December 14th - 6:00am

"Let it go, let it go, can't hold it back anymore. Let it go, let it go, turn away and slam the door. I don't care what they're going to say, let the storm rage on, the cold never bothered me anyway"

Virgil cracked his eyes open, his blurry vision taking in his surroundings as his ears were pierced with the high pitched voice of that Disney Princess. He used his arms to push himself up, letting out a groan as he fell back into the plush pillows. He reeled his leg back and kicked Roman harshly, earning a moan of pain slip from his lips.

"Dude, turn this stupid shit off" Virgil demanded groggily, side glaring at his boyfriend who slammed his hand around on the bedside table until it landed on his phone. His finger tapped on his screen while his head was buried in the pillow, slumping in relief when the music stopped floating around the room loudly. The two went back to silence until Roman suddenly sat up, stretching his arms while yawning loudly.

Virgil shivered as the blanket was pulled from his body, again he sent another grumpy glare at Roman who didn't pay attention to him, instead he combed back his bed hair, scratching the scalp until he was satisfied.

"Why are you getting up at six?" Virgil rolled onto his back, rubbing his eyes as he voiced his thoughts, voice deep and traced with sleep. Roman yawned again, completely shattered from the jet lag that tried to lure him back to slumber.

"M'because" he replied, mumbling. Standing up from the bed he stumbled over to the desk, picking up his bathroom necessities. He planned on having a shower because he did not smell fresh right now, and that would make him seem like an unhygienic person which he didn't want. He wanted Virgil's family to have a long lasting good impression of him.

He yawned a few more times as he walked around the bedroom, grabbing the things he would need while Virgil laid on the bed tiredly, eyes half open as they stared at the wooden ceiling. He assumed someone told Roman no one in this house hold woke up before six if they could help it. The earliest is usually around eight o' clock, which is basically rush hour as everyone tried to get to the bathrooms before anyone else.

Then came the complaining when people would take too long, and especially if someone took a shit. They work be bashed for it all morning.

This time, Virgil let out a yawn, urging himself to sit up. Even if he hated his boyfriend for waking him up at such an early time, when his body should be asleep right now, he understood why the man did it. He was convenient with his timing, and when it came to things like this, he always wanted to do it first. It was the same in his house during Christmas. It was like he was a fucking ninja.

Tipping his legs off the side of the bed, he used all his little strength to stand up - his fingers picked up his phone and tired eyes gazed down at his screen as he followed Roman to the bathroom.

They sometimes went to the bathroom at the same time, and were comfortable if the other came in when they were showering, pissing, etc. Maybe they were too comfortable around each other? Either way, it made for efficient toilet usage.

Virgil walked into the cold room after Roman, shivering when his feet suddenly dropped in temperature from the freezing cold tiled ground. He hoped onto the bath mat, goosebumps rising across his skin as he cursed this cold country to high hell.

Roman smirked, pulling down his boxers to hold his cock as he relieved himself in the toilet. "Not so used to the cold now, are we?" Roman teased, earning a low growl from the boy who turned to the shower, running the warm tap so the water would heat up while they undressed.

Once Roman finished, he pulled the chain, glancing at the water that spun around in the bowl. Turning to his naked boyfriend, he let his eyes linger on his skin, watching as he delicately stepped into the shower, letting out a low groan when the water hit against his tense muscles.

Roman only smiled, scooping up Virgil's clothes to place them out of the way. Luckily, he had gathered new clothes for Virgil, also, so they would both be able to change into clean clothes afterwards.

Placing his and Virgil's dirty clothes into a pile, he stepped into the bathtub beside Virgil, wrapping his arms around his waist to hug him close. Virgil silently leaned into it, the water spraying on both boys who relaxed at the feeling, the slight shivering they had prior dispersing.

After they hugged for awhile, Virgil washed his hair with shampoo as Roman wet his own hair. "Move" Virgil murmured, too tired to really say anything else. Roman let out a laugh, stepping to the side so Virgil could wash the soap spuds from his hair.

