10:14pm

I've recently started to paint my nails again and I—...love it

Also this OneShot is for everyone who wants Roman and Remus brotherly affection

Trigger warning: slight homophobia, Remus being Remus

Au
—

Roman opened up his brother's bedroom door as soon as he came home from school and dropped his bag into his room, the door itself splattered with red paint meant to symbolise blood - each and every time their parents painted over it he did it again and again, in the end they gave up and left him to his creative devices.

Remus looked up from his sewing station. One might think of that as a normal thing, but when they realise he doesn't sew clothes and rather sew different parts of dolls together they might think otherwise. Roman doesn't mind one bit, while a lot of people are uncomfortable with Remus' general existence, he loves his brother and finds his unusual, uncommon creativity and imagination to be a breathe of fresh air, while all of it wasn't exactly for him, he'd never stifle his creative whimsy.

"Brother!" Remus chirped excitedly, putting down his tools to jump over to him, bouncing on the balls of his feet with a wicked grin, seemingly always looking like he'd just murdered an entire stadium of lives. "Remus" Roman responded flatly, raising an eyebrow at his twin who's eyes twinkled in realisation - Roman knew what he had done. He had been sent home early today, Remus, due to a little...fight that broke out at lunch, Roman wasn't there as he was very busy in the theatre but heard about it through his friends afterwards, now home he wanted to talk to Remus about it.

"Oh come on Roman!" He dragged, "don't look so disappointed" he then cooed, allowing Roman to take his hand and pull him over to the bed, to which he trailed on after, bending back a little with a giggle as he walked. Roman sat down and dragged Remus beside him, holding onto his forearm so he wouldn't move around the room as Remus had a tendency to get up and start randomly moving - he couldn't stay in one position for long, sitting still for even ten minutes killed him, but Roman wouldn't take that long, he'd never make Remus suffer like that. 

"What did you do to Ned today?"

Remus cackled, drawing his legs underneath him, turning his body entirely to face his brother, older by five minutes. "Oh, nothing~!" He shrugged dismissively, but the shine in his eyes said different. "I only gave him a black eye and hit his dick so hard he might never have any kids-!" And suddenly he was laughing like a maniac but it didn't phase Roman in the slightest, he grew up with it and was quite accustomed to the entirety of Remus.

"Remus" Roman sighed once Remus quietened down, still holding his arm. "What have I told you about hurting people?"

Remus frowned over dramatically, glaring at his brother in a way with no real hate. He was simply annoyed. "But brother!" He whined, "that disease deserved it! He called you a fag" then the glare was gone and replaced with a giggle, "which is kinda funny...but only I can call you names!" He complained again and Roman sighed, giving Remus a look the brother knew all too well. The look that told him Roman was disappointed. And Remus hated it!

Groaning he flopped back against the bed, Roman smiled and laid beside him, staring at the ceiling covered with glow in the dark stars. Roman remembered when he shared a room with Remus, his bedroom was once a storage room until they were able to sell all the crap inside a few years later - but at the time Roman was afraid of the dark, and after coming back from school one day he saw Remus had stuck the stars across the entire ceiling to comfort him when the lights were off - Remus fell from the ladder countless times and sprained his wrist but anything for his twin!

Whenever he saw it it reminded him of his love for his brother, the side of his brother no one else saw, the side that proved he really did care, but didn't show it often.

"I know, Mus" Roman dropped his head to the side to gaze at his brother who also stared at the stars with a faint smile, something that he doesn't show to anyone apart from Roman and his parents. It especially comes out during movie nights. Their parents adore their kids and in return are adored by them. They'll protect Roman and Remus to the end, even when they're adults.

"But if you get hurt protecting me I'll never forgive myself" he continued, Remus sighed and turned to face his brother too, rolling entirely on his side due to his body craving a new position. "I know you won't stop fighting people, which is why I have a compromise!" Roman held his hand out to be shaken after speaking his deal, "you can fight whoever deserves it, only if I'm there"

And Remus instantly agreed, spitting on his hand before shaking Roman's hand. The twin was disgusted and wiped his hand on Remus after, but in the end the two were laughing.

"What about emo?" Remus mentioned after a beat of silence, sitting up and ruffling up his hair. It was never kept and always looked like he just woke up - did Remus care? Not at all.

Roman went quiet for a bit, resting his head on his arm and staring out the window. The emo Remus referred to was Roman's long-time crush, Virgil Bright. They had been friends since they both started high school, Roman falling for him a year ago. They met through theatre, joining after both showed an interest for vastly different reasons - while Roman wanted to be on the stage, Virgil wanted to be behind the scenes, controlling the lights, curtains, background noises, props, etc. Of course their first meeting didn't go so well, they clashed, argued and generally became annoyed with each other's existence - but when forced into a small room together to sort through the collection of costumes (that the drama teacher purposely messed up and threw inside to get the two to bond) they did become close, and by the end of the three hours they were busy in there, became good friends.

Their friendship continued to grow over the course of the two years they knew each other, their hanging out in school turned to hanging out at each other's houses, having sleepovers and meeting each other's parents - Virgil was still a little awkward around Remus simply because he didn't entirely understand him, neither the twins minded, they were happy Virgil wasn't mean to him because that's usually the first reaction from everyone Roman brought home. Consequently Roman unfriended them, if they didn't like his twin he didn't like them.

