Virgil woke up to the sound of his phone ringing.

He shot up, throwing the blanket off of him. He looked down at his chest, breathing heavily and grabbing at it. Phantom pain was blooming in his sternum. He grit his teeth and curled in on himself, a soft groan escaped him.

That time had been worse than the last. He had felt his heart stop. He had felt himself die. With the baseball bat, it was similar to falling asleep. He had gone numb before his killer had dealt the final blow.

But with the knife? The knife was excruciating. It had penetrated his lungs, and he could feel himself drowning in his own blood, a fire alight in his chest. 

He blindly reached for his phone, which was still ringing. When his hand found it, he answered it and brought it to his ear. “Hello?” He mumbled breathlessly, still trying to compose himself.

“Vee?” The person on the other line asked, before giggling. “Hiiiii, Vee-Vee~”

Virgil felt a bit of his soul die.

The day was looping again, he was sure of it. A part of him had been hoping that he’d somehow survived the ordeal, that he’d been miraculously revived somehow.

But now he had to try and survive the day again. He was determined not to fail this time.

“Helloooooo~?” 

Virgil blinked, Janus’ voice bringing him back to reality. “Sorry, I’ll come unlock the door.” He murmured, getting out of bed. 

Janus gasped. “Woah! I didn’t even ask yet!”

“I didn’t know you were a mind reader, Stormcloud~” Remus’ tone was sardonic, a biting chuckle following the statement. 

Virgil scowled. “Shut up, Remus.” He growled, before hanging up.

Virgil threw the blanket off of himself, making his way over to the door. When he opened it, he was greeted with the sight of his wasted roommate and his (equally wasted) boyfriend: Remus Prince.

He didn’t bother making small talk this time, turning and going back to his bed.

“Someone’s grumpy~!” Janus’ voice followed him, Remus bursting into laughter. 

He slammed the door shut, taking a deep breath. 

He needed a plan. Third time's the charm, right? Virgil would survive this time, he was sure of it. He would find out who was trying to kill him (and why, hopefully), and he would live. 

But first?

He walked over to his window, watching Roman as he turned to talk to the approaching Patton.

First, he needed to stop Patton from laying his deceptively soft hands on Roman.

He quickly threw on something presentable (a sweater and jeans) and rushed downstairs (pointedly ignoring the two on the couch, who were making out).

When he reached the two of them, he quickly fixed his hair and stepped forward. 

“Princey, hey!” Virgil gave him a bright grin, which felt unnatural on his face. “How are you?”

He wanted to be less aggressive this time around, since that was probably what was getting him killed. He really needed to get his attitude in check.

Roman lit up. “Virgil! You’re up early!” He chirped, his voice practically music to the ears. “And you’re so chipper this morning! I’m doing great! How about you?” 

“I’m glad to hear that.” Virgil smiled. “I’m doing good.” 

He turned and looked at Patton, who was simpering at him expectantly.

Virgil, just to be petty, turned back to Roman. “So, what are you two up to?

Patton bristled, no doubt offended that Virgil hadn’t asked him how he was doing.

Virgil glanced back at him, smiling innocently.

Okay, so maybe he would stay a bit aggressive.

“Patton and I were just thinking of grabbing coffee!” Roman chirped, oblivious to the tension between the blond and the purple-haired boy. “This is perfect timing!” 

“Yes, what perfect timing.” Patton forced out a laugh. “Almost too perfect.” It was said in a joking tone, and succeeded in getting a cute little laugh out of Roman. Still, Virgil could hear the pointed edge it had to it.

Virgil let out a fake laugh of his own. “I suppose I’ll tag along, then. I was heading over to the cafe anyway.” 

Patton’s fake smile widened. “Great.” He grit out.

---

The second they entered the cafe, Virgil bid the two of them farewell and sat down at Logan’s table.

He hadn’t planned on staying with Roman and Patton long anyways, but dealing with the blond’s bullshit for the third time sounded extremely exhausting.

Logan jumped, apparently having not noticed his friend just yet. “Virgil?” 

“I need your help.” Virgil told him flatly. 

Logan frowned, his brow furrowing in what looked like concern. “Are you alright?” He asked. He glanced over to Roman and Patton, who were sitting down and laughing about something.

