Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Roman’s teachers had told him about gifts before of course.
Some people were born with special powers. These people were called gifted, just like people who were really smart, or good at art, or sport.
He was 10 when he discovered that he himself was ‘gifted’ with powers.
He’d been playing with his brother in the garden. Running around, roughhousing and climbing the tree in their backyard. They weren’t supposed to but their mother was busy, so she didn’t see them. And as every child knows, when mother isn’t watching, the rules don’t count.
Roman was telling his brother a story, gesturing excitedly as he did so. Remus was nodding along eagerly, shouting out suggestions he gladly included.
Then Roman lost his balance and fell out of the tree. He looked up in shock at the horror on Remus’s face and despite his fear he recalled warm memories of their adventures.
He didn’t want to leave Remus behind. Who was going to look out for him if he did?
Suddenly, he landed in what felt like a pile of feathers, slowly sinking down to the ground. He blinked in confusion. Remus, impulsive as he was and relieved to see that Roman was fine, jumped after him. Roman had seen him fall towards him and for a second Remus seemed to fear that he’d squash his brother. And then Remus’s momentum slowed down as well. Roman could feel the cushioning above him. Though this wasn’t soft like feathers. It was slimy and gross. It didn’t matter though. Roman and Remus were both fine and hugging each other in relief.
Then they heard their mother yelling at them as she hurried through the yard and their hug of celebration turned to one of pure fear.
When she was done yelling, their mother had a very intense conversation with their father.
Eventually, a call was made and the brothers were introduced to Dr. Sweets. He was kind and talked more about gifts and the different ways they could manifest.
Roman got really excited as he heard of all the cool things people could do, flying, shooting invisible energy blasts, force shields… he wanted to try it out and imagined holding a sword.
He felt that feeling of earlier, not soft feathers this time but it was still a bright and gentle energy.
He could almost feel the handle in his hand and swung his imaginary sword around. To everyone’s surprise, he ended up slicing the dragon plushy in the office in two.
He’d looked up at the wide-eyed adults in the room, afraid to get in trouble.
“Don’t worry Roman! I’ll save the dragon baby!” Remus had exclaimed and with a kiss, to the torn fabric it stitched itself back together. It wasn’t as good as new, it looked a bit wonky, to be honest, but it could be played with again.
From that moment on both twins spend one afternoon a week with the doctor to see what they could do. The answer? Everything.

Chapter Text

He was 12 when he discovered that he wanted to be a hero.
One of the bigger kids was bothering two kids Roman’s age on the playground. One shielding the other.
Not a week earlier, Remus had been taken out of school due to issues with bullies. Somehow his twin had kept this a secret from Roman until he really couldn’t deal with it anymore and lashed out. He’d nearly been found out. This, along with Remus’ nonexistent impulse control had made their parents decide that his brother needed some extra help to get through school.
Roman had been assured that this had been a long time coming. Remus just needed a much more individualistic approach to his education. Still, Roman blamed the bullies for making Remus’ life harder and himself for not protecting his brother.
Determined not to let that happen to anyone else if he could help it, he’d tackled the big boy to the ground. “Surrender villain!” he’d exclaimed. He had been careful not to use his gift too much. That would get him in real trouble. But he did put a little extra speed behind his tackle.
The boy who’d been protecting his friend helped him up and together they stood their ground against the bully side by side. Just their sheer determination was enough to make him walk away.
“That was stupid. But thanks,” the boy with the hoodie chastised. When Roman turned towards him he saw that the boy’s eyes, steel grey in color, looked him up and down with worry. As if he was checking him for injuries. Which was completely insane considering the barrage of hits the other had endured. Why hadn’t any teachers interfered?
“Are you okay? He was using you as a punching bag,” Roman pointed out.
The boy averted his eyes and pulled his hoodie back over his head, drawing Roman’s eyes to his nails. They were painted black. And the boy had done a nice job too. He’d considered painting his nails a few times, but the cheap bottles he’d bought with his allowance never got a good result and he didn’t dare borrow mother’s good polish.
“I’m fine,” he muttered dismissively.
“Yeah, you didn’t need to stick your nose in our business!” The other boy, who had big birthmarks covering the entire left side of his face, snapped.
“Maybe not. But I wanted to,” Roman answered offhandedly before returning his attention to the modest hero in front of him.
“I’m Roman,” he introduced himself as he held out his hand. The boy looked at it and then slowly lifted his hand and accepted the greeting. “Virgil,” he replied.
Just then the bell rang and they had to go back to class.
Virgil and his friend always kept to themselves. The only times Roman really saw them interact with other kids was either when a bully sought them out and Virgil shielded his friend, soon joined by Roman, or when Virgil noticed a bully was picking on some other kid and came to their rescue.
Again Roman was quick to join him when this happened. He tried to become better friends with the two, or at the very least Virgil, but they were always gone before he had the chance. Sometimes he promised himself to spent recess with them instead of his usual group, but he’d get distracted by a game of tag or the like and only remember his intention of spending time with Virgil when the boy made a spectacle of himself.
He admired Virgil’s courage and his ability to see when others needed help. It inspired him so much that that year, during one of his visits to dr. Sweets, he asked how he could become a superhero.

Chapter Text

He was 14 when he realized he was gay.
It was the first day of high school and he was thinking back on the young avengers animated movie he saw with his friends that weekend.
It might seem weird to have superhero movies when there are real superpowers, but the concept of super powered humans existed in entertainment before the first real superheroes appeared and the genre never lost its popularity.
They had passed the subjects of powers, backstories and plots and moved on to looks. He hadn’t partaken in the debate, but listened and chuckled along at the jokes.
But he found himself rather indifferent to the boys’ oppinions on Stature or Hawkeye. And it wasn’t because they were drawn. He could see that they were meant to be attractive. But even if he imagined them portrayed as the actresses his friends were suggesting… He was not moved. What did get his attention was when the girls brought up Wiccan or Iron lad.
And that had him asking himself a few questions about himself.
His dad had sat him down at the start of summer and explained puberty and all the changes that would happen. Was he a late bloomer? Or was he exactly on time, just not into the opposite sex?
As he was thinking about this he accidently ran into someone, spilling their stuff on the ground in the process.
He kneeled down at once to help gather everything, offering a sincere apology to the poor fellow freshman who’d been made victim of his internal debate.
Suddenly several things registered. The many angsty sketches that looked gorgeous, the amazingly manicured hands, purple rather than black this time. The new dark hoodie with hand sown purple patches. Could it be?
He looked up and found magenta bangs framing a pale face. The colored bangs hung over clear grey eyes with dark make up smeared underneath that somehow brought out the freckles on the other boy’s cheeks. “Virgil?” Roman breathed in disbelief. What were the odds?
Virgil’s eyes snapped up and Roman was left speechless… Oh, frick, why does he look so cute all of a sudden? Gay, definitely gay. He’s sooo gay. And apparently, he’s into the dark and brooding type. That’s the bigger surprise honestly. Who would have thought?
“Roman,” the emo prince replied, his eyes wide with surprise.
“Uh, here,” Roman muttered hurriedly as he offered him his share of Virgil’s things. “And sorry, again, for crashing into you like that. I don’t have my head on straight.” Obviously.
Virgil allowed himself a small, half smile. Holly stars! That’s a nice smile.
“I don’t blame you, I wasn’t paying attention either,” he assured Roman. They got up and Roman noticed that he was now about a head taller than Virgil. Though the other boy was slouching so it was probably a little less than that.
Virgil’s purple patched hoodie sat loosely around his frame, a contrast to the tight jeans he was wearing. His face was plagued with blemishes, a scourge Roman was no stranger to. At least his peer was spared the dreaded braces, a blessing they didn’t share.
Roman’s teeth weren’t that out of place, but his mother said it was to give his wisdom teeth more room or something. He would have to suffer them for one more year, and with some luck he wouldn’t have to have his wisdom teeth pulled as a result.
“Where are you headed?” he asked, hoping he’d share some classes with him.
He let his eyes scan the crowd around them. Virgil’s friend was nowhere to be seen. Good. The few times he had managed to strike up a conversation with Virgil during recess the last two years, that guy had dragged him away.
Virgil dug through his bag to retrieve his schedule. “3b,” he muttered before shoving the paper back into his bag.
“Me too,” Roman grinned and started walking to where the lady at the front desk had told him he needed to go.
“So… How was your summer?” he asked casually.
“It was alright,” Virgil shrugged, but there was a small glint in his eyes that betrayed his true thoughts on the subject. “My dad got me tickets to see Panic! At the disco in New York. So that was pretty awesome. J came along. We made it a weekend.”
“J?” Roman asked. He was fairly sure Virgil was talking about his spotted friend, but he’d never been introduced, so he could be wrong.
“Oh, Janus. You’ve met him.”
Roman nodded. “I assume you are referring to your angry friend?” he teased.
“He’s just protective. He doesn’t really trust other people,” Virgil explained a little defensive.
“From what I saw, you are the protective one. But I’m glad he’s trying to look out for you in his own way,” Roman assured him. He was relieved to see Virgil seemed to relax.
“Your art is pretty good,” he complemented, hoping to direct the conversation back to getting to know him better. Virgil blushed and shrugged. “Sketching helps me relax. I’ve just had a lot of practice,” he explained dismissively.
“Doesn’t mean it’s any less impressive,” Roman pointed out, noting to his delight that Virgil’s blush deepened, now reaching his ears.
“Virge!” another voice called out from behind them. Virgil looked back and before Roman knew it his new friend was dragged by the arm by none other than Janus, who cast Roman a dirty look before returning his attention to Virgil, who was clearly not pleased with the rude interruption. Well, at least he wasn’t relieved to be ‘saved’ from a conversation with him. Roman supposed that had to count for something.
When Roman arrived in class he saw that Janus and Virgil were sharing a desk in the back.
He resigned himself to another missed opportunity to befriend the emo defender of their defenseless peers and sat with some of his friends from middle school.
He didn’t have many classes with Virgil that year, and the ones they did share, Janus shared with them. And he guarded Virgil like a dragon guarded his hoard. Roman wasn’t happy that his first crush ended in a disaster before it began.
Why can’t his life be a Disney movie? He’d be living happily ever after by now if it were.
He’d gladly deal with a dragon or a witch, or a combination of both if that was what it took…
Then again, if you thought about it, he had to face both Janus’ territorial behavior and Virgil’s own shyness when it came to actual one on one interactions… So maybe this was a Disney movie after all. He just had to be patient and wait for the right moment to act.
Or for his feelings to blow over… But he didn’t think that was likely to happen.
Virgil was still brave and selfless in his willingness to make himself the target and draw the fire of the school’s bullies. Which made Roman even more determined to make it clear that he wouldn’t stand for any kind of harassment. Considering he still aspired to become a hero, that was the very least he could do. Being a freshman however, he was lucky he could use his gift to protect himself so he never got hurt. Though the bullies still weren’t intimidated. Except when Virgil and Roman stood against them as a team. Then they clearly decided it wasn’t worth the trouble, even if they still had them outnumbered, and left.
Those standoffs were Roman’s favorite, because it gave him a moment to look back at Virgil and he would give him a smile before he gave him a nod and disappeared into the crowd.
Sure they talked for brief moments at a time in the hallways. But those moments after a victory, they felt more like a team and less like acquaintances exchanging pleasantries. In those moments he felt hope. Hope that one day, he would break through those elusive walls and find the person behind.

Virgil:Struggles
Janus:Everything to lose
Janus has an extra chapter taking place before this one.

Chapter Text

He was 15 when he met BrainStorm.
He didn’t know he was going to meet him at first. He was just going through his usual training session in his standard-issue super suit. A plain white bodysuit with a mask and a hood that covered his hair. He didn’t like it, but was assured that when he went out in the field he’d be able to choose something more his style. For now, it protected his identity should anyone walk in on his sessions.
Which could happen. Roman wasn’t the only one in these facilities. There were lots of people who had gifts and learned to use them here for day-to-day application. Remus practically lived here until it was safe for him to come back home, like a superpower boarding school.
Roman made it a point to visit him before, and if possible also after each training.
“Hi there sport!” Dr. Sweets greeted as he entered the training room. “Let’s see how you do on the training course today shall we?”
Roman groaned. Sweets was very kind and encouraging, and a wonderful guide on his journey to becoming a hero. But he played it way too safe sometimes.
“Again?” he asked as the room around him got rearranged into a familiar obstacle course. “I know it by heart by now!” he pointed out. He needed a challenge! Or some variety at least.
“I know,” Sweets sighed. It wasn’t their fault really. Most heroes, in training or active, had a hard time with at least a few of the obstacles, due to their gift not being well suited for it. But Roman didn’t have that problem. The facility was simply not prepared to handle him.
“How about this?” Sweets offered. And all of a sudden the obstacles and targets started moving at varying speeds.
Roman grinned. “Now we’re talking.” And with that he took off under excited encouragement of his sponsor.
“Good Job 10.b” Dr. Sweets called out after Roman did a few rounds. It was his codename. A placeholder until he got his moniker.
He looked back from his practice target and lowered himself down to the floor. It occurred to him that there was another person in the room. One wearing a three-piece suit complete with a tie and shade. Not shades. But an actual shade that came from nowhere and obscured his face and even the exact details of his built.
“10.b, this is Mr. BrainStorm. He’ll be assisting us with training and provide you with the tech you need to be the best hero you can be,” Sweets explained. Roman stiffened and took the man in again with wide eyes.
BrainStorm. He’d heard of him. His parents had very nearly left town when they heard he might move to Animotropolis when he and Remus were still babies.
He’d done some serious damage in his day.
“I see my reputation still manages to precede me,” the monotone, disinterested, slightly distorted voice observed. “Would it be more comforting if I told you that the initials of my moniker are no coincidence?” Roman thought about it for a second and couldn’t help a snicker. BS… This guy had a sense of humor.
“I suspected you might find this funny. I came up with it when I was about your age and thought it was really clever of me. Though I didn’t actually use it until I was closer to twenty.”
Roman sobered at that. Brainstorm had sown terror for three years and was reportedly the youngest supervillain to wreak havoc, ever.
No one knew why he turned to villainy or why he stopped, but he had. There hadn’t been a single incident tied back to him in over a decade. Roman reached out his hand. “10.b” he offered.
The man in front of him nodded and shook his hand. “BrainStorm.”
Once they were introduced the older man wasted no more time on pleasantries. It was always business. Though Manifestor, the leader of his training team, told him that BrainStorm tried to limit his emotional range as much as possible to prevent his gift from lashing out.
The man was strict and had high expectations.
While he admitted he’d never seen ‘such a versatile gift’ and that Roman seemed to have a ‘remarkable handle’ on everything, he expected more.
If Roman doubled his speed, then BS –yes he’s calling him that in his head–demanded he aimed for triple. If he jumped six feet high then BS pushed for ten. You get the idea.
It seemed to be the man’s mission to find a wall Roman couldn’t push trough. But Roman always found a way. And every time he asked if he was ready for the field now, BS said no. And Roman soon learned that BS had the last word. Sweets and Manifestor, seemed to be willing to let him at least test his skills out in the field. But BS kept saying no, and so Roman was stuck. And while he learned a lot, he was immensely frustrated that it seemed like he made no actual progress.
His Sophomore year wasn’t completely terrible though.
His braces were off for one and that was just the beginning.
His favorite lucky break of the year started, surprisingly enough, with him oversleeping on the first day of school.
He’d had a late training session, another fruitless attempt at proving himself to BS by showing how long he could keep going. The answer, farther than his body was actually willing to go. Mind over matter indeed. He missed home room and stormed into his first class right when the final bell rang.
“It’s your lucky day Mr. Castile,” the teacher said dryly.
Roman smiled apologetically. “Apologies miss,” he offered sincerely. He let his eyes drift trough the room and saw that Janus was sitting in the usual far back corner of the class by the window. There was a bench in front of him that was completely empty while the seat next to him was occupied by some other kid Roman had seen in a few of his classes.
Roman sighed and sat in the window seat, mentally preparing himself for a year of getting bothered by Janus who’d made it clear that he hated him for the mere crime of existing the previous year. Never when Virgil could catch it of course. And Roman never told him. Their interactions were too brief to waste time on that.
He much preferred talking about Virgil’s art and his own adventures in the school’s theater club or whatever was on everyone’s mind at the time.
“I hope you like where you are sitting… Ah, so glad you could join us Mr. Anker.” Roman looked up. Virgil was in this class?
“Sorry ma’am,” the emo crusader muttered embarrassedly as he took of his hood, though he looked like he’d rather hide in it forever. This desire might have to do with the absolute chaotic state of his hair, the absence of his trademark make up and the fact that the later almost went by unnoticed due to the bags under his eyes.
“Take your seat and spare me your excuses. I was just telling the class that these are your seats for the rest of the year. So I hope you like your neighbor, they are your new lab partner.”
Virgil’s eyes scanned the class and then locked with Roman’s who gave him a smirk and a wave. Virgil smiled and made his way to the empty seat.
“Man, talk about a lucky break,” he sighed in relief.
“I agree,” Roman grinned. There wasn’t much time to talk after that, the teacher started the first class and they both felt like they’d already tested her patience enough. Second half of the class was a small experiment where they were allowed to talk though and after messing around with the equipment and noting down the results they found they still had quite some time to waste.
“So how did you end up sitting alone in the back Princey?” Virgil smirked curiously.
“Princey?” Roman chuckled. It didn’t seem like he meant it as an insult, but it made him feel a little self-conscious regardless. Did he act that stuck up? Was it a reference to his parent’s wealth? He never flaunted it intentionally, but it wasn’t a secret…
“Oh come on, you are clearly destined to be prom king senior year. And every king is a prince first.” Roman chuckled at that. It’s true that most of their peers seemed to like him.
“Fair enough. I was last to arrive. Simple as that. I didn’t sleep well last night and didn’t get up until my mother kicked me out of bed. She was busy with an order or she would’ve noticed sooner and dad was at the office, so he couldn’t drag me to the breakfast table either,” Roma shrugged. “You?” he asked.
“Until an hour ago I was convinced the universe just hated me today, let’s leave it at that.”
Roman chuckled sympathetically, so his hair was a result of a disastrous morning.
“Ah, fate does work in mysterious ways my friend. It must have willed us to join our forces for this treacherous quest.”
Virgil let out an adorable chuckle at that. One of those that seem like he didn’t mean to but just couldn’t help it. It made Roman’s heart skip a beat.
It wasn’t the first time a cute guy made him feel that way. But Virgil never failed to elect such a response from him. It’s like everything that boy did somehow made his insides a mess. Even when he looked like a disaster he was irresistible.
“Only you can pull of talking like a Shakespeare character.”
Roman chuckled at that, taking it as a complement. “Well, only you can pull off dressing like a dark knight and still looking like a lost kitten,” he teased earning himself a playful shove. “You take that back! I am dark and mysterious and intimidating!” Virgil demanded.
Before Roman could push further, in the hopes of getting his neighbor to blush properly, he was stopped by a wad of paper hitting him in the head.
“What gives Bullard?” he hissed as he looked back. The boy was barely hiding a glare behind a haughty, domineering façade.
“You take Smellington next time,” he ordered. “Virgil is sitting with me.”
“Excuse me?” Roman seethed. “His name is Carlton.”
“And you don’t get to say where I sit J. I’m fine sitting with Roman. Besides you heard the teach. No switching seats,” Virgil pointed out, angrier than Roman ever saw him. Even when he called out a bully he was never this upset. He always kept a level head. Except now.
“We always sit together!” Janus protested.
“Exactly. The world won’t end because I’m Roman’s lab partner J.”
“Am I interrupting?” They all froze and turned to the teacher.
“Mr. Bullard, I don’t have you and Mr. Jonson’s assignment yet, which means you can’t be talking with anyone else besides each other right now,” she informed him in a dangerous tone. She was clearly at her limit. “Ma’am,” Janus started smoothly. “I can’t work with him. Virgil and I never had a problem in projects, can’t we…”
“No.” The statement was firm and final. “I put Mr. Jonson next to you because you are much too dependent on Mr. Anker’s presence. You won’t always be able to hide behind him Mr. Bullard. You better learn that now. And if I see any more problems here then all that’ll change is that Mr. Castile and Mr. Anker will be moved to the front of the class so you can’t distract them anymore. Is that understood?” she warned.
Bullard’s eyes were stormy, but he nodded his agreement and the teacher left.
Taking the hint Roman and Virgil turned their attention back to their own desk.
“Sorry about that,” Roman muttered reflexively.
“I should be apologizing. He’s my friend and he was bothering you,” Virgil countered.
“Yeah, but I did something to piss him off… Don’t know what, but he hates me. And if you were my best friend and some dude I hated was being all charming with you, I wouldn’t like it either.”
Virgil laughed at that and Roman was relieved. There was still sadness in his lab partner’s eyes, but at least he’d gotten him to smile.
“Charming huh? You certainly have a high opinion of yourself.”
Roman made a dramatic grab for his heart. “Oh, my knight, why must you hurt me so?” he pleaded, making Virgil snicker again.
“Thanks… I needed that. J isn’t so bad, but he can be…” Virgil bit his lip, unsure what to say.
“Yeah, not your fault,” Roman assured him. Then inspiration struck. “Hey, why don’t you two come sit with us over lunch? Maybe if he feels included, he’ll calm down?” he suggested. He had tried making a clean slate last year. But maybe Bullard would take it better when it came from Virgil.
Virgil’s eyes widened. “You sure?” he asked hopefully.
“Of course. My friends all think you are cool and they’ll think Janus is cool too, once he gives them a chance.” In all honesty, Bullard might take time, but they’d give him a fair shot if Roman asked.
“You don’t like him. How do you know they will?” Virgil frowned suspiciously.
“I don’t like how he talks to me,” Roman admitted. And honestly, could Virgil really blame him? “But he’s your friend, so how bad can he be?” There had to be a reason someone like Virgil liked that guy right?
Virgil smiled hopefully at that. “Okay, I’ll suggest it.”
When lunch came around however, all Roman got from Virgil was a sad smile and an apologetic shrug before he sat with his friend on a table far away and alone.
It became an unspoken rule that they didn’t discuss Janus during the one class they shared that year. Science became his favorite class, though it took him a while to get back to that relaxed friendly atmosphere of the first day. Virgil had been awkward and evasive for a while. Come Halloween however they were allowed to wear costumes disregarding almost all dress code rules for a day. So Roman made a dark prince costume, fully intent on running around as a wicked ruler. He’d asked his mother to help him apply make up and bring his costume design to life.
When he saw Virgil basically in his usual clothes, just with the Emo up to 11, his hair gelled back and some plastic fangs, he roped him into his narrative. He jumped on his bench and spent the minutes before class started loudly scheming the downfall of all that was good in the world.
“And you, my coldhearted friend, may rule at my side!” He announced dramatically.
“Is that a fact?” Virgil chuckled, much to the dismay of the dragon that was Janus that day, but Roman didn’t care. “Of course! You, dear count, are the only other of noble lineage! No one else is worthy of a throne!” He proclaimed, willfully ignoring the mummy on the front row.
“But ruling sounds like a lot of work,” Virgil complained jokingly, earning a round of chuckles from their audience.
“Then you may feast on my enemies!” Roman offered. Before Virgil could reply the teacher walked in and everyone sat down and paid attention.
As Roman paged through his textbook to find the right page he caught Virgil’s eye and they paused a moment to smile at each other. It was understood that, whatever had made Virgil take some distance, they were good now.
At lunch he managed to get Virgil to join him for ones to continue their performance receiving loud cheers from their fellow students. If they actually wanted, they could’ve started a riot right then and there. Virgil took a bow with him and then let Roman know he had to go make sure Janus hadn’t burned down any villages. The tenseness in his voice despite the joke made it clear that this was a one-time event. Roman wasn’t allowed to lay claim on Virgil’s time outside of class. Roman wouldn’t have cared too much if it wasn’t for the fact that Virgil didn’t do it because he didn’t want to spend time with Roman or even his friends, not even because he wasn’t comfortable with the attention. This was about Janus.
The more he saw of that friendship the more he felt like the relationship wasn’t a healthy one. So it was his mission to show Virgil what a normal friendship was like.
From then on Roman did his best to be really good at Science. Because every minute of extra free time in that class was a moment he and Virgil could just talk and a chance to get Virgil to consider reaching out to other people beside a friend who was at the very least overly possessive.
Janus started picking on younger students and classmates and when Roman wasn’t the one stopping him, Virgil was. The former resulted in a staring match where Bullard would eventually huff and stalk off. The later usually ended in a big argument between the friends. Roman knew better than to straight-up tell Virgil to ditch the guy. The one time he’d broken their rule and talked to Virgil after another ugly confrontation involving the three of them, Virgil had made it clear that Roman didn’t have the full picture and had no right telling him what to do. It made it clear that if Virgil’s situation with his friend was ever to change it would have to be his decision.
He just hoped that Virgil freed himself before something serious happened.

Logan: Pupil
Virgil: A chance at change
Janus: Drift away

Chapter Text

“That’s it!” He growled, his voice echoing through the room, deepened and doubled by the modulator.BS just told him to run the same training sequence for the fifth time. He’d nailed it every time, but as usual, perfect wasn’t enough for his mentor. He'd been especially strict all week and Roman was done taking it lying down. He'd been stressed enough as it was with the play they'd been putting up for art week. He had landed the lead. He hadn't even had time to visit the art exhibit to support Stacey like he usually did.
He landed with force in front of the former villain, his eyes blazing with determination. He knew that the effect was diminished because his standard mask would only reflect BS’ own blank stare back at him, hence his dramatics.
“You and me, right now! I win, I’m going out tonight,” he declared, determined to finally go out and make a difference. The summer before junior year had just started and he was done hiding himself while he could be doing something useful.
BS just looked back at him skeptically. Trying to call his bluff, but Roman was serious.
“I mean it! I’m ready and you know it,” he insisted.
“Very well,” BS stated calmly.
Roman prepared himself for an attack. He recalled BS could cause explosions so he put up shields around him. He was going to play defense for a minute and then pin his opponent down.

Instead of attacking though, BS turned around and walked away.
“I have a stealth suit prepared, you’ll do night patrols to start, try not to be noticed. If you manage that then you can make your first public appearance before school starts.” And just like that, BS left the room. Roman was speechless. What just happened?
“I was wondering what he was waiting for,” Sweets mused. Roman looked up, waiting for the older man to continue.
“I’ve suggested letting you go out a few times. We’ve all made suggestions for little steps we could take to make sure you didn’t get in over your head. He kept saying ‘he goes out when he is ready’. I suppose what he meant was, you had to say you were ready instead of ask. He might seem like an odd man that BrainStorm. But I think he’s exactly who you need to bring out your best self.”
Roman had to agree. BS had loosened up a little over the past year, but he was still an enigma. Roman’s progress couldn’t be overlooked though…
Just then the reality of what BS and Sweets said started to hit. Roman found himself grinning widely. Finally giving in to his growing excitement, he threw himself into the air with a shout of excitement and let himself free fall into a pillow, much like the one he made the first time he noticed he had a gift.
After two months of interfering with muggings from the shadows, de-escalating  traffic accidents and the like in a black stealth suit, he was given a snow-white bodysuit with an equally white mask on the last Saturday of summer.
“Time for your first day out,” Manifestor smiled proudly from behind his mask when Roman came out of the dressing room. Roman looked over towards his parents who were beaming as well. They could be here because BS, who was the only one on Roman’s team who didn’t know his secret identity, wasn’t.
Roman didn’t take it personally. His mentor had a private engagement he couldn’t turn down, but he had called Roman’s GTH program issued, untraceable phone to wish him luck.
Other than him, everyone else who’d helped him train was there to support him.
“That’s the most boring superhero costume in the world,” his brother observed, clacking his tongue displeased. Roman had to agree. It lacked imagination.
“Any suggestions?” he grinned. Remus’ eyes widened and he nodded eagerly as he took out a red marker and started scribbling on his mask. “There.” He stated proudly before bringing out the shawl Roman had worn on the ride there. It was a lovely warm red and Remus tied it like a sash.
“Now, you are ready to make an impression.”
Roman chuckled and glanced to the one way mirror that separated the practice room from the observatory. The mask was now a nice red color and the sash made it look a little more like a prince’s attire. His brother could do miracles with the simplest of items.
“I love it. Especially the mask. It brings out the eyes. Thanks Remus,” Roman hugged his brother tightly.
He couldn’t hold on to him as long as he’d like though.
“God! Do you reek of cheese?” he exclaimed disgusted as he let go, suppressing a shiver and the urge to cover his nose.
“Yep!” Remus grinned proudly.
“You are something else…” Roman chuckled sadly before patting his twin on the shoulder.
“And you love me for it. Why are your eyes green all of a sudden by the way?” Remus wondered.
“Well to further conceal my identity. Same as why I have my hair different and, why I have this voice modulator,” he pointed to the pale white gemlike object that sat on his throat that replaced the choker he’d worn until then. His voice echoed and was a few bars lower than usual. It was a voice that could be either intimidating or comforting depending on the situation, which was the idea.
“I know why they are different. But why green? You could pick pink, or gold, or rainbow!” Remus clarified.
“Oh,” Roman smiled a little embarrassed. “Well, green is your favorite color right?” he verified. It had always been green. Had it changed all of a sudden? It wouldn’t be out of character for Remus to change something like that on a whim. But his favorite color had been one of those few constants that had carried on from their childhood.
Remus’ face fell slack. The wide grin replaced with a little awed ‘oh’ and his intense eyes growing misty. “Really?” he asked breathlessly.
Roman nodded. “I wish you could come out with me,” he confessed sincerely. “Whatever I am to face today, it would be much more fun with you by my side.”
That made his brother snort and roll his eyes, the serious moment broken. “You don’t mean that,” Remus teased before leaning in. “Not if it involves saving your Romeo. You wouldn’t want me around for that,” he pointed out suggestively. Roman snorted and gave his brother a playful shove. Leave it to him to take a somber moment and make him laugh again anyway.
“Nothing like that is going to happen,” he scoffed.
And he was right. What did happen was him stopping several smaller crimes, one or two armed muggings and, most exciting of all, intercepting an armed bank robbery.
It was a small office with only three employees in the building. What customers had been there had gotten away when the man first pulled his gun out. Roman had raced inside and moved in between the robber and the woman who’d been caught sounding the alarm. Throwing an imaginary cape in front of him which caught the bullets. “You picked a bad day to cause trouble sir,” he informed the robber who was staring in awe at him. It hadn’t taken any more heroics than that. The man had not been prepared to face off with a gifted and surrendered.
Roman knew that it wouldn’t always be this easy, but he felt ready to face whatever came next.
“Who… Who are you?” the woman behind him asked. Roman looked back as he let the police take the man into custody.
He made a grand gesture and a bow before kissing the woman’s hand gently. “Just a concerned citizen ma’am,” he told her modestly. She was in her early twenties, maybe just out of school.
Before she could ask any more questions he walked out and brought himself to a nearby rooftop so he could let the adrenaline settle.
Monday came around and started with a big welcome back to school assembly. There had been additions made to the arts department and the afternoon would be dedicated to some kind of thank you ceremony to whomever the donor was.
His friends only wanted to talk about the mystery hero they called ‘Dream Prince’ though.
Apparently the woman he’d saved reported that the whole event felt unreal, like a dream. And that he’d been gallant like a prince. It was as fitting as anything he supposed.
He was feeling on top of the world and as lunch time rolled around, he decided to do something daring.
“Guys. I’m pretty sure you all know, but just so it’s absolutely clear. I am gay,” he said with the confidence of a man who had fully embraced his place in the LGBTQ+ community and was prepared to cut of anyone who couldn’t accept him. Not that he expected anyone to be surprised.
“Next you’ll tell us water is wet,” Nick chuckled, joined by Roman and the rest of their group.
“Well, my next announcement is related, so I just wanted to prevent confusion. In case one of you was that oblivious.” He glanced to the table in the far back corner where Virgil was eating alone, his attention on his sketchbook. Janus wasn’t with him. The stars were truly aligned in his favor.
“I have a crush on Virgil and I’m going to ask him out!” he stated firmly, receiving several shouts of encouragement from his friends.
“Go for it Ro! You two would make the cutest couple!” Nora gushed.
“Damn man, go for it!” Nick added.
Miguel just handed André some money. Roman didn’t want to know what exactly they had bet on.
Clara and Kelly were squealing excitedly.
“What?” Stacey exclaimed a little flushed. She’d never hidden the fact that she thought Virgil was a ‘snack’.
“Ro! If you’d said something I would have toned it down,” she said sincerely, which Roman appreciated.
“I know. It was my choice not to mention it until now. Are you okay with me asking…?” He didn’t want to ruin their friendship, by callously assuming she had no true interest in pursuing Virgil herself.

“Sure! I can’t be mad at you for doing what I failed to do. First come first serve. But if he’s not into dudes, hook a girl up will you?” she winked.
Roman laughed and nodded in reassurance. Once his pride recovered from the rejection, he’d get right on that.
God he was really going to do this.
He got up and made his way over to the lunch table where Virgil was sketching, butterflies filling his stomach.
Before he could say anything however his eye fell on the sketch and he was in love.
“Is that a Dream Prince superhero costume?” he gasped in awe.
He needed it. It was so much better than the barebones costume he’d been given by the GTH program. Virgil had somehow taken the vague indication of his preferences Remus had helped him convey and designed something that looked like a perfect merger of the classic superhero look and fairytale prince. With a slight lean towards the prince.
The flowing cape, the intricate belt, the gold detailing, the boots! And gods he even gave him a crown and a nicer design for the mask! Roman was in heaven.
The view was quickly taken from him by Virgil slamming the book shut and looking up at him with terror and embarrassment.
“Don’t hide it! It’s gorgeous!” Roman assured the other boy. He knew Virgil could draw, but this… This was different. And it only added another reason to like him to the growing list.
Virgil looked at him skeptically.
“That hero dude wishes he had something that amazing.” It was weird, talking about himself as if he barely remembered his own existence.
“Um… Thanks,” Virgil muttered.
“I’m serious,” Roman insisted. “You’re super talented.” The blush on his crush’s cheeks made his heart go ten miles a minute and he decided to dial it back for both their sakes.
He was never going to get around to asking him out otherwise. How could he even reroute the conversation into that topic from here anyway?
“Is there a reason you abandoned your girlfriends to talk to me?” Virgil asked all of a sudden. Roman frowned at his sharp tone and looked back to his usual table, where his friend group sat glancing over not too discreetly to see what was going on. He didn’t quite understand why Virgil said ‘girlfriends’. Him included they are about as much guys as girls...
Then it clicked. Roman was a big flirt. That was a simple fact. Either he flirted with you or he brought out the jabs and the nicknames. The nicknames could be a little mean-spirited if he was annoyed at you or just plain didn’t like you. But on the whole, charming was his normal.
Virgil didn’t know that though. As far as he knew, ‘the rich popular guy’ was indulging his fangirls and basking in the adoration. He hadn’t seen him do the girl’s hair or help the guys find an outfit for important events.
Nick had a good point when he gave him a ‘no duh’ reaction to his coming out. Roman’s mother hadn’t even missed a beat when he first mentioned having a crush on this guy in school. Roman supposed that Virgil hadn’t really seen him outside of a class environment where he had to tone down the fabulousness at least a little. And if they did see each other in the hallways they were usually taking down a bully.
Maybe he was the only one who’d been paying close attention to everything about the other whenever possible. Maybe Virgil didn’t care… “No. Focus Roman! No pessimism. We’re talking about a crush you’ve had for two years! You can’t back out now.”
“They aren’t… I mean they are my friends who are girls. Not… I thought that was rather obvious. I’m the ultimate gay disaster.” God what was coming out of his mouth? “Sorry, I just… I’m rambling,” he chuckled. “I’m not used to saying it yet,” he admitted. Where did all that confidence go?
“Come on Roman. You stopped speeding bullets, like, yesterday. This is nothing.”
“Oh,” Virgil’s face became blank as he put together what Roman was trying to say. And then he smiled at him in that sweet way he’d do when Roman apologized too much. Which only ever happened around this particular peer. He just always managed to make a fool of himself in front of him. And not just because he grew flustered. He’d literally ran into him so many times, he felt like he was far more intimate with the content’s of Virgil’s backpack than he probably should be. That’s how often he’d caused the other to drop everything.
“Don’t worry I get it,” Virgil assured him, calling his attention back to current events.
Did he?
Virgil gestured to his appearance. The Lavender patches on his hoodie, the magenta bangs covering the top left side of his face. Oh!
“Oh, that’s clever. Maybe I should start doing that too. You know, since it’s not as obvious as I thought. Don’t want any awkward conversations where I have to tell a lovely maiden she’s just not the right gender for me,” he jested dramatically, his heart speeding up in excitement. Bi… So he stood a chance. That was a relief.
“So… You came all the way over here to come out or…?” Virgil pressed curiously.
Roman shook his head. Right, no excuses now. You like him, he likes guys, you always have a great time when you manage to spend it together. Just ask him.
“No, I just… I’ve been having trouble keeping up with schoolwork and I wondered if we could study together?” What? That’s not a date!
“Don’t you have friends for that?” Virgil asked dryly as he got up. His lunch was finished.
They were supposed to go to the thank you ceremony in the art building in twenty minutes. So at least Roman still had time to add a date if Virgil said yes to spending time together in the first place. Baby steps. That was probably a good idea.
He chuckled. “I do and they are lovely. There are few challenges we can’t conquer. But homework seems to be one of those few. We distract each other,” he admitted. And he had hero training, patrols and he was horrible at being on time with stuff to begin with. He might actually need Virgil to keep him in line. Who knows maybe after spending some time together, he’d get over his crush… Or he’d fall even deeper. That was always a possibility.
“You won’t let me get away with slacking. You lack the patience,” he teased.
Virgil put his now empty tray on the dishrack and looked back at him.
“Sounds good,” he smiled. God that smile. Nope. He can’t wait. It’s now or never. “Okay Roman, you can do this.”
“Great… Friday works for you?” he asked. “Please let there not be any disaster that day. Bailing on him is not going to help my case.” Sure he wasn’t scheduled for patrol until about 8pm, but if something big happened in his assigned neighborhood, he couldn’t not show up.
Virgil shrugged and nodded. “My plans got canceled so you’re in luck.”
He was about to ask about it. It looked like it was something that was bothering him, but then he heard Virgil shout something and next thing he knew he was on his back and had Virgil’s face barely an inch away from him, his body laying right on top of him. He could feel trough the other boy’s hoodie that he’d gotten fitter over the summer. Virgil had always been scrawny, he’d seen him in gym. But now he could feel that he had some strong muscles. Damn… For a second he imagined himself reaching up and kissing him, but then the loud crash and the screaming around them registered.
“You okay?” Virgil gasped. Roman nodded dazed. So close… Shit. He couldn’t do this.
Virgil rolled off him and they both sat up. One of the many hanging ceiling lamps had fallen. Right where they stood seconds earlier. “You saved my life,” he whispered in awe. If he wasn’t crushing on Virgil before he definitely was now.
He wasn’t paying any attention, he wouldn’t have been able to shield himself. He hadn’t been this afraid for his life since he was ten, and he got shot at two days ago. Can you have a retroactive near dead experience? Because he was definitely seeing his life flash before his eyes.
“Well. Anxiety. Makes me hyper aware of everything around me,” Virgil said dismissively as they got up. “I’m glad,” Roman smiled back at him.
“Yeah… Well,” then they were swarmed by their peers and teachers who wanted to make sure they were both alright. Before he knew what was happening they were outside the principal’s office, waiting for their parents to pick them up so they could rest after the frightening experience.
Roman was wracking his brain for a way to ask Virgil out now without sounding like he was some damsel who fell for his hero.
“Thanks again,” he said awkwardly scratching at the back of his head.
“Well,” Virgil muttered as he dug through his backpack and retrieved a pill bottle and a water bottle. “I needed to get out of the way too. Might as well take you with me right?” Virgil reasoned dismissively as he took the medication.
“You cool?” Roman asked worriedly. Virgil avoided his gaze, his ears turning red.
“For my anxiety,” he muttered as he shook the pill bottle before putting it back where he found it and taking another drink. “My dad is going to freak. He’s protective,” Virgil explained. “And if he freaks I freak. And if I’m going to freak, I better take my meds.”
Roman nodded in understanding. He knew what that was like. Well, not the needing medication to prevent an anxiety attack bit, but protective parents was definitely not news to him. When he first told his parents he wanted to become a professional hero they hadn’t been surprised, but they’d tried their best to convince him to wait with going out until he was a bit older. He was still surprised that they’d signed the permission form for the classes and for him going out in public.
“My parents are the same. They forget I’m not Remus at times.” He sighed.
“And honestly I think they go a bit overboard with him as well… I could look out for him. Even if I didn’t do a great job before…”
Roman missed his brother a lot and he couldn’t wait to talk to him again when he’d visits him that weekend. Remus would love hearing about the disaster that was asking out his crush. He was the only one who knew all about Virgil from the start. He hadn’t mentioned any of this to his parents until late last year. Gods, what if his mom saw Virgil and figured it out? Parents could be freakishly perceptive like that.
He looked back at his classmate and saw that he seemed self-conscious about something. Roman thought back about how he’d been avoiding looking at him from the moment he’d taken out the pills. Oh.
“Hey, don’t stress it. If they didn’t give me massive headaches I’d be on meds for my ADHD,” he informed him comfortingly.
Virgil looked up in surprise.
“What? It’s almost more obvious than the rainbow in my soul,” Roman offered a little dramatically.
This earned him a chuckle, which made his heart skip a beat.
“I suppose you are right. You always seem to own every single moment. I guess I assumed you were extra by choice,” he admitted a bit ashamed.
“Don’t worry about it. We all have our own challenges. And hey. If not for your anxiety, I might be a stain on the cafeteria floor. And if not for my ADHD I wouldn’t have crushed it on the stage four nights in a row during last year’s production,” he recalled proudly. He lived for the stage. The cheers of the audience never failed to make him feel like he could fly… Which he could, in a way, so he would know.
“Yeah, you were pretty alright,” Virgil agreed. That made his heart stop.
“You were there?” he asked, trying not to show his excitement at that. Virgil had sat in the audience as he portrayed an actual dashing prince on stage, sung his heart out to an unobtainable love… He had been part of the cheers he received.
Virgil shrugged casually. “I mean, I helped out with some of the set and costume designs,” Virgil’s head ducked down again as he saw Roman’s eyes light up with admiration at that reveal. He didn’t know that. How did he not know that? Had he designed his costume? He adored it. He wished he hadn’t grown as much as he had over the summer so he could still fit in it. “They gave me a ticket. I was just seeing my work brought to life,” he muttered.
Roman got the hint and didn’t press the issue. Clearly Virgil wasn’t comfortable enough around him yet to receive the full force of his praise and adoration. He glanced at the clock. They didn’t have much more time. He didn’t want this to be the last time they talked until Friday though…
“Hey, can I have your number?” he blurted out. Virgil looked up surprised and he rushed to take his extremely forward exclamation back. “For Friday I mean.”
“Oh, sure,” Virgil nodded. They exchanged phones and Roman put himself in before handing Virgil’s back. He grinned as he noticed that Virgil put himself down as ‘Guide to Hell’.
He looked back up and saw Virgil typing something out with a smirk. Changing his name to some funny inside joke no doubt.
But he let himself think that it was something flattering. Like prince charming.
“Mi hijo!” he heard from down the hall. Oh god no.
Before he could turn around or react in any meaningful way he was crushed by his mother’s embrace.
“Mom, please, I’m fine,” he groaned with a small chuckle.
“Fine? The principal told me what happened Roman!” his mother stated firmly as she took a step back, but held on to his shoulders to look him up and down.
“I could’ve lost you! Rest assured the city will hear from us about proper maintenance of the school buildings!” she stated firmly.
“It was a freak accident mama. Please don’t make a big deal out of it. I don’t even have a scratch,” Roman argued.
His mother nodded firmly again. “I heard.” Then she looked to the side and her face lit up. Roman moved between her and Virgil on instinct. He had the idea that Virgil’s anxiety would not appreciate the unstoppable force of affection that was a grateful Alicia Castile.
“Mom, this is Virgil, he was my lab partner last year,” he introduced them with a meaningful look towards his mother. She nodded in understanding and once he was certain that she wouldn’t freak Virgil out with her, as his friend would put it, ‘extraness’, he stepped away.
“Virgil, this is my mother, Alicia Castille.”
Virgil gave him a small appreciative smile before turning to his mother and offering his hand.
“Pleasure to meet you ma’am,” he greeted politely.
“First you help my boy discover a love for science and then you save his life. You are a marvelous young man,” she gushed as she took his hand with both of hers and pressed it against her heart to express her gratitude. Virgil blushed a little as the Hispanic woman let him go.
“Ah, well…” before Virgil could reply though a deafening shouting of his name, echoed through the hallway and put Roman in hero mode, though he managed not to show it on the outside too much. His stance just a little defensive, his eyes the acceptable amount of alert after hearing the male voice shouting out his crush’s name.
The young man in question shrunk back, but not in a way that heightened Roman’s worries. This was something he recognized as a normal teenage response to a worried parent.
Around the corner appeared a man in a simple button up, square glasses and an indigo tie. His dark brown hair styled neatly to the side. The man in his late thirties/early forties looked put together on the whole… Except for the wild expression in his eyes, searching the hallway for, if Roman guessed their relation right, his son.
Once the man’s eyes focused on Virgil, Roman used an ability his mentors weren’t aware of. His ‘sight’ that allowed him to see what was invisible to others. He could see the way other people used their gifts and it had helped him learn that while they applied them differently, in essence it all seemed to be the same. An invisible energy or element that could be molded to ones will to do pretty much anything. Everyone had a different feel and color to theirs, but everyone seemed to have it in some capacity. His was red, Remus’ was green, his mother was Lilac, his father lime green, Virgil a dark lavender, BS had such a tight lid on his energy that Roman never really saw it. This man was definitely Indigo. He was certain because his energy filled most of the room. It was angry and flaring and aggressive.
It was a little frightening… Was… Was Virgil’s father gifted? Did Virgil know?
Sure he’d seen ‘non gifted’ unknowingly use their energy before. While experimenting with his ‘sight’ he’d seen his mother slow down a falling vase so she could catch it. But when he asked if she was gifted as well, she said that she wasn’t. This strengthened his belief that every human, in fact, could use the gift. He was planning to reveal his suspicions to his mentors once he had enough evidence to back his theory up and once he knew how to explain his sight to them properly.
Right now however he really should focus to the seemingly ticking time bomb that was rushing over to Virgil and embracing him. “You are alright,” the man breathed in relief and almost immediately the energy calmed down to a smaller aura. It was cool and soothing in a way. Much more pleasant than the icy fury of a moment ago.
Virgil’s aura became fuzzy, a little prickly, like a bad radio signal. Roman blinked and turned off his sight. He didn’t like to use it at random. It felt a bit like reading someone’s diary.
“Dad, please, I’m fine,” Virgil pleaded uncomfortable with this public display of affection.
“What happened? Who are these people?” Mr. Anker demanded as he let go and looked his son over with sharp eyes before taking in Roman and his mother with a guarded expression.
“Roman Castile and his mother… Dad, did you even let the principal finish his explanation?” Virgil asked.
“I… Well, I’ve never been called to school before. When he said something happened… I didn’t want to waste time. It was only logical.”
Virgil rolled his eyes. “I’m surprised you didn’t head straight to the ER,” he huffed.
“Forgive me for caring about the only family I have,” Mr. Anker countered sternly.
Virgil looked down a little regretful. “I know you care dad. But you can overdo it a little,” he muttered.
It was that moment that Roman’s mother decided it was time she made her presence known.
“Pardon me sir. But you are this fine boy’s father, correct?” she asked pleasantly. The man turned around and straightened his posture as he nodded formally.
“Logan Anker, I apologize for my behavior. I…”
“Oh, don’t mention it. You should have seen me the first time mi principitto came home with a bruise. I was this close to murder.” Alicia chuckled good naturedly as she held her fingers a hairs width apart. Logan seemed to appreciate the humor.
“I can relate I belief,” Logan allowed as he looked back to Virgil with a look Roman recognized. He’d seen his parents look at him and Remus like that often enough. Loving and worried. Proud and scared.
“Alicia Castile. Your son has helped my boy in class last year and now he’s saved his life. I feel like I owe your family a great debt. If you ever have a party that needs catering I’ll give you family prices. No questions asked,” she promised.
“You run Magical Kitchens,” Mr. Anker realized. “I have had the pleasure of sampling your work before, I might hold you to that,” the man smiled politely.
Then he looked at his son. “We’re heading home, you are going to rest up.”
Virgil let out a dramatic sigh and rolled his eyes, though there was a small smirk on his lips.
“So I won’t get a lecture on playing hero?” he asked in a teasing way before he started to walk away, waving goodbye to Roman and nodding at his mother.
“Not today.” Roman heard Mr. Anker say, though he was much more interested in watching his son walk away. He must have given them a gesture in parting because he too was heading to the parking lot now.
“How did you both end up standing under that faulty light anyway?” Roman’s mother asked  the moment Mr. Anker had walked out of ear shot, in a tone he didn’t like. Roman drew on all his acting experience to hide the panic he felt at the thought of his mother trying to help him get with Virgil.
“Well… Now that I have an extra extracurricular I thought it would be a good idea to get someone to help me stay on top of my schoolwork. Virgil and I worked together well last year so I figured we could meet up once a week to do homework together,” he explained as casually as he could while trying not to think of Virgil and him studying at the local library. Maybe he’d ‘forget’ a book and they could share Virgil’s and sit really close… Or they’d be working in silence for a bit and Roman would look up and find his study partner looking all cute and concentrated… No, he really shouldn’t think about those things with his mother right beside him. She’d definitely catch on if he started daydreaming.
“Oh, before I forget. Can we go past the craft store? I need some things.” His genuine excitement at the thought of his ‘project’ got his mother to drop the subject, too curious to find out what her son was up to now.
It wasn’t until he was laying on his bed back at home, done with his creative exploits and fresh out of the shower, that he realized that he never got around to asking Virgil out. So he called him.
“Purgatory. Satan speaking.” There was a smirk in Virgil’s voice.
“Hello there my chemically imbalanced romance,” Roman chuckled in response.
“Hey there sir Singalot.” Roman smiled at the nickname. He liked that one. Was that how Virgil had put him in his phone? “Focus Roman.”
“I just realized that we got extremely rudely interrupted,” he explained.
“You could phrase it like that,” Virgil laughed.
“So… when and where do you want to meet Friday?”
“Let’s head to the library after school. We can grab some pizza from across the street after if it’s late,” he suggested. So Virgil expected it to take a while… And he didn’t mind. Wanted to have dinner with him. Those were all good things.
“Sounds great,” he agreed.
“Yeah. Hey, about that. Are you cool with helping me out with Spanish? I know you take French, but… I mean…” Virgil seemed to struggle to explain what he meant without sounding offensive. Roman found it very sweet.
“My parents raised us bilingual,” he confirmed. “Me encantaría ayudarte a aprender el lenguaje de la passion, mi caballero oscuro.” He couldn’t help but smirk to himself as he let his voice dance trough the Spanish sentence.
“That better be you saying you’ll help,” Virgil huffed.
“Of course mi amigo sombrío. It’s the least I can do por mi Salvador,” he teased, imagining himself whispering confessions to his classmate in Spanish under the guise of practicing the language. He was definitely going to pepper future conversations with a few Spanish words here and there.
“Virgil? Who are you talking to?” Roman heard from somewhere on the other end of the line.
“Roman dad! We’re talking about going to the library on Friday!” Virgil yelled back.
“For homework right?” Mr. Anker sounded rather suspicious. Was there reason for him to doubt Virgil’s intentions for Friday?
“Yes dad. He’ll help me with Spanish,” Virgil replied exasperated. Roman could hear the eye roll.
“Alright. I’ll leave you boys to it. Dinner at six,” Mr. Anker warned.
“Noted… He’s gone, sorry about that,” Virgil huffed. “He is… He means well, but sometimes…”
“I get it… I’m sorry about your mother,” Roman offered. He remembered Mr. Anker’s remark about Virgil being his only family. That could only mean that they’d lost his mom.
“Oh… Right… Um… I never, I don’t remember either of my birthparents so…”
“Shit. Sorry, I didn’t…” God could he sound more insensitive?
“It’s alright… I don’t advertise it but I don’t really care if people know. Logan is my dad in every way that matters. I’m sure they were awesome and everything… Dad seems to miss them anyway. And sometimes he’ll say that I’m like them, or that they’d be proud and stuff… But yeah. He’s protective of me. Hence his whole ‘don’t be a hero’, rule.”
Roman decides to change the subject. Virgil might feel the need to open up about his family after Roman had shown his vulnerable side when talking about his brother, but he was clearly not comfortable sharing this.
“Well, too late for that. You might as well pick up your tights now,” he teased, trying and failing not to imagine Virgil in the standard hero uniform.
“As if. I wouldn’t be caught dead in something like that. I’d be more into the Midnight Mirage aesthetic.” Roman’s cheeks flushed as he imagined Virgil in the punk inspired costume of the hero in question. Not just any hero mind you.
“Shut up! That’s totally my celeb crush!” Roman gushed.
“You? The prince of Toptear High, have a crush on LA’s vigilante? I wouldn’t have picked you for the type to like bad boys,” Virgil’s voice became mock disapproving and suggestive at the same time. He and Remus would get along great.
“I like the mystery,” Roman shrugged unapologetically. “Well since you know my big secret, it’s only fair if you tell me your crush. Spill Doctor Gloom.” He has no idea where that came from, but it might be a good idea to know what Virgil’s type was. 
“Um…, well for a girl… I’d say Blaze.” Roman’s thoughts drifted to Stacey, who was a big fan of the fire themed superheroine.
“And guy?” he asks. Virgil didn’t answer. “Come on. Which prince tickles your fancy? Who may sweep you into his arms and ride off into the sunset with you?”
“DreamPrince,” the young artist replied suddenly. Roman didn’t know what to say. Him. Virgil had a crush on him. Or his superhero self at least.
“I didn’t see that one coming,” he admitted. “So our resident edge lord fancy’s himself a literal prince charming as a romantic partner huh?” he teased. Did that mean he might stand a chance?
“Don’t look too deep into it. I just admire his guts. Gifted or not, it takes nerves of steel to face a guy with a gun like he did. And to go outside in that crime against fashion,” Virgil argued. Roman supposed that made sense.
“I’ll probably be over it next week,” Virgil continued dismissively.
Roman hummed something vague. Was there any way to ask him if he’d rather go out with Blaze or the prince if given the choice? Would that be too obvious?
“Any reason why you wanted to know?” Shit!
“Stacey!” he blurted out in panic. “My friend. She’s been pestering me for your number since I mentioned I had it and I obviously wasn’t going to betray your trust and do that. So…” he hated himself more with every word that came out of his mouth. “Stacey wants to go out with you, would you be up for that?” Say no, say no, say no…
“Stacey? Seen her in the art studio a few times. She’s got style. Sure. Text me her number.”
And that is when Roman’s heart broke.
“Awesome,” he grinned trough his disappointment before starting to talk about the assembly of that morning and how they hoped it’d be the last of the year, about their summer, about their hopes for the year. It was nice talking to him. They found themselves laughing quite a lot. They bantered back and forth and Roman discovered that Virgil was a fellow Disney lover and that he’d love to try acting, or any of the performing arts really, if he didn’t have his anxiety making him nearly faint at the thought of going on stage.
He learned that Virgil had actually put some of his work on display during art week and won a prize from the jury.
Before they knew it several hours had passed and they were both called down for dinner.
When Roman hung up he couldn’t help a smile. Sure Virgil had agreed on a date with his friend. But there definitely was a connection between them. And that alone was more than enough for him.