When needed, they came to each other for comfort, revealed secrets barely anyone else knew - and really, really became close. Roman wasn't surprised he fell for him, that boys cuddles were to die for. But...that wasn't just it. It was everything about him. To his humorous sarcasm, protective personality, hidden cute moments only people close would see - how his overall 'bad boy, angsty emo' demeanour could crumble when alone for awhile, and his pure beauty...Roman loved it all, but would he ever admit it? HA! No, Roman was confident but not that confident, every Prince had his insecurities, after asking someone out only to be humiliated in front of most of his old school ruined him, he vowed to never open up like that again....sometimes it still hurt.

And yes, Remus beat the ever-loving shit out of the person Roman thought liked him back.

"He's fine" Roman forced eventually, clearing his throat. Remus threw him a look, one that was worried but not many could see that - to see Remus' true emotions/intentions in his expressions one would have to know him for quite some time.

"No ones allowed to take me for an idiot, brother!" Remus slammed his hands into the mattress beside his twin, staring at him intently. "What did he do? I'll rip his skin off-"

"No!" Roman reached out and grabbed Remus' arm, "no, I promise, he's okay, wonderful as always but..." Roman slowly laid back down again, "I'm not" he whispered. Remus' frown deepened, awkward about this sort of thing he bent down onto the floor and gently poked Roman's arm, silently encouraging him to tell him what was up. It wasn't the usual 'what's wrong?', 'what happened?' But Roman understood the loving sentiment behind Remus' odd ways.

"I simply...love him too much, whenever I see him I can barely function! He takes my breath away with that fucking smile. And his laugh! Oh!" Roman held the back of his hand to his forehead, Remus giggled. "He kills me" Roman managed a smile at his twin, "but I'll be fine, Mus, promise" and Remus believed him, besides if Virgil even looked at Roman the wrong way he'd regret ever being born.

Before their conversation could continue the door burst open and their mother threw herself at her son, laughing while twirling him around in a hug. Remus giggled and held onto her tight, "you maniac!" She called playfully, ruffling his hair, Remus' leg kicked, reminiscent of a dog when being scratched in the right place. 'Maniac' was a nickname only she was allowed to call Remus, if anyone else did it wouldn't hurt his feelings per se, rather make him uncomfortable because only mom calls him maniac. He's her manic, no one else's!

"I can't believe you beat Ned up without making someone record it! You know I would have wanted to see that!" She whined and if you hadn't guessed who feeds Remus' ways, it was their mother, who loved a good fight on someone who deserved it, especially anyone who would hurt her children.

"Mother!" Roman groaned, "don't entice him! You know he'll fight Ned again only to get a recording!" And Remus' eyes twinkled at the idea which made Roman groan again but laugh into his palm, of course he felt very grateful for his brother's protective ways - he just wished Remus would hold back a little because Roman would hate for him to get hurt. In Remus' defence he was a great fighter, their mother taught him well.

"I wouldn't mind" their mother cooed, hugging Remus from behind and kissing his cheek affectionately. Then she paused, sniffed the air, and grinned, "have you been eating deodorant again?" And Remus cackled, nodding his head proudly.

"Remember what I said! Small doses! I can't have my maniac in the hospital again" she ruffled his hair once more, loving the way Remus melted into her affections like butter under the warm sun. Appearing in the doorway came their father who smiled at the sight, but walked over to Roman to ruffle his hair too. Roman yelped and smacked him away, complaining about his perfect hair being ruined.

"Drama queen"

"Old fart!"

Ah yes, meaningless insults were a must between Roman and his father. "How was your day?" Their father then asked, Roman glanced away for a second. "It was fine!" He reassured, their father rose an eyebrow, before Roman could even protest he had his arms around his waist and his body over his shoulder, Roman yelped then laughed, "father! Put me down!" He wailed, reaching for his mother and twin who only stepped back and laughed at him.

"Traitors!" He yelled as he was carried out the room and down the hallway. While leaving their mother turned to Remus' sewing station and gasped, instantly drawn over to the new doll Remus was creating. While they talked in rapid consistency, Roman was carefully dropped onto his parents bed, sitting up beside his father who raised an eyebrow. "Now, what happened?" Roman loved and hated the fact his parents could see straight through their children's lies, on the one hand he loved it because it meant he could vent to people he trusted without bottling up emotions, on the other hand sometimes he wanted to keep it to himself for awhile, and not really talk to anyone about his problems.

"Virgil being cute as usual" Roman grumbled and their father made a noise of understanding.

"Boy issues? Unfortunately that's not my expertise, I'm straight and stuck with your mother" the two laughed but no ill-will came from it, their father loved his wife with everything he had and vice versa - high school sweethearts, marrying at nineteen, and being together for twenty six years, they were destined to be together forever, as soul mates, no love as true or pure.

"Maybe you should take him on a date? He's never said no before" he winked and Roman groaned, hiding his reddening face behind his hands. "Because it's never been a date before...!"