With his back turned to the taller, Roman lifted his arms and let his fingers glide through Virgil's hair. He sometimes did this, because he knew his much Virgil loved when someone would play with his hair. Virgil gasped lightly, as he wasn't expecting it, but quickly leaned into his touch, almost moaning in bliss when his fingers lathered through the thick, wet strands, gently scraping the skin every so often.

This carried on until Roman saw no more soap in his black and dyed purple hair, although the colour was fading.

After Roman washed his own hair, both boys scrubbed their bodies clean before stepping out of the bathtub.

"Shit" Roman muttered, grabbing the single towel he brought. "What?" Virgil replied, his body shaking from the cold air that attacked their bodies. "I only brought one towel" he explained, his head snapping to Virgil in shock as the boy grabbed the towel from his grip, wrapping it around his body.

"The heating turns o-on in an h-hour" Virgil explained as his teeth chattered. "S'why we don't-don't wake up before seven" he ventured further, quickly scrubbing his body to the driest he could in under ten seconds before throwing the now damp towel at Roman who too started to shiver.

They changed into their clothes as fast as they possibly could, using the same towel to vigorously remove the excess water from their hair, giggling at each other when the strands stuck up.

"It should turn on soon" Virgil spoke up, phone in hand, waiting for Roman to collect most of their belongings while he had the rest. He was referring to the heating that saves their lives during this time of the year.

A little bit of an exaggeration, but they both lived in a hot country, this was new and torturous.

Roman opened the window to let out the steam before both boys left, ready to head back up to their room when someone else rounded the corner, it was Olivia.

She was wearing a t-shirt that reached her thighs, covering up most of her frame. For a moment, she didn't spot the two, mostly focused on the floor so she wouldn't trip while she rubbed her other eye.

She flinched upon seeing the two, in her groggy state imagining them to be intruders, but she quickly realised who it was and smiled.

"Took my advise, huh?" She questioned, shooting it at Roman who politely smiled back, pulling the clothes he carried closer to his body so they wouldn't fall.

"Being in the midst of chaos is unbearable" was his excuse, both of them chuckling lightly while Virgil stayed silent, unable to look at her older sister. He knew why, for what she did in the past was - to him - unforgivable, but emphasis on the 'was'. He did hate her, along with everyone else, for many years, but now? After returning to the place he promised he'd never come back to? It was different. Everything was different. His family was different - and he guessed if they could change, and be nice to him, then the least he could do was be civil back.

"Hey, Virgil - sleep well?" Olivia asked cheerily, pushing some strands of her brown hair behind her ear. Virgil shrugged, glancing at Roman who shot him a reassuring smile, nodding his head slightly.

"It was fine" he murmured, "...cold, but fine"

Olivia smiled, even if his response was short, she could tell he was trying while he had every right to ignore all of them.

"Yeah, fathers still stingy about the damn heating" she rolled her eyes, carrying on her trip to the bathroom, but as she passed between the two boys, her left arm rose up and ruffled Virgil's wet hair.

He flinched a little, and tried to send her a glare, but when he watched her turn her head and shoot him that grin he never knew he missed, he couldn't help but grin right back.

Roman watched the small exchange with a goofy smile - he knew Virgil would warm up to them, one by one. Nothing could separate a family.

Well... some things could, but Roman wasn't going to go into them.

Once they reached their bedroom, Roman took the dirty clothes from Virgil's arm, leaving them in the hamper while Virgil tidied their bed, fluffing up the pillows and folding the blanket over to let the mattress air.

"We should probably stay here 'till the demons leave" Virgil piped up, watching Roman raise an eyebrow in slightly worried confusion. Was Britain just really different from America?

Virgil deadpanned him, "the kids" he clarified, adding a quiet 'you moron' under his breath, one Roman didn't catch while he nodded his head in understanding.

"Where are they going?" Roman wondered, sitting on the bed beside Virgil who stretched his legs out, leaning on the headboard while unlocking his phone.

