Point of View: Roman, First Person
Timeline: Present Day, Day 5 Of Roman's Quest

I was quieter than usual.  I half expected Virgil to comment something snarky about it actually, but I guess he was in a quiet mood too.

It was a long, boring walk.  There wasn't much to do, not even much to look at.  The place was pitiful to look at.  A cold, black, barren environment.  I glanced at Virgil, but he didn't even look at me, appearing to be lost in thought.  The sky was overcast, blocking out the sun making everything look even sadder than it already was.

Gosh this silence was killing me.  I had to do something.

Smirking, I walking slightly closer and sneakily slipped my hand into his.

Virgil jumped at my touch, snapping back to reality.  He instinctively flinched yanking his hand back.  His eyes looked at me, wide - almost as if my small touch had genuinely frightened him.

"Sorry," I teased, leaning forward and landing a quick kiss on his cheek.  "Forgiven?"

Virgil let out a shaky nod, slowly letting himself relax.  I frowned.  He was usually comfortable around me, but hey - these weren't usual circumstances.  I slipped my hand into his again and this time he let me, clasping mine in return.

"Wow, you're hands are cold," I teased.  "Lemme warm them up," I said, pressing a kiss on his cold knuckles.

At that Virgil smiled softly, but I could still see it was a bit forced.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

Virgil didn't say anything, just shook his head - bangs falling over his eyes.

"Hey," I said stopping, forcing Virgil to stop too.  He avoided my eyes, constantly flicking around us, almost as if he was expecting something.  "What's wrong?"

"I'm just... uneasy," he said.  "I mean - where is everybody?"

I blinked at that, confused.  "What do you mean?"

"I mean why haven't we run into anyone yet? We're not exactly keeping a low profile," he said, waving his hand at our bare surroundings.  And he was right, nothing for miles.  Nothing really in sight but a cliff side off to our right and the cave we had entered from, several miles behind us now.

I shrugged.  "Maybe they're in the Mind Palace?"

Virgil frowned even more so at that thought, adjusting his hoodie on his shoulders uneasily.  "Then someone would definitely see us coming," he said.

I planted another kiss on his hand, still trying to warm them up.  "No worries, love.  I'm here to save you," I teased.

Virgil flushed pink at the nickname, his small smile a little more genuine than before.  "Yay," he added weakly.  Optimism really isn't his strong suit.

I smiled and pressed one more kiss on his hand, which was refusing to warm up.  "We'll work on your enthusiasm when we get back home," I encouraged to which Virgil merely rolled his eyes in response.

We continued walk for what felt like hours and it honestly felt like we hadn't made any progress.  I could've easily flown there myself and been there in hour or so, but I couldn't carry Virgil and fly, nor simply leave him behind.

Once it really started getting dark, the cold really started setting in.  Virgil, who obviously hadn't taken the time to make sure he packed everything - wow he really must've been a rush to find me if he didn't take the time to triple check to make sure he had everything he needed.  Feeling guilty, I snapped my wings open and spread them around the both of us, their natural heat keeping us warm.

I wonder why my wings are so warm.  Maybe for flying at high altitudes, so I don't get cold? Or maybe it's cause the air is colder in the sky than on the ground and they're supposed to counteract the cold?  Oo!  Or maybe -

"Roman'," Virgil said and I snapped out of my thoughts, slightly bashful.  Whoops.  So much for staying attentive.  Oh well, Virgil was attentive enough for the both of us.

"We can't go much farther in the dark - we'll need to stop for the night," he said.  And he was right, it was getting dark.  I could still see him clearly, but I couldn't imagine I would be able to for much longer.

"Maybe that's a good idea, Emo Nightmare," I said.  "Though I hope the sky clears up - I want to stargaze," I said giving him a big smile.

"What, am I not good enough anymore?" he teased and I smiled brightly at him, glad that he must've feeling at least a little better to joke.  It was nice to see the tension roll out of his shoulders, at least for a little bit.

I smiled at that, but it quickly faded.  "Look, Virge," Oh, surprise, Virge was tense again. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this," I confessed.  "But... I have to do something.  I can't just sit around at home pretending that it doesn't bother me and avoiding all the windows."

Virgil didn't say anything for moment and I momentarily wondered if he was still mad at me, even after all this time.  "I - I get it, Ro.  I - I just wish you weren't quite so - so reckless sometimes."