Logan: Let them go and Changes
Virgil: hard won victory
Janus: mistakes

Chapter Text

The very next day he came out as gay to the school.
He walked through the hallways with his head held high, a confident cadence in his step. He knew that he was getting stares all over and that was rather the point.
When he walked into his first homeroom of the year he was pleasantly surprised to see Virgil there, and no Janus.
Upon seeing him Virgil’s eyes widened. Roman strode in proudly and sat himself on the empty desk next to Virgil’s, his back to the front, feet on the chair and planting his new sparkling, rainbow, backpack next to him, and dragging a hand to his matching hair.
“You are extremely extra any chance you get aren’t you?” Virgil chuckled.
“I am,” Roman agreed as he took off his jacket revealing the full extent of his once white, now rainbow colored shirt, which proudly read ‘I’m a Gay Disney Prince!’. The writing was part of the original shirt. Except for the ‘gay’ bit. That, Roman added himself while he dyed the shirt by using duct tape to write out the letters, paint the shirt and then take of the tape to leave one white word to contrast against the colorful shirt.
So he was pretty much a walking rainbow with a neon-sign on his chest.
It couldn’t be more clear if he shouted it at the top of his lungs. Or maybe if he kissed a guy in front of the whole school. But he wasn’t that extra and the guy he’d want to kiss would not appreciate the gesture.
“Well it looks good on you,” Virgil complemented and Roman made a bow.
“Why thank you, mi caballero guapo,” he teased. Just then their homeroom teacher came in and made introductions, prompting Roman to take his seat, while she handed out their schedules.
Roman looked over at Virgil’s and grinned widely.
“We have almost every class together!” he exclaimed excitedly. Sure the odds were in their favor considering they had the same homeroom, but it wasn’t a guarantee. Last year he’d shared homeroom with André and only had two classes in common.
“Aside from our electives that is. Why am I not surprised you’re taking drawing classes? Though you don’t really need the extra help. You are amazing as you are. Which reminds me. Did you think about sending in your designs?” When Roman looked up he saw that 1 his face and Virgil’s were much to close and 2 he was overwhelming Virgil with his fast paced rambling.
He sat up straight as fast as he could. “Sorry. Got a bit ahead of myself there,” he apologized.
Virgil blushed and looked away to stare at his hands that were tugging at his hoodie in his lap.
Roman tried his best not to hope that the color shining through the foundation was because his neighbor was at least a little into him. ‘He is uncomfortable for god’s sake! For once in your life try to not make it about yourself!’ he thought to himself.
“No problem… Well… I don’t know. You really think he’d want it?” Virgil asked awkwardly.
“Are you kidding? If I were forced in that atrocious ‘crime against fashion’ as you adequately called it, I’d be wishing on every star for a new outfit. And what you have drawn up. It’s not just an answer to his every prayer, it’s the most awesome costume he could ever hope for.”
Virgil offered him that adorable half smile of his and looked down. “Alright… I’ll send it in… But with some adjustments and under an alias,” he insisted.
“How about Dante?” Roman offered. He’d still know it was Virgil no matter what alias he’d choose. But BS and the others didn’t need to know who exactly designed his new look.
Virgil nodded. “Sounds good,” he agreed with the smallest smile.
Before Roman could ask what he was thinking about that made him smile, the door opened and none other than Janus strolled in.
“Mr. Bullard. So kind of you to join us,” the teacher noted displeased as she handed him his schedule.
Roman noticed Virgil’s good mood disappearing as soon as he walked in. Now Roman thought about it, while he got a rather detailed report on his neighbor’s summer, Janus hadn’t been mentioned once. Had Virgil and Janus gotten into a fight? Did this have something to do with the canceled plans Virgil mentioned right before the lamp came down?
Janus more or less ignored the teacher and looked around, eyes landing on Roman with contempt and narrowing when they spotted Virgil next to him.
He walked over. “Move, that’s my seat,” he growled.
“De ninguna manera. You want to sit with the coolest kid in school, get here on time,” Roman taunted confidently. He wasn’t scared of him and he wouldn’t leave Virgil with someone he seemed to want to distance himself from.
“Excuse me?” Janus’ eyes narrowed and he raised a fist as if preparing to punch him. Roman didn’t even blink.
“Mr. Bullard! Seat! Now!” the teacher insisted. Bullard glared at Roman one last time before looking at Virgil expectantly. “You heard the teacher Jan. Just go,” the purple wonder huffed.
Janus blinked a few times in disbelieve. Then his face hardened and he went to sit on an empty desk to their left.
“Good. As I was saying, I hope the rest of the year will go without any more incidents like yesterday. Mr. Anker, Mr. Castile, I speak for the whole school when I say that we are happy to see you two are back and unfazed by yesterday’s incident,” the teacher offered kindly.
“Thank you Mrs. Foster,” Virgil muttered a little embarrassed.
“I wouldn’t dream of depriving you of my radiant presence for another day,” Roman jested with a smirk. Causing his classmates to laugh. Well, most, Janus looked like he wanted to glare a hole in his head.
Roman ignored him. Virgil was chuckling next to him and that was a million times more interesting.
The teacher continued with taking attendance and going over all the basic first day announcements. When the bell rang Roman walked with Virgil to his locker, which happened to be only ten away from his. Virgil stayed with him as he retrieved his things and they talked about their homeroom teacher who seemed to be nice but firm. Something they could appreciate.
“Where are we headed next?” Roman asked as he dug into the back of his locker where his pencil case was currently hiding from him.
“Um…” he could hear Virgil digging through his backpack. He’d seen Virgil memorize their schedule earlier. He assumed that Virgil’s anxiety caused him to double check if he remembered right. Which wasn’t a bad thing to be honest. Better safe than sorry right?
“Hey!” Virgil exclaimed behind him. Roman dropped the case and turned around to find Janus looking over Virgil’s schedule with a frown.
“How can we have no classes together? I thought we were going to take sociology?”
“No!” Virgil stated firmly as he snatched the paper back. “You were. I tried to tell you that I wanted to do art, and you didn’t listen. Like usual,” Virgil bit at him before looking at Roman.
“We’re in building C. Let’s go,” he huffed. Roman nodded, picked up the case and shut his locker.
“Virge come on!” Janus objected frantically as he ran out in front of them, keeping them from making their way to class. “You are mad, I get it, I’m sorry okay? Can’t we talk about this? We always work things out,” he pleaded. Roman almost felt sorry for him. He looked genuinely terrified of losing Virgil’s friendship.
Virgil squared his shoulders and lifted his head.
“My decision is final J. I’m done enabling your behavior. I thought I was helping you out, but I was making it worse. I can’t protect you anymore… You are right. Sometimes we have to do what’s best for us. And for me, that is not being around you anymore.” Roman could tell that this was hard on Virgil. So when Janus reached out for him he went to stand in between them.
“He’s asking you to back off. Give him some space.”
Janus’ face went from pleading to murderous in a second. Next thing Roman knew he was pushed against a locker. “Stay out of it Chapero!” He said the slur in a mocking tone, with a purposefully horrible accent. Roman found himself letting out a growl as he turned their position around.
“You better not know what you just called me,” he warned.
“I don’t say anything I don’t mean. Payaso,” Janus taunted.
“Roman! What’s going on? Let him go. Let’s just go to class. Please.” Roman looked to Virgil, recalling that stress wasn’t good for him. “Sorry. You’re right. We’ll be late,” he sighed, letting go of the other teens collar and following Virgil, trying to calm himself down.
“Get to class Jan!” Virgil instructed his former friend.
“This isn’t over!” Janus replied. He didn’t come after them though. Good, Roman wouldn’t be able to refrain from using his powers a second time.
When they got outside and headed to building C Virgil laid his hand on Roman’s shoulder.
“You okay?” he asked worriedly.
Was he okay? “I’ll be fine, just pissed off. How about you? He was your friend for a long time right?” he asked instead.
Virgil sighed sadly. “He lives in the house next to mine. We basically grew up together I guess. And I tried to protect him from bullies as best I could, you know because of,” Virgil gestured to the left side of his face and Roman nodded in understanding.
“I didn’t realize he isn’t that same kid anymore. I guilted myself into sticking with him.
He was my friend, if I didn’t help him who would? He needed me. He stuck with me too. You get the picture. When he told me to take the same elective as him. I had enough. I told you about the summer camp I went to. What I didn’t mention was that it was a camp where they teach you to stand up for yourself. ‘your needs are important too’ and all that stuff. So when I got home I asked my dad to help me convince the principal to make sure I shared as little classes with him as possible. I felt shitty doing it. But at camp I also learned that me tolerating Jan so long isn’t helping him. Mrs. Danvers was on the right path when she separated us last year. We both need to learn be us without the other. And maybe when we’ve figured that out, we can try again.”
Roman nodded along, his anger finally calming down completely.
“What did he say?” Virgil asked. “Janus likes to brag that he is fluent in Spanish and French. I didn’t know he’d also learned slang.”
“He learned slang alright,” Roman huffed, back in a bad mood.
“I’m pretty sure he was just trying to get a rise out of me, which succeeded.” Why did he let that stupid word get to him? He should’ve just let it go.
“You sure you want to know?” he asked, not wanting to be the cause of more discord for his classmate.
“Yes. If it upset you that much, I do,” Virgil said firmly.
“Alright. Payaso, means clown,” Roman told him. Virgil nodded waiting for the other one. The one that had made Roman nearly see red.
“And… Chapero,” he felt his face reflect the distaste he felt just saying it. “It means- It refers to my…”
Roman gestured to his shirt, unwilling to say it aloud.
It was 2016! Being gay shouldn’t be looked down upon anymore. It’s just not right. That was what had bothered him really. Janus using his coming out to the school as a weapon against him. Especially because he lacked the spine to let Virgil know what he was saying.
“Seriously!?” Virgil growled already turning around, presumably to berate Janus on his behalf. Roman quickly grabbed the back of his hoodie to stop him. “We can’t be late. Not for him,” he reminded Virgil.
“You’re right,” Virgil agreed though he sounded extremely reluctant.
Soon they arrived in their classroom with a few minutes to spare.
Roman followed Virgil to a desk halfway the room. Not his own usual front row seat, but neither was it Virgil’s standard far back hiding spot.
“Well what do you know? My two favorite boys at one desk. Must be my lucky day!” Roman looked up from his backpack and saw that Stacey sat herself on top of his desk.
“Good morning to you too Stacey.” Roman offered politely. He knew it was his own fault, and she was his friend. But he was still a little jealous.
“Hi,” Virgil greeted casually, unknowingly making Roman feel significantly better. He didn’t look like he was very affected by the presence of a girl he was going out with.
“Ro. Guess where we’re going for our date?” Stacey asked, her eyes gleaming teasingly. She had called him last night to thank him and make sure that he was alright after being rejected. When he admitted he wasn’t technically rejected, he just panicked, she had burst out laughing. And now she was torturing him it seemed.
“No clue,” Roman admitted, noting that there was once again color shining through Virgil’s foundation. So maybe Stacey didn’t leave his neighbor as unmoved as he’d initially thought.
“The art studio! We’re going to go nuts on a blank canvas together. Isn’t that the coolest thing you’ve ever heard?”
It was a great activity to do together for two artistic people. Virgil clearly knew how to plan a first date. Stacey was going to love it.
“Well… It’s basically just hanging out,” Virgil corrected Stacey quietly. And Roman almost felt bad for feeling so relieved. He was getting emotional whiplash from this conversation.
“Yeah. What did you call it? Vibe check?” Stacey wondered.
“Something like that,” he nodded.
“Basically we’re going to roll with it as friends and see if we click romantically while we are pouring our souls out on canvas. No click? No hard feelings,” Stacey explained with a casual shrug. Then the teacher came in and she hurried to her seat.
During class Roman did his best to focus on the teacher. But every now and then his thoughts drifted to Virgil and what it would be like if he was the one going to the art studio with him. He imagined Virgil teasing him, because he wasn’t that great at drawing. Pretty soon they’d start painting each other and then… The bell rang. Right class, crush next to him.
The rest of the day went rather pleasant. At least until he was walking to his locker after Drama with Miguel and Kelly. He could hear a loud bang before they rounded the corner. There was shouting in the hallway and he and his friends hurried to break up what they were sure was a fight.
His eyes widened in horror as he saw Virgil was being held against the locker by his former best friend. Several witnesses were yelling at Janus to let Virgil go, but no one seemed willing to actually do something.
Virgil stared back at Janus with steady eyes. “No!” he stated firmly.
Roman had seen enough. He dropped his backpack and shouted at full volume.
“Let him go Bullard!” Everyone else fell silent. Janus looked over at Roman as did Virgil.
“I’ve got this Roman,” the shorter boy stated.
“I know. But you don’t have to do this alone,” Roman assured him, feeling Kelly and Miguel coming to his side. Time for Virgil to learn what it was like when your friends had your back.
“I texted the others. They are on their way,” Kelly informed him quietly. Roman nodded to show he’d understood her. Then he turned his attention back to Bullard.
“I’ll ask one more time. Leave him alone.”
Janus released his grip and Virgil barely kept himself from crashing to the floor.
“Think you can take me Castile?” he scoffed stalking towards him, putting himself between Roman and Virgil. He came to a stop a few feet away.
“I’m not going to give you the satisfaction of getting me in trouble,” Roman replied firmly. His mother would murder him if he got detention.
“So you’re just talk then huh? Afraid to get your butt kicked in front of everyone? Trying to score easy points with Virgil? Hoping I’ll let you steal him from me that easily?” he taunted.
“Trying to repay him in some small way for saving my life yesterday. But none of that is any of your business. Virgil’s decision to finally break free from you has nothing to do with me, and everything with how you’re treating him. I don’t understand what he saw in you that made him stick around this long. But you took it for granted and now it’s done. Leave him alone,” Roman told him, hearing footfalls of his other friends arriving, once they were complete they started sending the crowd away.
“If you’re not going to help go to your classes.”
“No need for all of you to be late.”
“Go on. Nothing to see here.”
His gaze was trained on his opponent, but he could see and hear the crowd dispersing around them.
Janus’ eyes narrowed at him before his face and posture relaxed. He got a glint in his eyes, a smirk on his lips.
“What’s wrong Castile? Don’t want an audience? I thought you lived for the cheers of a crowd?” Roman let the words wash over him. If he didn’t get a reaction, he’d leave. He always did.
“Or maybe this is an exclusive event? Just for your little fanclub and Virgil? Is he your newest devoted follower?”
Roman quirked a brow. “You guys should head to class,” he told his friends.
“Ro!” Nora exclaimed in disbelief.
“You’ll all get in trouble if you don’t get to class in time. Now go,” he turned to Clara.
“Tell our teacher that Virgil and I will be there soon. I’m not feeling well and Virgil is looking out for me.”
“Making your friends lie for you Castile? Some friend you are.” That idiot really didn’t know when to shut his mouth.
“Or tell them the truth. Apparently Bullard want’s detention on the first day,” Roman corrected himself.
Clara nodded and his friends slowly walked away. Now Roman didn’t have to worry as much about holding back. He could convince one witness that nothing strange had happened if he used his powers. But all his friends standing so close? Not a chance.
“Now we’re talking! A private show, just for you Virge,” Janus looked behind him where Virgil was still standing, rubbing at his chest where Janus’ fist had pressed into him and looking at Roman with worry.
“Virge? You okay?” Roman asked, once more ignoring the taunts.
“Yeah, fine,” he muttered as he moved towards him, but Janus gestured for him to stop and Virgil obeyed, so suddenly that it almost seemed odd… Was that a reflex from years of doing whatever it took to appease his friend? Or should Roman take a look to see if his adversary was using some kind of power?
Being gifted wasn’t very common, or at least, knowing you were gifted wasn’t.
Animotropolis was one of only a handful of places in the world that had an a system in place to help gifted people for a reason. Roman knew he wasn’t the only one in the program right now, even if he was the only one in hero training, but he’d never met other members before.
Was Janus one of them? Or maybe self-taught? He could find out with just a well-timed peak…
No, not with Virgil so close and clearly upset. Looking meant seeing everything. Including how this situation was truly affecting Virgil. It felt… intimate and like a betrayal of trust.
He wouldn’t unless it was necessary.
“Just get to class. I can handle myself,” Roman assured Virgil. He could get to their classroom trough the hallway farther back. And once he was gone, Roman would be able to see Janus’ energy, read his intentions and defeat him without either of them getting hurt.
“Stop mocking me!” Apparently Janus didn’t like being ignored.
Roman readied himself to block the punch and failing that, absorb the impact so he could defend himself. But he never got the chance to do either.
Virgil had made his way between them somehow and was now sinking to the ground in pain as he clutched his stomach. Roman was next to him in a second.
“V… I” Roman glared up at Janus, who was staring at them stunned, fist still raised.
“Messing with him emotionally and mentally isn’t enough for you? You have to resort to physical violence as well? What kind of friend are you?” he demanded. He knew that this instance hadn’t been aimed at Virgil, but he hadn’t forgotten that Janus had clearly been too forceful when pushing Virgil against the wall.
For the first time since he’d met him, Janus didn’t have a snappy retort. He just looked away in shame and left.

Roman turned his attention back to his apparent guardian angel.
“You okay? Should we go to the nurse?”
Virgil shook his head. “No. Dad will lose it if he knows someone actually hit me. Let’s just go to class. I’ll be fine by the time we get there,” he assured Roman.
“Okay… If you are sure…” Roman allowed reluctantly. “Thanks for catching that one, but you didn’t have to. I did some self-defense courses.” More accurately he’s been trained in several forms of hand to hand combat for the past four years as part of his hero training.
“I would’ve been able to get out of harm’s way without hurting him,” he informs Virgil as he tries not to think about the fact that he, the superhero, had been saved twice by his romantic interest. And by the stars, it makes him like Virgil even more. Who wants a damsel, when they can have a knight in shining armor? Sometimes a savior needs saving. Then again, Virgil seemed like he could use some saving as well.
“I’ll remember that,” Virgil grinned trough his pain.
“Seriously though that’s the second time you’ve jumped to my rescue. Thank you,” Roman offered gently as he helped Virgil up and they both started walking to class.
Virgil grinned back at him through the pain. “Guess DreamPrince inspired me to be heroic,” he joked.
“He does seem to inspire a lot in you. I’m almost envious of him,” Roman admitted, not really looking at Virgil to hide his sincerity. “I’d love to be the one to inspire someone so much, artistically and the like I mean. Oh, that would be the dream. To be someone’s muse and have them be mine in return.”
Sadly Roman Castile didn’t inspire Virgil much. Not even remotely in the way Virgil inspired him. He was the one who’d made him want to be a hero. Thoughts of him had made him write monologues and characters, play and sing his heart out like never before.
He’s had other crushes. But Virgil seemed to be always there somewhere on the peripheral of his mind.
“That would be pretty cool I guess,” Virgil allowed, now seemingly back to normal.
“Are you sure we don’t need to have you checked out?” Roman worried. Virgil nodded firmly.
“I barely feel it anymore. He didn’t hit that hard,” he shrugged.
Roman decided to let it go.
The rest of the day went by without much trouble. Virgil even sat with Roman’s group over lunch. They didn’t sit next to each other for every class. Most classes they shared with a few of Roman’s other friends and they seemed to have decided that Roman had to be saved from embarrassing himself by method of constant supervision. So while they always sat close, they only shared a desk for English and History.
At the end of the day Virgil and Stacey left for the art studio and Roman couldn’t think of anything else than that all evening. That is until he got a text from Stacey.
“Awesome evening, no spark though. ;p Don’t blow it this time!”
Roman’s heart hammered in his chest. What was he supposed to do? Call him up right away?
No. He probably should wait for Friday. Hang out with him and see if sparks fly without the pressure of it being a real date. And if the evening sucked, well he had patrol after dinner, so that’d be too bad for any villains he came across.

Virgil: Confrontation
Janus: second chance

Chapter Text

“Ugh! I am done!” Roman exclaimed relieved, barely hearing the hissed warning from the librarian. Homework had been draining. Sure they’d had fun. Especially when it came to teasing Virgil about his pronunciation when they worked on Spanish.
Still Roman was ready to do literally anything else.
“Give me a sec, I have to finish this thing for English,” Virgil muttered absentmindedly. Roman knew that Virgil had rewritten that particular assignment two times already.
“Want me to read it through for you?” Roman offered. Maybe hearing someone say that it was good would be enough to stop him from second-guessing himself again.
“You don’t…” Virgil started, somehow looking guilty.
“We’re here to help each other Virgil. If I didn’t want to help you I wouldn’t offer. I thrive on being of help to my friends. It’s no trouble,” he assured him. Virgil offered him a small smile and a nod in response. “Alright. You can read it when I’m done,” he allowed.
Roman took peace with that and opened his notebook to start doodling.
He had a few ideas for some more shirt designs. He’d enjoyed making his ‘coming out’ shirt. Then there was the Halloween party and every other social event this year has to offer where he had to slay. Junior year was a year to be noticed. Nothing wrong with putting down some ideas in advance. He just might come across the perfect outfit.
“Seems I’m not the only one who can draw up some clothes,” Virgil noted and Roman nearly fell of his chair when he jumped at his sudden proximity.
“Will you stop that!?” A thing about Virgil Roman had learned over the last week. He always seemed to pop up out of nowhere. One minute he’s gushing over the latest Disney trailer with André and suddenly Virgil stands next to him giving his two cents. It was terrifying.
“Not a chance,” Virgil chuckled as he picked up Roman’s sketches.
“This looks good though… You ever thought of becoming a fashion designer?”
Roman’s eyes widened. Making amazing outfits for a living? He could make a whole ‘wear your pride’ line and… Oh… Oh…!
“You are a genius!” Roman exclaimed. He’d had no idea what he wanted to do with his future, aside from hero work, but now the idea was brought up he wanted nothing else. Fashion designer, superhero, actor, maybe also Mr. Castile-Anker. That was a future he could look forward to!
Virgil chuckled. “It’s the least I can do. I sent in the designs like you said… I’m kind of excited.”
Roman beamed at him. “I’m sure next time you see DreamPrince on the news he’ll be wearing your design.” He was. He’d been shown some alternative designs by Manifestor and found Virgil’s drawing among them and immediately declared that that was the one.
As he’d told Roman, he’d changed a few things. He’d shown him on Wednesday to get his stamp of approval. Roman had gushed unapologetically because he knew he’d have to tone it back a bit in front of the team.
Which had been hard.
Tonight he’d be taking it for a test run and he’d make sure to be seen by people and cameras.
“We’ll see,” Virgil smiled as he pushed his laptop with his assignment towards Roman.
Roman read it, dropping the subject without problem.
Virgil was easy to be friends with and he’d quickly learned to read his moods.
During lunch, Virgil usually sat himself a little bit away from the group when he felt the need to just focus on his music and sketch a little before heading back to class. He was sarcastic, witty and could dish it out about as well as he could take it.
He was also very guarded emotionally, which Roman could understand, but whenever they were just the two of them, Virgil opened up some more. He’d learned about Virgil’s soon-to-be stepdad and the admittedly adorable meet-cute he’d been a part of.
He knew that Virgil’s dad had found them a new home and they’d move soon.
He learned that Virgil was mature and his dad’s only wingman which they both agreed was super awkward but also hilarious.
Roman had joked that Virgil might end up being his father’s best man. But apparently, there was a family friend ‘uncle Thomas’ who might get that position.
Virgil had gone out with another girl that week. Anna, who’d had English with him last year or something. Virgil had listened patiently, but relatively unaffected to her asking him out and arranged another semi-date at the music store for the next evening. Luckily nothing came from it again. Roman asked him why he kept saying yes to people he barely knew. Virgil explained that he had missed out on enough chances to befriend others. So the way he saw it he’d at the very least get a friend out of it. Roman kind of took comfort in that. It didn’t sound like Virgil was trying to get a girlfriend or a boyfriend right now. Just trying to socialize. Roman had reminded Virgil to watch his boundaries though. He wouldn’t want him to push himself out of fear he’d be missing out.
One more thing he learned about Virgil: he was overly critical of himself.
“Well, I think you can hand this in with confidence Virge,” Roman concluded as he returned Virgil’s laptop to him.
“So… I recall something about pizza? I’m starving!” he grinned.
Virgil chuckled and lead the way. Soon they were sat at a table with their orders and they were talking about everything and nothing. It was great. And Roman was so close to asking Virgil out but…
“So… Um… There’s this… Shoot wait a minute,” Roman got up and picked up his phone.
“Si mama…?” he asked curiously after seeing the caller ID.
“Darling. I know you are out with your friend. But I wanted you to know we’re headed to the university now,” his mother informed him. The university… Wait. “Que?” Roman looked at his watch incredulously. He was going to be late. Unless he left right now that is.
“Perdona! I’ll be there soon.” He hung up and dug through his wallet for some money.
“So sorry Virge! Time got away from us I’m afraid. I swear I intended to give you that ride… Can you call your dad… You know what? Just use the change to take the bus or something alright? My treat! I’ll call you later!” he promised as he tossed down a few bills that should more than cover the tab and the tip before rushing away.
How was it so late already?
He sprinted around a few corners and found a spot to get changed. BS had explained about the sciency stuff behind his costume change, but all Roman really cared about was that he basically had a magical boy transformation. Sure he could sit there and let the tech do its thing, but it was much more fun to make up a cool transformation sequence.
First, hair. He retrieved a lip balm-like object and applied the substance to his hairline. He tucked the balm away and with one smooth movement of his hand, he styled and recolored his hair. Instead of parted in the middle with regal waves it was flicked to the back, save for a single rebellious strand dangling down his forehead. Instead of a deep ash brown, it was warm chestnut in color.
Then he took a tiny metallic bead from a ring on his finger and tapped it against his temple, before he swiped his hand in front of his eyes as his mask placed itself securely on his face, changing his eye color in the process. He tapped his wrists together in front of his chest and brought them down with force, feeling his blazer and shirt get replaced by the skintight suit. He tapped his right heal against his left before taking another power position and finishing his costume change.
How cool was his life?!
He created a platform to lift himself to the roof and sprinted towards the university. The GTH was in its basement. As he made his way there he started to think over asking Virgil out again.
Maybe, now wasn’t the time. Virgil was clearly still upset about the whole Janus thing. He didn’t say it but Roman could tell. And he didn’t want Virgil to think for even a second that Roman’s crush was anything less than genuine, he had noticed that Virgil still had trouble believing their friendship was real at times. Not to mention that starting a relationship with someone while he was still figuring out how to balance out superhero and civilian life was clearly a bad idea. He couldn’t even ask him out without being interrupted by his other life.
So, he'd wait until he had his life in order and he was sure Virgil was ready. There was definitely some kind of connection between them. And Roman was willing to wait until the time was right…
He knew he was being a coward, but his friendship with Virgil was so fragile.
He entered the basement campus with little hassle and dropped of his bag in his personal locker, making sure to lock it. If anyone with ill intent got in here they could easily find out his identity with it's contents and Roman didn’t want his name out like that. Not yet at least.
He hurried to the training hall, threw open the doors and slid inside.
“Your prince has returned!” he exclaimed, doing a pretty good job at pretending he hadn't just sprinted the whole way there.
“Has he now?” BS asked, apparently in a bad mood today.
“Oh come now big S, the boy is just excited for his present! I would be too if I got a new costume made for me by a secret admirer,” Sweets offered with a calming hand on BS' shoulder. Sweets was an empath. He could share his emotions and those of others, perfect match for someone who wants or needs to keep his calm.
But what sweets said made Roman rather flustered. “I don't think DreamPrince has had enough appearances to already gain such attentions. Whoever did this just couldn't stand to look at this any longer.” Roman gestured to his current costume.
“Speaking of which…” he held out his hand bouncing on his feet in excitement. He was supposed to meet the chief of police today and he wanted to look presentable.
Manifestor chuckled from his spot on the desk. “Give the boy his stuff. He's been looking forward to this day for the past four years.”
BS sighed and handed Roman a small box, which the young hero snatched up before rushing to the dressing room.
He turned his suit off and took off the containment units. He opened the box and switched the old units for the new ones. The bracelets were more comfortable and adjusted to his skin tone, the metal bead was replaced with two skin-colored stickers he applied to his temples.
“Let’s do this,” Roman smirked excitedly.
“To adventure!” he called out as he crossed his arms and tapped at his temples while simultaneously clicking his wrists together. At the same time he tapped his right toe behind his left heel and brought his ankles together. He struck a power pose, facing the full-length mirror and grinned excitedly. Virgil had added an insignia on his cape and golden trimming in the final design. There'd been a few options for his emblem and Roman had chosen the shield with a castle by the sea with the sun shining down on him. He looked quite dashing.
He left the dressing room and handed the box back to BS with an elegant gesture.
BS wasn't amused. Sweets and Manifestor on the other found it hilarious.
“So? What do you think?” Roman asked as he turned around to show off the end result.
A loud ‘bing' announced a message from his family watching from the observation room.
“Gaaaaaaay!” Roman rolled his eyes good-naturedly. Remus was a fan.
“Stay away from Planes!” the next one read. Roman chuckled. He had asked Virgil about the cape, considering he’d expected someone as cautious as him to heed Edna Mode's advice.
Apparently, Virgil had intended the Cape to be an addition for official events. So ‘Prince’ would look good on camera. He'd also pointed out that it would look badass for the prince to un-claps his Cape before a fight. He'd had a point and Roman actually loved it.
“You look very handsome darling.”
“Thanks, mom!” Roman called out.
Then two beeps came from a device on BS wrist. He looked down and relaxed, tapping away at a holographic screen, turning up the intensity of his shadow. “The chief is here,” he announced.
Roman raised an eyebrow, that was not what BS had been so tense about. Something in his private life maybe? If that was the case he'd never find out.
Roman had no time to worry about that though. The door opened and in walked the police chief. A small but commanding African American woman. It was something in the way she walked that made Roman want to stand at attention. And so he did. He wasn't the only one.
“So you are what all the fuss is about?” she asked as she looked Roman up and down.
“DreamPrince, at your service ma’am,” Roman introduced himself respectfully.
Chief Davies pursed her lips before nodding to herself. “I’ve read your file, you’re quite the prodigy aren’t you?” she asked.
Roman chuckled a little awkwardly. “I’ve just been training from a young age, that’s all.” Most gifted didn’t realize their talent until they were well in their teens.
“Good answer. I have no time to stroke an adolescent ego. We’ve got work to do.”
Chief Davies turned to Manifestor. “You got the files I sent?”
Manifestor nodded hurriedly. “Yes. I had no time to review them though.”
“I’ll walk you through it,” she announced dismissively. The leader of Roman’s training team nodded and tapped at something on his wrist. The screen that had shown the messages from Roman’s family earlier was now filled with mugshots.
The men looked dangerous. Roman shifted nervously. “You… you want my help apprehending these men?” he asked, trying not to show how frightening it seemed.
“God No!” Roman hid his relief. “These men are all in jail already, with iron clad cases keeping them there for a long time. You think I’m going to send some rookie after hardcore criminals? No offense, but you are still a baby,” Roman blushed at that and focused back on the pictures.
Wait a minute. “I know that guy! Remember at the end of my first week? I spotted some tugs bothering that kid and tossed a rock at them?”
“And by some miracle, you weren’t found when said tugs came looking for you,” BS added through gritted teeth. Still upset at Roman's initial recklessness.
“I wasn’t the only one they were looking for,” Roman insisted. He’d been so sure he hadn’t been alone that night. But BS claimed the would have known if anyone else had been there.
He never went after the tugs after they left the alley. BS insisting he was done with back alleys for the night.

And now those guys were apparently behind bars?
“Next slide please!” Davies called out.
A picture of a ziplock bag with pictures, a USB stick, and a note of cut-out letters that said ‘your turn’.
“For almost a year now we’ve been getting mysterious packages like this. Pictures, audio and video recordings. Every last one had one of these men incriminating themselves. It’s like whoever delivers these stands right next to them, but never gets caught taking pictures or carrying a wire. I have a small task force on the case who have dubbed them ‘The Phantom’. We are keeping this as in-house as we can. Once the public hears about the Phantom, we’ll lose the most valuable asset we’ve ever had. Plus until now we weren’t sure if they were a sensible vigilante or a mobster who was taking out competition in a very clever way. Given what you just said I’d be inclined towards the former. They might have some sort of gift that hides them well enough to get away with spying. But right now, they are putting themselves in danger.” Davies turned towards Roman.
“Keep an eye out, see if you can spot him during your patrol this evening. And if you do, get him on board with the program.”
“Prince did not go through all that training to be your recruitment poster boy!” BS snapped to Roman's surprise. That was the most emotional response he's seen from BS ever. Aside from when he scolded Roman for his reckless behavior.
Davies glared at BS, looking quite intimidating, despite barely reaching to his chest.
“Now don't go all noble on me BrainStorm. What? Did your heart grow three sizes while I wasn't looking? Is there suddenly room for more than one other person there?”
Roman knew that this was a threat. Davies knew BS’ true identity, where he worked, who he cared for. She could ruin whatever he had built in an instant.
Roman often wondered what kind of life BS had outside the facility. Did he have a partner? A family? Did they know about his past at all.
A few seconds ticked by with no one daring to do so much as breathe.
Then Davies relaxed and stepped back. “I'm no monster BrainStorm. I wouldn't ask some rookie to deal with this if I hadn’t tried everything else already. I send in my agents and even called in other gifted. All we got out of that was this,” she gestured and Manifestor showed the next image. A note in the same style as the previous one that said ‘no babysit!’
“Our profiler thinks they are young. So maybe your prince won't seem as threatening. They might've had his back once before already. If this Phantom were someone you cared for, would you rather we left them be, or would you drag their noble behind here yourself to give them proper gear and back up?”
The question hung in the air for a moment, BS had nothing to counter with. Roman imagined Phantom being one of his friends, or even Janus and the answer remained the same.
“I will do what I can,” he vowed before lifting his chin and facing the fierce chief head-on. “But ma'am, I don't appreciate you threatening my mentor like that.”
BS had stood up for him, it was only right for him to return the favor.
Davies chuckled. “Just when I started to worry you were only brawn and a pretty face. You can be smart too huh? And you’ve got guts. You just might have what it takes kid. Now. I have places to be. Keep me updated, and don't lose this.” Roman accepted the watch he was handed with a confused frown.
“My people will call if we need you. Please use that brain and return the favor?”
With that she left. Well… that was intense.
Roman put on the watch and saw that it had a frequency displayed on it instead of time. He also spotted two buttons. One blue and one red. It didn't take much to realize that one was a panic button and the other was to make it so the cops could hear him. He wondered if it would connect to the nearest patrol car or to Davies directly.
He hoped he’d never have to find out.
“Well… time to show the city their hero is ready for action.”