"School" he replied bluntly, "they finish on the eighteenth" he added because he knew Roman would ask about it. Sighing, Virgil rested his arm across his stomach, scrolling through his social media.

"The snow isn't that bad, anyway" he shrugged, silently relieved he wouldn't have to listen to their loud voices for at least a few days. He also wouldn't have to worry about them if an argument broke out, because he didn't want them to watch that.

Even if he acts as if he's repulsed by anyone younger than fourteen, he really does care about the kids, more than he'd like to admit.

Sometime during the silence, Virgil rested his head on Roman's shoulder, content to listen to the almost silent singing that floated past his lips. Roman didn't like quietness, but he knew this wasn't the time to start up a conversation, so singing was the next best option.

The peace lasted for another hour, and the two were dozing off on each other's shoulders until...

"GABRIEL, HARPER, HENRY, RILEY, GET UP! UP UP UP!"

The two boys flinched, Virgil groaning when he heard the loud, piercing voice of his mother. She was a kind, caring lady, and he would fight anyone that says otherwise, but good god can she be loud and demanding.

"Being woken up like that was the worst" Virgil muttered into Roman's chest after he buried his face into it. The man chuckled, wrapping both of his arms around Virgil's waist.

"You hate being woke up, period" Roman remarked, feeling Virgil's shoulder shake a bit as he silently laughed.

Roman wanted to go out and help with the morning preparations for school, he did do it for his younger siblings, but he felt like he would just be in the way, especially as there were already a bunch of adults running around who probably had their own specific morning routines.

So, instead, he snuggled further into the bed, and the two rested in silence as they listened to the voices and foot stomping outside. They were alone for awhile until the door opened and closed.

"Oh!" The male voice exclaimed, blushing under the gazes of Roman and Virgil who both cracked their eyes open to look at whoever entered. It was a cute sight, the two men cuddled in the middle of the bed, it even made him smile.

"Sorry, I didn't know you were in here-well, I should've because of the plaque...I was in a rush and didn't see it..." he trailed off, highly embarrassed, and when he was embarrassed he would ramble, making it much worse.

"I don't think we've met!" He changed topics, walking over to the bed and sticking his hand out at Roman who blinked the sleep away from his eyes.

"I'm Oliver. Abigail and Mason's son. Virgil's cousin. Hey, Virgil!"

"Sup, Oliver" he replied, but his voice was muffled by Roman's chest. Said man blinked in bewilderment, a little shocked to see Virgil reply so smoothly to a family member. He just...outright assumed Virgil didn't like any of them, he didn't even think that there would be people he was comfortable around.

It took Roman a moment to realise he still hadn't shaken the man's hand, and he was becoming increasingly nervous as he debated whether or not to keep his hand there or pull it away.

"Sorry" Roman chuckled, reaching his arm around to shake his in a firm grip.

"It's alright! It's okay!" He dismissed, jumping onto the bed so he could sit on the end of it, but as soon as he did he froze, a soft crimson colour floating across his cheeks.

"Sorry, am I allowed to stay here?" He questioned like a fearful puppy. Before Roman could reply, Virgil sat up, moving so the back of his head laid on Roman, smiling slightly at Oliver who relaxed upon seeing it.

"Sure" Virgil agreed, scanning Oliver up and down for a moment.

"Fuck, last time I saw you...you were thirteen" Virgil commented out of the blue, watching Oliver smile at him weakly, his hands fiddling together on his lap as he tried to keep his composure, but seeing his cousin standing in the living room yesterday was..it was overwhelming.

Everyone knew he was coming here, yet he was still shocked to see him. He had grown so much, and even dyed his hair! Well, they had all grown - ten years is a long time.

Oliver was an only child, and out of all of his aunts children, Virgil was the only one that made him feel like he belonged in this large family. He felt almost like Virgil was an older brother to him, he was always quite protective, and they hung out whenever they could.

