Prompt:

AU: Human AU

TW: Mentions of homophobic parents, it's very brief

WC: 2848

Date: February 12th, 2020

Note: Since at the time of this fic we do not yet have Deceit's name, I am going with Damien. I have no attachment to that name. If anything, I like changing his name each time I do a different story.

Patton began putting the last of the bags into the back of their SUV. "Why am I coming along?" Damien asked as he watched Patton close the trunk. "I have absolutely no desire to play the fifth wheel to your tryst." He gestured to the four men in front of him. That was a half-truth, he didn't want to join the four of them on a romantic vacation where he felt like the awkward fifth wheel, but he did want to spend time with them.

Damien might have gone and done something a little stupid, developing crushes on four of his friends. Patton with his kind heart and desire to help people, Roman with his chivalry and dedication to protecting those he loved, Virgil with his snarky wit and sarcasm, not to mention his excessive desire to protect those important to him, and Logan with his vast intellectual knowledge and thirst for information. Damien's harmless pinning would have been fine had he not realized two things. One, the four of them were a power quartet, the likes of which no one had ever seen, and two, they didn't need and probably didn't want another in their relationship.

Roman has complained before that it was exhausting keeping up with three boyfriends, though he always said it with a love-struck look in his eyes. Virgil had spoken about how he worried about not being enough for the others, even Logan seemed to occasionally need to bow out of a hang out because he was overstimulated. Then again, maybe these were normal parts of a relationship. Damien didn't really know, he had never had a healthy relationship before.

That was another valid reason why he shouldn't even hope to join their relationship. He was happy to shove his feelings down into the bottom of his heart and lie his way through social engagements with them. He could pretend not to be in love with them, but being stuck with them for a week at a beach, Damien knew his deception skills would be put to the test. He wasn't sure he could survive this.

"Awe Damien, we want you to come along." Patton cooed. "You are so funny and dramatic, you also don't take lip from anyone and it's so cool to see you stand up against other people."

He fought against the blush that was rising in his cheeks as he reluctantly got into the car, rubbing the side of his face with his vitiligo. He had been born with a skin condition that gave his skin two distinct colors. Growing up with that, you learned not to let other people tear you down.

"Not to mention, I rather enjoy having philosophical discussions with you," Logan mentioned as he got behind the wheel. "We rather enjoy your company, we wouldn't have invited you on this vacation if we didn't."

Damien was sure that his face was going to flush as red as Roman's crimson leather jacket that he valued so much, and with him being stuck between Virgil and Roman, being the shortest and easiest to fit in the middle, he had nowhere to hide.

"Hey Dee, are you okay? Your face looks a bit red."

"It's simply hot in here with you and Virgil pushed up against me."

"Well, I believe we can fix that." Roman responded, "Padre, could you please turn the air on."

"Yeah, of course!"

Not one of his best lies. Damien got really tired when he was cold. Then again, sleeping through the drive might not be a bad thing. He didn't fight it when his body grew heavy and his eyes began to close. Leaning against Roman, he fell asleep. Damien would never admit it to the others, but he felt comfortable around them. They were his safety.

This hadn't always been the case. When he had first met Virgil they completely clashed and Damien was certain that they were never going to get along, but when Virgil realized that Damien was just sarcastic by nature and didn't actually have problems with him the two of them began to get along better.

Roman and Patton were much easier to befriend. Damien was often jealous of Patton's ability to turn strangers into friends, it was almost like a magic trick. He was sweet and kind and it was infuriating, but it was also endearing. Damien knew that he wished he had that skill, to wrap people around his finger like Patton could, but the difference was that Patton didn't do it on purpose. He was just someone people wanted to protect. Damien wanted to protect Patton.

Damien also felt the need to protect Roman, who easily got himself into situations he couldn't handle, or more specifically he didn't consider the dangers of a situation before he jumped into it. Roman wanted to fight for justice and those who couldn't fight for themselves. It was honorable, but he needed to make sure he was also protecting himself.

Logan was a completely different matter. Damien had honestly thought Logan hated him for the longest time. The nerd didn't show his emotions and didn't make his intentions or feelings obvious. Damien always felt on edge, trying to say the right thing, especially when he realized he might have feelings for the other three, but his feelings for Logan hit him like a brick. It had been just like any other night where they were hanging out but the subject turned to families and Damien admitted that his parents hadn't accepted him being gay and had kicked him out at 17. If it hadn't been for a friend he wouldn't have been able to finish high school and even then it had been a rough road.

