inspecting a set of footprints. “This dirt has been touched by acid. We must be getting close. Stay close, Bakugo.” Ojiro says in a hushed tone, following the path of the footprints. Bakugo begrudgingly follows.

After a while of tracking the prints, Bakugo trips a wire and the two were caught in a net suspended by trees. A group of seven individuals circle around them, all in hoods to cover their faces and identities. “Who are these punks?! I’ll kill them!” Bakugo yells, gripping tightly onto the net, trying to pry it open.

“Don’t try it.” One of the hooded figures says, the voice being feminine. She lifts up her hand, acid pouring from it. “I have good aim. Wanna see which Quirk is more affective? Yours or mine?”

Mina Ashido

(Quirk: Acid): This special power allows her to create corrosive liquid from her skin, with it being naturally resistant to the acid she produces.

With that threat, Bakugo backs down. “Mina, guys! It’s me! Please put us down.” Ojiro calls out to the group, who immediately shift moods. “Why didn’t you say so?” Ashido and most of the other hooded people pull off their hoods.

Eijiro Kirashima

(Quirk: Hardening): This special power gives him the power to harden any part of his body. The Quirk protects him from most physical threats.

Koji Koda

(Quirk: Anivoice): This special power allows him to communicate with and command animals through speech.

Rikido Sato

(Quirk: Sugar Rush): This special power allows him to multiply his strength five-fold for three minutes for every ten grams of sugar he ingests.

Mezo Shoji

(Quirk: Dupli-Arms): This special power grants him a set of arm-like tentacles adjacent to his arms that can transform into duplicates of his other body parts.

Hanta Sero

(Quirk: Tape): This special power allows him to eject adhesive tape from openings located on both of his elbows.

The last hooded figure uncovers a shred of fabric covering his stomach before a beam shoots out from it, cutting a rope of the net and now freeing Ojiro and Bakugo. “Glad to be of assistance, mon ami.” He finally takes off his hood.

Yugo Ayoyama

(Quirk: Navel Laser): This power gives him the ability to fire sparkly twinkling laser beams from his navel.

Ojiro brushes the leaves off of himself while Bakugo silently complains about a ‘broken’ arm. “How far is the camp from here?” Ojiro asks the group. “Not too far from here, bro!” Kirashima points a thumb behind him showing a makeshift path. “If we hurry, we can make it before nightfall.” The group put their hoods back up before guiding the two through the forest.

Izuku and the coven had already made it to the camp. Yauyorozu and Uraraka were busy setting up tents, Hagakure, Asui, and Jiro were searching for food, Izuku and Hirosa were setting up a fire in the center.

“Hirosa, can I ask you a question?” Izuku asks her, looking over to her. The two were carrying piles of wood to the campsite. “You just did, but go ahead.” She smirks to herself. “Well, you said that All Might is like a father to you. What’s he like? Like, actually like?” The two stop at the center of the campsite. “He’s awesome, almost exactly how he is when he’s out saving everyone. Even now that he’s-” she catches herself, looking over to Izuku, who was listening with interest.

“If I tell you something, can you promise me to keep it quiet? I’m only gonna tell you because he trusts me and I trust you.” Hirosa asks Izuku. “Not even my sister or Mother knows about it.” Izuku nods his head, curious. “He can’t use his power as much as he used to. He got into a fight five years ago with a dangerous villain.”

His power is anything but natural, he wasn’t born with it. It’s a sacred torch passed down from person to person. One person cultivates the power, and then passes it on to another. The next refines it and passes it on again. In this way, those crying out to be saved and those with brave and true hearts link to form a crystalline network of power. It’s his true power.

“He’s currently been in search of a successor to pass his power to, but that how the villains got him.” Hirosa explains to Izuku as they continue their way to the campsite. “He had his guard down.” After a moment of silence, Izuku speaks up. “Why didn’t he give you the power?” That question got Hirosa to chuckle. “My Quirk is incompatible with it. It would rip my body and break my mind. He also said that his Quirk with my Quirk would decrease my lifespan. He’s protecting me, I know that. Also, I don’t need it. I’ve made it here with my own Quirk.” Izuku smiles at Hirosa’s response. He didn’t see her Quirk firsthand, but knew it must be a powerful Quirk if it was incompatible with All Mights.

