9:15pm

Hope this doesn't offend anyone

Trigger warning: mentions of abusive parents, anorexia, anger issues, suicidal, drug/alcohol abuse, depression

This is not going to be it, sis

Au
—

Virgil waited beside his aunt who talked to the receptionist, bobbing on his feet awkwardly. His eyes trained on the kids, young and old, he could spot down the long hallways. They were all happily talking to one another as they crossed into different rooms, or to upper floors. Virgil shuddered at the idea of living in the same building with a bunch of strangers. "Okay, V" his aunt smiled and bent down a little to be closer to his face. "Why can't I just stay with you?" He whispered quietly, not wanting anyone to hear him.

"Oh, V, you know I want that, but what I want more is the best for you. This place'll help you, in ways I can't, trust me, you'll be out in no time" She reassured, sending him a gentle smile. Virgil sighed, but he knew it would be useless to argue. Besides, it might cause a scene if both raise their voices. He had been there, and he didn't want to go there again, especially with the only family member he had left.

"Hello, Virgil" a gentle voice spoke up behind him. In a flash, he whirled around and tensed, staring expectantly at whoever was behind them, but relaxed when he realised it wasn't who he thought it was. It was a woman with long, brown hair that bobbed around in curls, warming light green eyes, and smooth tanned skin. "Oops!" She held a hand over her heart, "sorry for scaring you, Hun, I'm Angelica, call me Angie for short. I'll be your guidance counsellor for your time here" she explained, then brought her attention to Virgil's aunt. Virgil let them chat for a bit, zoning in on his phone he held tightly in his hands.

This was going to be terrible. Nothing could convince him otherwise.

"Stay safe, V, call if you need anything" His aunt sent him a smile that told him she wanted to cry, but not in front of him. He silently watched her leave.

"Come with me, I'll show you to your room" Angie gestured for Virgil to follow. He stared at Angie for quite some time, holding his suitcase handle tightly. If she tried anything, at least he had something in a form of protection. Following behind her, they headed down the hallway, and the sound of children's laughter and chatter became more clear. With one glance into a room they passed by, Virgil felt his soul shrivel up and die. There were so many kids. So many strangers. So many people that could hurt him.

Gulping thickly, he made sure to pay close attention to where they were going, he needed to know how to get to his room in case he needed to run. They walked up two flights of stairs, Virgil noted they both had pink flower pots. Once reaching the second floor, Angie took him down the hallway that was similar to a hotel - holding an undecided amount of rooms on either side. Finally, they reached his. Room 213. He made a mental note of that.

"We don't believe in keys here, but it is strict policy to not enter anyone's room without their permission" Angie explained while opening the door, allowing Virgil to walk in first, but he stood his ground, staring at her emotionlessly. He knew what this meant. She could attack him from behind. She smiled sadly, "can I go in?" She questioned, and Virgil nodded.

"It's simple, but all you will need" Angie pushed open the curtains, showing off the view of the fields behind the building surrounded by woodland. "The sunsets on this side are beautiful" she winked, watching Virgil place his suitcase next to him, standing at the side of the bed, never turning his back to her. The idea of not being able to lock his door unsettled him, but when he noticed the chair under the desk, he felt a little relieved. At least he had something.

"Dinner starts at five, but there is always more than enough for everyone, so don't feel the need to come at that exact time. Everyone's excited to meet you, Virgil, but we'll give you all the time you need before you must interact with them" then, she pulled something from her pocket, and instead of handing it to the boy, she placed it on the desk that faced the window.

"Press this if you need anything. It'll alert me" she pointed to a pink button, then motioned to the blue button beside it. "This is for emergencies, it'll alert a few people at once - and be able to track your location for five minutes until it automatically turns off. Nifty, huh?" She grinned, and put it back down. "I'll leave you to unpack. Remember, Virgil, this place is to help you, don't ever feel like anyone will hurt you in anyway" with that, she sent him a smile, and left, closing the door after her. Virgil didn't lower his guard until he pressed the chair under the doorknob. There, now he was mostly safe.

With that idea in mind, he heaved the suitcase onto the bed and unpacked his clothes, hanging them in the closet while his mind went wild with 'what ifs'. He couldn't imagine his aunt would sent him to a place that was unsafe, and she had been here before when she was younger, but still, Virgil was terrified, a lot could change over thirteen years, what if the people here went corrupt? What if he's never allowed to leave? What if he's tortured? Punished? What if he's killed?

Rubbing a hand over his face, he breathed in and out. Get a grip, moron, he thought to himself, and slid the now empty case under the bed. Closing the closet doors, he grabbed his phone, flopped onto his bed and plugged in one earphone. He cut the other off, only as a painful reminder of the last time he used both of his earphones. Putting on music that always calmed him down, he settled against his rather comfortable bed, closed his eyes, and drifted off to the sound of the singers angelic voice.

When he woke up next, it was seven o'clock. Three hours had passed. Stopping the music, he left his earphones on his desk, holding a hand on his stomach when it gurgled loudly. He had a small lunch and passed breakfast (like he usually does) so he was starved. He took a few deep breaths to calm his beating heart and stood up, holding his phone tightly in his hand that was hidden by a sleeve. He pressed his ear against the door, leaning over the chair, to see if he could hear anyone. When he was sure he couldn't, he moved the chair and slowly opened the door, looking down the hallway both ways. Empty. He was safe.

Keeping pressed up against the wall, he closed his door and slowly crept down the hallway. Dashing across the gap between him and the staircase, he descended, holding the banister in a death grip.

"Get back here!"

Virgil tensed, eyes wide, breathing laboured. He was about to run when two teens, none older than him, rushed past him, both laughing. They disappeared down the hallway, and Virgil relaxed again. Carrying on his descent, he made it to the bottom floor he knew the cafeteria was, for he and Angie passed it earlier. He moved with slow, cautious steps, most of the other kids were in the big, play room/hangout room sort of thing, so he could easily slip into the cafeteria. It was empty, bar a few kids who were slowly eating while quietly talking to their friends.

Virgil ignored them and made a beeline for the trays, checking over his shoulder out of instinct every few minutes. He piled his plate with most-likely cold food by now, but he didn't care, he needed sustenance. Sitting on a table far from others, (and up against the wall), he dug into the food that was uncomfortably cold but he bared through it. While he ate, someone else walked into the room. He looked to be the same age as Virgil, with ochre brown skin, a tie hanging down his chest, glasses perched on his nose, and a book in hand. Out of interest, Virgil watched through his bangs as the boy grabbed an apple, turned and left.

So...you didn't have to eat in here. He'll make a mental note of that. He went up for seconds when he finished, and even thirds afterwards. Who knew he was so hungry. Finally, he was full, and put his tray and plate with the other dirty ones. With the same caution as before, he scurried back up to his room, thankful this time he didn't pass by anyone.

Placing the chair under the handle, he fell into his bed, put his phone on charge and watched random YouTube videos until he fell asleep.

The next morning he was awoken by the sound of children's feet hitting against the floor outside his room as they all dashed down the hallway, their chatter bouncing off the walls. Virgil sighed, grabbing a pillow and slamming it over his head. Not only did he wake up, like, five times during the night due to nightmares, but he has to deal with this shit, too? Waking up at...eight am!? Fuck no!

Holding the blanket tighter to his body, he snuggled into the warmth and slowly dozed off back to sleep.

What awoke him up an hour later was a knocking on his door. He woke up, dazed, with the pillow still over his head. Sitting up, he breathed in fresh breaths of air, flinching when someone knocked on his door again. That was what woke him up. Gripping the blanket tightly, he stared at the door that was down the mini corridor in his room. It was short, and there because of the en suit to the left when you enter. "Virgil? Are you there?" A stranger. He didn't respond.

"I have been designated as your tour guide, if you do not want me, you can request for Angie to do it instead" his voice was quite monotonous, which was weird, Virgil had never heard a voice quite like it. Could it be possible there was a robot on the other side of his door? Slipping out from bed, he hugged his jacket closer and slowly moved the chair, keeping his foot out as a stopper against the door incase whoever was outside tried to forcefully get in.

Cracking it open, he stared at the boy on the other side. It was the one who collected an apple in the cafeteria yesterday. "Salutations" he greeted now they were face to face. "I am Logan. As I explained, I have been given the roll to show you around. Would you like to come with me?" He questioned. No, Virgil instantly thought, only because he didn't trust the boy in the slightest. He could learn the layout of the building himself - he didn't need anyone's help. But, he had a feeling someone was going to, if it was Logan or Angie, so with reluctance, he opened the door wider and waited for Logan to move.

"Right, we will start on the ground floor" with his hands clasped behind his back, Logan went first and Virgil tailed after him, keeping a keen eye out on his surroundings. They reached the bottom floor, and the building was bustling with kids all walking or running around in small groups. The bigger groups sat in certain areas, some splitting away when an adult walked over an motioned them to follow.

"When you are called by a guidance counsellor" Logan began to explain when he noticed Virgil's eyes training on the kids who were split from their grips. "You are taken to a room where you do therapy. Depending on why you are here, of course. I know Angie specialises in children who have been abused at home - is that what happened to you?" Virgil tensed and glared at Logan who dared ask him that. He didn't realise everyone would know what was wrong with him. Logan noticed, and held his hands up in defence.

"I am not going to pry, nor ask questions if you do not want me to. The children here are very used to opening up to others after a few weeks, but I suppose you have only been here for a day. I am sorry for asking" Logan concluded, and carried on leading Virgil to the reception area. From the front doors, Logan took him across the entire ground floor, showing him the different rooms for therapy, and even larger rooms used for group therapy, although that is optional. Virgil shuddered at the idea. There was a very large hall used for indoor activities, the public bathrooms, the rooms children go into to chill and hang with their friends, and a few more odd rooms that weren't used for specific things.

"This" Logan opened a door, "leads to the back garden" he gestured to the large expanse of land covered entirely with grass - bar the pathways leading to benches, fountains, and the monkey bars children played on. "You may enter the woods if you wish" Logan spoke while closing the door. "But it is not permitted to go too far in. If you get lost, press the blue emergency button, and they will be sure to find you" Logan offered advice while leading Virgil to the staircase. There were two staircases - one with pink flower pots, one with blue. Virgil could see the colour scheme they have going on. But, he would always remember pink pots mean he can get to his room faster.