"It hasn't?" Father teased and Roman groaned, standing up and leaving the room while listening to his father's laughing which made him smile.

Coming out of Remus' room was their mother who instantly pulled Roman into a hug when seeing him. "If Virgil doesn't like you he's missing out on the best Prince I know" she whispered and Roman smiled into her shoulder, hugging her that little bit tighter.

Okay, he definitely loved his parents knowing his problems.

Later that evening after Roman had gotten done with some boring, draining homework he settled comfortably on his bed, ready to watch Netflix when his door opened a crack. Glancing over he saw his brother's vibrant green eyes and instantly sat up, turning off the television. Whenever his brother wanted him he either; slammed open the door or; timidly opened it ajar. There was no in between. Literally. When he slammed it open he always wanted him for random reasons, at this point Roman couldn't even guess, but when it was soft like this, he was upset.

"Come here, Mus" Roman urged and quickly Remus was inside, closing the door and burying himself in Roman's bed. Roman smiled and laid beside him under the blanket, letting him press his face into his side and cuddle into him. This was a usual occurrence too, after coming in he'd lay under the blanket, cuddled up to Roman until eventually, between an hour to three hours later, admit what was wrong. And Roman would give him all the time in the world. 

Turning on the television again he decided to watch 'Spy Kids', managing to get through the entire first movie and half the second before Remus shifted. He shifted and squirmed non-stop, but that wasn't weird for him, however this one was different, this time he moved away from Roman and looked up at him with a look that said he was ready. Pausing the movie Roman laid down beside him and smiled at him reassuringly.

"I wanna bury you alive" Remus murmured. Roman smirked.

"Do you?" He entertained.

Remus nodded, "maybe put a tube from the coffin all the way to the surface so I can listen for your cries of help! But no one will save you" he carried on, Roman just carried on smiling, waiting.

"Or!" He suddenly brightened, "I'll tie you up and bury you in random places in a field! Then leave you for an hour and try to find you before you die!"

Roman rolled his eyes fondly.

"Or! Or! I'll tell you that I-...have a crush on Deceit"

He whispered and Roman slowly lifted his hand to cover his mouth, eyes widening at Remus' admittance to something that must've taken a lot of energy and emotions. Remus never, ever talked about this sort of thing - he doesn't have crushes, doesn't do emotions, certainly doesn't have relationships - the only friend he has is Deceit, so to Roman the more he thought about it the less he was surprised, now over the initial shock he wanted to squeal! Because that was fucking adorable!

"Mus, thank you for telling me, how long?"

Remus kept his eyes downcast as soon as he told him, and that didn't change, focused on his hands that fiddled with the small wooden dagger he carved as a child and kept ever since. He has killed countless bugs with it. "...four months" he murmured and Roman smiled more, reaching over to tuck some of Remus' ear-length hair behind his ear. Remus adored his hair being played with, so instantly a small smile rose his lips.

"He wore a dress today" Remus carried on, "and he looked pretty" he then pouted, Roman laughed. He had seen Deceit's beautiful summer dress, mostly black with soft-yellow flowers dotted across it. Like usual atop his head he adorned a boater hat with a yellow ribbon wrapped around it, and the scarring on the side of his face covered with a mixture of yellow freckles and sunflowers, created from his extensive makeup collection. He was the biggest fem-boy in the school, while he did get bullied by a few Remus made sure they stayed the fuck away. He had a single father who loved each look his son created, never letting him leave the house without seeing his outfit for the day - not because he wouldn't let him go out if he didn't like it, rather because he adored his son's fashion sense and wanted him to know he was proud of him whenever he could.

He had a great dad. Deceit loved him and felt very lucky. After nearly losing his son to an accidental car crash when he was a child, he was sometimes protective, but never anything too much - mostly it was him reminding Deceit he loved him, because he understood the preciousness of life, and knew it could be gone in a blink of an eye.  The crash was how the scarring covering half his face, down to his left chest and shoulder came about. He was bullied for that too, but it only encouraged him to embrace it.

"I think you two would be perfect together" Roman commented and Remus couldn't help but smile at the thought of them being together. Deceit was similar to Roman in a way that he understood Remus, didn't mind his outbursts, creative thinking, or his extensively gross imagination. He could handle Remus' continuous fidgeting, sudden mood changes and overall expressive personality.

They had been friends elementary school and Roman was honestly surprised Remus only has a crush now, but then again Remus isn't exactly in-tune with his emotions. In the end, Roman was proud of his brother for understanding his feelings, and admitting them out loud.

Afterwards nothing more was said, Roman knew that would only make Remus uncomfortable, he'd tell him more and more in due time. Instead Roman played the movie and Remus stayed for the rest of it, shifting every now and again but never stopped cuddling his brother who didn't mind one bit.

In school a few days later Remus parted from his brother as soon as they entered the school gates, even if they were extremely close they didn't hang out much in school - they had vastly different schedules and simply spent time with different people. Remus ran off so quickly due to spotting Deceit sitting at a bench underneath the shade of a tree, on their lap a camera which they used to take a few pictures on the walk to school - on his walk to school they pass through a forest which is absolutely beautiful all year around, most of the pictures printed out and stuck on his wall were off that forest (and a few of Remus). His favourite was of him and Remus laying in a pile of orange leaves, both grinning up at the camera happily.

