8:16pm

Suuuch a typical title lmao I'm bad at naming oneshots okay 🥺

Uhhhhhhdihdjdbhjshbjshjbsshbjs my friend said I act like both Roman and Remus so my name is now Romulus

Trigger warning: mentions of bad parents, mentions of past death, the writings of someone who has never lived on a farm or cared for horses/piglets

Au
—

"Pink, WAIT!" Patton screeched, sprinting across the field after his twin brother Roman who was also chasing 'Pink', one of their pet pigs who had escaped the pen. Even if they have a chance of losing Pink forever, Patton and Roman were absolutely losing it, and the former was seriously close to pissing himself.

"PiIIiiiIInK!" Patton wailed between his echoing laughter, tears running down Roman's face as he laughed too. "I can't-I can't" Patton wheezed and collapsed to the ground, "Roman! You've got this!" He yelled after his twin who was his elder by ten minutes. Roman, cackling himself, called back some sort of agreement but it was hard to decipher between his giggles.

Pink was a fast little shit who crossed through the beaten pathway between the small section of woods separating the farm land and the road. Roman knew this but he also knew not many cars drove by - which was why he screamed in shock when he darted across the road only for his ears to be filled with the sound of a blaring car horn. Luckily he was fast too, living on the farm all his life he was extremely nimble, however the people inside the car were extremely bothered.

"Jesus! What the fuck?" One of the boys, Virgil, exclaimed, turning around to see who it was but all he saw was a flash of red before it darted through the hedge on the other side. His twin brother, Logan, was already looking, the book he previously read from falling into the middle seat.

"An idiot" Logan supplied, twisting back forward. He knew he wouldn't get an answer from the driver as he (not so secretly) hated the twins in the back seat, however money was money and he'd gladly drive them miles and miles away from the city.

"Is that common around here?" Virgil sighed, flopping back against the plush seat, fiddling with his phone. "Hard to tell, I know nothing of country life" Logan responded, instantly returning to his Agatha Christie. Virgil wasn't surprised and carried on listening to his music, gazing out the window as the woods finally ended and he could see the vast expanse of land - empty land, mostly. There were some houses dotted around, plus groups of woodland, other than that it was barren.

He did enjoy the countryside, but after watching many horror movies, it made him shudder and duck down in his seat. How easy would it be to get murdered around here? He certainly wouldn't leave the house after dark.

"Finally"

Logan's eyes flickered up to the driver, Virgil didn't hear with his earphones in. Then he sat up and peered to the side, eyes landing on the farm he assumed they would be staying in for the summer. He could see a two-story cottage and a large barn a little ways away.

He guessed it could be worse - but he was much for living in a city, this would be Hell for him. More Hellish than his life already was, but at least he lived where he wanted to prior.

The black, sleek car pulled down the mud driveway, stopping before it would get too close. He hit the horn once and quickly a middle-aged woman came through the front door, an apron tied around her waist.

"Is this it?" Virgil whispered to his twin, but the driver responded for him. "It is, get out" he demanded and the boys were quick to listen, not without burning holes into the back of his head for daring to talk to their brother like that-

Protective twins.

"You're here!" The woman grinned brightly, hurrying to them in her wellies, getting a good look of the two who were the same height yet dramatically different in looks, they weren't so identical. "My boys should be here soon...the morons let Pink out the stable" she shook her head, watching as the driver took the boy's suitcases and bags out of the trunk, leaving them rather rudely on the dirt floor.

"He seems friendly" she sarcastically commented, walking over to talk but he shut his car door and drove away before she could even say a word.

"A cunt" she sighed, whipping around when she heard a yell of happiness.

"WE GOT HER!" she heard one of her sons yell, the youngest by minutes coming around the cottage with a grin on his face and mud covering his overalls. "Roman got her!" He continued, gesturing to his twin who rushed after him, extremely out of breath yet grinning from ear to ear, Pink wedged between his arms comfortably.

"Oh! Take her to the barn before she wriggles away" she swatted at her children but they were already curious about the two young strangers picking up bags and suitcases. "Who're they?" Patton wondered, Roman tilted his head then gasped. "Is it then!? They're here already!?" He exclaimed and their mother pressed a hand to her face - sighing out in misery.

"Yes, boys, I've been telling you all morning!" She exclaimed, they both giggled shyly. "Sorry, mama!" Patton excused, ready to skip on over and introduce himself but Roman let out a yelp as he stumbled, almost falling over but managing to catch himself. It seemed Pink waited for nobody and was dramatically bored of being held - now she was scampering away again, screeching loudly.

"NO!" the farm-boy twins yelled, falling into a quick sprint after her. "Boys, boys, it's no use!" Their mother tried to stop them but they were gone again and she was done with her children for the tenth time that day. A usual occurrence. Unfortunately.

"Sorry about them" she sighed to Virgil and Logan who watched the whole thing with a risen eyebrow. "It is fine, although it seems they should have better experience with that pig" Logan commented, now it was her turn to raise her eyebrow, putting both hands on her hips. "Now listen here city-boy, pigs are hard to handle, experienced or not. Especially Pink, she'd do anything for freedom. Now let's show you to your rooms" she smiled again and led them to the house, but it was blatantly obvious she was a protective mama over her kids. Only she could insult them.

"Unfortunately we don't have any guest rooms" she began after giving them a short tour of the bottom floor, "it's my room and the boys room. Now yours, too" she explained, pushing open the door that led to the large, attic bedroom. It stretched like a rectangle from the doorway, with two double beds at either ends, and chests at the end of each. Plus two desks opposite each other, both messy - one covered in colourful drawings, the other with pieces of paper sprawled with notes and writings.

"Are we...sharing beds?" Virgil questioned, his privileged ass had never need to share a bedroom before, let alone a bed. His lonely comfort stripped away from him. "Yep! Oh!" The lady turned to them with a bashful smile, "I'm sorry - call me Dana" she introduced, shaking both of their hands hurriedly. "Now while I find my idiots, you get settled in" she closed the bedroom door while leaving, the twins giving each other a glance.

"This is gonna suck" Virgil relented and Logan sighed, nudging up his glasses and trailing further into the room. "It certainly will" he murmured disappointedly, all hope this would be better than he thought washing out the drain. It was one thing being taken from their home so suddenly and being told they were spending the summer with a stranger (to them, a friend to their mother) but it was another realising it would be a horrible experience.

As Logan analysed the room closer, Virgil stood up on his toes to gaze out the window, eyes finding Dana's kids who were the same age as he and Logan, he knew that much. The pig they were racing after was caught yet again and this time being carried by both of them, but from the looks of it they were having a great time. Virgil tilted his head to the side, speaking up when he saw his brother out the corner of his eye beside him.

"What do you think of them?"

"I fear they will be loud. And annoying" Logan responded, "however they are quick. And determined, I will give them that" Virgil nodded in agreement, he didn't have many friends (a few online) but he much preferred his own company or his brothers - he didn't know what it would be like to share a room with these boys...plus, never having a sleep over before he assumed it was the same as what's shown on television, filled with staying up all night and playing truth or dare; the naughty version. Shuddering he parted from the window and looked between the beds.

"Who's bed is who's?" Virgil looked at his brother who hummed in thought, they were both messy however one was partially made - the one with blue sheets and cute, little dogs dotted across it. The other one had a red and white duvet half kicked to the side, the pillows angled oddly.

"I have no idea. We only know Roman so far" he responded and Virgil sighed, he'd prefer to share with his brother than the strangers, but what if they don't want to share with each other? They couldn't get into an argument on the first day, could they?

"That should keep her!" Patton tapped the locked fence and Roman leaned on it beside him, gazing at their collection of piglets. "Onto more important matters" Roman grinned and turned to his twin, "what do we think about the city boys? I find them extremely cute, and hot" he smirked, Patton rolled his eyes fondly and laughed, nudging his brother playfully. "Shh, Roman! Don't say that...but yeah, they are cute" he whispered and Roman looked all smug - knowing he was right.

Oh how lovely it was to have a gay twin while also being gay.