Oliver..missed those days. He hates being so awkward, but he hasn't seen this man in so long, and doesn't really know how to act.

As the awkward silence really settled in, Oliver felt like he should just leave. He already made a fool of himself by coming in here, and now he was making it worse. Virgil probably thought he was such an idiot. 

Oliver went to excuse himself when something else fell out of his lips, something that almost made him gasp in shock as he said it.

"I missed you"

It wasn't a lie, Oliver missed Virgil every day he was gone, and hated having to grow up without the boy that helped him so much. It helped him learn to not rely on people so much, but it hurt, it hurt a lot. He even blocked his number..

He understood he wanted to get away from everyone, but Oliver didn't know what he did wrong to deserve it.

With all the emotions he bottled up over Virgil, seeming him again cracked the dam that was holding them back, and with one more glance towards his older cousin, his parted lips let out a sob, one that broke both Virgil and Roman's hearts.

Without even thinking about it, Virgil sat up and pulled Oliver into a tight hug, both boys on their knees with their arms tightly wrapped around the other. Oliver tried to control his tears, but they soaked into Virgil's jacket without him being able to stop.

Roman watched for a few moments, and felt out of place. Virgil came back here to form some sort of relationship with his family again, and him being here, watching from the sidelines, probably wasn't helping.

With a gentle smile, he left the room, closing it as quietly as he possibly could. Before he had the chance to move, someone ran into his leg. Looking down in confusion, his face lit up when he saw Sebastian on his back, a plastic dinosaur in his small hands, his deep almond eyes round with surprise.

"That is a cool dinosaur" he complimented, and for a few seconds, Seb didn't move, still a little in shock from running into the Disney Prince. This was the first time he's been around him alone..

Sitting up, he wordlessly handed the dinosaur to Roman after he bent down. Smiling, the prince-like man took the toy, scanning it over closely, spotting a few marks and scratches. He must've had it for awhile.

Sebastian pushed himself up from the floor, his eyes, that seemed to be adorably huge, stared at him silently, wondering what the prince would do. Roman smirked, handing the Dino back to the small boy who quickly took it from his grasp.

"I don't think pyjamas are made for school" Roman commented, briefly glancing at the blue pyjamas that hung loosely from his body. They weren't his size at all, and Roman wondered why he was wearing such baggy clothing.

"I..." Sebastian started, staring down at the ground. "I don't go to school here..." he explained in a soft voice, clutching the dino like a life support.

"I live far away" he added, now that he was talking he felt a little bit more confident, so he looked up at the prince, happy that he was still smiling, and didn't look bored.

Roman thought he was the most pure being he had ever met. With a gentle gaze, he scooped the boy up into his arms, heart melting when the boy let out a small shriek-like giggle. He twirled the boy around, laughing along with him, the noise blocking out the hysteria from down stairs.

Once pausing his movements, Roman's brightly coloured eyes stared at the dinosaur he still held in his hands. Meeting his gaze, Roman grinned, tilting his head to the side. "Do you have any more dinosaurs?"

As soon as he said this, Sebastian nodded his head so enthusiastically Roman was scared it might fall off. With a light chuckle, he let Sebastian lead them downstairs to the basement where he kept all of his toys.

Meanwhile, Virgil slowly pulled away from Oliver's tight embrace, watching the twenty-three year old use his long sleeves to scrub at his eyes hastily, not daring to look up at Virgil. He was being inconsiderate. He remembered vividly what happened on the day he left, and he had no right making Virgil feel bad for what he did. It was for the best, he needed to look out for himself, something he couldn't do here.

They sat in awkward silence, neither of the boys knowing what to say. Virgil knows he should apologise, because his leaving did affect Oliver badly, but it wouldn't be something he hasn't already heard. Virgil was sure they reassured all the younger family members it wasn't their fault Virgil had left - and it's not exactly like Virgil could tell him why he left, because Oliver already knew that. He guessed him being here was enough.

Lifting his head, Virgil shot Oliver a half smile, gauging his reaction. The man fiddled with his sleeves, but after a moment he was smiling back, both of them letting out relieved chuckles.

