The sky was blanketed gray on an overcast afternoon in the city. Virgil stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and perked up when he saw the man in front of him standing, almost as if waiting for him. With a smile, he raised his arm and waved at the other who stared back and started to smile. "Thomas!" Virgil walked closer, noticing the busy street seemed a bit less busy for this time of day. "Surprised to see you on this side of town. You visiting Logan again?"

"You could say that." Virgil blinked and furrowed his brow before looking around. It was silent. Completely still as no one, not even the sound of traffic buzzed nearby. The street was empty and the clouds overhead must have blocked out the sun as they grew darker. "It's good to see you again, Virgil."

Turning back, Virgil jumped as Thomas reached out and grabbed his arm. "Hey! What's wrong with you, man? Let go!"

"Oh, now why would I do that?" Thomas' hand gripped tighter and Virgil winced at the sudden pain. "After spending all this time looking for you, Virgil, why would I let you go now?"

Virgil tugged at the vice grip but didn't see a way out. "The hell are you talking about?"

Virgil froze as the sudden quiet was broken by white noise. He looked at Thomas as the man smiled a bit too wide, the pricking noise of static growing in intensity. He chuckled as little wisps of blackened smoke escaped his mouth and Virgil jumped back, grabbing the man's arm and tugging on it desperately. The more he tried pushing him away, the louder Thomas seemed to laugh. The smoke only grew and surrounded both of them and Virgil shut his eyes in his panic, willing himself to break free. Of the grip, of time, whatever it took to get away. The sound of static grew louder and louder and louder...

With a gasp, he shot up and gripped his chest, his heart pounding so loud he almost didn't notice the sound of static in the room. He felt sweaty and gross but cold at the same time as a shiver made the hair on his arms stand on end. He looked around frantic and saw the television staring back at him, the white noise coming from the speakers. Virgil surveyed the room and found himself on the couch, Roman passed out just next to him and groaning as he moved his arms in his sleep as if searching for something. Virgil looked around and grabbed a pillow, placing it where he was as he stood up. Roman groaned and pulled it close, burying his face in it and sighing as he drifted off back to sleep.

They were watching a movie. Roman was nervous about starting his new job so they sat down to watch a movie after dinner and must have fallen asleep on the couch. It must have ended and the tv started making the noise that caused Virgil's nightmare.

He slowly backed out of the room and into his own, pacing back and forth with the rush of adrenaline that had shot through him. Once his mind calmed enough to start to think properly, he slowed down and took a deep breath. He shouldn't be alone right now but he knew climbing back on the couch would wake up Roman. Logan was eager to get to his room after dinner, talking about figuring something out before he went to sleep, and he wasn't eager to wake up Patton just to have someone to talk to.

He snuck back out into the living room and froze seeing a figure standing, facing the tv. They held up the remote and shut it off before looking at him and smiling. "Hey." He whispered, placing the remote down slowly. "You okay?"

"Why are you up, Pat?" Virgil slowly walked over and Patton nudged his head to his room. Virgil nodded and followed as Patton led them away from the sleeping Roman on the couch. Virgil slowly clicked the bedroom door shut and watched as Patton let out a big sigh. "You okay?"

"Just a nightmare." He rubbed his arms as if he were cold before sitting on his bed, staring out his big window. "The noise from the tv didn't help."

Virgil had a moment of realization as he slowly took a few steps closer. "What was your nightmare about?" Patton shook his head and Virgil carefully sat next to him. "Mine was about that creature. He had come back again." Patton froze and his head turned to watch Virgil, his eyes wide in shock. It was then that Virgil realized he wasn't wearing his glasses. "It had gotten to Thomas and he grabbed me and the noise got louder and I couldn't get away..." Virgil licked his lips and looked away, ducking his head in embarrassment. "I guess the movie got to me."

"What... what were you watching?" Virgil smirked at Patton's quiet, careful tone.

"Anastasia. We only had it on VHS and I guess Roman brought it with him since I lost my DVD player and he lost all his Disney movies in the fire. Must have hit the end of the tape." He looked at Patton and bit his lip before swallowing his pride. "Uh, Pat?" His roommate looked up at him silently. Virgil held his arms up slowly as Patton blinked at him. "Do you, uh... need a hug? Or, like, do you mind if I give you one?"