"Come on, mama wanted us to show them around" Patton encouraged and the farm boys left the barn, kicking off their shoes inside the house and hurrying up the stairs to their bedroom - they needed to change and finding the city boys in there was a win win. "Oh! Hey you two!" Patton greeted happily, skipping over to his chests littered with old and new stickers, pushing up the lid and grabbing some clean clothes.

"Hello" Roman drawled sultry-like, swaying his hips lightly as he opened his chest at the end of his bed too, repeating the same action as Patton. "Uh-hey" Virgil responded quickly, glancing at Logan who cleared his throat. "I am Logan and this is my brother, Virgil" he introduced. Patton let his chest-lid fall shut, holding his fresh clothes to his chest and taking a few steps towards the city boys.

"We know! We were told!" He bobbed on the balls of his feet, "I'm Patton, and that's-"

"Roman, lovely to meet you" the boy cut off his brother who giggled, skipping to the doorway to get changed in the bathroom down the hall.

"Nice to meet you too" Logan responded in that mandatory way, giving Patton a subtle look-over as he left.

"I'm dreadfully sorry for being so messy, chasing pigs work up a sweat" he winked, more directly at Virgil who - in his opinion - was the cuter one. "Back soon" he blew a kiss and sauntered out the room, leaving Virgil to raise his left eyebrow and glance at his brother.

"The flirt, what a surprise" he spoke earnestly and Virgil snorted. "So this is Roman's bed" he kicked the painted yellow bed frame with the red and white sheets, "and that's Patton's" he shrugged to the bed with blue sheets. "Correct. Who would you rather share with?" Logan questioned, placing his suitcase neatly to the side, right in the corner where it wouldn't be a bother. After a moment Virgil copied.

"Uh, you?" He shot back like that was even a question, Logan shrugged. "Well we must decide if they do not wish to sleep together" that made Virgil grimace, "don't word it that way" he complained and Logan looked up, innocently confused. "In what way?"

Virgil sighed and patted his shoulder, "forget it" he murmured, about to leave the room when Patton came skipping back. "Hey!" He waved cutely, now wearing a white shirt underneath blue overalls, Logan's eyes lingered on him for a moment before awkwardly snapping away.

"Mama said we were sharing soooo..." he bobbed on his feet, "wanna put your clothes in my chest, Lo? I can make room!" He hurried over and knelt down before it, opening the lid and piling all his clothes to the side. "Are you sure?" Logan asked instead of shutting him down, for he would much prefer to move his clothes out his suitcase, but didn't want to be too pushy.

"Of course! I wouldn't suggest it otherwise, silly" he giggled then looked past to Virgil. "I'm sure Roman will give you room! But he has more clothes than me, just ask if you need some extra space!" He welcomed and Virgil felt himself relax a little, maybe Patton wasn't so bad, the boy seemed extremely sweet. "Uh-thanks" he scratched his neck and Patton beamed, "no problem, Kiddo!"

Virgil pulled a face, kiddo? They were the same age.

"He calls everyone Kiddo" Roman spoke up, seemingly coming out of nowhere but Virgil simply didn't notice him while deep in thought. "Don't think too much about it" he waved off, glancing at his chest and sighing a little dramatically. "I suppose I will have to crush my clothes together for yours" he murmured wistfully and Virgil shrugged, "you don't have to, the suitcase is fine-"

"No, no" Roman waved his hand dismissively at his response, "I'm not that cruel" he smiled and neatly placed his clothes atop each other to the right, although he was rather messy his clothes meant a lot and keeping them orderly was important. Virgil watched Logan take his suitcase over to Patton and now they were organising together so reluctantly he did the same with Roman - not that he didn't want to, but he was a naturally anxious person around new people, Roman being no exception.

"And you can put your ties here!" Patton gestured to the free space and Logan filled it up, the chest packed to the top. "Perfect!" Patton shut the lid and turned to Logan where the two sat on the floor. "Wanna have a tour? I can show you the animals!" While Logan wasn't so keen on animals, he did enjoy to learn and would prefer to know the layout of the grounds so he agreed.

"I shall be back soon, Virgil" Logan called, following after Patton before the city boy had a chance to protest and follow too. Great, now he was stuck alone with Roman...someone new.

Roman hummed, smirking. He obviously noticed they were alone too. "What's the city like?" He started conversation while putting the final of his outfits to the side. "I've always wanted to visit New York, Broadway seems so..." he smiled into the distance, "extraordinary"

Virgil snorted, zipping open his suitcase. "You seem like you'd fit right in"

"Really?!" Roman beamed, more excited from that statement than Virgil assumed he would be. "Yeah" he agreed halfheartedly, "I've only been once but seems like your style" he agreed, even if he didn't entirely know Roman he did see the little hints on his side of the room to show off his love of musicals and performances.

"Soon" Roman spoke dreamily, "I couldn't live on a farm forever, one day I'll be on stage!" Virgil wanted to laugh, he's heard that phrase plenty of times in the city, but Roman seemed so... ecstatic at the prospect, Virgil would hate to bring him down to reality. Besides, there is a chance he'll follow his dreams, after all it wasn't impossible.

"Anyway" Roman turned back, "I knew city boys were cute but..." he winked, "not this cute"

Virgil scoffed, putting his clothes into the chest. "Whatever, flirt"

Roman laughed brightly, resting his cheek on his closed fist. "I'm serious, mi amor"

Virgil sighed, he honestly hasn't been flirted with before and trying to control his rapidly beating heart was difficult. He wanted to keep a nonchalant front up otherwise Roman would catch his flustered-state and pounce on it. Usually people flirt with Logan, only because socially he's more attractive while Virgil was on the normal side, maybe because Patton seemed interested in his twin Roman was going for him? The thought did make him deflate, he always was sloppy seconds compared to his brother who never deals with romantic relationships.

"Yeah, yeah" he murmured, not even looking his way in hopes his cheeks stained pink would go unnoticed. Roman did see but didn't mention it, he didn't want to go all out their first conversation. "You done?" Roman questioned, watching Virgil place down the last clothing he had - he didn't bring much simply because his wardrobe wasn't that extensive. "Yep" he responded, leaning back to let Roman shut the chest.

"Perfect - as Patton so gracefully gave Logan a tour, how about I give you one? Free of charge" Virgil gave him an unimpressed look, "I'm the one who should be paid for spending time with you" while standing up he chuckled at the offended gasp Roman let out, holding a heart to his chest. "Excuse me? I'm wonderful to hang out with!" As Virgil tucked his suitcase under Roman's bed and walked to the doorway he snorted, "you know what?" He glanced back. "You'd be perfect for Broadway"

Roman huffed and followed him out, "just because I'm dramatic!"

"Yes, exactly what!" Virgil called back, laughing again as Roman over-exaggeratedly whined. Okay, maybe he was quick to judge, maybe this wouldn't be so awful.

"And this is Pink! The piglet we were chasing earlier" Patton pointed out after naming all the pigs, there were six of them in total and Logan analysed them all - taking in all the small marks and different pigments of colour so he knew for future reference who was who. "Interesting" Logan responded in his monotone way, Patton giggled and leaned on the fence, kicking up his leg.

"Wanna see the horses? Bridge loves meeting new people!" He promised all excitedly.

"Bridge? You named a horse Bridge?" Patton laughed and nodded, "she loved crossing the bridge in the forest over the small river when she was younger! She can't now because she might break it...but we called her Bridge because of it!"

"Understandable, I...suppose" he murmured, not finding it at all reasonable justification but Patton merely laughed again and led him through the barn to the stables where their three horses settled comfortably. Bridge was the closest and instantly poked her head out of the half door to greet whoever came, Patton smiled and rubbed his hand against the side of her face, nuzzling against her cutely. Logan watched a few steps away, he could see Patton was very loving when it came to animals.

"Come on, she won't bite" Patton gestured and Logan gave the horse a subtle once over, from what he could see she was mostly brown with a few lighter patches, and... looked friendly? He couldn't tell, what do friendly horses look like compared to not-so-friendly ones? He supposed the fact she wasn't stomping up a storm proved something so with a little hesitance he stepped over, giving her face a small pat before retracing his hand.