“Now, I have a question for you, Izuku.” The two lay the firewood in the center of the clearing before starting to light it. “I’ve never seen your Quirk. It wasn’t on your Provisional License. What is it?” Izuku’s face drops. I forgot to tell her I’m Quirkless. If she knew, she’d probably kick me out and send me home. Even worse, I might never see her again. What do I do?! “Izuku? Are you ok?” Hirosa waves her hand in front of his face.

“I’m completely fine! I don’t know why I paused like that! Holy smokes, we don’t have any food! I’m just gonna go over there and find some food for us! Thank you! Bye!” Izuku frantically yells before he runs out of Hirosa’s sight. “Where’s he going?” Hirosa hears Jiro from behind her. Turning, she sees Jiro with a dead boar. “I don’t know, but I hope he comes back soon. It’s getting dark.” Hirosa tells Jiro as the two set up the fire so the boar was cooking over it.

Izuku was only a few feet away from the camp, but he was far enough away from Hirosa. He lets out a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry, Hirosa.” He says quietly, hoping she doesn’t hear him. “I don’t want to look worthless to you.”

When you asked me and Kacchan to join you on your adventure to save your father, I knew I had to help you. I didn’t know you were saving All Might. I just wanted to help you. I spoke without even thinking. Now, with spending more time with you, I realize just how much your approval means to me. I want to be a Pro. Not just for me, but so I can always be by your side.

“Hey, Deku!” Izuku hears a familiar voice further into the forest. “Ah! Kacchan?! How did you get here?!” Izuku sees Bakugo and Ojiro with seven people he didn’t know.

“We guided him here.” Ashido says, pulling her hood down. “Now, we’re gonna help Kairi and Kyoka with dinner.” Ashido, along with Ojiro, Sero, Kirashima, Shijo, Ayoyama, and Sato, started making their way to the camp, helping the coven with dinner or to set up tents.

“So, what are you on about this time, Deku?” Bakugo was quieter than normal, but his tone was very evident. Izuku takes a breath before explaining. “I don’t know how to tell Hirosa I’m Quirkless. I want to help her find her dad, but I don’t know what might happen if-” “Deku, I don’t think she cares.” Bakugo cuts him off.

“Look, I didn’t tell her anything and I won’t. But you need to get over it. She doesn’t seem like the person to discriminate on someone because they’re Quirkless. So shut your mouth and let’s help her out.” With that, Bakugo heads to the camp, leaving Izuku alone. Well, almost alone. Koda was staring at him. “Woah! Sorry! I thought I was alone!” Izuku’s freak out lead to Koda freaking out.

Later that evening, everyone was sitting around the campfire, sharing dinner and talking about whatever came to mind. “So you can make explosions from your sweat?” Sero asks Bakugo, who responds by simply staring at him and showing off his Quirk. “Woah! So cool!” Sero gazed in aww.

“Momo, can I have a towel? I need to-” Hirosa starts, only to get interrupted by Momo creating one and handing it to her. “Here you go. Be careful. You never know what could be out there.” Hirosa takes the towel before heading into the forest. “Thank you, Momo.”

“We haven’t seen him in a while.” Hagakure says to Jiro. “Any news on him?” Jiro side-eyes Hagakure. “Well actually-” Jiro was cut off by the sound of rustling leaves. Jiro’s eyes narrow and everyone adverts their attention to the source of the noise. “You might as well come out. We know you’re there.” Jiro says aloud. After a moment, another young man walks out from the forest. “Sorry, haven’t seen you guys in a minute. Hopefully I’m not intruding.”

Denki Kaminari

Quirk: Electrification

This special power gives him the ability to charge in electricity and emit it out of his body as a sort of protective aura that electrocutes anyone through contact.

“Wait.” Uraraka’s eyes narrow. “If you’re here, than where’s-” Uraraka was cut off by a loud screech in the direction of where Hirosa had left. “Is she in trouble?!” Izuku shot up from his seat. “Oh no, she’s fine.” Ashido explains. “He might not be.”