The second floor was home to classroom-sort of things. Children who were here for longer than two months are given two lessons everyday to help with all the school work they had missed out on. The guidance counsellors make sure to work them around their therapy sessions, as in the end they were more important, plus enough time for them to relax and eat.

The third and fourth floors were occupied by bedrooms, so Logan didn't show him those. By the time they were finished, it was twelve.

"My session is starting now" Logan turned to Virgil once they reached the reception area again. "It was a pleasure, Virgil. Your sessions start tomorrow, so you can use today to strengthen your knowledge of the layout. If you ever need me, I am usually not too hard to find - if I am not in therapy, or with my friends, I am in the library. Good day" Logan tipped his head a little and disappeared down a hallway. Virgil didn't know what to think of the boy. He hadn't made any signs for Virgil to not trust him, but he can't help but feel like everyone around him was his enemy he had to be fearful of.

Now he understood where most things were, he didn't find it too hard to come across the staircase with the pink flower pots. When he was about to step up them, a chipper voice called his name, forcing him to stop and whip around. Before him was a boy a tad taller than he (but not as tall as Logan), skin a warm beige colour that was littered with darker-shaded freckles. Like Logan, he wore glasses, but unlike Logan, they were blue-rimmed, while Logan's were black. His top was a baby blue with a cartoon dog across his chest, and on his shoulders was a grey cardigan. He also wore khakis. For a split second Virgil honestly thought he was a dad here for his child.

"Hey, Kiddo!" How could someone sound so happy? When they lived here? His blue eyes were sparkling with delight, so much so Virgil felt a little bad about the idea of turning and rushing away. So, he stayed. Besides, whoever this was had a...weird atmosphere that almost made Virgil want to trust him.

"I'm Patton!"

Now that Virgil wasn't too focused on his own safety, he looked closer at the boy and nearly moved back when he realised he was deathly skinny. Bones poked against his skin, and his cheekbones were high and very prominent. Still, he looked over the moon joyous, and again, he felt bad for staring so long. "You must be the new kid, Virgil! It's wonderful..." he drifted, shaking his head quickly. "Well, it's not wonderful you're here, but it's wonderful to have a new person to hang out with!" Patton corrected himself with a soft giggle, bobbing on the balls of his feet cutely.

"Uh.." he croaked, clearing his throat. "Th-thanks, I guess" he murmured, shrugging and stuffing his hands into his pockets. Patton stared at him for a moment, his blinding grin fading into a soft smile. "I'm here because I'm anorexic" he blurted, making Virgil recoil slightly in surprise. But then he remembered what Logan told him earlier - after a few weeks the children become more open. He guessed because everyone knew everyone else was here because they were also fucked up one way or another, so what was the point in hiding it? Even still, Virgil felt bile rise up in his throat at the mere idea of saying why he was here, so he avoided it.

"Honey said I've improved so much since I was first here!" He added on giddily, looking like he might start floating. "...how uh..how long have you been here?" Virgil decided to ask, leaning on the wall beside the staircase to feel more at ease. "My one month anniversary is tomorrow!" He giggled, "they think I should be able to go home by the end of my second, especially because my parents are coming more frequently to meetings so they know exactly what to do if Freddie comes for me!"

"Freddie?" Virgil was unable to stop himself from repeating, anxiety spiking. Patton noticed his confusion and quickly waved his hands around. "Oh, no! That's the name I gave my anorexia. It's to help us distance ourself from it, so we know it's an enemy, not a friend..." Patton drifted, "d'you wanna know more?"

To be honest? Virgil did. He nodded slowly and allowed Patton to take him to his room. "Don't worry!" Patton smiled when he skipped in. "You can enter" Virgil did but kept the door open, sitting awkwardly on the end of the bed. It was the same layout as his room, en suit to the left, window facing the woods, bed lining with the door, desk and closet, too. Patton jumped onto the head of the bed and smiled happily at Virgil.

"Honey taught me that anorexia feeds on people with low self-esteem and body issues, so we're more inclined to listen to it's voice. It manipulates you, pretends to be your friend, and makes you believe the people around you don't want you to reach 'your goal' - whatever your goal is, mine was to become more skinny because I was bullied for being on the chubby side.." he chuckled sheepishly, scratching his neck. Virgil's eyes softened in concern.

"For so long I listened to it, I distanced myself from the people who tried to "ruin my goal" when all they wanted to do was help, and ended up in hospital after fainting in school. My parents were so worried, and a family friend suggested this place, so here I am!" Patton threw his arms up, gesturing to the room he sat in.

Virgil nodded, fidgeting with his hands. "Why..why the name Freddie?"

Patton deflated, "It was the name of my main bully, at first I hated the idea of thinking Freddie was my enemy and not my friend, until I realised a friend wouldn't nearly kill me, or make me feel bad, so now I know it's my enemy" he smiled triumphantly, "I know it'll never truly go away, always in the back of my mind, but I'm learning how to control it! Freddie will never tear me down again!" Patton was happy once more, and Virgil found himself relaxed in the boy's presence. While he was talking, Virgil barely thought of his surroundings, or the fact his back wasn't pressed up against the wall.

"Thanks for...telling me" Virgil spoke sincerely, knowing talking about oneself wasn't always easy. "Oh, don't mention it! I love explaining to people, because it reminds me of how far I've come!" Does this boy always find a good side to everything? And, honestly? It was refreshing - Virgil had been surrounded by pessimism for so long, from people around him, and mostly himself.

"I couldn't have explained it better myself"

A sudden voice put Virgil back on high alert. Jumping from the bed, he pressed into the wall across the room, glancing at the window that was his only escape. Even if he would probably break something, he would jump out if needs be. An adult came from around the wall that split the room and the bathroom off, frowning sympathetically. "Oh gosh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you"

Virgil didn't move, just stared intently, body tense, hands gripping his sleeves. "I'll call Angie, in the mean time, Patton, I'm so proud of you - your session is about to begin, would you like to get ready?" The counsellor smiled at the boy who nodded and turned to Virgil. "Bye, Virgie! Nice meeting you!" He waved, and turned to leave. Virgil felt his heart beat rapidly when Patton left and he was alone with an adult stranger. "Don't worry, Angie's on her way" whoever this was reassured, and left to stand in the doorway. Virgil still didn't feel at ease - she was making this worse. He needed an escape route, he couldn't be trapped.

Suddenly, Angie appeared around the corner, and instead of staying there, she moved to the space between Patton's bed and desk where a poster of a cat was situated on the wall. She didn't say anything, didn't prompt him to do anything, just waited while gazing around the room. Slowly, Virgil inched across the wall, taking a quick look at the doorway - it was empty. Turning back to Angie, she was still there, hadn't moved a foot. Backing out the room, he instantly felt safer now he wasn't trapped. Once there, Angie slowly left the room, too, and closed the door.

"I see you've become friends with Patton" she smiled, not moving any closer to Virgil who secretly appreciated it. He couldn't stand being close to adults - children and teens were different, but adults had tortured him for so many years, he finds it hard to trust them. "He's a marvellous boy, always wanting to make others feel better, even if he isn't feeling so good himself" she chuckled lightly, still smiling. "I'll let you go, but you have to answer this first; are you okay?"

Virgil nodded. She smiled. "Good, press pink if you need me" with that, she left down the hallway, allowing Virgil to stand alone, in silence. Safe silence. Relaxing against the wall, he closed his eyes momentarily to regain his breathing before ducking away into his room until a bell rang across the building. He assumed it was the lunch bell. Unable to bare standing in a room with a bunch of people, he waited for an hour on his phone. Now it was two, and he hoped it was mostly empty. Logan told him around this time some children are in classes, while most of the others are in their sessions. The perfect time gap to be alone.

But, when he opened the door, he almost stood on a plate of food outside. It was covered with cling film, a note placed on the top. Bending down, he read what it said.

Didn't see you in the cafeteria, so I thought I'd send this up!

- Patton )^o^(

Virgil felt a smile twitch at his lips. Picking up the food, he ate while listening to faint music, keeping the note in the draw attached to his desk. For the next few hours he didn't really do much other than occupy himself with YouTube, drawing, and music. He took a short nap, and before long it was already five pm. Dinner time. Feeling a weird surge of confidence, he grabbed his plate and left his room, slowly pacing down the stairs and towards the bustling cafeteria. He thought it would be okay, and imagined himself putting his dirt plate with the others and grabbing some dinner but when he stood in the large, two-door entry, his confidence drained from his body like water down a drain, and he couldn't do it.

Turning around, he went to hide back in his room, but crashed straight into someone else. He gasped and fell to the ground, plate shattering against the wood. The noise made every child and teen turn heads, and Virgil stared at the boy who stared back with different coloured eyes, and scarred, burnt skin on the left side of his face. He looked mad.

Panicked, Virgil scrambled to his feet and sprinted by, leaving the plate shards on the ground. He moved up the staircase two at a time, not stopping until he slammed his bedroom door close and jutted the chair under it. Then, he whipped open the closet doors, curled up inside, and cried. He didn't want to imagine what the boy might've done if he stayed for longer. Breathing sporadic, he couldn't focus on the world around him, and felt like he was floating in darkness, unable to get out. His blurry vision swayed, black dots appearing around him. There was limited light in the closet, anyway, but this was the safest place he could be in.

A knock made him fall even further into his panic.

"Virgil?" He could hear something. It was faint, and sounded like he was under water, but it was there. He focused on it. "Virgil, listen to me, recite five things you can feel" the voice was soft, soothing, Virgil listened to it.

He moved his hands around. He could feel smooth wood. He reached up. He felt the fabric of his clothing between his fingers. He reached even further into the dark, touching the lid of a box.

Wood
Clothes
Box

He carried on blindly searching.

Paper
Plastic

"Keep breathing Virgil, in for four seconds" the voice waited, "hold for six" again, another pause, Virgil working through it with her gentle commands. "Out for seven". This repeated until Virgil could feel himself breathing properly. Opening his eyes, he gazed around the dark closet and slowly left, feeling drained and nauseous. He opened the door, finding Angie kneeled on the ground. By the staircase was a crowd of curious kids. He ignored them.