Patton watched, laughed and shook his head fondly. Doing the work for him he grabbed Logan's hand and placed it against Bridge's face. "Oh-okay" Logan stepped closer while staring at Bridge apprehensively - he supposed this was happening now. Patton walked back a bit and let Logan have Bridge to himself, the boy was very tense and had no idea what to do - living in the city he wasn't exposed to animals like this, he doesn't even know how to cater for dogs and he sees plenty of strays each day. He wasn't an animal person and whenever in their presence he worries he'd do something wrong.

"You're doing great" Patton murmured as encouragement, like he could read Logan's mind. That eased the boy slightly who took away his hands, smiling slightly yet extremely awkwardly at Bridge who huffed through her nose. Patton walked back beside the city boy, stroking Bridge's long face once again. "Wanna meet the others?" Patton suggested, turning around and gesturing to the other two stalls.

"Uh-yes" Logan responded, he truly had nothing better to do and Patton seemed nice enough to spend time with. "Awesome! This one here is Paint" he introduced, walking to the stall opposite Bridge. "She's younger and has much more energy! Only mama is allowed to ride her cus' she's too...too.." Patton trailed off, trying to remember the word his mama used to describe her. "Wild? Energetic? Rambunctious?" Logan suggested, Patton squealing at the last word and nodding hurriedly.

"Rambunctious! Roman tried to ride her a few years ago cus' he wanted to 'stick it to the man', whatever that means, and prove he was worthy!" Then Patton's face fell as he remembered what happened, "he fell off pretty quickly and broke his arm, he wouldn't stop crying and Paint kept running around- we nearly lost her but a neighbouring farmer came and help! He's moved now but he was super sweet! He took Paint home and helped take Roman to hospital cus' mom was already in town!" As he rambled Paint sauntered to the door, shoving out her face curiously. Logan flinched back, not at all expecting it which made Patton giggle while he retold the story, easily giving her affections as much as Bridge.

"I felt really bad 'cus I should've told Roman to stop but he's really hard to control when he sets his mind to something. While he was being taken care of mama arrived and I cried 'cus I felt so bad but she was super sweet and didn't give Roman much of a telling off 'cus she knows how scary a wild horse can be! We got ice cream and never dared ride Paint again, it doesn't mean we love her any less! Roman still adores stroking her like with Bridge and their brother" He gestured to the stall further across the barn.

"Anyway" Patton stepped away from Paint who was beginning to get antsy, wanting to go back inside her stall. "Sorry for rambling" he giggled sheepishly, brushing some hair behind his ear. "No, no...it's not a problem" Logan reassured, "I..rather enjoyed the story, it is also helpful to know which horse I should be weary of" he added, glancing at Paint who was an extremely light brown, the tail and main darker.

He also enjoyed listening to Patton talk, his exuberance and voice something Logan doesn't hear at all in the city. It was a nice change and he really wanted to get used to it. "Aw, I'm glad!" Patton then skipped down the room and paused outside the last stall. "This is...uh" he cleared his throat, waiting for Logan to be able to see inside the stall. His eyes blew out in surprise- horses can be...this big?! He had no idea! The horse was completely brown all over, a dark chestnut and much, much taller than Paint and Bridge.

"This is..." a blush rose on Patton's cheeks, "This is Toenail-now please don't ask how he got that name it's a really long story and kinda embarrassing for me 'cus I did something stupid when I was younger and the name Toenail just came about and we usually don't show Toenail off 'cus he doesn't like strangers and he has a weird name and it's very embarrassing and-"

"Patton" Logan cut him off, "it's fine. Although I am rather curious if it makes you uncomfortable you don't have to tell me" relief flooded through the boy and it was rather obvious in the way his tense muscles relaxed and a smile reappeared on his lips. "Thank you, Lo" he murmured, staring at him appreciatively. "We call him Nail a lot, especially in public. Even if he's bigger he's the oldest and doesn't have as much energy as Bridge or Paint. I don't like to ride him much 'cus it's kinda scary being so high up, Bridge is perfect and I always ride her, Nail is Roman's and Paint is mamas" he explained, reaching into the stall to give Nail's face a stroke from where he ate his hay.

"We love them all" Patton giggled, "and that's all the animals we have! We did have some cows in a field a few years back but it became too much work. They were all lovely and sold for a lot of money, now we usually focus on our vegetables and piglets! Buying them as babies is rather cheep, as long as we raise them right we usually sell them for a lot! It's sad to see them go but we soon get more, the horses are ours though. Sort of a last-minute decision otherwise they would've been separated and possibly not taken care of properly- but!" He suddenly clasped his hands in dramatic excitement, "we're getting a dog soon! We had a choice between a German Shepard and a Border Collie, but then we realised the Collie was more of a working dog, it was trained already, which is fine! She was adorable but we wanted a more family dog, and the German Shepard was perfect! We're getting him in a few weeks, his name is Momo" Patton giggled excitedly, taking Logan across the barn to a wooden step ladder that led to the second floor, it wasn't a complete floor and was half the size of the ground floor, but it was more for storage usage.

"We wanted to name him a German name and found that one! It was really cute, even if Roman was set on calling him Gaston, he came around in the end! While Gaston is a good name, I don't want him to be named after someone mean" Patton explained in his rather innocent ways, climbing up the ladder to the second floor while he spoke - not wanting to interrupt him Logan followed without question, understanding why they were up there when he was taken to a window that overlooked the beautiful land.

"Anyway" he flushed, "I'm rambling again" with that he pushed open the window, letting the gentle breeze hit his face and lightly brush his hair away. "What about you? What's your life like?"

"We've never had any pets" Virgil responded and Roman gasped, whirling around to stare at the city boy who followed after him across the large field to the forest. "No pets? At all? How can you survive!?" He exasperated, turning back forward to walk properly. "Not even a hamster? A fish?"

Again, Virgil shook his head. "What do you not get by 'any pets'?" Virgil cocked an eyebrow and Roman shrugged, "it seems...weird!" He shrugged, "we've had pets all our lives! Or farm animals, but they've all been lovely!" He reminisced with a glint in his eyes. Now they headed through the beaten path between the trees, the sun shone through the branches easily and gave everything an orange hue - it was beautiful and while Virgil was still apprehensive about rural areas he's definitely been missing out all his life.

"We've had sheep, cows- we do have pigs and horses! Soon we'll have a dog, and if you want you can count it as your first pet. His name is Momo even though I wanted to call him Gaston" he grumbled the end, but his mood was still high. "I don't know what to do with dogs" Virgil shrugged and Roman beamed, "just be their friend! We'll do all the food, baths, water- the boring stuff! All you have to do is play fetch, run around- maybe you could learn to ride Bridge and take her for runs" Roman suggested, spinning around as he walked, eyes taking in the scenery even if he's walked through it countless times.

"Bridge?" Virgil stared at him confused, Roman laughed. "Patton's horse! He named her Bridge for good reason, there's Paint and Nail too" he added, Virgil decided it be best not to ask and let Roman change the subject. "But you will need to help around here! Nothing hard, we wouldn't give you a job you need experience for" Roman reassured, still the idea of working or helping around the farm didn't exactly sound fun. "More like tidying up, keeping the piglets company, taking the horses out" Roman listed and Virgil made a noise which caught his attention, "take the horses out? I've never seen a horse in real life- what do you expect me to do?" He countered and Roman rolled his eyes, "I'm not asking you to race them at a jockey- all you need to do is put on their reigns, which I'll show you how to do, I'm a pro" he winked and now Virgil rolled his eyes. "And lead them to their fenced off area outside, it's large and hard to miss, they like to run around and eat grass, be outside, as horses do" Roman explained and Virgil sighed - the idea of leading a horse made him rather anxious.

"Usually Paint will already be out there, don't try to get near her, she's very energetic and will push you to the ground by accident - maybe break a rib or too. She means no harm but only mama can control her" and that made Virgil feel even worse, how the Hell does he know which one Paint is? Before he could ask Roman moved on.

"Oh and do you know anything about cats?"

Virgil gave him a deadpan look, Roman sighed. "I know, I know, no pets...but Momo is really good around them and we've wanted a cat for ages!"