Patton smiled and launched headfirst into the hug with no hesitation, causing Virgil to let out a soft 'oof'. He smiled and pulled his best friend in closer as they sat there for a moment. "Virgil?" Patton whispered, pulling away a little bit to speak. "I had a nightmare about it too. My door was cracked open and I heard I guess. I know you didn't mean to but I felt your panic and I had a nightmare and it was back and..."

Virgil shushed Patton and pulled him back into the hug. "That's fine, Pat. I get it. It's gone, don't worry."

As they sat in silence, Patton slowly ran his hand up and down Virgil's back before slowly pulling away. "We should get back to sleep." He scooted back on his bed and smiled, wrapping himself with his blanket. "We all have work in the morning and you are going to need your rest!"

"Of course," Pushing off of his bed, he felt a wave of calmness hit him and turned to smile at Patton. "Thanks, Pat. Good night."

---

Roman blinked awake and groaned before throwing his arm over his eyes. His back ached and he felt heavy while the room was completely dark. Was he even in his bed? No... No, he was on the couch with Virgil watching a movie and then...

He jumped in shock and looked around, not finding his boyfriend anywhere. Roman pushed himself up and groaned softly before blinking and looking at the VCR, seeing the digital 12:00 blinking back at him. He spotted his phone on the coffee table and grabbed it, closing his eyes as he turned it on. The battery immediately started charging while in his hand naturally as Roman blinked to adjust to the sudden light. The screen wasn't too bright but he still had to squint, catching the time a bit after 3 am.

He stood up slowly for the couch and looked around before sneaking over to Virgil's room. He peeked the door open and stared over at the pile of blankets at the bed. It was too dark to see but Roman let out a sigh once he saw something move before slowly backing out of the room to let Virgil sleep. Roman made it to his own bed and plugged in his phone so it stayed on long enough to be his alarm in a few hours before snuggling into his sheets.

When his phone started buzzing a few hours later, Roman whined and smacked in the general area of the noise. He opened his eyes and stared at the numbers before forcing himself up and out of bed. He ran a hand through his hair and felt it sticking up in a million directions. It was far, far too early than necessary but he wanted to look at his best for his first day.

Roman had managed to get showered and dressed before he even heard anyone else bother to even get out of bed. He walked out of his room buttoning up his shirt and his hair slicked back and still wet from the shower, not wanting to use a hair dryer so early in the morning. He spotted Virgil in the kitchen first, staring at the coffee machine as he made a fresh pot, still half asleep on his feet.

"Good morning." Virgil groaned and closed his eyes, leaning against the counter to keep himself upright. "I see you moved off of the couch last night. You sleep okay?" Virgil shrugged and didn't open his eyes, causing Roman to frown. "I'll take that as a no. Everything alright?"

Virgil finally looked over at him and blinked the sleep from his eyes. "Yeah, sorry. Didn't want to wake you last night." Virgil reached out and grabbed Roman's arm before stepping forward, resting his head on Roman's chest and leaning on him for support. Roman reflexively brought up his arms around Virgil and chuckled. Virgil simply shushed him as they stood there in silence for a bit before Roman pointed out that the coffee was done. Virgil stood there for a moment before sighing and pushing away, turning to the cupboard to pull out a mug. "So, the first day huh?"

"Yeah, I'm a bit nervous so I got ready faster than I expected." As Virgil poured coffee into his mug, Roman shifted the weight on his feet. "Maybe I can make us a quick breakfast before we have to go?"

"Nah, there's this place right next door I like to grab a quick bite from. Thanks, though."

Roman adjusted the cuffs of his shirt as he looked away. "Oh, well, the offices aren't too far from the store! Maybe I can stop by on my lunch? I can make you something."

"Probably not a good idea," Virgil ducked into the fridge and missed Roman's dejected look, causing him to bite his lip as Virgil continued to speak. "I'm going to be stuck with inventory all day. Won't really have time to stop."

"Maybe we can have dinner after?" Roman shrugged and shifted weight on his feet before glancing away. "You know, to celebrate my first day or something? I can pay!"

"I'll be too tired, Princey. We can just do a quiet night in." Virgil turned around with his mug and walked by, patting Roman's arm as he did. "Don't look so upset. I know you're nervous but you'll do great, okay?" Roman smiled as Virgil walked out and to his room with his mug of coffee before sighing once more.