After a few moments, Hirosa (wrapped up in the towel that Yaoyorozu gave her) holding a much shorter guy by an ankle. “Kaminari! Put a leash on your friend!” She glares at Kaminari. The guy in her hold starts thrashing against her hand. “I will not apologize for getting a sneak peek of your bo-"

Minoru Mineta

Quirk: Pop Off

This special power allows him to produce sticky spheres from his head that he can pluck painlessly.

“You shut up right now, Mineta!” Hirosa drops him to the ground before retreating into her tent to change. “You’re disgusting, man.” Kaminari’s eyes narrowed at Mineta. “You had to do that to All Might’s daughter? We made a deal not to mess with her.” “Trick Shot is All Might’s kid?!” Bakugo’s voice cut through a the campsite, even startling Hirosa in her tent.

“Kacchan, you didn’t know.” Izuku looks over to Bakugo, as well was everyone else. “So, you mean to tell me that we’re going to save All Might of all people?” Everyone slowly nods their heads. “Well damn! Maybe should have told me that beforehand, Teach!” Hirosa exits her tent, tying her dress back together.

After a while of everyone talking amongst each other, the group hears a yell in the distance. “Someone’s in trouble. Everybody, grab your weapons. We’ve prepared for this.” Yaoyorozu says to the group, who all quickly reacted. With weapons in hand the group head up the mountain where they heard the sound.

#talyns fanfics #my hero fantasy talyns fanfics #hirosa kairi #bnha #boku no hero academia #mha #my hero academia #izuku midoriya

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tangerinekumquat · 3 years

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1/5/02

Dear Journal,

Today we got a strange letter in the mail, ever since then the adults and Roman have been very quite. I don't know what's going on but I'm going to snatch that letter before they shred it. Virgil has also started acting weird, he seems... gloomy. I need to know, I'm going for that letter.

Jesus Christ, it turns out Roman isn't an only child. The letter basically said that Roman's brother, Remus Pendra, has recently been deemed acceptable to leave the Glory Summer's Home for The Mentally Unique. They want to know if our guardians were able to take him in so the transition was easier, with his brother being here and all. For some reason I hope he doesn't come to live here, the idea of someone from a mental house coming here scares me.

Or maybe it's the fact that if they have another crazy I will be... removed. No they wouldn't, they're nice and I'm a parasite clinging to them.

I'm going to bed and not think about this, the shadowy man likes it, I saw him clapping

Goodnight, Logan

#Logan's journal #logan sanders #roman sanders #virgil sanders #sanders sides #patton sanders #deceit sanders #deciet sanders #remus sanders #ts fanfic #character thomas #character joan #character talyn

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starman-o7 · 4 years

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I'm going to fucking lose it.

I was just reading a one shot demus fic with some creativitwins in the mix and basically Roman and Remus had a tattoo parlor across from Jee's flower shop (it's a magic au or something btw) and Remus went to Jee's shop for Roman this one time and immediately started crushing BAD.

My phone then decided to be a bitch and got off tumblr and when I came back it was gone. I hadn't rebloged or liked the fic yet and I don't remember the blog's name so if any of you kind souls know what the fuck I'm talking about and could send me the fic I will be eternally grateful

#I might just kill someone #thomas sanders and friends #thomas sanders #ts demus #ts dukeceit #demus #dukeceit #ts patton #ts roman #ts logan #ts deceit #ts virgil #ts remus #ts janus #ts joan #ts talyn #ts adri #fanfic #oneshot

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talyn-the-warlock · 4 years

Text

(Something to show you, Guardians! I’ve finally completed a touch of a longer piece of fic, and I’m very curious what you think of it. I’ve included a link to my AO3 post- Enjoy!)

A Perfect Paradox, parts 1 & 2 - 6,170 words

#destiny 2 #destiny shadowkeep #season of dawn #saint-14 #fanfic #my oc #talyn maj #eeeeee now yall have my ao3 #fanfiction

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emtheanxiousdragon · 5 years

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Sanders Hospital AU

(Special thanks to @justisaisfine for some help developing this story!)

(This is the introduction to the AU. For full info, please see the AO3 story.)

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Located in sunny Miami, Florida, Sanders Hospital is one of the top-ranking public hospitals in the country. Famous for its charitable president Thomas Sanders (no relation to the name of the hospital, as he loves to joke), Sanders Hospital features an award-winning mental health department and pediatric center! Its connection to the local university has allowed for a wonderfully talented resident program and educational opportunities. In the hospital's long history, they have treated people from all walks of life- from homeless people to the President of the U.S! (He just spent a few days in the hospital with a broken leg, but still!)