"Why can't you get one?" Virgil finally spoke, he often lets other's speak more in conversations which annoy many other people but Roman seemed to not even notice which was quite a relief. "Patton's allergic, but! I know there's a cat which has the thingie that helps people who are allergic, she'll be perfect around the farm because what's a farm without the farm cat and dog!? I need you, and Logan, to help encourage mama! Tell her everything you know about cats and how keeping one as a pet would benefit us-you! She wants to make you cute city boys as relaxed as possible, maybe suggesting how cats soothe you will improve our argument?" He smirked and winked suggestively.

Virgil brushed aside his beating heart at the simple compliment, "isn't that called lying?" He countered and Roman sighed, kicking at a few leaves. "So? Cats can be soothing! Many are used as therapy animals, please?" He then begged, puppy eyes and all. Virgil sighed and stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets. Lying to Dana, a woman he's known for a day and will be living with for the rest of summer didn't settle well with him, but he knew Roman probably wouldn't accept no for an answer. Besides, with the amount of street cats he's stroked and comforted in the past, he wasn't completely useless...

"...fine" he relented and Roman cheered, throwing an arm around his shoulder and pulling him into a side hug. Virgil tensed in surprise, "oh, thank you cutie!" Roman grinned and holy shit Virgil hated-but-also-loved Roman's relentless compliments.

"Now that thats settled, I have something to show you" Roman picked up his pace and crossed away from the path towards a row of hedges, he pulled back some shrubbery to reveal a hole that led straight to the other side. "Cute city boys first" he flirted and Virgil grumbled, ducking his head to hide his flaming cheeks. Crossing over to the other side Roman followed and instantly Virgil could see what Roman wanted to show him - a treehouse. A very well built one too. One you'd see if you were to search 'treehouse' and not some shitty sort-of seats between branches. They worked on this for months and put a lot of hard work into it, he assumed.

"This is our tree house! Only me and Patton know where it is, now you!" Roman grinned and skipped over the ground covered with leaves - it was quite an enclosed area and obviously not transversed by many people. There was a ladder hammered into the side of the tree and Roman climbed it easily with the help of the thick rope hanging down beside it. Gripping two bars stuck in the platform of the house he hauled himself up, looking over the side down at Virgil.

"Need some help?" He waved a hand and Virgil wasn't afraid to admit he did, he's never been inside a tree house before - at least to this level of marksmanship.

"Uh...what do I do?" He questioned, hands on the wooden ladder. Roman realised it was stupid to go first so he climbed down the rope and jumped beside Virgil. "It's easier to hold the rope and support your feet on the boards, like I did" he explained, giving Virgil the rope.

"What if I fall?" He worried, glancing at Roman over his shoulder, letting out an involuntary gasp when Roman's hands gripped his waist. Holy shit no one's ever touched him like this before- wow...he was sensitive. Touch starvation was horrendous.

"You won't, I promise" Roman murmured into his ear and it took all of him to not shudder.

"Okay.." he whispered, gripping the rope right while putting one foot on the board. It wasn't too difficult, especially with Roman pushing him up and using words of encouragement, with some struggle and close calls he was holding onto the metal bars and heaving himself up onto the platform, panting heavily and staring up at the sky behind the leaves and branches. Not even a few seconds later Roman appeared above him and he huffed, rolling over to push himself up.

"Whatever, you've had practice" he excused, while Roman laughed Virgil opened the door to the tree house and stepped inside, surprised to see how well kept it looked. There were two bean bags across the back wall even if there seemed to be room for three, at least it would've filled it out. There was also a desk covered with paint brushes and different coloured stains, with one glance inside a draw he could see some old paint tubes too. He looked over at Roman for an explanation but he by passed him to the balcony that went around the 'house' so Virgil left and slowly stood beside him which ended with the two boys sitting down, their legs dangling over the edge, leaning on the fence surrounding the balcony.

"It's nice" Virgil admitted, even if he was highly aware of the setting sun. Roman breathed out through his nose, "it's mesmerising" he agreed, resting his cheek against his arm. "Hey, Virgil?" Roman spoke up after a few minutes of peaceful silence, Virgil glanced at him from the corner of his eye but the boy was still staring into the distance.

"Yeah?"

"I lied" he admitted quietly. Virgil rose an eyebrow for an explanation, "me and Patton aren't the only ones who know of this" he explained further, Virgil made a noise of understanding.

"Your mom knows, huh? It's cool, I get it, it's embarrassing for moms to know shit when you grow older-"

"No" Roman cut him off, chuckling weakly. "She doesn't know...our dad does" he corrected and Virgil stared at him silently, not knowing what to say. He hasn't seen Roman or Patton's dad around, but by his reaction to his mention it seemed that might be a good thing.

"He helped me and Pat build this when we were younger...but after everything went bad" while staring down into his lap, he explained everything. "Mama and him always wanted to own a farm, so when they were married they did - they were twenty two at the time but knew everything they needed to know and more, plus they've both had experience with farming and animals in the past. They were doing great" Roman breathed out, finally looking up again, as if he was there, remembering their success and fortune.

"The farm was incredible, all their animals well kept and loving - they had a few stumbles but who doesn't? Then..." he drifted, "then they had us. Me and Patton. Patton was an accident, but they were happy to have a child. One child. They said if he were a boy he'd be named Patton, and something else for a girl...then I was discovered and I.." he sighed, Virgil shuffled closer to give his silent support.

"I ruined it for them. The stress became worse - working on a farm is stressful already, but now they had two children on their hands? An accident and a mistake? It ruined them, he tried for awhile to be a good dad but everything was steadily going down hill and mama was losing more money than making it, we had to sell a lot of land, copious amounts of animals and more. Then one night.." his voice broke as he relived the day, "he was going to hit me for being annoying - I wasn't even being annoying!" He defended with a small pout, "and Patton stepped in the way. He still had the scar on his shoulder, and we all hated him ever since. I don't know where he is now but if I ever see him again I'll make him regret ever coming back" his eyes darkened with obvious thoughts about what he would do to that man, Virgil just stared in shock.

"I-...I know we just met today but me and Pat don't have many friends, people from school don't like farmers so much and talking to the animals doesn't always help. I...I guess I stepped too far telling you- but I felt like I would explode, Patton hates talking about it and mama would suggest therapy but I don't want that, I can't leave all the work for Patton and mama while I go to town. It's unfair" Roman sighed out, running a hand through his hair.

Virgil let his bottom lip go, shuffling that closer to Roman, fiddling with his sleeves. "Hey, dude, I...I get it. The no friends thing? I'm home schooled so-uh...it's tough only having family to talk to. It's nice to talk to Lo but he barely understands emotions and always tries to solve the problem while sometimes it's nice to just talk, y'know?" Roman nodded in understanding, relieved Virgil wasn't weirded out he was so open.

"I'm sorry about your dad, he sounds like a dick" that made Roman laugh sadly, nodding. "He is" he agreed quietly.

"I hope you like it here" Roman then murmured, "me and Patton were really excited to have new people around, even if it's just for the summer. Especially Patton, he loves making friends" talking about his twin made him smile and Virgil admired that, it was obvious Roman had a close bond with his family.

"We will" Virgil reassured, "even if Logan will say he loves the city he also loves learning, so finding out what it's like to live on a farm will probably satisfy his brain. Plus caring for animals, though he doesn't like animals much" he shrugged, then sent Roman a small smile. "Thanks for telling me"

"Oh...yeah, no problem" Roman responded, caught a little off guard but appreciating it all the same.

"And" Virgil held his gaze, "you're not a mistake. You and Pat are both accidents but that's not a bad thing, it wasn't your fault, everything that happened"

Roman took in a breath through his nose, he's been reassured by his mama that it was never his fault but hearing it from someone else made him feel really...better. "Thank you" he whispered with a soft smile.

"Anyway!" The boy suddenly brightened, "how about a sleep over here?" He gestured to the tree house and Virgil spluttered.

"Are you serious? Dude, no" he stood up, "we may have bonded but you can fuck off if you think I'm staying here, over night" the idea made him shudder and Roman laughed, standing up. "Just because you live in luxury, city boy, doesn't mean this treehouse isn't nice!"

