9:01pm

Part three bitches

Trigger warning: Neglectful parents

Au
—

That morning, the sun shone bright and vividly through the curtains hanging across the window right beside Marshall's bed. Logan blinked a few times, hissing at the sudden uncomfortable irritation coursing through his eyeballs. Of course he forgets to take out his contact lenses. Looking down in his arms, he came face to face with a mop of dark brown hair. With a soft smile, Logan shifted out of his grip, replacing his body with a pillow the younger boy cuddled up to instantly.

Rubbing his eyeballs, he stumbled towards Roman's room and collected his few belongings he would need to use in the bathroom. Scrubbing his teeth, he splashed water onto his face and changed his lenses, staring at himself in the mirror for a few moments. He looked odd without glasses - he didn't like it. Nor did he like not wearing a tie. Sighing, he tutted and straightened his hair out as much as he could, almost forgetting to style it like Roman would.

When he finished, he placed his hand on the doorknob, eyes widening slightly when he heard a sudden screech from downstairs, followed by another which roughly translated to; "you have to go to school!"

Great, Logan thought, rolling his eyes. With one more hand brush through his swooped hair, he left the bathroom and hurried down the staircase just in time to see Belle running across the hallway and locking herself into the bathroom. Tristan opened his bedroom door, having to lean against the doorway and watch, bleary eyed at everything going on around him.

Logan finished his descent, on the way past Tristan he channeled his "inner Roman/big brother" and reached over to ruffle his bed hair. Tristan poked the tip of his tongue out, making a sort of "bleh" sound before turning back into the dark abyss of his room and closing the door. Snorting, Logan carried on his venture towards Venus's room. She was in her crib, awake and crying. Setting the baby monitor to one side, he scooped her up, changed her diaper without a second thought, and carried her down the staircase to heat up some milk.

Cradling her to his chest, he hummed a soft tune to calm her down, almost out of instinct. How does he have so much knowledge of caring for kids? Was it a trait handed down from Patton? Did Patton give it to him through osmosis or something? Not scientifically accurate, but definitely one of the few jokes he desires. While letting Venus suck the milk through the baby bottle's nib, he traveled across the house towards the entrance way of the living room, spotting Lara and Annie sprawled across the two couches, watching early morning tv. Logan would deal with them later.

Venus quickly finished her milk and Logan gave her a quick burping before allowing her to play with the toys in her crib. "Get dressed, girls" he ordered, muting the tv. Annie whined but trudged her body out and to her room without arguments, Lara complied but only when Logan lifted her through the house to her own room. Picking out her clothes, Logan let her get changed in piece and knocked on Tristan's door.

"Tristan, are you ready?"

Silence. Tutting, Logan opened the door and flicked on the light, eliciting a groan from the pile of blankets on the bed opposite. What a palaver all this was! To what? Get ready and go to school? Logan never had any trouble with this! Not even when he was sick! Then again, he would admit he is quite the nerd and adores everything about school, while nearly everyone else does not.

Gripping the edge of the quilts, Logan yanked them back, making Tristan yelp at the sudden icy cold that nipped at his skin. "Dressed, now" Logan gave him a warning look and left, venturing up the stairs to Marshall's room - he hadn't forgotten about Belle yet. The fourteen year old was still asleep, but when Logan woke him up, told him to get dressed and hurry downstairs as fast as he could, he agreed pretty quickly.

"Belle!" Logan called, knocking on the door.

"Go away, Roman!" She yelled back stubbornly. "You need to get ready for school" Logan vocalised, hearing her muffled, angry scream in response. Pressing his forehead to the door, he closed his eyes momentarily, trying to think of something to say. "Belle, I understand school can be hard sometimes-" he couldn't carry on, for Belle had interrupted him.

"How would you know?! Mr. Popular!"

Logan was about to correct her, but then he understood she was referring to Roman, not him. What could Roman say? Logan barely knew anything about his life in school - all he knew was the boy was average when it came to intelligence, he adored drama and acting, and his friends weren't exactly real friends. Oh, how he was terrible when it came to things like this!

Bringing out his phone, he texted Roman.

Logan - I am going to Belle you have been bullied in the past to try and become closer to her, if you will. Is that alright?

Roman - Sure! But why? She's a stubborn brat! Venessa can look after her

Logan - I think that is where you are wrong.