As a public hospital, they naturally have less funding than private institutions. One of the biggest rivals to the hospital is St. Gemma's Hospital, a respectable private hospital that makes its home on the other side of Miami, closer to the rich beach houses and expensive hotels. They've been praised for possessing what some call the best burn ward in the Southern United States. Many of the doctors of the two hospitals share a respectful relationship and have aided one another when their personal expertise was needed. However, there's still tension between the two hospitals for government funding, alongside some personal tension between doctors.

Major Hospital Locations

The Main Lobby. The main entrance to Sanders Hospital is the first glimpse of the wonderful care that awaits you during your stay. The front doors are wheelchair accessible, with a long slope going down to the main floor. The smooth, curving metal reception desk sits below the hospital's logo- a rainbow-colored caduceus. Hubs of blue and grey lounge chairs and couches collect below warm circular lights. The lighting in the lobby changes depending on the time of day- on bright days, the lobby will use as much natural sunlight as possible. On dark days, or during dusk and dawn, the lights will shine a bright, but neutral color. During the night, the lights are turned to a warm yellow, as yellow light encourages rest far better than harsh blue or white. This part of the hospital lacks the stereotypical smells of rubbing alcohol and disinfectant. Instead, the smell of freshly baked pastries from the hospital coffee shop fills the lobby, accompanied by whatever Baths and Body Works scent the barista decided to use for the day. There's also a gift shop in the lobby where visitors can buy their ailing loved ones gifts to aid recovery!

The Pediatrics Ward. With beautiful swirls of color on the walls and cartoon characters, it doesn't take long to understand why the pediatrics department of Sanders Hospital has won so many rewards. Every step of the way, the doctors and nurses patrolling this side of the hospital are ready to comfort a child in pain. Patient rooms have a TV where families can put in DVDs they brought from home or from the hospital. Each room has a recliner and couch so parents and immediate family members don't have to leave their kids. This part of the hospital also contains the NICU, which can be a heart-breaking place at times. The doctors keep in close contact with the legal department's Child Protective Service officers. If the pediatricians suspect child abuse or a child loses their parents, they don't hesitate to call the CPS officers, cause guess what? These folks are the nice sort of CPS officers! The department has gone under fire at times by people claiming they have pushed the borders of a doctor/patient relationship (giving personal gifts to patients, favoritism, becoming too much of a friend to the patient and less of a doctor), but so far they've kept their heads above water

Entertainment Row. While not its official name, hospital staff call this part of the hospital Entertainment Row for its patient services. This part of the hospital has a library that patients can borrow from, including books and DVDs. There is a lounge room with TVs and gaming devices with windows looking over the city. Since its on the top floor of the hospital, it also opens up to the roof-top garden, where patients can walk around and enjoy some fresh air. There's even a gardening program at the hospital where patients can help grow and harvest fruits and veggies to use in the kitchens! It's a wonderful way to boost a patient's emotional health and give them a chance to relax between tests and treatments. Entertainment Row also hosts classrooms for long-term students so they don't fall behind on studies. Often these classrooms are used by patients booked long-term into the mental services department, but those struggling with cancer, tuberculosis, and other diseases that require long-term hospital care are still able to keep up their education.

The Emergency Department. While not as famed as other parts of the Sanders Hospital, the emergency department does host a no wait policy- patients are taken straight to beds without waiting, as those with serious conditions cannot spend half an hour waiting for someone to check them in. This makes the ED a pretty chaotic place. However, the policy has been credited to saving multiple lives and even for stopping an epidemic! (That's a story for another time). With a central hub of desks and computers, doctors can hop from one patient to another and quickly determine if they need to be checked into a room or if they can soon head home.

The ICU. The hospital tries its best to keep the ICU a naturally lit environment. It runs on a similar light system as the main lobby and they try to have windows in each room. However, with the nature of the ICU, there's still a sense of dread and worry that hangs over anyone who visits the area. Experienced doctors appreciate the less gloomy atmosphere, but with the smell of disinfectant trying to overpower the lingering stenches of those too far gone to save and withering gift shop flowers sitting on mantels, the gloom still remains.