"It could be the size of a penthouse and I'd still outright disagree. I'm not getting murdered" as he said this he walked back around the balcony to the ladder, Roman made a noise of realisation. "You've seen too many horror movies!" Roman explained, watching as he tried to plan out the best way down. "Don't worry, the last time a guy came through here with a chainsaw was two years ago!" This made Virgil shoot him a glare with no real hate, planting both his feet onto the closest step and gripping the rope tight.

Roman laughed, "seriously, if you think a murderer will come through here in the night you're wrong. They come through the day too"

"Will you stop?" Virgil exasperated, Roman not helping his anxiety at all. The boy laughed again, bending down and curling his arms around Virgil's waist, surprising the boy who was about to push off.

"Be careful" he whispered, breath fanning his cheek. Virgil felt his entire face heat up incredibly, wriggling himself away from the farm boy who watched him go with a grin. While it took a few minutes he managed, sitting on the ground in relief while Roman simply used the rope to slide down, no ladder needed.

"Show off" Virgil grumbled, dusting the leaves from his ass, Roman threw his head back and laughed, ready to quip back when they heard a call. "ROMAN! WE NEED TO TAKE THE HORSES OUT!" Patton's distant yell disrupted them.

"Take them out? If he can't put them in their fence thing how do you expect me to?" Virgil stared at him in shock, Roman shook his head. "He means ride them - you can join if you want!" With that he set off into a jog and the fear of being alone in a forest with the sun setting made Virgil completely forget the fact he hated going any other speed than meander and follow quickly after him.

They reached the field not too long later, Patton was already heading back to the barn with his own horse, Bridge, outside waiting. Logan stood beside the two, happy to see his twin.

"I'll get Nail!" Roman called, falling into a run as he passed by into the barn. Virgil, who was panting from the jog, finally made it to Logan who was staring apprehensively at Bridge. "Lo said he doesn't wanna ride the horses with us - do you?" Patton asked, stroking the side of Bridge who stared curiously at Virgil.

"Uh...no, no thanks" he dismissed, not ready to ride a horse just yet. "That's fine! I think mama will want to see you and make sure you're settling in, also tell you how things work around here. She should be inside making dinner! And you two should go in soon anyway, when it gets dark it's really hard to navigate if you don't know this place like the back of your hand" Patton rambled, Logan was used to it at this point and Virgil got it from Roman.

"Thanks for spending time with me today, Lo" Patton turned to the boy who stared back in slight surprise. "It was fun" he added a little shyer, Virgil caught onto it instantly, the sheepish duck of his head, the subtle brush-hair-behind-ear, and the soft giggle when Logan responded.

Virgil smiled - he'd of course seen people swoon after Logan before but this? This was sweet and genuine.

"I had fun too. Virgil? Shall we go in?" Then Virgil rolled his eyes at his brothers obliviousness, but agreed nonetheless. "See ya later Lo, Virgil!" Patton waved, the two boys waved back and headed to the cottage before seeing Roman's horse, while Logan knew which was which Virgil didn't yet, but still didn't ask. It didn't really cross his mind. 

Inside they took off their shoes (after seeing the shoe rack) and went deeper inside.

"How was your day?" Logan started conversation, the two sitting in the living room.

"It was actually... nice" Virgil admitted, "Roman isn't that bad"

"Same for Patton" Logan responded, "he told me everything I needed to know about the animals. And that we should probably stay away from Paint, the horse"

"That you should" the sudden voice disturbed them both, turning to see Dana in the doorway, a soft smile on her lips. "And I'm glad you like my kids, they've wanted some good friends for awhile" she ventured further in and stood before them by the coffee table.

"Now I hope they told you you can't slack while you're staying here. We always need all the help we can get, but don't worry, we won't throw you into the deep end" she chuckled, throwing a damp dish rag over her shoulder.

"We wake up bright and early, I know you city boys do to to avoid traffic, but I'm not talking about being ready for eight am. I mean ready at six, a farm never waits and the animals sure aren't patient. I need to go to town tomorrow morning so I hope you'll all be okay, usually my boys are smart but I can already tell you" she looked pointedly at Logan, "are a leader. An incredibly smart one too, but don't put your two pensé worth into something you don't understand. These boys have been raised on a farm, even if it looks like they're doing something wrong, they're not" she explained rather sternly, but the two boys understood and nodded along with her.

"I don't mean to be harsh, and trust me we all have our fun. In the mornings Roman is on piglet duty, they're being sold this week and need to be in prime condition. Patton deals with the vegetables, barely and wheat which you" she pointed at Logan, "will help him with. As for you" she turned to Virgil who sat up in his seat.

"After Roman gives you a rundown you'll be helping the horses. And whatever you do don't try with Paint. As soon as she's outside she'll run a muck, even my boys can't control her so don't feel too bad. And don't worry about Nail, he may seem intimidating but he's an old sweetheart" she explained, once satisfied she grabbed the rag and grinned. "Now, you two get ready for dinner, the boys will meet you soon to show how to properly wash your hands. You city folk aren't taught enough about hygiene, with what happens on farms, it's necessary" with that she was heading back to the kitchen, the twins looked at each other and both smiled.

They liked her, especially Logan - he adored order and schedules and it seemed Dana had it down to the minute. Waking up to be prepared at six wouldn't be so difficult for him but for Virgil? It may take some getting used to.

They hurried up the stairs into the bathroom down the hall, washing their hands and faces.

"What if one of the horses escape?" Virgil worried after drying his face. "Bridge is very docile if not a bit friendly, along with Nail. They will both happily be led I'm sure, just avoid Paint who probably already had her run around earlier" he reassured to the best of his ability; with estimated guesses.

"We're here!" The city twins turned towards the doorway when they heard Roman's call from downstairs, Dana's muffled reply and hurried stomping up the staircase.

Roman peeked through the doorway and grinned, "here they are! The cuties" Roman winked, flashing away into his bedroom. Patton appeared next, his legs splattered with mud. "Sorry about the mess!" He giggled, "Roman's the same. We usually change the path we take Bridge and Nail everyday, today was the path that is very muddy after recent rain" he explained then darted away much like Roman.

The twins turned back to each other and shrugged.

Afterwards the farm boys showed the twins how to properly wash their hands to make sure they were all perfectly clean, they were surprised at how in depth it was, and realised their simple scrub and rinse wasn't anything compared.

"We'll have to wash the horses later" Patton reminded his brother, Roman groaned but agreed, standing in the doorway while the city boys dried their hands. "Later? Won't it be really...dark?" Virgil worried, Patton drew his eyebrows together in confusion, of course it'll be dark, that's how time works.

"Don't worry, cutie, we won't be murdered" Roman clarified and Patton's face coated with realisation. "Awh, Kiddo no, trust me! That doesn't happen around here" he smiled softly at the boy who smiled appreciatively in response.

Still, he wouldn't go outside in the dark.

Dinner was filled with Virgil and Logan listening to the conversation between the farm twins and Dana who somehow filled the entire time talking about their day. It was odd yet nice to see, and when they were involved their responses were usually short and a tad awkward.

"What do you usually do for dinner?" Patton asked, looking at the city boys who glanced at each other. "We eat in our rooms" Logan explained, surprising the farm boys who wouldn't ever dream of doing such a thing. "Oh" Patton responded, "but, why-?"

"Now, now" Dana sent her children a look, obviously knowing more than they did. "We all live differently, for them us eating as a family must be odd too" and the conversation ended there.

Afterwards Dana sent the city boys up to bed, she would make them help wash up but knew today must've been exhausting for them and they did need a good nights rest for the morning. While Roman and Patton went to clean the horses, Logan and Virgil changed into pyjamas and stood in the bedroom.

"Shit" Virgil breathed, "we never settled who's sleeping where"

Logan looked between the beds, more drawn to Patton's after spending a few hours with him, while Virgil would much rather sleep on Roman's. "Do they want to sleep in the same bed?" Virgil questioned, Logan shook his head for he had no idea.

"Fine, let's just..." Virgil turned to his twin and held out his hand. "Rock paper scissors, you win, we sleep in the same bed, I win, we sleep separately"

"That works" Logan agreed, the two waved their fist up and down, "rock, paper, scissors, shoot!"