I pressed myself closer to him, keeping my wings wrapped around us just as tight, glad when his breath hitched momentarily.  I gave him a short gentle kiss before pressuring my nose into his neck, inhaling his the smell of him - a surprisingly sweet vanilla.

"W-What was that for?" Virgil asked shakily, his heartbeat being faster than usual.  Gosh, I loved how obvious it was that he loved me back.

"I like it when you call me Ro," I admitted, holding him tighter.

I felt Virgil laugh a little at that.  "Noted," he merely said before hugging me back.

And that's when I noticed.

I immediately pulled back surprised.  "Where are your headphones?!"

Virgil was quiet for a moment, expression sheepish.  "I... didn't bring them."

"Why in all of Neverland would you do that?" I deadpanned.

"I brought my earplugs," he elaborated.  "If didn't want to risk my headphones getting damaged."

"... you literally do a hundred thousand things each day that could result in you breaking your headphones and yet this is where you drew the line? An unfamiliar environment in which you could really use their magic?"

"My headphones are not magic," Virge argued weakly,  rolling his eyes in amusement.

"If there was ANY place you bring your headphones to ease your anxiety why would you not pick here?"

"I don't want them getting damaged," Virgil shrugged.  "It's not that complicated, Ro."

I glared at him.  "You're a brat," I finally said, pouting.

"That sure was creative."

"You used my greatest weakness against me.  You don't deserve my witty comebacks."

Virgil laughed at that.  "What, Ro, what's your greatest weakness?" he teased, smirking.

I leaned forward and pressed my lips against his, capturing that amazing tiny gasp.  "My love for you, you idiot," I muttered between kisses.

Virgil pulled away first, but he looked... happier.  Happier than I've seen him since we got here.  "Come on, Ro.  Let's set up camp," he said, pulling away from me completely.  I opened my wings, letting him go and shivering in response to the shivers that went up my spine because of it as it sudden got much colder.

"Hey look Virge," I said smiling.  It was so cold you could see our breath, little white clouds.  "Rawr," I said giggling as the cloud flew up to my face.

"That was pathetic," Virgil merely stated, continued to set up - not that there was much to set up.  He was holding a flashlight and pulling the sleeping bag out of my bag.

"Is that a challenge?" I teased, eyes lighting up at the idea of a competition.

"Dragons on three," Virgil said, grinning widely.  Wow, he was more excited about this than I expected.  But hey - I wasn't going to back down.

"One."

"Two."

"THREE!" I yelled, releasing a giant long puff of white.

I glanced over to see Virgil doing the same, but his dragon was so much longer than mine! How was he doing that?!

"Jerk," I muttered once I finished, Virgil the clear winner.  He smirked at me, amused.

There wasn't much more to setting up camp.  Virgil hadn't really brought much camping stuff - plenty of medical supplies, however.  He laid down on the ground a couple feet away from me, using his bag as a pillow - no blanket.

"Dude just come here already," I argued.

"There is no way I'm fitting in that," he rolled his eyes, amused but his arms were crossed over his chest, indicating he was cold - whether his pride would let him admit it was another matter entirely.

I crawled out, getting to my feet.  I closed my eyes and focused on the sleeping bag, picturing it expanding, growing large enough to fit the both of us.

When I opened my eyes, I was glad to see the sleeping bag had complied - now easily able to fit both of us comfortably.

"See?" I bragged, smirking at Virgil who was trying not to smile in return.  "I - I..." I trailed off as my world shifted from technicolor to black and white, making me momentarily dizzy.  I swayed, hardly managing to stay on my feet.

And then I was in Virgil's arms, who... who was telling me something.  "Roman I need to listen, okay? Take shallow breaths, only through your nose.  Can you hear me? Shallow breaths, through your nose - nice and slow.  Can you hear me? Yes, you're doing great Roman.  Keep going."

Was I doing it? Oh, I didn't even realize.

"It might be a little harder to breath, but keep it up.  You need to calm down your brain.  The lack of oxygen helps, helps calm that all the energy you got in there.  There you go.  You're doing amazing."

A few minutes passed before I dared to open my eyes.