"Hey, Virgil" Angie said softly and stood up. "I'll get you some water, why don't you relax, okay?" Virgil nodded and shut the door as she left. He thought about putting the chair back, but as she was coming back, he didn't, and laid down on his bed. He clenched his shaky hands together and carried on using the breathing technique until a soft tapping could be heard. It wasn't like a knock - it was soft, a tap and a scrape.

"Virgil? May I come in?"

He sat up on bed, gripping his blanket. "Yeah..." he replied, and the door opened. Angie smiled, leaving it open a crack. She walked through the room and sat down on the desk chair, leaving Virgil enough space to run if he needed to. "Drink this" she handed him the glass, and he did as she told him to, his eyes never leaving from her.

"Feeling better?"

Virgil nodded. "The boy you bumped into, his name's Deceit" she explained, placing the glass on the desk. "He told me to tell you he was sorry if he scared you. You see, he has anger issues, and even the slightest things can set him off, even if he doesn't want them to. He didn't mean to glare, and hopes you could be friends in the future" her explanation made Virgil ease a little. At least he wasn't on someone's hit list.

"And don't worry, he gave me permission to tell you. We are very confidential with the children here, and only talk about their problems to people who aren't their immediate family with permission" Virgil, once again, nodded, for he didn't feel it in him to speak. "Now, I'll let you have a nap. If you're curious, eight pm we're all having a game night in the big hall. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do, and can watch from the sidelines if you want. Engaging with everyone here will help you improve quicker, especially if you find someone you can trust" Angie explained, and stood up, turning off the light as she left and closed the door.

Virgil heeded her words, and set an alarm for seven fifty. Then, dozed off into a nap.

As time struck 7:50pm, music blared around his room, and it took a few minutes before Virgil actually woke up. He blinked, blearily gazing around his room that was slowly fading to darkness from the setting sun. Grabbing his phone, he hit snooze and fell back against the pillow, but ten minutes later the music started up again, and it took Virgil a moment to actually remember why he set the timer. Games night. It was starting now. He allowed to snooze again, and actually sat up when it went off for a third time another ten minutes later. Rubbing his eyes, he yawned and looked under the bed before standing up and putting on his jacket he couldn't remember taking off.

Turning off the alarm (just in case it goes off in the room) he stuffed it into his pocket and left, walking down the two flights of stairs to where the biggest hall was. Standing in the double, open doors, he watched presumably most of the kids playing dodgeball at the far end of the hall. In the middle was tennis and ping pong, while on the side closest to him was random, different, small activities. Plus, in each corner of the room was a group of kids just talking while on their phones.

"Virgil!"

He flinched, grabbing the door, eyes quickly averting to whoever called him. He calmed down when he realised it was Patton. He rushed over, wearing shorts and a tank top. Although his bones were still quite visible, Virgil could tell he was gaining weight, plus, Virgil was proud for the boy - he didn't seem self-conscious at all. "You made it! Come with me!" Patton reached over and gripped Virgil's arm, but the boy ripped away from him like he touched a fire. Patton jerked back in shock, staring with apologetic eyes. "Oh, gosh, I'm so sorry, Kiddo! Touching off limits! Got it!" Patton smiled, then gestured for him to follow instead. Virgil felt terrible, but he couldn't help his instincts.

Rubbing his wrist, he followed after Patton, avoiding everyone else. They reached the small area between dodgeball and tennis. "There!" Patton raised his arm to three boys. One of them was the one Virgil bumped into earlier. He tensed. "That's Deceit" Patton pointed to the boy with one brown eye and one yellow eye, with brown skin and dark black clothes accented with yellow. The one with anger issues, too, apparently. "He's demiboy!" Patton added on, but talked before virgil could ask. "That's Remy!" He then pointed to the one in between, "they're non-binary" Virgil drew his eyebrows together, going to ask what he meant, but then thought against it, not wanting to offend him. Remy, weirdly, wore sunglasses even if they were inside, with short, white dungarees, a light grey top underneath. Like Angie, they had tanned skin, but it was on the lighter side, plus floppy brown hair that sat in waves upon their head.

"And that's Logan!" Patton finally pointed to the boy who gave him the tour. And, as per usual, he was wearing a tie. "He's gender fluid" Patton added on. Shit - Virgil didn't know what any of these things meant, all he knew were the basics; gay, bisexual, pansexual, lesbian, and transgender. He was fucking useless. In fact, the only reason why he searched those was because he was feeling certain ways to men, and not woman a few years back - he was gay, and his parents didn't take that, either.

"They don't mind me telling you this stuff, it helps so people don't get their pronouns mixed up!"

What? They had different pronouns? Yeah, Virgil was screwed. He was fine with it, but it confused him to no end.

"When Logan is wearing the purple band, she's a girl!" Patton explained, gesturing to Logan who looked up from his book and said something Virgil couldn't hear from this distance to Remy who snorted. "And when he's wearing the black one, he's a boy! Like today! Sometimes he'll wear both, to show he doesn't mind which you use, but then he'll use neither, and that's when we use they/them!" Patton's explanation eased Virgil immensely. Now he knew what to do to not offend him.

"Ooo!" Patton then turned to Deceit, "they don't mind which pronouns you use, just as long as you balance it between he/him and they/them!"

This is a lot of information for one night. Virgil was honestly feeling overwhelmed. He hasn't come across anyone who wasn't straight before. Or, at least, openly gay.

"And, like I said, Remy's non-binary, they/them" Virgil relaxed when he explained it further. "I use he/him, but I'm pansexual!" Patton pointed to himself, than towards someone else who was playing dodgeball. "That's Roman" the boy he was pointing to ducked out the way of a ball, grabbed it when it went behind him, and shot it directly into someone else's thigh. His hair was light blond and bouncy with his movements, piercing amber eyes full of determination to win. He had terra-cotta coloured skin, and like Patton, wore a tank top and shorts, only his top was red, and shorts were white. And, Virgil assumed, he was the tallest in their friendship group, leaving Patton to be the smallest, yet still taller than Virgil. No fair.

"He's transgender and bisexual! Using he/him pronouns. He doesn't mind talking about his experience, so don't ever feel afraid to ask!" Patton seemed absolutely ecstatic talking about the people, Virgil presumed, were his friends. "And" Patton once again turned to the three friends sitting against the wall. "Deceit is 'straight with a few exceptions', Remy is pansexual, like me! And Logan is gay" once he finished explaining, he skipped over to his friends, Virgil in tow.

"Deceit, Remy, Logan, meet Virgil!" Patton introduced, gave Virgil a wink and a wave before turning and returning back to the game. Virgil stood rigid before the three who all went silent as they stared up at him.

"Hey, babes" Remy smirked, pushing down their sunglasses to look Virgil up and down over the rim. While doing so, they gave Virgil perfect view of their grey eyes. "Huh, not bad" they winked, pushing their sunglasses back up. "I'm sure he'll appreciate your flirting to no end" Deceit drawled, making Remy tut and lean further against him. "Shut it, hoe, I can't help it - I'm horny and you're 'too tired for sex'"they mocked, making Deceit growl and look the other way.

Remy grinned, pecked their cheek, and nestled back against him. This seemed to calm them down, as Deceit wrapped an arm around their shoulders, muscles loosening. "Salutations, Virgil, would you like to sit here?" Logan patted the spot beside him. Virgil nodded and slid down the wall, perching himself on the glossy floor. The three went back to what they were doing prior, Virgil noticing the black band on Logan's wrist. He needed to be weary of that.

Virgil trailed his eyes across the room, absentmindedly watching some of the counsellors joining in on the games. Even if Virgil had only met two female ones so far, he could now see there were many more - it split between both genders, but with one sweep, Virgil could see more woman than men. "Heads!" Someone yelled, and he ducked, unable to hide his face fast enough, for a ball hit him smack in the face. Laughter rang out and he flushed darkly, kicking the ball away and rubbing his face.

"Are you alright?" Logan questioned, closing his book. Virgil nodded, unable to meet anyone's gaze, too embarrassed to do anything else.

"I'm terribly sorry, Virgil" a new voice spoke up. Peeking through his fingers, he realised it was Roman. He picked up the ball and knelt down on one leg, closely examining Virgil's face. "I promise it won't happen again" Roman grinned, glanced at his friends and left back to the game. Virgil sighed and rolled his eyes, he couldn't be considerate if he tried. Patton came over after, kneeling beside him and looking over his face like Roman did.

"Aw..." he whispered softly, lifting his hand to brush his fingers against his cheek, but Virgil flinched and clenched his eyes shut. "Shoot! Sorry, Kiddo, I promise I'll get better at that. Do you need anything?" Virgil shook his head, ducking it down and hiding his face behind his bangs. Patton frowned, wanting to do more, but he felt like it might make it worse. He smiled at his friends sadly and went back to the game.

"Do not worry" Logan murmured to Virgil who glanced at him from the corner of his eye. "Angie will help you"

I'm sure she will, Virgil thought with a sigh.

The rest of the games night didn't go so badly after that incident. He enjoyed watching Roman lift Patton into the air and spin him around in delight after they won, and other teens around the room freak out over dramatically. As it got later, more and more people left, until the only people who were left all sat in a big circle (sort of) talking to the people they were beside. Virgil stayed close to Logan the entire time, for he was one of the ones he didn't trust the least.

"I love game nights" Patton sighed wistfully, laying beside Virgil and staring up at the ceiling. "They're so much fun! And keeps everyone in shape" he giggled, then turned his eyes to Virgil who was already staring down at him. Their eyes met, and for a moment, they gazed in comfortable silence.

"Jack!" Roman's wail snapped their moment. They both looked over at the melodramatic boy who was sprawled in the centre of the circle, reaching for one of the counsellors who smirked and shook his head. "Please! My legs! So tired! I need to be lifted!"

"I'll lift you and drop you down the stairs" Jack responded, sipping his root beer. "Accidentally?" A girl spoke up. Jack smirked. "Yes, "accidentally" everyone chuckled softly while Roman pouted and complained further.