Logan held up paper while Virgil held scissors. "I win" Virgil mumbled, meaning they slept in different beds. While they both knew whatever outcome occurred they'd be mildly uncomfortable knowing they didn't know what the farm boys wanted, they supposed they needed sleep and waiting until they returned wouldn't be worth it.

While Virgil settled into Roman's bed, fixing the blanket and pillows, Logan turned off the lights and closed the curtain, laying down in Patton's bed with the help of Virgil's phone's flash light.

"Goodnight, Virgil" Logan called into the darkness, Virgil shut off his phone and left it on the bedside table, no more late nights scrolling through Tumblr. "Night" he called back, rolling onto his side - the two soon fell asleep.

An hour later, once the farm boys finished washing down their horses they quietly entered the bedroom, surprised to see the boys sleeping in separate beds. They didn't mind where they slept but assumed they'd share.

Either way they didn't dwell on it too much, besides the idea of sleeping beside the city boys made both twins elated.

Changing into their pyjamas they snuck into the empty space on their double beds, pulling the blankets up over them and resting comfortably in the dark. The city boys were still out cold, thankfully not awoken.

And soon everyone in the house was asleep - ready for the busy day ahead.

—

The next morning the city twins were awoken at five thirty with the commotion from the boys who were talking loudly and not caring at all for the sleeping boys - obviously not for they had to be awake too. Logan rubbed his eyes and slowly sat up, stretching his arms after. "Morning, Lo!" Patton giggled, "sleep well?" He questioned, folding his pyjamas and leaving them at the end of the bed, already dressed in his clothes for the day.

"I did, thank you" Logan responded, tugging away the blanket and slipping out of bed, fixing the pillows and quilt before searching for some clothes to wear. He did think ahead and most his outfits consisted of clothes suitable for a farm - somewhat knowing he'd probably be asked to help around the place.

Opposite Virgil was tugging the pillow over his head but Roman saw and wasn't having any of it, "morning city-cutie!" Roman tore the pillow from his grip, grinning down at his face which scrunched up in disdain. "Ugh...fuck...ugh" he groaned and Roman laughed, dropping the pillow onto the bed and tugging away the blanket, making Virgil yelp in surprise then glare deathly.

"Give me a sec!" He hissed, Roman shrugged and watched him yawn and fix his bed hair, sitting up to look over at his brother who of course already collected his clothes and left the room to change. "Early birds are disgusting" he insulted grumpily, Roman knew he didn't mean a word. "And night owls are annoying- now get dressed! The horses want some fresh air!"

Virgil suddenly remembered the task he was set and felt sick to the stomach, he truly believed everything that could go wrong will go wrong, but he hoped with Roman's help it wouldn't be too bad.

"Yeah, yeah" he muttered, reaching through the chest and pulling out a suitable outfit, like Logan he brought old, worm clothes and kept the 'better' clothes in case they ever go to something special - which he doubted and that honestly relieved him. Letting the chest close he left the room to head to the bathroom, passing Logan on his way who also neatly folded the pyjamas, sitting them beside Patton's. "Ready?" Said boy piped up, giddy to spend more time with Logan.

The boy didn't notice or pick up on it, "I am, yes. Lead the way" Patton giggled and skipped out the room, taking him to the kitchen where they had some toast for breakfast - it was eaten fast and in no time they were walking across the field to the crops that Logan could see varied.

"Whatcha wanna collect first?" Patton wondered, putting down the gear he brought along. "We have strawberries, blueberries, carrots, potatoes and more but they're not ready to be harvested yet" he looked up at the city boy who didn't really have a favourite from the listed options so choose the first thing Patton said - "strawberries?" That made Patton beam and clap his hands excitedly.

"Yes! I love strawberries" he gushed, taking Logan's hand, a few baskets and hurrying through the gaps between the crops until they reached the rows of beautifully red strawberries.

"I'm sure you know what to do!" Patton chirped as he knelt down at the start of the rows, "just pick the red ones and ignore the green ones" he explained anyway, beginning to hum a song as he began. Logan nodded and picked up a basket, sitting on the ground and repeating the same process as Patton, looking the fruit all over before deeming it acceptable, picking it and laying it gently into the basket.

"What do you do with these?" He pondered curiously, Patton glanced over to him, pushing the straw hat that sat on his head to deter the hot sun up. Unfortunately Logan didn't think that far ahead- and even if he did he didn't have a hat. "We sell them to the market in town! The owners, Mrs and Mrs Piper know and love our mama so usually give us really good deals" he explained, grin bright and permanent on his face.

"Are they sister's?"

Patton shook his head and giggled, "nope! They're married, we went to the wedding two years ago! They went to mama's too, we-..." he cut himself off, his work with the strawberries faltering momentarily. "Uh.." he chuckled forcefully, "she's divorced now" he added, much more quietly and Logan felt his heart sink - obviously whatever happened still affected him deeply and Logan decided he would ask later, preferably Dana or even Roman as Patton seemed to want to push the subject away as far as possible.

"I see" Logan murmured, "I'm sorry" he added and Patton shook his head, "don't be, please, it's okay" he looked at the ground awkwardly before a small smile brightened his features, "why don't we play a game? Eye spy?" He suggested a little rushed and Logan played along, "sure. You go first" he encouraged, even if it was a rather childish game.

"Eye spy with my little eye" Patton began, already feeling better. "Something beginning with..." while picking the delicious fruit his eyes scanned the land, "l!" Logan nodded and looked around too, l, what began with l around here? He couldn't see much...

"Lady bug?" He suggested, Patton shook his head.

"Land..?"

"Nope!"

"Lake" there was a small stream nearby, nothing close to a lake but Logan didn't think they were being completely factual. But again, Patton declined. So this carried on for awhile until Logan finally got it after gazing at a tree.

"Leaf?"

"Yes!" Patton cheered at this point they had finished the strawberries with full baskets. "Now, what next?"

"I don't think this is a good idea, Ro" Virgil frowned, gazing at Bridge who stood before him patiently, all reigned up without a saddle. Roman, who gave him the lead, waved his hand dismissively. "Oh poppy cock!" He grinned, "you'll do splendid, I promise" he clasped his hands and pointed to the wide door that had been pushed open, big enough for the horses. "You know where their area is, just make sure to lock the gate securely" Roman then parted across the barn to the piglets, both hidden from each other's view. "Remember, don't take out Paint!" He called and Virgil sighed, gazing at Bridge apprehensively.

"Please don't kick me" he whispered and slowly began to walk, instantly Bridge followed and Virgil had to pick up his pace to stick close to her normal walking speed - thankfully taking her outside and to their area wasn't difficult at all, he looped the rope around the fence and unlocked the gate (as he quickly discovered he needed both hands), opening it wide and taking Bridge inside.

He took off the reign and gently brushed his hand against her side, "uh...run free? I guess? But not free-free...'cus you're still kinda trapped, well..." he blushed as he realised he was embarrassed over stuttering to a horse so doing a one eighty he left and locked the fence, Bridge was quickly off to trot around while eating at the grass and Virgil watched her for a moment before slowly making his way back to the barn.

Now, the best thing he should do is find Roman and ask who the fuck Paint was, but his inner turmoil told him Roman would either become extremely annoyed or give him a vague description which wouldn't help at all, or both! So instead he walked over and glanced in the one opposite Bridge's, gazing at the horse who ate calmly from their hay.

He then went to the last stable and gasped, eyes widening at how fucking tall this damn horse was. "Guess you're Paint" he murmured, eyeing the horse while taking a few steps back. Surely they didn't expect him to lead a horse that big, right? He could crush him to death! Well, they all could, but this one with more power.

He walked back over to the other horse, unbeknownst to him making a very bad decision. He opened the door slowly, Paint lifting her head to gaze at Virgil who gripped the rein tightly.

"Um...hi?" He then nearly slapped himself for trying to make conversation with a horse for the second time.

He walked over and pulled the reins on the same was as Roman did with bridge, Paint stood patiently still which eased Virgil into thinking he made the right decision. "Come on, outside" he murmured, gripping the lead and pulling Paint gently to guide her out the stall. As they reached the large entrance Paint began to get a little antsy, Virgil kept glancing at her but hoped she was just a little excited and it would die down.