When I did, I was noticed I was sitting on top of the sleeping bag, Virgil's hand on my back to keep me from falling backwards.  The rest of him however nervously to my left, staring at me hesitantly.

"What -" I cut off, not even sure what to say.

Virgil sighed in relief at that.  "Congrats, Roman.  You just narrowly avoided your first seizure."

"My -  My first what?" I stuttered.  "I've - I've never..." I drifted off, remembering the first day I came.  "Oh no," I whispered.

Virgil's face was grim.  "Yeah," he said.  "You can't use your powers here," he said.

My eyes widened as he said that - coming to that conclusion just before me.  "You knew?" I asked, wounded. How could he not tell me something so important?!

"I had a hunch," he admitted.  "But I was kinda hoping I was wrong."

I didn't say anything for a moment.  "I - I kinda knew too," I admitted.  "I just didn't want to admit it."

Virgil frowned at that.  "How?"

"I tried to use my powers the first day - I tried to make a motorcycle.  And... it ended up being about the perfect size for a daisy."

Virgil slowed pulled the tiny motorcycle out of his pocket.  "A failed attempt?" he asked.

I nodded, confirming.  "And my only attempt before I fell into what I guess was a seizure."

Virgil tensed at that.

"Don't worry, Deceit took care of me - I was only awake for a couple of minutes anyway before you went all Ninja-Warrior on the wall," I attempted - trying to lighten the dark turn this was taking.

"That's what has me worried," Virgil admitted.  "Why?"

"He's got a conscience?" I tried.

Virgil deadpanned at me.

"Okay, so maybe not," I backtracked.  "But at least that means he won't kill us, so that's good."

"I wouldn't be so sure," Virgil muttered, voice low.

"... Virgil, do you know something I don't?" I asked softly.

Virgil hesitated a second before responding.  "This - This has been way too easy so far.  They know we're coming but they haven't stopped us.  They want you to make it to the other Mind Palace.  But the real question is why."

"Or you," I countered.  "Who says they're after me? Or if they are, maybe it's to get your attention."

"Well consider my attention caught," Virgil said lowly, hand lifting off my back and forming tight fists under his hoodie sleeves.

Neither one of us said anything for a moment.

"Not much we can do now, but get some rest," I finally stated, sliding backwards and slipping under the covers of the sleeping bag.  "Come on, Virge," I pleaded.

Virgil turned to me, almost looking like he was going to say no.  But after a moment he sighed and joined me.  He slipped under easily, tucking his bag under his head as a pillow - as I had done with my own.  Virgil pressed a soft kiss on my temple and I couldn't help smiling, even with the big mess I had gotten us into.

"One of us should stay up and keep watch," I muttered sleepily, sliding closer to Virge.  I pressed my face tiredly into his arm.

Virgil let out an amused smile at that.  "Okay, Prince Charming.  How about you catch some sleep, why don't you?"

I shifted, uneasily.  A simple thing most people would have overlooked, but this was Virgil and uneasiness was his specialty.

"Are you going to tell me or are you going to make me ask?" he said finally.

I didn't respond immediately, already wincing and I hadn't even said anything yet.  "I - I don't fall asleep that easily," I admitted sheepishly, voice quiet.  "I'm - I'm an insomniac, Virge." I cringed, waiting for his reaction.  Usually I took sleeping pills, but I couldn't remember where I put them before I left.

"... why'd you say it all guilty like? It's not really that big of deal.  I'm an insomniac too," Virgil said, frowning at my sudden lack of confidence.  "I thought it was a serious issue," he said, clearly unconcerned.

I shifted, uncomfortable as I continued to explain. "I - I don't like talking about things that are wrong with me," I admitted, hiding my face behind my hands, sure my face was bright red.  Gosh, this was Virgil.  He loved me.  Why I was still struggling to show him the less than perfect parts of me?

Virgil gently pulled my hands away from my face, expression concerned.  "Having insomnia doesn't mean there's something wrong with you, Ro.  It just takes you a little longer than usual to fall asleep than other people.  There's nothing wrong with that," he said.

"Different kind of insomnia," I explained quickly.  "I can't sleep for more than a few hours at time," I admitted.  "I wake up every three hours or so, and it takes me forever to fall back asleep.  And..." I bit my lip, wondering if I should really be telling him this.  Would this make him more anxious?