Today Deceit wore a mustard yellow dress that reached his knees, it was covered with daisies all connected by dark green vines. A ribbon of the same colour wrapped around his waist and tied into a bow at his side, on his head he wore his favourite boater hat with a ribbon wrapped around it, the colour white matching the daisies.

Remus jumped onto the bench beside him and he looked up, startled for only a moment before he grinned happily at his friend who was already grinning at the sight of him. Today he hadn't worn any makeup but he knew Deceit often let his scars have a break after being covered with makeup the entire day before.

One of his eyes, the eye on the side of the scars, had faded in colour after the crash. He lost sight in it for awhile, miraculously it came back but his iris had changed, mostly turning white, leaving his pupil outlined with a faint green, the original colour of his eyes, coincidently due to this it looked more yellow - Deceit's (unsurprising) favourite colour.

"Hello, you" Deceit murmured, shifting closer to Remus. "Hi! Did you get here safely? No trouble? Did anyone look at you weirdly? Can I torture them? D'you wanna listen to their screams!?" Deceit chuckled lightly and placed his hand on Remus', their physical affections were very common between them. "Because someone would dare look in my direction knowing your my protector" and Remus brightened at the title, he was Deceit's protector, and he liked it very much.

"Actually, Remus, can we talk seriously?"

And Remus felt his heart thudded in his chest. "It's about Virgil"

Of course that was a tad disappointing, but certainly solved the anxiety that flushed through his chest. "Why?" He cocked his head to the side, wondering if he had any bad intentions.

"I feel awfully worried about him. Haven't you noticed his mood change recently? I swear I saw him crying as he left school yesterday" he explained and Remus frowned in worry, gently pulling Deceit's sleeve to explain further. "I don't know, Remus. Has Roman said anything?" Unfortunately Remus shook his head, he didn't think Roman knew at all, which he expressed to Deceit after.

"That's not good" Deceit whispered, quick he packed away his camera, stood up and pulled his satchel over his shoulder. "Come on! Let's find him" holding out a hand Remus instantly held it and they intertwined their hands together, walking in stride to the school, daren't telling the other how much their arms tingled at the mere touch. Remus' crush on Deceit was only discovered four months ago while for Deceit? He discovered it two years ago, but couldn't bring himself to admit it, no matter what. He just didn't think Remus wanted that, he's never shown that sort of interest before, in anyone.

Luckily lessons hadn't started yet and they quickly found Virgil backstage in the theatre, setting up the costumes for the actors as today would be the first audition with everyone in the correct clothing.

Remus stayed back, focused entirely on a fake knife left in the prop box. Deceit walked right up to Virgil, tilting his hat back to get a full view of the busy boy. He adorned tight, ripped black jeans and similar coloured leather combat boots. Wrapped around his waist was his signature jacket, mostly black with purple patches sewed in with thick white stitches. Deceit supposed the room was quite warm, he'd be sweating buckets of he wore it. Matching, he wore a black graphic tank top, about a band Deceit didn't listen to but was familiar due to their popularity.

Virgil was also one of the few students that had many piercings across his face, a bunch in both of his ears, the most eye catching being the metal iridescent bar across the top section of his left ear. He also had a nose stud, septum piercing, a tongue piercing, and one on his left eyebrow that also had a small patch shaven off. Deceit was sure Virgil would get more as he aged, he wouldn't be surprised if he were to be littered with tattoos as soon as he could as well.

"Hello, Virgil" Deceit broke the silence which startled the boy a little, turning around and relaxing when he saw Deceit. Even if he was the school's liar, the best at the task and always able to see through them Virgil knew he was a good friend, and never used his lies unless to take down or ruin anyone who deserved it. He'd also use them to get far in life, but that was simply because of his views on society.

"Oh, uh, hey De" Virgil looked over Deceit's shoulder to see Remus, smiling when his face reminded him of Roman and the fact he'd see him soon.

"What's up?" Virgil continued, awkwardly sliding his hands into his pockets. "Just wanted to talk" Deceit smiled gently, "I certainly didn't see you leave school crying yesterday" Virgil tensed a little but was quick to brush it off, "What? No, no I wasn't, what?" Deceit saw through it like it were a window.

"Oh, Virgil, that was pitiful, at least try next time?" Deceit stepped closer, "I've noticed your change recently, try to deny it I dare you - remember, glass houses Virgil, I wouldn't be offended if you didn't want to talk to me, but I hear Roman is coming soon" Deceit took a quick glance over to the costumes, seeing the one Roman would be wearing front and centre. He knew this because he did a little research into the play they would be putting on, knowing Roman got first role he knew what he would be wearing.

"Maybe you could talk to him? I know how close you two are" Virgil stared at the ground and let out a sigh, he knew from the start trying to lie would be useless but he didn't want to tell anyone what he was going through. Especially not Roman because he was the entire problem! Virgil loved him for fucks sake! For five months! And it's gotten worse and worse because he's fallen deeper and deeper, the reason he cried yesterday was because he forced himself to believe someone like Roman would never want him.