The Psychiatric Department. The other most awarded department of Sanders Hospital, this part of the hospital has the most personalized rooms. As most patients who find themselves in these rooms are at the hospital for long-term care and observation, the staff allow them to add a few more personal touches to the rooms than long-term patients in other departments may be allowed to. As long as the items can't hurt them, they can have them. The offices of each doctor are also personal, designed for therapy, to relax patients when they come in. Each office also has the personal touch of the doctors, as it helps them bond with their patients in a way that makes them feel more open to share their issues.

Doctor's Lounges. With a few in different parts of the hospital shared by different departments, the lounges are places where doctors, nurses, and residents can settle down for a bit. There are beds against one wall for those on long shifts and kitchen space for doctors to store food and even do a bit of cooking if the chance comes. You can find many residents finishing papers and studies around the rectangular plastic tables in the center of the room while also chowing down a quick dinner. The staff like to keep most of their work troubles outside of the lounges, however.

The President's Office/The Board Rooms: Thomas Sanders' office is usually empty. Since this is a president who likes to be on the floor doing what he went to school to do whenever he can, its usually locked. When he's working on presidential business or other similar work, those entering are greeted by the usually open balcony behind his desk with a marvelous view of Miami. Sometimes he'll be on that balcony, drinking some coffee and watching the sunset. The shelves along one wall contain a mixture of personal items and work-related stuff- diplomas and awards, Steven Universe pop figurines, the latest medical journals, a few favorite knick-knacks. (Dr. Picani usually avoids the office so he's not tempted to steal his boss's figurines). Next door to the office are the hospital board rooms, where the hospital board members meet and discuss the goings-on of Sanders Hospital. A yellow-tan room with a long wooden table and a monitor at the end, the board rooms are very professional. If a staff member gets called up there during a board meeting, something's probably going to go down. While the hospital president may be an honorable man, the same can't be said for all of his board members. The rooms are more inviting when used for Thomas's meeting with his department chairs.

The Lock-Up. As a public hospital, Sanders is in charge of treating prisoners from some of the big prisons around Miami. All prisoners are kept in a special, separate ward away from the rest of the prison under heavy protection. Doctors and nurses must put all equipment through scanners and confirm items with security personnel before they can enter. Prisoners are to stay in their areas (curtained off sections with beds) unless given permission to leave. All types of prisoners are treated here, from juvie kids stuck for a few months for vandalism, to serial killers doing double-life sentences.

Staff Members

Thomas Sanders- Hospital President

Thomas Sanders started his career at Sanders Hospital when he was a teenager, volunteering in Entertainment Row. Living in the area, young Thomas snagged a summer job in the library and helped many young kids find books to entertain themselves during chemo and therapy. Thomas loved helping others, even back then. He went to med school specializing in art therapy and mental health services but later got some cardiovascular certification so he could better assist in surgeries. He got a job at the hospital that started it all, getting a residency in the psychiatric department. When he joined the department, the place was gloomy, with depressing rooms and depressing offices. As Thomas climbed the ranks, his positivity and infectious happiness spread around the department. Rooms became brighter, offices became more welcoming, and patients became happier. While the hospital board cared less about patient happiness, they did care that Thomas's effect on the department was bringing in more patients and making money. He became the head of the psychiatric department. When the former president retired, Thomas was offered the job. He accepted, hoping to improve even more of the hospital.

While he can struggle against the greed and ambition of his board members (whom he sadly cannot get rid of alone), Thomas has slowly but surely found his place as a respectable, kind, and intelligent hospital president. He helped turn the hospital into a major LGBTQ+ supporter in Florida. He's a hands-on sort of president, wanting to keep in touch with each part of his hospital. He tries hard to make real changes happen and affect the community in a positive way. His personality, which helped change the psychiatric department so much, has now changed the entire hospital for the better. People joke that he's done so much, they renamed the place after him, but he swears it was a coincidence. He justs tries to put some good into the world.