Roman - well whatever, it wouldn't entirely be a lie anyway
Roman - Oh Disney! I must go! See you in school specs!

Pocketing his phone, Logan placed a hand against the blurry window panel attached into the door. "I know more than you think" Logan at least try to sound like Roman. "For I have been bullied too" he forcefully brought some type of emotion into his voice, even if it was harder than a twenty-paged math equation. "It was quite the struggle, I will admit, even the bravest of princes has their downfalls. But, I arose to the top once more, I didn't let them tear me down, I..." Logan hesitated. "I didn't let them win. They called me names, locked me in my locker, dunked my head into toilet water - it hurt, but I got through it, because that is the one thing we have against people like them. We have strength - determination, even, to move on. Never look back, just keep...moving, they'll go away, they always do" throughout his little speech, he slid down to the ground, and when the door clicked and opened, Logan sent Belle a brief smile.

"I promise"

With five minutes to spare before the school bus arrived, Logan was handing packed lunches to all the children who each - surprisingly - called out a thank you. The twins even hugged him before they left, which made him feel like he had accomplished something. A similar feeling to when he gets all A's in his tests. He checked on Venus one more time, left the baby monitor in the parents room - which held the two adults who were still asleep - and left with Roman's clothes on his back and his bag packed with everything Roman would need that day.

As he walked to school, he almost felt... prideful for all he had done that morning.

On the other hand, Roman's morning was drastically different. Instead of being woken by loud yells like he had for many years, like the morning before, he was awoken by the soft voice of Patton, the man's hands gently shaking him away. He blinked a few times, smacking his lips together as he blindly reached for the fake glasses sitting on the bedside table. Putting them on, he sent Patton a tired morning smile, one the man appreciated very much.

Giggling, he pecked Roman's forehead and told him to get ready, breakfast will be on the table in five minutes. As soon as the bedroom door closed, he had thrown back the blanket and glanced at his phone, rolling his eyes when he realised no one had texted him. He was right - no one really...cared, did they? With that depressing thought, he pushed himself up from bed and dragged a hand through his hair, stretching the other into the air while yawning loudly, gulping in a large amount of oxygen.

Pushing his glasses up his nose, he ventured into the bathroom and released his aching bladder. Next, he washed his face, having a sneaky drink of tap water before drying his face with the towel. Back in Logan's bedroom, he scanned through the closet and sighed. The nerd could at least add some colour into his life! Taking out a navy shirt and black jeans plus a matching tie, it didn't take him long to change into them and stand in front of the mirror, gelling his hair into the same style Logan - for whatever reason - adores.

Pocketing his phone, he packed his bag full of the books Logan would need for that day and ventured down the staircase, smiling when he heard music floating from the kitchen and down the hallway. Leaving the bag by the front door, he crossed the foyer and through the house to the room currently occupied by a grouchy Virgil and a chipper Patton. Opposites attract, Roman thought with a silent chuckle.

His nostrils were gifted with the wonderful scent of Patton's marvellous cooking - he wondered how he did it! His parents couldn't compare! Drifting across the room, he sat opposite Virgil at the table, gaining the man's attention. He was dressed for work, wearing a scowl Roman assumed was normal for the man in the mornings...and every other part of the day. "Good sleep, Kiddo?" Patton called, placing a beautiful omelette in front of his two boys.

"It was sufficient. Yours?" He replied, stuffing some food into his mouth. He realised it was a tad out-of-character, but the taste of the omelette distracted him from that little fact. Patton watched him with a cocked head for a moment, before he grinned and took a seat beside Virgil, sharing their omelette which Patton made big enough for the two.

"It was good!" Patton agreed, nudging Virgil who grunted in response. Roman nodded and downed the food down in no time, gulping the orange juice straight after. All the while, Patton and Virgil wouldn't stop staring, so much so he started to get worried. Slowly raising an eyebrow, his eyes flickered between them, wondering if they could sense something was up or if they were just being weird. Self consciously, he flattened his hair a bit, pushing his tie closer to his neck. The small actions made Patton giggle and round the table, kissing the roof of his head affectionately.

"Have a good day in school, Logy" he murmured, putting weird emphasis on the word. Shrugging, he brushed it off as nothing and told the couple to have a good day too before he left the house and hurried to school.