Deciding to head out extra early, Roman said a quick goodbye before ducking out of the house.

It wasn't until Virgil was almost halfway out the door, heading into work earlier than necessary as he usually did, that Patton made an appearance. Virgil hadn't realized he was there at first, staring down at his phone and nervously biting his lip, his thumb hovering over it as if it would bite him if he dared touch it.

"Hey, Virgil!" His roommate quickly looked up and nearly dropped his phone in his surprise. "Woah, sorry! Didn't mean to scare you!"

"No, you're good." Virgil glanced down at his phone before pressing on the screen and almost throwing it on the counter. "Just wishing Roman a good first day. Looked like something was bothering him this morning but I was still dead on my feet."

"He'll do great! I just know it!" Patton rubbed his hands up and down his arms as he made his way to the fridge. "It's all this nervous energy in the air between all of us. We need to just relax a bit!"

A hum of agreement was all Patton got as an answer before he pulled out a carton of eggs from the fridge. "Hey, does Logan work today? He's usually up by now."

Patton turned and saw Virgil looking toward the other end of the apartment where Logan's room resided. "No, and he went to bed early last night. I mean, I hope it was to go to bed. He didn't say much." Virgil glanced back at his roommate and their eyes met for a brief moment. "I'm sure he's fine! I have to get ready for work but I'll talk to him tonight."

---

When Patton got to work, he felt a bit more relaxed then he had at home. The change of scenery and lack of nervous energy he kept feeling from his roommates put him much more at ease. He waved to the librarian and got straight to work, logging in on his computer. As it loaded his email for the day, Patton took a moment to take a deep breath and enjoy the calm air around him. He had always felt the anxiousness from Virgil, but Roman was a newer addition with his new job. On top of that, he could feel a faint nervousness from someone else, probably Logan. However, after his long, restless night, he wasn't in the mood to paint on a smile and help someone with their problems. He didn't even leave Two at home today, wanting to simply be himself and not deal with the head rush he always had when parts of him merged back together, their memories colliding into one.

He started getting texts from Roman about noon which was rather peculiar. After his phone went off for the third time in a conversation with a customer, he decided to duck away to the side and call his friend instead of reading the flurry of texts he was receiving.

The phone only rang twice before Roman picked up. "Patton! Sorry, was I texting too much? I was, wasn't I?"

"Roman, calm down. What's wrong?" Roman sighed on the other end. "First day that bad?"

"No, actually. It's rather pleasant. Everyone's nice so far and I definitely am a bit overqualified so no harm in that. Just... I'm overthinking this probably but..."

"Ro, just tell me what's up. Can't help you if you don't talk and I can hear you spiraling."

The phone was silent for a moment before Roman whispered into the other end. "I don't know if Virgil and I were really ready for this dating thing. How do you and Logan do it?"

Patton perked up and looked around before walking into the back room. "What are you talking about? You two are doing great! You were snuggling on the couch last night!"

"I know, but... Like, he doesn't want me showing up to his job, he doesn't let me simply buy him flowers or do anything romantic... Besides cuddling he doesn't want anything to do with me! Am I doing something wrong?"

Patton gave a small sad smile before chuckling a bit. "Roman, that's just how Virgil is. You have to see the little things he does. You would write a whole musical about your feelings for him, but that's not what he wants! You have to think about the things Virgil likes."

"You're right, I know you're right. Quiet nights in and small little things are better. He doesn't want me buying a bouquet of roses but... perhaps a single rose would be more his style? Maybe? Is that still too much?"

"Calm down, Roman. Deep breaths. That sounds perfect for Virgil. Just take things slow."

"I don't want to screw this up, Pat. It's all I can think about today. I offered to bring him a lunch or to go out and just hang and he shot all my ideas down. Those aren't too crazy, right?"

Patton frowned and bit his lip. "It sounds like you need to talk to him about how you feel, Ro. That's all you really can do."

"Yeah... Sorry, I didn't mean to bug you at work. I'm just sitting here, eating this bagel. Well, picking apart this bagel at this point."

"Roman, you better eat something or I'll give you a stern talking to when I get home!" He heard Roman scoff over the phone. "Then I'll tell Virgil you aren't taking care of yourself!"