"Right" a female counsellor clapped her hands, "I think it's time for bed, don't you? Some of you have bright starts tomorrow, with lessons and all" this brought out groans from a few of the older teens. The female counsellor laughed and waved them off, but no one needed to be told twice. Besides, they were all tired, anyway. Everyone stood up, but Virgil hung back, waiting until everyone left. He hated when people walked behind him.

"Coming, Virgie?" Patton yawned, and that did something weird to Virgil's heart. He shrugged it off and followed suit, most of the crowed split off towards the blue plant pot stairwell, while Virgil, Roman and Deceit went off to the pink. "Bye, Virgie! See you tomorrow!" Patton called gleefully as he jumped up the staircase. "Bye, Pat" Virgil called back, only realising the nickname moments later, but he didn't worry after hearing Patton's contagious laughter.

"Goodnight, fair maiden" Roman teased Virgil for his pale skin, waving him goodbye before disappearing into his room. "I sometimes wonder why I ever put up with him" Logan muttered, and Virgil snorted. The two froze. But, Logan smiled, "goodnight, Virgil" with that, he was gone, and Virgil was alone in the hallway. He rushed to his room, stuck the chair under the door, and smiled.

Smiled!

He couldn't remember the last time he smiled! And he hasn't even had any sessions yet! Feeling different from his usual down and depressive mood, he changed into his pyjamas, brushed his teeth, and went off to bed with a faint smile adoring his features.

When he awoke to feet stomping, he didn't fall back asleep straight away. Instead, he stared up at the ceiling to will away the remnants of sleep, waiting until he couldn't hear anymore children before he slid out of bed and put on his black jeans, purple shirt, and favourite jacket. Leaving the room, he walked down the staircase, checking over his shoulder as he went. The cafeteria was crowded with kids either getting food or sitting at the table. He was never hungry in the morning, so instead he searched for Patton and his friends. Not too long later, he found them, and slowly manoeuvred over there, waving at a few people who greeted him.

"Virgil!" Patton called, mouth full of cereal and milk. Deceit winced when he saw it, looking the other way and clenching their jaw. He hated when people talked with food in their mouth. "Sorry, De" Patton said after swallowing. The boy waved it off, gripping Remy's hand to help. Remy allowed them to, resting their head on his shoulder. Human contact helped. "Sit here, Virgie!" Patton patted the spot next to him. Virgil did so and glanced across the table - everyone was here expect Logan. Thinking he was just late, Virgil didn't question it.

"Want some food?" Patton cocked his head, and Virgil shook his own.

"It's not like it's the most important meal of the day!" Roman declared, across and a seat over from Virgil. "Oh, Roman, we all know you're the most important meal of the day" Remy winked, and the two fell into their usual 'flirt competition' they had daily. Patton giggled, biting into his buttered toast. Finally, after enough time had passed, and Virgil's curiosity peaked, and turned to ask Patton where Logan was.

"Oh!" The chipper boy frowned, "she's having one of her days..." Patton drifted, "depression is a bitch" Remy piped up when they heard the conversation. Virgil's eyes widened slightly, he didn't know Logan had depression. "Sent here because her so called 'parents' couldn't handle a child who wasn't normal" Remy scoffed, glancing the other way.

"Abandoned in an orphanage - out of us all, she's been here the longest" Roman added to the conversation. "Who's uh-...who's been here the shortest time?"

Patton turned in his chair, pointing to a small, scrawny boy across the room. "He got in yesterday! But, with us, it's.." he drifted, eyes landing on Deceit. "This sulky bitch" Remy elbowed Deceit who glared. Virgil noted how Remy was the only one who could get Deceit riled up without having to apologise.

"Virgil" said 'sulky bitch' piped up, "hypothetically, if I were to kill someone, you wouldn't help me bury their body, would you?" Remy turned to him with a look that screamed, 'how dare you, bitch!' Virgil shrugged, "sure, I guess..."

Deceit smirked as Remy glared, "whatever, bitch, you still haven't made up for your measly three minutes last night"

Virgil choked on air as Roman and Patton burst into a fit of laughter. Deceit's cheeks grew warm and his eyes darkened with anger. Remy leaned over and whispered something in his ear, though, and Deceit's gaze softened as they shared a sweet kiss.

"Will Logan be alright?" Virgil questioned as they all left the cafeteria. Patton nodded happily, "of course! Some days she just feels like she can't get out of bed, in the beginning her counsellor - Irene - really helped, and she still does! But Roman's kinda taken the roll of checking up on her" Patton gestured to Roman who was currently carrying an apple up the pink-potted staircase.

"Huh..." Virgil drifted, about to carry on walking with Patton when Angie came up to them. "Hey, Virgil. Ready for your first session?" He blinked, suddenly remembering about those things. "Oh!" Patton grinned, turning to his friend. "Have fun, Virgil, don't worry, they're a blast! And really help!" He went in for a hug but stopped himself, "aha!" He yelled in triumph, "I remembered!" He giggled, waved to both before skipping away, calling 'see you later, Virgie!' over his shoulder.

"Looks like he's taken a liking to you" Angie winked. As she turned, Virgil's cheeks twinged red in embarrassment. They walked, with Virgil behind, down the hallway to the rooms where the therapy sessions took place. The walls on either side were decorated with paintings and drawings from kids, most of them colourful, a few dark and depressing. The walls were also bright, too. Virgil preferred darker colours, and actually glared at the walls, as if it were their fault.

They finally reached a door with a plaque that read, 'Angie', on it. She stepped in, allowing Virgil to keep the door open a crack. Instead of sitting in the chair opposite her desk, he sat on the one against the wall, so he could keep an eye on Angie plus the door. There weren't any other exits, but next to the closet he sat beside was a bat, so he would use that if needed. Angie didn't seem to mind, and talked to him, anyway. The room wasn't too big.

"Golly, my desk is a mess, I really am sorry" Angie blushed, tucking all the papers together. "I haven't used my office in awhile for therapy, the other children who I help prefer group session- which I'm sure you won't?" Virgil's shudder and expression answered her question for her.

"Why don't you tell me what it's been like here so far? While I prepare" she asked while flipping through papers. Virgil shrugged, hiding his hands under his sleeve. Angie caught onto it from her peripheral vision. "It's uh...it's been good" he shrugged, Angie chuckled. "Woah, calm down, chatter box" she joked after a few beats of silence. Virgil rolled his eyes, but it was more out of fondness than anything. "What about Patton, huh? What's he like?"

Again, Virgil shrugged. "He's a good friend" he responded simply. "Details, honey"

"Honeys his counsellor" Angie giggled and nodded. "Yes, a good one, too. Very good.." she murmured, smiling with a look in her eyes that made Virgil know she wasn't focused on the words on the page. This was his chance to ask questions back to bring the attention off of him.

"You seem to like her"

A blush drifted across her cheeks. "I like all the counsellors"

"Maybe Honey a bit more..." Virgil drifted with a light smirk. Angie huffed out a flustered laugh, shaking her head. "Oh, such the observer, I see" Virgil smirked slightly, a twitch of the corner of his mouth. "What can I say?" When his eyes landed on the board hung up beside the window behind Angie, he noticed the lesbian flag pinned up on it, his smirk widened. Yep. Definitely liked Honey a bit more.

And, in that room, he felt more like himself than ever before.

"Patton should be in his session by now" Angie drifted, checking the time. "Usually Deceit and Remy are in their room, Logan is with Irene, but Roman's free! He should be outside" Virgil nodded, and watched as she left. He didn't know if he should go to Roman or not - he got the vibe that Roman didn't like him much. Or maybe that was him worrying.

He supposed he hadn't been outside yet, so why not? Finding him wasn't too hard, he was swinging from the monkey bars upside down, softly singing a song Virgil knew to come from a Disney movie. When Roman noticed the movement, he turned his head and smiled at Virgil who sat on the bench not too far away.

"Greetings, you emo nightmare" Roman called, reaching up and grabbing the bars with his hands, swinging his legs down but he didn't land on the ground just yet, instead he moved backwards across the bars until he reached the platform again.

"Really, Princey? Emo nightmare?" Virgil scoffed, but not in scorn.

Roman smirked and went back to swinging on the bars. "Really, emo nightmare, Princey?" He teased, and in a flash the two were chuckling. Huh, Virgil guessed he was wrong about Roman. "Why're you doing that?" Virgil referred to the different tricks Roman was doing on the bars.

He shrugged, grabbing the wooden beams on either side that held the poles up, pulling his body towards the sky until he was upside down, doing a handstand. Then, he swung back down, grabbing bars before he would fall. "It distracts me" he responded when he finally finished his display.

"From what?" Virgil couldn't help but question.

"My burning desire for alcohol" he replied smoothly, tucking his legs onto the bars again, swinging upside down once more. "And drugs" he shrugged like it was nothing, putting his hands on the ground and straightening out his legs. Then, he slipped them through the bars, lowered, and sprung up from the floor in one swift movement.

"Oh..."

"Yep" Roman popped the p, falling onto the bench beside Virgil who tensed, subtly shuffling over. "My mother forced me to drink alcohol when I was a kid, thought it would drug me enough to fall asleep - but, in the end, she was stuck with an alcohol and drug abuser. Until my teacher got me sent here, that is!" He waved his hand towards the building behind them. "And I want to say I've been clean ever since, but Disney, it's so terribly hard sometimes..." he sighed, turning to Virgil.

"We're the kids who are burdened with the rotten end of the parents" his smile was still there, but more faint, and sad. Virgil understood what he meant. "But, we can't choose, so we live with it" drawing his phone from his pocket, he checked the time. "If you can call this living" Virgil found himself mumbling. Roman chuckled, pocketing his phone.

"If you ever need an escape, just say the magic word" he stood up and ran a hand through his hair. "Now, I must be going! Sessions start soon, Patton should be out, he'll most likely be getting ready to go to the park"

"The park?" Virgil questioned, standing up. Roman nodded and they walked beside each other back inside. "Has no one told you? We have trips everyday, this certain day is to the park - it is optional, and I'm sure there will be a space left for you, run along! They'll be at reception!" With a bow, Roman left, and Virgil watched him go, concerned. It seems the boy could hide so much if he wanted to.