Meeting with Logan, the two fell into the routine of returning back to their normal selves throughout the school day. On this particular day, they even had a few lessons together! Which was wonderful, because Roman actually had some company that kept him entertained while also making sure he gained knowledge from the lesson they were in.

They didn't realise the days would run by like they did, but neither were complaining. Logan got the break from work he didn't know he needed - instead, he improved his socialising skills by tenfold, and actually got into a good habit of keeping the children from arguing and screaming. By Friday that week, he actually arrived at Roman's house to be met with laughter. It was a beautiful sight, spotting Tristan and Annie getting along while playing games together - in the play room, Belle was teaching Lara how to properly move the dolls around the doll house - the doll house she would usually never share with anyone, and Marshall came out of his room more and more, continuously spending time with Logan, or who he thought was his older brother.

Although, the best moment of the week for Logan was the look on Tristan's face when he was given his fixed teddy. He squealed so loudly his sister came out to see what the fuss was all about. And actually ended up properly apologising for what she had originally done to that teddy.

Even still, after all that joy, the parents were still insufferable jerks. Now that they realised 'Roman' had basically become the parent of the house, they spent more and more time together, going out for hours late into the evening - Logan had gotten used to collecting Venus from their babysitter only a few houses down. He was glad they didn't leave the girl completely alone, but she still should have some quality time with her parents, right? Or she'll end up having the same attitude Roman has towards them, only starting as a young child, and not a teenager.

Logan was worried - an oddity for him, but he couldn't help it. He has gotten so attached to these kids, he didn't want to see them growing up with parents who didn't give them the proper care and attention they deserved. He almost felt bad for wanting to get away from his own parents, even only for two weeks - he never realised how lucky he had it.

Speaking of his parents, Roman was having the time of his life! Finally, after a long, and heart wrenching six years, he actually felt like someone loved him. Long ago felt the nights he would waste away with his friends that weren't even really friends, trying to forget the life he had at home - he would end up crying in Logan's bed at night, sometimes because he was so happy, other times because he couldn't help control the burning jealously that crossed his heart.

Logan disliked affection, yet he was gifted with such kind and giving parents? Patton would hug and kiss his cheek, or forehead whenever he had the chance, while Virgil's affection was more subtle, but Roman still felt it as much as he did with Patton's. He loves his parents, but sometimes he wondered if they loved him. They sure don't show it, and they haven't even noticed Logan wasn't him! It wasn't like the nerdy student was a good actor! He could understand why the siblings would be tricked, because they never really got a feel for who Roman really was, but his own parents? It stung, it really did.

Either way, when he was merely in the same room with the couple, either doing his homework and listening to them converse, or joining in on their conversation he found himself letting himself free, in a way. His true self he kept locked away shining through - he tried for so long to keep up Logan's act, sometimes he wouldn't even notice as he giggled giddily, or replied over dramatically - it was just who he was. The nights they all cuddled up like a real family were nights Roman knew he would never forget - like he would want to, anyway. These people showed him he wasn't alone and actually...brought him back from doing something stupid.

It was nearing the last day, and Roman was heart broken. Logan, on the other hand, felt relieved. He knew he would miss all these kids, but he was looking forward to being able to sleep in his bed, and do work in his office without being distracted with the nagging thought of; are the kids okay? He just hoped he would be able to have one last final conversation with the parents about the whole neglectful act they won't seem to snap out of.

"I'm going to miss your parents" Roman huffed, finally becoming too bored to complete his work. Logan, who had already finished, closed his book and agreed. "I will miss your siblings, they were a delight once I could control them. I do not understand why you would ever want to leave - and I don't think I ever will" Roman chuckled and shrugged, letting his head fall into his bare arms. "Do they still think you are me?" Logan nodded for confirmation, "without a doubt. What about Patton and Virgil?"

Roman bit his lip for a moment, "I don't know..." he eventually drifted, a big part of him wanted them to know he wasn't Logan, but the rest of him wanted them to keep thinking he was, because he didn't want to know their affection is what he could have, if it weren't for Venessa and Phineas. Moments like this made him really want to be Logan's twin. He would move into his house in a heartbeat. 