Logan completely blew up.

It was the first time Damien saw him so passionate about a non-academic subject and his lecture on the absurdities of abandoning your child for something they couldn't control lasted almost 20 minutes. Logan concluded that if Damien's family wasn't going to care for him, then they would simply have to take their place. That was the moment that Damien fell in love with Logan.

It was also the moment all of his insecurities crashed in on him.

Thankfully he was woken up before his thoughts could go down that road, his mind adjusting to the world around him until he heard Logan's voice. "We can't keep delaying this conversation. I am aware that change makes you apprehensive, but it is unfair to Damien for us to keep this a secret."

"But if he hates us for even bringing it up. Or if-"

"Virgil, you are spiraling, take a deep breath. It is highly unlikely that he is going to hate us. The worst that will happen is that it will make the rest of this trip rather awkward, which is why we won't be broaching the subject until the end of the week."

"Won't he get suspicious?"

"It's probable, he is very intelligent."

"That's high praise from you Lo."

There was no way in hell Damien was waiting a week to find out. "Hey, what are you two talking about?" He asked in a mock sleepy voice. Damien could feel Virgil stiffen next to him.

"Nothing that is important at this moment," Logan said cooly. Always collected Logan, he would be the hardest to break, but if all of them knew of this plan he might be able to trick it out of Roman. "Did you sleep well, Damien?" Then again Logan said he might get suspicious. Damien's cheeks flared a slight tint of red as he realized Logan complimented him. He didn't like that, not at all. Thankfully, Roman was asleep and he could easily turn his head in that direction to hide his embarrassment.

"If you say so, though that is totally not suspicious." He sighed, he couldn't be too mad though, Logan had called him intelligent. "And yes, I did sleep well."

"I promise that all will be revealed in due time Damien, but for now, try to enjoy the rest of the drive. We only have a few more hours before we reach our hotel."

Those few hours were killer. Damien played out a couple of different scenarios in his head of what they wanted to talk about. He was worried that they might be moving, though that didn't make sense in context, did it? Unless Virgil was concerned that Damien wouldn't want to maintain a long-distance relationship. There was also the possibility that they liked him back but Damien didn't want to entertain that notion. He didn't want to get his hopes up only to have them needlessly crushed.

"We are here."

"About time teach," Roman said stretching, draping his arm over Damien's shoulder. "Well my slithery friend, shall you and I get us checked in while the others start to unpack the car."

"You are never going to let go of that are you?"

"Doubtful, I personally think it's impressive that you had the flexibility to do ballet and interpretive dance in high school. I do wish I could find a copy of one of your performances."

"Not on your life," he laughed, more embarrassed about it than anything. He had only joined the dance team because of a particularly hot guy, but Damien has enjoyed how he could make his body move with the right training and if Logan was going to give him this gentle adoration, it had all been worth it. These four boys really would be the death of him.

Once they were all checked in and in the room, Damien noticed that they had gotten a suite that had a little kitchenette as well as two rooms, one with a master bedroom and one with a set of beds. They would probably give him the master bedroom just so that they could all be in the same room. Then again, the master bedroom had the biggest bathroom and Roman was the king of morning routines.

"Damien, if you don't mind, we decided that the first two people to fall asleep each night would get the master bedroom, so the sleeping arrangements might change around a bit."

That seemed a bit weird, especially since they knew he was prone to falling asleep early. He didn't plan on questioning it though and he just nodded.

"Perfect, Virgil would you like to come with me to pick up the groceries?"

"Whatever." He shrugged, putting his hands in his jacket as he walked to the door.

"I am going to go freshen up," Roman said with a dramatic flourish, taking one of his two bags into the bathroom with him.

That left Damien and Patton alone to unpack. The other man was already humming as he opened up his bag and began going through it. Damien didn't want to lie to Patton but he needed to know what this was all about. Virgil and Logan would tell him not to worry about it. He could manipulate it out of Patton, tell him that he had overheard the other two talking in the car, be vague, but Patton would be the most hurt by that kind of manipulation. He didn't like it, but he could also try the direct approach. "Hey, Patton."

"I told you kiddo, you don't have to call me by my full name." Damien waved it off. "I wanted to ask you something, while I was in the car, I overheard Logan and Virgil talking about the details of this week. I didn't hear specifics." He clarified, "But I'm concerned about it. Will you please tell me what they were talking about?"