It had been a pleasant evening so far. He'd stopped a few shoplifters, broke up a fight or two and dodged a few reporters, though he let them snap a good picture of his new outfit.
Now the sun was down however and he was making his way to the back alleys.
“Looking for a fight is foolish Prince!” BS growled through his earpiece.
But Roman wasn't looking for a fight. He was looking for someone who'd gotten him out of at least one pickle.
He ignored BS as he landed on a roof, overlooking the city using his sight. He didn’t know what he was looking for exactly, but it was his only plan.
Suddenly he spotted something strange and unusual. There was an energy, a few blocks ahead. But it was impossible for him to really see it. Like he was looking at it trough glasses with strong prescriptions.
He rushed towards it and found a gang of criminals with violently swirling auras. He knew what this meant. They were going to hurt someone.
“Send back up to my location,” he instructed before turning the receiver off. He needed to focus.
“I say we attack now! They are week! We can take them down easily.” A shorter guy with energy like glass shards insisted.
“Boss says we have a truce until the rat is found,” a giant of a man stated calmly, though his energy betrayed how much he wanted to go with the first guy's plan.
Were they talking about Phantom?
“What rat!? Those idiots just bragged to the wrong crowd.” The first voice shot back. Phantom was becoming a bit of a ghost story it seemed. Some who believed, judging by the shudder that went through the other men's auras at the mere mention of them. But clearly not everyone was convinced.
“Oh and they gave out pictures as well? Did a little livestream? We're not safe until this rat is lynched,” the tall man pointed out tensely. He was a believer. And he wanted Phantom dead. Not good.
Roman studied the tugs and to his relief he spotted they were all armed. Weird thing to be happy about. But it meant he had probable cause to interfere.
He jumped down, slowing his descent just so that he didn't hurt himself on the landing without sacrificing the cool factor.
“Do you gentlemen have permits for those weapons?” he asked as he rose up to his full length facing them fearlessly.
“What the…?”
“It's that Prince clown!” Rude.
The tall guy, the leader probably, silenced the group with a gesture and smiled, his anxious energy almost completely disappearing. He'd found something to vent on. “Sure kid. Got mine right here.”
Roman flung his cape in front of him and manifested a gelatinous shield around himself as the leader pulled out his gun and fired several rounds at him. The tugs wouldn't see it. But it was there, and it caught the bullets slowing them down until they were harmless, making them fall to the ground when they met with the fabric.
“Well now you just pissed me off. This is brand new!” he complained as he dropped both cape and shield.
“I suppose you won't surrender peacefully?” he deduced. The criminals all readied their weapons. Seriously? Did they not get that he was essentially bulletproof?
He sighed as he took off his cape and hung it on a water pipe that ran down the side of the building.
“Fine,” he sighed and then he amped up his speed a bit while shielding himself from the rain of bullets heading his way. He used the gelatin shield because he didn't want to risk the bullets ricocheting and injuring someone. Especially the gifted he was sure was still watching the whole thing.
It wasn't hard to disarm the criminals. He even managed to knock a few to the ground. But there were at least two who'd gone down without him even touching them. And he would’ve sworn he saw a figure move between him and a tug once or twice to block a blow. He couldn't really see the other hero. It was an odd sensation. But he could feel his presence better and better and soon he was adapting his moves to those of the Phantom. Together they took out the whole group. Though to the villains it would seem like he'd done it by himself. He stood victorious over the leader, a pile of disassembled guns behind him and sirens lighting up the alley.
He twisted his foot to show off his white boot with gold accents. “So… how does it feel to get your butt kicked by a guy in heels?” he wondered playfully before looking up towards the presence and winking in acknowledgment.
“Good job Dream Prince. We've got it from here.” Roman turned to the cops and bowed to them
“It's my pleasure to be of assistance to the police of this fine city.” Then, while turning around, he made a gesture that could be taken as a ‘goodbye’, or as a ‘follow me’.
He was glad to notice that the presence seemed to follow him. He found a fire escape and floated himself to the roof it led to.
He turned to face his hopefully soon-to-be partner in crime-fighting.
He could hear the clanging of someone climbing the metal fire escape. And while he still couldn't quite make out the figure that reached the roof he saw his reflection in a pool of water left behind by the rain earlier that day.
An unfortunate weakness, but so long as no one knew, no one would be looking for it. In order to be a hero, no one could know Phantom really existed. Was that why the authorities were kept at a distance? Why Phantom never made introductions despite having crossed paths at least once before?
He stepped forward with a bow. “Greetings Phantom. I must thank you for the assistance. Both just now and three months ago. I am Dream Prince, he/him if you please. A pleasure to officially meet you.”
A distorted chuckle made him look up. He could see Phantom much better now. He was dressed in Male coded clothes, though that was no guarantee. The hero outfit was simple. A black t-shirt, boots and denims, paired with a black coat that reached down to his calves and had the collar popped up. He looked really cool… but Roman couldn't make sense of his head. He was looking right at him he could see it, but his brain couldn't identify a thing.
It was so weird.
“Phantom huh?” His voice was a strange deep echoing sound. The distortion was pretty spooky if he was honest, but he wasn't afraid. Phantom was on his side.
“Sure you can call me that. He/him… mind telling me what that was about? I thought you officials weren't let off your leash unless you could be responsible enough to not get yourself killed?”
Roman cocked his brow. “Says the guy who has half the criminal underworld out for his blood,” he reminded him. Phantom looked away. Clearly, he knew Roman had a point.
“Do you have something against the program?” His tone had been oddly bitter.
“No I…” Phantom took in a deep breath. “Sorry, I’m just pissed at the cops for sending you, I guess.” He sure sounded upset. And Roman could understand that. Here Phantom was, doing his part and all the cops could do in return was bother him At least as far as the young vigilante could tell. But then why…?
“Yet you chose to follow me up here?” Roman pressed. That didn’t make any sense. Phantom had shaken off his ‘babysits’ before. What made Roman special?
“Um… Well… I just…” Phantom stammered. Roman wondered why. Was he bad with confrontation? Social interaction in general? Or had Roman said something that hit a nerve somehow?
“You interrupted my stake out!” Phantom blurted out all of a sudden.
“Do you know how long it takes to work my way up the ranks? First I have to find a low level runner, then I follow him to his boss, that guy to his and so up the ladder I go. I was getting real close to the big guy of this group. And now…” Oh… Well Roman could understand how that would be frustrating.
“I apologize,” he said sincerely with a small bow. “I merely intended to help. They were talking about killing you.” Surely he could understand that he could not stand by after hearing that.
“And now there is a price on your head! The leader of that little club is like two steps away from the big boss. They won’t be happy with you taking him in.”
Well… He had a point. But Roman had back up. It would be rather stupid of the mob to come after a hero with government sanctioning. And these guys would go behind bars for a long time right? “You got dirt on them?” he asked. If the guns weren’t enough then surely whatever Phantom had gleaned from his stakeouts would be sufficient. Right?
“Yes… But that’s not the point. They have no clue about me. Not really. But you are out in the open. This is not your kind of mission Royal pain.” Oh, he had nicknames huh? It was an insult, but Roman didn’t mind witty banter. Especially if it came from a place of care. And Roman was starting to think it did.
“And now that you are out, you can’t expect me to hold your hand any longer…”
Roman crossed his arms and smirked catching the implications of what Phantom just said.
“You’ve been looking out for me all summer huh?” he guessed.
Phantom scoffed and probably rolled his eyes. While Roman still couldn’t quite see it, he would bet his entire Disney collection on it.
“It’s not like I came looking for you.” Phantom snapped. And Roman believed him.
“Still… Thank you…” he was going to say more but then he heard a beep in his ear followed by a loud voice. “Prince! Answer this instant!”
“Ow!” Roman exclaimed annoyed, reflexively reaching for his ear though it wouldn’t help much. He pressed the button to talk to BS. “One. Loud. Two. Rude! I am in the middle of something! And did you seriously remotely reactivate my com?”
He would demand a new com that couldn’t do that or he’d refuse to wear one period. What if he needed to concentrate right now? What if he was in the middle of tense negotiations or being told delicate information. As a matter of fact. This situation right here was delicate. One wrong move and Phantom might bolt. And he might not come along next time he found him. And even if he couldn’t get him to join the program, he wanted Phantom to know he had an ally in him. Someone to talk to, confide in, count on if he didn’t have anyone else.
“You do not turn off your com while going into a gunfight! It’s moronic to go in alone!”
Roman rolled his eyes. “I am fine, not a scratch on me.” He wasn’t going to mention that he wasn’t alone exactly. Phantom had never consented to BS and the rest of his team knowing.
“I’ll call you when I’m done here.” And this time he took the com out of his ear. BS could yell at him later.
“Sorry,” he sighed. “My mentor is… intense at times.” In a cold and distant way.
“Mentor?” Phantom asked.
“One of the people helping me practice my powers, test my limits. Comes with the program. It’s not just a babysit and a nice suit,” he joked casually.
“Oh…” Phantom’s tone was odd. It made Roman want to come closer and offer comfort. He didn’t though. They weren’t at that point yet. Not by a long shot.
“Listen, I admit I was sent by the chief. But I didn’t come here to recruit you. I wanted to thank you and tell you… If you ever need someone to talk to, to help you figure something out… I’d be more than happy to oblige. No need to tell me your name or anything about yourself,” he vowed as he reached out his hand. Phantom hesitated for a few moments before bridging the distance and offering his own.
Roman grinned and grabbed it for a firm shake. “I’ll see you next time,” he assured his fellow hero before letting go and turning around to finish his patrol.
Progress was made. Not much, but still.
He just might’ve made a new friend.

Logan: Two premiers
Virgil: Better together

Chapter Text

Book 2: Secrets revealed

When Roman returned to his team that evening he found them looking rather tense.
He let out a heavy sigh. “Listen, I promise I was safe. But I could’ve been in the middle of talking someone out of making a bad decisions at the time. You can’t just shout in my ear out of nowhere. That was dangerous and frankly I expect you to be more levelheaded BS,” Roman explained firmly. They hadn’t brought it up over the coms and the more Roman thought about it the more convinced he was that he made the right call.
“That isn’t what this is about Prince. Take a seat,” Manifestor instructed.
Roman obeyed, feeling kind of nervous. Manifestor didn’t usually sound this serious. “Ok…”
BS took in a deep breath. “Prince. I must offer you my sincere apologies. I didn’t want to tell you right away, and maybe I should’ve. You shouldn’t have gone out without knowing the risks… We talked a little about nemeses during your training.”
Roman nodded. “Yeah, but I doubt I’ve done anything that warrants one yet. Those things come later in a career unless…” Suddenly Roman recalled something Sweets had said during that conversation. Sometimes heroes inherit nemeses. But… “But you were a villain. Any nemeses you had would be heroes… Right?” he asked astonished.
Why was BS telling him this? Surely if it was an enemy of Manifestor, he would be taking the lead in this story right?
And his only true nemesis was BS. He was The Villain Manifestor fought. All his other fights with villains, he’d been supporting another hero.
And he never really fought anyone himself.
BS nodded. “Technically, the collector isn’t my nemesis. At least not in the traditional sense,” he mused as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
“I’ll start from the beginning,” he said. “I became a villain because I needed the money and fast. Plain and simple. Any legal means were insufficient. So I made a name for myself and eventually when I said ‘give me 10.000 dollars or I destroy this building,’ people handed me the money because they knew I very easily could make good on my threats.
I always picked an amount they could easily provide without harming the business or individual too much financially. One day I found myself running from the police force, I had misjudged the time it would take them to arrive, and I got helped by a stranger in a haphazardly put together disguise. When we lost them and caught our breath he introduced himself as ‘the collector’. I fairly quickly understood him to be a fanboy of sorts. He was a big fan of my ‘work’, though he misunderstood the intention entirely. Not that I could get him to understand that.
He thought I was taking the money as proof that I was superior or something like that. I didn’t listen too closely to his speech at the time. I was concerned with getting away.
He said he wanted to help me. Gifted were still considered fairly new. Nowadays most people alive have lived most of their lives in a world with gifted. But back then most of the population still saw it as strange and there weren’t any real initiatives to help train the powers. So the gifted that were around often were untrained and had their powers act up without warning. Which could be quite destructive.”
BS paused a moment, looking at Roman as if to make sure that he was still following. Roman nodded, signifying he was still paying attention.
“Anyway, the collector thought that people should respect and celebrate our existence. He compared the stigmas we faced to those of people of color, or the LGBTQ+ community, then still called the Gay or Queer community. He said it very nicely, it almost sounded reasonable, if you ignored the slight notes of supremacy. And if I had been trying to ‘stick it to the man’ as they say, I might have been tempted. But I just wanted… I was selfish in my actions and therefore not interested in his big revolution, which turned out to be a good thing in some ways.”
Roman was a little overwhelmed by this story already. He’d never heard this much… well, anything personal about his mentor before.
“I told him I wasn’t interested in leading any resistance, thanked him for the assistance and left.
Shortly after this I encountered Manifestor for the first time. He blessed one of the people in the building with super speed,” BS recalled.
Roman heard Manifestor chuckle. “I remember. I was so pleased that it worked.”
Manifestor’s ability was to give someone powers, or increase the gift someone already possessed. Usually it only worked for a short time, but there were quite a few that kept the gift or power boost permanently.
Roman had theorized that he just strengthened the bond with the ‘energy’, making it easier for people who never tapped into it before to use it. For people who already were gifted it was the same as an adrenaline rush.
“You were insufferably delighted even if I defeated your champion,” BS recalled, though it seemed he was fond of the memory rather than annoyed. That was new. Maybe Roman was misreading things?
“You did retreat though. I stalled you long enough to make you give up that mark and head out. So it was a win for me.”
BS let out a deep sigh and turned back to Roman. “I saw the Collector a few more times after that, though I managed to avoid conversation. One day during a stalemate with Manifestor, he asked me about him. Apparently I wasn’t the only one who’d been approached about his plans. He had actually advanced them. He was now not only collecting gifted, but also individuals ‘worthy’ of a gift. Be it they joined him out of free will or got persuaded through different means.”
Roman felt uneasy as he thought of what those means might be.
“And he wanted me to ‘grant’ them that blessing,’” Manifestor recalled, clearly uncomfortable with that conversation. BS nodded, patting Manifestor on the back in comfort. Which was a surprise. Manifestor always treated BS like a friend. Until now however, Roman had thought that BS found that annoying. But maybe BS did consider Manifestor a friend too.
“Manifestor had enlisted the help of others to free some of his victims. The Collector claimed I was championing his cause. I assured Manifestor that I had no intention of assisting in his plans. That is about the time Manifestor started winning me over to redemption. The next time I spotted Collector I told him in the plainest possible terms that I was not interested…”
There was a moment of heavy silence and Roman dreaded what would be said next. BS was not one for dramatic pauses.
“He assured me I would be… I haven’t seen him since. But that promise… I don’t know what exactly he has been up to the past 14 years. But one can only imagine how someone like that matures. Or what he has planned for me when he finds me. Prince, the collector will not consider you his enemy. But he is yours. Anyone who meets his criteria of ‘worthy’, is at risk. And he does not take no for an answer.”
Suddenly Roman shot up. “Phantom!” he exclaimed. “Phantom might be in danger! What if someone on the chief’s team passes on information to him? Or what if he has connections to these crime organizations!? I’ve got to go out now and find him…” Roman rushed, ready to gear up and head out right away.
“Not tonight. Maybe tomorrow you can try again. Even if you find him, you are not in the right state of mind to deliver this kind of news delicately.”
Roman paused, BS had a point.
“You’ve done great today sport! You just go home and sleep on what you’ve learned. Tomorrow night there is another patrol and you might run into him then,” Sweets suggested.
“I’m glad you are so eager to meet this young hero Prince. Just know that there is no pressure. They’ve been evading unwanted contact for almost a year now. It is okay if you don’t find them right away. And we’ll give you the support you need,” Manifestor added.
Roman let out a sigh and nodded, not wanting to say anything that would give away that he had already met Phantom in all his awkward broodiness.
“Can I ask a favor though?” he wondered.
A little while later he was finally ready to go home. His parents would be worried. He’d stayed out a bit later than he planned. But they knew that they’d be informed if something went wrong. He was pretty sure they were alerted when he left the facility. Still he hurried. Not just to spare his parent’s the worry. He also hoped that maybe he’d be able to catch Virgil awake for a few texts. If only to apologize for the way he’d left. He would’ve really liked to give Virgil a ride in his car.
Roman’s car wasn’t new, it belonged to one of his uncles who got a new company car recently.
It was a good car though. A beautiful convertible. His uncle had even given it a paint job making it Roman’s favorite shade of red.
He shook himself out of his thoughts. He could daydream about his car later. Now he had to get home.
His parents were relieved to see him home safe and sound. His dad needed to be up early the next day so he could only stick around for a hug and a quick goodnight.
“Mijo, do you really need to go back again tomorrow? Maybe you should take it slow first,” his mother tried as she checked him over yet again for any scratches. There were none, luckily. Roman had heard of some gifted with healing abilities, but try as he might, he was not one of them. Meaning that he could not fix himself up to ease his mother’s worries.
“Mama,” Roman sighed as he laid his hands on her shoulders in a comforting gesture. “I wish you could see things the way I do. Perhaps then, you would know there is no need to worry,” he told her with a kiss to the cheek. His mother blinked a few times in confusion.
“Mijo… You are glowing?”
That made Roman pause and take a step back. “Wait… Can you see this?” he produced a shield in the shape of a star.
“Wh…What is that? It became a, a star!” she exclaimed.
“Mama! I think I gave you my sight! It allows me to see my powers.” This was amazing! “Throw something at me!” he instructed eagerly as he lifted himself a bit in the air. He saw his mother look at the platform he created to do so in awe.
“Mamà!” he called out urgently. He had no clue how long this would last. He had to show her.
“Ah, sì!” his mother muttered as she tossed an apple from the fruit bowl next to her at his head. Roman had his gelatin shield catch it, and then he dropped the shield, catching the apple in his hand.
“Principite! That is amazing… But the color is fading… Oh, now it’s gone.”
He put himself down. “Whatever I did to make you see must have worn off. Does this ease your worries a bit though mama?” he wondered.
His mother thought for a minute and nodded. “I will never stop worrying, but I do feel better now. We should try and show your papa tomorrow. It will be a comfort to him too.”
Roman nodded. Understanding went a long way to reduce fear. BS had taught him that once.
When he got to his room he took out his phone. For a moment he imagined telling Virgil the truth. Superheroes always had a close friend who knew in the comics. Who covered for them when they had to duck out and be heroes…
He shook his head. He had made a decision long ago. No one could know he was Dream Prince until he’d chosen and settled into civilian life and career.
And even beyond that, he wanted to be sure that if Virgil fell for him, it would be with Roman, not the Prince. Maybe he’d reconsider it when they’d grown closer as friends, and when Virgil’s passing crush on Prince had faded as he said it would.
He shot Virgil a quick text. Telling him that he just got back home himself, asking if he was okay, and apologizing that he hadn’t been able to check in on him earlier.
It hadn’t been safe, not that he could tell him that. As Prince, he had to avoid contact with any of his civilian associates beyond accidental encounters.
Knowing that this collector was out there had him extra worried. Would Virgil be in danger if he got linked to Prince? Or maybe the collector would already be interested if he knew of Virgil’s knack for art and design? What was ‘worthy’ in this man’s eyes?
A message came in and pulled Roman out of his thoughts.
It was Virgil. “LOL. You worry too much. Hope you had a fun night.”
Roman relaxed. Then suddenly his phone went off.
The caller ID said ‘guide to hell’.
“Virgil?” he asked.
“I had to tell you now. I saw him!” Virgil whispered excitedly.
“Who? And why are we whispering?” Roman asked confused.
“I’m supposed to be asleep,” Virgil replied. Roman chuckled and laid down on his bed.
“Ok… Who did you see?” Roman asked.
“Dream Prince! I went for a walk and I guess he was doing patrol in my neighborhood, I caught a glimpse of him. He was wearing my costume! You were right! I can’t wait to get a good look at it in action! You think someone got a picture? I didn’t have a chance. God, I should’ve taken a picture so I could show you!” He whisper yelled.
“I’m sure I’ll see your work plastered around the front pages Monday. Pretty sure you missed out on the Saturday edition. But the news stations might talk about it. You sure you don’t want your name attached to it?” Roman knew the answer, and honestly, after what he heard tonight he was a little less eager to draw attention to Virgil’s talent or involvement with his super hero self however minor it might be.
“Yeah… I just… I know I should want the credit. But, just in case he becomes like this big-time hero, I don’t want my possible career to be defined before it starts, you know what I mean?”
Roman did understand. To always be that guy that designed this other guy’s first costume… To an artist, it could be stifling to be defined so soon. Virgil should be allowed to build his career his way. Roman wanted something similar after all.
“Maybe I’ll come forth with the original sketch when I’m like, 30, to prove it was me if it still matters by then,” Virgil reasoned.
“Sounds like a smart plan. I’m going to let you go. I do need my beauty sleep after all,” Roman jested.
“You said it, not me,” Virgil chuckled before adding: “Night Princey.”
Roman smiled at the nickname, recalling the first time Virgil used it fondly.
“Buenas noches. Mi querido amigo.”
Virgil groaned. “Bon nuit,” he huffed before hanging up.
The next day, Roman managed to show his dad his powers at dinner before he headed out again. He had practiced with his mom and Remus during the day. It took him a few tries. They discovered that shows of affection made the transition easier. And if he had physical contact with the other person it was most effective.
When he told Remus about the lamp incident, he got a mixture of teasing and worry for his troubles. When they hugged he tried it out, almost as an afterthought. It hadn’t really worked that well any of the previous times, but now Remus got to use his sight for a full five minutes. Which was a big step up from the minute or so his mother had gotten it the evening before. Roman was excited. He could use this! If he got better at this he could show his team –he was not going to give any of them kisses or hugs though. He’d have to get to a point where a handshake was enough first.
Speaking off, after dinner it was time for another patrol.
He wanted to find Phantom as soon as he could. He didn’t even go all the way to the university. It wasn’t really needed. He got changed in his room, dashed through a few backyards, and then jumped from rooftop to rooftop. Soon he found himself in the area he met Phantom the day before. The second he used his sight he saw Phantom’s aura. On the rooftop, he’d left him yesterday.
Had he been waiting for him? He felt kind of flattered.
“Good evening my shadowy friend,” he greeted with a bow the moment he landed.
He heard a rush of fabric. He looked up and saw the flutter of Phantom’s coat. He was now facing him.
“Hey, there highness.” He tossed him something, which Roman caught in a fluent motion. He studied the bag. It was one of the see-through zip locks. Containing a USB drive.
“Is this…?” he started stunned.
“A show of goodwill. I thought about it… You seem alright. I’ll… I’ll have your back. If you’ll have mine,” Phantom told him.
Roman was beyond happy with this development. “You do know that if I hand this in, they’ll know I made contact?”
A chuckle came from the dark figure. “You mean you haven’t told them yet?”
Roman straightened himself. “You didn’t say you were alright with that!” he objected.
“Okay. Well, consider this my permission. If I don’t want to be found, I’ll disappear Prince… Tell the chief all communication with me goes through you. If you don’t mind,” Phantom replied pleasantly.
Roman nodded and activated his communicator.
“Dream Prince you are late. What is your status?” BS asked immediately.
“I am currently debriefing Phantom. I’ll let you know when I’m done here. Tell chief I’ll stop by with a package,” he informed his team. “Radio silence until further notice.”
Phantom chuckled. “You ever thought I might be a bad guy? You shouldn’t cut off your back up like that in front of me,” he told him.
“You’ve had plenty chances to take me out. You could have let those goons get me the first time you saw me. You could have attacked me while I was busy with those guys yesterday. And who knows how many times over the summer. And on top of that. Who says my communicator is my only way of contacting back up?”
Another chuckle. “Fair enough. So, what now?” his voice got a little insecure.
“Now… I warn you about the collector.”
The figure shifted. There was a pause. “I feel like this is a sitting-down kind of conversation,” he sighed as he walked to the edge of the roof and took a seat.
Roman followed him and sat down next to him.
He looked up to the young man next to him and noticed that there seemed to be dark fabric in front of his mouth and a dark woolen cap over his hair.
The fuzz Roman experienced when looking at Phantom’s face dissipated around the same time he took out a pair of dark sunglasses and placed them on his face.
He looked at Roman.
“The collector is an old enemy of Manifestor. He recruits Gifted, and those he thinks deserve to be gifted for some kind of revolution. You and I are probably his kind of people. Young, full of potential. All that stuff creeps like that love to go on about. So we should be careful, you and I. I want to help you out.” He dug in his pocket and took out the favor he requested.
“These can help you hide your identity without having to use your… Do you have a name for it?” he asked.
Roman once more found that he could not really see Phantom’s face. “Cloak,” was the distorted answer before the fuzz disappeared again.
“Cloak… Cool. So this,” he showed him the black gemlike device. “Is a voice modulator. I adjusted it to fit your tempest voice as best as I could.”
Phantom snorted. And Roman shrugged. “You clearly have not heard it,” he told him.
“What’s with the lipstick?” Phantom asked.
“This will paint your hair black faster than any hair dye. It’s also a very good hair gel and it washes out right away,” he offers Phantom both objects.
Phantom hesitated but accepted them.
He got up and walked away. “No peeking!” he warned.
Roman stared ahead, waiting for Phantom to be done.
“Okay, let’s try this,” Phantom’s distorted voice sighed. It sounded a little different than before. Meaning he was using the modulator.
Roman looked around and saw that Phantom’s hair, whatever it was before, was now black and messy. Peeks stood in all directions, but in a deliberate way. He was still wearing the facemask and the shades, but his cloak was no longer engaged.
“Okay. So… what’s the plan?” Phantom asked.
“Well… We could try and meet up here regularly. We might not always patrol at the same time, and you might be busy. But I could… If you are okay with it… I could help you coordinate with the cops. Like you kinda suggested earlier. Or we could like, do some patrolling together? Keep each other company…” Roman had not thought this far ahead. And so he ended up being brutally honest.
“It might be nice talking to someone who gets it you know? You’re my age right?” he wondered.
“I mean… I guess, but I’m not sure how old you are exactly,” Phantom shrugged.
“Fair point. Anyway… What do you want?” When in doubt, ask what people need.
“I mean… Debriefings sound cool,” Phantom shrugged. “I’d like to patrol with you, but my parkour is no match to that walking on air trick you got… I was thinking of hanging around the clubbing district at the end of the night and making sure some party-goers get home safe. I’ll see you around there when you’re done?”
Roman nodded. “That sounds like a good idea.”
He got up and bowed. “Please know that the GTA’s resources are now at your disposal through me. So if you want to get a proper suit or other fun toys, you need only ask,” he informed him before heading off into the night.
He smirked to himself as he went. He’d definitely made a new friend.

Chapter Text

"Do you think he’s single?” Clara wondered dreamily during their Monday lunch.
Over the weekend Roman had gotten his official introduction as Dream Prince. Officially claiming the name and posing for some good pictures. It was weird having his friends talk about him without them knowing it was him. Like now.
Virgil was sketching next to him, a concept drawing for his art class, smirking and chuckling quietly to himself.
“If he is, he’s probably gay. That’s how it goes with all cute boys. They are taken, or they are gay,” Stacey complained.
“Are you saying I’m not cute?” Virgil smirked.
“You are single by choice. You could’ve gotten yourself a boyfriend or a girlfriend ten times over since the start of the year. And it’s still September,” Stacey pointed out.
“I could’ve had a girlfriend ten times over. The boys are remarkably shy,” Virgil pointed out lowly.
The table chuckled at that and Roman sent them all a glare. They better not say anything to give him away.
“Maybe they aren’t sure if you are interested? They’ve only seen you flirt with the female population,” André pointed out.
Roman laughed nervously, trying to signal André not to give Virgil any ideas with his eyes. The last thing he needed was the extra competition.
Don’t misunderstand. Roman enjoyed being friends with Virgil.
He was fun. And he had never had someone to really argue about Disney with before. And he really enjoyed teaching Virgil some self-defense after school whenever they both had a little time. Their witty back and forth was exhilarating at times. Did it sting a bit to see Virgil flirt with people that weren’t him? Yeah. But he took that in stride. Seeing Virgil opening up and being happy was more than worth it. And Virgil was happy. Going on these semi-dates had boosted his confidence, Roman could see that clear as day. So he bit his tongue until he was ready to ask Virgil out himself.
“Well, you could kiss a guy, that should clear things up,” he joked. Not knowing what else to do.
Virgil chuckled, put down his pencil, and pulled Roman closer by the collar of his jacket.
“Are you volunteering Princey?” he wondered lowly. Roman’s brain froze. What? When? How?
“I… That is to say…” then the first bell rang. Virgil winked and let him go. He gathered his things and headed to class.
“You gotta be kidding me! That was the perfect set up and you didn’t even say something?” Kelly exclaimed.
Roman gathered his own things rather flustered. “What was I supposed to say?” he objected.
“Take a guy to dinner first?” Fabio suggested.
“Happy to help?” Kelly added.
“Yes please?” Stacey said, making everyone laugh. Except for Roman.
“One day, you guys are going to have a crush you don’t know how to handle, and I’m…”
“Going to be so nice and supportive about it that we’ll probably feel really bad about how we tease you. We know,” Nora said dismissively.
“But come on!” Nick groaned. “How dense can you be?”
Roman looked at him with a quirked brow.
“Roman, sweet himbo of a man,” Clara said gently.
“Hey!” he protested.
“You know it’s true,” Nora interjected. “And has it occurred to you that you might be the remarkably shy boy he was talking about?”
Roman blushed. Oh, how he hoped he was. “Don’t you guys have a class to get to?” he pointed out.
His friends rolled their eyes and spread out, only Nora and Fabio staying with him. They had PE together. Virgil always got there ahead of them. He preferred not to have too many people in the room with him while he changed. Usually if there were too many people in before him, he waited until mostly everyone was out.
“You know we tease you because we care. Before the end of the year, you two are dating. I am willing to put money on that,” Fabio stated.
“Did you?” Roman asked. His friends liked to make bets about his life. He half expected them to start debating on whether or not he was secretly dream prince for the fun of it.
“Not yet,” Fabio grinned.
Virgil had already gotten dressed when they got to the dressing room and when they got out, he was talking with one of their classmates. He had his sketchbook on his lap, his headphones around his neck. He got to keep them in case the room got too loud for him.
But currently his attention was on Iris Ramirez. One of the more popular girls in their year. She was smart, fun, playful, good looking, and she was Virgil’s most recent ‘not a date’. They’d gone to the park last Friday, moving Roman and Virgil’s study time to Saturday. Virgil hadn’t been too interested in talking about how things had gone and Roman had taken that as a sign that there was nothing to tell.
Apparently Iris still had something to say.
Roman took a deep breath. This was ridiculous. Virgil could talk to whoever he liked. He was still talking to most girls he went out with. Half the point of the ‘not a date’ outings was for Virgil to make friends. Still, Iris didn’t look like she was just talking to a new friend. Her body language was very flirty.
Then again, Roman had no right to be jealous. Virgil was not his boyfriend.
He slowed his step keeping an eye out to see if Virgil seemed uncomfortable. He looked flustered, but not like he was looking for help. Virgil gave Iris a smile and shook his head as he said something. Iris seemed to let out a disappointed sigh and left.
“Everything alright?” Roman wondered as he sat down next to the dark teen.
“Um, yeah. Iris wanted to know… If I’d changed my mind about how we left things last Friday,” Virgil muttered, his cheeks a bright red. Virgil’s foundation either ran out or he’d chosen to stop wearing it because the color showed, clear as day, almost obscuring the freckles adoring his cheekbones.
“What do you mean?” Nora wondered as she and Fabio joined them.
“If you don’t mind telling us that is,” Roman interrupted looking sternly at Nora.
Virgil shrugged. “How most end I guess. She leans in for a kiss, I don’t feel it, and I gently let her down... She um… was a bit harder to refuse… Not that she didn’t respect my boundaries but…”
“Wait, you like her!?” Fabio whisper yelled.
“No, not like that, but… I mean look at her. Part of me feels like an idiot for turning her down,” Virgil stated. “Don’t tell Stacey I said that though,” he added in a hurry. “But yeah. She is… Very much my type.” Virgil glanced in Iris’ direction, looking down when he was caught. Roman watched Iris smile. It was a look that said “he’ll come around,” and he did not like it. Sure Virgil was allowed to kiss whoever he liked. But… Roman wanted to be the one he liked to kiss.
“I didn’t expect so many pretty girls would be interested in me,” Virgil groaned.
“Oh you pour boy. Whatever shall become of you?” Fabio teased dramatically.
Virgil chuckled. “Bet Remus would have a laugh and a half,” he mused fondly. That got Roman’s attention. “Remus? How do you know my brother?”
Virgil looked back at Roman with a quirked brow. “We were friends back in middle school. Before you and I met,” he explained.
Roman thought back. Remus never mentioned any friends that he could recall. It would have worried him if he hadn’t known that his brother often found insects and his own fantasy much more entertaining than actual human beings. He always found Roman’s friends too boring. Saying how he’d rather play with a crow and a… Wait…
“Are you saying that you and Bullard were Snakeface and Scarecrow?” he wondered.
“Those were his nicknames for us,” Virgil nodded. “Why?”
Oh… “You may remember that Remus had a fascination with animals. The creepier the better?”
Virgil’s eyes widened and he burst out laughing. “You mean… You thought that he was talking about a real snake and a real crow.”
Roman shrugged, feeling a little bad. “Or a shedded skin and some voodoo doll he’d made out of feathers. If mom and dad had known that you guys were actual people they would’ve let you come over when he asked. Man… I could’ve met you guys way earlier!” Roman realized. Remus had started talking about those two at the start of their first year middle school.
Suddenly he got a great idea. “I’m going to give you Remus’ number. He’s going to love hearing from you. And I’ll talk to my parents about getting you cleared for a visit. He’s in some special needs program thing,” Roman told Virgil excitedly, though he wondered why Remus never told him that he knew who Virgil was. He’d have to ask him.
“That… would be pretty cool,” Virgil nodded.
Their conversation halted there as class started.
Remus called him that evening beyond excited. Virgil had called him right away and the conversation clearly had made Remus happy.
“I didn’t know he’d miss me that much. I didn’t know I missed them that much! But man I did. You better not screw up with my bestie when you screw him.”
Roman rolled his eyes. Of course. Remus just had to work in a joke like that.
Roman also enjoyed being friends with Phantom. He was snarky and hard to get a hold of sometimes. But they were friends, no matter how professional Phantom tried to remain.
Roman had gotten him a mask after he told him his favorite color was purple. Phantom now had intense violet eyes, the mask itself matched his skintone. The crusader of the night, preferred the face mask.
Roman was trying to explain to him how to use his powers to their full potential. But it was hard. He could show him, but that still felt awkward.
He learned that Phantom had discovered three powers on his own.
His cloak, a shield and, much to Roman’s amazement and slight envy, healing.
“You got injured again.” Phantom observed dismayed when they met at their rooftop two weeks after the first time they talked there. It was kind of sweet how protective he was.
“It is just a scratch,” Roman pointed out, though he held still and let Phantom lay his hand to his face and heal the damaged skin on his right cheekbone anyway. It felt kind of nice. Very warm and soothing. Phantom’s energy mixing with his and helping it heal him. Roman wondered if he could learn from Phantom healing him how to do it himself. It was definitely something he could try out.
“You have to be more careful. You are not invulnerable,” Phantom reminded him. “Besides what if your friends ask how you got the bruises? Are you comfortable lying to them about it?” he asked.
He had a point. “You are right. I shall be more cautious in the future,” he agreed as they sat down and briefed one another on their rounds and Roman told him the things Chief had asked them to keep an eye out for. They cracked jokes and exchanged ideas. Soon it was time to leave though.
“I’ll be doing some daytime rounds next week,” he told Phantom.
“I’ll try to contain my sorrow,” Phantom teased.
“Don’t get in trouble while I’m gone,” Roman shot back. Only getting a playful huff in return before they parted ways.
The team had suggested switching it up a little so he could actually interact with some citizens. It was better to get his name out and gain the people’s approval now, than wait until he was a fully realized hero and couldn’t afford to stop and smile for the camera.
When he had time, he visited Remus. He was trying to show the doctors that his brother was more than ready to get enrolled in a public school again. They did some mock fighting, without either using their powers, to show that Remus had control over his, and practiced some tricks to keep Remus’ mind from getting away from him that Virgil had taught Roman so he could help him in case of an anxiety attack.
He wasn’t sure if it worked though. Still it was fun catching Remus up on his life and how things were going with Virgil and Janus. The later seemed to be staying out of trouble. Which had Virgil in an even better mood. He couldn’t tell Remus about Phantom though. He’d never had a secret for his brother before. It was kind of weird.
The day after the ‘Iris incident’, Virgil finally bit the bullet and added bi pride flags to his locker and backpack to come out fully.
And it paid off. Carlton, the boy that sat behind them during science last year, asked Virgil out, and not only did Virgil agree, next Roman heard, they were dating.
It broke his heart, but Virgil seemed so happy, it seemed worth it.
And they were kind of cute together. Carlton adored Virgil and Virgil found Carlton adorable.
So Roman let go of his envy and tried his best to be happy for his friend.
He was relieved that Virgil didn’t invite him to their study session though. Which this weekend, the last weekend of September, was held at Virgil’s house.
“Ah, Roman. Good to see you in less stressful circumstances.”
Mr. Anker was every bit as calm and professional as he’d been the last time he and Roman spoke. Not counting his initial paternal freak out that is. And Roman wasn’t sure if he’d consider this less stressful. Personally, he felt like he was dying.
“Hello Mr. Anker,” he greeted nervously.
“We’ll be in my room,” Virgil told his father as he grabbed Roman by the arm and led him up the stairs.
Virgil’s room was both what Roman expected and very surprising.
Band and spooky Disney posters, check, dark color pallet, check, sketches taped to the wall, check.
He had not expected the mannequin with a stellar Dracula costume on it, or the sewing kit and fabrics surrounding it. Or the big mirror hanging on the wall by the desk making it a DIY vanity. There stood a make-up bag next to the desk. But most interestingly there was an old, well-loved stitch plushy wearing a lilac cape on one of the shelves. It had mismatched ears and the color and fluffiness had faded over time.
“I thought you said Black Cauldron was your favorite?” Roman smirked as he nodded to the old toy.
Virgil shrugged as he packed up the fabrics and cleaned up his desk. They hadn’t planned to study here until about half an hour ago. The library had been closed and Virgil’s house was closest by.
“Well… Yeah, but little me loved Lilo and Stitch,” he informed him.
“It is a lovely movie,” Roman mused as he turned to the costume.
“Halloween?” he guessed.
Virgil smirked. “My favorite holiday. This is actually my costume from last year. I’m doing Frankenstein’s monster for the trick or treaters this year. But I thought… I mean you’ll probably do some different costume this year, so it wouldn’t work. But last year I was too nervous about showing this costume off at school. So… Maybe the count can make a return to take the throne for the prince or whatever.” Virgil muttered dismissively.
Roman grinned. “Oh, the prince will be right beside him.” He studied the costume. He’d never seen Virgil in anything like this. He couldn’t wait. But… “Unless… You might want to coordinate with Carlton,” Roman mused. Virgil snorted. “We’ve been kind of together for a week, and technically we haven’t been on our first serious date yet. I think it’s a little soon for couple costumes,” he pointed out. “I like Carlton. He’s cute and I like being with him. But I have had crushes that lasted only a week before. This is the first time I’ve had one reciprocated though. So... I’ll give it a try,” Virgil shrugged, a little smile on his face.
Roman nodded. “Well… Shall we?” he suggested.
They spread out their stuff on the bed and they commenced studying. Virgil’s pronunciation was coming along very well, and Roman felt like he was actually getting better at Math. After an hour they went downstairs for a snack and to stretch their limbs a bit.
They came across Virgil’s father who went out for grocery shopping.
“Too bad Patton isn’t home today. He’d probably have baked us a whole cake,” Virgil chuckled fondly once his dad left. “You’ll like him, he’s the sweetest man in existence.”
“Well, I look forward to meeting him one day,” Roman replied as he looked around, munching on a banana as Virgil looked for something for them to drink.
There were plenty pictures on the wall of Virgil in various stages of growing up. Many of them he shared the frame with Janus. When Roman spotted what looked like a thanksgiving dinner picture, where Virgil and Logan were joined by not only Janus, but also two people he assumed were his parents, his heart dropped a little. He hadn’t realized just how hard taking a step back from his friend had been on Virgil until now.
He turned his gaze to some of the more recent pictures, where Virgil and his father were joined by another man. Patton, Roman assumed. He seemed nice… And familiar somehow…
“Here you go. One iced tea. Enjoy,” Virgil said, interrupting Roman’s thought process.
“Ah, gracias, buen senor,” he said as he took the drink.
“No hay problema?” Virgil replied a little uncertain.
“Excelente!” Roman praised as they sat down in the living room.
“About Halloween though. Do you think you can help me with my costume?” Roman asked.
Virgil’s eyes lit up and they started talking about the story Roman was thinking of telling and ways to convey it in the costume.
At some point Roman had gotten up, feeling the need to move around as they talked. And as he did so his gaze landed on a shelf. More precisely on something that was on display on that shelf alongside some family pictures. Crowded, almost hidden behind them.
“Ro?” Virgil wondered as he joined him.
Roman swallowed and looked back at Virgil. “I’m very sorry about that. I’m sure they were great people.”
Virgil frowned and looked at the shelf, his eyes drifting over the pictures and then over the triangular frame that contained the telltale folded flag. Something given to the families of servicemen and women that died in the line of duty.
Virgil picked up the frame and stared at it. “I… Never noticed this before…” he murmured, a slight choke to his voice.
Roman was at a loss for words. Virgil didn’t know. Oh, god. What should he do? He reached out carefully.
Just when he was about to ask if Virgil was okay with being hugged right now, Roman heard the door open. Virgil didn’t seem to react though.
“Virgil? I’m home! Virgil?” Roman looked back nervously. Mr. Anker stood in the doorway, eyes filling with sorrow as he put together what happened. “I… Didn’t know he didn’t know,” Roman said apologetically, hoping Mr. Anker wouldn’t be too upset with him.
Luckily the older man raised a hand in reassurance. “It is fine. If you don’t mind… I’d like to talk to my son please.”
Roman nodded. “Yes, I’ll go get my things. See you Monday Virgil?” he asked worriedly.
“Yeah, see ya later Roman,” Virgil whispered, tears evident in his voice.
When Roman got home he stared at his phone for a good thirty minutes before it went off.
It was his brother though.
“Romie! Good news. I’m coming home!”
And as worried as Roman was for Virgil, he couldn’t contain his elation at that reveal.
He and Remus spent a good hour plotting the best possible grand introduction and Roman couldn’t wait to share the plan with Virgil. But he would. Virgil would need his support first.
When Roman hung up, he saw that Virgil had texted him a while back.
“Srry for cutting study time short.”
He replied in a hurry. “No need to apologize! Are you okay?”
He saw his message was read within minutes. He felt bad, hoping that Virgil hadn’t been waiting for his reply.
“I will be. It’s a lot.” Almost immediately followed by, “My folks were pretty cool though.”
Roman didn’t even think before replying. “Of course they were. They were related to you.”
“Thanks. See you Monday?”
“Absolutely. Good luck on your date!” And Roman meant it. He wanted things to go well for Virgil. Especially after such a though day.
“Thnx”
And with that the conversation was finished up and Roman was left wondering what things would be like if he’d just asked Virgil out himself.