However, once halfway there Virgil realised his grave mistake, as soon as Paint shook her head then jumped up on her back legs he let out a short scream, the force of her coming back down knocking him to the ground. He screamed in terror as Paint began to gallop right over him, nearly crushing him. He curled up into a ball as she did but realised if he laid there they might never see Paint again and he couldn't do that to the family.

Scrambling to his feet he fell into a sprint after the horse who headed straight for the woods, meanwhile the scream could be heard from all over the farm, Roman quickly rushed out and watched, horrified, as Virgil chased after Paint in the distance. Paint didn't exactly want to get away from her home specifically, more she was very wild and could run for hours without realising she was lost.

"Virgil!" Roman yelled but it was no use, he ran after him but he knew the success rate of capturing Paint and managing to bring her back were very low.

The scream also reached Patton and Logan who dashed to the barn as soon as they heard it, just in time to see Roman disappearing in the woods. Patton looked in the stables and gasped, "I...I think Virgil took Paint out by mistake" and Logan instantly realised the gravity of the situation.

"Come on, we won't catch them on foot" Patton grabbed a saddle and rushed out to Bridge who stopped trotting about as Patton neared, pausing to let Patton fix the saddle on her and jump on. "Call mama, please" Patton begged to Logan before pulling Bridge in the direction where Roman rushed off. Logan had no choice but to do as told, entering the cottage as fast as he could and searching through the note book underneath the phone, filled with names and numbers of people he didn't know until he found Dana's mobile.

While explaining the situation to her, Virgil thankfully didn't lose sight of Paint who had to slow down now in the woods to avoid crashing into a tree, but was still tremendously fast and Virgil knew he'd collapse to the floor soon, completely out of breath. "Paint, please!" He cried but it was no use, she was on a mission to run and run until she was tired and that could be for miles yet.

Patton caught up with Roman who sighed out in relief, "Virgil took Paint!" He cried, jumping onto Bridge after Patton slowed her down, but they quickly picked up speed again. "On purpose!?" Patton worried, although he didn't believe such an accusation.

"I don't know! I...I didn't show him which was which, I'm an idiot!" Roman yelled back and Patton shook his head but dropped the topic, they'd talk more about it later. Bridge caught up to Virgil too who waved his hands around, leaning on a tree, chest heaving painfully hard. "She's...she's stuck" he managed, gasping in harshly and falling to the ground, gesturing loosely in the distance where Paint bucked and neighed wildly, her reins caught in a branch, stuck pretty well.

"Oh, Virgil" Patton slid off Bridge and knelt by his side, rubbing soothing circles into his back as Roman tied Bridge to a nearby tree. "Console him after, I can't grab Paint by myself" Roman spoke while staring at the horse who was slowly calming down, snorting through her nose.

"Okay, okay..." Patton pressed a kiss to Virgil's forehead before standing up, the two twins slowly nearing Paint and following the instructions their mama forced into them if a situation like this were to ever arise. Virgil's whole body shook with adrenaline and anxiety, while he knew Paint was current top priority he wished he had someone, namely Logan, here to help calm him down.

"Take your time, Virgil, but when you can we'll need you to take Bridge back - please don't leave her here alone" Patton snapped Virgil from his revere, the boy didn't even realise the farm-twins had managed to catch Paint, holding onto her reins from either side - struggling but managing to lead her.

"Got it...I got it" Virgil whispered, watching as the twins led Paint back, she did buck and huff but they managed, even if Roman was currently terrified. By the time Virgil could stand on shaky legs they were out of sight.

"Fuck, fuck I've messed up" he whispered to Bridge who calmly allowed herself to be led, but Virgil didn't go far before falling to the ground, too weak and shaky to walk. "Fuck..." he whispered, using Bridge to help him to his feet. Then he noticed the saddle and supposed that was his best option. Gripping onto the handle, he hooked his foot onto the holder and hauled himself up, laying against her back and gripping onto the saddle like it were a life line.

After nudging the reins Bridge kicked off into a soft trot and Virgil couldn't be more grateful, laying low against her back for he wasn't comfortable enough to sit up straight. It felt like forever before he finally came out from the woods and saw Roman and Patton exiting the barn - presumably after putting Paint back inside the stall.

"Oh thank goodness" Patton whispered, hurrying over and helping Virgil lead Bridge back. By now Dana's car came down the driveway and Logan was holding his twin up after sliding off Bridge and allowing Patton to lead her inside.

"What the Hell happened?" Dana demanded as soon as she came round the barn, looking irritated yet worried.

"Virgil accidentally took Paint out" Patton explained, Dana sighed. "Boy! How many times did we tell you-"

"He didn't know the difference. No one told him which horse was Paint" Logan cut her off quick, ready to defend his twin no matter what.

"No one-?" She stammered then turned to her sons, "Roman! You didn't think to tell him?"

"I thought he knew!" He counted, throwing his hands up. "Well he obviously didn't!"

"It was my fault" Virgil breathed, quivering. "I-..I didn't think to ask before"

Dana, now understanding the situation, softened her voice and expression. "No, baby, this wasn't anyone's fault. Mistakes happen, especially on farms. But you need to be more careful next time. Maybe I'll put you on crop duty once you've healed" she suggested which made Patton frown- while he did like Virgil that meant he'd be split from Logan.

"Healed? I...I wasn't hurt" Virgil stammered, "maybe not physically but I can tell you are inside. Must've given you a fright, all that running"

"I ran too" Roman pitched in, Dana gave him a warning look. "You run every day of your life. Now I want you to check on all those horses and make sure they're okay, and give Nail a ride because he hasn't been out yet and I'm sure he's getting riled up. Now" she pointed in the barns direction and the way his jaw set and eyes narrowed proved he wasn't very pleased.

Twirling around he stormed to the barn, ignoring his mama who called; "and drop the attitude!"

"Now, you two take Virgil up to your bedroom and after I want you to continue with the crops, Virgil will be fine by himself to rest" she then turned and left to the car to collect the things she brought from town, leaving Logan, Patton and Virgil alone with each other.

"I'm sorry, again" Virgil murmured and Patton shook his head. "No, Kiddo, don't worry about it. It's okay" he reassured, standing the other side of him and leading him inside the cottage and up to their room. Once taking off his shoes he laid down in bed and brought the blanket close to his chin, still shaking but not as bad as before.

"You can stay here if you want" Patton suggested to Logan who, after staring at his twin for a few seconds, shook his head. "Like Dana said, Virgil will be fine by himself. I am sure she will check on him soon anyway" Patton nodded and by the time the two were at the doorway Virgil was half asleep.

—

A few hours later Virgil stirred from the sound of pen hurriedly scratching against paper. He slowly cracked open his eyes, gazing at Roman who sat at his desk with his face screwed up in an annoyed glare, pushing aside a piece of paper once it was filled and quickly moving onto the next.

"Ugh...Ro?" Virgil slurred, head pounding. Roman stopped writing and looked over, his face relaxing slightly but still blatantly irritated. "Feeling better?" He murmured, now just staring at the scattered paper across his desk.

"Hm...fuck, no" he flopped back down and clenched his eyes shut. "My legs feel like jelly and my head kills. Shit.." he hissed, pressing his hand against his forehead. "I'd get you painkillers but I'm grounded" Roman grumbled, sitting back in his chair and slamming his pen against the desk rather roughly.

"Wha? Why?" Virgil asked confused, "I thought Dana said it wasn't anyone's fault-?"

"It's not that" Roman sighed, crossing his arms. "I was annoyed and nearly let the pigs out 'cus I wasn't paying attention. She said I needed to lose my attitude" he muttered, almost pouting like a child.

"Sorry, Ro" Virgil sighed, still feeling guilty. Roman sighed too, standing up. "No, it's not your fault" he peeled off his jacket and laid down beside Virgil on his bed, staring at the slanted ceiling that met at a point at the top.

"Why did you get so annoyed?" Virgil questioned.

Roman sighed, "...I promised myself I wouldn't let Paint get out like that again, not after the first time" he explained quietly, noting how Virgil kept his voice low - probably to deter from irritating his headache.