Virgil felt a spike of jealousy go through him, but he pushed it down in favor of focusing all of his attention on Logan. “I’m fine.” Virgil told him firmly. “For now.”

“For now?” Logan echoed, alarmed. “What do you mean?” 

Virgil pursed his lips, glancing around the cafe. “Can we talk about this in a more private setting?” He asked, leaning in a bit and lowering his voice to a low murmur. 

Logan studied his expression for a moment, before sighing and putting his laptop back into his bag. “Alright, lead the way.” 

---

Logan squinted at him. “...Are you on drugs?” 

Virgil groaned. “No.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “You said that last time.”

“So, you time traveled?” Logan crossed his arms. “That isn’t possible--”

“Yeah, you said that last time too.” Virgil sat down on his bed, suddenly exhausted. “There’s literally no other explanation.”

Logan studied him. “I’m sure there are several other explanations.” He deadpanned. There were a few moments of silence, before he sighed. “Go on, then.” 

Virgil rose a brow. “What?” 

“Explain it to me.” Logan shrugged. “Why do you think you’ve…time traveled?” 

Virgil was a bit surprised, having completely expected him to walk out again. Though, he did sound more coherent this time than before, when he thought it was a dream. 

Virgil took a shaky breath. “I’ve, um…” He looked away for a second, before taking a deep breath and steeling himself. “I’ve died.” 

Logan didn’t say anything, but the atmosphere immediately plummeted. 

Virgil cleared his throat. “Well, I was murdered, more accurately. Twice.” He looked back up at Logan, whose expression was unreadable. “By the killer from the rumors.” 

“...This is a prank. You’re pranking me.” Logan murmured, expression growing irritated. “I don’t have time for this, Virgil.” 

Virgil frowned, heart sinking. “Lo--” 

“That wasn’t funny.” Logan shook his head, voice becoming firmer. “If this is supposed to be some attempt at scaring me--”

“It’s not.” Virgil insisted, standing up. “I promise, it’s not. I’m telling the truth.” 

Logan pressed his lips together. “Prove it, then.” 

Virgil paused. “...how the fuck--?”

“If you’ve really lived through this day already. Tell me what’s going to happen.” Logan insisted, shifting his weight. 

Virgil huffed, wracking his brain. “Well, uh, Janus and Remus are about to get into a fight. Remy was supposed to spill his drink all over you at the cafe, but we left before that could happen.” He began. 

Logan walked over to the door and opened it, spotting Janus and Remus still making out. “They don’t look like they’re going to be fighting anytime soon.” He commented casually. 

Virgil rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I know.” He grumbled. “But they’re going to, in just a couple of minut--”

“I can’t stay.” 

“Why not?” 

“Seconds. In a couple of seconds.” Virgil quickly corrected himself. 

Logan looked in bewilderment back at the couple.

“I’m sorry. I have to go.” Remus sighed, smiling at him. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“You always leave.” Janus huffed, slumping back onto the couch. 

Remus frowned. “I know. I’m sorry. But this is really important, okay?”

“Why won’t you tell me what it is?” Janus demanded, suddenly annoyed. “Do you not trust me, or something?”

Logan quickly shut the door, eyes wide.

“Do you believe me now?” Virgil smiled somewhat awkwardly, shrugging. 

Logan took a shaky breath, staring at the closed door. “That’s…” He murmured, before quickly shaking his head. “That’s just a coincidence.”

Virgil fixed him with an unimpressed look. “Really? Just a coincidence?” He asked flatly. “Are you being serious right now?”

“Well, I’m sorry if I’m struggling to believe this concept!” Logan ran a hand through his hair, laughing a bit in disbelief. “I need more proof. What else happens?” 

Virgil groaned. “I don’t know what you would be there to witness, Lo! I wasn’t with you for most of the day!” He ran a hand over his face. 

Wait.

“Oh my god!” Virgil brightened. “That’s it! Witness!” 

Logan furrowed his brow. “What?” 

“The killer won’t come for me if I have a witness!” He placed his hands on Logan’s shoulders. “Lo-Lo, my friend, I am not leaving your side!” 