Chapter Text

When Roman spotted Virgil and Carlton walk up to the darker clad teen’s locker that Monday morning, he took a deep breath and focused with all his might on the good news. Not allowing even a faint trace of jealousy to taint this morning as he closed his own locker and walked over.
Virgil spotted him before he could even call out a greeting and smiled up at him, soothing the last bits of discontent from his mind. How could he be upset when Virgil was happy to see him?
“Hi Virgil! Hi Carlton!” he greeted with his most dazzling smile.
“Hi Ro!” Virgil replied, shining brightly with the glow of a first relationship. It was unfair that this made him more attractive. Roman was not a homewrecker, he would not give in to his lesser impulses. No matter how tempting they were at times.
“Hello Roman,” Carlton’s timid voice made Roman feel guilty. He was perhaps not as successful in hiding his true feelings as he’d like to be.
Carlton was kind, harmless and he seemed so terribly intimidated by his presence. Stepping just a bit closer to Virgil, holding his hand slightly tighter. Making his claim in the most subtle of ways.
At least subconsciously, Carlton knew what Roman’s heart longed for. And part of him might even believe he could take it. Roman was fairly sure that Virgil was not one to be easily charmed away from his partner though. There were two things Roman had known about Virgil for as long as he’d known him. He was brave and he was loyal.
“You two look lovely this morning as always!” he grinned, leaning against the lockers carelessly as Virgil got his things, trying to look and sound carefree and non-threatening.
This is a good morning, you have good news. He reminded himself. It helped.
“Thanks man. Looking good yourself. Had a fun weekend?” Virgil wondered as he checked his backpack.
Just the thought of all the scheming with his brother, and the kind people he helped on his patrol drove away all traces of his inner conflict. “You could definitely say that. How about you two? Had a good date?” he wondered politely.
Virgil shut his locker with a smile. “I sure think so,” he told Roman as he turned to Carlton. “See you later ok?” And then he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss to his temple, making Carlton’s skin redden at an almost alarming pace. “Y-yeah. See you…” and with that he rushed off, to his own locker.
Roman was quite surprised at the display. Up until now Virgil had only held Carlton’s hand, or thrown his arm around his shoulders at the most in public. This was a step up for certain.
“Stepping up the PDA? It must have gone really well,” Roman smirked curiously, genuinely happy for his friend, even if it stung.
“A gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell.” That reply surprised Roman. Did Virgil mean…? Had he given away his first kiss? He swallowed away the questions he didn’t truly want the answer to. Instead focusing on the question that had been on the back of his mind ever since he left the Anker residence on Friday.
“We’ll unpack that later. First… How about the other thing? I wasn’t sure if you’d told him yet so…”
he asked worriedly as they headed to homeroom.
“I didn’t, so thanks for that…” Virgil smiled appreciatively before letting out a long sigh.
“I’m good. My dad is more out of sorts about it than I am, honestly. I think he’s waiting for me to get mad or something. It’s a whole thing I don’t wanna unpack between classes, but I am… Good. It’s… Good.”
He watched closely as a small fond smile formed on Virgil’s face that warmed Roman’s heart. He was happy for Virgil that he got to learn about his parents.
After waiting for a moment to make sure Virgil’s feelings on the subject had no less than a warm afterglow he nodded satisfied. “Good to hear.”
Virgil smiled at him gratefully. “So. What’s up with you? What had you in such a good mood?”
Roman’s grin was almost painful now. “Can you make a second costume? Because… There’ll be two Castile’s attending school this year at Halloween,” he told him excitedly.
A moment passed and Virgil’s face lit up with excitement.
“You mean Remus is coming back?” he asked delighted. Roman nodded. “Keep it a secret though, we want it to be a big surprise. I’ll explain our plan later,” he whispered as they arrived in class.
Virgil was quite excited by the plan and saw no issue with the extra work Roman asked off him. He had more issue with Roman wanting to pay for his skill and time on top of the needed materials.
It was no matter, he would be paid.
Roman’s parents wanted to visit Remus on Friday, so he had to move studying with Virgil to Saturday. Hearing his request, Virgil’s immediate reaction was planning a date with Carlton on Friday and wishing him a very nice visit.
Which stung, a little. As did every time Virgil gave Carlton a kiss. He never kissed him on the lips in public, but that made the brief little pecks to face all the more endearing to Roman.
He tried to focus on the things he had to look forward to. Seeing Remus, patrol and training with Phantom.
His friends weren’t making it easy though. They’d been very worried about how he was doing ever since Virgil first brought Carlton over to their table, asking if it was okay for him to join them.
He didn’t want to talk about it and his friends let him be. He hoped that this jealousy would blow over fast. He wanted to just be happy for his friend. He and Carlton looked adorable together. And Virgil was clearly happy. He felt terrible for being upset at the situation.
When they visited Remus on Friday he confided in him.
“Well of course you feel terrible. Serves you right. You wussed out and now you are being punished for waiting. Pining for however long this little romance lasts. And no, I won’t tell you what he told me about anything. Unless you want me to tell him you’ve been daydreaming about him since middle school.”
“I have not!” Roman protested.
“You didn’t know it, but you were totally crushing on him bro.” Remus scoffed before making a mocking imitation of his voice. “Virgil is so cool! I wish he’d come over and talk to me sometime. How can I get him to pay attention to me? Do you think he ever thinks about me?”
Roman flushed. “I… I wasn’t that bad,” he muttered.
“Maybe. Point is, I knew you wanted V before you knew you wanted guys,” Remus said dismissively.
“And this Carlton doesn’t sound like V’s kind of guy at all. He needs a partner not a fanboy,” he concluded.
That… Made Roman feel quite a bit better.
After dinner Roman was about to go out on the street when he got a call from hell.
“I told you no refund on the soul,” he greeted with a chuckle.
“Dang it. It’s such a pain though! It will not shut up!” Virgil shot back.
“Hi Virgil. What brings about the call? Are you back from your date already?” Roman had assumed he wouldn’t hear from Virgil until later tonight. It was Friday after all. No reason to be home early.
“Well… That’s why I called.” Virgil’s voice became nervous, setting Roman on edge. That couldn’t be good. “I didn’t want you to hear about it some other way. Don’t freak out. I’m fine.” A warning like that was helpful, but it also meant that he could very well not have been fine.
“A driver lost control of her vehicle and me and Carlton were nearby. We got out of the way on time, but it was a big thing because that new hero was there to save the day, so there. You might see something about it on the news, and I wanted to tell you so you wouldn’t think I was dying in the hospital or something. I promise I don’t even have a bruise.”
Roman took a deep breath. There was no use in fretting over him now. He was okay. “Well I’m glad our new hero was in the right place at the right time,” he told him sincerely.
“Yeah… Hey, how were things with Remus?” It was a very obvious change of subject, so it was not hard to take a hint. “You know. Unusual, which is usual for him. He can’t wait to play our prank though,” Roman grinned. “I can’t wait,” Virgil told him. Even over the phone, Roman could tell that he wasn’t quite as enthusiastic as he normally would be. He needed a rest, and Roman needed to do a quick round and say hi to Phantom if he had the time. They’d have to keep training for Sunday.
“Hey, I have to go. See you tomorrow. Que tengas sueños agradables. Mi veliente amigo.”
“God… suenos is dreams… agradables, sounds like agreeable… Pleasant? Veliente… Like valiant… Pleasant dreams. Brave friend?” Virgil asked uncertainly.
“Bravo!” Roman exclaimed.
“We have to make a rule about doing pop quizzes first thing in the morning or right before bed. Goodnight Princey.” And then Virgil hung up. Roman took a mental note. It hadn’t been a pop quiz. He just felt like Spanish better expressed his intent when he bid Virgil farewell, paid him a complement or greeted him. Not that he’d say that to Virgil. If, one day, he found himself lucky enough to be the one who received Virgil’s affections, then he’d tell him. Until then, it was merely him being helpful.
It was a quiet night. Just some minor crimes and a few people who stopped him to get a picture.
He found one or two people who looked like they were lost and got them home.
He cheered up a sad young woman who looked like life was bringing her down lately.
He went to the rooftop where he and Phantom usually met. He looked around, trying to see if he was heading this way, or hiding somewhere. It appeared that he was not. They should agree on some sort of sign that they’d passed through, Roman realized. For all Phantom knew, Roman was abducted by the Collector... That thought made Roman imagine Phantom tied up in a lair somewhere. Getting coerced into betraying him.
No, that was not a good conclusion to jump to.
Leaving signs was a good idea though. He’d suggest it next time they’d meet.
When he got home, he considered seeing if he found anything about the car accident, but he decided against it. Seeing it in person would only upset him.
The next day he met Virgil at the library.
“… I suppose you want to know what that whole thing of last week was about now,” Virgil said as they settled into their booth.
“Only if you want to share. It’s really none of my business,” Roman assured him. He did not want to be nosy. But he was very curious.
“Thanks. But I kinda want to talk about them some more. I feel like I have almost years worth of talking about them to catch up to. Cause… I didn’t even really think too much off being adopted until I was like… 12? Dad mentioned my birthparents every once in a while and I always knew and… Just one day… Anyway. My dad told me their story…”
And Virgil told Roman a magnificent tragedy of a young woman raising her brother and fighting for their futures. Falling in love with a young heir and healer. They formed a small family in spite of the forces working against them and got married. The heir felt called to war to bring healing and hope to those torn by tragedy. The woman staying behind with their unborn child.
He sacrificed his life for another, leaving the woman heartbroken and alone to care for their son. Years passed and the woman’s younger brother, a scholar now, returned with glad tidings. Seeing the state his sister and nephew were living in unleashed a righteous fury however and during the argument, the woman got a fright her heart could no longer bare, and she too fell.
“And that’s basically it,” Virgil finished, his eyes on his drawing he’d been working on during their conversation. Roman had his script in front of him but was not paying it any mind. He’d suspected that today would not be a very productive study session, so he brought his lines to do a brief run through with Virgil later, if they had the time.
“Wow…” he breathed, thoroughly impressed by the story. “You were right they sound pretty amazing,” he smiled.
“Yeah…” Virgil bit his lip as he paused for a moment before retrieving something from his backpack. Roman accepted the offered picture and studied it closely.
It probably spoke to how much attention he’d been paying to Virgil’s face that h immediately recognized which elements he’d inherited from which parent.
“You look like them,” he stated. “Like, I know people usually pick one. But you are a pretty good mix,” he explained as he returned the picture.
“Thanks.” Virgil said as he carefully tucked it back in between the pages of a book. “That means a lot actually.”
Roman smiled as he thought over the story again. “So… You don’t have to answer but… Is it weird knowing that your dad is kinda also your uncle… I mean I know he’s your dad. But that you are like related by blood.” From the way Virgil told it, that had been new information to him. But he felt like he sounded very rude, intrusive, in his curiosity.
Virgil chuckled in a way that had become comforting for Roman. It usually indicated that he’d been overly worried of coming across badly. “You are fine. And.. It kind of makes me happy? It’s… I don’t know. It shouldn’t be important. But it kind of is… I sound crazy,” Virgil sighed.
“No,” Roman disagreed automatically. “I don’t think so at least. I take a lot of pride in being a Castile. It shouldn’t matter maybe, but my lineage… Every part of it, is something I am proud off. And I think many of us are the same.
Like Stacey is super proud she can retrace some of her family to like the early 1800s. There is no one impressive there. But she is kinda stoked to know where at least one branch of her family tree comes from. People are really into those ancestry DNA test things for a reason right?” He hoped he was making some kind of sense.
Virgil nodded so he assumed he did. He was also not looking at him and biting the inside of his cheek. The subject was clearly over. “What are you making?” he wondered, jumping on the first topic that crossed his mind.
“My final grade project for this semester. It’s based around something my dad…” Virgil paused before clarifying in a soft voice: “Logan, wrote about my birthparents. It’s this really insightful piece about how everything he loved about his sister, my mom, got enhanced when she fell in love. Her laugh, her kindness, her wit and strength. I never thought my dad could write stuff like this. But I really think I can make something nice out of it.”
Roman considered that. He supposed that was true for him as well. Whenever he was around Virgil he found himself empowered in his strengths, more forgiving of his flaws. He’d become more of the best parts of himself due to their friendship. It wasn’t the first time he’d thought of the affect Virgil had on him as a person. And to know that, according to his dad, Virgil’s birthparents had had a similar effect on each other gave him a little bit of hope that made him sigh wistfully. “I suppose that is what love does,” he mused. “Lifts our spirits, shows us the best parts of ourselves and enhances them even more.”
Struck by inspiration he opened the notebook he’d brought along and started writing a poem on the progression of his feelings for Virgil over the years. It began sweet and oblivious, there was a moment of overwhelming realization of truth. Then a slow dance, a burst of brilliance, a period of longing. And then slowly rising hope. A daring attempt. An intervention of fate. Resignation, heartbreak. Sadness, but also joy in his happiness. Roman was hoping that this was not the end though. It was selfish of him. For if his prospects changed then that meant that Carlton’s heart would have to break. Still, he hoped. It’s not like he hadn’t tried to move on. He had tried to turn away his gaze from Virgil and open his mind to other possibilities… But there was no one at school who caught his eye. He had gotten so desperate that he’d flirted with Phantom. Who was fun and mysterious and cool. All things Roman liked. But he wasn’t Virgil.
Luckily Phantom seemed to not take his flirting serious and now it was part of them joking around with each other.
He looked up at the boy who had taken ownership of his heart without knowing or intending to. Virgil was deep in thought. Not very pleasant thoughts it seemed.
“What is on your mind?” he asked making Virgil look up at him, pulled out of his thoughts.
“Oh it is nothing… just… Carlton was really spooked by everything yesterday. I was thinking I should text him later, make sure he’s okay.”
Roman found it very sweet that Virgil was so concerned about Carlton. But honestly, he wished he’d care a little more about his own wellbeing.
“Are you okay?” he asked. “This would be your second close call in a pretty short time.”
The lamp incident was little over a month ago and Roman still had to reassure himself that it wouldn’t happen a second time before going into the cafeteria. He’d met with the school councilor about it. It helped a little, she gave him some tools to use that funnily enough, Virgil taught him on like expert level a few days later so he could help him with his anxiety if needed.
Virgil nodded. “Yeah…I guess handling my Anxiety on a day to day basis kinda helped me learn how not to dwell on it. Or maybe it’s not settled in yet. That’s TBD.” The first explanation sounded like it made sense. But Roman worried that it might be the latter.
It was clear they were pushing the line of comfortable again though.
“Hey wanna help me practice my lines?” he asked. Virgil smiled and nodded, and so the rest of their time flew by and before he knew it, Roman waved Virgil goodbye as they parted ways and headed home. Patrol was lonely nowadays. He still had someone on base ready to assist him over the com, but only if he asked for it.
And once again he didn’t find Phantom. Was he upset that they weren’t making a lot of progress on training? Had he decided to quit their friendship?
Or maybe he got the flu and couldn’t let him know. That was a possibility.
On Sunday, Roman visited his uncle at the local theatre. He liked standing on the bigger stage and practice his lines or just try his hand at some songs and scenes from other plays for practice.
When he packed up his stuff and went to tell his uncle he was leaving though he overheard him talk to a staff member. He sounded pretty upset.
“Tio Felipe? Cuál est la problema?” he wondered.
His uncle turned around. “Ah, Roman. Just some production issues. I have to find a new member for the costume design team. We just lost one of our senior members due to a dayjob related move,” he explained sadly.
Roman could think of someone. “Actually… I might know someone.” He felt kind of bad volunteering Virgil like this but it was too late to take anything back.
His uncle’s eyes widened in interest. “Go on.”
“Well… I’d have to ask. But… I don’t know if you paid attention to the costume I wore last summer play?” he tried.
“I did! Splendid work for a highschool budget!” his uncle nodded.
“Well… What if I could get you the designer of that costume?” Roman offered.
His uncle grinned and grabbed Roman’s shoulders. “Then I’d be a very happy man indeed! Have him bring over a portfolio. I wanna see that that costume wasn’t just a lucky shot,” he instructed as he walked away, already waving over someone else to discuss things with.
Roman hoped he could get Virgil involved in the community theater. Though he’d understand if he didn’t want all that extra work. Still, he might like having more projects to hone his skills with. So Roman would ask. As soon as he saw him on Monday.
That was the plan at least. But then he saw Virgil at his locker. Alone for the first time since he started going out with Carlton, and he looked upset.
Roman’s heart dropped as he walked over to Virgil and greeted him.
“Morning Virgil.” He noticed how Virgil was avoiding his eyes and holding onto his backpack a little tighter. He knew Roman knew something was up.
Better get straight to the point.
“Pardon me if I’m being too forward but… Where is Carlton?” he asked, trying to be as tactful as possible. Virgil looked down and took a deep breath before finally meeting his eyes.
“We broke up… It was mutual but…” There was a tremble in Virgil’s voice that stomped out any trace of relief or hope that Roman might’ve felt if he’d heard the news from a third party or even from Carlton. This was Virgil and Virgil needed his help.
So he put aside his desire to wrap Virgil in his arms and pledge his heart to him before someone new could beat him to it again. That was the opposite of what Virgil needed right now.
He made a grand gesture to halt Virgil’s explanation. Talking about it was clearly only aggravating the fresh wound the break up left. “Say no more! Meet me at my car after school. We shall have an adventure to ease your aching heart my noble knight!” he declared, going full ‘Princey’ for Virgil. It worked. Virgil still looked like he might be close to crying, but he was laughing.
“Ok. I’ll let my parents know. But you better get me home for dinner. It’s a school night after all.”
Hearing some of Virgil’s normal teasing shine through his solemn mood filled Roman’s entire being with warmth and pride. He’d done it. He’d managed to keep the clouds that darkened his friend’s day at bay. So he pressed on with his most elegant bow. “Prince’s honor!” he vowed, in a voice more fit for the theatre. And the chuckle this brought forth was more rewarding than a standing ovation of a packed theater ever could hope to be.
“You are too much sometimes Princey…” Virgil said, almost back to his normal self, before adding in a softer voice: “Thanks.”
Virgil was a little more quiet than Roman was used to that day, but he’d let him process his emotions however he needed. He let his friends know to leave Virgil be that day.
“So they broke up?” André asked after Virgil left for gym. Roman sighed. He knew they’d want to talk about it at some point. He supposed he should be grateful that they’d waited until Virgil was well out of earshot.
“They did,” he nodded.
“So… What are you going to do?” Clara asked.
“I am going to help him however he needs me to and not take advantage of his fragile state.” Roman sounded perhaps a bit harsher than he should, but he didn’t like the idea of pursuing Virgil when he was still raw from heartbreak. Especially since there was a very small, impatient, selfish part of him that wanted to do just that. The same part that had wanted to pursue him despite him being in a relationship the past two weeks.
But he’d ignored it then, and he would ignore it now. Instead he focused on making Virgil feel better. So when school was out, Roman led Virgil to his car in a hurry.
Once they got there he greeted Jessica at the front desk and he was given a key.
“You can just walk in here?” Virgil asked as Roman pulled him into the theater.
“You can if you are the director’s nephew and a junior member,” Roman singsonged. His uncle had had made him audition for most plays the past few years, though Roman had always been too busy with everything else going on in his life to actually take the parts he was offered. But maybe if they captured Collector in time… “I’m going to partake in the summer play,” he told Virgil. There. He had told someone the plan, now he couldn’t back out.
“Good on you man! Though I am going to critique your costume designer harshly.”
Roman fought back a flattered grin at that confession. Virgil had admitted to being a secret member of the costume department since freshman year. He had also informed him that he just so happened to have had a hand in each of his costumes since his first play. Not just the prince costume.
So Roman let himself think that Virgil wasn’t too eager to have some random stranger take over the job for a bigger stage. And he hoped that he would be happy to hear that he didn’t have to.
“You could be that designer? My uncle has a vacancy. If you give them a portfolio I’m sure they’ll give you a shot. And just think how great it’ll look on your application forms.” Okay he really wanted Virgil to keep designing his costumes. He was still on the school theater team, so he’d get to bond over that play with him. But… He wanted to grab every excuse he could have to spend time with him.
He was reminded of what Virgil said about feeling like he had to catch up on talking about his birthparents.
It was nothing close to that of course. But Roman did feel like catching up on lost time. Time they could’ve had if he’d known Virgil was friends with his brother.
He’d thought a lot about that. Remus bringing his two friends from school over. Him meeting Virgil in his home for the first time rather than on the school grounds while fighting off a bully.
Would their friendship have started differently? Would Virgil have inspired him the way he had?
Now, however, was not the time to think about all that.
“So. What brings us here?” Virgil asked, bringing Roman’s mind back to the task at hand. Cheering Virgil up.
“I’m using my access to this fine stage to let you let lose all that you are feeling!” He dragged Virgil onto the stage, very proud of his plan. Vent art was an excellent way to sort through feelings. Vent acting worked the same. He was confident he could guide Virgil in a manner that would aid him.
He looked through his backpack. He had used his speaker the other day… There!
“I knew I’d left it in here!” he grinned brightly as he brought out the bluetooth speaker. He got everything set up and pulled up his playlists. “Okay, so are you in the mood for something sad, something happy, angry?” he asked. He needed to know if Virgil wanted to delve into his emotions or throw his heart and mind into a completely different direction.
“Do you have something to get me pumped up? Not happy, but ready to kick butt?” he wondered. Roman nodded, he did have a hype playlist he used if he dreaded a test or something of the like. He’d played it on the first day, when he was pumping himself up to ask Virgil out. Hopefully it would serve Virgil better than it did him that day. “Excellent choice. This will be background ambience for now. First. Some warm up.”
Roman first helped Virgil explore his excitement. A simple crescendo exercise. Take a mundane sentence and an emotion and outdo one another in said emotion.
Then he did the phantom adventure. It could serve well to teach actors to follow one another’s lead. And it was very funny to describe whatever ridiculous terrain you were imagining to one another.
Then, at last they got to dancing to the music. That wasn’t an exercise. But it was fun.
Most of the songs on Roman’s list were what Virgil had in mind. “Man out of you”, “Defying gravity”, those kind of songs. They grinned at each other as they stomped and jumped and reached and took defiant and confident stands. But this was Roman’s hype list. Which meant that there were the occasional duets in it that were also… romantically inclined. Virgil didn’t ask to skip them, so Roman didn’t. Still when he held Virgil in his arms during “bad idea”, he wanted so badly to act on his own very poor idea. He was relieved when the next song turned out to be “why should I worry”.
“Loathing”. Might not sound like it would be a good pick me up song or a love song when you read the premise. But Roman was not the only person on the planet who thought that the song could easily be interpreted as “crushing but in denial”. And there was something exhilarating in the way it was sung, how the music got you worked up. And the way Roman and Virgil spun around each other pulled and pushed back… God he wanted to just kiss him. But he didn’t, though he probably pushed the line, just a little.
In the end. Roman didn’t do anything stupid and Virgil looked in higher spirits when they left the theater. Roman was walking backwards, rambling on about theater to keep the lightness going. He blindly trusted Virgil to steer him away from any obstacles, didn’t question it when he sent him onto the street. From the corner of his eye he spotted some scaffolding. Yeah he never particularly liked walking underneath those things either.
Suddenly his rambling was put to a stop by a loud ‘creek’ and then a snap. Roman didn’t look up, didn’t think twice. He knew that sound came from right above them and that something was coming down. He pulled Virgil down and covered his friend’s body with his own as well as he could. Only after he’d secured Virgil beneath him did he put a firm barrier between him and the oncoming danger. There was another presence there. One foreign to him. He didn’t dare look up with his sight. He couldn’t risk losing focus even if there were two shields up. It felt like a strong shield. The energy itself was electric. It managed to drive his adrenaline up even more fueling his own shield in the process.
But then there was a loud blast and he heard pieces fall all around them, only a few minor scraps bounced off the shield. Barely enough for any onlooker to register that there was a shield to speak off.
“You two okay?” Roman finally looked up towards the strange voice and saw a young hero in full professional hero get up approach them in a hurry. He’d heard about the new hero of course, and not just from Virgil. But he’d had plenty on his mind and he’d figured that he’d meet him in due time.
Roman rose to his feet, gently helping Virgil up as well.
“Yes… I think so,” Roman said.
“Me too. Thanks for the assist,” Virgil nodded, much to Roman’s relief.
The hero seemed just as glad to hear this. “No problem,” he assured them before looking them up and down and giving them a wink as he turned to make his exit.
“Stay safe you two lovebirds. I’ll leave you to your date.”
And just like that, Roman’s heart stopped. Date? Did they look like a couple? Did that mean something?
“Um… You can let me go now.”
Roman snapped out of his gay panic and realized that he was still holding onto Virgil. One hand on his lower back while the other was holding onto his wrist.
“Oh… Yes.” He dropped his hold, feeling beyond embarrassed. “I apologize. I guess I… Forgot.”
No wonder a complete stranger realized what Roman’s feelings were at a glance. He was lucky Virgil wasn’t catching on at this rate. He shook his head as he recollected his thoughts.
First things first. Virgil.
“Are you sure you are alright?” he asked urgently. “That’s twice in what? Three days?” Roman felt his own close calls were stacking too high for his liking and his last incident was over a month ago.
“Well… Something close to 72 hours so yeah,” Virgil mused, not quite as alarmed as Roman felt he should be. Had it not settled in yet?
“Curious…” the off duty hero mused. He should probably find a way to discuss this with the team. Suspecting the collector was for some reason endangering Virgil’s life on purpose might be jumping to conclusions , but better safe than sorry right?
Right now though he should try his best to comfort Virgil a little.
“Let’s not dwell on it too much. We are both in good health. Let’s get you home okay?” he suggested. Virgil just smiled and nodded in agreement.
Roman hated that he didn’t know how to make him feel better right now. He wanted to, obviously. But any reassurance he could think of felt like lying. Because he wasn’t sure if it was a coincidence anymore. Maybe it was. But the possibility that it wasn’t plagued his mind.
So he used his GTH phone and called for a team meeting the next day, or that was the plan, but Manifestor beat him to it. Which didn’t bode well.
He kept a close eye on Virgil the next day. He seemed to be doing okay, for the most part.
He avoided looking at Carlton, who was avoiding looking at him. And he looked like he hadn’t slept too well. But other than that last night’s events didn’t seem to have worsened his mental state too much. Other than him being a bit jumpy around loud noises.
When Roman arrived at the headquarters that night, he really hoped that his worst suspicion would be proven incorrect… He had no such luck.
“Prince. I assume you have heard about the new hero?” Sweets asked calmly.
Roman glanced around the room. BS was leaning against the wall, looking very broody which was way out of character for him. And that was concerning. Manifestor meanwhile was standing next to Sweets, standing stiff, with his arms folded behind his back. Seeing him look so serious and formal was equally concerning.
“Did you call me here on a school night to introduce us? Don’t get me wrong, I’ll gladly meet with them, but couldn’t this wait until later?” he asked confused.
“They are not one of ours,” BS stated, sounding angry at that fact.
Roman could understand why. If he wasn’t one of theirs, but he had a full costume and a voice modulator and everything… “They’re sent by the Collector?” he realized.
“It would seem so. Now, we can’t assume anything. From what witness statements we got on them they seem sincere. They might not know they are being used. Or to what end.”
“Could he be trying to coax BS out of hiding? Or maybe he’s trying to get someone’s attention?”
Manifestor and Sweets exchanged a look.
“There is someone… Though it could be coincidence…” Sweets said slowly.
“Have you started briefing without me?” Roman looked up. Chief was here?
“Hello there Prince. How is Phantom?” she asked looking around. “If they were here they would probably not come out for you chief. Especially since I told them about Collector,” Roman stated.
Chief sighed. “It would be useful to cut out the middle man though,” she mused.
“Fine. So how are we doing on Serpentine?”
Roman looked at the chief in confusion. “It’s the nickname that’s been floating around. It’s catching on and saying ‘the new kid’ is just plain annoying. So we’re going with that. If that was all, did we tell Prince here about the kid yet?” she inquired.
“Kid?” Roman pressed.
“It might be coincidence. But over the last few days, Serpentine has been sighted saving one person twice. Other than that he has mostly apprehended criminals and done minor acts of public service.
This boy is the only one he’s personally saved. Once in a very public car accident that got him a lot of press. And then again, just last night. This time it was merely caught on a street camera.
We have not contacted the civilians involved. Until there is solid evidence that this boy is being targeted, we see no need to worry him.”
Roman was relieved that they’d figured out Virgil might be in danger as well.
“Do we know why Collector might be interested in this one guy?” Roman wondered.
“There are several theories. He could be connected to someone of interest to Collector, or maybe he thinks the boy has the potential for a strong gift. He is sixteen, the age at which gifts ordinarily show up,” Manifestor said.
Roman nodded. That all made sense. Though… “So he’s hoping he’ll expose himself or get triggered into using his gift if put in enough danger? But wouldn’t being saved be a bit counterproductive to that goal?”
Manifestor nodded. “You have a point. But don’t forget, he hopes to win me for his cause too. In which case he’d only need to make the boy desire a gift to protect himself and those around him.
After that, he can manipulate him to be whatever he needs him to be.”
Roman did not like any of what he was hearing. Though he was confident that Virgil would not be easily seduced by whatever proposal Collector threw his way. But he did not like that he or Serpentine were caught in this game. And that he was powerless to warn them.
“But the boy is not your mission Prince,” BS stated firmly as he pushed himself up from the wall and approached him. “You are to try and make contact with Serpentine. Figure out where he stands on Collector’s true motives. Offer him aid or bring him in as needed.”
Roman nodded. Serpentine might be in danger too, whether he knew it or not. And if it was to be Roman’s mission to save him he would try his best to do so.
He was certain that his team had good reasons not to contact Virgil right now and warn him that a crazy person might try to recruit him one of these days. And he wasn’t confident that he could tell him without scaring him.
He’d have to trust his team to know what was best in the long run.
Even if it was hard watching Virgil fidget and tense throughout the week.
His one consolation was that his friend’s heartache seemed to ease over time. There was a weight off his shoulders when he saw Virgil give Carlton a small wave as they passed in the halls and his laugh to return more and more every day.
Apparently he wasn’t the only one to notice Virgil’s mood was improving day by day.
“Why is everyone interested in guys at this school eyeing me to see if I’m up for my next date? You are cute and single? Why are you left alone?”
Roman felt a little happy that Virgil so openly called him cute. And as their friends launched into a debate on what made Roman harder to approach he just listened on in amusement.
It was true that he had not been approached by any hopeful suitors. The reason was unimportant. He would turn down every offer he was given, except for one. He didn't think
On Friday his director told him that Virgil had brought in his portfolio and that he would be introduced to the costume department over the weekend.
Roman was beyond proud and let him know as much during their study session.
And to Roman’s immense relief, he saw Phantom again during his patrol that night.
“Hey there charming.” It was interesting how such an objectively spooky voice could become a comforting sound if it belonged to a trusted ally. “Sorry I didn’t show up last week. Hope you weren’t too worried?” he checked casually. It almost sounded teasing even. But Roman was fairly sure that he was actually genuinely concerned.
“It is quite alright…” he knew that Phantom’s private life was none of his business even if he wanted to ask about it. And there were other, more pressing matters. “Have you heard about the snake hero?” he wondered.
Phantom shrugged casually. “Heard about him, seen him in action. What about it.” Roman filed that away for later, though he wondered, was that what he'd felt that day? Had Phantom protected them before Serpentine stepped in…? Not important right now.
He looked at Phantom as serious as he could to make sure his words landed. “Me too. The thing is… He’s not GTH trained. We worry that…”
“Collector has his claws on him?” Phantom finished, clearly upset by this reveal. Roman could understand that. This whole situation made Collector feel a lot more real. Up until now, he’d been like the boogieman. A story that had him on edge but didn’t consume his every waking hour. Now he knew someone he cared about was on a crazy man’s radar.
He collected himself. He had to make sure that Phantom was properly informed.
“We aren’t sure if he is being forced, tricked or if he is aiding him voluntarily. But considering the quality of his equipment… The chances are rather high that he is indeed in contact with him.”
He hated that things were so dire. He hated that he was about to ask what he was going to ask of his friend. But Virgil was possibly in danger. He had to.
“I’ve been tasked with figuring out more, I just, wanted to keep you in the loop. And if you were to spot him, and could follow him to get any kind of information… But your safety is priority. Don’t you dare get caught up in anything dangerous okay?” He would never forgive himself if Phantom got hurt trying to help him out with his mission.
A distorted chuckle soothed his conscious a bit. “Aaaw you do care,” Phantom teased, breaking the tension of the situation.
“You know I do,” Prince admitted. And with that they both let the subject rest and talked a bit about their patrols, a way to communicate and maybe meeting up more often. Sadly, Phantom couldn’t get away very easily. Protective parents. Which was why he never went to the GTH with his gift before. He feared they’d be against him doing this.
Which was the most personal Phantom ever was about his family life.
Roman went home that night feeling a little bit better to know that there was one more person helping him save Serpentine and protect Virgil.
Speaking off, slowly but surely Virgil’s tension seemed to subside. Though Roman wasn’t sure if he was actually less scared or just got better at hiding it.
He made sure Virgil got home safely every evening. If not as Roman, then as Prince, following him or his bus as needed. Luckily Virgil let him give him rides most of the time. Only exceptions being if Virgil was staying late to work in the art studio. Which gave Roman plenty of time to drop of his car, change and run back. He scanned the surroundings constantly with bated breath, trying to spot the yellow and black hero. He had no such luck. But at least Virgil was safe.
One of the occasions where he chaperoned Virgil without the boy’s knowledge, a week after the last incident, he spotted him walk out of the building with Iris. She was clearly of the opinion that Virgil had been single for long enough to try flirting with him again if her body language was anything to go by. Roman turned away and hid himself a bit better on the roof he was perched on to avoid being spotted and to respect their privacy. He could hear their voices but not what was said. Then there was a pause. A pause that took way too long. Had they said their goodbyes?
He risked a glance. They were standing by Iris’ car. Too close together. A hand on Iris’ shoulder, another on her waist. Iris’ hands on Virgil’s shoulders.
Roman’s heart clenched. Was he too late again?
Iris leaned in and Virgil stepped away, much to Roman’s relief. He had no clue what had happened just now. Why Virgil was now backing away while a second ago he seemed much more comfortable than Roman would’ve liked with the situation.
Moments later the two parted ways and Roman dreaded having to pretend he had no clue any of this, whatever it was, transpired.
Luckily he didn’t have to. “Don’t look now but Ramirez is looking this way,” Nico informed Virgil with a smirk. Virgil did look and gave her a wave and a wink, making her smile and nod her head. Her friends started whispering to her excitedly while Virgil turned back, a small smug smile on his fac.
“What did you do?” André asked with wide eyes.
“I… Fulfilled a request. Nothing more,” Virgil shrugged carelessly.
“You made out with Iris Ramirez?” Stacy gasped. Roman felt like dying. He’d been trying to convince himself that maybe they hadn’t actually kissed. That Virgil ended up rejecting her again and that was what he’d seen. But the look on Virgil’s face was undeniable. It didn’t explain what happened after Roman looked again though.
“Congrats man!” Nick cheered. “There’s a long list of lads and lasses that are super jel right now. Yours truly included,” he admitted.
“So? Which is better?” Fabio wondered, getting a jab in the ribs from Kelly.
Virgil chuckled. “Are you asking me to compare kissing Carlton to kissing Iris? You are aware that they are completely different people right? There is no comparing them,” he pointed out.
“So are you two…?” Clara asked carefully.
“Together? No. Iris wasn’t looking for a boyfriend, and she is very pretty and fun and everything… But I don’t see her as girlfriend material either. We’re just two consenting teens that kissed one time,” he shrugged. Roman was relieved. He was not ready to lose his shot again. But he wasn’t sure if now was the time to approach Virgil. Even if he assumed this meant that Virgil was ready to move on from Carlton, Roman had a lot on his mind. He wouldn’t make a very good boyfriend right now. And if he took his chance, he wanted to be sure he could do it right. No looming clouds over their heads.
Weeks passed and Roman saw Virgil’s nervous habits subside, though they did not disappear. Loud noises upset him. Open spaces unnerved him. And there was little Roman could do to help him with that other than to offer him his coping mechanisms when he spotted his tension rising. A fidgeting cube he now carried around, breathing exercises, softly singing a song he knew relaxed him. Little things but it was better than nothing.
He could see Virgil was getting frustrated with his own nervousness though.
“Are you sure? I don’t mind dropping you off. You know that right?” Roman verified for the sixth time. Virgil had turned down Romans ride after their study session. Today had been a particularly tense day and Virgil seemed on a mission to prove a point to himself.
“I know… I just would like to go home by myself. It’ll be fine,” he insisted.
Roman didn’t like this. Even at his fastest it would take a while to reach Virgil. Maybe he could skip on dropping his car off at home? Surely there would be a parking spot a few blocks down. No one was after Roman… Still, Phantom would be very upset with him if he found out he threw caution to the wind like this. And keeping his own secrets was part of the reason Phantom trusted him with his.
Roman swore to himself that Virgil would be alright for the little bit of time it would take him to get to him. “Okay, text me when you are home,” he insisted.
Virgil rolled his eyes and nodded. “Same, bye!” They waved at one another and Roman drove off. He pushed his luck a little with traffic rules, but he didn’t care. After five minutes he jumped out of his car and got himself changed while rushing through the house to the back yard. He had never ran so fast in his life. He sent the text and started to make his way back. He had his sight activated and looked for Virgil’s signature vibrant purple. He’d never studied it closely, but it looked very energized, like… Wait, static? There, very faintly on the edge of his peripheral. Roman would’ve almost missed it but something about it had almost called to him. And now he had spotted it it was impossible to ignore. Phantom? Why was his energy flaring? Was he in trouble? Reflexively Roman sent out a call to the cops as he darted closer and closer until he could hear what was going on in the alley ahead of him.
“Let go! You’ll regret this!” Roman’s heart turned to ice. The voice was distorted like Phantom’s, but Roman now had visual on the situation. A man was pushing a teen against the wall. A teen frantically fighting for his life. A teen with telltale purple hair and a patched hoody.
Roman jumped down, feeling fury overtake him. He wasn’t even going to dissect this right now.
“Indeed he will!” he growled as he gave the man a hit on the back of the head in the exact spot that would knock him out but not harm him unless he used excessive force. Which he didn’t. He didn’t even use any powers. He took the guy out with his gloved hand.
The man fell, releasing his hold on Virgil who was at danger of falling. Reflexively Roman steadied him. Virgil’s wide eyes met his. Recognition and relief washed over his face, though the traces of terror had not quite left yet.
“Everything alright?” he asked as soft as he could. Though the answer was quite clear.
A moment passed as his question registered. Virgil’s eyes slowly filled with tears until they spilled over and he buried his face into Roman’s chest. Gently Roman put his arms around the other teen’s shoulders in a protective embrace.
Virgil was in his arms, crying and shaking like a leaf. And Roman ached with regret. If this guy was sent by Collector… He looked around. There didn’t seem to be anyone close by.
“It’s okay. I’ve got you,” he vowed softly as he held Virgil. He heard the police arrive and was quite relieved. They’d have to take him in. As a licensed hero, Roman could make arrests like this. It was a privilege he could lose if he abused it. But since he hadn't made bogus arrests, Roman could be assured that the man would be detained and he could tell them his crime later. After he ensured that Virgil got home safely. “He won’t harm you,” he told his classmate, glaring at the unconscious man on the ground. The cops were approaching. Roman waited just long enough for them to see him before picking Virgil up and lifting the both of them onto the rooftop.
He put Virgil down and crouched in front of him. He hated to burden him more than he already was. But he had to know. “Phantom?” he asked, readying himself for the truth.
Virgil looked up, bloodshot eyes wide with shock. “How did you…” Then he shut his eyes forcefully as his own words registered. “Damn it!” he cursed frustrated. He looked away angrily. “Fine. You got me… You going to force me into the program now that you know I can’t handle a simple drunk?”
Roman was appalled that Virgil would feel he was at fault in any way in this situation.
“Hey, I would never betray our friendship like that, and I know you’ve been of your game lately…” Everything made much more sense now. Virgil had to know that there was a chance that Collector was intentionally targeting him. That explained why he’d been almost waiting for the next disaster to strike. If he had decided to go home alone tonight to try and catch Serpentine then Roman would be furious. Roman stopped that train of thought. He had to focus on the task at hand. He had half a mind of telling Virgil the truth about his identity, but Virgil didn’t look like he could take any sort of big reveals tonight. So Roman pretended he had no personal connection to Virgil. “You are the kid that was involved in that car accident aren’t you? That’s why you didn’t show up that weekend. Virgil was it?”
Virgil flinched at being recognized. “Yes… I’m sort of Dante as well. Might as well tell you all my secrets,” he muttered. Roman knew that… And realized he’d gushed about his mystery designer and his creation to Phantom. Phantom who he didn’t know was Virgil and thus the guy he was singing the praises off…
“… I… No we’ll talk about that later. You can’t distract me so easily. You are Phantom?” he reiterated, because that information was very much still sinking in. Virgil… All the times he’d snuck up on him. When he’d crashed into him because he seemed to come out of nowhere… That wasn’t him being unobservant. Virgil had made it hard to spot him on purpose.
“Yeah,” Virgil sighed with a resigned nod. Suddenly Roman realized Virgil’s hands were still trembling. What had he been thinking? There were much more urgent matters to deal with than Virgil’s secret vigilantism. Like getting him home and comfortable.
“You are shaking… We can talk about all this some other time. Take a break. I’ll take you home if that is okay with you?” He wanted to give Virgil the choice, but he didn’t think he could stand simply shadowing him. Virgil nodded, much to Roman’s relief.
At that point he heard a beep in his ear. Manifestor, who was on stand by for him tonight, was requesting to be contacted. Right. The police needed Roman to give a statement in order to hold that guy for actual questioning. “I… I’ll probably have to give a statement. I won’t say your name if you don’t want me to…” it would be harder to keep that guy locked up, but Virgil hated the attention when it was a freak accident. This was more targeted.
Virgil shook his head firmly. “I won’t make you lie to your team or the cops. Not again. I… Let them know. But I don’t think I want to give any statements. Not tonight.”
Roman nodded. He’d do his best to convince the police to wait until the morning at least.
He rose to his feet and called Manifestor. “Prince? You called in back up but didn’t report to law enforcement. They want to know why that guy was left behind unconscious.”
Roman wasn’t going to get into the details while Virgil was there. “Escorting victim to his home, I’ll be off the line for a bit.” He noticed the way Virgil cringed. Right. Virgil didn’t like being seen as weak. He had tried so hard to be strong. To be a protector instead of just another bully victim. Collector would pay for putting Virgil in this situation.
“So, you’re saying he attacked someone?” Manifestor verified.
“Yes sir. Civilian is a sixteen year old male. Name of Virgil. Virgil Anker.” He’d tell Virgil how he knew his last name when they talked later. "He is in good health,” physically at least, “but wishes not to give any statement as off this moment. I will contact you soon.” With that he ended the call and knelt back down.
“May I pick you up?” he asked gently. “Sorry for not asking earlier.” He knew that if Virgil had been on the verge of an attack, picking him up and flying off with him without warning would’ve been a very good way to trigger him. Luckily he hadn’t panicked.
Virgil gave him a mildly bemused smile. “S okay. And yeah you can.”
Roman wasted no time picking him up bridal style again and carrying him over the rooftops. Virgil didn’t question why he knew the way so easily. He would confess the reason later. He deserved to know. Soon they arrived at the front door and Roman put Virgil down.
“Goodnight Virgil. I regret that this is how I learned your name. I wish the happiest of dreams on you,” he bid with a bow before taking off. He’d stay nearby until Virgil’s parents got home. They often worked late. He kept an eye on his civilian phone, contemplating how long he should take before calling him. Texting Roman was probably the last thing on Virgil’s mind. But maybe talking with a friend could help. He heard a beep. A reminder that he had to make a different call.
“Manifestor,” he greeted. “Prince, the police want to inform the boy’s parents. They are currently at work and they don’t want to send a trauma counselor over to a minor unless the parents are present and somewhat informed.” Roman bit his lip. He knew Virgil would want to downplay what happened. But he could allow Virgil the freedom to decide how much his parents knew.
“It looked like a mugging in progress. I have not much information other than that the civilian was in distress and clearly under attack from the suspect,” he stated firmly. No one needed to know anything beyond that unless Virgil wanted them to.
“I am going to watch over the house until his parents arrive, just in case,” he informed Manifestor.
“Yes… Right… What am I going to tell them?” Roman frowned confused. The way Manifestor said it, it sounded more like he was thinking out loud. Still, Roman answered.
“I could contact them if you would be willing to let me?” he offered.
There was a pause. “No. No you have done your job Prince. I’ll do mine. Don’t worry. The parents will be home soon,” he assured him.
Roman was relieved honestly. He didn’t have the first clue how to tell Mr. Anker that his son was attacked.
“Alright.” He wanted to ask if he could observe the interrogation, but he could find no reasonable explanation so he simply said. “Keep me posted,” and hung up. Settling in with his civilian cellphone in hand, hoping Virgil would text soon so he had a reason to check up on him.