"Yeah, sure" he responded lowly. Deceit rose an eyebrow. "That was believable"

Virgil sighed again, he took a quick glance at Remus - he couldn't admit what was bothering him with him here, he'd sure to blabber to his brother, intentional or not, which would destroy Virgil. He couldn't handle that awkwardness. Meeting Deceit's gaze the two heard the sound of Roman's loud voice coming this way so as quick as he could Virgil leaned forward and whispered;

"I like Roman"

Before leaning back. Deceit didn't look surprised, shocked, instead he looked happy, wearing a smile that silently thanked Virgil who felt a little reassured at his response. Roman appeared in the room, surprised to see Remus, but after noticing Deceit not so much.

"Brother! Why are these fake?! Wouldn't it be so much more fun to stab someone for real and see their blood splurt everywhere?!" He asked eagerly, the other actors who came in behind Roman all gave Remus a weird look at his suggestion, the twins ignored them though. Roman grinned and took the fake knife from Remus, dropping it back in it's rightful place in the prop-box.

"Maybe because he want our actors to survive the play" Roman responded which made Remus cackle, "that's no fun!"

While the two bickered playfully, Deceit turned to Virgil. "Your secrets safe with me. Remember Virgil, communication is the most important thing we have, and maybe, just maybe, anyone watching on would think this to be dramatic irony" he winked, Virgil didn't understand which Deceit knew, turning away from Virgil his dress fluttered around his thighs which Remus caught glance of and nearly drooled over.

"Begone, Mus! And take your mistress with you" Roman nudged Remus in Deceit's direction, Remus barely paid attention to his brother now he was Deceit's centre of attention once again. "Yes, and maybe you should focus on yours" Deceit responded, a gentle hint, taking Remus' hand and leaving the room. Roman looked over at Virgil who turned away quickly, Roman just catching sight of the pink twinge to his cheeks underneath his foundation.

A small smile lifted Roman's face as he took his costume. Maybe he did have a chance...maybe.

And so, the four boys had crushes on each other. Was it surprising they didn't realise their love was returned? Not at all. But they all had their reasons. Remus truly didn't believe Deceit would want to be with him because of how long their friendship was, he assumed they were doomed to 'best friend' status forever. While Deceit thought Remus simply didn't want anything to do with relationships at all, he's never expressed liking that sort of thing before, and doesn't seem the type.

Roman, due to imbedded insecurities, outright assumed no one would want to be with him, especially someone as incredible as Virgil. He didn't want a repeat of last time so avoided it like the plague. The utter humiliation, embarrassment and pain he felt that day was enough for him to never ask anyone out again. For Virgil it was similar, he was struck with his own insecurities, assuming someone as beautiful as Roman would never stoop so low to date someone like him, he saw himself as ugly and just unappealing in general.

Their suffering lasted a different amount for each but finally, towards the end of the year it was over for them all.

Deceit and Remus were the first to start dating.

It was November first, the two had spent Halloween together trick or treating until midnight, then they walked around for hours admiring Halloween decorations and throwing fake blood everywhere much to Remus' delight. Now, in the very early mornings of the next day, they had walked up one of the tall hills that overlooked the town they lived in - the only light they had was from the setting moon.

They sat at the top, cuddled up to each other, wrapped in a thick blanket Deceit had brought in their satchel. They planned to do this from the start which was why they came prepared. Eating sweets while talking to each other happily.

Then they had a moment of silence, Remus shifted which unfortunately made the blanket slip from his shoulders. Noticing it was slipping from Deceit too, he reached around, grabbed both ends and encased them again, while his arm returned his fingers brushed against Deceit's side which made him gasp and flinch a little. Instantly Remus stilled, watching with concerned eyes.

Deceit then sent him a reassuring smile. "Oh, I'm sorry, I'm rather...sensitive" he explained and Remus blushed, feeling his stomach clench and flutter with butterflies. Deceit felt the exact same. The only person he was comfortable with being vulnerable to was Remus, and whenever he was it felt...nice. He enjoyed opening up to Remus, it only brought them closer, and this certainly did.

Remus, unable to quench his thirsty curiosity, returned his arm and gently gripped Deceit'd side, the boy gasped again, unable to stop the breathless moan that slipped out too. Remus watched with glazed over eyes as Deceit blushed furiously but didn't pull away, instead looked at Remus with such a vulnerable look he couldn't help but squeeze his side again, hook his fingers under his chin and bring him into a kiss, Deceit whined and gripped Remus' forearms, shifting closer and melting into his touch, shaking gently with the sensations he's never experienced before.

Remus broke the kiss and stared at him closely, he's never seen Deceit so red before. He quickly understood he hadn't exactly asked for permission to do this, and it might be making Deceit extremely uncomfortable, so withdrew and shuffled back, avoiding his gaze.

Deceit, as a matter of fact, was far from uncomfortable but didn't want to push Remus. Instead he brought the blanket closer to his body and sighed out, calming down the heat that rushed through his entire body.

"Remus?"

The boy barely managed a hum in response. "Do you think..." Deceit pulled his legs closer to his body, "well, what I mean to say is.." he didn't exactly know how to word this, but managed in the end. "You kissed me with purpose, didn't you? Not because I reacted to your touch in such a way or..because you felt obligated to?"