“First of all, don’t call me that.” He shrugged his hands off. “Second of all, don’t you have class?” 

Virgil paused. “Good point.” He murmured. “I will be by your side whenever I am not in class!” 

“Fantastic.” Logan drawled. “Though, I am still on the metaphorical fence about this whole…time travel concept--”

“I didn’t think you knew what a metaphor was, honestly--” 

“I will help you, just in case you do face a premature death.” He nodded firmly, an oddly intense look in his eyes. “I won’t let anything happen to you.” 

Virgil gave him a grin. “That’s what I like to hear.” He gave Logan’s shoulders a little squeeze, before his hands returned to his sides. “This is why you’re such a great friend! Don’t believe any of the shit I’m saying, but still willing to help me!” 

Logan’s expression closed off a bit, and he glanced away. “Yeah.” 

---

Virgil and Logan entered his dorm. “We need a plan.” Logan was saying, shutting the door behind him. “Because relying on us always being together isn’t smart.” 

“I say it works fine.” Virgil shrugged. “They can’t get me if I’m always with you.”

“Yes, but what if they manage to find you when you’re not with me? Say, when you’re leaving class, or when one of us is using the restroom?” Logan pointed out. “Or, alternatively, what if the killer didn’t care, and just murdered the both of us?” 

Virgil opened his mouth, then shut it. “Fair point.” 

“We need a way to ward them off in the event of an attack.” Logan crossed his arms. “Do you have a taser? Pepper spray?” 

Virgil huffed. “Well, no. I was under the impression that I wouldn’t need that stuff.” He drawled. “Y’know, with the whole patriarchy thing?” 

Logan fixed him with an unimpressed look. “That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard.” 

Virgil snorted. “Damn. What should I do then?” 

“Perhaps we should go to the store, see if we can find anything to defend yourself with?” Logan suggested, tilting his head.

Virgil paused, remembering that Remy would probably be at the store around this time. He really did not enjoy the stress that accompanied being in close proximity to the billionaire. 

Well, he probably wouldn’t be yelling nearly as much this time. After all, Virgil hadn’t spilled coffee on his shirt in this timeline. 

“We…could, I guess.” Virgil muttered after a moment. “Remy is going to be there, though.” 

Logan scoffed, crossing his arms. “I believe we’ll survive an encounter with that pompous ass, whose only source of joy seems to come from disparaging others.” 

Virgil blinked. “You--” 

There was a knock at the door. 

Logan furrowed his brow, apparently not expecting any visitors. 

He started to walk over, before Virgil grabbed his arm. “What if it’s…y’know.” He made a stabbing motion with his hand. 

Logan rolled his eyes, yanking his arm out of Virgil’s grip. “We won’t know until I look.” He said, continuing to the door. 

When he looked through the peephole, his face went pale. He quickly turned back to Virgil. “Hide.” He whispered harshly. 

Virgil stiffened. “What?! Where?!” He questioned, voice hushed. 

There was another knock, more insistent. 

“Under the bed!” Logan answered, before reaching for the doorknob.

Virgil’s eyes widened, before he quickly dove under the bed. 

Logan was going to answer the door? Really? Even after Virgil warned him about this individual’s violent tendencies? 

The thought struck him that he was about to watch his best friend die. Strangely, this was not enough motivation to get him to come out from his hiding spot.

Logan opened the door.

“Hello, Logan.” The person on the other side greeted him.

Virgil could actually hear Logan gulp. “Hello, father.” 

Oh. 

Let’s go back for a moment. 

Virgil’s in ninth grade, and he’s hanging out with Logan at the library. They’re having a good time, when a man who had to be in his mid-forties storms in, his face contorted into an ugly scowl. Virgil’s in ninth grade when Logan is grabbed by the arm and dragged away by his father. Virgil’s in ninth grade when he could hear the slap his best friend received outside, even through the glass of the window.

Flash forward, Virgil’s in the eleventh grade now, and he’s accidentally overhearing a conversation between Logan and his father. They were supposed to be studying Virgil’s house, when Logan’s phone rang. Virgil overhears Logan’s dad berating him for a 92 on a test. Virgil overhears Logan’s dad blaming it on his choice of friends. Virgil notices how Logan is completely silent through the entire phone call.