Logan discreetly pulled out his phone, opening up a group chat he and his two parents were in. It was basically a family group chat, one they used throughout the week. On it was messages from Logan explaining to Virgil and Patton who Roman actually was, and why they both decided to 'swap lives' in the first place. They told him they had an incline, even if Roman was a brilliant actor, he didn't have the same vibe, or atmosphere Logan did - especially when he cuddled between them to watch a Disney movie. That truly gave it all away.

Patton had recalled the moment he realised the Logan that was living with them wasn't his Logan, he was cooking dinner one night, listening to Roman's and Virgil's conversation - sometimes Roman would slip up and share light banter with Virgil who didn't mind, and would instantly reply with his own witty comment or humorous nickname. Out of curiosity, Patton slipped into the hallway and dialled Logan's number, watching as Roman didn't pick up, but the phone answered anyway.

"Salutations, Dad. Is anything wrong?"

Patton smiled softly, gazing at the boy who couldn't seem to get enough of either of the adults attention. "Oh, nothing. So, you're friends with a boy called Roman, huh?"

When their was a pause, he giggled.

"You know, don't you?"

"Of course! You're my son, Kiddo, I know you apart from anyone, even if you scarily look alike!"

Logan sighed from the other end. "I apologise I did not tell you sooner, and for underestimating you. I suppose in the moment Roman seemed so...excited, and I have often wondered what it would be like to have siblings. Luckily, he had some; although, more than I bargained for. Is everything alright?"

Patton giggled again, biting his lip. "Everything's perfect. He's an adorable, touch starved boy who just needs some love"

"Ah, yes, well, I think they are all in need of some sort of love. Thank you for cooperating. Will you let this continue? We had planned for two weeks"

"Of course!" He echoed his prior words, "I want to see how long Roman can last" he added as an afterthought, as innocent as that could be.

"I am surprised he has lasted this long without too many slip ups" suddenly, a scream rang through the telephone, and Logan seemed rush as he spoke again. "Looks like a problem has arisen. I will talk to you later, dad, goodbye"

"Calculator watch!" Logan finally snapped from his revere, staring at Roman who had packed all his things away. "You were in a world of your own! C'mon! We need to go!" He urged, probably more urgent as this was coming up to their last day, and school had just ended. While changing in the toilets, they both agreed on the Sunday coming up they would end it - which was the day after tomorrow - and reveal to Patton and Virgil's parents who they were (because Roman still didn't know they already knew) while forever keeping it a secret from Roman's family, as they were sure the parents didn't notice, and it would confuse the younger kids.

Over the course of the weekend, Roman spent as much time as he could with Patton and Virgil - he accompanied them on their shopping trips, and they even went on a long walk on Saturday afternoon. They swung hands gently as Roman rushed forward, dancing across the path while starting up a conversation mostly around the beautiful swans floating in the lake beside them. Virgil was a little freaked out when he finally came to terms with the fact the Logan that lived with them wasn't their Logan, but when he realised why Roman was doing it, he felt more at ease. The boy was purely in need of some affection from a parental figure, and Virgil was happy to give it to him if that's what he needed.

He knows what it's like to have neglectful parents - if he could save Roman from that, even for only two weeks, he would. Patton felt the same way, he did grow up with very kind parents, so he doesn't entirely understand, but he knows how much his parents affection meant to him, so he hoped Roman felt the same about theirs.

Logan also had a good weekend. He left the parents without even telling them he was going shopping with the kids. With Venus strapped to his chest, and Lara tucked securely into the seat attached to the shopping cart, he and the others happily headed through the store, grabbing the essentials as even if Logan has quite a sum of money on him, it wasn't enough to buy enough for an entire week. He just hoped their parents would fill that in when they had the chance. Besides, it was nice to do something with the kids one last time outside of their home.

Belle didn't stray too far from Logan, much to his relief, and Marshall would lead the twins around a little further away, giving them things to run back to the cart with and place inside before coming back to him excitedly. Logan thought it was the most heart warming thing. The adults who walked by would stare with curious gazes, wondering where all their parents were, but Logan wouldn't spare them a glance, too focused on the family he had cared for for two weeks.

He didn't entirely understand why his treatment improved their behaviour so much - all he did was treat them with strict rules but kind rewards - isn't that what all parents do? Maybe it was the neglect, or the way the parents would treat them as punishment, as really all they did was send the twins to their rooms and ignore Belle as much as she screamed and yelled.