"Not telling me would make me a heck of a lot more anxious," Virgil interrupted, not bothering to look at me, eyes fixed on the star-less sky.

My eyes widened.  Had I said that out loud?

"Nah - just remember I know you too, Prince Dork-A-Lot."

I huffed, offended.  "Really? That's such a crappy spin off of Sir Sing-A-Lot."

"Stop changing the subject - what were you going to add, Roman?"

I squirmed under the sheets.  "I... I get very vivid dreams."

"And?"

I took a deep breath.  "That means... I also get very vivid nightmares."

Virgil's eyes softened at that.  "Ro..."

"And..." My throat closed up.  "If I end up having a nightmare... I don't want you to be surprised if I call out for you," I added quickly, trying to read his reaction to what I told him.

Virgil didn't say anything for a moment.  "Okay," he said softly.  He pressed another kiss on my head.  "Thank you for trusting me, Ro."

I simply nodded, my heart still beating faster than it probably should.

It was only quiet for a moment or so before Virge broke the silence.

"Did you mean it?" Virgil asked softly, twisting completely on his side to face me.

I felt my face heat up at his closeness.  "Mean what?" I managed to ask without my voice wavering.

"What you said earlier - that I'm your greatest weakness."

I leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the tip of his nose, happy when his cheeks turned pink. "Yes," I admitted.  "You are my greatest weakness, but you are also my greatest strength.  You... you have such power over me, I can't even express how much.  Because my love for you is so strong."

Virgil didn't say anything for a moment, hiding behind his bangs again.  I used one hand to peak underneath and was astounded to see tears rolling down his cheeks.

I smirked.  "It got to you, didn't it?"

"... No... it's - it's just been a long day, shut up you doof," Virgil dodged, quickly wiping the tears away and avoiding my eyes.

"Love you, Virge," I said in a sing-song voice, satisfied.

"... Love you too, Ro."

_____________________

I'm so sorry this is sooooo late! But I made it extra long to make up for it :3 (nearly 3,000 WDS WHOO)

WAIT IMPORTANT STUFF

I know this is only Chapter Eight... but we're actually nearing the end of this book (I know right?!).  It might seem shorter since there's not nearly as many chapters as  Why I Run, but it actually won't amount up into something too much shorter - considering that the chapters here are twice as long.  My goal is to have this book done - at the ABSOLUTE latest - by the end of March (tho honestly it could frankly be in two weeks or so, depending on my school schedule and how much sleep I'm willing to sacrifice lol).

Which brings me to the important question: which style do you like better? 2,000 WD and update once a week or 1000 WD and twice a week? Lemme know and I'll do whatever you like better for the last book ;)

Which brings me to ANOTHER important point.  This is going to be a trilogy! I don't know if it was implied, but I wanted to get it out nonetheless.  However, I will be taking a bit of break between the start of this book and Book Three (i'll post the first chapter, but nothing more until I after I finish "Maybe One Day").  And you're all probably going to hate me for it, but I NEED to catch up the Logicality book (it's driving me crazy that it's so far behind).

And don't worry, I'll say all this again after that last chapter XP

Voters:

SassyCC
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Commenter: SassyCC
Comment: VIRGIL COME SAVE THE DAY
Comment: Roman.  Please no.  Max don't let Roman be stupid.
Comment: Aaaand you let him be stupid.

Commenter: englishchips
Comment: WHAT IF HE CLIMBED THE TREE WHAT IF HE CLIMBED TILL THE ENTIRE SUN SHINED ON HIS FACE?? WHAT IF HE FELT THE BRANCH GIVE WAY????
Comment: Well, now I know what it's like inside Roman's head when he's nervous. Disney references. Disney references everywhere. 
Comment: *Batman theme tune* VIRGILVIRGILVIRGILVIRGILVIRGILVIRGILVIRGIL IS A HEROOOO  

Commenter: SoftxRacoon
Comment: No journey is a fun journey with your headphones
Comment: Lies of commission

Comment:  Character Lies
Comment:  Lies of omission
Comment:  A wild Virgil appeared.

And I felt like I was slacking in the comment department, so I went hella overboard (or I'm just procrastinating on writing the next chapter idk *awkward laughter*)

- Max :)

i hope this chapter and a/n makes sense omg i need to sleep but this chapter was literally haunting me it was such a pain owie