Conclusion: Logan’s dad was an asshole. 

Virgil felt his face twist up almost involuntarily. 

“Is someone here?” Logan’s dad asked, walking into the room. “I thought I heard you talking to someone.” 

“No, just me.” Logan responded, his voice carefully neutral. “What are you doing here?” 

“Just checking in.” His father replied. “You haven’t been picking up my calls.” 

“I’m sorry.” Logan apologized. “I’ve been busy--” 

“Too busy to call me back?” There was a scoff. “I taught you better than to lie.” 

Logan fell silent. 

Virgil furrowed his brow. Asshole.

“I don’t understand why you chose to go to this school.” Logan’s father continued, walking around the room. “You could’ve gone to Stanford, and yet you’re here.” He sighed. “You’re such a disappointment, Logan.” 

Virgil felt his face twist up in indignation. Logan was the smartest person he knew, who was practically guaranteed a bright future. Saying he was a disappointment made literally no sense. 

“I…I’m sorry--”

“I told you to stop lying.” Mr. Berry snapped. 

Logan went silent, shifting in place nervously. “I--”

“Why can’t you see that everything I do is for your own good?” Mr. Berry barreled over whatever his son was trying to say. “You seem to consistently work to ruin your own life, and I just don’t understand that.”  

Ruin his own life? What on earth was Mr. Berry talking about? Virgil scowled. This school wasn’t exactly Ivy League, but it wasn’t the worst school out there. Logan could easily become successful after graduating from here. 

“Well, we’ve talked for long enough.” Mr. Berry huffed. “Show me your grades.” 

Logan let out a shaky sigh, walking over to his computer. 

Virgil internally groaned. How long was this crusty old man going to take? They were on limited time here! 

“A 98?” Mr. Berry questioned, tone unimpressed. “Why?” 

“Well, I had stayed up studying all night the day before an exam, so I read the question wrong by acciden--” 

“That’s unacceptable.” His father cut him off. “You shouldn’t be getting anything except for hundreds. Especially since you didn’t go to Stanford, and chose to be at this school for the less gifted.” 

“Remy Almos goes to this school--” 

“Remy Almos is a little boy who’s not fit to inherit his father’s company. I don’t know why he even bothered attending college.” Mr. Berry’s tone was bitter. “People like him are born into success, Logan. You’re not like them. You have to work for it.” 

“Yes, father.” 

“Of course, you’ll have to work even harder, since you chose this school.” He scoffed. “Well, I have a meeting to attend, so I will be on my way.” 

Virgil did a small little fist pump. Finally!

“By the way, Logan.” The older man paused when he got to the door.

Virgil resisted the urge to slam his head into the ground and scream.

“Yes?” 

“That boy you’re friends with, what’s his name? Virgil?” Mr. Berry said his name like it was dirt on his tongue. “You understand what you have to do, yes?”

Logan swallowed harshly. “Yes, father. I do.” 

“Remember, if you don’t act, then I will do it for you.” He snarled. “I’m leaving. Don’t disappoint me.”

The door shut. 

Virgil waited a solid twenty seconds, before he left his hiding spot. 

Logan was standing completely still, staring at the door with a blank expression on his face. He didn’t move when Virgil had fully gotten up, not even glancing at his friend. 

“...Lo?” 

As if broken out of a trance, Logan jolted and turned to Virgil, though his eyes still seemed to be unfocused. “...So, we’re going to the store?”

Virgil furrowed his brow. “You don’t need to come with--”

“No. I’ll come with you. It’s important, after all.” Logan’s voice was absolutely void of emotion. “Let’s go.”

---

When they entered the store, they nearly bumped right into Remy, who apparently was now leaving. 

Virgil blinked at his white, silk shirt. Honestly, it felt weird to see him still wearing it at this time of the day.

The young billionaire gave them a smarmy smile, blinking at them. “Oh my! If it isn’t Virgil Storm and his little lapdog!”

Logan seemed surprised, blinking at him in what looked to be close to shock. Oh yeah, Virgil had told him that Remy would be here, didn’t he? Maybe this would be enough for Logan to believe him. 