"I missed you, too" Virgil found himself saying, which nearly brought tears back to Oliver's eyes as he let out a giggle, unable to stop himself from wrapping his arms around Virgil's shoulders, the two hugging each other tightly once again.

They both knew they wouldn't really know what to say when they pulled back, but their worries were settled when a scream echoed from downstairs.

For a moment, anyway, until their eyes widened in fear and alarm.

Springing up from the bed, Virgil whipped open the door, skipping a few steps as he fucking flew down the staircase, running down the hall that was becoming crowded with other family members that were also curious about the sudden commotion. He came to a halt when Roman nearly crashed into him, turning around to face the bathroom with his arm outstretched towards it.

"ARAÑA!" He screeched, the noise so loud it momentarily deafened Virgil in his left ear. Everyone around Roman flinched, watching with wide eyes as the man began shrieking in Spanish. Virgil stared in bewilderment at Roman, he knew the man could speak Spanish, but Roman never spoke the language around anyone else, so to see him freaking out without being able to stop was almost frightening.

Until he remembered what the word 'Araña' meant.

He saw a fucking spider. In Roman's defence, he was petrified of the things, for a reason Virgil never really found out, it hasn't come up in conversation before, so Virgil assumed it was just an irrational fear.

"Araña! Araña! En el cuarto de baño!" Roman carried on until Virgil rolled his eyes and marched straight into the bathroom, looking around the entire room until he spotted a rather large house spider squatted in the sink. The sight even made him shudder, but he scooped the arachnid in his hands and threw it out the open window, returning to the hallway to see Roman gently pressed to the wall, his mother coaxing him soothingly to calm down.

Everyone else awkwardly went on their way, feeling it best to leave the three alone as they carried on preparing their kids for school. Virgil waited until the hall was mostly empty until he walked up to his boyfriend who was smiling gently at Amelia, his hands holding hers as they spoke.

"Thank you" Roman spoke with a sincere gaze, heart inflating when Amelia sent him a motherly smile. "Oh, it was my pleasure" she replied back quietly, her brown eyes flicking over to Virgil who quickly realised he was standing a little too close under the circumstances. Taking a small step back, he crossed his arms, waiting for her to leave with his head tilted down.

"I didn't know you could speak Spanish" Amelia commented, patting Roman's forearm before pulling away from the man completely, brushing some of her hair behind her hair. He blushed lightly at that, scratching the back of his neck a little awkwardly.

"I did make a scene, didn't I?"

Amelia tried to conceal her giggles, but they both exploded, covering their mouths as they laughed at the massive freak out Roman had over a spider. Virgil watched them with an unreadable expression, even if he was glancing at both of them, his eyes always lingered on his mother for the longest. He didn't want to hate her - it's not like he did - but unfortunately when he was seventeen before he left, he had some shitty friends.

They were the type to completely disregard their life and devote it to drugs, it was stupid for him to hang out with them, but at least he could say he's smoked weed, right? Besides the point, when he left, it was entirely his decision, but his friends at the time almost..pushed him to doing it.

They would fill his head with ideas that it would be better if he found a place of his own, and just fucking bail from this place, but it made his life hell - worse than he already had it.

He didn't think it through at all, and lived on the streets for a few months, until he eventually got a job. He worked at a bar, and with his rent, he knew just working as a bartender wasn't going to get him enough he needed.

So, he talked with the boss, and he became a stripper, of sorts. He obviously wasn't the best, and often had panic attacks, but his small frame, dark hair and eyes, and overall shyness really reeled in the adults who wanted a show.

It was a secret he's told no one, not even Roman who he's told a lot to already, and now it made him feel guilty. At the time, he did what he had to do, and although he regrets losing his virginity to a complete stranger, he regrets not telling Roman sooner more. This man he fucking cherished has literally told him everything.