Joan Stokes- Medical Director

Joan Stokes is Thomas's right hand in the hospital. The two met in med school, when Joan helped Thomas work on this thesis on the health issues of Miami LGBTQ+ people. Joan kept in touch with Thomas after they graduated and the two were very close friends. Joan started their residency at St. Gemma's and got first-hand experience in their prized burn ward. They moved to Sanders a few years after completing their residency to take a job as a general surgeon. They met their partner, Talyn, while working on a case involving a kidney transplant on someone who recently lost an arm.

Joan has always been the more level-headed, more focused one in their friendship with Thomas. As medical director, they are able to take Thomas's swirls of imagination and inspiration and apply those ideas on a practical level, adding in their own ideas. The only real arguments you'll see Joan get into with Thomas are about the job. They are a private person, but when they are around people they're comfortable with, their outgoing and funny sides emerge. If kids spot them in the pediatric ward, they'll probably make a few jokes. Depending on the adults in the area, they may sneak in a few 'mature' jokes as well.

Roman Prince- Public Services Director

Where Joan is the right hand of Thomas, Roman is the left. He doesn't have the medical skill that Joan and Thomas have, but he does have a presence that few can argue with. He's in charge of Entertainment Row and manages fundraisers, public appearances, speeches, and special events. He puts a special effort into the entertainment that patrols the pediatric ward entertaining kids- balloon artists, hospital dogs, everything! Entertainment is the best way to cheer up kids! He's the face of Sanders Hospital, appearing on talk shows and representing the issues of the hospital and the medical community.

Of course, there's doubt in his role- a high school drop-out managing a hospital? What can he say about the medical community when he never even went to college? To his friends, it doesn't matter. But it does to him. When the stress of public services becomes too much, he'll take part in his passion- teaching kids how to act at the local YMCA. He loves acting, and tries to find any chance he can to do so.

Patton Foster- Head of Pediatrics

This bubbly man was simply made to handle kids! Patton is known as 'Doctor Sweetheart' by some of the nurses and lower-level staff, as he treats everyone with fatherly kindness and respect. He always takes time to ask people how they're doing and is always ready to give advice. He always gets a laugh out of the younger kids and connects to the teenagers in the department extremely well. (If we're being honest, he's the source of most of those accusations of pushing the doctor/patient relationship too far, and they're probably right, but is that a bad thing?) He's ready to share tears with parents in pain, who are definitely included in his advice-giving. When people questioned whether to hire Logan Berry as the head of the Emergency Department, their biggest concern was that Patton would lose focus working alongside his husband. So far they haven't had to worry. Much.

Despite his fatherly and loving nature, Patton can be extremely stubborn. He often refuses to resort to any treatments that would cause a conflict with his morals, always searching for different ways to go about things, therefore ignoring the treatment that would save his patient's life until it was truly the only answer. When it comes to his moral standards, he can be strict. However, he's always looking to improve himself and be kind to others, supporting self-care, self-love, and the expression of emotions (even when he tries to repress the ones he has).

Logan Berry- Head of the Emergency Department

When you think of a doctor, you're probably thinking of Logan Berry. A logic-driven man able to put aside his emotions to get the job done, he is a shining example of the knowledge and respect commanded by doctors. When asked why he doesn't pursue a more glamourous and financially rewarding position at St. Gemma's or a similar institution, his answer is always the same- "I'm needed here." Logan has spent his life seeking to spread knowledge. He got a teaching degree alongside his medical degree and had a very unique residence- as a teacher's assistant at a medical college in New York, spending half of his time teaching and the other half fulfilling his medical requirements at the nearest hospital. Only a few days after his residency ended, he quit his TA job and moved back to his home state of Florida.

Logan took a job at a small, poorly funded clinic in the slums of Miami. He tried to educate his patients to better care for themselves, but he couldn't reach many people. He worked himself into exhaustion. The end result is poorly recorded- all that remains are some buried medical records in the file rooms of Sanders Hospital, a few police reports, and a metal leg that clicked whenever Logan walked. It was during his physical therapy at Sanders Hospital that Logan met Patton, who was only a year into his job. The two became close, and in a few years of therapy, re-adjustment to work, and new friendships, Logan and Patton were married. Logan tied up the loose ends of his old clinic and applied for the position as the head of the Emergency Department at Sanders Hospital.