“You could’ve just ignored us.” Virgil scowled. 

“But where’s the fun in that?” Remy shrugged, smirking at them.  

“Incredible. I somehow find myself stunned by just how terrible you are everytime we happen to cross paths.” Logan commented dryly. Virgil snorted. 

“Oh, you just crack me up, necktie!” Remy let out a fake laugh. 

“What are you even doing here, Remy? I thought this was ‘too low class’ for your taste.” Virgil rolled his eyes. 

Remy chuckled smugly, holding up the plastic bag in his hands. “Well, there’s a party tonight, as I’m sure you’re aware, since you’re so desperately in love with Roman Prince, and I’m just making sure I’m stocked up on…” He trailed off, glancing away coyly, “...protection.”

Logan hummed. “What a coincidence. We’re here for protection as well.” He nodded. 

Remy paused, glancing between the two of them, before he let out a disbelieving scoff. 

Virgil cleared his throat, staring anywhere other than at the two of them. “Remy was talking about condoms, Lo.” 

Logan blinked. “...oh.” 

Remy snorted, before quickly placing a smirk on his face. “Aren’t you the cutest?” He cooed and pinched Logan’s cheek, causing the latter to swat him away. “Well, I better get going. Places to be, you know how it is.” He winked at Logan, scowled at Virgil, and then walked off.

Well, personally, Virgil thinks that went better than the last two times he interacted with Remy.

Logan rolled his eyes, before walking into the store, Virgil quickly trailing after him. 

---

Virgil examined the pepper spray in his hands. Would that really be enough to defend himself against the killer? 

He was sitting in class now, and all the kids were eyeing his pepper spray nervously. Though, he hardly cared. It was better if as many people as possible knew that he had a means of defending himself. 

Roman hadn’t spoken to him when he walked in the classroom, seeming to have something on his mind. He was just staring blankly at his desk with a furrowed brow. Maybe something had happened during his time with Patton? He hoped the blond hadn’t done anything to upset Ro, especially not on his birthday. 

Virgil, deciding to face his fears, tapped him on the shoulder. “Are you alright, Princey?” 

Roman startled, looking at him in surprise. “Oh. Hello, Virgil.” He smiled politely. “I’m so sorry. I was lost in thought.” 

Virgil frowned. “What’s wrong?” 

Roman sighed, shaking his head. “It’s just that…” He pursed his lips, before looking back at the desk. “Nevermind.” He finished quietly, almost curling in on himself.

“No, come on.” Virgil pressed, concerned. “What’s the matter?” 

Roman glanced back at him, seeming to be almost embarrassed. “Are you…” He began, looking away again. “Are you and Logan…together?”

Virgil paused.

“...huh?” 

Roman went red, burying his face in his hands. “Nevermind, just forget it.” He practically squeaked, turning his whole body away. 

“No--Wait, Ro--” He tried to regain his attention, but the taller boy was no longer listening. 

How could this misunderstanding possibly emerge? He wasn’t sure what the difference between when he ran off with Logan this time and was, and when he ran off with him before. 

Had Patton said something to Roman when Virgil wasn’t there? Why hadn’t he done that last time? Maybe it was because he was much calmer this time when he approached Logan, less concerning.

Another difference was that he went straight to Logan instead of sitting with Patton and Roman first. Virgil hadn’t thought about how his actions might be conveyed by the two of them. 

How was he going to fix this? He couldn’t let Roman go on thinking that he was romantically involved with Logan. That would kind of ruin his chances of getting asked out. 

“Mr. Storm?” 

Virgil jumped, head whipping over to the teacher, who was staring at him with an amused smirk on his face. “Sir?” Shit. 

“I would appreciate it if you actually paid attention, instead of making goo-goo eyes at Mr. Prince.” He snorted. 

Virgil reddened, sinking down a bit in his chair. He glanced over at Roman, but the taller boy was still turned away from him. 

He wasn’t sure if he was imagining it, but Roman almost seemed to wilt at that.

---

When Virgil reentered his dorm, he was greeted with a loud groan from the couch. 

Janus was lying there, head in his hands. “The hallway is too bright.” He grumbled, turning his back to Virgil. 