But, he was sure his friends would help him with that. If Roman told him - someone he's only known for a few days - he probably told the others ages ago. Resting his hands into his pockets, he stalked across the hallways, pressing into walls when he had to pass by other kids and adults. He finally made it to reception, spotting Patton bouncing excitedly on his feet. The room was full with other teens who all chatted in their groups - Patton was the only one alone.

He wanted to go over, but he'd be surrounded. Instead, he waited until the counsellor called for everyone to start to leave, and he tailed behind the group. He was last to get onto the bus, and when the counsellors spotted him, he made a noise of surprise. "Virgil!" He frowned, "I didn't know you were coming...okay, I just need to sign you out" he smiled again and hurried back inside. Virgil felt bad - he should've said something before they all left the building. Welp, nothing could be done now. Getting onto the bus, he went to sit at the front when a gasp made him jitter his movements.

"Virgie!" Patton's voice called frown somewhere down the bus. Virgil looked over, spotting Patton stand up and rush as fast as he could down the lane between the seats. "I didn't know you were coming! Can I sit beside you?"

Virgil hesitated. "Uh..sure" as soon as he sat down, he knew he made a grave mistake, for when Patton sat beside him, he was trapped, between a not-very-easy window to break, two tall seats, and someone who had the possibly to hurt him. He hated himself for ever imagining Patton to hurt him in anyway - the boy was such a sweetheart - but everyone he has known has hurt him. It took him so long to trust his aunt and even still, he doesn't let her touch him.

Clenching his hands under his sleeves, he focussed on the pattern on the seat before him, but Patton kept talking and leaning close to him, shifting, fidgeting, reminding Virgil he was there. Right beside him. Trapping him. On a moving vehicle. Full of people that could hurt him. He gripped the seat, chest tightening with anxiety that crawled up his back, he felt..he couldn't breathe. Shit. Shit. Shit. No one will hurt him-everyone will hurt you.

I can't run- run

How, what do I do?! - tell the bus driver to stop, and run, escape, don't let them hurt you.

Virgil did just that. He abruptly stood up, cutting Patton from what he was saying. Then, he jumped over the boy and rushed down to the driver. The two counsellors who sat in the front seat stopped their conversation to question him; but Virgil was already speaking. "Stop" he begged the driver, "I'm-I'm going to be sick" he continued. "Hang on, kid" the driver agreed and pulled off to the side of the road.

"Virgie?"

The door opened

"Virgil-?"

Run

He didn't know where he was going. Or if he would ever stop. The world blurred past him, everything jumbling together. He was lost, that was for sure, but safe, safe from people who could've trapped and hurt him.

The only thing that stopped him was his own feet. They tripped over the other and he skidded across the pavement. When he sat up, he winced, face, elbows, and knees burning with pain. Standing up shakily, he slumped onto a bench and checked his arms to see he had ripped off the first layer of skin. It stung so bad he had to grip his hands to try and lessen it. It didn't work.

He stood up again and hurried along as fast as he could with little energy left. Finding public toilets weren't too hard, and when he did, he wetted some paper and cleaned his arms. Then, in the stall, he tugged off his jeans below his knees and did the same thing. Afterwards, he looked in the mirror, wincing at the mark on the left side of his chin and his forehead. Tiredly, he cleaned those, too.

When the door opened, his body tensed, and he stared at the stranger through the mirror. The man nodded in a sort of greeting, and stood in front of the urinal. Virgil left in a flash. Now outside again, he brought his jacket closer to his body and walked through the small town he found himself in. He had the device in his pocket - pink and blue button thing - but he didn't know if he should press it. Would it cause too much hassle? He's already created a mess, and ruined everyone's day out...

He wouldn't be surprised if they sent him home. It was fine. He could work through this by himself. Although, as much as he told himself this, he didn't believe it.

He found another bench and sat down. He was alone for awhile, until an older lady passed by. "Shouldn't you be in school, young man?" She questioned, peering at him closely through her thick glasses. Virgil stared back, but straight through her, not looking at her at all. "I should" he murmured in response.

But you're not, because you can't get over your past, because you're pathetic, useless, you'll never recover, people will stop trying.

"Then why aren't you?"

"I'm lost"

The lady leaned back, then gestured for him to follow. Virgil did so without question. Why was he suddenly on autopilot? He didn't feel in control, his thoughts too much. The more he walked with the woman, the more he wanted to go back, he wished Roman didn't have a session, he wished he stayed with him longer instead of going on this stupid trip. Or, maybe he needed this, a final reassurance he was worth nothing, and he should stay lost.

"Virgie!"

Virgil's eyes didn't seem so clouded over anymore.

"Virgil!"

His body stopped.

"Virgil!"

His body tensed. His ears picked up feet stomping. Coming for him. Right behind him. Now.

He swung around and slugged whoever was running to him right in the face. Whoever it was let out a yell and fell back against the floor. That's what finally snapped Virgil out from his moment. He gasped, covering his mouth when he realised what he had just done. He punched Patton in the face. He punched Patton in the face!

The boy looked terrified, holding his cheek while staring at Virgil with glossy eyes. The counsellors finally caught up, two attending Patton while one spoke to Virgil, reassuring him it was okay, and they would take him home.

He was sat away from Patton for the bus ride, this time sat in the front, on the outer seat, on his own, everyone sitting further down the bus. He knew they were doing it for him, but it still stung. They made it back. As soon as the doors opened Virgil rushed inside, wanting to be hidden away in his room before people would see his tears. "Ah, Virgil, Hello-" Logan tried to talk, but Virgil pushed right by, hurrying up to his room and slamming the door shut. Chair. Chair. Where was the chair?

Under the desk. Where you left it. Moron. Grabbing it, he wedged it under the door handle and crumpled on his bed, covering his eyes and closing his eyes. He couldn't believe he punched Patton. The boy who had been his friend from the start, the one Virgil could be around without wanting to wilt and die, the one Virgil could learn to...to...

Trust.

And he ruined it. Because of his stupid, fucked up fear.

Angie tried to talk to him, but he didn't respond. Next, Roman spoke, then Logan, then Deceit, then Remy, none of them were mad, or at least, mad to him. They tried to tell him it was okay, but to Virgil, it wasn't, and he knew that. They were trying to coax him out so they could attack him like he did to helpless Patton. That was it.

And there goes his unstoppable stupid thoughts again.

It was later in the day when Virgil finally had the guts to apologise. But, when he did find Patton, he was sitting in his group therapy with the other anorexic kids. Virgil could see his eye blackening, and his cheek bruising. Chest constricting with guilt, Virgil ducked into his jacket and found the medical room. Inside, it was empty, leaving him the perfect chance to bandage up his injuries and steal a few painkillers.

"Stealing drugs, huh?" Virgil tensed. Deceit. "Got any good tips from Roman?" Virgil didn't respond, he turned around and faced Deceit who closed the door and walked over to him. Tensing, Virgil gripped the counter behind him, knowing Deceit was about to hurt him-

"I'm sorry"

Wait-what?

"When you bumped into me? Never got the chance to apologise. I didn't mean to scare you, but we can't always control ourselves, now can we?" Virgil winced at the implication. "Unless..." Deceit drifted, admiring the gloves covering his hands. "You could, and you hurt our poor Patton for reasons he won't tell us...he always wants to protect the people around him. The best trait anyone could ever have.." they murmured sarcastically, meeting Virgil's gaze. "Did you hurt Patton on purpose?"

"No"

"Then why?"

"He was running behind me. I thought...I thought..."

"It was someone trying to hurt you. You were abused, I could see where that comes from" Virgil swallowed, hating when people brought that up. "Come" Deceit gestured, walking with natural grace to the side of the room. He slid down the wall, Virgil knew if he left Deceit might get mad, and hunt him down, so shakily he sat beside the boy, not knowing what they might do.

"I have anger issues" Deceit began to explain, surprising Virgil. "Which isn't obvious at all..." he drawled, gazing off to the side. "To cope, I imagine myself sitting on a swing in the middle of nowhere. Around me is a glass dome, and across from me, so far away I can barely make out their facial expressions, is my father.." Deceit was staring right in front of him - Virgil assumed he was there, in his world. 

"He wants to get in, but the dome is keeping him out, away from me. It makes me laugh - such a humorous sight...for once, he can't get me, and it makes him furious" the back of Deceit's head leaned on the brick wall. "When I'm done with that, I have a shower, washing away my last remnants of anger. It's what I did earlier after hearing about Patton and your little spat" their eyes then landed on Virgil. "I do hope that won't happen again"

Virgil nodded hurriedly. "Good" Deceit faced forward again. "I hope you understand I'm not always like this" Deceit stretched their legs out. "You have potential, raccoon eyes, don't make me regret becoming your friend. Now, I shan't be bothering you again, have a terrible day" they put weird emphasis on the word, making Virgil understand it was a lie. He stood up and left, presumably to find his friends.

Virgil sighed out and covered his face with his hands. He wouldn't make Deceit regret it. Never again.

He decided against talking to them all tonight. He'd let them calm down, then talk tomorrow morning. He skipped out on dinner, but didn't want to show his face when everyone was awake. From sometimes waking up in previous nights, he knew the timing of when everyone was asleep, so he set an alarm for two am, placed it under his pillow, and slept until the muffled music woke him up. Walking through the building at night carried a whole new atmosphere to it. The hallway lights were on, but the world around was dark, nothing could be heard, everything was silent. He wandered for a bit until finally slipping down the staircase and appearing in the cafeteria. He walked across the room with the only source of light coming from the hallway outside. Scooping up an apple, orange, and banana, he returned back to the floor his room was on.

What could he say? He was hungry.

Munching on his apple, he stopped before his room when he heard a noise. Almost like someone fell over. Curious, he left his food in his room and walked down the hallway, peeking his head around the side. A little ways away was a girl - younger than himself - laying on the floor, limbs sprawled, unmoving.

Panicked, Virgil rushed over and rolled her onto her back, checking for a pulse. He didn't relax much when he found one, for it was very weak. He checked her pockets but he couldn't find the remote anywhere. Not wanting to go to his and leave her on her own, he stood up and rapidly pounded on the door to someone else's room.

It opened after a round of bangs, a tired, annoyed, and grumpy boy standing before him, matching his height. "What the hell, dude-!?" Then, he noticed the girl and gasped.