That following morning, Roman had packed all his belongings and trudged down the staircase sadly. In the living room was Virgil, sitting on the couch, scrolling on his phone. Noticing Roman in the doorway he slowly sat up, raising his eyebrows slowly and questioningly.

"I need to uh...go to the library" Roman used the excuse he and Logan planned on, but with the idea this was the last time he would be treated with this kind of love again made him want to collapse and cry. "Oh..." Virgil drifted, standing up. "Have everything you need?" Roman nodded, fidgeting with the end of his blazer for a moment. "Actually..." he murmured, "one more thing?" Virgil nodded, not expecting to be wrapped up in a hug from the boy who shuddered against him and cried into his shoulder.

In an instant, Virgil helped him take off his bag to hold him closer as he blubbered incoherently, sniffling and shaking. Patton had walked in not too long later and ended up hugging him from behind, whispering to him that everything will be okay, but he didn't know if that would be true.

"Oh, Roman" Patton murmured, making him tense in shock, but was he really surprised? He had stopped acting like Logan for the last few days, anyway. He was sure they knew from the beginning now that he thought about it. "I'm sorry" he choked, still pressed into Virgil who was only a few inches taller. "I should go-"

"You can stay for however long you want" Virgil murmured into his ear, tightening his hold. "We don't mind" Patton added on, which made Roman further break down and crumble to the ground. The adults followed suit, resulting in him being cradled on Patton's lap while Virgil held one of his hands and ran his other through his hair.

Meanwhile, Logan was waiting for a response from Roman over the phone, sitting in the room with all the kids as they squealed and messed around with the toys. Marshall was leaning against Logan's shoulder, playing on a gameboy he kept even if it was severely out of style. Logan briefly worried something had happened, but when his phone pinged with a message from Virgil explaining the situation, he didn't entirely know what to do.

Logan - I cannot leave the kids here by themselves.

Virgil - we cant let roman be on his own without adult care hes to emotional

Logan - What shall I do, then?

Virgil - bring them over?

Logan - Are you sure?

Virgil - why not? pat wont mind and it will do romsn good seeing his siblinfs
Virgil - fkn thypos
Virgil - smh

Logan - I will try and ignore that.
Logan - I will be coming over with them all, then. Be warned, there is a baby.

Virgil - wonderful

Logan pocketed his phone and sat up, calling everyone to get their attention. "My friend had invited all of us over. Everyone put on your shoes and coats!" He called, Belle and the twins yelled out happily, rushing out the room and taking Lara with them. He collected Venus while Marshal tailed behind, rushing up to his room to gather his second gameboy, the games and chargers in case anyone wanted to play with him. It didn't take long before they were heading down the street, Venus giggling between the two twins who held each of her hands and swung her back and forth gently, Logan stood directly behind them just in case.

Marshall was holding Lara's hand behind them, sending her small smiles every so often, feeling warmth blossom through his chest when Lara would giggle and smile back, thumb still caught between her lips that stretched around it. Belle was skipping along the pavement in front of everyone, making sure to stop in front of roads and hold Logan's hand as they crossed. She really had improved, so much so Logan felt like a proud parent - what was he turning into? He felt like a mom more than a dad!

Logan saw his house in the distance and instantly picked up his pace, just wanting to see his parents again, because texting and calling didn't cut it. Knocking on the front door, it didn't take long before it was opened, revealing Patton who grinned when he saw his actual son, standing in clothes he usually would never be caught dead in.

"Hey, kiddos!" Patton giggled, waving at all the children who waved and called back their own greetings in response. They were allowed inside and rushed to the living room, letting Patton and Logan stand alone in the hallway, away from prying eyes.

"I've missed you" Patton giggled, getting all teary eyed as he hugged Logan tightly, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. "Gosh, I love Roman but..." he trailed and cupped Logan's face, smiling brightly when Logan reached up to gently hold onto his wrists, his own smile cracking on his lips. "I have missed you too, dad. It is lovely to be home"

"Next time, warn a guy they're gonna be living with a stranger"

Logan turned to his second dad and chuckled lightly, Patton finally letting him go. "I apologise, again. I am glad you like him, though. Sometimes he can be a bit too much"

"Sometimes? Understatement"

Patton gasped, "Roman is a perfect little ball of dramatic Sunshine!"