Virgil Lawson- Head of Nursing

Being at the top of the chain of nurses for Sanders Hospital is tough, but at least Virgil actually cares about what he's doing. Despite the fact that he lives off the hospital coffee shop and its vending machines, hasn't been back to his apartment in four days, deals with more work than one man should legally be allowed to, and deals with not only generalized/social anxiety but chronic panic attacks, Virgil Lawson is the happiest he's been in a long time. He protects and encourages both his nurses and his friends, acting as a source of calm in the constant storm of medical work. His no-nonsense attitude is perfect for nursing as he deals with crabby patients. He's rarely more in the zone than when he's running around the hospital to his next assignment, running through treatments in his head. Hospital security even consider him an honorary member of their team when the head of security caught him practicing kung fu in an empty doctor's lounge (he learned in high school, as a hobby and for self-defense)

He didn't start out working at Sanders Hospital. Virgil grew up in Atlanta and went to school at University of Florida. Once he was a registered nurse, he realized that he was actually alone in Florida. His single mother had died while he was in college, and he didn't have any other family. He started out working for a company that sent the rich private nurses, but he would have gone insane had he stayed. He decided to find a job somewhere that would pay well, and ended up in the employ of St. Gemma's Hospital. He doesn't talk about his time there. What most people know is that Virgil looked into the recently opened position for Head of Nursing at Sanders and a few months later, he was fired from St. Gemma's. A week after that, he became the new Head of Nursing. Few understand why he has such a deep hatred for the rival hospital.

Emile Picani- Head of the Psychiatric Department

Sanders Hospital has been known for a quirky staff, but Emile takes the cake. He did a tour with the Navy for a few years out of high school before resigning and beginning his path towards becoming a licensed therapist and psychiatrist. He found some fame in the medical field for his fascinating thesis paper on the use of cartoons as a therapeutic tool. That was what made Emile such a unique therapist- he was able to find cartoons and shows and movies to connect with his patients and help them understand themselves better. That was also what made it difficult to hold down a job. He got positions at a lot of places, but he could never stay long. It was always the same song- he was too loud, people found him too strange to connect to, he couldn't keep a stable patient quota, he didn't blend well with the other staff.

Emile bounced around the country, doing his best for people for as long as he could before he was eventually forced out. If it bothered him, he didn't let it show. Eventually, he stumbled into Miami on the coattails of DisneyWorld tourists and found a therapist position open at Sanders Hospital. He wasn't expecting to get the job. However, Thomas got a hand on his file and remembered reading his thesis- he loved that thesis! He hired Emile and, fully expecting to be fired within the month, started setting up his old cartoon routine. But something was different this time. This time, he stayed. He got a steady flow of patients who wanted to stay with him. Emile finally found his place.

Remy Dormir- Barista

Remy seemed to fit more with the club-hopping, coffee shop roaming, hipster crowd than anything found in a hospital. Still, there he was, running the Sanders Hospital coffee shop. And owning it. He's got the orders of his favorite and frequent customers memorized, Emile and Virgil among the top of that list in their respective categories. If you want news about Sanders, then honey, you've come to the right place. He knows every dirty secret floating through the hospital. He could destroy careers with a single word, but mostly he just uses that knowledge to tease friends and put a greedy doctor back in line once and a while.

Remy acts like the counselor for the hospital in a way. Despite his love of gossip, he's great at keeping secrets, so many find themselves venting to the barista as he pulls out the next batch of cinnamon rolls. He might spill a petty secret here or there, but he would never truly betray someone. He sometimes acts superior to everyone and like he doesn't care. Only one of those statements is true. Many ignore him, but the wise will drop a tip into his jar and get the latest scoop of Sanders Hospital drama. He's living in a medical drama and he knows it.

Nate Christopoulos (Crime-Fighter Guy)- Head of Security

Hospitals aren't safe anymore. Scoundrels lurk behind every heart monitor, ready to strike. Even doctors can be bought. But Sanders Hospital is safe under the protective watch of Man in Black, the Man of Two Worlds, the Man of Legend- Nate Christopoulos! A biracial, bisexual, former private investigator with a film noir obsession, Nate is in charge of the hospital security. He keeps a special eye on the lock-up so no prisoners cause any disturbances. He relishes when he's called to action to defend someone. He's a crime fighter at heart! He spends half of his time watching the live security feeds in his office and the rest patrolling the halls. When near the pediatrics ward, he pretends he's going in slow motion to make the kids laugh.