"Alright, alright. I'll eat the stupid bagel.... Thanks, Patton."

"No problem, buddy." When he hung up, he turned and saw the head librarian standing there with a smile. "Oh, sorry! Personal problem, all taken care of!"

The librarian smiled, his eyes shining through his glasses as he adjusted his cardigan. "No worries, Patton! Though, perhaps you should take your lunch a bit early today? Someone is here to see you."

Confused, Patton excused himself and left the back room before walking to the counter and freezing. "M-mom?" Margaret perked up and waved at her son from the other side of the counter. "Mom! What are you doing here?" Patton ran around the desk, almost bumping into the side of it in his haste. "You haven't visited me at work in forever!"

Patton pounced and wrapped his arms around his mother, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Well, sweetie. I don't have to visit you when you live with me but then you moved out again!" She swayed side to side with her son in her arms. "Oh, I've missed you so much. The house is too quiet without you!" Pulling away, she smiled up at her son and held him at arm's length, inspecting him carefully. "You're looking good! Have you been eating properly? I can take you out for your lunch."

Patton smiled and jabbed his thumb over his shoulder. "I packed a lunch today, mom. You don't have to feed me."

"Nonsense! Come on, we can go to that cafe just down the street you like!"

Patton perked up at that idea. "The same one I met Logan at?"

Maggie frowned and folded her arms over her chest. "Sweetie, I thought you didn't meet Logan until you moved in together?"

A beat of silence passed before Patton realized what she had meant. "Oh, yes, not formally! Apparently, he went there sometimes and told me about this customer who was telling the cashier puns! I mean, what are the odds?" Patton smiles bright and thought about the full story, the small white lie he was keeping from his mother. Yes, Logan had gone there once before and yes, he had seen Patton there... but that was when Logan found out there were others like him in the city, that they weren't truly alone. Logan knew it was Patton because he read his mind, but his mother would probably respond... poorly to that bit of information.

"Aww, it was fate! My little boy! Now, we have to go and you have to tell me how everything has been with Logan!" Margaret spun around and started walking away, refusing to take no as an answer.

Patton looked over his shoulder and spied the librarian in the doorway smiling. He waved Patton on to go and motioned toward the retreating figure. "Take a long lunch, it'll be fine! It's mostly college kids and essays until afternoon story time with the little ones!"

"Thanks, Emile!" Patton turned and jogged up to his mother and matched her pace.

"So, how is that boy of yours treating you?"

"Logan and I are doing great!"

---

"This is terrible!" Logan threw his journal down on his messy desk, leaning back in his chair with a frustrated groan. "This should be so easy! I have everything right here, why is this so difficult?"

Logan turned from the papers on his desk and stood from his chair, pacing the room. "I have Thomas. I have my parents. I reversed his memories already so, in theory, this should work! Why is everything getting in my way?!"

Logan had called Thomas and explained how he wished to train his abilities to be able to get a better handle on them. He wasn't expecting the man to turn around and air his grievances about the whole thing.

'I've hurt you before.'

'I just want to be as safe as possible.'

'I don't think I'm really ready yet.'

'Can I just let this all sink in a bit? I'm still reeling from everything. The powers, the memory loss... did you know I had a dog growing up? How could I forget that!'

"Exactly why we should train! I can repair your memories, why is that so hard to understand?" As Logan began to pace more, he was aware of the rattling in his room. The objects on his desk shaking and threatening to lift off the ground. "I'm so close, I can't stop! I have to get this done!"

He stopped pacing in the center of his room and turned toward his bed, marching over and sitting down on the edge of it. His sheets were messy as he hadn't bothered to make his bed that morning. His head fell into his hands as he noticed just how shallow his breathing had become. His racing heartbeat pounded and he could feel each and every pulse ache through his body. Logan shook his head and tried calming down before looking back up at his desk, his hands falling away from his face.

It wasn't just that. He knew he had to take it slow with Thomas, but he hadn't expected to learn his parents had been trying to reconnect with him. He had no idea his aunt had been shielding them from him, or that his uncle refused to give out any information about what he had been up to.