"Give me your remote. Now" the boy nodded and collected it, handing it to Virgil who was about to press the emergency button when another boy - who had woken due to the commotion - stopped him. "No! You'll alert his parents!" He gestured to the boy the remote belonged to.

"What?" Virgil responded, agitated.

"It's his remote, press the emergency button, his parents will be alerted, not hers"

Virgil groaned, handing the remote back to him. "What do we do, then!?"

"Doesn't she have a remote?" Another girl questioned. Virgil finally looked around him, realising he woke up the hallway. "No, I checked" there were bigger priorities than the fact he was surrounded with no escape. Kneeling beside her again, a few other girls hurried over in their pyjamas and nighties, brushing her hair from her face, and moving her into a certain position that opened her airways and stopped her from choking on her vomit - if that were to happen.

"She looks so pale..." a young boy whispered, holding his teddy tightly. "We need to get a counsellor" an older girl urged. "Where are they?" Virgil responded, "downstairs, they sleep in the basement!"

Virgil drew his eyebrows together. "Basement?"

"It's the same as this" another boy gestured around, "but in the basement. We're not allowed down there unless for emergencies that occur during the night"

"Yeah, this is a fucking emergency" a girl responded.

"Will we do it in time, though?" One of the girls who were kneeling on the ground voiced her worries. "Once they come, they'll have to wake up the receptionist who has the keys to the reception to call an ambulance. Or, they'd have to return to their room to use their mobile, but there must be a faster way! Every second counts!"

"The green emergency button" someone suggested, and everyone froze. "The what?" Virgil asked, utterly confused. "It alerts the nearest hospital and every single counsellor"

"When do we use it?" Virgil asked, rising from the ground. "In life or death situations" someone answered, and followed their hands. On the wall behind them was a button covered by a case - almost like a fire alarm, but instead it was green.

"Fuck it-"

"Wait!" Someone stopped him, his hand hovering over it. "You could get into serious trouble if you use it in situations not necessary" Virgil glanced to the girl, and that's when he noticed her chest had stopped moving. Raising his arm, he slammed down on the button, and instantly a shrill of a bell rang throughout the entire building. They all had to cover their ears to bare it. It wasn't like a fire alarm that's ongoing, it was like a heart monitor, beep after beep after beep.

A few kids fell to the ground while others ran, but Virgil stayed close to the girl. That's when the adults came, and everything became a blur. Something was placed over his ears, and he was carried out. Although everything was bleary, and he could barely make anything out, he could see the girl being carried too, and that was all that mattered to him.

He was sat outside with the other kids who had all been woken up. Standing out in the cold made everyone shiver and cluster close to one another. The counsellors were rounding everyone up and counting heads. It took awhile before they stopped running inside and coming back out with kids. They continuously counted while an ambulance came and took away the girl Virgil didn't even know the name of.

When he knew he was safe, his walls crumbled, and he ducked away from the crowds, hiding away on a bench, face wedged between his knees until the muffled beeping ceased, and his ears rang. "Virgie" a soothing voice whispered. He looked up, lips trembling when he saw Patton sitting beside him. He took off the blanket he carried around his shoulders and wrapped it around Virgil, careful not to have any human contact. "I'm so-so sorry" Virgil choked. "Hey, Kiddo, it's okay" Patton smiled, "it was my fault, I really need to work on the contact thing"

Virgil shook his head stubbornly. "N-no, I need to, please..please help me" he whispered, and Patton's heart shattered. "Of course I'll help, Virgie" he held out his hand, not too close, but not too far away. And, after a moment, Virgil's hand landed on it, and they held them tightly, smiling at the other.

"Well, this has been an eventful night!" The counsellor spoke once all the children had settled down in the big hall, each with blankets curled around their bodies. Virgil sat beside Patton, and his friends who all smiled warmly at him. Even Deceit. His heart blossomed. "From what we have been told by the residents of the pink-pot stairwell, a girl had collapsed onto the ground, and they all made an executive decision to press the green emergency button. The girl is named Lavender, and she only arrived yesterday. It seems she couldn't handle it anymore, and tried to take her life. We will hear from the hospital in the morning, but, for now, we don't know if she has succeeded. Our prayers are with her" the counsellor explained the situation without any sugarcoating. Just how everyone needed.

"Now; the person who did press the green button, would you like to reveal yourself? You're not in trouble, don't worry"

Virgil gasped, shaking his head. He couldn't have the attention on him. He was close to the doors, but he would have to slip past the counsellors to get out who could all easily hold him back. Everyone would stare at him. Everyone would hate him for waking them up and creating that awful alarm-

"It was me!" Roman called, hand struck up in the air. Instantly, whispered elicited through the crowd, but it was quietened down by the counsellors on the side. "Thank you, Roman" he smiled, "whether or not you are the actual person who did this, thank you for saving them from discomfort" Roman nodded and glanced at Virgil who stared back with appreciation.

"The green emergency button is a very, very, serious thing and should not be pressed unless in a moment of life and death. Today was one of those moments. You may have just saved a life" The counsellor stared at Roman as he spoke, but made a subtle glance at Virgil who ducked his head.

"Because of this, tomorrow will be an easy day for you all. Classes will be optional, and breakfast will turn into brunch, starting at ten instead of eight. Everyone return to chatter, we will notify you when you can return to your room" The counsellor nodded, and moved away from the front of the room. Once again the hall erupted into conversations.

"Christ" Remy groaned, leaning against Deceit who sat in their usual straight posture. "How the fuck are these hoes sister surviving at three fucking am..." they muttered, eyes closed, for once, not wearing their sunglasses.

"Sister surviving?" Logan quoted, pulling her blanket closer to her body. "Seriously?"

"Sister serious" Roman snorted, grinning at Remy who tiredly grinned back.

Logan rolled her eyes. "Can you not be serious? In any moment of your life?"

Remy shrugged, shifting their position so they sat in Deceit's lap. They didn't mind, instead of complaining he curled his arms around Remy and held them close. Virgil thought they were a cute couple. Especially when Deceit made little gestured of affection. "Live a little, bitch, life's too short to be serious"

"Life is so short, yet unbearably long" Virgil found himself adding to the conversation before he could stop himself. Everyone glanced over in surprise, but in a flash everyone was grinning. Apart from Deceit. No. He was smirking.

"What a thing to say around a depressed girl and suicidal human" Deceit voiced, but meant no malice. It was more of a self-awareness jab. Virgil cocked his head. "Suicidal?" Who was suicidal?

Remy looked over their phone, lifting up their arm and holding up their fingers in a v on it's side. "Me, hoe"

"Oh..." That makes sense. They were the only one Virgil didn't know the reason why they were here. Well, he knows now. "How bad?"

Remy clicked their tongue a few times in thought. "I attempted six times, parents got worried, sent me here. I love them to death, but I wish they'd let me go. Sixth attempt was done here, actually. I was so close. Yet, this bitch" they gestured to Roman who smirked, "saved me. I almost convinced him I had nothing, yet in the end, he pressed my stupid blue emergency shit, and I was saved.." they sighed, staring back at their phone. "Yet again"

"They're getting better!" Patton piped up, reaching over to rub Remy's knee reassuringly. "Aren't ya, Kiddo?" Remy shot Patton a loving smirk. "I guess I am, thanks for the reminder, sis" and they returned to their phone.

Virgil watched the display of human contact and sighed. He wanted to have that with Patton, but he was just so scared. As they all returned to conversation, Virgil excused myself and headed over to Angie.

"Hey, Virgil! What can I do for you?" Virgil felt a little bad for breaking her conversation with Honey, but she didn't look too bothered. "I want to get over my fear of human contact. Can we focus on that in our sessions?" He felt awkward asking, but her expression eliminated it a bit. "Of course! We can work on coping mechanisms for you, but it will take time"

"Time I'm willing to put into it"

Angie beamed. "I'm already so proud of you"

Like the counsellor said, brunch was at ten. Even if it was later in the morning, everyone still seemed drained for the few hours they were up at last night, and Virgil would be surprised if any of them actually went to lessons. The ones who needed to, anyway. After changing, he headed down the second hallway to reach the blue-plant potted staircase, due to the fact the lower section of his was crowded with kids.

While he walked, he heard yelling from a room. Pausing, he pressed up against the wall opposite, watching the room down from him. He knew which room that was. When a child has been here for a few days, they would call in their parents or guardians for family meeting/group sort of things. Virgil guessed this one wasn't going exactly well.

Suddenly, the door slammed open, and an angry looking man marched out. He was short, but still intimidating. He walked right by Virgil without giving him a glance, Virgil couldn't be more grateful. Not wanting to be more involved, he hurried on by and rushed down the blue plant-pot staircase, entering the cafeteria once he reached it, luckily not coming across the man again.

His friends were sitting at the table, and today Logan was there. Virgil grabbed some food and sat beside Patton. He guessed this had become his spot, now. He tried not to make it obvious when he tried to see which bracelet Logan was wearing today, but their long sleeves covered their wrists, so Virgil didn't know. Did the others know? Did they ask? He felt it would be immensely awkward to ask.

"You okay, Virgie?" Patton cocked his head when he noticed Virgil's growing distress. He licked his lips, eyes flickering over to Logan so Patton would get the hint. He drew his eyebrows together and glanced over at Logan who didn't notice due to all their attention being displayed on Roman who was in the mist of a grand tale.

"Oh!" Patton chirped, whispering in his ear. "Purple bracelet" Virgil nodded and relaxed, facing towards his food again. While the brunch passed by, Virgil noticed Patton's plate had barely been touched. Worriedly, he looked up at Patton who smiled back, but that slowly began to face when he noticed the friends concern. "Why aren't you eating?" Virgil mumbled so the others wouldn't here.

"Oh, I'm just not hungry, Kiddo!" He grinned. Virgil saw right through it.

"Is that you talking? Or Freddie?"

Patton slumped, gently picking up his fork to nudge at his eggs. "I've fallen into a schedule and it...feels weird to eat outside of it. They've never moved breakfast to ten before, maybe I should just eat at lunch?" He suggested meekly.