He spends quite a bit of time around Remy, fueling up on coffee and getting the latest in criminal goings-on. The two share a passion for sarcasm and sunglasses. The most excitement he sees on a regular basis is handling a violent patient in Dr. Picani's department. He works with the police whenever suspects and witnesses to crimes are treated in the hospital- he's not going to let a stereotypical hospital assassination take place under his watch!

Talyn- Physical Therapist

Never one for last names, Talyn deals in those recovering from limb loss, intense injury, certain surgeries, and those dealing with certain chronic illnesses. Their job is to strengthen their bodies so they can return to something resembling their old strength. They're quite the fashionista, coming in with new hair colors every other week (patients are extremely impressed when they dye their eyebrows). Their blunt attitude helps push their patients towards recovery and helps them not give up. They've heard their fair share of war stories from veterans returning from overseas. They just let their patients vent it all out.

When relaxing from their emotionally draining job, they'll often talk to their partner Joan or Virgil, both of whom had enough common sense to talk about things other than work sometimes. They love wearing fun clothes whenever they can, occasionally coming up with silly costume days for patients just to get an excuse to wear funner clothes. They are one of the two people Logan is comfortable discussing his injury with.

Dr. D.- Cardiovascular and General Surgeon of St. Gemma's, Sanders Hospital Consultant

For someone in the medical field, Dr. D. should really be clearer on what his name is. Some call him Deceit behind his back because of his secretive nature. Of course, official records and close friends know his full name, but he prefers to keep it hidden. His patients don't need to know his full name. He gets what he needs from his patients and tells them what they need, and then he leaves. The next time he sees them, it'll be under the knife. It would be a stretch to call Dr. D. a crooked doctor. He doesn't take bribes or kill anyone. He is, however, always ready to break hospital policy to get his job done, and has developed a special skill in covering up his lawbreaking. Usually, he tosses hospital security at whatever Remus is doing and that's that.

He specializes in surgery on burn victims, operating in St. Gemma's famed burn ward. When he was a child, Dr. D. was treated at that very burn ward after his father's smoking burned down their apartment, killing his mother and leaving him orphaned. He still has the scars from the experience- crumpled, burned skin that covers half of his face, surgical scars repairing his nerves, hands so scarred he never takes off his gloves. His injuries don't affect his surgeries, but he never bothered to get plastic surgery and fix his face. His scars were a reminder- he couldn't trust people, like he couldn't trust his dad to stop smoking or get a job.

Remus Prince- St. Gemma's(?) Janitor

Every hero needs an evil twin. Remus fulfills that role for Roman. The twins were both high school dropouts, but Remus wasn't quite as successful as his brother. Perhaps it was his violent tendencies that made it difficult to find a job in the creative arts. It could also be his OCD- those intrusive thoughts of his that forced him to do such strange rituals, Roman was the only one who ever understood why he did those things. Sometimes it was tough to tell what strange things Remus wanted to do, or what were truly intrusive thoughts. A relationship with his twin was always difficult to maintain. It was tough to tell whether either twin wanted to know the other sometimes. Sometimes they did, sometimes they didn't. Most people don't know he's related to Roman. Regardless of siblings, Remus works as a janitor, cleaning up hospital floors and messes with intense focus.

Sanders Hospital staff aren't sure where Remus works. They'll see him cleaning the halls of Sanders Hospital or changing bedsheets- one of the nurses once spotted him giving a patient a sponge bath! He's not listed in the staff, but he still cleans the hospital (someone apparently saw Remus get a check from the hospital, but that was never proven). It's the same thing at St. Gemma's, but there isn't a staff member there willing to confirm or deny Remus's employment. He most likely works there, but no one is completely sure. Nate and his security team have been ordered to escort Remus off hospital grounds when they catch him, but they don't do a good job at it. He is Nate's number one enemy.

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There you go! The start to a new AU! I’m ready to make a tag list for anyone who likes this AU! I’m also suggestings asks about this series directed to me or the characters! At the time of this post, all characters are open.

I also accept prompts for short stories about the characters! I can’t guarantee your suggestion would be written, or that it would be quick, but I will see what I can do!

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