"Don't let him hear you" Logan commented, "it will go straight to his head" Virgil snorted, ignoring Patton's disappointed fatherly look as he gave Logan a brief side hug. "Missed ya, bud" he whispered, sending Logan upstairs to his room where Roman was waiting for him.

The boy had calmed down from his emotional moment from earlier, and wrapped Logan in a hug when he saw him. "What is with all the hugs" Logan murmured, mostly to himself, but Roman heard and laughed gleefully. "Hush, specs, you love it!" He grinned, giving Logan his glasses he had left over here. "Ah, thank you, this will be great relief" they individually changed back into their original style, instantly feeling ten times more comfortable.

"Time to meet the troublesome menaces" Roman joked, the two older teens heading down the staircase and into the living room.

"Roman! Roman!" Annie instantly yelled, rushing over to her brother, unaware this wasn't the boy she had bonded with over the past two weeks. "Patton's given us cookies!" She giggled, showing the three chocolate chip cookies grasped in her hands. Logan tutted, glancing at his dad who shrugged, holding Lara on his lap who was eating her own cookie in two hands.

"Save some for me!" He cried dramatically, rushing over to snatch some up. Tristan giggled, grinning at his brother with cookie crumbles in his mouth.

"Who's that?" Belle asked from the couch, pointing at Logan who waited in the doorway. Logan glanced towards the ground for a moment, pressing a hand to his chest when he felt an uncomfortable feeling sway through it. Roman hesitated, kneeling on the ground beside Marshall and the twins. "He's...my friend" Roman eventually explained, "quite the mom" he added with a wink, and like that the kids had forgotten about it and returned to conversation.

"You alright?" Virgil asked the boy who sat beside him with a forlorn look. He glanced at Venus who was resting in his arms and sighed, nodding with a fleeting smile. "I will be"

The day passed faster than anyone would want, and before they knew it Roman's phone was buzzing with a call from his parents. 

"I will get it" Logan scooped up his phone, holding his hand up to gesture 'five minutes' before heading into the hallway and closing the door. When he answered, he realised it was on speaker phone, so both Venessa and Phineas could hear.

Venessa spoke first; "Roman? Where are the kids?"

"They are here, over my friends house"

"Why?" Phineas sounded a little hostile.

"What do you mean why? You have not payed any attention to them for so long, and only now you care about their whereabouts?"

"What are you talking about?" Venessa exclaimed.

"Have you really not noticed? You have seven kids, and you cannot understand the simple fact you have neglected each of them? You send Venus to a baby sitter everyday, and left me to be a parent for all of your kids. I have cooked, cleaned, and cared for them in ways you should, not I. I understand I am their older brother, but I have crossed the line into parenthood more times than I can count. And...until you understand that, I will be staying over here for a few weeks with my friend. And so will Marshall - remember him? Your son you have barely spoke to all year? I will see how it goes with Belle, Tristan, Annie, Lara and Venus. If you cannot be the parents they all need, I will see into foster care for them all. Goodnight, Venessa, Phineas" with that, he hung up and let out a deep sigh, running a hand down his face.

He had done it now.

Although he felt like that was a stupid idea in the beginning, it actually worked out for the best. Roman was more than okay with staying over for awhile longer, and so was Marshall - Patton and Virgil couldn't be more glad to care for neglected kids, and the more love and praise Marshall was given, the more he spoke, and came out of his shell everyone didn't realise he had. Like Roman, he craved for cuddles and attention, and everyday Patton and Virgil would come through, while also making sure to never leave logan out. See, was that so hard?

Every Friday Logan would dress up as Roman and have a talk with Venessa and Phineas who were really quite mad at first, but the more they spent away from each other and with their kids, they realised they were in the wrong, and finally understood why Venus cried all the time, and Belle was so stubborn, and why Lara never spoke a word. Tristan and Annie bonded and soon became inseparable, in the end Tristan moved into his sisters room!

And, when they all came over to Logan's house, he and Roman couldn't be more happy. They were surrounded by a family - admittedly, one they weren't biologically related to, but one they still loved with all of their heart.

—

FIN!

Shit I'm tired

11:58PM