Logan remembered talking to them when he graduated high school. He had just turned 18 and looked out to the crowd to find his parents completely missing. Auntie Em and Uncle Murphey would give small updates to his parents from time to time, but apparently, that was the thing that made them start to crack. Once they realized that they may have missed such a vital part of their only child's life, they apparently reflected on everything that happened. Sure, Logan accidentally erased, or suppressed is more accurate, their memories. It was an accident and they chased him out, not quite believing him at first... but the evidence was there. His aunt and uncle explained everything. The lost years, the memory gaps, the photos of Logan through the years, everything they could. Logan had accepted his fate as punishment for his acts. He cut back on his powers almost completely, using them to remind him what he had done. No more altering people's minds and causing his eyes to shine blue. No. If anything, his eyes would stay golden. He could move things around and maybe take peeks but no more messing with people.

But it had been so tempting. He hadn't quite realized how much he relied on his abilities and had to completely reteach himself everything. Even then, Logan found himself reflexively going back to his old ways. It felt like forever ago, but he remembered that first night on the rooftop with Roman and Virgil. He remembered watching them talk and debating with himself silently before offering Roman a way to improve on his abilities. Glad that at the time, Virgil and Roman were a bit preoccupied and neither had really seen him use his abilities to question the blue shine to his eyes over the gold. That they were a bit frantic when it happened again when he was trying to reverse what he had just done to Thomas.

And then there was Patton. The issues with Thomas and his family were one thing, but Patton was a different issue. Honestly, he didn't even like calling it an 'issue' at all! It was just... the years of Logan going on dates and dating and everything... it wasn't much to go off of since there wasn't much there but Patton just felt different. Past partners could make Logan happy and excitable but Patton simply made him just... feel. Feel good and bad, excited and nervous, eager and shy, just... more in general. He took his time and always made sure Logan was heard and taken care of. When Patton had, gosh, kissed him! Even though it was an in the moment thing, it felt so natural. Logan wasn't against it at all of course and eased any worries. Though he did have to mention he was somewhere on the ace spectrum and there would be limits which Patton smiled and nodded to without hesitation. Still, this relationship was different and Logan wanted it to work, but despite knowing Patton for a while, he didn't know exactly how he worked. Logan couldn't predict what he would do next and that almost terrified him.

Looking at the issues, there was really only one thing Logan could really work on fixing. While he knew he would be made fun of for it, there was one thing Logan did best and that was research. So he walked back over to his desk and pulled out his phone, still terribly missing his laptop that was lost in the fire, and pulled up the search engine.

---

Roman's ride home felt like forever as he squeezed into the packed bus. Getting off of work at rush hour was not going to be enjoyable but his first day was actually pretty nice. Although, they had needed someone to help for a while and it wasn't until Roman showed up and overqualified that they even considered finally hiring someone, the work should be easy to sort through and catch up over the next few weeks. He wasn't quite sure if he was too mentally exhausted to go out in costume tonight, but he had a feeling he could also just blow off some steam.

Virgil had outright stopped answering his texts at a certain point. He knew his boyfriend said he would be busy and he knew that the sudden lack of response was due to that and nothing Roman himself had said but he still couldn't help his worries eating away at him slowly. His relationship with Virgil was different than any other boyfriend he had in the past. They always wanted him to do the flattering and take the lead. It was always fast and intense and wonderful before they calmed down and started enjoying the things he and Virgil did. It was different, territory he wasn't that familiar with... so every step he felt was new for him. New and perhaps, though he dreads to think of it, wrong. Why was it different? Was it something he had done? Hadn't done? What can he do to fix it?

When he arrived home, Virgil had been in the middle of his daily 'after work ritual of hating life itself' while lounging on the couch.

"Hey." Roman smiled at the long moan of displeasure coming from the lump on the couch. "So, I don't have to ask how work was, hmm?"

"They're all idiots and I had to reteach them freight. Which I just taught them. Why are kids so stupid?"

"Anything I can do for you?" Roman kneeled down next to the couch and softly rubbed Virgil's back. "I can give all those kids a stern talking to." Virgil huffed out a laugh and pushed himself up to turn to the other. "Or give them swirlies for ruining my boyfriend's day."

Virgil's smile fell when he looked over at the other. "Hey, you okay? You look upset. Was work that bad?"

"Oh, no. It was fine." Roman jumped a bit as Virgil suddenly sat up and glared down at the man in front of him. "What's wrong?"