Roman trusts him with everything he has, with every inch of his tall ass body, and yet Virgil hasn't told him half of what happened during his life. All he knew about his family were their names! Not at all what they are like, or why he left - but, in the end, Roman never asked, because he respected Virgil, and in his mind he thought they abused him, or they died, but obviously both of this assumptions were long thrown out the window.

Roman is more curious than ever to know why Virgil left, and was sure he would find out, but even so, he didn't want to ask, as it might make it awkward.

Virgil dragged a hand through his hair, raising his eyes from the floor to see both Roman and Amelia staring at him. He blinked, glancing at Roman for an explanation, but he just smiled, flicking his head at his mother as a gesture to talk. He sighed, stuffing his hands in his pockets awkwardly, tugging his jacket closer to his body.

"...hey" he finally spoke up, not knowing how much that made Amelia feel happy. Of course, she deeply regrets what she did, and could never forgive herself for it, but from now she will try everything in her power to do what's right, and to possibly make Virgil feel apart of his family again.

And, first and foremost, she needs to apologise.

"Hey" she smiled, pausing for a moment. Where to start?

"I love you" she stated with clear sincerity and truthfulness Virgil didn't even have to look into her eyes to see if she was lying. Her saying that lifted some weight from his heart - something he didn't even think would happen. Why is it so relieving to know she still loved him?

He never stopped loving her, even after what she did, so he guessed it was nice to know she came to her senses, put aside her pride and dignity, and realised she was a fucking bitch who didn't deserve to have a child. But now, she does, because she's the best fucking mom he could ever ask for.

And, for the second time that day, he became emotional. He didn't think it would happen this quickly, he's been here for just over a day, and he's already cried twice and hugged one family member.

Well, now two.

"I love you, too" he choked, crashing into his mom to hug the woman tightly. She tensed for a few seconds, not expecting that at all. She was imagining Virgil to not reply all throughout her apology, and blank her once she was finished, but now he's hugging her...and if she didn't hug back soon he might let go.

She herself felt tears well up in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around her son so tightly - as if subconsciously she was holding on so he wouldn't slip away again, leave for another ten years, and possibly never come back.

This was her chance to have her son back, and she was not messing it up.

Roman watched from a few feet away, happiness clouding his vision.

"que vista tan hermosa" he murmured with a grin, twirling on his feet he hurriedly headed down the hallway just in time to see Camila walk out the door with all of the kids. She held keys in her left hand, indicating she was going to take them to work.

With one quick glance over her shoulder, her eyes widened a little upon seeing Roman.

"Oh! Roman, right?" She asked after skimming over to him, her dark hair placed atop her head into a messy bun, a few stray wisps floating around her face. He instantly lit up, excited to talk to a new family member he hasn't already. To his knowledge, this is Matthews (Virgil's father) - younger sister, but Aria is the youngest.

"Yes! It is a pleasure to meet you, Camila" He took her hand, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of it. Her deep red parted lips let out a giggle as he did so, sending him a look with a smirk.

"Will you too stop flirting, we're gonna be late!" Gabriel called from the doorway, Harper standing next to him with her phone. As soon as he said this, Harper swatted his arm, sending him a look which glared for him to shut up and let them talk.

"Right, Sorry!" Camila called, turning back to Roman with an apologetic smile. "I know this is a lot to ask, but could you and Virgil pick up the kids later today? You see, me, my husband and Virgil are the only ones who can drive over the black ice - but unfortunately I'm going to be too busy later. Will that be alright?" She asked with a gentle voice, one that told him it would be alright if he said no, but also had begging under tones, so with a grin and a nod, he agreed.

"Of course! Anything I can do to help!"

"Oh Roman, you are such a saint!" She squealed, wrapping him in a tight hug that was so quick he didn't even have time to embrace her back. She tapped his nose with a thankful, toothy smile, calling rushed out goodbyes to him and anyone else that could hear before leaving the house, slamming the door a little to happily behind her.

Roman didn't move for a few moments, but quickly came to the conclusion that he liked Camila.