Chapter Text

It luckily wasn’t too long until a car pulled up in the driveway.
Roman hurried home, not even thinking about being spotted until he was only a few blocks away.
When he got there he hugged his parents in greeting. They’d put a plate aside for him as they hadn’t known he would be returning so soon.
He quickly ate his meal and excused himself to his room. Virgil hadn’t contacted him yet and Roman needed to know that he was okay.
So he called. Only when Virgil’s voice came through did he manage to breathe easy again.
“Hey Princey.” That being said, Roman was not fond of the hollowness in Virgil’s usual teasing greeting.
“I’m exceptionally glad to hear from you Rayo Marvellioso. Is everything alright?” he asked.
“I’m fine,” Virgil reassured him, the tension leaving his voice. “Sorry, I forgot to call…”
“That is quite alright Virgil. I was just… It felt like you were dealing with something and I wasn’t sure if you needed me to push or give you space… I’m sorry. But am I right to understand you are safely at home now?” he asked, not wanting to overwhelm Virgil with the guilt he felt for something he wasn’t supposed to know about.
“Yeah, I got home okay,” the edgy artist confirmed. Roman could feel him trying not to straight up lie to him and he appreciated it. Though he didn’t feel like he deserved it. “Listen I’m dead tired, is it okay if we talk tomorrow or something?” Virgil asked.
“Of course! Remus will be arriving Sunday, so my parents are of course fixing up some last minute details for his room. If I don’t pick up I am merely busy and will call you back as soon as I can,” he promised.
“Okay, thanks. Talk to you later Ro,” Virgil bid before hanging up.
Roman let himself fall into his bed and tried to process everything again.
Virgil was Phantom this entire time. It made a ridiculous amount of sense.
It explained why Roman trusted him implicitly the moment he met him. On some level he must’ve recognized Virgil’s energy in Phantom’s even if it was obscured.
Phantom’s absence right after the accident, Virgil’s habit of just, appearing next to him… It would also explain why Virgil’s wariness persisted even after a long period of relative peace. He knew he had reasons to be warry of his surroundings since Serpentine was connected to the Collector.
How long did he have his gift for? Thinking back… Was it the reason why Roman never found him on the playground in middle school? That would mean… That would mean Virgil had chosen to confront bullies even though he had nothing to fear of them if he didn’t want to.
Phantom had told him a lot about his power set, the different ways he could use his cloak and they’d tested out his shield. All of that could’ve made him more than bully proof. But instead he’d chosen to become a bully lightning rod.
He could barely wait to talk to him again and learn all about this new part of his crush and partner.
And he didn’t have to. When he neared Virgil’s neighborhood during his reconnaissance round the next day, he immediately saw Virgil’s energy flare like a beacon.
He hurried towards the source and found Phantom standing on a roof not two blocks away from his house. He hadn’t expected him out today. He had explicitly told him to take a break.
… But come to think of it, this was Virgil. He’d take a break if he felt like it. Evidently, he didn’t feel like it. And that worried Roman. Virgil had proven that he was capable of taking personal time when he needed it. After a night like last night, he needed it. That he was here at all must mean something serious was going on.
“Phantom? What is wrong?” he asked as he landed. Phantom was wearing his coat and dark clothing, his eyes were purple, but his cloak and facemask were down.
“The first time we met, in person, how did you know where I was?” the dark hero asked urgently.
Roman was taken aback for a moment. How to explain… Oh… Well…
“It’s probably easier if I show you? But you can’t freak out about it ok? I’m gonna need you to trust me,” he said.
Phantom nodded. “I have to trust you now, so might as well go all in,” he quipped nervously.
Roman chuckled and stepped forward. “Okay… First I want you to know that you are more than just a fellow hero to me. You’re my friend, and I’d never want to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. So you can tell me when I am crossing a line,” he told him.
Phantom hesitated for a moment and then nodded. “Okay…”
“I am going to pass something on to you, but the only way I know how for now is by getting close. Is that okay for you?” After yesterday he might not be okay with being close to other people right away.
“… Yes… Sure,” Phantom nodded.
Roman felt rather guilty over this situation. Virgil didn’t know that Prince had feelings for him. Would he still be okay with it if he knew that he’d been thinking about being close to him for years?
Still, if he wanted to help Virgil become stronger, he’d have to share his sight at some point.
Might as well be now.
“Okay, close your eyes for a second,” he instructed.
Phantom took a deep breath, and did as was asked of him.
Roman stepped forward and placed a soft kiss to Phantom’s cheek. Something light, brief, but he’d lie if he claimed it didn’t make his heart leap.
He stepped back. “Open them, and don’t worry. It’s fine,” he assured him.
Phantom opened his eyes and then took a step back, his face a picture of awe. Roman grinned, a little flattered by the reaction.
Phantom was speechless, he looked Roman over and then looked at himself. “So… This is how you found me…”
“I think you were nervous and amping up your cloak, but to me that was a fuzzy beacon. Like following feedback on a walkie talkie to find the source of the interference,” he explained.
Virgil nodded. “I see… This is pretty cool,” he said with an incredulous laugh.
“Well, yeah. I haven’t told the team yet. It’s tough to explain without demonstration and I rather get to the point where I can do it with a touch of my hand. But I figured it might help with your training if you could see what you are doing… Like check this out,” Roman made a platform for himself and had it take him up a foot and circle around Phantom once before putting him down.
“Less scary when you can see it right?” he grinned.
Phantom nodded. “Yeah. But classes will have to wait… I need to talk to your team,” he said decidedly.
Roman was surprised. “Really?”
“Prince… My cloak was on. Unless that guy was waiting for me at the library and kept an eye on me the entire way until I went into that alley, I shouldn’t have existed as far as he was concerned.”
Roman thought about that for a moment. “I see… So it’s official then huh?” he asked sadly.
Phantom nodded. “Collector is after my civilian self. For whatever reason.”
Roman frowned he’d wondered at that. “Well, he’s not wrong. You have pretty cool gifts. But he shouldn’t know that… Does your dad do anything that might…”
“Make me the leverage? I mean he does stuff for the university where the GTH is. So maybe… But wouldn’t he just kidnap me then?” Phantom countered.
Roman nodded, he had a point. Why go through all this fanfare when a single instance of Virgil being in danger would probably already be more than enough to get Mr. Anker to give up anything for his safety? So maybe Mr. Anker wasn’t the target. Maybe it really was Virgil… “Well, first things first.” He called into HQ and had them ping his team.
Roman was possibly more nervous about this thing than Phantom. His ninja friend had it all planned out.
They arrived first, despite Phantom slowing them down quite a bit.
His dark ally went to stand the corner to the right of the entrance while Roman paced the floor until the others got here.
“You okay Prince?” Phantom asked. Roman was strangely glad that Virgil didn’t use ‘Princey’ for the real Prince in his life. Virgil hadn’t even mentioned Prince to Roman unless prompted and yet he felt like he was in competition with himself all of a sudden. Probably because he felt like he was far more successful in being charming as Prince than as Roman.
“It feels… Official. This whole thing has been coming at us, slowly snowballing and hitting us a few times. But… It feels like we are at a turning point? I don’t know, it’s got me on edge though,” he confessed.
Before Phantom could reply the door opened. Roman looked up to find Manifestor, Sweets and BS walking in. All slightly alarmed at the emergency meeting.    
“Ah, there you all are. We’ll start once the chief is here I promise it’s important. It’s about the boy I saved. Virgil. He’s the one Collector seems interested in right?” he asked feeling a little weird talking like he had only a vague idea who Virgil was while he was in the room.
It was Sweets who answered. “That’s right sport. You did a great job saving him last night. I’m sure he and his family would like to thank you.”
Roman felt a blush creeping up his cheeks. “He did more than enough of that,” he said as he recalled holding Virgil close during their conversation, carrying him home… He’d been so frightened… “I still wish I’d been faster…” He found himself glancing at Phantom who shook his head firmly. Roman assumed it meant “Don’t you dare blame yourself.”
“Anyway. Any clue how far out chief is? We have some new information,” he insisted, wanting to get the meeting moving. Just then the doors opened again and Chief walked in. “Now that sounds interesting,” she said as she walked up to Roman’s team. “Lay it on us Prince.”
“Well…” Roman spotted Phantom slowly making his way towards the group. “Actually, I’m not the one who wanted to speak to you all,” he told them slowly to give Phantom time to get in position for his big entrance.
A second of stunned silence passed before Roman could see understanding wash over the faces. “Phantom has come out to say hi at last?” Chief Davies concluded.
“Hi,” Phantom greeted from his spot right behind BS.
Both the chief and the redeemed villain jumped in surprise by his sudden appearance. Sweets and Manifestor were too, but they reacted a lot calmer.
“So… Mrs. Chief ma’am… At last we meet I guess,” Phantom greeted. He wasn’t using his modifier as he was already going to use his cloak to obscure. It was an interesting experiment he’d come up with. Could he both draw everyone’s attention and make himself hard to recognize. He’d put on his face mask just in case. He didn’t want to give them his identity on a silver platter.
“Phantom! Good to meet you, sport!” Sweets greeted, always ready to make a new friend.
“Sup… Um… Sweets I guess?”
“Aw. Prince has been talking about us?” Sweets sounded happily surprised by that fact for some reason.
“Sure thing Dr. candycane. That dude’s Manifestor, and suit and shades over here is BS, BrainStorm I mean,” Phantom listed.
“What brings you here today Phantom?” BS interjected, apparently in a hurry to get things going.
“You can’t take your eyes off me can you?” And that was Roman’s cue to move. He didn’t need to hide. He just had to be anywhere else than where he stood before. He walked backwards to the wall and took about three steps to the left. That should be enough to test if Phantom’s cloak had the effect it was supposed to have. “Try it. Try looking away….” Phantom was clearly having fun with this. “Can’t do it. Can you? I’ll help. Dr. Sugar needs some attention. Why don’t you all look at him for a bit?” And at once everyone turns their head towards Sweets. Roman finds himself thinking that if Virgil wasn’t such a nice person, his gift could be used in so many bad ways… But the same goes for any gift he supposed. Even an empath can use their powers in a terrible way if they so choose. “Fascinating,” BS muttered.
“And here I thought you could make yourself invisible,” Chief piped in.
“Not in the slightest… Where is Prince?” Here it goes.
Everyone turned around to look where Roman stood a few minutes earlier. “He’s standing…” BS’ voice fell silent as he noticed that there was no hero standing behind him.
“Prince!?” Sweets called out. Everyone started looking around, trying to spot him in his very noticeable uniform. BS was much more methodical in his search, scanning the floor bit by bit, looking for Roman’s magnificent boots.
“You do realize he could be on the ceiling right teach?” Phantom pointed out, though this was not the case at the moment.
“But I do appreciate the effort. None of the others seem to have realized that without intense focus, you can’t look past my cloak. Do try though. I’m curious…” Now everyone was trying to carefully scan the room. Roman could see that BS and chief Davies’ gaze drifted over him several times. They looked so focused and determined… It was kinda funny. His laugh however, gave him away.
“You must’ve been the worst at hide and seek Charmless,” Phantom chuckled as he walked up to him. Roman could not suppress a pout. “I can’t help it. Chief and BS were looking right at me and they were so frustrated that they couldn’t find me. It’s kind of funny,” he pointed out as he walked forward to meet Phantom in the middle.
“I mean, you are not wrong,” Phantom allowed before getting serious. “Now we know for sure though…” Roman sobered up as well. Right. The reason why they were here.
Phantom turned to the team. “Prince told me about Collector and that snake dude…”
“Serpentine,” Chief Davies added.
“Serpent…” This for some reason seemed to throw Phantom off. Roman made a mental note to ask him about it later. The moment of confusion passed soon. “Right, them. Anyway, he also told me about the thing with the kid. I did research and figured out who the kid was. So… I figured if… Serpentine was often found close to this Virgil person, I just had to keep an eye on him. So I watched him and made sure he made it home okay when he traveled alone.
I was cloaking him last night… But that guy, still saw him. The only way he could’ve was if he was watching him leave the library when he came out and watched him every step of the way until he decided to take that short cut. He must’ve been looking for him specifically to come out of that door.
You’ve felt how strong my cloak has gotten. If Mr. big brain can’t see through it then some low life tug shouldn’t have been able to do so either. Unless he knew exactly where to look to see him.” Roman spotted the way Virgil was clenching and unclenching his hands. A sign that he was seriously nervous. Not wanting anyone else to pick up on it Roman butted in with what he hoped was some kind of comfort for Virgil.
“It’s thanks to Phantom that I found the boy in time. That thing they did where you couldn’t look away from them or Sweets for a bit? They used it on themself and they drew me to the fray.
Phantom would likely have jumped in themself if I hadn’t arrived when I did. They were pretty shaken that their cloak failed,” he explained.
Phantom subtly averted his gaze and cleared his throat. Roman recognized this. It was how he often responded to praise or complements. He was glad he’d managed to lift his spirits
“Anyway. I’m here to… Like become an official member. I wanna be able to call back up, practice my stuff somewhere other than the streets and maybe ask for some upgrades that’ll help me get around unseen… I am not telling you my name though. Not until Collector is put away. I’ve got people to protect. So if that’s a deal breaker then I’ll see myself out.”
Roman looked towards BS, hoping he’d accept.
A moment of silence passed, and then a nod. “That can be arranged. I imagine your parents would rather have you do this with back up. I have a costume ready for you, you may request adjustments as needed.” Roman tried not to show his excitement. He couldn’t believe BS had been preparing for Phantom to join all this time.
He sat back with Virgil’s coat while his partner, once he’d been reassured that it was all safe, tried on his new, very cool, costume and was told some of the basic bells and whistles BS had added to it. “And it’s not even my birthday.” Roman was glad that this introduction had gone so well. “So… When are you guys telling the kid he’s got to watch out for Collector?”
Roman frowned. Virgil already knew… Had Phantom decided that he would ask that if the guy in question wasn’t him? It was smart to keep in character. Roman had been calling Virgil Phantom in his head so long as he wore the uniform in order not to slip up.
“For the time being. We are not. I read the kid’s statement. He’s a spitfire. Telling him someone is trying to recruit him might put the overall mission at risk. He’d definitely try to play hero.” Chief answered. This surprised Roman. Sure she was right. Powers or none, the way Roman knew Virgil he’d one hundred percent expect him to try and take action.
“He has a right to know,” Phantom insisted, sounding upset. Roman couldn’t imagine having to hear a bunch of strangers go over your head on something that so clearly affected your life.
“He does,” BS agreed. “But it is more important that Collector gets stopped once and for all. I trust the chief’s assessment.” Yeah, that was about the cold blooded response Roman expected from his mentor. Though he knew him well enough to know that it came from a place of care, even if it didn’t seem like it to the untrained eye.
“Can I trust that you respect the decision of the team?”
Instead of answering Phantom turned to Roman. “What do you think?” he asked.
“Well…” Roman felt a bit awkward right now. He’d basically have to tell Virgil to his face whether or not he would leave him in the dark if he hadn’t been Phantom. “I would want to be told…” he started. Because he wanted Virgil to know that he understood his point. Of course you’d want to be told such things… But at the same time… “But I trust the team. BS is the smartest man in town. If he says that it’s better for everyone involved if this stays under wraps, then I’ll follow his lead.” It’s the best he could give him right now.
“Well, I guess I’ll go along with it. Under protest.” Roman hoped he was imagining the mild bite to Phantom’s tone. “See you guys later.” The newly recruited hero turned towards Roman and made a questioning gesture to which Roman promptly gave him back his coat.
“I’m coming with, I gotta finish patrol anyway,” he offered as Phantom shrugged on his coat while walking towards the exit. He didn’t want to say goodbye just yet. It was a mix of protectiveness and still getting used to two people he cared about being one person. “Sure.” His friend muttered a little tense.
It wasn’t until they were outside the building that Phantom relaxed a little.
“Let’s get outa here and talk for a sec before I head home,” he suggested.
Roman nodded and held out his hand. “May I?” he asked.
Phantom didn’t reply but gave him his hand. Roman laid a kiss to it and looked up curiously.
Phantom nodded. “I can see,” he informed him a little nervous.
Roman made a platform for both of them with plenty of space. “Hold on for a sec,” he advised. He was able to anticipate lift off, but Virgil wasn’t.
He was flattered by the amount of trust his partner showed in him when Phantom stepped up right next to Roman and grabbed hold of his arm, just enough to support himself.
Roman brought him to their usual hanging spot since he didn’t want to be seen too close to Virgil’s house twice in one night. Better not risk it.
“And this is your stop,” Roman informed him as they landed.
“Thanks,” Phantom said as he stepped away from him to give them both space.
“It didn’t last as long this time,” the dark guardian mused.
“Yeah… all I know is if I’m more vulnerable it lasts longer. Like physically and emotionally,” Roman explained with a shrug. He didn’t know why.
Phantom chuckled. “So… every time you kiss your partner they see in extra color for a few hours?” he teased.
Roman blushes. He hadn’t thought of that actually. “Well… I only do it when there is some kind of intent behind it. It’s not like I give people my sight every time I bump into them,”
Phantom chuckled. “That would give you away pretty easily,” he agreed.
“Speaking of… I wasn’t expecting to see you again so soon. I mean I get why… But um… What I wanted to ask… Are you okay? If that had been me I… I don’t even know how I would’ve responded. I don’t think I’d be out the day after for sure,” Roman confessed.
Phantom shrugged. “You probably wouldn’t have been caught in the first place,” he muttered.
Roman frowned. He almost moved to grab his partner by the shoulders to make him look at him but then remembered that that might be triggering after last night.
“I wouldn’t be so sure of that. Getting grabbed that way… I might’ve panicked. And when I panic I shut down completely. No thoughts.” He’d needed to retake a few tests due to this in the past. He hadn’t even remembered his own name. “You might not think I would because you’ve only seen me in situations when I feel prepared. I know what I’m running into when I do hero work. But if I’m walking down the street and something crazy happens… I can’t anticipate.”
When the scaffolding came down he should’ve gotten them both out of the way. He had several applications of his gift that could’ve done that. But all he’d been able to think of was shield Virgil with his body first and his gift second.
“If I had been there for that car crash… I wouldn’t have thought to push either of you out of the way. I know that much. You are much better at thinking on your feet than I am. Don’t sell yourself short. Okay?”
Roman couldn’t see Virgil’s face through Phantom’s mask, but he could swear that something in his eyes betrayed the presence of a smile.
“Thanks Prince… That… That means a lot. And also thank you for not ratting me out,” he told him.
Roman shrugged. “Hey it’s your choice who gets to know right?... Speaking of which… I guess it’s only fair…” He was so nervous about this, but also excited. He wondered how Virgil would react…
“No.” Phantom stated.
“Um… Sorry?” Roman asked baffled.
“You figured out who I was on your own. You don’t owe me your identity. I can’t spill a secret I don’t know. I don’t want to risk accidently saying your real name. You have reasons to stay anonymous for now I’m sure. So… I don’t wanna know.”
Roman was baffled by that. “But what if…”
“No. I don’t care if you are my bully, my best friend, my next door neighbor or the love of my life. Even if our civilian identities start dating or something I don’t want to know. The only reason you can tell me is if either of us is in more danger with me not knowing than if I get brought in the loop.”
Roman wasn’t a big fan. But he’d respect Phantom’s wishes. He’s had enough information come at him the last 24 hours.
“Very well. If you change your mind… I don’t want to keep any secrets from you. Not if I’m able to share them.” Speaking of secrets. “Which reminds me… I’m sorry if you felt like I didn’t have your back with the whole… You know… I swear that if I had reason to think that they are making a mistake… I trust them to have your best interest at heart. BS can seem pretty cold but in my experience he cares a lot. He knows how this whole thing works better than I do, so I want to trust his judgement on this…”
“Prince, you are rambling. I get it it’s cool. I trust your judgement too. I’m kinda glad that you didn’t play the rebellious teen card just because you thought that I wanted to hear that. And I’m glad that you tried to empathize with civilian me in front of them. You’ve got a mind of your own, I can see that. And who knows? I might’ve been happier if I’d been completely clueless. They are probably doing the best they can with the information they have... Listen. I better get home before my parents notice I’m missing. See ya later?”
Roman nodded. “Yeah. But don’t feel like you have to come out okay? Take it easy. You’ve got a team keeping you safe, I promise.”
Phantom sighed. “I don’t need it,” he muttered as he started walking away. Roman tried to think of something to say. Of course Virgil didn’t want to be a burden. That was a stupid thing to say. Before  Roman could say anything though Phantom paused and turned back slightly. “I could use a friend though. I can’t talk with anyone else about this… So I’d like to stay friends?”
Roman nodded firmly. “Of course! I told you. You are my friend. Knowing your name doesn’t change that. If me being worried about Collector hunting you made you think that, I’m sorry.”
Phantom chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck. “No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have doubted you. And don’t worry… I have an idea of how I can make him loose interest.”
That got Roman curious. “Oh? Care to share?” he wondered.
Phantom took of his mask, showing his smirk. “By opening the package.”
Before Roman could say or ask anything else, Virgil jumped off the edge, making his way down the fire escape from the sound of it.
Roman wasn’t going to chase after him to get more information tonight. He had a feeling he’d notice someday soon. Virgil would definitely let Prince into his joke, when he was good and ready.

Chapter Text

Virgil didn’t contact Roman the next day. Which told him he was avoiding having to talk about what happened. And though he wanted to respect his friend’s boundaries, if this was because he was trying to spare Roman or out of shame, he’d have to push.
In the meantime though. He had something else on his mind.
“Bro!!!!” Remus tackled him to the ground the moment he entered the house.
“You are so lucky I am used to catching myself,” Roman scolded him playfully.
“Gotta keep ya on ya toes. Mom and dad said I get my own room now!” Remus said.
“Well, we are a bit too old to share a bunk bed,” Roman reasoned.
“Which means we both might want guests over we want all to ourselves,” Remus grinned.
“Don’t want me to distract Virgie when you two finally start smooching.”
Roman pushed Remus off and got up to give himself a chance to hide his blush.
“You are a menace,” he sighed.
“Is V man cute nowadays? I haven’t seen him irl since before you got braces,” Remus pondered as Roman got his brother’s bags, glaring at his parents for just standing there all bemused and not doing anything. “I don’t know what you consider cute Remus,” he sighed as he walked up the stairs. He was not going to elaborate further with their parents within earshot.
“Come ooooon! You can tell me!” Remus whined. Roman kept his silence until they were in the room across the hall from Roman’s.
He put the bags down while Remus inspected his room approvingly. “An ant farm in the wall, neat,” He grinned. “They were worried you’d try to swallow the fish if they gave you an aquarium,” Roman said. “And if any of mine go missing I will make you pay Remus,” he warned.
“Relax Ro. I am a changed man… And I don’t like fish,” Remus admitted.
Roman chuckled. “Fair enough.”
“So Virgil… Hot or not?” Remus asked as he let himself drop into his bed.
Roman felt the heat rise to his cheeks. “Well… I mean obviously I think he’s… Very handsome,” he admitted finally. “He’s just… He has these adorable freckles and his eyes are this specific shade of gray, I swear it’s like silver sometimes. And even when he smirks he’s kinda soft…”
“None of that is hot. But you are clearly head over heels so he’s all yours,” Remus grinned.
“Why thank you. How generous,” Roman said, bowing dramatically.
“Can’t make the same promise for every other mascsexual at school with half a brain though,” Remus sing songed.
“What?” Roman asked.
“Not sure if it’s the right term. But you know someone attracted to masculine representing people,” Remus shrugged.
“Ah, that makes sense. And believe me, I know!” Roman groaned.
He’d been kind of relieved that no one’d had the bright idea to ask Virgil to the dance before their lunch table vowed to go as a group.
Remus cackled, but other than that let the subject go in favor of unpacking together and exploring the room a bit more. Remus was pretty pleased that he had been given a week to get used to the new environment. The people of the GTH had advised against overwhelming him.
Roman wasn’t sure if Remus could be overwhelmed. But, regardless, his brother would “test out” being around peers on Halloween and during the dance this week. Returning to school fulltime the week after. For now, Roman was still going in alone.
“Don’t forget to give V a big birthday smooch!” Remus reminded him when he left the house on Monday morning, Virgil’s gift tucked away safely. Roman would certainly not do that. He had other priorities. Like making sure he was okay.
“Morning Virgil,” he greeted when he found him at his locker.
“Hi,” Virgil replied with no trace of his usual flair, closing his locker and walking along with him to class. Even if Roman hadn’t had a clue, he would’ve spotted the tension radiating off of Virgil.
“Everything alright Virgil?” he wondered gently. “You sounded… Tense when you called Friday…” he told him.
Virgil sighed. “It’s… You aren’t allowed to blame yourself okay?” he warned in a hushed whisper.
“Something happened on your way back,” Roman stated. When Virgil kept looking at him firmly Roman sighed and nodded. “Alright. I won’t,” he promised.
Virgil held his gaze and nodded. “Okay. I took a shortcut and someone tried to rob me. But I’m ok. Dream Prince saved me,” Virgil rushed, still mindful of his volume.
Roman frowned and nodded. “Ok. I'm glad you are unharmed. Is there any way I can help you feel more comfortable?” he asked.
Virgil bit his lip and let out a sigh. “If it's no trouble…” he started slowly. “Is the offer for rides still open?” Roman nodded firmly. “Of course! I will gladly escort you wherever you go! Just say the word!” Roman grinned. “You know I’ll take any chance to make up for lost time,” he added with a wink.
Virgil looked down, hiding a small smile and… was that a blush?
During lunch Stacy and Fabio debated fiercely over whether or not certain characters in the book they were doing a presentation on could be considered queer in anyway. Fabio didn’t think the author would consciously work in representation like that, considering the time he lived in and the things that were known about him. Stacy argued, quite passionately, that the intent was irrelevant if people agreed that “it was kinda gay”.
Everyone else was wisely staying out of it. Though Roman was happily observing… Until he noticed something amiss. There was steam coming from Stacy’s orange juice.
Before he could warn her he saw her reach out for the glass. On impulse he pushed her hand out of the way, getting a spatter of boiling juice on the palm of his hand.
He barely flinched or Virgil, who’d been sketching besides him was already holding his wrist and gently pulling him to his feet.
“I’m so sorry, Roman are you ok?” Stacy pleaded upset.
“It’ll be ok Stacy. I’ll look after him. You’re fine,” Virgil assured her in a rush.
“Yes. I know you’d never hurt me on purpose Firefly. I’m in good hands,” Roman offered before he was dragged away, trying to ignore the burning in his palm.
Last year, their homeroom teacher had the ‘gift’ talk with them. They all knew some of their classmates would develop powers in the coming years, Roman hadn’t given it much thought until now.
Virgil rushed him to the bathroom where he held his hand under streaming water, staring at it intently. Roman was just about to lighten the mood with a joke when he felt a familiar energy seep over his hand. “Virgil…?” he wondered. He didn't need to fake astonishment. Surely Virgil had enough control over his gift to not use it by accident no matter how worried he was?
“I haven't told my parents about this yet.,” Virgil confirmed, not looking at him as he turned off the water and let go of Roman’s hand. The thespian flexed his hand experimentally. It didn't hurt, it wasn't red… not that he'd expected anything else. It was just marvelous to experience every time.
“Would you keep it a secret until I have?” he asked.
“I… Of course… Virgil… This is an amazing gift,” Roman whispered.
“Not really. I mean it’s useful I guess. But nothing big or fancy…”
Of course! Roman suddenly understood the plan. If Virgil was openly known for a gift then he would no longer be a blanc slate with infinite potential. An action figure that was already played with and had lost value as a collectible. Healing was wonderful and great. But not for someone who wants to take over the world.
“Agree to disagree. I always found subtle gifts quite charming,” he insisted. And it was true. He was amazed by all Virgil’s abilities, and all of them were more discrete than most.
Virgil definitely blushed at that.
“Well, now that I have you alone,” Roman said as he dug through his backpack with his perfectly healed hand. After a few moments he retrieved a carefully wrapped present. “Happy birthday,” he said as he handed it over. Virgil looked astonished as he accepted the package.
“Before you open it, Remus and my parents all chipped in, so it might seem like a bit much but this is three gifts in one,” Roman warned.
Virgil unwrapped the present and gasped. “I don’t believe it!” he gasped elated.
“I noticed yours is getting a bit too well loved so…”
The box was very fancy and held a stormcloud charm Virgil would hopefully notice later. But with it was a note that told him that by tomorrow a new mannequin as well as a few wigs, and prosthetic make up would be delivered to his home.
“Thanks Ro!” Virgil exclaimed as he embraced him. “I have been postponing getting a new one for ages, and the wigs and… Thank you. Thank you so much.” At last, Virgil released him. “And I’ll be sure to thank Remus and your parents when I see them, but will you tell them for me tonight?”
Roman nodded with a grin. “Gladly,” he bowed before leading Virgil outside so they could get to gym in a somewhat timely manner. He was pretty sure he’d heard the first bell already.
When they got there though, Stacy was pacing in their path.
“Stace?” Virgil called out surprised. Stacy looked up and hurried over. “Everything alright?” she wondered almost timidly.
Roman reassured her with a charming grin holding up his hand. “It’s fine Stacey. I wasn’t injured after all. I must’ve pulled away just in time. Virgil insisted on making sure though. I am sorry to have worried you.” It was a little lie to protect a secret Virgil wasn’t ready to tell. He didn’t feel too bad about it as it didn’t hurt Stacy. Even when she learned the truth, fact remained, Roman was okay. “Really?” Stacy asked as she inspected the hand closely. “I could’ve sworn…”
“Satisfied with your examination?” Roman teased.
Stacy let go and looked up at him, smiling relieved. “I’m glad you are okay. But I’m definitely telling my parents about this, like tonight, and I’m going to start training at the GTH as soon as I can,” she promised.
“I do look forward to seeing what you can accomplish in the future. Don’t worry about it okay? And if anyone gives you trouble…”
“Just give us their name,” Virgil piped in. And wasn’t that a wonderful thing? Them now official partners in a fight for justice both in and out of costume? Though Virgil didn’t know that yet. But maybe someday soon.
Stacy laughed. “Well, with you two on the case, I doubt anyone would dare even try,” she told them.
“I’ll be heading to class now.” And after exchanging a wave she was gone.
“We better hurry and get changed,” Virgil muttered nervously.
“Hey, I won’t look okay?” Roman assured him, guessing what had him so on edge. They were too late to change one after another. “I totally get not liking to change with others in the room. I always make sure not to look at anyone while changing since I don’t want others to be uncomfortable once they realize I’m gay. If you want I can take my uniform and change in the showers. Unless you’d rather go there…” He wasn’t sure what would make Virgil feel safer.
“Um… Thanks,” Virgil said, smiling in that awkward way he did when Roman rambled about anything that showed he cared about him.
“No problem. The last thing I’d ever want to do is make you uncomfortable,” Roman promised, realizing a little too late that that might be a little too similar to Prince’s reassurance of that weekend.
Virgil didn’t seem to notice though. The rest of the day went by like any other.
When Roman came home he found it nice to bicker with his brother at the dinner table once again. And he wasn’t the only one. He could see that even though they were trying to real them in, his parents were watching the whole thing fondly.
When Roman got to his locker the next day Virgil immediately let him know that the coast was clear on telling people about his gift. During lunch everyone was eager to ask Stacy about her gift and what her parents said. She had an appointment with the GTH over the weekend, and she was very excited to figure out what she could do. They all speculated on both silly and serious applications of her presumed gift and had an all-around good time.
Then at last, Halloween arrived. Roman was up bright and early, making sure he was ready by the time Virgil was scheduled to be over. He also made sure Remus was ready to greet their guest when he arrived. Which came to bite him in the behind, of course.
“Just remember not to overwhelm him Remus. Okay?” Roman insisted, not for the first time, when they heard the car pull up in front of the house, prompting Remus to take off so fast that Roman was taken back for a moment. He supposed Remus was excited to see his friend again.
When he came out after his brother, he first spotted the car and Virgil’s parents getting out, and then he saw Virgil on the floor with Remus pinning him down.
Virgil was showing all the little tells of fighting off a panic attack, though he was trying to mask it with annoyance.
“Virgil are you okay?!” he called out along Virgil’s parents as he ran towards them. “Remus get off him now!” he demanded firmly.
Remus looked up with a glint in his eyes that made Roman narrow his to show that this was no joking matter. Remus cast his eyes up and got off Virgil who sat up and ran a hand through his hair with a disgruntled frown.
Roman walked over and offered Virgil his hand. “I’m so sorry,” he said as he pulled him up.
“It’s okay Princey. I kinda saw it coming,” The young artist assured him while dusting off his clothes.
“I’m fine,” he told his parents who were looking at the three of them worriedly. “Thanks for the ride,” Virgil said as he retrieved his schoolbag, a messenger bag and three hangers that held their costumes covered with black garment film. Clearly Virgil wanted to keep them in suspense.
“Good luck at work,” he said while handing Roman the hangers.
“Okay, have fun,” Mr. Anker nodded, rather reluctant. Roman couldn’t blame him. He had no reason to think that Remus would behave himself.
“We’ll see you tonight kiddo!” Virgil’s other dad, Patton, waved happily before getting in the car and leaving. “Patton seems nice,” Roman observed.
“He is,” Virgil nodded with a soft smile.
“Hey, is it okay if I tell Remus… You know? Just so he doesn’t do that again,” Roman asked in a hushed tone. He had refrained from sharing any personal information on Virgil’s behalf. But Remus might need to be made aware of the reason for Virgil’s boundaries to keep him from dancing on that line. When Virgil sighed and nodded Roman turned to his brother furiously.
“What?” the chaotic neutral teen that somehow shared his DNA asked.
“Virgil has anxiety Remus. What you did could’ve triggered a panic attack. I told you not to overwhelm him. Did you think that I had no reason for that?” he demanded.
Remus clearly had no idea. “I thought you were being overly cautious about my extra making him change his mind about being buddies with you,” he explained before turning to Virgil. “I’m sorry V man,” he told him earnestly.
Virgil shrugged. “It’s fine. I just… Don’t make me feel like I’m stuck again okay? I can mostly handle sudden noises and stuff, but being trapped is tough to handle.” Roman felt like his heart got squeezed. He could understand why that was.
Remus nodded. “Okay! Don’t you worry V. This jackass doesn’t stumble twice on the same stone!”
Roman frowned in confusion, he’d never heard anyone say that. “What?”
“It’s a Dutch proverb,” Remus grinned proudly.
“Only you would learn foreign proverbs just for the sake of a lame joke like that,” Virgil chuckled with a shake of his head.
“Got you in a good mood didn’t it?” Remus pointed out. And Roman had to concede on that point. Still, they were on a schedule, so Roman had to move them along.
“Well. With that out of the way…” he stated, eyeing the costume bags.
Virgil noticed what had his attention and grinned. “Okay your majesty. Let’s get you two all prettied up,” he said as he made his way to the house. Roman stepped back to let him pass, giving Virgil the chance to lean in a little and whisper: “Not that you need much help.”
Roman’s heart leapt at that. Virgil just called him pretty. Remus walked past him with a big grin. He couldn’t have heard what Virgil said. But he could see that Roman was currently stuffed to the brim with butterflies. Wanting to avoid the teasing remarks he was sure would come his way, Roman hurried inside after Virgil, who he found being smothered in his parents’ hospitality.
It took one brief look at his brother to know that they were on the same page here.
“We got to go get ready if we want to get to school in time let’s go!” Roman declared as he pulled Virgil away from his parents and towards the stairs. Remus followed right behind them to cut off their path to him entirely. “Yeah, Lord knows Romano will need all the help he can get,” he cackled. Roman chose not to respond to that as he led Virgil to the guest room, where they had set up a comfortable working space.
“Alright,” Virgil said as he shrugged off his jacket, making Roman notice his necklace and the charm.
“Oh, you’re wearing it,” he noted with a smile.
“Yeah, of course. It’s really cool,” Virgil grinned carelessly. Remus of course had to contribute to the conversation.
“You mean the charm? The gift that’s just from you to him? That you picked out especially so he’d have something to remind him of you that he could wear every day,” Remus recounted with a feigned faint onto Roman, batting his eyes mockingly. “Quit it Remus,” Roman objected flustered as he stepped away from his brother, making him drop to the ground. “For your information. My therapist mentioned getting a talisman to me and I thought… I’d get Virgil one to remind him that there are people in his corner,” he explained a little embarrassed. It was supposed to work in a similar fashion as to how a favorite blanket or stuffed animal worked for kids. Something that could ground you and make you feel a little more protected. Roman had chosen a storm cloud because it reminded him of Virgil. Brilliant and fierce.
“Since when do you go to therapy?” Remus asked with a snort.
“I went a few times after nearly being crushed. Sue me,” Roman reminded him a little annoyed. He knew Remus didn’t really mean it in a bad way. He’d tease him even if he got an Oscar. But especially with Virgil around, Roman didn’t appreciate the joke.
“Not cool Remus. There’s enough taboo over getting help when you need it,” Virgil told Remus, not looking up from setting up his station. Remus flinched as he realized that he hadn’t just pushed a line, but had leapt right over it.
“Dang it. No I didn’t mean it like that V. Sorry Ro. You know I don’t mean anything by it right?”
“Yeah, I know. I don’t mind. But seriously. Don’t say stuff like that. I’ve got multiple friends who have been and are going to therapy for various reasons. And they never had a chance to get to know you in the past, so they won’t be as understanding as us,” Roman explained while looking at the bags holding their costumes, trying to hide any trace of Remus’ words hitting him in the wrong way.
“The one with the red tag is yours, Ro. Remus, you’re green, Virgil informed them. “Get changed I’ll be ready to do my thing when you get back.”
Roman didn’t need to be told twice. He picked up the bag and hurried to his room changing into the white, torn up, red stained blouse and black pants. He paused for a moment to marvel at the black vest that could be turned inside out to make a black vest covered in red roses. If he recalled Remus’ would have vines on the inside. That way they could be easily told apart when the prank was done.
Roman hurried to the guest room, arriving alongside his brother. Of course.
When they got in they were met with Virgil who was fixing his vibrant hair in the mirror. His outfit matched with theirs, though his blouse was black and intact and his vest was purple with black spider webs and Roman spotted a black cape still on the hanger.
“Wow, Virgie. You clean up nice.” Remus took the words right out of Roman’s mouth. Or no. Roman would have used more elegant phrasing. But the sentiment was there.
“Thank you,” their stylist grinned as he slowly turned to show off the complete look. Roman tried not to stare too much.
“Now. Which one of you is going to sit down for torture first?” he smirked.
“Oh! Me! Me! Pick me!” And just like that, Remus was in the chair, not giving anyone else any choice in the matter.
Virgil chuckled. “Okay. Roman when I’m done with Remus’s foundation can you do your own? Save us all some time? I’ve done my own base at home, as you can see…”
“You mean you don’t naturally look like you died?” Remus cackled.
“I’d be very nice to me if I were you. I will decide over your first impression,” Virgil warned.
“Alright. Please make me pretty,” Remus relented.
Virgil chuckled and got started. “That might be a bit too much to ask from even me. I’m good, but not magic,” he told him.
“I’ve never seen you do anything quite this elaborate at school before,” Roman noted as he observed Virgil get to work. Virgil had tried out a few looks on him in preparation for today and the look he had settled on was a culmination of his favorite parts of each.
“Well, no. I never wear my best work out in public. I’m a bit too shy for that. But… It used to be a bonding thing between me and J. I’d do his hair and makeup and we talk about stupid stuff. He was a great challenge. His skin is so much more interesting to work with than mine. Once I camouflaged his birthmarks away for a day out. I thought it was a shame, but he’s always disliked them you know? And I wanted him to feel comfortable in his own skin for once. I don’t think I’ve seen him that happy since,” Virgil recounted before tossing Roman the foundation, which he deftly caught. He liked that Virgil so easily opened up to him. And he was now kind of curious to get to know that side of Bullard. From the sound of it, they might actually get along.
Roman focused intently on his foundation, mostly ignoring the bantering in the background in order to get a perfect base for Virgil to work with.
“And done.” That announcement pulled Roman’s attention away from his final inspection.
“Now don’t mess it up or I will skin you alive,” he warned.
“Ooooh, promise?” Remus grinned.
“Out of my chair gremlin,” Virgil instructed without missing a beat. “I still need to touch up Roman and put on my own stuff.”
Accepting that he’d failed to provoke, Remus left the chair, allowing Roman to take his place.
Roman was quite glad that Virgil could handle Remus so easily. It had been a worry of his, that the people he cared about might have a hard time with his brother’s antics. Virgil had already shown that it was possible for people outside the family to learn to appreciate Remus, which was yet another reason to like him.
Then he registered Virgil’s focused expression and felt his hand direct his face so he could study every angle. Right. They’d done this before. He could handle this.
“You did a good job,” Virgil concluded after a few moments.
“Thank you,” Roman said pleasantly, managing to relax.
“Don’t worry. You don’t need nearly as much work as that trash man over there. The wing will be the hardest part,” Virgil assured him as he picked out his tools.
“Close your eyes,” he instructed, and Roman obeyed.
A few minutes passed with Virgil softly instructing Roman and Roman trying to remain relaxed.
“And you are done. Go check yourself out while I fix this mess,” Virgil  said gesturing to himself. Roman understood that Virgil had a tendency for self-depreciating humor. But he was not going to let him get away with that. “Well you’ll be done soon then,” he teased before heading for the mirror. He looked great, he hoped he would be able to mimic the look on Friday for the dance.
Thinking about that would only make him more nervous so Roman focused on memorizing the shape of the red liner and the shading of the sunset colored eyeshadow. He’d probably choose a lighter shade of red for his lips. But for today it was perfect.
“Alight,” Virgil announced as he got up, looking both famished and dead.
“Let’s get this show on the road.”
Roman drove them to a spot near the school where they dropped off Remus before going to the school themselves. They went about their day as usual, but soon people did double takes. Evidence that they had seen Remus walk about only moments before. It was quite amazing how Remus  managed to be nearby while never being in the same hallway.
On their part Roman and Virgil plotted and schemed, Roman allowing himself to take advantage of the flirty dynamic they’d established the year before. He couldn’t help it, Virgil looked especially handsome in his costume, and it wasn’t like he didn’t give as good as he got.
At lunch, it was time for the payoff. Virgil excused himself for a few minutes and didn’t enter the cafeteria until Roman and the others were already sitting at their table.
When Virgil made it halfway there, the doors burst open, revealing Remus.
“Stop! Step away from that inferior copy!” he exclaimed dramatically. Roman jumped up from his seat with a gasp. “You! What are you doing here?” he demanded.
“This is my kingdom brother! And the count is my treasured friend!” he retorted as he approached. Virgil made a wide gesture with his arm. “Silence!” he bellowed.
Roman and Remus immediately went quiet.
Virgil turned to Remus. “Lie at your own peril. Are you my prince?” he demanded.
Remus grinned and strutted forwards. Which Roman found offensive. He didn’t walk like that.
“Why my dearest parasite, can’t you tell?” he asked as he came to stand before him and reached out. Just when Roman got nervous about Remus going near Virgil like that, his brother was thrown to the floor. That wasn’t scripted, but it looked really good.
Virgil righted himself. “Your disguise is commendable, but I can tell that you are not the prince I have bound myself to,” he declared before turning briskly enough to make the cape flare and walking over to Roman who took his hand and pretended to place a kiss on it. He remembered Virgil’s joke and didn’t want to risk it just in case. Because now he was thinking about it and he didn’t really know how strong his intent needed to be for him to share. This was not the time and place to accidently out himself as DreamPrince to Virgil.
He righted himself and they climbed on top of the table, pulling Virgil along. “Foul creatures of this earth! Horrors and criptids of all kinds! Your future king and his right hand remain unconquered!”
he declared, followed by applause, even the seniors were enjoying the show.
Remus got up and bowed with them. “A special round of applause for my brother! Returned from his quest. Remus Castile everyone!” Roman anounced, prompting Remus to cackle and bow again.
“You good man? Sorry, kinda happened on instinct,” Virgil said as soon as they sat back down.
Remus shrugged carelessly, clearly aggravating what would be a nice bruise since he unsuccessfully tried to play off rubbing his shoulder. In Roman’s mind it was payback for his behavior that morning. “Nah man,” Remus assured Virgil. “It didn’t tickle, but it was pretty hot. I won’t complain.” Virgil rolled his eyes and moved his hand over Remus’ shoulders and up to the back of his head.
“How’s that?” he asked. Remus’ eyes went wide. “Dude! I feel like new. What the heckity?” Remus screeched. “I learned how to fix up people. Nothing more serious than scrapes and bruises though,” Virgil said casually, bringing his plan full circle. Rumor would spread. Assuming Collector kept tabs on his investments he’d know about Virgil’s gift soon.
“That is such a cool power!” Miguel exclaimed prompting the entire table to erupt in questions and praises, making Virgil look bashful which made Roman’s insides go to mush, which Remus found very entertaining.
Come Friday night Roman drove his car to the Anker home, flustered and with his brother in the seat next to him. “Relax bro. It’s not even a date,” Remus pointed out.
“Mom and dad kinda made me feel like it was. I mean I know it was because it’s your first dance, but with all those pictures and mama being… Well you know… It’s got me nervous…”
“Scared you won’t impress the in-laws?” Remus grinned. Roman glared at him before looking back to the road.
“Just enjoy yourself Ro. That’s what me and J are going to do… If I got him to come that is. He was very vague about it,” Remus pouted.
“And you are still not going to tell me anymore about your interactions with him than that?” Roman pressed.
“Nope,” Remus stated.
“I just want to know for Virgil’s sake. I think he is getting quite anxious to rekindle their friendship,” the red prince explained.
“I know Romie. But J isn’t so straightforward. So I can’t tell you cause I’m not sure either. Sorry,” Remus said, pretendeding to be annoyed and bored.
Just then Roman found himself arriving at the address.
He took a deep breath and got out. Remus had told him he should pick up Virgil alone, and Roman hadn’t argued. Patton was the one to open the door with a strangely familiar enthusiasm.
Before Roman knew what was going on he was put next to Virgil and told to smile for the camera. Virgil groaned and insisted that this was the last picture. It would seem that the Castiles weren’t the only parents who made a big production out of tonight.
As soon as the picture was taken Virgil led Roman outside. “You look really good by the way,” he said as soon as they were out of parental reach. “Well, you are absolutely to die for,” Roman joked, though he was serious. Tonight the count looked less gaunt. His lips blood red and the eyes framed by purple tints in a most pleasing way.
“Virgin!” Remus called out as he greeted them, leaning against the car.
“Remus, looking good as well,” he grinned.
“Well, you did a much better job, but we managed,” Roman told him.
Virgil didn’t respond to that, looking away rather forcefully. Would Roman dare to steal a dance tonight? His main concern about dating Virgil was it interfering with his hero work. But Virgil was Phantom. And if it ever became a real issue, Virgil had told him he could tell him his identity if needed. Perhaps, if the moment felt right…
“Come on get in!” Remus cackled from the back seat. Which freed the seat next to Roman for Virgil. Sure Remus didn’t exactly allow them to forget he was there, but still. It made everything feel a little more like they were going as a pair. An illusion completely shattered when their group greeted them as they arrived, pulling them inside. “Come on Broodcula!” Roman grinned as he pulled him along.
The gym was decorated quite nicely. Their principal loved Halloween and it showed every single year. They got drinks and toasted to a gruesome night with loud cheers.
“So Virgil, are we going to see you dance tonight?” Kelly, dressed as a siren, wondered.
“We’ll see. If someone spiked the punch you might,” Virgil joked.
“Don’t underestimate us. We can be very persuasive,” Fabio the wolfman argued.
“And by us we mean Roman,” porcelain doll Clara specified, which Roman could only concede to with a humorous laugh.
“Ro, where did your brother go?” Virgil suddenly asked, sounding panicked. Roman shrugged, not worried at all. This was to be expected really. Had Virgil forgotten that?
“I’m sure he won’t remain hidden for long,” he smiled fondly.
Virgil kept looking around. “Virgil, relax. Everyone knows not to mess with him. We made that clear.” That was half the point of their show after all.
“What?” Virgil asked baffled.
“Didn’t you know?” Fabio, the zombie groom, said. “Everyone knows not to mess with the two of you, and after that show, everyone knows Remus is with you. So going after Remus would be social suicide,” he explained.
Virgil slowly relaxed at that. Just in time to. Monster mash started playing.
“Oh! Come on! Let’s dance!” Roman declared. Taking both his and Virgil’s drinks and putting them aside before pulling the count along to the dancefloor.
When Roman turned to Virgil he saw the nerves make way for a careful smile. Okay, he did put him on the spot, but if it got bad then Roman would just improvise and work around it. He’d make sure Virgil had a great time. He didn’t need to pull any grand gestures though. Soon Virgil was dancing right along with all of them, having a good time. When the song ended and everyone applauded each other Roman saw Virgil go still, eyes wide. He tried to see what he saw, but couldn’t spot anything of significance.
“I gotta do something real quick. I’ll be right back.” And then he took off. Roman had half a mind to go after him, but he had to respect Virgil’s boundaries. But what if…
“Yo bro! I can’t find my snake!” Remus exclaimed as he popped up beside Roman.
“By Hercules’ sword! Don’t do that Remus,” Roman hissed.
“Focus Bro. Missing snake,” Remus repeated.
“How would I know where Bullard is…” Unless. “I think he is talking with Virgil right now. Best not to disturb them in that case,” Roman guessed. That was a reasonable explanation for Virgil’s behavior. Roman hadn’t seen Bullard in homeroom all week and Virgil had been growing restless.
“Oh, ok. I’ll wait. But not too long. J should know better than to sneak of,” Remus pouted.
And so the two of them waited near the exit. Roman was worried though. What if Virgil thought he’d seen Serpentine? What if he was abducted right now and… Just then the doors opened and Virgil walked out. Looking a little dazed, but otherwise fine.
“Virgil, there you are… I was about to…” Roman was interrupted by his brother. “V you seen snakey?” Virgil pointed to the doors he’d just walked through, confirming what had drawn his attention and Remus took off.
“Okay… Are you alright? You look a little… Well you look more spooked than spooky,” Roman told him. Had they had a fight again?
“Um. Yeah, I’m fine. Just… That didn’t go how I expected. Not bad… But not…” Virgil seemed beyond confused to whatever just happened.
“Well, these things take time,” Roman offered, hoping to be helpful. “I’m sure Remus will do his best to assist. He is quite insistent he wants his squad of chaos back,” he assured him. “Let’s get ourselves some refreshments. The others are waiting for us,” he suggested, feeling that taking Virgil’s mind off of the situation might be best.
And it was. After a little while Virgil pulled himself away from whatever thoughts were consuming him and they had a grand time together. Roman didn’t get his dance with Virgil though.
And Remus was uncharacteristically quiet. When prodded after they dropped off  Virgil he simply said that he was bad at heart to hearts and needed some time to recharge.
“I understand that you can’t tell me everything that happened with Janus. But you know that I’m here if you need me right?”
That promise made Remus grin at him with a rare sort of soft fondness in his eyes.
“I know Romie. But I’m not the same as I was. I can look after myself, and I even can look after you guys. I promise I’m better.”
Roman stopped the car at that to look at him sternly. “Did someone tell you you weren’t amazing before? Because my brother is the wildest, most unstoppable force of nature the world has ever seen. Mere mortals wish they were on your level. I don’t always understand you Remus. And I might find some of your interests… Well gross. But never think that me protecting you, or being confused by your activities, is me wanting you to change. I love you Remus. Every last crazy inch of you. Now tell me their names,” he said firmly.
Remus started cackling. “Right back at ya bro. Never change.”
Roman held out his pinkie. “I’ll promise if you do,” he grinned.
Remus snorted and hooked his own in. “Promise,” they chorused as they shook on it.