"You're upset with something. You seemed upset this morning but I thought it was new job nerves. What is it? Was it something someone said? Who was it?"

"I'm fine, Vee. Don't worry about it so much."

Soft footsteps approaching caused them to break their stare with one another and turn to Logan who had just left his room. "Oh, good. Roman. I need your help with something." He smiled at Virgil on the couch. "Mind if I borrow him? I'm not interrupting, am I?"

Roman didn't hesitate to push himself off the floor and smile to Logan. "Nope, you're good. What can I help with?"

"Roman." Glancing down at the couch, Virgil was shooting Roman a glare, his frown intensifying with every passing second. "We have to talk about what's bothering you when you're done."

"I promise." Nodding, Roman turned and followed Logan back into his room, eyeing the slightly messier than normal room curiously as Logan's eyes flashed and the sound of the door behind him clicking closed. "What's up, nerd? What has you stewing in here all day?"

"Well, I have a number of dilemmas I was trying to work out all day but I can't work on some of them just yet so this one has all my attention." Logan picked up a pile of papers and sifted them neatly before holding them up. "So, my relationship with Patton thus far has been a failure."

Roman jumped at those words. "E-excuse me? You and Patton have been fine! What issue could you have possibly found?"

"Well, Patton and I are two completely separate people with our own thoughts and feelings trying to merge them together." Logan waves his arms around, the papers flapping about wildly before he held them out and gestured to them. "So I have spent the last few hours writing down a formula to-"

"Wait, wait, wait." Roman held up his hands and cut the other off. "A formula? Logan, math and science aren't going to help your relationship."

With a sigh, Logan turned and sifted through the papers before pulling one out and placing the others on his desk. "Not necessarily but I do believe it can help. For example, based on the book by Gary Chapman, the five love languages can be beneficial to any relationship. Even platonic relationships."

Roman went to make a comment before he stopped. "Wait. That's... actually kinda smart."

Rolling his eyes, Logan smirked and held up the paper as he read from it. "I know. I did think of it after all. For example, Patton reacts to and responds best to words of affirmation."

"Okay, now you lost me." Roman crossed his arms over his chest as he started to think. "Patton's always doing things for us around the place. Wouldn't that be the one he responds to the most?"

"Ah, you mean acts of service. No, I believe that is more of a coping mechanism for his stress and when he is bored. Also, his powers help with that a lot, but he responds the best to hearing the words most overall from what I've been able to gather."

"I... I guess I didn't think about it too much." Roman frowned and focused his attention on the floor. "I love spending time with Virgil but maybe that's not... quite right. Then what's mine? And Virgil's?"

"May I be of assistance?" Roman looked up at Logan as he adjusted his glasses and tried to suppress his cocky smirk. "How about simply asking him?"

Before Roman could respond, Logan walked over to his door and opened it, retreating back into the living room. Virgil was scrolling through his phone while he looked up. "Hey. Ro finish helping you with the thing or whatever?"

"Well, he was helpful but I was hoping to get your input on something." Logan looked down at the paper still in his hands. "Are you familiar with the five love languages?"

"Uhh, sort of? I've heard of them before."

"To put it simply," Logan directed his attention to his notes as he began reading off of it. "They are words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, physical touch and receiving gifts." Logan looked over the paper to the roommate on the couch. "I am simply curious to the one you believe you respond to the best."

"Well, I like hearing it, I guess." Virgil bit his lip and looked over at Roman before turning away. "I suppose physical touch would work best for me."

"Really?" Roman perked up and scooted passed Logan toward the couch. "I wouldn't have guessed that but it does make a lot of sense."

"Yeah, and yours would probably be acts of service." Roman blinked in surprise at that, causing Virgil to chuckle. "Are you really that oblivious? How many times have you tried doing something for me today alone?"

"Huh." Roman looked back at Logan before turning to his boyfriend. "I... hadn't thought about that."

"Yeah, duh. I guess I should have taken you up on something then if that's what you wanted, but I honestly don't care what we do as long as it's together."

Roman blinked and started to smirk evilly, ignoring how uncomfortable it started to make Virgil. "So that's why you always are trying to be subtle and snuggle with me, huh? Very clever, Virge."