Remus quickly looked up at him, fiddling with a stem of grass nervously. He opened and closed his mouth, feeling extremely awkward - he's never been in a position like this, or anything similar, he wished Roman was here to help him, he didn't know what to say poor boy.

"Oh, I'm sorry" Deceit shuffled over, "this is hard for you, isn't it? Okay..." Deceit gently placed his hand on top of Remus', "did you kiss me because you felt obliged to?" Remus shook his head and Deceit's heart thudded faster, somehow, it was already going impossible speeds.

"Did you kiss me because...you wanted to?"

Remus nodded.

"Did you kiss me because you like me?"

Remus nodded again and Deceit smiled. Now their hands were intertwined.

"I like you too"

Deceit chuckled lightly at how Remus changed so suddenly from a blown-out candle to a bright burning star. "Well" Deceit wrapped the blanket around the both of them again, smiling at Remus. "Aren't you going to kiss me?"

Remus nodded and cupped his face, kissing him again, soft and loving. He didn't want to go too far yet, he wanted to wait, knowing that indulging in such sexual activities so soon could lead to regret and future discomfort, if he knew he ever put Deceit through that he'd torture himself.

They pulled back slowly, Deceit slowly opened his eyes and smiled up at Remus who smiled back, vibrating in excitement. "Now" Deceit squeezed his hand, "I totally don't assume we're boyfriends?" Remus cackled lightly, unable to stop wrapping his arms around his waist and hugging him close.

"We are! We're butt-buddies!"

Deceit laughed too, resting his face on Remus' shoulder comfortingly. "Does this mean you're mine?" Remus murmured after a moment and Deceit closed his eyes, adoring the protective streak that split through Remus, maybe a bit too much.

"I'm all yours" Deceit whispered and Remus grinned happily.

"We should go home, it's totally not extremely late" Remus giggled and shrugged, parting from his boyfriend to collect all their things and place them in the satchel, not the blanket which Remus made Deceit keep wrapped around him, not wanting him to catch a cold.

"I don't want you to go home" Remus whined, "come to mine! Or I'll kidnap you" he threatened and Deceit smiled, raising to his feet gracefully with Remus pulling him up. "I'll happily spend the night, cuddling with you will bring me great joy. As soon as we tell Roman the better, I do want to prompt him to his own love life"

"Roman-lettuce is an idiot!" Remus complained, holding Deceit's hand as they walked through the dark woods. "Why hasn't he fucked Virgil yet!?"

"Not at all because they're not dating yet" Deceit drawled in response, Remus cackled, "as if that's stopped anyone before!"

And Deceit couldn't argue against that.

Deceit shot a text to his dad explaining he'd spend the night over Remus', basically most the night was almost over anyway - neither did Deceit's father or Remus' parents care, they were both old enough to take care of themselves and the town they lived in was seriously safe, the only crime committed being anti-social behaviour and robbery.

They silently walked in and up to Remus' room, while Deceit walked in and placed his satchel to the side Remus walked into his parents room and gently woke up his mother (who told him to when he returned). She smiled tiredly up at him, leaning up to give him a hug and a kiss to the cheek. "Goodnight, my maniac" she whispered and Remus smiled, he'd tell her what happened between him and Deceit in the morning.

Leaving the room he returned to his own, spotting Deceit wiping off the Halloween-themed makeup from his face with his wet wipes.

"No!" Remus whined quietly, sitting on the bed and pulling Deceit to face him. "I'll do it" he grinned and Deceit had no objections, closing his eyes and letting Remus wipe away all the makeup, being extremely careful on the scarred side of his face which made Deceit's heart blossom with love.

Afterwards Deceit returned the favour, cleaning away all the fake blood and the fake cut across his forehead. Once the two were clean Deceit changed into a pair of pyjamas Remus handed him (one he never wears) while Remus himself stripped down to boxers and an oversized t-shirt.

After realising Deceit might not be comfortable he walked over to him and gently tugged his sleeve. Deceit turned to him curiously, noticing he gestured to his clothes. Deceit didn't hesitate to smile and kiss his cheek. "I don't mind at all" he reassured and Remus grinned, jumping onto his bed and waiting until Deceit put away his costume neatly.

Walking across the room Deceit shut the curtains, every so often glancing up at the glowing stars with a smile. He knew the story behind them and found it heart warming.

Laying beside his boyfriend Remus curled both his arms around Deceit's waist and cuddled him close, burying his face in his soft hair. "M'goodnight" Remus murmured, "let the bed-bugs bite"

At this Deceit chuckled into his chest, hugging him tighter. "Not unless they bite you first..." he responded tiredly, and soon the two were asleep, due to being so tired Remus didn't move around as much which he was grateful for - he didn't want to disturb Deceit. (That was brought up between the two at a later date, Deceit noticed Remus' fidgeted less and made him confess through 'yes' and 'no' questions. After Deceit had a loving talk with him, explaining he didn't mind at all that he moved, and would much rather he did then be in excruciating uncomfortableness. Remus loved him even more after it)

The next morning Roman was first to know, he walked into Remus' room as soon as he woke up to check he arrived home safely, surprised to see Deceit tucked securely in his twin's arms. Then he felt his heart melt, it was the cutest fucking thing...! Admittedly he had been worried about Remus' love life, and always had the anxiety that Deceit wouldn't like him back, and he may have a harder time finding love, but was extremely happy for his brother, and knew they'd be in love for quite some time, hopefully forever.