Chapter Text

Roman woke up in a terrific mood honestly.
He’d had a lovely dream. He and Virgil were at the dance… Or a dance. Though they were just the two of them so maybe it was more accurate to say they were together and happened to be dancing. The important part was that he and Virgil were dancing and Roman made them a little private flying dancefloor and they danced between the stars. And dream him was definitely wearing a cape and dream Virgil was ridiculously handsome, though that was true for real Virgil too. But most importantly right before Roman woke up, Virgil reached up and pulled him down for a kiss. And it wasn’t the dumb dream thing where you woke up before the magic happened. Oh no. They were definitely kissing when Roman started waking up.
So this was why he was humming love songs as he collected a set of clothing and fed his fish wishing each of them a good morning before taking a shower. Soon making his way down for breakfast still whistling happy tunes.
Remus was already downstairs munching on his breakfast.
“Morning brother mine! What are your plans on this lovely day?” He asked as he joined his brother.
“Jan and I are going to hang out,” Remus said casually.
“Oh, that is good news! I’m glad you two hit it off again,” he said sincerely.
“You going to ‘study’ with Virgil?” his brother grinned mischievously.
“Why yes we are. I’ll be picking him up in  a little over an hour actually,” Roman smiled as he checked his watch.
Remus grinned knowingly at him but left him be for the rest of breakfast. On the subject of Virgil at least.
They joked back and forth a little about everything and nothing. Soon enough, they’d moved to Remus’ room by this point, Roman’s patrols came up. “Saw the schedule. You are out a lot,” Remus frowned.
“Well, yes… It’s sort of my choice… With Serpentine out there on his own, we are trying to get a hold of him. Help him out,” he admitted.
“Serpentine?” Right Remus wouldn’t have been paying attention to that.
“Another hero, but one that works alone despite being equipped with GTH tech…” he was not supposed to discuss this with anyone. But if he was at risk, so was his brother. “He might be sponsored by someone… He wants to lead some kind of revolution against non-gifted. So, be careful okay? If he or one of his lackeys happens to spot you using your gift, he’ll come after you. Me and the team are going to take care of this okay? But until we do, please?” he asked sincerely.
Remus looked at him for a long moment before grinning. “Aw, you care about me,” he teased.
“Remus,” Roman insisted.
“Okay okay, I’ll make sure not to be too noticeable. You got my pinky promise,” he allowed holding up his pinky finger which Roman shook. “I just… I should’ve been there for you before. Let me do it right now,” he pleaded again.
Remus rolled his eyes. “Shouldn’t you be picking up Virgil?” he reminded him.
Roman checked the time. He was right. “I mean it Remus. Have fun, but be careful okay?” he said. Remus nodded and with that Roman hurried to his car to pick Virgil up for their study session. On the way he wondered if he should suggest studying at his home next time. He could show Virgil around in his room. They could study on his bed. And maybe… Oh, nope, not going there. Attention on the road Castile.
Soon he arrived at the Anker home. He sprinted up the steps and knocked. Virgil opened the door and… He looked kind of odd. “Hi Virgil. Ready to go?” he asked. Virgil didn’t really reply. He just nodded vaguely and moved past him towards the car. What was going on? Roman followed after him and opened the passenger door for him when he stopped at the car.
He was still not looking at him, still not talking. Had he done something wrong?
Roman drove them to the library in silence, wondering what could possibly have happened.
Sure Virgil had been a little distracted at times last night. But they’d had a good night. He’d said so when Roman dropped him off. By the time they were making their way to the front steps of the library he was going mad with worry. He turned to his friend. “Hey are you mad at me or…” he noticed that Virgil’s eyes were unfocused. He’d been following him and stopped when he did, but he seemed unresponsive.
“Virgil…? Virgil!?” Roman said more insistent. Virgil’s head jerked up and he looked around bewildered. His expression confused. His breathing sped up. Oh god. He was having an attack.
“Deep breaths Virgil,” Roman said as calmly as he could manage. “Okay? Deep breaths and tell me five things you can see,” he instructed him softly, recalling the grounding exercise. That seemed appropriate when Virgil seemed to be at a complete loss. Virgil’s eyes darted around frantically, his breath barely stabilizing, definitely still too fast.
“The sidewalk, your shoes… My hoodie, that tree and um…” Scared grey eyes locked with Roman’s and he hoped his own were calm enough to be soothing. “Your eyes,” Virgil said, his voice soft and much calmer already. Much to Roman’s relief.
“Good. Now, if it’s alright please tell me four things you can feel,” he encouraged.
Virgil’s eyes closed. “My shoes… My pants… my hoodie… The wind…” Roman felt a hand grab his jacket tightly. Like a lifeline. “Your jacket,” Virgil breathed relieved.
“Excellent job. If you’d like to keep going I would like to know three things you can hear.”
Roman continued, feeling more and more confident in his actions as he noticed Virgil’s breath slowing down bit by bit.
“The ticking of the clock of the library… there’s a radio playing somewhere… And that was a dog barking,” Virgil said.
“We’re almost there. Two things you can smell.”
“Mostly your cologne,” Virgil smirked, getting his sense for humor and his knack for flustering Roman back. “And…” after a moments hesitation he brought up his hoodie sleeve to his nose and took a deep breath.
“Lavender. Patton always adds a little scent bag of it to the dryer.” There was a fond smile on his lips as he said this. Which was, as always, adorable.
“I will have to remember that trick. One thing you can taste?”
Virgil’s reply was immediate. “Mint toothpaste.”
He took a final deep breath and opened his eyes, looking sheepish. “Sorry about that. I… I don’t remember how I got here,” he admitted.
Roman nodded in understanding. That must’ve been pretty frightening. “It’s fine. I got your back,” he assured him. “Let’s get some studying done,” he suggested leading the way.
He didn’t bring the attack up again during their study session. Virgil rarely liked talking about hs struggles with his anxiety, so Roman wasn’t going to push. Besides it might be something he couldn’t tell Roman about in the first place. So they studied and checked each other’s assignments and quizzed each other until it was time for Virgil to go to his appointment. Roman dropped him off and headed home. Remus was apparently still with Janus. He showed up just in time for dinner, rushing back out right after with barely a goodbye.
“He has quite some time to catch up on when it comes to his friends,” his mother says gently, probably sensing Roman’s disappointment. She was right of course. They were together most of the week anyway. Remus absolutely should spend his free time reconnecting with his friend.
And besides. Roman didn’t have time to hang out tonight anyway. He had just received a notice that he was expected at the GTH for a briefing. So he had to hurry and see if Virgil was feeling up for going out tonight.
His heart leapt with relief when he saw a familiar dark figure looming on the rooftop.
“Phantom,” he greeted as he landed. “There is a briefing. You may come if you want.”
Virgil nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah… My dad told me he is linked to the GTH… And that Serpentine is not one of you guys… Or us, I should say now I guess…” Roman was indeed very excited to have Virgil consider himself part of the GTH with him. “They also mentioned I got a few good kicks in on that guy. So I suspect it’s going to be about any of the above.” There was tension in Virgil’s voice as he explained this. “I’ve been spacing out all day since they told me and I’m… I hate this,” he admitted, sounding defeated. Roman reached out and laid a hand on Virgil’s shoulder to offer some physical support. “Don’t worry. We’ll train together after the briefing,” he offered. “You’ll see you’ll feel better. No better way to vent frustrations than by taking down a few targets. Trust me.” He had experienced the therapeutic effect himself many times.
Virgil was not easily comforted. “But what if I space out on the job?”
“Well…” Roman thought about it. He thought about how he felt more confident in his flirting with Virgil when he was Prince rather than his civilian self. Maybe, hopefully, the mask would do something similar to Virgil’s state of mind. “Phantom isn’t in danger. Virgil is. Maye you’ll feel safer and more in control as Phantom?” he suggested. He was happy to see the dark stalker of the shadowsnod his understanding. Seemingly considering the idea at least. So he pressed on.
“Being a team means knowing each other’s strong points and weaknesses. I’ll never expect you to bail me out when I’m in a corner. That will never be your sole responsibility, so you need not worry,” he promised. He’d wanted Phantom as backup not because he wanted a safety net for when he screwed up, but because he wanted to protect people together.
“Now, we should be going,” he said as he readied their platform, feeling Virgil hold onto him once again. He would miss this once Virgil figured out how to use his powers to fly himself.
He made sure to keep them out of sight as he brought them to the back entrance to HQ.
When they walked out of the elevator, they were immediately greeted by BS.
“Ah, good you are both here.”
Phantom saluted the team. “Chief? Back again? Prince said your presence is a rare thing. If you don’t watch out I’ll start to feel special.” Roman glanced back at Virgil worriedly. He was clearly nervous about this whole thing.
“Well you are certainly a unique case,” Chief allowed. “And you left me waiting.”
Virgil shrugged. “Apologies ma’am. I’m used to working alone. I don’t like getting other’s involved any more than they need to be. Prince here is a stubborn one though. Hard to keep telling him no,” he admitted and Roman’s heart fluttered. He already knew that Virgil was not one to easily ask for help. But knowing that he might've been considering letting Prince in even before circumstances forced his hand… It was quite flattering.
“Well, I’ll gladly take that as a compliment,” he beamed before getting back on task. He wanted tonight to be about more than information they were both already aware off. Though he knows it could still be important. “Chief, what did you want to tell us? Phantom and I wanted to use the training ground for a bit today,” he grinned, excited to help Virgil grow stronger. To hopefully help him feel safer.
Chief Davies nodded. “Then I won’t keep you long.” She turned to the screen and clicked on a remote control. Realizing chief might show something Virgil would not want to be confronted with, Roman moved in his line of sight. Just in time to block the image of Virgil’s attacker and the many, many bruises and scratches Virgil had inflicted. Roman felt kind of proud. And a little jealous. He had been in a hurry, but he would’ve liked to give that guy at least one good kick before knocking him out.
“Oh, my…” Sweets muttered, taken aback.
“Someone gave him quite the trouble,” BS observed casually.
“Don’t look at me,” Roman said. “This was all Virgil I assume. Unless he gave one of your agents an excuse to teach him some manners?” he wondered, glancing at Chief Davies.
“No, though some were very eager for it,” Davies admitted with narrowed eyes. “We’ve been trying to put him away for something concrete for a long time now. Sadly the most we’ve managed are a few restraining orders… Until now.
He’s looking at some pretty serious charges. He actually seemed quite eager to ramp them up himself. And he was quite pleased to confirm our suspicions that he was sent on Mr. Anker’s trail by the man known as Collector. He has not given us any other name. Of course. Collector is crazy, but smart enough to evade capture for the last 14 years. But is lackey was apparently promised a special place in his good graces once he took over. His instructions were vague. He was only told that Mr. Anker had to be allowed to escape.” Roman felt his nails dig into his palms through his gloves. It was clear he wasn’t the only one who wanted to punch Collector at this point.
“But… Things have changed,” Manifestor stated, drawing everyone’s attention to him.
“Virgil’s parents have been boasting about it all week. Virgil Anker is gifted. He has a healing ability.”
“Really?” Roman said, pretending to be surprised by this news. It would seem that Virgil’s plan was working. “Indeed. He is also reported to have a minor personal shield. Useful abilities. But I doubt it is quite the ‘future ruler of the new world’ type of talent Collector was counting on,” BrainStorm stated.
“Wait. Ruler of the what now?” Phantom whispered behind Roman. Clearly no one else was meant to hear that. At least not from him. Roman was curious too though. “What do you mean Ruler?” he said.
“It would seem you and Mr. Anker are the collector’s retirement plan,” Chief informed them as turned off the screen. As she did so Phantom stepped up to Roman’s side.
“So he wants to make Prince a king huh?” he smirked after a moment turning to Roman with a grin. “Forgive me for not bowing your majesty,” he teased. Roman rolled his eyes. “You are not nearly as funny as you think,” he huffed, though he was glad Phantom was making jokes. Always a good sign in his opinion. He didn’t like this plan Collector has for them though.
His partner grinned and shrugged carelessly. “So… You think Collector might lay off the kid from now on?” he asked the team.
“That depends,” Manifestor said hesitantly.
“Collector will no doubt let us know when he hears about what the boy can do,” Brainstorm stated.
“Let’s hope that this turn of events is enough to throw him off balance and lead to him making a mistake,” Chief Davies mused, receiving nods in agreement from everyone.
Well if all they could do was wait and cross their fingers, Roman was not going to waste any time in the meantime. “Well, if that’s all, we shall be in the training arena,” he announced leading Phantom away.
When they got to the training room Roman double checked that there was no one watching them so they could speak freely. Once he was sure he turned to Phantom.
“Are you quite alright?” he asked.
Phantom chuckled softly. “Yeah, no problem highness,” he assured him.
“I am so very glad for that.” He looked into Phantom’s violet eyes, hesitant to ask, but needing to do it in order to proceed. Luckily Phantom understood and nodded.
Roman stepped forward and carefully placed a kiss to his forehead before stepping back.
Virgil was a good student. Roman had learned as much from the times they’d practiced self-defense together in the past. And he was kind of cute when he got all excited whenever he managed to make his energy do something different. Roman tried to explain that once he had control over how he manipulated his gift and how much force he put behind it, he would hit his targets no problem. Sure moving targets were still harder, but aim, in Roman’s experience came relatively easy as long as you focused.
They practiced multitasking for a bit too. Virgil had never summoned a shield while moving before and in a fight that might come in handy. So Roman had him dart across the room while he shot off blasts he’d have to defend against. It took a few tries, but by the end, he managed it, though not for long. He was doing great though, and Roman made sure to tell him as much. Knowing he had a big day tomorrow, Roman sent him home at a decent hour. Couldn’t let him present his designs to his uncle while sleep deprived.
When Roman got home his brother was still out. He’d alerted their parents who were letting him have his fun. It was his first weekend really back after all.
Predictably this meant that Remus didn’t get to the breakfast table before Roman was already getting ready to pick up Virgil.
He bid his brother goodbye in passing and hurried to his car.
Picking up Virgil was night and day from the last time. Roman barely had time to turn of the car before Virgil got in, smiling brightly at him, glowing with anticipation.
He looked good. He was wearing a black shirt with a Cheshire cat seemingly draped over his shoulders, putting his disembodied smile and eyes on his chest, with some stripes of the tail going down his right arm, his signature hoodie and ripped jeans decorated with a mesmerizing pattern of black ink.
“You look positively stellar. Tio Filipe is going to love it!” Roman informed him as the young designer got settled.
“Thanks,” Virgil grinned.
They drove in comfortable silence, Roman could tell Virgil was too wrapped up with nerves to hold a conversation anyway. “Good luck. Call me when you’re done,” he smiled as Virgil got out. Once he was past the doors Roman drove to the nearest parking lot and went for a walk past the different stores. He was having a perfectly pleasant time when suddenly a loud crash had him duck down along with many other bystanders. He looked up and saw a figure in a very sparkly, gaudy green costume cackle in the middle of the street by a turned over food stand.
He didn’t stick around to hear whatever speech was coming after. He ducked in the nearest alley and activated his bracelets. One epic transformation sequence later he brought himself to the roof where he spotted the villain about to throw a mailbox.
He rushed down and caught the projectile, putting it down.
“Mail should be handled with care,” he quips as he walks towards his opponent, imagining he looks pretty cool. Cape flaring, confident and calm.
He heard people call out his moniker and felt pretty good about himself. That’s right. Whatever this guy’s deal was, it wasn’t going to happen. Not while he was around.
“Good, I was worried I’d have to wait for some fun,” the guy cackled.
“Oh, you’ll get fun alright,” a voice hissed besides Roman. He looked up astonished. Serpentine had come to his aid.
“Well isn’t this a nice surprise. Finally decided to show your face huh?” he noted.
Serpentine quirked a brow, confused.
“I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for ages. You and I are going to have a talk after this. Understood?” he said seriously. Serpentine sighed and nodded. “Fine, let’s put this guy away first,” he insisted.
“Sounds good to me,” Roman agreed and then: “Duck!” pulling Serpentine down before a tentacle-like strike could hit either of them. “I felt that… But how did you see it?”
Roman grinned cheekily. “We’ll talk about that later,” he said, hoping curiosity would be enough to make him stick around after they were done.
“Let’s flank him, keep our distance and try to take him down. At least keep him busy to give civilians the time to get away,” he suggested. Serpentine nodded and they each darted in a different direction.
The green gremlin was wielding an impressive amount of tentacles. Not that anyone else could see them. Roman found them more than a little disturbing to look at. They were a sickly green. Not like Remus’ green which was more fresh and lively, like young grass. Though his brother would object to that comparison. Roman kept attacking but he could not find an opening to restrain them through. Suddenly movement bellow caught his eye. A civilian… Virgil!
Roman dove down and snatched Virgil up, bringing him to a roof and putting him down on a rooftop terrace he’d spotted. There was a shed-like structure that led to the stairways of the complex below.
This is where he chose to hide them from sight for the moment.
Virgil looked up, with a bewildered, disoriented expression Roman was sad to recognize. “Sorry,” he blurted out almost immediately after his feet touched the ground. Roman had barely let go yet.
“I was nearby and when I heard I just… I had to help… my friend…” Virgil frowned as if trying to remember something crucial. Suddenly his head snapped up his eyes wide with realization and genuine fear. “Roman! Roman is somewhere around here!” Roman put his hands on Virgil’s shoulders to both calm and steady him. He was strangely happy to have Virgil so worried about him. “It’ll be alright Virgil,” he promised confidently. “I have to go back and protect the civilians. Will you help me?” he asked softly, both laying the groundwork to pass on his sight and reminding Virgil of the task at hand, hoping that this would keep him from looking for a friend that was nowhere to be found.
Virgil nodded, determined, dutiful. Roman couldn’t help the smile as he pulled him closer and laid a kiss to his hair this time.
“Thank you. Watch my back my friend. Broad daylight is not ideal for you,” he said before hurrying back to the fight. It was true. Virgil knew this, that was why he usually worked after sundown.
Roman went back to striking at the cackling crazy man, hoping to land a strike between the whirling mass before him. Serpentine was having about as much luck.
But then a burst of purple, electric energy hit the tentacle and the rogue’s smile faltered as he looked about bewildered. “Hey! Who did that?” he demanded. The answer came in the form of many more blasts hitting the tentacle and clearly affecting them more than Serpentine’s blasts or Roman’s throwing stars had had. Roman was glad for this, though also curious why this was.
“Stop it! That’s no fair!” It was kind of funny how petulant they sounded.
The mass of tentacles tightened forming a completely impenetrable barrier. “Which one of you is shocking me!?” they demanded glaring between Roman and Serpentine. Clearly, Roman somehow gave away that he knew what was going on, because they pointed at him. “You, you have something to do with this?” they guessed. Roman would rather avoid lying and so didn’t reply.
“No matter! The Duke shall return! Get used to this non victory heroes. It won’t be your last!” they cackled and before Roman could react he felt an overwhelming sensation of indescribably disgust flood him and he buckled over, trying to hold it together. When he came back to his senses ‘Duke’ was gone. He turned to Serpentine. “Guess we haven’t seen the last of him. What about you?” he asked with a raised brow. Serpentine nodded and gestured for him to lead the way. They landed on the roof Roman had brought Virgil too. Now notably empty.
“Good,” he said with a deep breath before turning to Serpentine. “Let’s start from the beginning. I am known as Dream Prince. He/him. And you are?” he asked as he offered a hand.
Serpentine looked at his hand for a moment before shaking it. “Serpentine… He/him,” he said, though Roman had the odd sense that he was lying somehow. Which, fair, they might not be comfortable sharing their true pronouns with him. Especially if they were on the trans-spectrum.
“Nice to meet you… I wish it was under better circumstances though,” he said sincerely as they let go.
Serpentine shrugged. “Life of a hero, am I right?” he noted casually.
“True. But I was referring to the reason I had to track you down in order for us to meet in the first place. The one who has been mentoring you for the past few months?” he said calmly. He wasn’t sure how Serpentine felt about the Collector and critiquing him too harshly might backfire.
Indeed, Serpentine immediately tensed up. “He just wants me to reach my full potential,” he states firmly. Roman nodded. “I’m sure he does, but then why hide you away instead of letting you come to us? We have a facility, training rooms. He clearly likes our tech since he seems to have at least taken considerable inspiration from some of our stuff,” he pointed out. No point in accusing him of stealing it.
Serpentine shook his head. “You don’t understand anything. He is a great man. And a great teacher!” he insisted. “I’m sure he is. But we worry he has ulterior motives… Do you have any idea what he wants with Virgil?”
Serpentine’s posture froze, his eyes widened in shock. “You know about him?” he asked lowly.
“I literally saved him from someone who proudly associated himself with ‘The Collector’,” Roman told him. Taken aback by the sudden hostility.
Serpentine’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t believe you,” he stated. “And let’s just make one thing clear, Collector had me protect him for a while now, and I’m pretty sure he has a boyfriend. So if you think you can sweep him up like some comic book cliché think again. Got it?”
Roman raised his hands and tried not to be too happy that Serpentine was more or less convinced that his civilian self was Virgil’s actual boyfriend and was rooting for them enough for some reason to tell some random guy to back off.
“I simply want to protect him too. We have reasons to believe Collector has plans for him. I was asked to investigate. That is all… Though I am happy to see that you, if nothing else, seem to feel genuinely involved in his safety as well. That is a great relief.”
Serpentine’s eyes narrowed.
“Listen, I am sorry you don’t trust me. And I don’t fully trust Collector. But if this Duke is going to keep popping up,” though Roman was pretty sure he was sent by the same guy. “Then we need to at least work together. Okay?” he suggested. He didn’t have much more time. He had to make it to the theatre before Virgil got there and had time to worry about him.
Serpentine nodded. “I guess… Don’t follow me,” he warned before taking off.
Roman took a deep breath. That could’ve gone better. But he had no time to dwell on it.
He hurried to an alley a block away from the theatre and changed, immediately sprinting towards his destination. The moment he walked out onto the pavement he heard Virgil call out his name. He was standing at the steps of the theatre waving him over, looking relieved.
Roman jogged over, feeling guilty for worrying him. “Sorry for making you wait. I was delayed,” he explained as truthful as he could be.
“Yeah I saw. You okay?” Virgil asked worriedly. Roman nodded. “I was careful. I wouldn’t leave you stranded here without my dashing company,” he grinned, hoping that going back to joking around would soothe Virgil’s mind. It seemed to do the trick.
Virgil chuckled and pretended to swoon. “My hero,” he joked.
Roman bowed elegantly before walking Virgil to his car.
As they got in, Roman noticed that Virgil seemed to be distracted. Not the way he’d been the day before. But he was definitely deep in thought. “Everything alright?” he asked.
Virgil looked up, determined which made Roman a nice kind of nervous. “Yeah, I was just thinking… I kinda did something stupid…” Roman was dying of curiosity but he waited for Virgil to be ready to share whatever was on his mind.
“When I saw the news notification, I ran out to find you. I wasn’t thinking clearly, I’m sorry I know that it was stupid especially with my track record…” Virgil rambled before slowing down and becoming more thoughtful. More careful about the words he chose. “But… I think it’s because I know something no one else knows. And I’m not supposed to tell anyone, but… I don’t want anything to happen to you…” Oh, curse his heart for leaping at those words!
“Serpentine… He’s not an official hero. I know he seems a lot more legit now that he teamed up, but I know that he doesn’t belong to the GTH program. Roman… Someone stole their technology and made Serpentine. You can’t trust him.”
Roman did not have to fake his shock at that. Virgil really told him this? Risking a slew of questions he couldn’t answer unless he revealed his identity? All because he worried Roman might capture the wrong attention now that the spotlight would soon move away from Virgil?
As soon as he somewhat processed this he offered Virgil a warm smile. “Thank you, for trusting me with this. I won’t tell anyone, but I am going to keep an eye out,” he assured him.
“Good,” the secret hero smiled.
Roman was elated the rest of the day. He couldn’t help it. It was nice to be on Virgil’s mind like this. Though he would rather not have him run out onto the streets over him anymore.
Still it was good that they found that his shots could affect people even if they only hit their ‘aura’ by lack of a better term. What was curious though is that everyone, even the reporters who’d stayed out of sight seemed to have been affected by Duke’s last attack… Had the same been true for Phantom? He was long gone when they arrived. Still, he might’ve just made a quick exit.
He’d have to ask him about it. And if he hadn’t been affected, then he had a little experiment in mind.
He met Virgil on their roof. “We have to make haste I want to do a quick debrief on today's events before heading out on patrol,” he informed a bewildered Phantom.
He surmised the fight and described the sensation to his team as best as he could and turned to Phantom.
“Did the attack affect you at all?” he asked eagerly.
Phantom shook his head. “No. I don’t know if it’s because he couldn’t see me or because my shield protected me or both. But I felt nothing,” he confirmed. Oh, this could be something amazing.
“Sweets,” he said turning to the good doctor. “Can you read Phantom’s emotions?” he asked.
Sweets looked to Phantom and the seconds ticked by.
“Well that’s odd. I can’t really tell. But I can see you…” Sweets muttered to Roman’s excitement.
“My cloak is on the lowest it can go without being completely off,” Phantom explained sounding like he was starting to get where this was going.
“Well! That means that your cloak can block out a certain type of mental-oriented gifts! Which means you’ll be able to follow the Duke to the Collector’s hiding place and alert the rest of us!” Roman grinned triumphantly. He was really proud of his discovery.
“Well done Prince,” BS praised, boosting Roman’s confidence even more. He would never take praise from his mentor for granted. That was a hard-earned privilege. “But for tonight I believe you both have a patrol to complete. Phantom the chief has sent you a mission for this evening. Good luck.”
And so Roman and Virgil had to part ways for most of the night.
Leaving Roman to think about all the things that had changed in a very short amount of time. And how he enjoyed passing on his sight to Virgil a bit too much. What if Virgil was uncomfortable but didn’t say anything?
It might be Serpentine’s accusations getting to him. But he had to make sure.
So when they met up again before heading home, he gathered his courage and asked.
“Are you sure you are okay with getting my sight?”
Virgil chuckled. “Yeah, man. It’s not gay to kiss your friends. Or it doesn’t have to be. Me and my best friend used to be very relaxed about physical affection. Hugs cheek kisses. His family is from France, like, first-generation so that might have something to do with it. But I’m okay with platonic touching. No problem.”
That was a relief. “Good to know,” he smiled before offering Virgil his hand. “Shall I escort you home?”
Virgil chuckled. “I’m not going to risk being spotted as a civilian with you, or as a hero going inside my house,” he pointed out. And just like that, the golden star Roman had awarded himself for his discovery earlier, was to be returned. That was not his brightest moment. “Right. Forgot about that for a moment. Well in that case. Get home safe. See you tomorrow?” he asked.
Virgil shrugged. “If I can get out unnoticed you’ll see me,” he promised before giving him a salute and hurrying home.
This time Remus was home when Roman arrived. When asked how his day with Janus was Remus just grinned mischievously and Roman assumed he’d been planning a prank that either might help him get together with Virgil or embarrass him beyond belief. Either way, he would not be able to stop his brother once he’d set things in motion in that devious brain of his.
“Saw you got a new playmate. You okay?” he asked casually.
Roman shrugged. “I didn’t get hit or anything. Though I got the idea he was toying with us. This was only a warm-up. I’m not getting comfortable just yet,” he admitted.
After dinner, he went to his room. “Remember we’re picking Virgil up. So you better be awake and ready when I leave or you’re walking!” he warned.
“Love you too bro!” Remus shot back. Roman chuckled. “You know I do,” he said fondly before heading into his room.
The next day, everyone at school was talking about the ‘showdown’.
Roman understood why, he just didn’t like it. If this Duke was tied to Collector he was just some misled gifted being used in this game that madman was playing with them.
Remus sadly wasn’t in a lot of Roman’s classes. They only had PE and French together, and he had Art with Virgil. Roman caught Virgil looking at the table he used to share with Janus over lunch last year, that now held Janus and Remus. The duo waved, but it was clear that Janus was not comfortable looking at Virgil for too long.
The disappointment was clear, but Virgil picked himself up and Roman tried to distract him.
After school, Virgil said he was going to work on his painting and that he had a ride with his parents after. So Roman sent Remus ahead to the car so he could walk Virgil to the art room.
He ignored Remus’ suggestive grin and eyebrow wagging.
Instead, he focused on entertaining Virgil. Which he was excelling at by the way. He was walking backward as he told funny stories about anything that came to mind and he took joy in the way Virgil laughed. But then their bubble burst as he walked straight into a body.
“Well, what do we have here? Our very own superstars,” an amused voice came from behind him.
Roman turned around flustered. It was Mr. Grant. This semester’s art teacher.
“I’m so very sorry sir. For just now and for any damage my brother might have wrought in your class,” he offered, trying for his most charming smile. It was a go-to joke when meeting anyone who’d been around Remus. Remus knew about it and never minded. He enjoyed the title of chaos gremlin of the family too much. Virgil and Mr. Grant chuckled. “It is quite alright. And your brother is quite a delight actually. Where is he?” the artist wondered looking about curiously.
“Waiting in the car,” Roman shrugged. “Which probably won’t be there anymore if I don’t join him soon. So I better go,” he added a little sheepishly as he turned to Virgil, planning on saying goodbye. It was only a mild exaggeration. Still, Remus might accidentally pull something loose if he got bored.
Virgil bowed with an elaborate gesture and took Roman’s hand to his complete gay panic. “Until next time Princey,” he smiled before kissing his hand, dropping it, and walking past him into the room like it was no big deal. Meanwhile Roman was completely malfunctioning.
“What a quaint nickname,” Mr. Grant mused.
Roman turned back to him. He had completely forgotten that there were other people in the world.
“Oh, um yeah. He came up with it last year. Something about me being destined to be prom king. So until my coronation, I’m supposedly a prince. I call him my knight as a little inside joke between us,” he babbles, overwhelmed with butterflies, incapacitating his filter.
Grant chuckled warmly. “I see. Well then go to your carriage little prince. Before the goblin tears it apart,” he offered with a twinkle in his eyes. Roman nodded and hurried off. His head still swimming with happy feelings.
He didn’t know what that was. But he hoped it was not the last time it happened.

Chapter Text

Roman was officially a mess.
After Virgil’s little stunt on Monday he was completely helpless. He tried not to be too obviously head over heels for Virgil, and honestly, they usually had so much fun that he was too busy enjoying himself to spent too much time pining when they were together.
His friends had started to shift their seating arrangements around so he and Virgil could sit together. Possibly hoping that Roman would cave and ask Virgil out already.
And Roman had more trouble convincing himself that now wasn’t the time. If things got complicated he could tell Virgil he was Prince. He’d said that he could tell him if he was better off knowing.
He was thinking of this as he watched Virgil test out his new gear. Brainstorm had given him the ability to make much bigger jumps, which would allow him to keep up with him on patrol.
Virgil was also made aware of the fact that he was being paid for his efforts as a hero. Something that had surprised Virgil as much as it had Roman the first time he was told this.
Which was very funny to Roman.
And now he was being absolutely adorable as he jumped around in the training room. Calling out to him whenever he was about to do something seriously tricky. To show off or so he was assured that there would be someone catching him if he fell? Roman thought it might be a bit of both.
“You are very fond of him,” Sweets, who had joined Roman in observing Phantom’s indoor trial run, observed.
Roman bit his lip. “Um. Yeah… I guess we got close over the past few weeks. No one else really gets it you know? What it’s like to be 16 and in the field,” he explained.
Sweets nodded. “What about Virgil?” he asked.
Oh, oh… Oh no. Of course Sweets had realized his feelings for Virgil.
“Well…” he glanced at Phantom to make sure he wasn’t listening. He wasn’t, he was studying the obstacle course to put together a new route for him to try out.
“You know I’ve known him for a while and… Well…” He looked down. “I, may have had a crush on him since freshman year… Or quite possibly since middle school,” he admitted. Sweets was quiet and Roman looked up worriedly. “Are you going to take me off the case?” he wondered timidly.
“No,” Sweets said reassuringly. “I just want to be sure that… No one’s feelings get hurt,” he explained carefully.
Roman frowned, he could understand that. But he didn’t know how to explain that there was nothing to worry about without betraying Virgil’s secret.
He closed his eyes and tried to mentally separate Phantom from Virgil in his mind. Only considering their close friendship and banter and the way Phantom teased him and pushed him and mothered him on occasion. “Do you feel that?” he asked.
“Yes…” Sweets replied slowly.
Then Roman considered Virgil. The way his eyes lit up when he was joking around, the exact way his mouth stood when he was focused on a drawing. The way he held himself when standing up for someone. The sound of his voice as he talked about something that he felt strongly about. And the way he would sometimes look at him. Making him feel like maybe, he liked him too.
“How about that?” he asked, not able to help a smile at the warm feeling in his chest.
“Okay, you made your point,” Sweets chuckled warmly.
Roman looked up at Sweets nervously. “You… You don’t think Phantom might have feelings for me do you?” he asked nervously. He didn’t know how to deal with Virgil possibly rejecting him for himself. But from Virgil’s perspective, Prince understood him much better than Roman did. They were the same, they were in the same mess.

What if Virgil's initial crush on Prince had been resurrected due to their closeness since the attack? What if Prince's flirting with Phantom wasn’t dismissed as a form of teasing as he'd thought? What if Phantom had been serious when flirting with Prince?

“No, not as far as I can tell, though I can’t get a clear reading on him. Still. I think he is fond of you, but he doesn’t seem to have romantic feelings for you.”

Roman relaxed a little. Sure it wasn't a definitive ‘no', but it was something.

“Well I have an appointment. You two be careful alright?” Sweets announced. Roman nodded and bowed. “We shall see you next time then,” he offered.

Sweets chuckled and left.

“Hey! Princess! Take a good look!” Virgil called out.

Roman turned his attention to the course and activated his sight. Allowing him to see Virgil jump up high and then jump again on a platform he made himself. Doubling his reach.

“You did it!” Roman exclaimed in awe. Virgil laughed carelessly and let himself fall a bit before creating a ramp to slide down like he was riding a wave. Landing right in front of him.

“The adrenaline makes controlling it way easier,” he grinned.

“Well done sour specter. Shall we see if you can keep up with me?” he suggested with a grin.
Virgil grinned and dragged him outside.
“Hold on Casper the gloomy ghost! “ Roman laughed as he regained his footing after nearly tripping in the doorway to the main hall.
“Oh quit your whining. Can’t keep up with me highness?” Virgil teased. Roman chuckled as they got in the elevator.
Phantom took a deep breath and leaned against the wall with a smile.
“You look in a good mood.” Roman observed.
The dark hero nodded. “Well, things are going well. I feel like despite everything going on, things might turn out alright,”  he explained.
Roman smiled. “I am very happy to hear that,” he said. And he was. Remus was doing his best to encourage Janus to take steps closer to Virgil. And the fact that he had to try at all, showed Roman that the other boy was genuine in his desire to earn Virgil’s friendship back.
During their patrol, Phantom was flying, figuratively and literally. Using both his gift and his new gear to easily jump from roof to roof and follow Roman as if they were strolling down the street.
Finally having figured out how to move about, how to do his version of flying, showed on Virgil’s face the next day. And seeing him so happy, emboldened Roman.
“So, I was thinking. I’ve been to your house. So maybe we could study at my place tomorrow? You are long overdue for a visit,” he suggested during lunch, hoping he sounded casually and ignoring his friends looking at them like they were their favorite soap opera.
Virgil nodded. “Sounds good. I can’t wait to see your room. We didn’t get around to a tour on Halloween,” he pointed out.
“Yeah, we were all a bit distracted by your stellar work. Speaking off, we never talked about how things went with my uncle! Did you hear anything?”
Virgil lit up and told the table about how great Roman’s uncle had been and how he was going to use Virgil’s  ideas as much as realistically possible.
Roman listened to the story completely enamored by Virgil’s enthusiasm.
That evening he was thinking about that. Just fondly recalling Virgil’s face lighting up and maybe confessing and asking him to the winter prom and receiving that same delighted smile.
Suddenly there was a knock on his door.

“For the last time, no I won’t loan you my allowance. You’ll have to learn to control your impulse buying the same way I did. Besides you know I’m saving up!” he called out, not looking away from his phone. Remus had been bugging him about this thing he needed since the weekend, but he got the same allowance Roman did and he had a similar problem with spending it as soon as he got it. Roman had learned self-control. It hadn’t been easy, but he did it. Sooner or later, Remus would have to learn too.
“You know he’ll keep nagging until he gets blue in the face right?” a smooth voice wondered.
Roman shot up surprised. Janus was standing in his doorway.
“Um, yeah. But I can be stubborn too… What brings you here?” he wondered. He knew Remus had invited his friend over tonight, he hadn’t expected him to come looking for him though.
Janus took a deep breath. “I owe you an apology. I blamed you for Remus being sent away and I assumed that if you hung around Virgil, he’d get hurt, or I’d lose him or both.
That wasn’t fair to you.

I wasn’t dealing with my fears and insecurities well, and you became the scape goat for that. I’m sorry. I can see now that you are a good brother to Remus, and a good friend to Virgil. I’m sorry for how I treated you in the past. And if I manage to fix the mess I made of my friendship with Virgil, I hope you’ll give me a chance to show you I’m not as much of an ass as I made myself look.
That was all.”
Roman was a bit taken aback and unsure of what to say for a moment. “Well… Thank you,” he said. It seemed like a good start. Then he got up and made a little bow. Defaulting to grand gestures to deal with the awkwardness in the room. “Allow me to apologize as well,” he offered.

“What for?” Janus asked, incredulous, probably skeptical.

Roman righted himself. “I should have been more genuinene when I tried to make a fresh start. I'll admit that my main motive, when I came to you in freshmen year, was not simply to become friends.” He recalled the one time he'd given diplomacy a shot when it came to Janus. It hadn't gone well and after that he had simply given up on that method rather than rising to the challenge. “I… had been interested in being friends with Virgil for a while and when I saw him again on the first day…” Roman blushed. “Well, I decided to actually try and do something about it. I knew you two were a package deal, so I tried to mend things with you. That was not right. I should not have approached you on these grounds. I am sure you could tell I was less than sincere in my interest and considering that you already seemed in a bad mood… I was arrogant, presumptuous and selfish. And for this I do apologize.”

Janus blinked. Completely speechless. In a good way Roman hoped.

“And for what it’s worth,” the young actor added, hoping to move on from the building silence. “I think Virgil can’t wait to be friends with you again. I can see how much it upsets him to be apart, but he’s also happy that you try so hard,” he informed Janus who smiled carefully.

“Thanks. For both… That’s good to hear,” he said sincerely before smirking mischievously. “And just FYI. You better ask him to the dance before someone else does,” Janus said seriously before turning around and leaving.
Roman looked down at his phone. He could do it. He could do it right now. Call him and ask him to the dance. Nominations had been announced on Monday, he was in the running for Winter Prince. He could ask Virgil to be his knight for the evening… He had Virgil’s number pulled up already, his finger hovering over the call button…  And then he closed his contacts and tossed his phone to the side with a groan, rubbing his temples, almost feeling like a headache was coming up.
He wasn’t going to do it like this. Virgil deserved to be asked face to face. To have it be something significant. Not loud and public, he wouldn’t like that. But he deserved to feel special when asked out. He deserved to know that this was not some out of the blue, impulsive decision.
But Janus had a point. He shouldn’t stall too much longer. He wouldn’t let Collector be the reason he might miss out on the greatest adventure of his life.
That being said, he didn’t have a plan for asking him out yet when he let Virgil into the house the next evening. His parents and Remus were all out so they didn’t have to deal with distractions.
“And this is my room,” he said as he let Virgil in.

Virgil looked around casually , back pack slung over his shoulder, looking right at home in Roman's room. Then he saw the fish tank and his eyes went wide with awe.

“That thing is bigger than my closet,” he stated. Roman chuckled a little awkwardly. “Well I have to give them some room to move. Want to feed them?” he offered.

Virgil nodded. Roman gave Virgil the food and watched as he fed the fish, his face lighting up as the dozen creatures shot from wherever they had been in a whirlwind of shimmering colors to have their meal.

It was a sight to behold… both the feeding and Virgil’s excitement.

After a bit Virgil pulled away and his eyes landed on a set of doors. He grinned. “Closet or private bathroom?” he asked teasingly.

Roman opened the doors. “Both,” he said as he revealed a mini hallway with a massive mirror at the end accompanied by the two on the backs of both doors to his room. On the left of the central mirror was a passage to the bathroom. On the right was his walk in closet.
Virgil chuckled and glanced back, nodding towards the closet. Roman nodded. It was always the thing his friends were most curious about when invited to the room. What does his closet look like?
It came with being the fashion knowledgeable one of the group with a budget to back it up.
Roman watched Virgil nod in approval at his system and take a long look at his shoes.
“Nice heels. Something for prom?” he suggested with a glint in his eyes, pointing at the pair of gold colored strap heels Roman had bought as pure self indulgence for his last birthday. He’d never worn them in public. He’d just worn them around his room on occasion when he felt like it. It’d turned out to be a very useful self-indulgence, considering he could now kick some criminal behind in the heels Virgil designed for him.
“I’m not sure. Maybe,” Roman allowed with an awkward chuckle, not even trying to downplay how nervous the idea made him. He felt more than comfortable enough around Virgil to be vulnerable. Virgil’s eyes sparked with inspiration. “If you do wear those I might design you an outfit to go with them?” Oh, now that was unfair. “Deal,” Roman grinned without hesitation, making Virgil chuckle and blush.
He walked around a bit more and found Roman’s suits.
“Wow, guess you are all set on dance attire huh?” He teased.
Roman shrugged. “Both my parents run their own business. I’ve been to my share of formal parties. Can’t really recommend it. The food and music are usually decent but it gets so boring,” he complained. Virgil nodded, letting the subject rest.
Then his eye was caught by something. A closed door with the playbills of Roman’s plays of the past few years. Virgil opened it, curious but slowly to give Roman a chance to stop him.
Roman did not stop him.
“Wait… These are… My designs. But not the costumes you wore on stage. These are. This is how I imagined the shepherd outfit to look like when I drew it!” Virgil exclaimed surprised as he felt the fabric and studied the stitching in awe.
“Well… I wanted them as keepsakes from the plays, but the original costumes needed to stay with the department to be repurposed in later plays if possible. So… I asked my parents if it would be possible to maybe get a copy made… They, kind of went the extra mile,” he admitted.
“I’ll say,” Virgil muttered as he studied the prince costume, which hung next to his dark prince costume from Halloween. “So you have almost every costume I designed for you in here huh?” he observed. Roman frowned and checked the closet. He could’ve sworn he'd put everything in it's place… No, everything was here.
“Um… I’m pretty sure this is all of them.”
Virgil didn’t look at him as he replied. “No, you are missing one. I showed it to you at the start of the year…” he said slowly. Roman’s heart skipped a beat. Had Virgil figured him out?

“What do you mean?” he asked getting kind of excited at not having to keep it secret anymore.
“It was meant for you… Not Dream Prince,” Virgil said, very pointedly not looking at him.
“W…” Then it finally clicked. “You mean… That design, I accidently saw during lunch when I came to ask you… That was for me?” he asked astonished.
“Well, I was mostly thinking what kind of hero you’d make and then I ended up drawing the costume. But then you assumed it was for Prince and I just didn’t correct you cause it felt awkward? But I guess… I feel comfortable around you. And I don’t want to be awkward anymore. So… Yes. That first design, was for you,” he explained as he looked up at him.

Roman blinked. He wasn’t even too disappointed that Virgil hadn’t figured him out yet.
He’d been thinking of him. When everyone was talking about Dream Prince, Virgil had been thinking of him. Gods he wished he had a flower or something on hand. Then he could ask Virgil out now.
He had to be better prepared next time a good moment presented itself.
“Virgil… Is it weird that I am incredibly flattered to hear that?” he wondered not knowing what else to say.
Virgil chuckled. “I think I get it,” he smiled. “I still think you’d make a good hero if you turn out to develop a gift. I would have to think of a different aesthetic for you though. Which is a shame you’d look good in those colors… Hm…” Virgil looked at him long and hard. First pensive, but after a bit he frowned. Oh boy… Was he going to figure it out after all?
“What?” Roman laughed nervously. Virgil shook his head. “Nothing. We’ve been sidetracked long enough, let’s get studying,” he suggested.
Roman tried his best to focus but in his mind he had a very important question that kept popping up. Did he want Virgil to figure out his identity? He should probably at least try not to be found out. If Virgil could accidently uncover his secret, Collector might be able to discover it too.
And Virgil definitely thought he might be Prince. Judging by the way he studied him that evening when they took a break on a rooftop. He didn’t say anything about it and Roman did a good job pretending not to have a clue what he might be thinking about. It looked like Virgil was dismissing the thought for now. But the idea had definitely been planted, and Roman needed him to write it off entirely.
Luckily he had a perfect way to throw off suspicion. All he needed was for Prince to appear while Roman was seen somewhere else by a lot of people, especially Virgil. Or, even better, for them to be in the same place at the same time.
And lucky for Roman he was in the position to arrange for just such a situation.
“You want to do an encore?” Remus surmised with a raised brow.
“Yes. I got Virgil to hang with me and the others in the park after school tomorrow. You just have to show up in my uniform and be seen for a little bit. If you want you can play hero for the entire afternoon. Just make sure that Virgil and my friends see Prince and Roman in the same spot.

You’ll get to use my gear and fly around the city with no one questioning it. Come on! I know you want to…” Roman grinned seeing that the idea of doing his thing out in the open without risking any repercussions was music to his brother’s ears. Honestly he didn’t think he needed to convince him all that much, but he wanted Remus to know that this wasn’t just a favor he could do for him.
“If you want I’ll let you borrow my gear whenever you want to go out for a tour around the city. As long as you get it back to me for my patrol.”
Remus started grinning. “Oh, alright. I’ll try not to tarnish your reputation too much,” he grinned. Roman hugged him. “Thank you. You are really helping me out here,” he said relieved.
“Yeah, yeah. Don’t want your boyfriend to figure you out until after you confess your undying love or something gross like that,” Remus teased.
Roman pushed him off. “Shut up and go feed your army,” he grinned with a blush.
“Aw, my baby bro got it bad!” Remus cackled as he left. Roman let himself fall back on his bed. He was not wrong. And one of these days, he’d tell Virgil.
And it was so very tempting to do it at the park.
They were listening to music and Virgil was lying on his stomach on a blanket in the grass, sketching with the sun catching in his hair and Roman couldn’t help but stare and consider serenading him and asking him to the dance.
But considering their friends were there and his brother might arrive at any moment now, it was not the right time.
“Princey? You good?” Roman looked up from his musings as Virgil called out to him.
“Um, yes. Just lost in thought,” he smiled awkwardly, ignoring the way the others were looking at them with expressions that clearly said ‘just kiss already’.
Just then though, Kelly glanced up and her eyes widened. “Oh my god! Look! That’s Dream Prince!” she called out. Roman looked up just slow enough to see Virgil shoot up and look around surprised.
Roman looked at the spot Kelly pointed at and saw him. Running over the rooftops across the street was indeed a figure that would look like Dream Prince to anyone else. “Hey, you’re right,” he stated, pretending to be surprised.
“Dream Prince! Hey! Over here!” Stacey exclaimed.
“What are you doing? Let him be on is round,” Virgil stated, possibly worried that the others would be able to tell that he and Prince knew each other if he came down. Roman was worried they’d notice that Prince looked a lot like him.
Sure his hair and eyes would look different thanks to his disguise, but would that be enough? It was enough for Virgil…
Remus, sadly, didn’t seem worried and jumped over to them, making a superhero landing straight from a comic book cover.
“Hello there! How can I be of assistance?” he offered with a bow. Roman saw Virgil chuckle fondly from the corner of his eye. He was buying it. Good.
Clara giggled flustered and hid a little behind Fabio. Oh god this was weird.
“Just wanted to say hi and thank you for your hard work,” Stacey said.
Remus waved her off. “It is my pleasure, fair lady,” he bid making the girls giggle and the boys nod impressed.

“Nice one,” Fabio grinned.
“Here, you could use a pick me up,” Kelly offered as she handed him her iced coffee.
Remus chuckled and raised his hand to halt her. “Thank you, but I prefer my caffeine warm,” he states as he takes a step back, getting ready to book it. A nice touch. Roman loved iced coffee.
“No problem!” Stacey exclaimed excitedly as she took the cup from Kelly and focused. A moment later it was steaming. Stacey grinned proudly as she handed it over to Remus. “Done! Should be fresh from the pot hot now!” she announced. Remus grinned impressed. “Cool, or should I say hot,” he winked playfully making Stacey beam.
“Not as hot as you,” Clara sighed, immediately covering her mouth as she realized she said that out loud. Remus was taken aback for a moment.
“Okay, enough you guys. He might have a partner. Stop weirding him out,” Virgil stated firmly, coming to Prince’s aid. Roman made a mental note to thank him for that next time he saw him.

“It’s quite alright good sir,” Remus offered pleasantly. “Though for your information, if I were single, I would not aim to woo someone as a superhero. Call me a hopeless romantic, but I wish to be with someone who loves me even if I am powerless,” he explained passionately. Roman quirked a brow. He wasn’t that bad… Was he?
Virgil didn’t seem to notice something was amiss.
“Now, I really should get going. Stay safe,” Remus said before taking off.
The group started chatting about how cool it was that they got to meet a superhero up close. Roman risked a glance at Virgil. He seemed more relaxed. Neither of them really participated in the conversation. In fact Virgil soon complemented Stacy on her progress which made everyone flood her with praise, flustering his confident friend.

About an hour later, Roman dropped him off at his home and left for dinner and then patrol.
“Nice show earlier,” Phantom grinned teasingly.

“Thank you, I apologize if I made you uncomfortable in any way by showing up with your friends there,” he said.
Virgil shrugged. “I didn’t mind too much. Especially since you didn’t do anything that might indicate special interest,” he said then he chuckled. “Funniest thing though. For a bit there I thought I had figured out who you were. But, I guess I was wrong,” he admitted. Succes!
“Oh… And are you disappointed to be wrong?” Roman pressed curiously.
Phantom thought on that for a bit. “Not really. If I were right,  then someone I care a lot about would be involved in this whole mess. If the collector wasn’t at play, it’d be pretty cool I guess. But with him in the game… I don’t want him involved. Not if I can protect him… Not that I want you involved, but you get it right?”
Roman chuckled and nodded in assurance, butterflies flying up in his stomach.
Virgil caring about him was just… every time he saw it on display it was so cute.
He got a bit more flirty over the next few days. Building up to the big moment.
He didn’t even really care that Duke showed up again on Wednesday. He did care that Serpentine once again talked to him. Assuring him that Collector was a real stand-up guy. But Roman couldn’t help but feel there were layers to his statements.
On Thursday a week before Thanksgiving, Roman patrolled the city before dinner. With Duke showing up left and right he wanted the people to feel his presence in the city. Assure them that he was there for them. It made getting homework done harder but luckily he knew Virgil wouldn’t let him get away with slacking.
Suddenly he spotted a familiar duo in the street. Janus and Remus.
Janus was walking over a low stone garden fence, not really paying attention and Remus wasn’t exactly attentive either. But Roman could spot the missing stone in the structure and swooped down just in time to catch Janus as he fell.
“You alright there sunshine?” he asked with a chuckle.
Janus flushed embarrassed and Roman took this as a sign to put him down before he could hurt himself trying to get back on his feet by himself.
There were people gasping and pointing and pulling up camera’s. Good. If someone suspected his brother of being Dream Prince this should dissuade them.
“Thanks,” Janus said still flustered as Remus was trying not to laugh.