"Alright, bitches!" Remy declared, interrupting their conversation. "Therapy time" they grinned and stood up. "I would love to stay and chat.." Deceit began, voice perfectly smooth and sultry. "But I have better places to be" with that, they followed Remy out the room, before leaving through the doors, Virgil saw their hands clasp together.

"I wish I could have such romance with someone!" Roman sighed wistfully, staring into the distance just thinking about it. Logan tucked her cutlery onto her plate. "Why don't you? Many teenagers your age have proclaimed their attraction to you before" Logan recalled, sipping her tea.

Roman lost his confidence posture slightly. "Until they realise I'm not actually a boy" he chuckled painfully, scratching his neck. Logan straightened up, eyes widened slightly. She turned to face Roman sternly. "Roman, what are you talking about? You are a boy. No matter what" Roman smiled softly, staring at Logan who blushed lightly under his gaze.

"Thank you, nerd" he sat up, leaning close to Logan who froze. "Still, I need someone. All these lonely nights, my body feels touched starved and my heart is crying for someone to love! What do I do, Logan?"

"You are asking me? The least skilled when it comes to romance, feelings and emotions?"

Roman grinned, eyes twinkling. "Logan?"

"Yes?"

"My heart stopped crying"

It took Logan a moment. When it hit her, she tensed up even further, normal breathing falling into laboured, low volume heaves. Her face flushed a dark red, she wanted to say something to him, but whenever she opened her mouth, stuttered gasps of her once thought out sentence left her.

In the end, Logan had enough of her flustered state. Standing up, she grabbed Roman's arm and dragged him out the room, all the while Virgil could tell Roman's entire being was singing. Now, though, it was only Virgil and Patton. The cafeteria was emptying fast, and soon they were sure they would be left alone. Shoving his empty plate to the side, he picked up Patton's fork, stabbed some of the food onto it and held it up to Patton's mouth.

He flinched back in surprise. "If you won't eat, I'll feed you"

Patton slowly began to giggle, shaking his head. "I hoped you forgot..."

"Nope" he popped the p, resting his head on the palm of his hand, elbow secured on the table. "Eat up" Patton smiled fondly, opened his mouth and wrapped his lips around the fork, dragging the contents into his mouth slowly. When he leaned back and started to chew, he winked, and Virgil felt something stir within him. Oh god. Patton wasn't as innocent as once interpreted. Once they finished half the plates contents, Patton shook his head, pushing it away.

"Can't" He murmured weakly. Virgil was okay with it, for he had eaten enough to last him till lunch. They carried their plates to the dirty pile and left them there as they left. "Thanks, Virgie, that was so sweet of you" Virgil shrugged, dragging his sleeves over his hands, flustered. "No problem, Pat, gotta keep eating, and all that.."

Patton nodded in agreement. "I'll make sure to tell Honey, but in the mean time, come with me" Virgil agreed, hid his hands in his pockets and followed after Patton. He would stand beside the boy, but he skipped around, using the entire hallway for his movements. Virgil would only get in the way. They entered one of the classrooms, it was empty, thank god, Virgil wasn't about to appreciate doing school work when he didn't need to. "Sit here!" Patton encouraged, patting the seat he drew up to the front of the room beside him. Virgil hesitated, and looked around the room. Two exits. Two doors. Both led to the hallway. From where Patton placed the chairs, he could run out the second door pretty easily.

Feeling a tad more relaxed at that, he grabbed two chairs and placed them behind his own. That's so if anyone were to come up behind, they would either have to move the chairs - which would alert him - or walk to the side, where they would be in Virgil's peripheral. Now relaxed, he slumped in the seat beside Patton who didn't comment on what Virgil had done, instead he controlled the tv sitting in front of them both.

"I've been dying to see this!" Patton said once he started play on the movie. It was the most recent Spongebob movie. Well, it wasn't recent, but Patton probably hasn't had the time to watch it since it came out. Well, obviously. Virgil didn't really mind. He hadn't seen it either, not that he was a massive fan of Spongebob. Whatever, Patton's cuteness made up for it.

He didn't expect that would be how his morning started, but after glancing at Patton, watching his eyes alight, and listening to his uplifting giggles, he didn't mind one bit.

"Okay, Virgil" Angie smiled, finally having sorted out the papers on her desk. It was later in the day, after they had finished the movie, and Virgil had been called into his session. "Human touch" she began, folding her arms over the desk. "Ever since you were a child, human touch has been your enemy. From what your parents inflicted on you, your brain correlated physical contact to mean pain, fear, and punishment"

Virgil nodded, wincing when his parents were brought up.

"To start, I want you to imagine yourself being touched. Try with someone you may trust, like your aunt" she smiled, "or Patton" she added as an afterthought. Virgil nodded and swallowed, leaning against the back of the chair pressed to the wall. The door was open agar, she was behind her desk, he will be fine. Finding it easier to imagine with his eyes closed, he gripped the edges of the seat and closed his eyes, Patton popping up into his mind instantly. Sorry, auntie.

Patton was standing in front of him, wearing his big, happy smile. Then, he reached forward, and placed his hand on Virgil's wrist. In real life, Virgil gasped silently, and withdrew his arm from it's place resting on the armrest. Opening his eyes, he glanced at Angie who smiled and encouraged him to try again.

"Remember" Angie spoke when Virgil closed his eyes, seeing Patton again. "They won't hurt you"

Virgil nodded, gripping the chair tightly once more. Patton reached forward and put his hand on Virgil's arm covered with his long sleeve. He tensed, staring at Patton for what felt like a long time. But, the longer he stared at his face, the more it morphed. His warm, welcoming smile turned wicked, his hair darkened and grew down to his shoulders, eyes once a soft, loving blue, now almost evilly pitch black. Before Virgil knew it, before him was his mother, gripping his arm tightly, long nail digging into the skin, tightly, painfully, almost drawing blood-

"Virgil!"

He whipped open his eyes, breathing heavily, pupils dilated with fear. When he scanned around his surroundings, he stopped breathing so roughly, and dragged in long breaths of air, falling into the chair. "Sorry.." Virgil whispered, shaking his head and desperately scratching his arm that felt whispers of her touch. "Virgil, stop, you have nothing to be sorry for. This will be a long process, like I said, but you will get through it. It was a good first attempt, too"

"How?" Virgil replied, out of breath. "I...Patton changed...into her" he admitted, whispering 'her' as if saying it louder would summon her. Angie smile saddened. "And he will, for the first few attempts, because she is who you bond physical contact to. We have to break that bond" she noticed how doubtful Virgil look.

"Virgil"

He looked over, and she smiled. "You can and will do this"

Virgil nodded. He can. He will.

Towards the evening, while Virgil was aimlessly walking through the hallways, wondering how on Earth he managed to get such good friends, he passed by a window that showed off the view in front of the building. He opened the window and leaned out, the night air nipping at his bare skin. The noises of the night was relaxing, and Virgil now knew what he was going to do tonight once he re-emerged in his room.

Looking towards the ground, he noticed someone leaving the building and walking around to the right side. It took Virgil a minute before he realised it was Roman. What could he be doing? He thought all his friends were asleep. Curious, he closed the window and hurried down the staircase, avoiding a few counsellors. Huh...almost reminiscent of the way he used to travel around his house. Not a good memory he would've liked to remember in that moment.

Walking through the front doors, he followed the same route Roman took, pushing past thick shrubbery until he spotted Roman sitting against the side of the building, sipping from a bottle of alcohol. He tensed, eyes widening. He was more than sure Roman shouldn't be drinking that.

"Hey, Verge"

Shit - he was spotted. No point in running away now. Stepping further through the bushes, Virgil awkwardly shuffled against the ground covered in dry leaves. "Sup..." he drifted, only sitting down when Roman gestured for him to. They stayed in silence for awhile, Roman often taking long gulps from the bottle. "What brings you to my humble abode?" Roman started up conversation with a soft smirk.

Virgil shrugged. "Saw you walking here, got curious"

Roman nodded. Silence befell them again.

"You shouldn't be drinking that" Virgil finally voiced his opinion, both staring at the tall hedges surrounding them.

Roman hummed in amusement, "can't a guy have his escape?"

"There's other types of escapes, healthier, safer escapes"

Roman hummed again, "touché, compadre"

The long, drawn out silences were hard to fill.

"Does anyone know of this?"

Roman shook his head, "I would be surprised if they did" he murmured, tapping his finger against the green coloured glass. "Here" Roman handed the bottle over to Virgil who took it tentatively. He went to sip, but his brain filled with images of his parents sprawled on the stained, old couch, beer bottles hanging from their lips. He suddenly felt bile rise up in his throat at the idea. Shaking his head, he passed it back. Roman didn't seem fazed.

"Dude...this is slowly killing you"

Roman smirked, eyes glazed over, "I should finish what my mother started. It's the least I can do"

Virgil wasn't thinking. He snatched the bottle from Roman, stood up, and threw it far over the hedge. They both heard it smash against something further in the forest. Huffing slightly, Virgil flopped back down onto the ground, worried about Roman's response, but again, he didn't seem fazed. "Well" Roman spoke up after awhile.

"What happened with Logan?" Virgil decided to ask, remembering to earlier that day. Glancing over, he noticed Roman was now smiling.

"She's beautiful, isn't she? Beautifully perfect...and all mine"

Virgil smiled. "She said yes?"

"She did more than say yes, dear friend"

Virgil flushed, glancing the other way. "So; you really want to leave her? So soon?"

Roman was silent for quite some time. Then, finally, he turned to stare at Virgil who stared right back. "I do hate when people are right" he sighed and stood up, pulling Virgil up with him. "Come with me" Roman urged, and pushed through the shrubbery on the other side to where Virgil came through. They walked along the darkness for awhile until Roman grabbed a torch from his back pocket and lit up a leaf-covered patch. Bending down, he pushed them away, revealing a small hole with two more bottles.

"This is all I have" Roman explained, standing up straight. "Please get rid of it" Virgil nodded and hurriedly scooped them up, putting them into his pocket. However much he wanted to throw them away, he couldn't bring himself to litter even further. They walked back inside, both sitting on the benches at reception. Roman pulled out his device, and pressed the pink button.