Then his parents were told. Later in the morning Remus came down the stairs still pretty tired. He had left Deceit in bed to sleep for longer while he nudged at his mom gently, quietly telling her he and Deceit were now 'butt-buddies'. His mother was the only person he could be that open with, with his father and Roman it took a few hours of spending time in silence before he could, and with others he'd just nudge their arm and hope they figure it out themselves.

Their mother was extremely excited, hugging Remus tightly and instantly telling her husband who put down his newspaper to walk closer and ruffle Remus' hair. The boy grinned happily. "You better treat that boy like the queen he is" his father warned and Remus nodded wildly. Deceit had always been quite vocal in the fact he didn't care for whatever pronouns he was referred to as, often people would use he/him but sometimes he'd get the odd she/her or they/them, either way Deceit didn't mind one bit.

"He's still tired! Can I make him pancakes? Ooo! Or bacon! But instead of bacon I could use whale meat"

Their mother laughed and hugged him from behind as he searched through the fridge, "when have we ever had whale meat, maniac?"

"Never!" He exclaimed like that was an issue. She laughed again along with her husband who returned to the kitchen table. "We'll make breakfast for you two, now go back to sleep! Don't think I didn't notice you come in at six" their father waved him off and Remus cackled as he rushed out the room and back to his bedroom.

Entering he spotted Deceit sat up, yawning while rubbing his eyes. "Tired?" Remus teased, sitting beside him. Deceit smiled, barely able to keep open their eyes so they simply shut them. "Mm...yeah" they admitted without a fight, Remus cooed and laid them both down, the two sleeping again until mid afternoon where they finally had breakfast.

Yes, the two boys were infatuated by each other, and would be for the rest of their lives.

Meanwhile, Virgil and Roman took a bit longer, but got there in the end. It was the night after the final showing of the play, due to Roman's family including Deceit having been there the first night they weren't here today which gave him the chance to relax and do what he wanted with the rest of the actors who were in the same position. Along with the stage crew, especially Virgil, who once spotting Roman back stage walked up to him and congratulated him on another great performance.

"Why thank you, dear emo nightmare!" Roman grinned and Virgil rolled his eyes fondly, of course.

"Like usual the crew and I will be going out to celebrate! I know the past three times you didn't come, unfortunately I didn't see much of you then so I couldn't ask, but would you like to join today?" The offer surprised Virgil, he'd never been...invited out with all the crew before, he hadn't really spoken to any of them much so he could see why. He was more 'behind the scenes' than the rest of the 'behind the scenes' guys. In fact, he's never been invited out to a party, or to hang out in a large group before at all. It would be a first and to say he was anxious would be an understatement.

"Uh-well...I don't have any money-"

"I'll pay!" Roman quickly solved but Virgil shook his head. "No, I-I couldn't accept-"

"Please, Virgil!" He begged, his bottom lip sticking out comically. "I promise I don't mind! My treat! To you, for being a great crew member, and dealing with all of the actor's shit, especially my own" he chuckled lightly and Virgil smirked, he did have to deal with a lot of shit over the past week, but after Roman pleaded he couldn't say no.

"Fine, lemme just tell my mom.." pulling out his phone he quickly sent her a text, she responded almost instantly, terribly excited for her son to be spending time with people! She doesn't mind he's a bit of a loner, but always loves when he goes out, he spends so much time in his room she...well, let's just say if she ever needs to ground him she has to ground him to spend time outside rather than in.

"Okay, yeah, I can go"

Roman cheered and grabbed his hand, dragging him over to the others, a few sent him smiles but other than that continued talking with the people they knew more. Virgil wasn't complaining, he much preferred to stay in the background and listen, every so often conversing with Roman who, he noted, talked to him the most compared to everyone else.

As the night progressed and it was nearing midnight, more and more people left until it was only Roman and Virgil left, sitting in a booth inside McDonald's, sipping from their milkshakes and talking happily.

"Poppy nearly tripped over the table! What a spectacle that would have been!" Roman explained, licking his straw after pulling out out his drink. Virgil watched him with a faint, happy smile. "So close to the end too! I'm glad she caught herself, I fear she might've fallen off the stage and broke her neck" he shook his head and plunged the straw back in his drink, pushing it side to side for a moment.

"I do love turtles but these straws are horrendous"

Finally Virgil let out a laugh which made Roman light up at the sound. He adored Virgil's laugh and vice versa, sometimes neither could get enough and would do everything they could to make the other laugh.

"Hey, Ro?" Virgil murmured after a moment. Roman looked up with a smile, "thanks..." his eyes flickered down to the glossy table, "for inviting me...I know I'm pretty anti-social but this was nice, especially with just..us.." he drifted and blushed at the words he accidentally let slip, but it only made Roman smile wider.