“No problem. You two have a lovely evening,” he bowed before flying off.
Once again Duke showed up to cause chaos in the streets. Once again Serpentine joined in fighting him. This time chasing him for several blocks until he got fed up and lost them. Once again Serpentine told Roman about what a great teacher Collector was.
The way he said it seemed deliberate though. Was he trying to convey a message?
Roman conveyed this theory to the team so they had a direction to start searching for the collector.
The next day, as he dropped Virgil off at the art classroom before heading to the theatre for his theatre class, mister Grant stopped him.
“Mister Castile a quick word if you don’t mind?” he asked tentatively.
Roman was immediately in protective brother mode. “Is something wrong with Remus?” he asked worriedly. Grant shook his head with an amused smile. “No, this is not about your brother. He seems to be flourishing quite well. No, I wanted to talk about Virgil. He seems to be under some pressure. I think he could use something nice to ease his mind. He is clearly very fond of you and I think you feel the same… So, my advice would be to go for it as they say. No more stalling. The winter dance is coming up. You and Virgil will both need stellar outfits if I am not mistaken?” he said meaningfully. Roman blushed. He was really that obvious huh?
Grant winked and returned to the classroom.
The thought kept playing on Roman’s mind all the way until that evening when he and Virgil headed out to study. Remus was staying the evening at Janus’ place. So it was just the two of them on their way to Roman’s car. Roman was thoughtful as he opened the door and let Virgil get in. Only vaguely registering Virgil’s chuckle.
He could invite Virgil to go shopping next Tuesday. They could forget about everything for a bit and then Roman could ask Virgil in private with a purple rose. Virgil’s favorite color and a universal symbol of love.
“What’s got you thinking so deeply?” Virgil asked as they settled at their usual table. Roman looked up at him determined.
“What do you say we go suit shopping on Tuesday? Just you and me,” he said, feeling his throat close up. Virgil’s eyes widened, a small smile tugged at his mouth and he looked down. “I’d like that,” he said softly. Roman’s heart went a million miles an hour.
“Great. Yes. That’ good. Um. Yeah. We’ll be free for Thanksgiving so I was thinking… I pick you up at around 8 and we just hang at the mall? I treat you to lunch?” He tried to make it sound like a date without it being a date outright. That was how Virgil did things. Do a try out date before the real date.
Virgil chuckled and nodded. “That sounds like a plan,” he agreed. Roman grinned so widely it hurt.
“Great!” he said as they got their books on the table and got started. He glanced at Virgil from time to time. He seemed content with the situation. Good that was good. And when he saw him that evening as Phantom he seemed actually elated.
Roman’s heart was so light that he wasn’t even too upset at Duke showing up and escaping twice that weekend. He took peace with the fact that he could let Serpentine know that he had heard his message and informed the team. Not outright, but he felt he was understood.
He was almost wrapping up his Sunday evening patrol, Virgil had needed to go home early. He’d only come out to say hi tonight. Which was so sweet of him.
Roman was full of love and excitement because of it. He smiled at the people he helped out, feeling his heart soaring higher and higher. He felt invincible. That is until he felt a sharp pain shoot through his thigh. He dropped a few feet before he caught himself. Hard. It felt like crashing into concrete but not as hard as he would’ve if he’d dropped all the way to the ground. It did not help with the pain but this time he managed to hold onto his focus so he wouldn’t fall more. He looked around. Trying to figure out where it had come from. He looked to his leg. He was bleeding.
The fabric of his suit was supposed to protect against this sort of thing. Someone had been prepared to shoot him with bullets designed to pierce his suit, and missed? The graze wound was nowhere near anything that could cause serious damage. It hurt a lot though. He couldn’t go home like this. His mother would get a heart attack. He needed to be fixed up first. He looked around.
He couldn’t see a threat. And there was no one shooting anymore now that he was seemingly a sitting duck… He recognized the neighborhood. Virgil’s house was close by. Closer than the GTH… Virgil was a healer. He would help him…
Before he really knew what he was doing, he found himself already hovering at Virgil’s bedroom window. The light was on. Virgil was on his bed calling with someone and sketching. He knocked at the window. Virgil looked up, spooked. When he recognized him he said something in the phone and hung up. He rushed to the window and opened it. “What are you doing here?” he hissed.
“I… I need your help,” he said sheepishly as he lifted his hand from his thigh, revealing the wound.
“Oh my god! Get in get in now!” Virgil whisper yelled as he stepped away. Roman went in and let Virgil lead him to his desk chair. Once he sat down Virgil grabbed a nearby shirt and pressed it against the wound. “Hold that against it. I’ll get some disinfectant,” he rambled.
Roman followed the instructions, though he felt bad that Virgil was ruining a perfectly good shirt for him.
As it turned out, Virgil had a small first aid kit under his bed.
“Okay. I’ll disinfect it just to be sure there is no infection. I don’t know if my healing prevents infections so I’m not taking any risks,” he explained as he took away the tarnished shirt and sprayed the stinging liquid on Roman’s wound. Roman bit his lip, but endured.
Then Virgil laid his hands around the wound and took a deep breath. Roman watched in fascination as the wound slowly closed before his very eyes.
“That is truly amazing,” he whispered. There wasn’t even a scar visible.
Virgil yawned. “It’s alright. Want to tell me how you got that? I thought our suits were supposed to protect us from any kind of cuts,” he observed.
Roman shifted uncomfortably. He didn’t want to distress Virgil, but he couldn’t lie either.
“I… I think someone got their hands on a type of bullet that can penetrate it… I’ll inform Brainstorm next time he’s in. We should both be on our guard though. Keep our shields up when we travel and the like,” he said.
Virgil nodded thoughtfully.

“Now I should go home,” he said as he got up and walked to the window, flying himself out. He turned and saw that Virgil had followed him, leaning in the window frame.
In a burst of mischievous confidence he leaned down and surprised Virgil with a kiss to his cheek. “Until next time,” he whispered softly before flying up and making a few flips to show he was fine again.
The next day Roman expected Virgil to have some sort of response to last night… Exhausted wasn’t it.
The reason for this became evident when André got a papercut during lunch and Virgil didn’t offer to heal it up himself. Ever since he told people of his gift you couldn’t stub your toe around him without him fixing you up.
But now André was bleeding and Virgil was shrinking in on himself looking guilty.
“You okay stormcloud?” Roman asked.
Virgil nodded. “Yes. Just tired. Turns out, healing actually takes energy,” he yawned.
“Sorry André, I” Andre promptly stopped him. “It’s cool dude. I’ll live. We lived before you started playing nurse and we will whenever you are in need of a break. Relax.”
And Virgil did. “You still feel up for tomorrow?” Roman asked as he took him to the car.
Virgil chuckled. “You are not getting out of it that easy Princey. I’ll make sure you look hot at your coronation. Just you wait,” he teased.
“Implying I don’t look hot all the time?” Roman teased. Virgil chuckled. “Touché,” he allowed.
And so, Roman got ready the next day. Greeting his brother and waving at his parents before heading out. Virgil looked handsome when he picked him up. They both looked like they were on a date and this fact was both comforting and nerve wracking.
They got to the mall without trouble. They picked out outfits for one another and engaged in easy flirty banter. Roman tried not to make too much of a fool of himself whenever Virgil adjusted something on an outfit.
Their picks became increasingly more playful and less and less serious until they both decided to take a break and eat lunch.
“That was fun… But we are nowhere near settling on an outfit for either of us,” Virgil observed as he wiped his mouth and started on his drink.
“Well,” Roman stared. This might be his best chance. “It might help if we settle on what we’ll be going for…” he suggested.
Virgil quirked his brow. “What do you mean?” he asked.
“Well… I’m going to be a prince… And I thought that I could use a knight to be at my side…” he said.
Virgil didn’t say anything. Roman took a calming breath. “Virgil,” he said as he pulled a purple rose from his inner pocket. “Will you go to the dance as my knight?” he asked nervously.
“Guess who!!!?” The loud, cracking, familiar voice had Roman jump up and drag Virgil away with him. He pressed the distress button on his wristband

Within moments Virgil was sprinting ahead and pulling him along instead.
“Follow me, I’ll get us out of here,” he said confidently.
Around them people were screaming and running so it wasn’t long before Virgil’s grip slipped and Roman managed to dive into a different hallway. He ran until he found a maintenance closet. He hoped Virgil had already shut down the camera’s and if not then BS would likely erase the footage later. He changed and rushed back towards the fight. Hoping Virgil was on his way as Phantom to assist.
Turned out he was on his way. But not as Phantom.
When he saw Virgil running back towards the center of the chaos he grabbed him by the arm and pulled him to the side. “Virgil what are you doing?” he asked concerned.
“Roman… Roman is still here somewhere. I lost him and…”
“I got your friend out of the way. No worries. Now. I need my partner at his sharpest. Alright?”
Virgil nodded, trembling nervously.
“Okay.” Roman took a deep breath. He had hoped it wouldn't come to this… but for Virgil's safety and that of everyone else… “I’ve been thinking that Serpentine and I could keep him busy. You are skilled enough with your gifts at this point to confront Duke on the ground. Especially if he can’t see you,” Roman explained. Virgil nodded in understanding.
“Now… With the way Duke usually fights I want you to have my sight, obviously, but I can’t risk it running out in the middle of everything so…” God he wishes he’d spent a little more time practicing passing on his gift by different means than he had been doing. He’d been so distracted with training Virgil that he’d put this on the backburner and…
“Hey, charming,” Virgil said as he tugged at his sash.
Roman looked down, his cheeks burning. “We are on a clock here. I get it. I care about you too. I want to help you. To protect you. So give me the tools I need. I trust you.” His voice was so certain…
Roman glanced down at Virgil’s lips. Not how he imagined it would go but…
He laid a hand to Virgil’s cheeks and let his thumb gently touch his bottom lip. “C Can I…”
A firm tug at his sash had him bending down and their lips crashed together. Virgil was kissing him feverishly and Roman’s heart was about to time travel it was beating so fast. Roman took hold of Virgil’s face and kissed him back with passion, Virgil didn’t even hesitate to match.
The moment was everlasting and over in a second. Roman barely remembered to pass on his sight.
Virgil started the kiss and he ended it. “Go knock ‘em dead. Figuratively speaking. I’ll be there in a sec.” Roman smiled and nodded, pressing a quick kiss to Virgil’s forehead in elation and rushed into the fray. Duke was already locked in combat with Serpentine.
“Hey knock of Christmas tree! Missed me!?” Roman called out, feeling invincible. One way or another, he felt like Virgil and him were going somewhere. Either that kiss meant something. Or Virgil would agree to go to the dance with him. Both seemed equally possible and they might be true at the same time. Virgil had mentioned getting multiple crushes in the past after all.
Roman was too excited. He didn’t care if his attacks landed he just cared that they kept Duke’s eyes on him. Virgil entered the scene skating around the room. Yes that was how he manifested his flying. A mental skateboard that let him ride the air effortlessly. It honestly looked cool.
He moved about looking for an opening. But it wasn’t easy.
This was the day though. Roman could feel it. Today…
“BOOM!” an explosion behind him. He looked around, foolishly dropping his guard, a hit to his head. He was falling… He was caught… He was outside. Laid down on something solid.
A voice pleaded with him to be okay. And slowly but surely, his head cleared up and there was Virgil. In his civilian clothes, bent over him. “You saved me,” he smiled incredulously.
Virgil laughed. “Of course I did you idiot,” he said.
Roman sat up and moved to pull Virgil in for another kiss, but Virgil moved away, confused. And so embarrassment flooded Roman’s being.
“I am so sorry, I wasn’t thinking I just…”
“Hey Prince. It’s cool okay? Um… We’ll talk about this after debrief. I gotta go find Roman okay? Rest for a bit and we’ll see each other tonight. Promise,” he said.
Roman nodded, still flustered but also happy that his civilian self was on Virgil’s mind first and foremost.

Once Virgil was out of sight Roman went down, changed to his normal clothes, sprayed the paint solvent in his hair and ruffled it so all the gel and coloring was out.
Then he entered via an emergency door, which was wide open due to the evacuation, an hurried to the food court. He looked around, hoping to find Virgil soon. He wanted to make sure he hadn’t freaked him out, and maybe get that answer to his question.
To his relief he did find Virgil He rushed forwards and waved t him. He was fine.
Virgil noticed him too and smiled taking a step in his direction…
Only to be pulled back by a masked man who held him captive with a knife to his throat.

Chapter Text

It was pure agony.
To have Virgil just out of arm’s reach and in such grave danger. He couldn't even use his gift to free him. He lacked the precision moves for such a situation.

He could hear, who he assumed to be, Collector mutter something in Virgil's ear with a sickening grin. Virgil, meanwhile, was looking around frantically, most likely hoping to see a way out.

Roman tried looking with his sight, hoping it might give him an edge.

There wasn’t much interesting to see though. The assailant's aura was fairly dull and uninteresting. Which was not what Roman had expected to see when faced with Collector. Was he not gifted himself?

Virgil's gift was wrapped around him tightly, trying to protect him against the knife.

Then Virgil spoke, loud enough for Roman to hear. “Tell your master I happily decline.” Then he pulled off one of the escape maneuvers Roman had taught him. He was a little sloppy though, no doubt due to being tired from healing Roman earlier.
The man managed to hold onto his knife, but before he could do anything with it, Roman grabbed Virgil's wrist, now within reach, and pulled his friend close against his chest, throwing up his shield. He was ready to use it in offence if needed though.

The man was raising his knife and then it was gone. Roman didn't look where it went, he was keeping a close eye on their attacker, who simply grinned, bowed and then Roman jumped back, pulling Virgil along, as the man literally went up in smoke.
Once it looked like the man was really gone, he looked down to Virgil, who let out a sigh of relief and relaxed in his arms, eyes drooping slightly. So he was tired. What rotten timing for that villain to show up. It was a bit of a taboo to refer to anyone as such before they at least had a fair trial, but Roman didn’t care. That man was vile.
“Virgil are you alright?” he asked softly.
Virgil looked up at him, his eyes wide. “Yeah, yeah,” he rushed dismissively. “Are you? I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you weren’t with me in time. I tried to get to you but Prince hid me away and told me to stay put and I…”
“Hey,” Roman interrupted gently, not wanting Virgil to spiral. “I’m fine. I’m glad he didn’t let you come back here in the middle of the fight just to look for me. I was perfectly safe. No scratch on me,” he promised. And it was true. Virgil had made very sure of that. He was also very flattered that Virgil had gone to find him, but he had to stop doing that. This was the second time… Maybe Roman should tell him his secret, if only to keep him from running off into danger like that over him.

“Virgil!” Roman and Virgil looked up to see Virgil’s fathers run up to them. At the same time Roman spotted the knife in Mr. Anker’s hand, he felt Virgil flinch away.

So that’s where it went. Roman had wondered if Virgil’s dad was gifted when they first met. Turns out he was.
Virgil’s father Logan froze and as realization struck he dropped the knife to the ground like it burned him. Once he dropped it he reached for Virgil again. “Are you alright?” he asked.

Roman felt Virgil recoil from the proximity again.

“You knew,” he snapped, surprising Roman. Virgil had always spoken with so much respect and pride and love about his parents. He’d never imagined him capable of sounding this upset with them.
After a moment of stunned silence, Logan deflated.

“I did… Virgil I…” once again he reached out and Roman felt Virgil move back and away from his hold to get some distance, which he allowed. If Virgil needed space he’d give him that, though he’d much rather comfort him.
“No. You know what? You don't get to explain now. Either of you,” Virgil stated firmly, getting really worked up now. “Why do you always have to be forced to tell me anything about my own life!? I'm not 10 anymore!” he seethed.

“Virgil, I know you are upset…” Virgil’s newly adoptive father, Patton, tried soothingly. That evidently was not the right thing to say.

“Don't you start! I am angry and I am allowed to be!” he shouted as he started pacing.

“That weirdo was talking about Protégés and a history with the man who freaking raised me like he’s his ex boyfriend or something,” that was news… Why didn’t the team tell Roman that the Collector had a history with Virgil’s dad as well? Had he tried to recruit him over some kind of potential? Evidently he had telekinesis. “My dad who has been drilling it into me to not trust gifted to the point I was scared to tell him I had a gift, turns out to be gifted himself and yet again I have to find out by accident rather than in a freaking conversation with my father!” Wait. This was news to Virgil to? It didn't seem like it was a new gift.

“You clearly knew, and you didn't tell me either. So right now I don’t want to even look at either of you!”

Roman saw both men look down at that, a quick glance told him that Virgil’s cloak was affecting their mindsets. It made Virgil something they didn’t dare look at or something. The reverse of drawing their attention as he’d demonstrated before.

Roman had to do something before Virgil did something in his anger and exhaustion that he couldn’t take back.

“Virgil,” Roman said gently, hoping to interrupt Virgil’s thoughts enough to get him to calm down.
Virgil looked at him and deflated, his face painfully sad and guilt ridden.
“I’m sorry you got dragged into this mess Ro. I understand if you…” Roman was alarmed at how Virgil’s voice started to sound more and more like he was about to cry. No. Whatever he was thinking Roman had to make him see that he was wrong.

“Hey,” he said, stopping Virgil’s new spiral, a little worried by how many his mind had been taking just the past few minutes. “This changes nothing. Not to me at least,” he assured him.
“But your really should take a minute and calm down. Before you say stuff you regret.” Virgil clearly wasn’t himself. He was behaving erratically. Like a cornered animal going from cowering one second to lashing out the next.
Virgil wasn’t looking at him as he continued with a frown. “No I… I knew…” Oh… Oh wow. Again Roman was flattered. Virgil started rambling and spiraling again though. Was this all cause he was tired? Upset? What was going on? Was this the proverbial drop?
“I was pretty sure someone had it out for me and I still agreed to coming. I could've… I was scared I’d sound crazy. My therapist said I wasn't but… oh my God!” Virgil whirled to look at his father who was not meeting his eyes. Not for lack of trying. Roman could see him fight against Virgil’s subconscious command. “Pikani knew didn't he?” Virgil demanded.

“He couldn't tell you without my permission,” Logan said, still impressively calm despite the circumstances. “I thought of trying a different therapist first, but I felt that one with an idea of your circumstances would be more beneficial,” he explained.
The poor man clearly felt torn up about it and Virgil would feel bad about how he acted right now once he calmed down. Roman had to do something.

“Virgil,” he said softly, prompting Virgil to look at him. “I am not mad. Okay? We are good,” he assured him.
Virgil searched his face and after a moment’s hesitation, the chaos in his eyes seemed to simmer down and he seemed about to say something. But they got interrupted.
“Virgil Anker, we are instructed to escort you to the GTH for your own protection.” Roman and Virgil both turned to the source of the metallic voice, where they found Metal Viking, civilian name unknown, and Mr. Terrific, aka Terrence Williams Jr., standing there. Roman could practically feel Virgil’s temper flaring again.
“… Really? I go from fending for myself to having gifted babysitters? Don’t you guys have something better to do?” Virgil asked annoyed. Roman tried not to visibly flinch at that. Had he truly missed how deeply this situation bothered Virgil? He'd always seemed on top of it.
“We are merely bringing you and your family somewhere safe. The GTH is trying to get a hold of your attacker as we speak,” Viking promised him.
Virgil didn’t seem very impressed with that assurance. “You can save yourself the trouble. The guy who grabbed me was repeating stuff someone said through an earpiece. I could hear it,” he said and Roman suppressed the urge to curse. For a moment he’d hoped that this was the misstep they’d all been waiting for. They’d been so close. They had leads! Any moment he’d been expecting a message that they figured out who Collector was and arrested him and everything was fine.
He… Didn’t want to confront this man who was convinced he had written out his destiny for him. He thought he wanted to be the one to catch him at first. But the more he and Virgil talked about it, the more he saw of Serpentine, the more he didn’t want to ever be in the same room as him.
Being a hero… It wasn’t all as fun and glamourous as he’d pictured it.
Collector, he frightened him. And Roman did not want to be forced to admit this to his team. And least of all Virgil. If Roman couldn’t keep up a brave face, then how could Virgil feel safe?

Not that he'd been that effective..
Viking and Mr. Terrific exchanged a look and nodded at one another before turning to Virgil again.
“We will inform our colleagues of this. All the same, the instructions are to ensure you are brought to safety,” Mr. Terrific stated, sounding very odd. It’s hard to be taken serious when your voice is modified to be childlike and non-threatening.
Virgil sighed and turned to Roman. “I’m so sorry about today,” he said softly.
Roman wanted nothing but to take that sad look away. He offered Virgil a smile and reached inside his pocket to retrieve the rose. Brainstorm was a genius. Roman would never understand how his stuff looked so good when he changed back. “The offer still stands Stormcloud,” he assured him. “I waited over two years to ask that question, I can wait a little longer for the answer. Just make sure you are okay first,” he confessed as he handed Virgil the rose. Virgil seemed speechless as he accepted the rose and Roman hoped that was a good thing.
“I’ll make sure Roman gets home safe,” Virgil’s new dad, Patton, offered softly.
Oh no. How to turn that offer down without seeming suspicious?
Roman’s brain was going in high gear trying to think of a reasonable excuse as he watched Logan give his partner a nod. “Alright… I’ll meet you there,” he said softly as he kissed him on the forehead, which was a really sweet gesture from the often stoic and formal man.
Patton smiled and Roman couldn’t help but feel like he recognized that smile.
“I’ll call you when I can,” Virgil told Roman before turning away and following the heroes with his dad.
Roman turned to Patton and saw him take a deep breath, before brightening up, putting on a happy front for him. And the way he did it… Roman blinked and just like that Patton was framed by a very familiar, very specific blue. “Sweets?” he realized before the older man could say anything.
Patton froze in surprise and then let out a laugh. “Oh… oh well I guess I can’t fool you for long. It was bound to happen,” he smiled a little tensely. “We probably should get your car home at least…” the man mused.
“No we are getting to HQ right now,” Roman muttered as he retrieved his phone and dialed for his brother. “Voicemail,” he muttered slightly annoyed as he heard his brother ask to leave a message.
“Rem. You might’ve heard about what happened at the mall. V and I are fine but I need a favor. Get my car home please? I’ll get you an update asap. Be careful okay? Things are about to get intense… Love you by the way. Give mom and dad a hug from me, I’m not sure when I’ll be home.” he added. It felt like one of those times where he needed to say those things.
He ended the message and turned to who he now knew to be his longtime mentor.
“This is how you both knew, like Virgil said?” he asked. Virgil had mentioned that his parents had told him that they worked at the GTH. Though from this conversation he gleaned that Patton never mentioned his ranking within the organization. Like Brainstorm Sweets was there pretty much from the start and was considered the head of his department. There was a reason why he and BS worked so closely with Manifestor on a regular basis.
“Yes. We’ve been wanting to tell him. But we didn’t know how. And like he said. Now it’s to late. I just hope he’ll listen once he’s calmed down,” Patton sighed as they walked outside.
They got to the now abandoned parking lot behind the mall.
“Get behind me,” Roman muttered as he activated his disguise. He ran his hand through his hair to change it as he created an arrowhead around him and Patton who activated his disguise as well.
The shape of this cocoon should allow them to go faster without either of them being bothered by the wind.
“Get ready,” Roman warned as he raised them both up in the air. He felt Patton take hold of his shoulders. “3…2…1… here we go.” With that he pushed his creation and with it himself and his passenger forward as hard as he could. Turned out it worked. His physics teacher should be proud. They made it to the HQ in record time.
“Okay, you can let go now,” Roman said as he dropped the manifestation. Sweets was holding onto his shoulders just a little too tight.

“Wow. I knew you could be fast when you wanted to be sport, but wow. Starbucker better watch out,” the man pointed out as he tested his balance. Roman appreciated the attempt at lighthearted conversation but it was a clear struggle for the man to keep up pretence.

“Well I was motivated,” he explained as he made his way to the entrance.

“Virgil will be okay Prince. We'll make sure of that,” Sweets promised as they got in the elevator. Roman just nodded in acknowledgment. He wasn't entirely sure of that anymore. That explosion and the near abduction did not sit well with him. He was mad at himself for letting his guard down the way he did. He knew Collector meant business and still…

Today had shown him one thing though. Virgil had to know the truth. He couldn't let him endanger himself every time Roman had to duck out to save the day.

It would save them both time and worries and arguments.

“There you are,” Manifestor said as soon as the doors opened.

“Where are…?”

“Prince got me here as fast as he could. Virgil is being escorted here. He should be right behind us,” Patton explained as they walked in.

“Okay,” Manifestor nodded. Before turning to Roman. “Prince? I heard you got hurt. Are you…?”

Roman made a dismissive wave. “I'm fine,” he said. “The explosion caught me off guard and I lost hold of my flight. Phantom got me out and checked me over. Then we both had somewhere to be,” he surmised.
Manifestor nodded. “Okay… Good…” he said slowly. “And the Collector?”
“According to Virgil it’s a false sighting. Apparently he sent a puppet to make it seem like he made an appearance. Possibly to trick us into overplaying our hand,” Patton explained.
“Virgil is very upset though,” Roman muttered, still quite upset over that fact himself.

Just then the elevator doors opened and he heard the voice of Mr. Terrific.
“I’ll bring him to his room. You go join the others,” he told Viking. Roman was studying Virgil. He was frowning at the floor, the rose Roman gave him clutched in his grasp.

“A room huh?” Virgil grumbled. “That’s a nice way to say prison.” Roman flinched slightly at the venom in his tone. He wanted to comfort him, but he was unsure if seeing Prince would be helpful to him. Logan turned to his son.
“Virgil, you are not in trouble here,” he assured him gently. “This is just to keep you safe. Until now the Collector-” Virgil's head snapped up and he glared at his father. “Oh so that’s his name!? Not ominous at all. Thanks a lot.” At this point Manifestor stepped forward, possibly hoping to diffuse the situation.
“Mr. Anker. Virgil. On behalf of the organization I am terribly sorry for these circumstances,” he said.
“Sorry, do I know you?” Virgil asked in a strangely challenging tone before turning to Mr. Terrific and Metal Viking. “As a matter of fact. I don’t know any of you. So you two can both kindly f the freak off. Go chase ghosts if that makes you feel better,” he added.
“Virgil!” Logan chided.
“No it’s fine sir. We get it,” Viking assured him. And without much more being said the two heroes left.
“Um. Right, I suppose introductions are in order then,” Manifestor concluded. “I am Manifestor,” he offered. Which both Roman and Sweets took as their cue to join the conversation.
“Heya Sport,” Patton greeted tensely. It must be hard pretending you have never met your son before. “I’m Sweets and you have met Prince,” he said with a gesture to Roman who kind of wished he  could sink through the floor. He was sure they'd both hoped to have more time and less tense circumstances before they had to face each other again. Virgil was back to staring at the floor as he nodded. “Yeah we did…” he agreed. “Him I’ll follow,” he decided after a moment of tense silence, surprising Roman a little. He'd assumed that Virgil would want to keep his distance until he'd had time to sort through his feelings. But if this was what Virgil wanted, Roman would oblige.
“Ah, yes of course. This way please,” he offered softly as he led Virgil away towards the living facilities.

While they walked he frantically tried to think of a good way to start the conversation Virgil was expecting to have. He hated having put another thing on his shoulders on an already loaded day.

The moment they were out of sight, Virgil collapsed towards Roman who caught him.

“Sorry. I've been running on fumes since the roof,” he explained, struggling to carry some of his own weight. In a probably ill advised move, Roman scooped Virgil up in his arms bridal style and made a sprint for the first room he saw that was marked ‘prepped'. Once inside he put Virgil down on the bed. “Thanks,” Virgil sighed relieved as he laid down.

“I'm sorry. This is my fault. If I’d been more careful you wouldn't have had to heal me. And you would've been able to protect yourself and…” he rambled as he sat on the edge of the bed staring at his clenched fists. One of which was suddenly held by Virgil’s hand. Roman glanced to the side and saw that the other was still holding onto the rose, his thumb gently stroking the petals.

“It's okay. All being more awake would've done for me is giving me the energy to expose myself as more kickass than I want Collector to know about with only another clueless goon to show for it. And healing you is only part of it. I’m as drained as I am cause… well I got kind of angry. That took a lot out of me too,” Virgil admitted.

Roman relaxed a little at that assurance. Still…

“Do you… should we talk now or...?” Roman wondered unsure of what Virgil wanted him to do next.

“I don't feel comfortable stalling anything right now,” Virgil sighed. He turned to lie on his back, letting go of Roman's hand in the process, so he could look up at him more easily.

“…How long?” he asked.

Roman shrugged. “A while,” he said. He couldn’t say more without revealing his identity. And Virgil didn’t look like he would be able to process that right now.

“Hey… we are still cool okay?” Virgil insisted. “I… if things were a little different I’d totally go for you,” Roman felt a blush start heating his cheeks at that revelation. “But I… it wouldn't be fair to you now,” Virgil explained.

“I understand. I'm just embarrassed. I'll get over it,” he promised.

“Don't be okay? I… I would hate for things to be weird because of this,” Virgil pleaded softly, barely hanging on it seemed. Roman looked down at him fondly. “They won't. I value our friendship too much for that,” he promised.

“Speaking of which, after you’ve rested, there is something I need to tell you. I know you said you didn’t want to know. But it’s time,” he said decidedly.
Virgil’s eyes widened. “You’re going to tell me who you are?” he asked before yawning, making Roman chuckle. He looked so cute when he was tired.

“After you have a nap. I’ll let your dad and the team know that you are to be left alone until you are rested. You know how to reach me when you are ready,” he said.
Virgil nodded. “Yeah, yeah,” he sighed, his eyes thoughtful.
“I mean it. Get some rest. Everything will be clearer when you wake up. And I’ll keep you safe,” he promised as he got up and left the room.
He didn’t make it two steps outside though before he heard a ringtone in his ear. His civilian phone was being called. Could be his parents or his brother. He ducked into the room across from Virgil’s for some privacy.
“Roman speaking,” he said as he picked up.
“Hey,” Virgil’s voice came from the other side, soft and slow and sleepy.
“Virgil? Are you alright?” Roman asked, barely remembering to act as though he knew nothing about what happened after they parted ways at the mall.
“Yeah. I was just thinking… I never gave you an answer… About winter formal.”
Roman’s heart leapt but he wouldn’t allow himself to be selfish right now.
“Virgil, with everything going on…” he started, but he was interrupted.
“That is exactly why I want to give you an answer now. I don’t know when they’ll let me out. But if I can… I’d love to be your knight…” Oh… Oh my. Okay he definitely would’ve liked to have this conversation face to face but it didn’t really matter… He said yes. “We could get dinner before maybe?” Virgil added. “Like… A date maybe?”
Roman let out an incredulous laugh. No more ambiguity. It was official. Virgil liked him back. There was no misconstruing this. Roman had hoped he’d been kind of clear, but neither had called it a date until now so… “Yes. Yes of course!” he said excitedly.
Virgil’s tired laugh was cut off by a clattering sound. As though the phone was dropped.
“Virgil?” Roman asked as he made his way to the door, planning on checking to see if Virgil had simply finally given in to fatigue. His door was stuck. He turned to the keypad which said that the door’s safety check had been activated. This meant that the system was currently checking if all the locks worked properly and he wouldn’t be able to get out for a few seconds. He cursed. These things had to be manually ordered and anyone outside could see that there was someone in this room.
Which meant he was locked inside on purpose. He kept trying to open the door.
When it finally did, the door opposite his was open. He rushed in to find the room empty. Save for Virgil’s phone on the ground and the rose on the bed.

Chapter Text

Roman pushed away the panic rising in his chest. No time now. He had to try and catch up. Whoever took Virgil might still be in the building.
He hurried to the front room his mind racing.
Whoever took Virgil had been so fast that Virgil hadn’t had time to notice him entering his room before he was grabbed. There were only a hand full of people in the city that had that kind of speed.
And there was only one with the seniority to come and go in the GTH as he pleased when they were at high alert.
The building feeling of betrayal and righteous fury quickly had to make way for horrified shock when he saw Manifestor and Sweets on the ground and BrainStorm slowly getting up.
There was no sign of Virgil or Mr. Anker.

“Oh my god!” he called out as he rushed to the side of Virgil’s father and his first mentor, dreading to admit his failure. “Mr. Sweets? Manifestor? Brainstorm? Are…” Roman scrambled for words. “ It… I… I was locked in a room. He was… He was gone by the time I got out,” he admitted as he tried to help Sweets, who seemed half sedated, to get up. “He took Virgil. He took him!” he confessed.
“Prince…” Brainstorm grunted, getting to his knees. “He blindsided us all. We should have informed you of the possibility of a mole…” he said, sounding frustrated.
“Where is Mr. Anker? Was he taken too?” Roman asked, looking around, hoping to find he had simply not seen him earlier. But Virgil mentioned the goon said something about Collector knowing his father somehow, so there was a chance that father and son both had been taken.
“No,” Manifestor groaned, getting up as well. “He… left the room shortly after you did.”
Well that was a relief. Though that also meant… “Someone… Someone should tell him what happened,” he realized. That poor man. And Sweets, this must all be so hard for him.
Suddenly the elevator doors opened. Roman looked up and saw chief enter with two people he’d only seen once in the pictures in Virgil’s home. Janus’ parents? What were they doing here?
“Are we too late?” the woman wondered, looking at the recovering leaders of the GTH and a distraught failure of a young hero with horror along with her husband and the chief. Roman could not blame them. Everything felt terrible right now.
The husband was comforting his wife who was holding tightly onto a thick envelope.

Chief strode forward looking very close to yelling. “What is going on? Why was Starbucker still here? He should be out with everyone else finding this bastard!” she demanded.

“He took Virgil,” Prince reported, the anger at this betrayal returning.
He’d trained his speed with this man. He’d liked him, trusted him. How much of that time had he actually been working against them?

“The Anker kid? He is supposed to remain here for protection. Why would he break protocol?” Chief demanded, glancing at all of them. Roman could see the pieces fall into place.

BrainStorm nodded “He was our mole,” he confirmed.

“Virgil? Virgil is in trouble?” Mr. Bullard asked tensely. Roman nodded regretfully.

“Oh no…” Mrs. Bullard gasped, close to crying it seemed.

“Sir, ma'am. What brings you here.?” Manifestor asked. Right. There had to be a reason why they were here. If they came in with the Chief she must feel like they could help somehow.

“Our son Janus…”Mrs. Bulard said with a  shaky voice. “He left us this letter it said to give you this…” Janus had a message for them?
Brainstorm took the envelope and held up a piece of paper that apparently went with it.

“Mom, dad,” he read aloud.

“I thought I could outsmart him, but in case that I can't, bring this to the people of the GTH.”
And just like that Roman suddenly recalled Remus’ nickname for Janus. Snake face. Serpentine… This made so much sense. And this whole time Janus had been trying to help Virgil?

“You are not at fault here. There was a man who came to me when I felt I failed everyone who loved me and he promised me redemption. When I realized he was bad news, I decided to keep playing along instead of going to the police. These are my mistakes. I am old enough to own up to that. As soon as I get home I’ll tell you this in person: I love you. And I’m sorry.

Tell uncle Lo and V I love them too for me okay? And that I’m sorry for not protecting Virgil better.

Love J.” Roman felt his heart break for his schoolmate. He couldn’t believe he’d had to deal with all of that. And from the sound of it he might be in danger too. Roman was determined to bring both of them home though. But first…

“They should probably join Mr. Anker for a debrief?  Mr. Sweets do you mind doing that while we see what’s in that envelope…?” he suggested. That seemed best. Then Patton could be with his partner and the rest of them could figure out what to do next.
“No. I'll update the families. I had the lead on this mission. It is my responsibility,” Brainstorm objected as he handed the envelope to the chief. “I’ll catch up soon,” he stated as he walked towards the offices closely followed by Janus’ parents.
That… That was kinda unusual. But Roman didn’t have time to worry about that now.
He walked over to chief Davis as she went through the papers and passed them around for him, Sweets and Manifestor to look at.
Roman scanned over them, trying to focus on the important bits. They had a possible location for a hideout now. Not just a hideout but the location of the ‘collection’.
Roman shivered as he saw the name of his school and a list of students Janus heard the collector mention by name. Stacey was on it. And Remus. And Virgil of course.
As if Roman had needed more reasons to want this guy to be locked up and far away from his life.
Speaking of which. They now had a name.
It was the art teacher Mr. Grant.
Roman had talked to this man. He had encouraged him to go suit shopping with Virgil! He’d played right into his plan to get Virgil to the right place for today to go as he wanted it to.
“May I?” Roman was pulled out of his spiral of guilt and anger by BrainStorm returning and giving the papers a quick read through.
“That bastard,” his mentor growled, which was a surprising shift from his usual stoic detachment.
“This is not the first place he’s done this,” Chief stated. “He’s offered art classes to communities all over the country. And either a few weeks before or weeks to months after he supposedly moved on, a few kids disappeared. Mostly children the authorities wouldn’t look for in the first place, making it harder to spot the pattern,” She explained, sounding about as disgusted and infuriated as they most likely all felt.
“But… How many kids did he get? How did he get away with that?” Roman wondered aloud. It just didn’t make sense to him.
Chief scoffed. “Do you really have to ask Prince? People who are a little too dark are often systematically written off. People who are poor often face the same fate.”
Roman really wished that he didn’t understand the Chief’s tone. But he had a few instances where he felt people treated him different because of his heritage. People who assumed their economical status or understanding of English. Once he nearly got arrested for browsing through a shop because a client thought that he was trying to shoplift a perfume they didn’t think he could possibly afford.
Luckily the cashier was nicer than the client.
“My best friend’s daughter went missing over a year ago,” Davis revealed, her pained voice pulling Roman back from his thoughts. “The local officers spend no more than a few days looking for her before assuming she’d ran away. But I learned from a few conversations with her friends of a mystery man who had learned of her abilities and was supportive of her talents as a dancer. Someone who made her feel seen… I should have figured it was the arts teacher that passed through the district. I didn’t have the contacts or authority to dig in deep enough…”
Roman was disgusted by this man. The way he treated people… Used them and their trust… The people he’d hurt in his blind pursuit of his goals.
“Chief, you could have told us. I would have gladly tried to reach out for you,” Manifestor pointed out and Roman knew the sentiment was shared by all of them.
Davis nodded. “I know. But I didn’t think there was any way that it would’ve helped. We were already actively trying to track collector. I added her name to the list of potential victims. If there ever was a team I trusted not to dismiss her because of the color of her skin or her financial background, it would be this one. I didn’t want anyone to be influenced by my personal stakes in this,” she said. Roman’s respect for her grew. If he were in her place he didn’t think he would’ve been able to pretend Virgil was just another anonymous target. He’d needed to remind himself that Virgil was already receiving special attention multiple times over the past few months.

Otherwise he didn’t know what he’d have done.
Thinking of Virgil and all those people under the collector’s thumb and his schoolmates who were unknowingly on his watch list redirected Roman’s mind to the matters at hand though. They needed him to take action. And having a good idea of how this man worked, he just thought of a plan.
“Then there is no time to lose,” he announced. “He will no doubt make us stew in our worry for a while before revealing his location to me and Brainstorm in some sort of covert way with a warning not to alert anyone…” Roman waved his hand, wanting to be done with that scenario. “But what if BrainStorm goes to look for him himself, wanting to end this before it even has to begin? And I follow despite being told by him to stay put or whatever. Collector thinks he has us without backup and ‘leads us’ to his base but secretly everyone knows exactly where we are going and surrounds the premise and stuff while we are distracting the main man. All it’ll ask from us is a little improvisation,” he explained. Confident that this egocentric maniac would fall for it.
Brainstorm nodded. “That might actually work,” he mused, before turning towards the rest of the team. “He’ll no doubt have ways to disrupt any communication channels, but I think we both trust you all enough to make quick work of the facility. It is probably best if you avoid being overheard while organizing the others. And be careful. Collector might be the brains of the operation but we can’t assume that all his goons are as dim as the last two he let us take in. Many might be fighting against their will so you have to take that into account. The element of surprise is our only advantage,” he pointed out as he tapped away at the holo screen. “By sundown tonight I want his victims freed and as many of them back home as we can manage.” Roman nodded along with the rest of the team.
“Good. Here’s a framework for the operation. We have not much to go on so you too will have to improvise once inside the building. Everyone comfortable with that?” he asked. Another collective nod followed.
“Very well.” Brainstorm headed to the computer, plugged in his storage bracelet and tapped away on a few keys before turning to Roman. “Dream Prince. Let’s go,” he announced.
Roman followed him to the elevator, his heart racing. He knew that he’d signed up for this… But he was still scared. Still he had to do this. Collector had to be stopped.

“I'll wait a few minutes before following. We've got this,” he muttered, trying to hype himself up.

“I won't let him hurt you or Virgil,” Brainstorm promised. Apparently he was not as good at putting up a brave face as he hoped he was. He’d have to fix that by the time they came face to face with their big bad. “I know,” he nodded. “I just want it to be over.” He tried to picture himself sometime after today. Sitting at lunch with his brother and Janus and Virgil, laughing and careless and free. Playfully flirting and touching with Virgil. Allowing themselves to be sixteen and just… Just sixteen.

God he needed some time off. Virgil deserved some too. Janus too for that matter, considering he’d volunteered himself as a double agent. Roman felt really bad for the things he’d said to him at the start of the schoolyear. If those contributed at all to Collector’s hold on him… No. No he would not go down this road. One day, this would be far behind them. And that is what he would think of to get through today.
Brainstorm nodded and the doors opened. They stepped out, and Roman watched his mentor march forward and disappeared from sight. Waiting a few minutes was much easier said than done.
Still it had to look somewhat real. He had to assume eyes would be on him the second he left the building.
Finally he decided enough time had passed and he charged forward. Flying all over, but vaguely in the direction of the warehouse Janus had mentioned in the papers.
Soon he crossed paths with Brainstorm racing around on a hoverboard and adjusted his path to follow him. A minute later they came at the forest surrounding their destination and Brainstorm stopped and turned off the board.
Roman landed in a treetop and activated his sight in hopes of spotting nearby goons.
What he didn’t expect to see was a deep blue energy reaching from Brainstorm and crushing a fallen tree as Brainstorm let out a frustrated growl. Wow, either his mentor was good at selling this or he was really pissed at Collector. Could be both.
Still it was odd. Brainstorm seemed so practical and yet…“Why do you do it like that?” he asked.
Brainstorm turned and looked up and Roman jumped down to land in front of him. That talked easier. “You were supposed to stay behind. We can’t afford you being taken as well,” he chastised, sounding disapproving but not surprised.
“As if you are expendable,” he argued. “This guy has been terrorizing the city and stalking me and other young citizens. Abducting and brainwashing people for his own twisted sense of an utopia. I want it to be over too. And a shot at punching him in his stupid face,” he said, not having to exaggerate or lie about a single thing.
“We could argue and fight but that is time better spend searching every inch of the city for a sign of Virgil,” he added.
Brainstorm sighed and turned. “Very well. Let’s hurry. Before the others find and stop us,” he allowed.
Roman nodded, hoping he looked the right amount of pleased that he’d won that ‘argument’.
“Right… You never answered though. Why do you only crush things and never pick them up?” he wondered, genuinely curious.
Brainstorm turned to him. Right he didn’t know that Roman could see what he did about as well as BS could feel himself doing it. “You know…” he mimicked the crushing action he’d seen moments before. “And never,” he demonstrated carrying something around with almost the same action.
Brainstorm watched him for a moment, he’d probably have to explain what brought this up later.

“I needed to be flashy and intimidating. Crushing was most effective,” he explained, talking more softly as though he didn’t want to be overheard. That was fair. If Collector hadn’t figured out BS could manipulate objects in more ways than just crushing them, then they didn’t want to be the ones to warn him about that.
“Okay. So what's the plan?” he asked, trying to keep the conversation going, to keep selling the ruse but also to keep his thoughts from wandering about. Right now that was not a good thing.
“The plan was to exchange myself for young Mr. Anker before Sweets and Manifestor are done consoling his parents and realize I’ve disappeared,” Brainstorm lied smoothly.
Roman looked at him. Going for ‘I can not believe you just said that’.
“That is a very stupid plan,” he stated and he was pretty sure BS would agree. It was the decoy plan after all.
“I don’t have much to work with here,” BS pointed out evenly. “Besides your presence complicates matters. You could shadow me and try to flag my location once I’ve made contact. When you do you wait for backup. I’ll secure the hostage and if possible neutralize the threat,” he instructed calmly. A stark contrast to the frustration he showed earlier, when he ‘thought no one was looking’.
Roman wondered if BS was keeping his options open to play it at different angles.
“That sounds a bit better,” Roman agreed. “Though I still don’t like leaving you alone with that man,” he pointed out.
“You won’t have to.”

Roman’s head snapped up. That voice. He knew it. That was the man who’d encouraged him when he still ran into the padded walls and taught him to judge his break distance better.
“You!” he growled. Anger and betrayal at full force once more.
Starbucker didn’t look at all like his usual self. His body language was way off. But right now all Roman could think off was that this man had taken Virgil to that maniac.
“You two have to follow me inside. He doesn’t want to be kept waiting too long,” the traitor informed them, turning his back on them as though he’d invited them to tea.
Roman could not let that slide. He ran at him at full speed and was flung back when he collided with something invisible.
“I get you want to fight me,” Starbucker said, his voice monotone and lacking his joy for life.
Roman was still recovering from the impact so he couldn’t see his face, but he imagined it was equally void of anything. “But even if I wanted to let you, he made sure you couldn’t. He’s been preparing for today for a long time.” Well they knew that. But this was a literal painful reminder of how underprepared they were. Still they had to try.
“It would be best to preserve our energy then I assume,” BS stated as Roman got up.

He saw Starbucker looking back at them a little and nodding. “And don't try to run away. He will likely hurt the boys in retribution and then go back to his original plan,” he pointed out, his voice colored with worry now.

“Very well. But we are owed a proper explanation. You can talk as we walk,” BS suggested.
Starbucker sighed as though he really didn’t want to but nodded.
He waited as they approached him. When they were about 6 feet away he halted them. Meaning that must be where that nasty shield perimeter started.

Then he led them onwards in the direction they knew he would go.
“He… Early September I got a call from my brother,” Starbucker started. “He had his office broken into.” And just like that all Roman’s anger turned into pity as he looked at BS seeing he too could see where this story was going. Unsurprisingly so. He was way more than above averagely intelligent.
“I searched the place for clues and found a note addressed to me. It told me to meet and not tell anyone…. I did as it said because I wanted to take down this guy myself. I didn’t know that… I didn’t realize how crafty he was. He didn’t sign the note, so it’s not like I knew it was Collector at the time,” Roman could hear how much regret the speedster felt and he couldn’t help but feel for him now. In his shoes… He might’ve acted the same. “He sent a goon, the way he usually works. He needed an inside man and he had his goon show me that not only my brother but my best friend and her family were being watched.
I never told him more than he strictly asked for, but he managed to ask the right questions a lot.”
That tracked with what they knew about him so far. “About you, and Prince and stuff I didn't even know anything about. I have never been so grateful for the need to know policy. But… then he made me supervise Serpentine’s first rescue… It killed me not to jump in before I was supposed to. It made it clear to me that he would happily endanger the lives of others. He… he was so pleased with that incident. It was even worse since I know the kid. As a civilian I mean. That made me a perfect mole I suppose. He wanted me to sabotage his relations with others.” Wait what? How twisted… That was so much worse. Was this why Janus had been holding off on reuniting with Virgil? On getting a real support system back in his life? “Serpentine didn't let me though. I was pretty proud of him for setting clear boundaries and speaking up for his needs that way. I guess you know what else he asked of me. I am so sorry,” he vowed as they entered the staircase and were led down and through a hallway. Roman’s head was reeling. Janus definitely deserved all the respect in the world going through all that. Finally he could genuinely see why Virgil was friends with him in the first place. This guy was seriously cool when it came down to it.

“They are behind this door,” Starbucker said as he stopped before the steel doors.

“Good luck… I have to return to my post. Again. I'm sorry,” he bid before disappearing.

Roman glared at the door behind which Virgil, and most likely Janus too, were waiting.
“No point in stalling,” he decided as he opened the door.
Virgil and Janus, in his hero costume, were there alright. On the other side of the room, chained to the floor.

Chapter Text

No heroes and villains update this week. But because I am working to drop all 4 big finale updates in one day so you can choose what order you read the finale in. I will aim to do the same with the epilogue chapters (as well as a bit of extra art because the gang deserves it). After that you guys get to decide. Is it done? Do you want college and adult life shenanigans? Flashbacks? Loredumps? Do you have headcannons forvtheir future you want to share? Are there questions? Hoping to give you the opportunity to make requests within the next 2 weeks. Omg... it's nearly over guys.