Patton seemed to be debating something, he knew that Damien didn't use the P word very often, so this obviously was important to him. "I... I can't tell you until everyone is here, but I can talk to them. Are you sure you want to know? It might change how you look at us?"

Damien's breath caught in his throat. "I'm sure it won't change anything." He said, rolling his eyes, but he could feel his mind racing. What was so big that even Patton wasn't sure about it?"

By the time Logan and Virgil came back, the other three were sitting in the main area, talking but there was a bit of tension in the air. Logan was oblivious but Virgil noticed it. "Did you two tell him?"

"No, of course not, but he overheard you two talking in the car," Patton started.

"And apparently Monty Python wants to talk about this now rather than later and Patton wouldn't let me tell him without you two."

Damien rolled his eyes, "a great way to phrase it Roman." He was twisting his gloved hands in his lap.

"Thank you for waiting, Patton. I guess it can't be helped, I assumed once you found out you would be curious." Logan looked to the others, "Shall we do this the way we practiced or wing it?"

"We practiced for a performance I believe we should give him one," Roman said jumping up and standing with his boyfriend, causing Damien to raise his eyebrow.

"Damien," Virgil started, shoving his hands in his pockets. "You are so damn sarcastic. The first time I met you, I thought you were being a rude as..." Virgil looked over at Patton who was eyeing him a disapproving look, "associate, but we got to know each other and I realized your sarcasm was a coping mechanism much like mine is. Once we got passed that you were cool and pretty chill. You had a fun and slightly edgy sense of humor and I love that part of you."

Patton jumped, "Oh, oh, okay, my turn, um... well, kiddo, when Virgil first brought you home I was so worried, you were reserved and so good at twisting your words, but you had such a kind and soft side. You are protective over those you care about, though your protection is on this level of deep respect for who people are. I think that is just so sweet and wonderful."

Damien fought back a blush as he looked around at the others. He was trying not to get hopeful. This would be devastating if this turned into a final goodbye instead of a confession.

Roman stepped up next. "When we first met, I knew we would be lifelong friends. It is so rare for you to admit it but from your first musical reference I knew." He flashed Damien a flirty smile. "You were a wonderful puzzle that I wanted to crack, and I-"

Logan cut him off, holding out his hand. "Before Roman spills any further information, I would like my turn. Damien, you are an enigma. I have watched you lie to save face but I see how much it angers you to do so. From the first time, Virgil introduced you to the three of us, I have been fascinated by your habits and your mannerisms." Logan stopped to take in a deep breath and though Damien was enjoying the attention it was also making his heart sink further. Why would they be telling him all of this if they were not planning on leaving him behind?

"Though the attention and praise are great, will you please get to your point?"

The four looked between each other before Logan stepped back in line with the others.

"Dude, I kind of like you," Virgil said.

"Kiddo, are you a thief because you've stolen my heart."

"My prince, I think I am falling in love with you."

"Damien, I believe I would benefit from the further inclusion of you in my life."

"Will you join us?" They said together, Roman and Patton holding out their hands with excitement and Logan and Virgil doing it with obvious reluctance.

Damien sat there, mouth slightly open as he looked at the four of them. He couldn't believe this, this wasn't a lie, right? No, Patton didn't like to lie and the others would never play a prank this cruel.

"Yes." His mouth moved before his brain had caught up. "Yes, please yes." He took Patton and Roman's hand, stumbling over the coffee table.

"You are all overdramatic and I didn't like this at all." He said sarcastically, a few tears falling from his eyes, "But I would love to be with you, all of you." He said, hugging tightly to the two who had wrapped their arms around him.

"See Virgil, I assured you that this would go well."

"You're just lucky he is dumb enough to love us." Virgil chuckled, walking over and running a hand through Damien's hair.

Damien laughed, holding the others closer.

"Well, now we can proceed with our date night idea but now it can be an official date," Logan spoke up and Damien just chuckled. Of course, Logan had had this all planned out. Logan was such a nerd. A smile crawled up on Damien's face and he let out a happy sigh. Things had turned out a lot better than he could have hoped.

AN: I low key love this one. In case you were wondering, the original plan was for each of them to end up having a 'date' with Damien to try to woo him. This was, of course, Roman's idea. He was planning on doing a very romantic and grand gesture on his 'date' night. He probably still will but now he gets to be much more obvious about it, not that I believe Roman has any subtly at all.