"Yeah, well." Virgil ducked his head and looked away, hoping his bangs covered the blush on his cheeks. "Whatever."

"I will leave you two alone, then," Logan smirked and turned, looking down at his notes. "I believe this has helped me with what I needed."

Roman kept his eyes on Logan until the sound of his door clicked shut. He quickly spun around and Virgil froze, their eyes locked as they sat in silence.

"So," Roman leaned in and his smile grew. "You have a crush on me."

Virgil sputtered before pushing Roman's face away, turning around on the couch. "We're dating, dumbass. Of course, I like you."

Roman grabbed Virgil's hands pressed against his face and held them to his chest. "Viiiirgiiiil~" his boyfriend tugged in attempt to free his hands while refusing to turn around. "Virgil, come on. Just look at me." Roman lowered his voice as he began to whisper. "Virgil." Turning his head, Virgil glanced over at Roman as he smirked. "There you are. Come on, Ed Sneer-an. What are you so upset about?"

"Not upset, you jerk." Virgil looked away before turning back. "Just, you know, anxious. It's kind of what I do like, all the time." He looked up and smiled as Roman sat there, staring back at him. "What?"

"Just thinking." Roman leaned in a bit closer and Virgil froze. "Virge, can I kiss you?"

Virgil tensed as his eyes lip up in realization. "Roman." The man in question backed up a little bit at the sound of his name. "You're an idiot." Virgil finally freed his hands from Roman's and grabbed his cheeks carefully, leaning forward while he pulled the man's face to his own. Virgil smiled when their lips met, Roman letting out a noise of surprise before finally pulling the other close. Virgil pulled away only to have Roman grab the back of his head and pull him right back in. Virgil huffed out a quick laugh as his hands slid behind Roman, getting blissfully lost in the moment.

---

Patton very quietly made his way across the living room, his hands covering his peripheral toward the couch at his other two roommates. If he hadn't been itching to see Logan all day, he would have waited and given them their privacy. Fortunately, they either didn't care he was there or they were a bit busy to even notice him.

Patton happily made his way to Logan's room and knocked on the door, perking up when he heard footsteps approaching.

"Well, Roman. I was hoping that I helped you enough for-" Logan stopped and froze at the sight of the wrong roommate. "-Patton!"

"Oh, Lo! Why were you helping Roman for me? That makes no sense!" Patton smiled as Logan connected the sentence he had just said before letting out an irritated sigh. Patton knew he meant nothing by it, however. "You have a nice day alone? You seem tense."

Logan shook his head and gestured for Patton to enter his room. "I understand as an empath you can't control what you feel from me, but if I am stressed about something, that does not mean you must take on the responsibility to help me relax." Patton blinked at his words as Logan smiled. "You care about me a lot, Patton, but I am not dating you for you to try and make me feel better."

"Oh?" Patton tucked his hands behind his back and leaned forward a bit. "So, why are you dating me?"

"For the food, mostly." Patton couldn't help but let out a laugh, covering his mouth as he fell into it with his whole body. His shoulders shook, his hair bounced, and he even wrapped his other arm around his stomach.

"Oh, that was a good one!" Patton smiled and Logan wondered if his eyes could also shine without his abilities at how bright they were. "What did you do all day?"

Logan looked over to his notes before smirking. "Planning on how I could be an even better boyfriend for you." Patton's smile fell as his eyes widened. "I'm new at a lot of these feelings and I don't like not knowing, but I think I figured some things out."

"O-oh?" Logan could almost feel the nervous energy coming from Patton. Maybe he actually could, as the man was still trying to get a hang of his powers. "And what did you figure out?"

Logan walked up and stood in front of Patton silently. He smirked and quickly pulled the other into a hug, Patton speechless at the sudden act. "I think I like you quite a bit, Patton."

Logan felt arm arms reach up and wrap around him as well. "I know I like you a lot, Lo!"

Logan slowly pulled away after a moment as he felt all the nervous energy in the apartment seem to melt away. Most of it, at least. "I know I can be quite difficult to deal with, but I hope you are quite patient with me."

"Aww, Logan!" The smile that grew on Patton's face made Logan tense up and shake his head. "I'm sure we'll ace it!"

"No! Why must you make me suffer in such a fashion?!"

"I'm sure things will pan out!"

"Patton!"