Not too long later, Roman's counsellor appeared, smiling happily. "How'd you know where to find me?" Roman smiled back. Jack shrugged, "we always check reception second if you're not in your room. Hey, Virgil"

Virgil waved a little in greeting. "Virgil has a present for you" Roman nodded his head at his friend. Jack cocked his head curiously. Once Roman nodded, Virgil stood up and reached into his hoodie pocket, pulling out the two bottles and handing them to Jack who paled a little.

"Roman.." he drifted softly, till smiling, never judgmental or mad. "Thank you, Roman, you're stronger than you believe"

"Whatever you say, Jack, whatever you say" Roman responded, "I'll be in your office" Roman drifted out and down the hallway, leaving Virgil and Jack alone. Virgil felt fear prick his anxiety as he took a few steps back from the adult.

"And thank you, Virgil...this has been so hard on him" Jack sighed, meeting Virgil's gaze. "But, he will get better, trust me" with one final smile, Jack left Virgil alone in the reception. His heart felt full with the thought he had helped his friend. It was what helped him sleep better that night. Plus, the sound of nature. Not a single nightmare.

Virgil sat on his bed the next morning, the corridor outside filled with kids rushing to get their breakfast. Except himself. He needed to get some practice in. Closing his eyes, he rested his arms on his lap, and stared at Patton who was now sitting opposite him, a kind, friendly smile adorning his face. "Hello, Patton" he murmured to himself. "Please don't hurt me" he added on as a whisper.

Straightening his posture, he lifted his shaky arm towards Patton who stared at it curiously. Then, Patton slowly lifted his own arm, placing his hand gently atop of Virgil's. For a split second, everything was going okay until the grip tightened, and Patton's smile began turning into a smirk-

Virgil whipped open his eyes. No. He would not allow himself to fall into that hole.

Closing his eyes again, he repeated the same process, over and over, reopening his eyes whenever Patton would become either of his parents. After an hour filled with attempts - he really thought he had it. Patton was sitting before him, laughing joyously, his hand placed on Virgil's bare arm. It was going...well. For a few minutes, Virgil was smiling at the boy sitting opposite, but the change caught him off guard, Patton's laughter threw him off, the grip slowly, slowly tightened, his face began to morph, and all too late Virgil realised his father was holding him, not Patton.

He wanted to scream, to cry for help, but the words were caught in his throat, mouth parted with silent gasps escaping. Don't hurt me he wanted to yell, but he knew it was pointless, his parents never showed mercy. He wanted to get away, to run and cry, he wanted...he wanted Patton.

"Virgil!"

His eyes opened and he whipped himself backwards, the back of his head hitting against his hall. Crying out in pain, he gripped it tightly, someone knocking on his door. "Virgil!" The voice called again, unaware of Virgil's situation. Stumbling to stand, he rubbed his eyes and slowly cracked open the door. Angie. "Hi.." he murmured, leaning on the doorway.

"You alright?" She frowned in concern. Virgil nodded. "I tried...I imagined Patton touching me but...but I couldn't get out..Patton turned into him and I-I-I-"

"Shhh, Virgil, shh, I understand" Angie whispered, bending down and smiling reassuringly. "It's unsafe for you to practice this on your own. Next time, make sure someone is in the room. It doesn't haven to be me, but you need someone to help snap you out of it, alright?" Virgil nodded, and she finally explained why she came up in the first place. "Patton asked for you, he was worried" Virgil felt his heart warm.

Leaving his room, he followed a little behind Angie as they walked down the stairs and to the cafeteria. "Virgie!" Patton called, waving him over. Virgil smiled and hurriedly moved across the room, sitting in his usual spot. "Sup, Pat" he greeted, glancing at Logan as Patton began to speak. Purple and black bracelet. Got it.

"I'm awesome, Virgie! I had a dream about you last night!" Patton gushed in between bites of food. "Oh, yeah?" Virgil smirked, "what about?"

"I hugged you" Patton smiled, "and you hugged back...you were so warm" he drifted with a distant look in his eye. Virgil felt his heart drop to the pit of his stomach. "I'm sorry, Pat, I-"

"Don't worry, Virgil" Patton smiled, "I'll hug you one day"

Virgil nodded and faced forward. Finally, lifting his eyes he stared at Roman who smiled at Logan softly. The boy was currently ranting about a new book she had just finished, and Roman seemed to be entranced by her. Beside them, Deceit had his arm curled around Remy's body, holding them close. Remy was smiling, head resting on Deceit's shoulder. Could Virgil ever have something like that?

He looked at Patton who was beaming ear to ear.

You know what? Maybe he could.

"Virgil! Virgil! VIRGIL!" Roman's yells echoed down the hallway. Virgil and Angie stopped their conversation, Virgil flinching around when the door slammed open and Roman ran in. "Look!" He thrusted his hand towards Virgil who leaned against Angie's desk and tentatively took whatever Roman had in his hands. It was a little card, of sorts, and once Virgil read over the card, he smiled.

One month clean

"I haven't drank anything for a month! That monster shall not defeat me again!" Roman yelled out, arm thrown up into the air. "You're finished with your session, right?" He didn't wait for an answer, instead he grabbed Virgil's arm and pushed him out the room. "Come on, Virgil!" Angie watched them go with a faint smile.

"Watch it, dude, no touchy touchy" Virgil hissed, shaking his arm. "Oh, shut it, Emperor Kuzco, didn't you hear? Remy and Deceit are leaving!" Roman declared as they walked down the hallway together. Virgil spluttered on his saliva, staring at Roman with wide eyes. "They're leaving? Today?"

Roman nodded, hands clasped behind his back. "Wonderful, is it not? They're cured! Remy's parents have absolutely fallen in love with our good friend Deceit, and have taken them in as their own! Of course, still allowing them to date" Roman explained, all the while smiling happily. Virgil was shocked. He hadn't been told of this before.

"Are you not, like, sad, or anything!?"

"Well, of course we'll miss them" Roman said, stopping before they both entered the reception. "But leaving here is nothing short of brilliant! It's an amazing place, don't get me wrong, but once you get home you...know you can live your life again without wanting to...to.." he drifted, glancing up towards the doors where all their friends stood with other kids saying their goodbyes. "To not live it" Roman finished, smiling at Virgil.

"We'll still talk! Wouldn't you know it, they live close to Patton's parents!"

Virgil nodded, crossing his arms, remembering that fact. They were all going home in the end. Thinking about it did make Virgil happy, seeing his aunt again, not being surrounded by people nearly all day, but still, he wouldn't be able to see his friends as frequently, and what if he fell back into the person he was before this?

He sighed, not needing to make this about himself. Instead, he followed Roman towards their friends.

"Hiya, babes!" Remy grinned at Virgil who lifted his hand in an awkward wave. "Still no touching? Such a shame, I would've loved for you to wreck my ass" Remy smirked, shaking Virgil's hand heartily as the boy blushed furiously. "Oh, please, do keep flirting with people in front of your boyfriend" Deceit drawled from behind them. Remy's smirk turned into a fond smile as they turned and kissed Deceit square on the lips.

"Who says I'm not into threesomes?"

Deceit rolled his eyes. "Shut it"

"I'm gonna miss you so much!" Patton wailed, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Please keep yourself safe!" He pulled both Deceit and Remy into a tight hug, the two laughed and hugged him back. Virgil watched, awkwardly rubbing his arm. "Oh, I'll miss you too!" Roman broke and ran into the hug, throwing his arms around them all. "Bring it in, Logan!" They call cheered them on until they sighed and walked over, letting them hug them, too.

"Virgil?" Patton smiled at the boy who tensed, the idea of so many people touching him too much. "I'm...sorry, I can't"

"Don't worry, Virgie! It's alright" Patton reassured, and they all slowly pulled away from the hug. Everyone left through the doors and stood around the front, all waving and calling goodbyes to Deceit and Remy who climbed into Remy's parent's car and drove away. "Two down" a counsellor joked, "everyone else to go!" The children laughed while all walking back inside.

"Logan?" They looked over at Roman who leaned down and pecked their lips. "Care to join me in my room?" Logan smirked lightly, "I would love to" and that's what left Patton and Virgil alone in the reception. Virgil nervously fidgeted with his sleeve. He figured this would be the best time to tell Patton.

"Pat?"

The bubbly boy looked over. "Can I show you something? In my room?" Patton nodded, "sure!" And the two walked up the pink-potted staircase. Virgil walked into his room first, allowing Patton to close it afterwards. Since the many sessions with Angie, he slowly stopped noticing little things like if someone were walking behind him, or if he was in a room with a bunch of people, nowhere near the exit.

He was proud of himself; but not nearly as proud as Angie or Patton.

Virgil turned to Patton and stared at him for awhile. It would be just like his imagination. He's gotten better at that recently. The most recent imagination with Patton ended with cuddles...

"What is it, Virgie?"

Virgil breathed in and stared at Patton's warm, loving smile. Slowly, he reached up his arm, staring at him intently. Curiously, Patton rose his, too, and they held hands. Virgil breathed out and smiled, lips parted, eyes gleaming. "Virgil..." Patton drifted, "we're touching! Look! We're touching!" He pointed to their hands that hovered together in the air. Virgil, unable to stop, giggled in glee.

"We are.." he whispered. Slowly, Patton let go and trailed his fingers up Virgil's arm, slowly but surely reaching his waist. Then, Patton did the exact same with his other hand until they were both wrapped around Virgil's middle. "Is this okay?"

Virgil nodded, smiling. "Please...hug me"

They held each other close, gently swaying back and forth.

"Virgil?"

He hummed.

Patton leaned back, cupping Virgil's face. "You've come so far"

Virgil blushed, "so have you...you're a healthy weight"

Patton giggled, "I'll be leaving soon"

That dimmed the mood. "Yeah..."

"You'll be, too, after me"

"It won't be the same without you"

Patton laughed, leaning close and brushing their noses together. "I'll miss you, so much...which is why I want to do this now before it's too late" Patton murmured and closed his eyes, leaning in all the way to press their lips together.

Virgil didn't even hesitate. He kissed back straight away, heart bursting.

"Gosh, Virgil" Patton whispered, eyes glossy. "I think...I think I love you" he murmured, afraid.

"Pat?"

The boy looked hopeful.

"I love you, too"

—

10:38pm