"I agree" Roman reached over, laying his hand over Virgil's, and yes his heart was going insane-

"I enjoyed our time along together even more so. It was almost like a..." Roman looked down at the pink and white milkshake, "like a date" he murmured, Virgil felt his whole face darken red. Roman thought of this as a date...?

"Oh..." Virgil breathed and the two went silent, avoiding each other's gaze. After awhile Virgil slowly lifted his hand, stretching out his fingers. Roman slowly did the same, and as gently as ever their hands slipped together, intertwined and warm.

"So, uh, Remus and Deceit...?" Virgil brought up, desperate for conversation. Roman nodded and their gaze met timidly.

"Yes! Yes, a few weeks now, isn't it wonderful? Oh! I'm so happy for my brother, he truly deserves this...they deserve each other, practically made for each other!" Roman smiled wide at the thought of his twin's happiness which made Virgil admire him more. "Only I can't help but feel jealous, sometimes I wish for a relationship, I do hate being lonely" he admitted, smile fading to a frown, eyes focused on the window.

"Oh...really?"

Roman nodded quietly. "Who uh-" Virgil coughed, shifting in his seat, steadily aware of their hands. "Who with?"

Roman looked at him, then at their hands. He smiled a little. "This boy..." he began, and Virgil felt his heart sink, it must be about someone else. "He's wonderful, sometimes I can't stop thinking about him. Other times I want to wrap him in my arms and not let go. I...can't believe how incredible he is..." then, with a bout of confidence, Roman turned to face Virgil fully.

"Would you like me to describe him? You may know him"

Virgil, hiding his disappointment and heartache, nodded silently.

"Well, he has black hair! Jet black, but certainly not his natural colour" he winked, Virgil just watched him through his black bangs. "It looks so soft all the time! I have no idea how he does it, but I could imagine him looking just as beautiful with his natural colour" he then moved on to a different feature, "oh, and his eyes! A deep, rich brown, like two pits of honey, flickered with specs of gold. I could stare at them for hours, impossibly beautiful..." he drifted, his smile soft, along with his heart and eyes.

"His skin smooth and pale, the fairest of them all one might say, maybe one day he'd let me see him for all his pure magnificence, but of course only if he's comfortable. And his clothes? Quite a style, vastly opposite to my own. All black yet extremely stylish, my favourite is his jacket, I think he made it himself..." his heart was in his throat at this point, he wasn't looking at Virgil anymore, instead at their hands.

"Want to know his name?" Roman whispered, then after a moment, a deep breath, he said;

"Virgil Bright"

And squeezed Virgil's hand softly.

The silence that fell over them was a tad awkward at first, then intently anxiety-inducing. The more that time went by, the more Roman's heart was crushed. Once again, him admitting his feelings didn't work out. Ready to take his hand back and leave he was surprised when Virgil tightened their grip, preventing him from doing so. After a second Roman looked up at Virgil, gasping quietly when he noticed the silent tears slipping down his cheeks.

"Virge-?"

"I've never-" he sniffled, using his sleeve to wipe his eyes, which smudged his makeup. "I've never been...described like that before. By anyone" he sniffled again, somehow finding it in him to meet Roman's gentle gaze. "Do you really mean all that?" He whispered and Roman leaned closer over the table.

"Of course I do, every single word" he responded and Virgil hiccuped, Roman handed him a napkin and he thanked him quietly.

"I really do think you're incredible, and I'd love to, if you'd want to...go out? Some time? Become-, um, boyfriends-if-if-"

Virgil squeezed his hand to cut him off, leaning over the table too. "Yes, yes, please, I want that"

Roman lit up, biting his lip that stretched into a grin so wide. "Really?" He whispered vulnerably. When Virgil nodded Roman giggled sheepishly, "I never thought I'd ever be able to call you mine" he whispered and Virgil felt his heart skip a fucking beat.

"Same..." he admitted with a light and nervous chuckle. "So-um..are we..together?" He asked timidly and Roman nodded. "I'll take you on a date- a real date, as soon as I can" Virgil hid his smile behind his sleeve, he had imagined this moment for quite some time and holy shit was it better than anything he could have thought.

"Let's get you home" Roman then murmured after a moment. Virgil agreed, the two threw away their drinks and left the mostly empty building. On the walk home they held hands, stuck close, talked and laughed the entire way - hearts filled with warmth the two had never experienced before but never wanted to fade.

Like Roman promised, that same week he took Virgil out for a real date. Knowing Virgil's anxiety with fancy restaurants, he instead took him to see a movie, which ended with them returning to Virgil's home (as his mother was out) ordering take out, cuddling on the couch and watching even more movies, but the two loved every moment - Why? Because they were with each other, just each other, finally as boyfriends, meaning they could share affections, cuddle meaningfully and even..share a kiss.

Which they did. And they only fell in love even more.

And that was how four boys ended up getting together with their crushes.

It's true it lasted for the rest of their lives, but the year after getting together a new boy arrived in school, befriending them all instantly. And what a surprise he ended up falling for the stoic and downright rude student Logan Atlas?

Maybe it wasn't a surprise at all. Wink.

—
Part two? Logan and Patton time?

Yes I have college tomorrow, what of it

2:28am