“I think I’ve severely fucked up my chances of becoming Virgil Prince.” The purple-haired boy lamented, dragging his face over his hands. He plopped down in front of the couch, curling into a ball. 

Janus rolled his eyes, glancing down at him. “What’s got you in such a terrible mood?” He asked, though it was evident that he did not actually care. “Did you finally ask Prince Charming out?” 

“Hard to do that when he thinks I’m dating Logan.” Virgil murmured in response. 

There was a pause, before he heard light chuckling. “What? Why would he think that?” Janus sat up, though he seemed to regret it immediately, since he winced. “Did you guys, like, make out?” 

Virgil gave him a sharp look. “No!” He snapped, before sighing and curling back into his ball. “I don’t know why.” 

“Well, it’s a simple misunderstanding.” Janus shrugged. “I’m sure it’ll go away once you clear things up.” 

“Hopefully.” Virgil uncurled himself, leaning back against the couch. 

“Speaking of Roman Prince, though.” Janus smirked. “I’m going to another party tonight.” He smiled wryly. “You should come with me.”

“No way in hell.” Virgil scoffed. 

“This is a good one, though.” Janus smirked. “Roman Prince will be in attendance. You could clear up your little misunderstanding.” 

Virgil pursed his lips. The offer to clear things up was tempting, but unfortunately he would rather prioritize staying alive. “I’ll still pass. Tell him happy birthday for me.” He sighed. 

Janus hummed. “Huh, that’s unexpected.”

Virgil’s phone dinged. He looked down at it, spotting a text from Logan. 

L: I just got out of class. I’m headed to your dorm now.

Virgil snorted. Logan really was going all out to help him, huh? He didn’t know how he could possibly make it up to him. Maybe when this was all over, he could take Logan to an escape room or something. He always said he wanted to do those.

“Are there any good escape rooms nearby?” He spoke up to Janus. “I wanna take Logan to one.”

Janus didn’t say anything for a moment. “...I think I’m starting to understand.” 

Virgil rolled his eyes, lightly smacking him. “Shut up.” 

---

Logan and Virgil had walked to the former’s dorm that night, since the latter had shared his experience staying in his dorm during the party. 

Logan was letting Virgil stay the night, which the latter felt relatively bad about. Not enough to actually go and sleep in his own dorm. He wanted to live, after all. 

“Thanks again, Logan. You have no idea how much this means to me.” Virgil sighed, sitting down on the couch with a blanket and pillow in his hands. 

“Well, you seem convinced of this time travel scenario.” Logan fixed him with a blank stare. “I’ll humor you for now, but if this continues into tomorrow then I am taking you to the doctor.” 

Virgil snorted. “Love you too, Lo.” 

Logan’s expression hardened. “That’s not even close to what I said.” There was a bit of an edge to his tone, his voice coming out a bit harsh. 

Virgil furrowed his brow. “No need to get so upset about it. I was only joking.” 

Logan huffed, crossing his arms and looking away. “Apologies.” He grumbled, though he didn’t seem to be very sorry at all. 

Virgil tilted his head. “Are you alright, Lo? You seem a bit--” 

“I’m fine.” Logan turned, walking towards his room. “Get some rest.” 

He walked into his room and closed the door. 

Virgil blinked, staring at the door. What the hell was his problem? It wasn’t like his joke had been mean. 

He sighed, laying down on the couch and staring up at the ceiling. Well, whatever. Logan could be pissy all he wants, that was a problem for tomorrow Virgil. 

Tomorrow. 

It would all be over tomorrow. He would wake up, and he would be on Logan’s couch. There would be no Janus and Remus at the door. There would be no Patton approaching Roman as he jogged. There would be no Remy and his stupid, white, silk shirt. 

It would just be Virgil sitting in Logan’s dorm. 

Alive.

Virgil smiled a bit dumbly. He did it. He lived. There were no people in anonymous masks in sight. 

He put the blanket over himself, turning onto his side. When he woke up, he was going to thank Logan until he physically couldn’t speak. 

Virgil closed his eyes, and went to sleep with a smile on his face. 

A/N:

LMAOOO HI GUYS I'M ALIVE