Chapter Text

“Virgil!” Roman gasped, ready to lunge forward and check in on him.
He was halted though by a firm hold on his arm. He looked back to Brainstorm. Slightly frustrated that he was wasting time.
“Caution Prince,” Brainstorm warned as he tossed something in the direction of the kidnappees. It hit something and bounced back into the temporarily active hero.
Another barrier?
“I figured he wouldn’t make it that easy on us,” he stated.
“Don’t complement him, he’s got a big enough head as it is,” Virgil objected, glaring at someone to their left.
Of course he’d be here. Roman followed Virgil’s gaze and laid eyes on the man who caused all this. The man who had been teaching art at their school this semester and thus had been around Virgil, Stacey and Remus and many others far more than Roman would like. The man who’d manipulated Roman and used his feelings for Virgil to put him in harm’s way. He wanted to punch him right in his stupid face. He felt like his mother would forgive him that urge this one time.
“Now, Virgil, why ruin my fun?” Collector said in an amused yet disapproving tone. He was wearing a suit and a basic mask. It held no personality whatsoever.
“Collector,” Brainstorm greeted as he bounced the device against the shield that was around their adversary. Roman had the same idea and reached out with his gift hoping to try out a long distance restraint. Interacting with the shield was kind of painful though.
“Coward,” Roman grumbled, hoping no one heard the pain through his frustration.
Collector looked pleased as can be to have his attention though.
“Well it is a true pleasure to finally meet you in person Dream Prince. If you would bear with me for a moment, I will get around to you soon. I just mean to get everyone up to speed,” he told him assuredly. That arrogant…
“I don’t care. Your actions tell me that I want nothing to do with you, ever,” he told him. He wanted to make his opinions be heard if nothing else. It was the only thing he could do until the cavalry arrived.
“Oh… you truly did pick a good one. The people are going to love him.”
Roman did not like that tone he used when talking about him to Brainstorm. It made him feel like the collector saw him as a little kid playing superhero instead of an actual trained hero.
Collector looked back at him and he didn’t like the look in his eyes when he addressed him any better. “And I assure you, young Prince, you will want to help me once you’ve heard what I have to offer you.” That… That felt ominous. Almost like a threat or something. He hated it. He wanted to argue, to put up a fight. But a soothing hand on his shoulder reminded him that they were here to be the distraction. And maybe if they got lucky, he’d get an excuse to hit him in the face later.
“Very well Collector,” BS stated calmly. “You lured us here. You have our undivided attention. Say your piece.”
Collector was entirely too amused by the situation. Roman couldn’t wait to see him in an orange jumpsuit.
“Yo! Eyes down here!” Virgil called out, sounding extremely annoyed. Roman recalled Virgil being catty and sarcastic after the attack what felt like forever ago. He worried what would happen the second he felt he was out of danger. “Me and Jay are not just two pieces of bait on a hook! I am not cool with that. How bout you?” Virgil was being obnoxiously loud and turned to Serpentine/Janus. Roman realized that he had just revealed Serpentine’s true identity. He didn’t know that there was no need but he doubted that he would’ve acted any different if he did. The point was that Collector now knew for sure that everyone in the room was aware of Janus’ identity and that he did not have the pleasure of spilling that secret. Roman did wonder how long Virgil had known though. Just from today or did he have a suspicion for longer?
In any case. He was clearly on a mission to hinder Collector as much as humanly possible and it worked. Mr. Grant was pouting.
“Virgil! What did I just say about spoiling my fun?” he asked.
“Nothing. You asked why. And the answer is, because it makes you expose yourself as the overgrown toddler you are,” Virgil huffed before turning to them. “Guys meet my oldest and best friend Janus Bullard. We had a few issues the past year and this guy decided to exploit that. J has a shock thingy so he’ll follow orders by the way,” Virgil warned. Okay, so they had to be careful about taking him down when the time came.
“Oh, is that what you think Virgil? That he followed orders because I threatened to hurt him?” Grant chuckled, trying to get some sort of upper hand.
Virgil was not impressed at all. “I meant right now. I know why he did what he did. And I’m not upset with him about it. So good try, but you did not take my best friend from me,” he insisted, before addressing Roman and Brainstorm again.
“Jay has an ability that lets him order people to do stuff. Not sure if it works when you know he’s doing it…?” Virgil’s explanation was very rushed, and Roman had to take that in for a minute. Mind control? That was… Well he understood why Collector was interested in that. That was probably something they should discuss later.
“Not unless I really want it to. So far at least,” Janus told Virgil.
Virgil nodded and turned to them. “There you have it,” he shrugged before looking at Grant, quite pleased with himself. “Next,” he smirked.
“I appreciate your eagerness,” Grant said slowly, the playfulness in his done completely gone. “But for your friend’s sake, better not give away spoilers again.” Oh, that didn’t sound too good.
Virgil’s eyes narrowed and he shuffled closer to Janus. A silent “if you hurt him I’m going down with him”. Sweet gesture, but Roman wished he wouldn’t. And it looked like Janus agreed, judging by the concerned look in his eyes.
“I suppose there is no point in the disguise anymore,” Mr. Grant sighed and just like that Janus’ disguise dissapeared.
“Hi,” he greeted nervously. Virgil immediately turned to him with a soft expression that was just too sweet for words. “It’ll be okay J,” he vowed gently. Janus smiled at him, but his eyes quickly found their collective tormentor. Getting ready for the next step of Collector’s little victory round. Roman assumed that Collector wanted them to know of all the moving pieces in his plan, just to brag about how smart he’d been before explaining what the next steps were and how they would have no choice but to do exactly as he wanted.
“So sweet,” Collector smiled. Roman wasn’t sure if it was mocking or infantilizing or what, but he was insulted on the duo’s behalf regardless.
“Well, we’ll start with the oldest won’t we?” he suggested happily as he turned to BrainStorm.
“What are you talking about?” Roman’s mentor asked tensely. Roman frowned and fought the urge to look back. Grant was looking for reactions and Roman was determined to disappoint him as much as possible. Sadly Brainstorm had already given Collector something to be delighted over.
“Oh, I had a suspicion when I came here. The timelines aligned too perfectly. The tragedies, the radical changes. It made sense,” he turned to Virgil as Roman tried to figure out what he was on about.
“Virgil may I introduce you to…”
“Yeah, I know,” Virgil interrupted with a roll of his eyes. Well that was good. But Roman was still catching up. Collector seemed to imply that he knew who BrainStorm was. But why would that be relevant to… Oh… Oh.
“You do?” the two adults in the room chorused.
Virgil shrugged. “I’m not allowed to spoil it for the others. But I can’t help that I figured that out when I was 14.” He looked at Brainstorm, his face softening as he addressed, if Roman got this right, his father.
“I never knew how to bring it up, and I hoped one day you’d tell me,” he said.
“Oh… Oh. You mean?” Janus gasped wide eyed, also catching on. Roman couldn’t really blame him. It only clicked this fast for him because he knew Patton was Sweets. From there Mr. Anker being Brainstorm kind of made a lot of sense.
Virgil turned to his friend. “You put it together too huh?”
“Yeah…” Janus nodded. “That’s wild man. That would have been quite the shock if Collector had been the one to break that to you.” Definitely. Right now they all got a little time to put it together themselves but getting it dropped on them like the bombshell Collector was building it up to be… That would have been a hard hit to take.
“Oh, I’m sure,” Virgil snorted. “Bet he had high expectations.”
Janus giggled. And Roman couldn’t help but smile at the interaction. If this was how they normally were together, then he could understand that this was a friendship Virgil had been willing to fight so hard for.
“He probably imagined it a bit like: may I introduce you to Brainstorm,” he said changing his voice to sound robotic. Like Darth Vader. “Your father never told you the truth about him did he?”
Virgil laughed at Janus’ theatrics and effortlessly picked in. “Oh, he told me enough. He works with him,” he said.
“No Virgil. He is your father,” Janus replied dramatically.
Virgil gasped in pretend shock. “No, no, no, that’s not true. That’s impossible!”
Janus fought to keep his expression serious. “Search your feelings Virgil. You know it to be true.”
“Noooo!” Virgil exclaimed and Roman was having a hard time to not burst out laughing.
“If you both join me, you can rule this new world together, as father and son,” Janus added.
“Never,” Virgil said as he dropped the act and looked at Brainstorm. Roman looked to his side and saw his mentor drop the shade that hid his identity, indeed revealing the face of Virgil’s father.
“Hey dad…” Virgil greeted. “Why didn’t you tell me when we were having one of our heart to hearts?” It was clear he’d accepted his father’s identity long ago.
Logan sighed. “It is embarrassing to admit… I just wanted to be your hero for a little longer Virgil. It’s all any father wants I suppose. One day you might understand that. I am so sorry I broke your trust.”
Oh. Now that was painfully sweet actually.
“Dad… You are my hero. I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean any of that crap I said. I don’t know what got into me,” he explained.
“I do,” Collector announced, forcing himself back into the conversation.
“What do you mean?” Roman asked annoyed at the rude interruption of a sweet moment. Who asked for his opinion again? Oh, yeah. No one.
He felt a hand on his shoulder. Right. Keep calm. Things would turn out fine.
“Oh, well I suppose if everyone is aware of dear Logan’s secret, it is my turn,” Collector said happily as if his attempt at shattering everyone’s worldview hadn’t been interrupted.
“First, I can feel people’s potential for gifts. So when we met in person, I knew right away that you had to be Brainstorm,” Grant explained with a wink in Mr. Anker’s direction. Roman found this information distressing. It sounded a bit like his sight. It would explain how he picked out people of interest like Virgil. But did that mean he already knew Roman’s secret identity upon meeting him in person? Then again, maybe it wasn’t very specific. Maybe his trick with Remus was enough to get him of the trail?
“But on top of that, I…” he paused for a moment, looking for the right way to phrase what he wanted to say. “Can feel and heighten people’s emotions. If there is even the tiniest hint of fear I can make you fall to your knees. A small touch of frustration or impatience can grow into irrational fury…”
“Say ‘sike’ right now,” Virgil muttered, anger clear in his voice.
Mr. Grant smiled at Virgil. “Oh, clever boy. You figured out I nudged you in the right direction have you?” he said impressed.
That was disgusting. And it meant he knew exactly how horrified they all were with him and still acted like he was having a fun little family get together.
“Like I give a crap about what happened earlier today!” Virgil bit as he stood up, the chains around his wrists clanging loudly. “I’m talking about the start of the semester. Did you somehow get in the school and mess with J?”
Oh… Oh no. Could it have been that Grant had been spying on them in homeroom and edged Janus on to lash out? And later in the hallway? Virgil had had Art right before the fight after all. All Grant would’ve had to do was follow them and help chaos unfold.
The maniac was stunned for a moment before breaking out in full out laughter.
“Oh, so precious. I’d think you’d be more worried about me playing part in potentially burning your bridges with your family. But you are concerned about Him?” he surmised.
“Like one bad day was ever going to mess things up for my family. Dad is more understanding than you give him credit for,” Virgil huffed. “But Jay was in a bad place and you made him make it worse. You dragged him to rock bottom so you could swoop in to be his savior?!” Virgil insisted. Roman nodded. That was messed up beyond words.
“Virge. It’s okay…” Janus objected, gently pushing Virgil back into a sitting position their chains rattling once more. “No matter how upset I was, and whether or not that was entirely my own feelings, I still lashed out. And don’t forget that we were already in a rough spot without his meddling. I am not going to hide behind him. I did these things and I’ve been making up for them, I hope,” he said.
Virgil smiled at him. “Of course you have. When we’re out of here, things can go back to normal… I’ve missed you,” he said.
Collector, who seemed to insist on ruining every nice moment, chuckled again.
“Want to tell him about why he and Roman nearly got crushed that first day?” he wondered.
Roman frowned in confusion as he watched Janus cringe. Why… Then he recalled the physical power Serpentine displayed. Oh, no. “I didn’t have control over my other power yet,” their schoolmate explained. “You’ve seen it in action. I didn’t even know I had powers like that. I was… So overwhelmed and then I was so ashamed of nearly hurting you…”
Virgil bumped their shoulders together. “Hey, it’s cool. Nothing happened and I think we both know that mister mastermind was toying with your emotions to make sure you outed yourself. He is crazy enough to have been assuming that either me or Roman would manifest our gifts right then and there too,” he reasoned.
The tension left Janus and he turned to glare to the man who’d been ‘sponsoring’ him. To use a generous term. “Are you going to tell him or what?” he asked.
Virgil’s gaze drifted between the two. “Tell me what?” he asked.
“His name,” Janus huffed. Ah. Right. That was a secret Virgil wasn’t privy to yet.
Grant grinned. “Oh that’s cute. You think I’ve been using my true name this whole time?” the madman chuckled. Or rather, a secret none of them knew. Of course.
“I could start with the name you all might know me by though,” he allowed as he turned off his disguise and revealed his true visage, which was only a surprise to Virgil.
“Mr. Grant…?” Virgil whispered after a moment. Roman felt for him. Virgil had liked Grant.
“Thank you Virgil, at least someone who knows how to respond appropriately,” Grant said, offended that there wasn’t a collective gasp of astonishment.
“Oh, get me out of these chains and lower those shields and I’ll show you appropriately,” Virgil growled. Speaking off. Virgil should be able to… Ah. Roman just noticed Janus’ chackles were broken. He wouldn’t be surprised if Virgil had gotten up to cover the sound of them snapping.
“You manipulated my respect for you as an artist to… To what? To talk me into delusions of grandeur? To groom me into your obedient little prodigy? Get a freaking life man! That was never, ever going to happen,” Virgil announced passionately. Roman used his sight and saw him using his gift to slowly, but surely damage the chackles.
“Yeah. That guy’s the worst. Did you know he blackmailed my therapist?” Janus said as he curled in on himself. Oh… Oh that was the connection Starbucker said he had with Janus?
“Bitch say what?” Virgil gasped as he looked to Janus in astonishment. “Girl, you better be joking,” he exclaimed.
Janus smiled a little, the discomfort on his face slipping away. “Nope. You know Starbucker? Turns out his name is Remy Picani. My therapist. And he was blackmailed into spying for Grant over there,” Janus explained.
“Wait. Picani? My therapist is Emile Picani!” Wait. But that… That meant…
Logan finished Roman’s thought for him. “Did you have your goon steal our files from Dr. Picani’s office?” he demanded getting the attention of the two friends across the room.
“Starbucker informed us that he was lured to Grant via a break in at his brother’s office,” Roman said, filling them in.
Mr. Grant nodded. “I was indeed trying to catch two birds with one stone. An interesting piece on the board and some recon on two individuals of great interest. But sadly, the younger of the Picani brothers doesn’t leave his notes unattended in his office. Or at least nowhere my employees could find it before they had to vacate the premise.” Collector didn’t seem too upset by that fact. He smiled in a way that said: can’t win them all.
Roman was glad he’d known most of this stuff already. Even with that intel his head felt like it was spinning.
“You said you are not truly Connor Grant?” Mr. Anker recalled calmly. And that question made Mr. Grant happier than anything else had since they got here. “I knew that little puzzle wouldn’t let you go!” he grinned excitedly. “No, I took that name after we split paths. You didn’t recognize me when we met, which kind of stung, but I guess we both matured significantly in the past decades. You may recall the name I held when we first met though. Marcus Berengar,” he revealed dramatically.
Roman didn’t get the impression this was a bombshell to anyone.
“Hey, you don’t think I’m supposed to have some kind of reaction to this right? Because I have literally no clue who that’s supposed to be,” Virgil stage whispered. Roman barely kept himself from laughing at that. It was too close to his own thoughts and the way he delivered was just perfection. Also Roman desperately needed to let go of some of this tension.
“You aren’t,” Mr. Anker assured Virgil. Roman could be mistaken, but he sounded a little pleased to say that. “He was just a member of my debate team back in high school. I haven’t even thought about him since… Since our last team meeting actually.” It was weird to learn so much about his normally so private mentor. One glance to… Mr. Berengar he supposed, told him that this reaction once again did not meet his expectations. Good.
“Really dad? Not even when I grilled you on your high school days and the shenanigans of debate team specifically?” Virgil prodded, rubbing salt in the wound no doubt.
“Not really. If I had cared to remember him then I might have recognized him when we met again in person two weeks ago,” Brainstorm pointed out. Mr. Berengar huffed petulantly.
“I do recall that hideous orange bonnet you insisted on wearing every day. I see you’ve grown out of that,” Mr. Anker added with a tone that one would associate with meeting an old classmate you found annoying again at the reunion. It was kind of catty and Roman didn’t think he’d ever hear his mentor sound like that.
“Well, we all had our little comfort habits, didn’t we? I grew out of mine. But you still follow your emotional support theatre kid around l hear?” Roman probably missed some information there, but it sounded like a good comeback.
“Say, can your empathy gift tell you if someone’s lying?” Virgil interrupted. That was actually a good question. It didn’t sound unreasonable and if so then they’d need to be careful not to let on that they weren’t as helpless as they wanted him to think they were. Luckily the situation was stressful enough on it’s own.
Mr. Beranger was pleasantly surprised with Virgil’s sudden interest in his gift. He should know better. “Why yes. Of course. All the tells ungifted desperately try to measure with machines I can feel without even thinking about it.”
“So you know my dad wasn’t just messing around when he said he didn’t care a damn about you.” There it was. Roman was not disappointed. Virgil’s sass was fun when it was playful but clearly a devastating weapon when wielded at a foe.
Collector frowned. “You are really in a rude mood today aren’t you Virgil?” he observed.
“Gee I wonder why,” Virgil deadpanned.
“Hmmm.” Collector pondered that question for a moment. “Is this about your prince?” he guessed.
“Pardon?” Roman asked. Where did he even get that idea?
Collector chuckled. “Oh, not you DreamPrince. I’m afraid your darling Virgil’s heart is a treasure you won’t be able to hold for yourself,” he grinned. Roman frowned and thought his words over… Right. Virgil had called him Princey in civilian form in front of Collector. And Roman had explained the origin of that nickname. Okay. So collector blamed Virgil’s mood on the interrupted date.
And apparently that moment of relief at seeing Virgil relatively safe when they got here was enough for Collector to know that he, DreamPrince, had feelings for Virgil. So, he was going to try and make him jealous and use that to win him over? ‘I can help you win his heart’. That was his angle? Even if Virgil’s ‘other prince’ was someone entirely separated from him, Roman wouldn’t go for that.
“What are you talking about?” Virgil huffed.
“Well. I had Remy borrow some toys from the GTH. Costumes and gadgets and a very handy little drone I could use to keep an eye on the wild pieces of my collection.” Oh no…
"I take it everywhere just in case. I’ve gotten verry good at using it. Want to see my favorite clips?” he wondered as he clicked a remote controller and on the left wall a piece of the plaster slid away to reveal a tv screen where simultaneously four clips were brought up. The first took over the screen and started playing. Roman immediately saw that it was the Halloween dance in the hallway. He recognized Virgil’s costume and based on Remus’ remarks about it, Janus was the Phantom standing with him.
“Take a good look DreamPrince,” Collector instructed. That alone made Roman want to look away. What had happened that was supposed to upset him?
Then the gap was bridged and Roman watched as the two kissed. Janus initiated but Virgil didn’t protest. It looked intense, purposeful… Ok. Wait hold on… Janus was gay? But he said… Oh. Ouch. Poor guy. He must’ve been through the ringer the past few years struggling with his identity. And he had feelings for his best friend on top of that it seemed. That must’ve been hell.
Roman felt a tinge of jealousy, he couldn’t lie. But he knew that nothing came of it. Virgil wouldn’t agree to be his date if he was exploring something with Janus.
Finally the two on screen parted.
Collector was amused by whatever emotions Roman was feeling. “And it’s not just this one instance,” he announced as the next video started playing. Once again Roman knew at once what day this was. The day he’d almost spied on Virgil and Iris kissing. This time he couldn’t look away. And when this kiss ended the video immediately showed Virgil and Carlton in a hospital.
Virgil was holding Carlton in his arms and this really made Roman’s jealousy sting. It burned at his heart as he watched Virgil pull his now ex-boyfriend in for a kiss that was sweet and loving and everything he wanted to have with him.
“Okay,” Virgil protested, fed up with the show. Roman still couldn’t tear his eyes away from the screen as the footage switched back to the hallway with Janus and started the whole thing all over again. This time Roman could not distract himself with pity for Janus’ predicament of self-hatred and fear. Still he listened to the conversation. Needing something to occupy his thoughts.
“One, extreme invasion of privacy you peeping Tom. Two: what the hell is the pattern supposed to be? Just me kissing people? Cause Carlton and I were dating at the time. I am allowed to kiss my boyfriend. And with Iris and J I was not dating anyone, therefore free to kiss whoever I like,” Virgil pointed out annoyed. He was right of course. But still it hurt.
“You have a point. Each kiss is different. You had no feelings for Mrs. Ramirez. But when it comes to the other two instances… Well…” Wait… No. Virgil wasn’t in love with Janus right?
“So you can’t even discern between platonic love and romantic love huh?” Oh thank the stars. “I love  Remus too. But I don’t think of kissing him or taking him on a date. J is cute. And a good kisser. 10/10 would recommend. But I am not interested in dating him,” Virgil stated simply. Roman almost wanted to laugh at that.
“I would definitely recommend you V,” Janus offered, a bit flustered at the complement it seemed. Well that was good to know, though Roman never had a doubt.
“Not that there will be much recommending to do. Roman is already completely smitten,” he added, clearly trying to tease his friend. Oh no. They didn’t know he was standing right there. Oh this was embarrassing. Now Roman definitely couldn’t look at them.
He could hear Virgil giggle. “Sis stop!” he demanded. Either the adrenaline was getting to his head or he was playing up the ridiculousness to take the edge off for everyone.
“What? It’s obvious you two are soft on each other. I don’t know how I didn’t realize you’re such a simp for him earlier,” Janus insisted. Excuse… Simp? Was that hyperbolic or…? Oh god.
“Can you blame me though? Who gave that guy the right to be so hecking cute?” Virgil laughed carelessly, not protesting at all. Oh no. He was definitely not supposed to be hearing this.
“Honestly? I can’t. If you two ever want to find out which one is the better kisser I volunteer,” Janus teased. Oh… Oh. Wow… Now that was… That was definitely not something Janus would say if he knew he was in the room…
“Oh no. BFF code states you can’t make moves on my man. You can’t steal him away,” Virgil argued.
“Hmmm, true, true. But, counterpoint. BFFs share everything,” Janus said with a voice that almost sounded like a purr or something. It was very confusing. What was happening?
“If you two are quite finished?” Mr. Beranger interrupted.
“Boys,” Brainstorm added calmly, causing both friends to calm down at once. Good. Roman was about to die of gay panic.
“Thank you,” Collector stated, sounding a lot less scary than moments ago.
“Didn’t do it for you,” Virgil muttered almost too soft for Roman to catch.
“Now where was I?” their ‘host’ muttered. Roman didn’t see what he was doing. He was still staring at Virgil kissing other people on loop. The idea that that could have been him if he hadn’t hesitated just wouldn’t let him go.
“Ah, yes… Jealousy and regret.” Roman wasn’t worried about Mr. Beranger luring him to the dark side. He knew Virgil chose him. Or at least, he was willing to give them a chance.
“Prince? Are you… Do you have feelings for my son?” Mr. Anker asked. And that is when Roman realized that there might be another layer to this reveal. Was Collector hoping to damage Roman’s relationship with his mentor? He looked down, took a deep breath and tried to gather his thoughts.
“I… That is to say…” how to explain how genuinely he adored Virgil without giving himself away?
“I’ll answer that question, dear friend.” Roman felt ice collect in his stomach as he looked up to see collector’s attention was on the screen again. Roman followed his gaze and his face caught on fire when he saw himself leave Virgil’s bedroom through the window.
He saw himself place a kiss on his cheek and pull back.
He'd been seen. He’d been followed. But if Collector followed him that night… “That… You had me shot!” he realized.
Collector didn’t deny it. He seemed to find his accusation funny even. “Yes, I needed to test something for our Thanksgiving event.” Roman doubted this ‘event’ involved anything festive. “And as you know by now I like to combine errands. So I tested the bullet and I could see where you chose to go to get that wound looked at. And the footage is quite revealing.” Roman felt his heart sink to his feet.
It seemed like Virgil wasn't going to allow Collector to finish any of his expositions uninterrupted though. “What? A kiss to the cheek? I know it’s not standard American. But I was raised with the Bullards who are still very French. Cheek kisses are not that deep if you don’t make it a big deal,” he explained impatiently. He was trying to cover for Roman, which was appreciated.
“So Prince and you are that close huh?” Mr. Beranger concluded. Well. That wasn’t something they could deny.
“I’d say you are,” their captor insisted smugly when Virgil didn’t give a rebuttal as another video played. This one from earlier today. Roman shifted uncomfortable with having a moment that made him feel very vulnerable exposed like this. He didn’t want to be in this room anymore.
“Is that platonic too? Because it definitely wasn’t from Prince’s side, yet he wasn’t the one who initiated? And all that while you were on a date with your beloved ‘princey’,” Collector pointed out. A ‘gotcha’ kind of grin on his face. Virgil narrowed his eyes and straightened his back. As the chains moved Roman looked at them. They were all barely hanging on. One sudden movement and they’d fall off.
“That is between me and Prince. But if you must know…” Roman looked up from the chains curious what would come next. Virgil was looking at him with reassurance. “Prince… Are you okay with me telling him why I kissed you?” he asked.
Obviously Virgil had a plan. And Roman trusted that he would not say a word more than necessary to reach his goal here. “Yeah sure. I trust you,” he said with a quiet voice and a nod.
“Thanks,” Virgil said, then he looked at Mr. Anker still standing beside Roman. “Dad… I’ve been keeping one more secret… I’m Guardian.” Oh, clever to use a different nickname. If Collector heard about Phantom then using that name might give away his exact powerset and Collector might start fighting against being distracted. Something that was essential to their success.
“After Prince saved me he and I got talking and I learned about an ability of his that lets him share his power.” Virgil wouldn’t do bad at improv. It was the truth but phrased just so Collector would assume the wrong thing. And at the same time, he was coming clean with his dad.
And Roman had some room to breathe. And to hear a bang in the distance. Virgil was doing a great job being distracting and directing the focus. There’s no way Mr. Beranger wouldn’t have noticed that if not for Virgil.
“Shortly after that he brought me in as guardian. My suspicions about your secret project were confirmed right then and there,” he explained before turning to the still far too pleased looking Collector.
“The way he shares power is through intimacy,” Virgil explained. “So in order to get a good power boost for that fight, I kissed him. End of story. And any feelings that came up when I fixed him up after you dropped the balcony on his head, are between me and him to sort out.”
Mr. Beranger looked intrigued by this information rather than disappointed by yet another twist. “Not a single lie to be found… Hmmm… Interesting indeed. We can figure out if Manifestor can make that sharing of power permanent. I still feel like you have yet to awaken your full potential Virgil. There is something within you that makes my head spin. I have never felt anything like it.”
Roman felt Collector sounded like an addict chasing a high, and the fact that said high was currently Virgil made his skin crawl. “The only thing I experienced that was that unique was dear Serpentine’s persuasion. I’d never ‘heard’ a gift’s potential in someone’s voice before. But he used it near constantly without meaning to for so long… Miss Ramirez was much easier to pick up on after spending some time around our charming snake,” he mused to himself, temporarily forgetting there were other people in the room it seemed.
“Wait… Iris? What about her?” Virgil wondered. Roman was curious about that too. He hadn’t heard anything about Iris having a gift. Though he recalled her name being on the list Janus had provided.
“Oh…” Collector smiled, amused again. Kind of like he caught himself accidently spilling a surprise. “She might have accidently persuaded you into kissing her. Don’t hold it against her. Few peers can resist her when she sets her heart on something and she doesn’t realize she does it… Not yet.”
Oh, poor Iris. Roman had her as a deskmate for English in freshmen year. From what he knew about her, he felt she wouldn’t like learning of this ‘persuasive’ gift at all.
“But I’m impressed. I didn’t think I’d find many surprises today. I thought I’d done my homework sufficiently… Speaking of surprises though.” And then Collector’s attention was once more focused on him.
“There is one question, I didn’t get an answer to,” he mused, a cruel grin on his face as he showed the small remote controller in his hand. This one was not the one for the tv, that was for sure.
“Unless Virgil decides to move aside, one press on this button will be very unpleasant for 3 innocent individuals. How important is your secret identity to you DreamPrince?” The villain smirked, clearly knowing the answer.
Roman felt his muscles tense as panic slowly took hold of him. He had no choice. He looked at Virgil and wasn’t surprised he shook his head insistently. This was not how he wanted anyone to find out. He'd had a plan. That was out of the window though.
He was going to be damned if he didn’t give Virgil a heads up though.
“Stormcloud. Lo siento. Te quiero,” he whispered. He was not ready to say ‘te amo’. He’d told Virgil why he shouldn’t throw those words around and he didn’t want to give him a heart attack or make things confusing. But between the Spanish and the nickname he only used as Roman and that only made sense as Roman, he was confident he’d get it.
And indeed. Virgil’s eyes widened as he let out a gasp when the pieces clicked. He immediately had an answer for him too. “Prince… I get it, but look at this from my perspective…”
Roman used his sight and looked at their adversary. What he was really looking for was the door next to him. And he saw green tentacles worming their way through. Duke…. Wait no… the green was different… this green was Remus'. “Oh,” he said, as timing and similarities lined up in his head. They’d have to talk later. But for now. Remus was getting ready for a dramatic entrance. And Roman could provide.
“You know what Collector. There is one more thing you didn’t know,” he told him, back in his element as an actor. He’d been far too reactive for his liking. Time to show off his stuff.
Mr. Beranger was not thrown off by Roman's shift in mood. Convinced he was in control in the heart of his operation.
The higher they fly…
“What is that?” he wondered as if he was indulging him. Roman grinned. He had a storm coming. Roman detached his mintbox from his hip -he liked the flavor in his mouth and he rather not have bad breath while comforting spooked citizens-
“Janus, was the one who told us who you were and where to find you. And we came prepared,” He tossed the tin at Collector's head to check if the shields were down. Judging by the way it hit the man in his head. Roman’s say they were.
Knowing his brother, Roman fully expected him to come in with a bang. So he grabbed Mr. Anker by the arm and pulled him down as he shouted “Duck.” While pulling a protective shield over the four of them, letting the steel door fly harmlessly over their heads.
The second the door was gone Roman got to his feet and rushed Collector. He forced him to drop the controller and restrained  his arms while kicking the device far out of reach.
“Checkmate,” he declared. Finally. The nightmare was over.
“Good job highness,” the shrill modified voice, that in hindsight could only belong to his brother, cackled. Remus was in the doorway with Sweets, Manifestor and the chief.
Sweets wasted no time and hugged his partner. Roman couldn't quite hear what was said between the two, but he did gear the disapproving huff Collector made.
Roman's mentors parted ways and faced the cause of all this.
“You…” Sweets growled. He growled! Roman didn’t recall him ever sounding upset at someone. It was a strange sight.
Virgil and Janus put themselves between the heroes and the villain Roman was still keeping in a firm grip. Aided by his gift. He wasn’t taking chances.
“We won’t get to punch his lights out I suppose,” Virgil concluded, very disappointed by that fact. Roman was disappointed too. But any unneeded violence against him could be used in court. 
“No… But I do want him to hear this,” Janus said as he turned to Chief Davies.
“Is my document admissible in court?” he asked. Roman had never seen the woman so pleased to answer a question. She moved forward to stand in the space between where Roman was holding Collector and the rest of the group.
“Even if we got a rookie prosecutor, which we won’t, they’d have an easy time. Between the evidence we found here and your witness account, so long as your parents sign off their permission to bring you up as a witness, should make this case ironclad,” she informed him.
“I take it you found your friend’s daughter?” Roman guessed.
“She’s calling with her parents while dangling some of her captors from the ceiling. Many of the kids who haven’t been fully brainwashed yet are doing similar things.” Right. Some of the people here had been part of the collection for years. They had years of therapy ahead of them to get back to a normal life… What does that even to someone? They’d missed years of their lives, the lives of their families…
“We found detailed documentation on their methods and plans. There is a network of people to roll up and a whole lot to learn still. But for those kids at least, the nightmare is over.” Her happy smile was replaced with a more familiar serious expression as her gaze pointedly went from Roman to Remus to Janus and Virgil. “That counts for you four too. Let the adults handle this,” she insisted.
Roman could feel the chuckle vibrate through Mr. Beranger's body. “Oh, no. They won’t. Do with me as you will. Things are set in motion. I have missions specifically made for each of them. They won’t turn their backs on people who need them. The beauty is, I didn’t have to organize most of these things. The world has no shortage of cruelties.” He looked at the three of them. “Tell me boys. Are you content just sitting here taking some time to yourselves knowing there are people who need your skillsets to save them? Not just you three. No, there are several heroes who will play their part in the revolution without knowing it. Right place right time and all. Tell me Chief is Daisy going to let those poor girls get shipped off if she can help make sure they go back home in time for Thanksgiving?” Roman didn’t like the sound of that. Shipped off… Human trafficking? “People will learn to revere us the way we should be. They’ll be too grateful for our existence not to after the next few days.” Roman needed all his restraint not to slam the guy against the nearest wall.
“Can’t we punch him in the face just a little?” Virgil growled, clearly feeling similarly.
“This Hermes guy…” Janus interrupted. “What did you have planned for him?” Who?
“Ah yes. I figured you’d be curious about him,” Collector said, turning to the Chief.
“Your people call him ‘Phantom’,” he said. He knew about Virgil!?
Chief chuckled though. “We do. And he’s been working for us for months. I assume your plan involves the ‘family’ meeting taking place sometime soon. We are aware. In fact I’m pretty sure I’ll have a date and time on my desk when I get back to the bureau. If he goes in person, he’ll be there to provide backup for my teams. Nothing more.” That was good. Virgil should be allowed to operate in the shadows as long as it had his preference.
There was a moment of tense silence from his captive, and then he relaxed. “No matter. I’ll win any way you look at it. Gifted will get the respect they deserve. I don’t care if I have to see my life’s work blossom from within a cell. It will happen.” He insisted.
A gust of wind and suddenly someone was standing next to Roman.
“I’ll take him from here Prince. You guys got some talking to do and stuff,” Starbucker offered. Roman really wanted to trust him, and he wanted to be rid of this guy. But… What if Starbucker was still being threatened? The hero in question dropped his hand, his expression becoming sorrowful despite his attempt at an understanding smile.
“Ah, right. Can’t be sure I’m really on your side yet…” Roman wished he could deny it. He didn’t deserve distrust… But they couldn’t afford anything going wrong now.
“Allow me,” Manifestor offered and Roman was all too happy to pass the guy off. “I’ll see the rest of you later tonight,” he said, cuffing the man and leaving the room following after Starbucker.
“I gotta go back to my team. You guys take your time, but I’m sure the Bullards will want to see their kid asap,” Chief Davies pointed out before leaving as well.
Virgil groaned. “So even after we win, we’re still not rid of his games huh?” he concluded.
No one had an answer. But Sweets did have a hug. “My boy! Did he hurt you? Are you alright?” he demanded.
“I’m fine, I promise,” Virgil insisted. “It is alright if you aren’t Virgil. That… This was a very though ordeal for all of us,” his father offered decidedly.
“Yeah… I think I’ll need a minute before facing my folks,” Janus muttered.
And wasn’t that a mood. “Me too,” Roman sighed. Someone should let their parents know that they were on their way though. He looked to Duke, who he now could see was absolutely his brother. “And you and I are going to have a conversation once we get home,” he said firmly. What had Remus been thinking? Had Roman said something wrong? Should he have seen the signs? Remus just let out a careless giggle and left with a bow.
Roman sighed. He’d make sure he was alright later. Right now… Well he needed to talk to Virgil.
He walked over to him, careful to look for signs of a panic attack he was sure was not far off. Any moment the events that had transpired, the things he’d learned, it all would come crashing in and he had to be ready. “I’m so sorry Stormcloud. I shouldn’t have strayed from your side…” he said softly. He should have waited there until he fell asleep and then stood guard at his door. He should have done something. Anything. He was the only one who could’ve caught up to Starbucker and he was locked in a room…
“Princey, shut up and join the hug. That’s honestly all I need right now,” Virgil insisted impatiently, holding out a hand. “Same goes for all of you, come on,” he added.
Well… If that was what Virgil wanted.
Roman embraced Virgil and felt Mr. Anker and Janus join the massive hug.
Roman felt Virgil press his face into his chest and could feel the wetness of tears seep into his uniform, soon after Virgil’s body started to shake with sobs but no one said anything.
They all let their emotions go for a moment. The rest could wait.
In this moment, they were all safe, they could all breathe, and they could all start leaving this all behind.

Chapter Text

Roman was staring hard at the box sitting on his bed.
He could of course be thinking about the many children and adults being rehabilitated into society after being fully brainwashed by the maniac that had unleashed Pandora’s box on the world, forcing those who hadn’t completely lost their free will to do his bidding anyway or else feel like accomplices in the evils being done.
He could think about how he Virgil and Janus now were a superhero team. How Remus wasn’t included because he had the bright idea to go undercover to find the remaining factions of Collector’s network.
He could think about having a groups therapy session with Virgil and Janus next week. How Remus refused to go to therapy.
He even could think about how they’d barely been able to balance their civilian life and their hero life since Collector made his play. After the Trouble of Thanksgiving there was public appearances galore. People also wanted to know about Guardian and there was an interview planned soon.
They’d managed to make it through their exams though. Not only that, but Roman had gotten to know Janus a lot batter since they started hanging out and accepting rides home with Roman and Remus.
Turns out Janus had a few more secrets they’d been struggling with the past few years. Being genderfluid and aromantic weren’t easy things to figure out about oneself.
Yet they had done it on their own. Which was a cause for pride and sorrow if you asked Roman.
Things were better now.
And tonight was the winter formal, and Roman was the favorite to be crowned Prince.
But… None of that occupied his mind.
Virgil, whom he was dating now, lest he forget for a second, had designed each of them an outfit. Roman’s parents upon overhearing that he wouldn’t have time to actually make them so they’d have to hit the stores again sometime soon to get something passable told him to give them the designs and they’d sponsor their prom attires. Stating they deserved it after all they’d been through.
And today the boxes had arrived. Boxes that contained clothes Virgil would not breathe a word about. Clothes that when asked made his parents only smile and say he’d look lovely.
And he didn’t doubt that… But he was still reeling with the possibilities.
Remus had opened the card that accompanied his box right away. “To our friend on the other side,” it had said and the costume was a rendition of Dr. Facilier’s costume, but in Remus’ preferred colors of black and green. Complete with wing tipped shoes and a necklace with a fang on it.
Remus loved it.
And it made Roman nervous. Were they all given Disney inspired looks? Probably… But was it all Princess and the frog based? Did they all get their own movie?
“Open the box already!” Remus groaned from Roman’s doorway. Roman looked up and found that Remus had gotten dressed. He looked good honestly, even the way he was standing was very in character, but… “Was… Was that mustache included?” Roman asked referring to the fake curly mustache that was not there that morning. Remus cackled. “Nah. I got it shortly after getting home and now seemed like a good time!” he explained. “But come on! I wanna see what he’s got for you!”
Roman did too honestly. He picked up the note, that should give him an idea.
“Thank you for letting me see the light,” he read out loud. Tangled…
He opened the box. There was a yellow brown pair of dress shoes. A white shirt on top.
He gently put the shirt aside. A pair of reddish brown pants and a golden print…
He put it to the side to see if there was more and… Oh… Oh there was more alright.
“Oh. That is amazing! Want my help putting it on?” Remus grinned.
“I might need it,” Roman allowed. “Let me get dressed, I’ll call if I must,” he suggested.
Remus cackled and left the room.
Roman took a deep breath and changed into the pants shoes and shirt. Stalling the last item until the last possible moment. He opened his drawer and took out the gift Virgil had given him that night after the whole situation with Collector.
He'd been getting in bed when he heard a tap to his window.
When he went to look he found Virgil floating before his window.
“Virgil? Is everything alright?” he’d asked as he let him in.
“Yes. Fine. Just… After um… Everything today, and we’ll talk about that later, but… Today wasn’t supposed to be about that, and you deserve to hear it properly so…”
Virgil had turned to him, and Roman had realized he was wearing a black shirt and slacks and he’d styled his hair. He’d offered him a little golden box.
“I made this for you,” he’d said gently as Roman accepted the gift and opened it.
“Is that…?” He gasped.
“A corsage. Roman. Will you go to the dance with me?”
Roman had wanted to kiss him that evening. But he had settled for a hug.
He carefully put on the Red corsage. It was simple but perfect and Roman would likely never get rid of it.
“Okay… Let’s do this,” he sighed as he picked up the final piece of his Rapunzel inspired outfit.
“Roman!? Virgil’s here!” his mother called just when Roman finished lacing himself up.
“Coming!” he called down. He checked his hair and make-up. Very minimalistic and natural for the evening.
Okay… he looked good. He really liked it honestly. He was just a little nervous. He’d never consider this himself… But he looked really good in a corset.
Okay, see what Virgil and his parents thought… And Remus.
He hoped he looked graceful going down the stairs despite rushing a little.
He watched his step until he heard his mother squeal. He looked up and his eyes immediately found Virgil. And Virgil was staring at him in awe. But more importantly… He was dressed in a stunning purple white and black rendition of Eugene and Roman’s heart couldn’t take it.
Not only that but he’d added a purple rose to his belt. This guy was too good to be real.
“You look amazing,” Virgil breathed, making Roman blush. “Well, you look very dashing yourself,” he offered as he reached the bottom of the stairs.
“Pictures!” his mother exclaimed while his father and brother were watching with amusement.
Virgil held out his hand with a quirked brow and Roman could only smile smitten and take it. Virgil bowed and placed a kiss on it before righting himself and pulling him closer. An arm around his waist as Virgil turned both of them towards Roman’s mother and her camera.
Way too many pictures later Virgil cleared his throat. “I’m sorry ma’am, but if we want to catch dinner before it’s time to pick up J and Remus, we really have to go,” he reminded her.
Alicia Castile nodded, tears in her eyes. “Yes, yes of course. We’ll make sure our other handsome son is fed and ready when you get back. Have fun you two,” she stated.
“Remember home by 11,” his dad warned.
“Dad!” Roman whined.
“It’s fine Roman. Uncle David and Aunt Celine want J home on time too,” he assures him.
Roman huffed, still not happy with the curfew.
“Thanks for letting me take him to the dance. I’ll take good care of him,” Virgil promised, making Roman blush, a smile breaking free.
Virgil led Roman outside where there was… Nothing to see.
“Um… I don’t know where we are going… But how are we getting there?” Roman wondered. Virgil smirked and let go, walking a bit ahead before turning and holding out a hand. “Do you trust me?” he asked and Roman couldn’t believe his ears. “What?” he breathed.
“Do you trust me?” Virgil repeated, playful lights flickering in his eyes.
Roman was close to tearing up. “Yes,” he said as he took his hand. Virgil pulled him to his side and sat them both down as something lifted them… They were sitting on a carpet… They were sitting on a carpet!
Roman spent the whole flight staring in awe at the city passing by and trying to wrap his head around the fact that his date started with a magic carpet ride.
“The second you explained your flight to me and told me I could do it too, I’ve been picturing this,” Virgil revealed.
“I am ashamed I never thought of it,” Roman admitted. This was perfect.
“Glad you like it… We’re here.”
Here, to Roman’s confusion was the sports center. Virgil flew them in through an open door that connected a terrace to the swimming pool, where he landed them on something solid in the middle of the pool.
“Pays to have a godfather with standing in the community who can ask strange favors,” Virgil whispered as he clapped his hands and suddenly, all around them there were small lights floating.
“And a father who is a genius inventor,” he added. Roman was speechless. He was dressed as Rapunzel with his very own Eugene, in the middle of a body of water and the only light source were these floating lights reflecting in the water around them.
This… This was breath taking.
“I hope you don’t mind… I got pizza,” Virgil admitted as he pointed to the side of the pool where two boxes stood.
Roman chuckled and floated them over.
“Wait… These are…”
“From the restaurant we had our first post study date dinner,” Virgil confirmed.
Roman let out a laugh. “Amazing,” he sighed.
They started eating, both taking a paper plate to catch anything that might fall so they wouldn’t dirty their clothes.
Roman was kind of flattered to notice Virgil kept staring. Oh this was definitely a good reaction.
“I almost asked you out that day,” he revealed.
Virgil looked up in surprise.
“I was going to the first day, but I chickened out. And then I wanted to ask on the phone but I blurted out Stacey’s name. And then that date didn’t go well so I thought I’d try again, but my mom called and reminded me I had patrol and a fitting and I decided that I probably should manage my hero life before complicating my civilian life,” he rambled, making Virgil’s expression soften.
“Well… Better late than never huh?” he offered. Roman nodded.
They sat there in relative silence as they ate. Not awkward, just content to watch the lights and enjoy the company. Occasionally they’d talk about exams and other lighter subjects. They’d get to the heavy stuff during their group session with Virgil’s therapist.
But now… Now they could just enjoy themselves.
“Mint?” Virgil wondered as he whipped his mouth.
Roman nodded absentmindedly, a bit mesmerized by the beautiful setting.
A few minutes of silence later Virgil cleared his throat.
“Roman… I. About what you said at the mall. About waiting since freshmen year to ask me out… Is that true?” Virgil wondered.
Roman nodded, unashamed. “I was actually questioning my sexuality when you ran into me and knocked some sense into me,” he chuckled. Virgil laughed at that.
“Guess we are both a bit idiotic then huh?” he observed.
Roman looked at Virgil curiously. Did he mean he’d been crushing just as long?
“Listen… I was thinking… We’ve actually done this a lot. Hanging out just the two of us… And I… I don’t want to wait so…” Virgil took a deep breath. “Do you… Would you like being my boyfriend?” he asked.
Roman’s face flushed bright red. “I… Yes of course!” he said excitedly, only barely managing to keep from tackling Virgil into the water.
Virgil smiled. “Great… Um… So… As my boyfriend. Maybe we should set boundaries? Like…” he took Roman’s hand. “This is okay?” he said softly. Roman’s heart leapt. “Yes,” he breathed.
“Good.” Then he reached out and stroked his face. “And this?” he wondered.
Roman swallowed and nodded. Was this happening?
“Tell me when I’m pushing too hard,” Virgil instructed as he scooted closer, laid his hand on the back of Roman’s head, angling it. Roman had to actively remind himself to breathe. Virgil leaned in closer and closer… He paused half an inch away from Roman’s face.
Roman couldn’t take the tension and bridged the gap. And then Virgil was kissing him, and it wasn’t like last time. There was a well of joy and relief that Roman could almost taste on his lips.
He was kissing the boy he’d been crazy about for years and there were no murky bits, no questions. Just this moment between them that couldn’t be topped.
He dug his own hands in Virgil’s hair and pulled him closer.
The world was a crazy place. But this, them, in this moment. That made perfect sense.
And as long as he had Virgil. Roman felt he could deal with what came next.