"Ro, it wasn't your fault-"

"I didn't tell you who Paint was. Besides, it's all fine now...she's okay and they're all safe" he settled, but still looked bothered. "There's something else" Virgil urged and Roman sighed once again, chewing on his bottom lip before slowly shutting his eyes.

"I don't like when mama yells" he whispered, "or gets angry at me. I..I can't help think..." he drifted, Virgil rolled onto his side and propped himself up on his elbow, staring at him worriedly. "You can't help think she'll act like your dad" he finished and Roman nodded, biting his lip again.

"It's stupid" he sniffled, "hey" Virgil stopped him from continuing, "it's far from stupid, Ro. It's perfectly normal to have this reaction- it's probably why therapy or counselling would be a good thing" he reassured and Roman opened his eyes to gaze at him. "...maybe" he murmured, "I'll talk to someone in school about it" he added, Virgil was about to say that was ages away due to it being summer but realised he'd need to actually get the confidence to go first, it can be rather scary.

"Good" he settled for instead and laid back down. "Attitude gone?" He joked and Roman snorted out a chuckle. "Yeah...you somehow always make me feel better" he murmured, turning his head to gaze at Virgil who blushed but stared back.

"Yeah, same for you..." he breathed, feeling ready to open up himself but Roman was sitting up before he could. "I'll get you that painkiller and some water" he sent him a genuine smile before leaving the room, Virgil brought the blanket closer to him and sighed out - second day in and he was already feeling different about Roman, in ways he hasn't felt towards someone before.

"And that's all of them" Patton beamed at all the fruits packaged up and ready to be sold. Logan stood beside him, gazing at their handy work. "What shall we do now?" He pondered, Patton turned to him and grinned. "Well, mama went back to town - the pigs are okay, the horses are too - the crops are finished...I think it's time for a break" Patton giggled, taking Logan's hand and leading him out the house to the field behind it. For some reason Logan couldn't place his hand felt tingly warm as Patton held it.

"Behind the wheat is the perfect hill to slide down! And even a tree swing on top of it! Come on, I'm sure you'll love it" Patton gushed, pulling Logan into a jog. "Sliding down hills doesn't sound like my type of fun" Logan countered, Patton just giggled. "Well we can't go to the city and shop, Lo! We have to make do" he shrugged and Logan agreed - although he wouldn't say shopping is his favourite pass time either.

They made it to the field and Patton led him to the spaces between where they could walk through without disturbing the growing wheat. "Do you ever run, Lo?" He started conversation, running his fingers across the crops which reached his waist.

"I do not, I managed to avoid any sporting event in my school and more often than not skipped PE to do important work instead, skip with permission of course" he added, not wanting Patton to get the wrong idea.

"Really? I loved sports day! Competing for fun, me and Roman always won the running ones 'cus we run around so much! Especially chasing pigs" Patton giggled as he recalled, then a small frown edged his lips. "Not many people liked that we always won, I remember one year someone tripped Roman up and he landed really badly, he broke his nose but the guy wasn't told off, he said it was an accident. Roman nearly beat him when he came back to school" Patton chuckled quietly but it was rather forced, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck.

"I don't think many people like us, but that's okay! I have Roman, that's all I need" Patton shrugged, ready to change the topic of conversation but Logan was too curious to let it die down.

"Why wouldn't they like you?"

"Oh, um...not many people like farmers, we're often made fun of. A lot of people made up a rumor that Roman...uh..." he swallowed and fumbled with his hands, "did bad things to a chicken- but we don't even have chickens. He gets a lot of the bullying, he doesn't want me to be hurt but" Patton sniffled and wiped his nose with his sleeve, "it still hurts" he whispered and Logan's heart ached - he wanted to comfort him but he didn't really know how.

"I'm sorry, Patton. Neither of you deserve that" Logan tried, Patton giggled and smiled at him. "It's okay, it used to be worse...it died down a bit, especially for awhile after we went on a trip to another farm, ironically. There were loads of animals and the staff really liked us 'cus we knew what to do! And students asked us questions on how to hold the animals or pet them and stuff. Then we got to ride horses and everyone was amazed when Roman skilfully road Chase, the horse, and even did a few tricks! After the staff realised he did actually ride horses often and allowed him to. They offered him a position at the farm when he was older but he declined - they respected that knowing he had work to do here, on our farm" he explained, falling into his rambles.

"Then it went back to normal, but I think 'cus we're all older they care less. We don't have any friends though so..." he turned to Logan and smiled, "thank you, you've both made me and Roman feel really, really special. It's nice to have a friend" his cheeks turned a little pink and Logan felt a small smile raise his lips.

"Of course, Patton. The students at your school wouldn't deserve you anyway. You are far better than all of them" Patton blushed deeper and 'awh'd', nudging Logan with his shoulder. "Lo..thank you"

"Do not mention it" he waved off and by the time he did they reached the top of the hill. "Here we are!" Patton giggled, gazing down the hill excitedly. "If you wanna stay up here, the tree swing is over there!" He pointed to a single, lonesome tree sitting on the edge of the hill, it was tall and had many thick branches, bunches of leaves leaving no space to see through. From one branch hung a rope attached to a tire and Logan decided sitting besides it would be his best option.

While he did so, Patton sat down and pushed down the hill, sliding down it easily all the while squealing in delight. Logan watched contently as Patton climbed up the hill and slid right back down, the more he did it the longer he lay at the bottom to catch his breath, and in the end he was too tired to climb up again and flopped on the ground besides Logan, resting his head on his thigh. Logan didn't mind, in fact he rather enjoyed it.

"That was fun" he giggled, tilting his head back to stare up at Logan who looked right back. "What do you do for fun, then? Anything we can do together?"

"I like reading. And completing quizzes. I often stay inside my room and teach myself things that interest me" he explained. Patton watched him intently, genuinely curious which Logan didn't receive from many people.

"In your room alone?" Patton's voice softened, Logan nodded. "Me and Virgil have separate rooms, while we do spend time together he is an introvert and I prefer my own company" he explained, Patton frowned, resting his hands on his stomach.

"Do you bring many friends over?"

Logan shook his head. "I do not have any friends like that. More like acquaintances in my classes and clubs. Outside of school we scarcely speak"

Patton nodded softly, turning his eyes to the sky. "So we're sort of...similar, huh?" Patton smiled slightly and Logan nodded. "I suppose we are"

After a moment Patton stood up and climbed into the tire swing, pushing off the ground to sway gently. "Tell me more about life in the city!" He encouraged, "I've told you about stuff here, I wanna know more about you"

Logan didn't think of himself as interesting, but he'd acquiesce. "Me and Virgil live in the 'richer' area of the city. It is another reason why we do not bring many people over. We quickly realised they were using us for our wealth"

Patton frowned, "oh Lo, that's horrible!"

"I guess it is. Was. My mother runs a business and my father is a doctor. While they both have large pay checks they are rarely ever home. When they are they scarcely come to see us. While my mother was carrying me and Virgil she opted to give birth early so she could get back to work as soon as possible. I understand we were both mistakes, neither of my parents ever wanted children but neither gave us up for adoption, either. Maybe they didn't want their reputations ruined. But I wish they did, maybe we would've had a better childhood. The neglect still affects us both to this day, but it is nice to be away from it all. While I prefer the city this is a nice break - a way to almost...forget everything at home, even if it will all come back soon" he didn't mean to talk for so long but Patton wasn't complaining, he did want to know more after all.

Patton slowly climbed out the swing and sat beside Logan, reaching over and placing his hand on top of his. Logan looked down at it then up at his face. "Me and Ro were accidents too. But it's okay, we're good accidents! I do hate what your parents did to you and Virge but everything that's happened in the past has led up to this day - and I wouldn't want to spend it with anyone else" Patton giggled softly, linking their hands together.

Logan stammered, he honestly wasn't expecting such a sweet response. "I...thank you, Patton. That means a lot. I have enjoyed my time with you too, even if so far it has been short"

Patton smiled brighter than the sun, "we have the whole summer, Lo, by the end of it you're gonna be sick of me"

Logan chuckled fondly, "I don't think I could ever be sick of you, Patton"

—

It do be raining really heavily outside though

Hope you liked it!
Part two?

1:50pm