7:04pm

I thought you loved me
—

It was nearing midday by the time Virgil woke up from his slumber. For awhile he curled up comfortably and hoped to fall back asleep, slipping in and out, but in the end knew if he didn't get up soon Patton would pick him up and carry him to the kitchen for lunch, and he doesn't want them to happen. Again.

He let out a tired groan, rubbing his eyes to try and rid them of the stinging sensation, patting down his bed to try and find his phone he inevitably fell asleep while playing on. Eventually, after kicking the blankets halfway across his room, he found it towards the bottom hand corner. He swore he checked that area.

Falling onto his stomach, he grabbed at it, checking the time. 12:01pm.

Just as he read it his stomach gurgled - fuck, he was hungry. Sitting up, he stretched his body similar to a cat, yawning for what seemed like years. Finally, he found it in him to get up with the knowledge that he could return around half an hour later. Snapping his fingers, he left his room not wearing his pyjamas but his usual clothing, however when he opened the door and stepped out, his foot landed on a piece of paper.

Confused, he bent down and scooped it up. It was plain white, the words printed on it, so he couldn't tell who's it was through the handwriting. He scrunched up his face a little, finding the paper to hold a list of songs. He had heard a few, but not all - the ones he did know were ones he used in the past to help his anxiety. Curious, he stepped back inside and pulled out his phone from his pockets, finding all the songs to be calming, serene, even.

Who had done this...?

He laid the paper on his desk and left, entering the kitchen to see Roman and Logan sitting at the table, talking casually about their favourite Greek God. The list wasn't really on his mind, but as he passed Patton who was cooking, he placed a hand on his shoulder, murmured a thanks (in assumption that it was him, because, why would anyone else do it?) and took a seat beside Logan, resting his head in his hands.

"Ah, good morning, Virgil!" Roman proclaimed, pausing his conversation with Logan. "It's wonderful to finally see you up" He then winked, biting into one of the slices of bread meant to be eaten with the food. Virgil just pulled a face at him, too tired to care about snapping back with a more witty comment, scrolling through Tumblr mindlessly while the others continued their talking.

It has gone on for awhile between the two, as in for weeks. When Logan first brought up Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses to Roman - he knew a few and were fascinated by them - but jumped aboard when Logan offered to teach him more. In the first week Patton and Virgil caught glimpses off their conversations which were nothing but mythology and never once did a day go by without Roman looking awed.

Second week in Patton wanted to join in on the knowledge train and they all began study sessions, every day they'd spend in a room Roman had made specifically for it (with both their inputs on the design) learning as much as they could from books and researched materiel online - only from sites Logan approved of, however.

Virgil didn't really care for it, and actually enjoyed being able to lounge in the living room or kitchen or even the hallway knowing he wouldn't be disturbed. It worked out for all of them in the end.

Especially when it all blossomed into something more. Something Virgil had actually predicted fourth week in. When Patton's looks of affection not only landed on Logan but to Roman, too, plus it being returned by both who (they would at the time deny but Virgil knew) also sent to each other, their growing adoration and feelings couldn't be kept a secret for long.

While Virgil was walking to his room and past their study room, he paused when he noticed how oddly quiet it was. Curiously, he cracked open the door and peered inside, eyes softening when he saw Roman and Patton hugging while Logan watched on with a gentle smile, holding both of their free hands. It was a sight to see and Virgil was very happy for them. (However, when he had the chance he cornered both Logan and Roman, telling them both if they somehow hurt his dad he would end them).

"Good morning, Kiddo!" Patton finally turned around from his food, swooping down to press a kiss to his temple. Virgil smiled slightly at him, making sure the others couldn't really see it. He didn't mind them seeing his smile but liked to reserve them more for Patton who beamed at the sight and ruffled his hair affectionately.

"Why don't you two talk about something you can all enjoy?" Patton then suggested to his two boyfriends who cut short their conversation, glanced at Virgil and agreed. Although Virgil would much rather reblog funny memes, he sent his dad an appreciative smile and added his input into whatever ideas they came up wit for the new Sander Sides video. (The topic of interest they moved onto).

Once Patton laid the food onto the table and sat beside Roman, they all spoke about mundane things, forgetting the video for now. Many times Virgil watched Patton grin at Roman and Logan with a certain twinkle in his eye, sometimes he'd nudge his foot into Logan's or rest his hand on Roman's - either way even if Virgil hated PDA he could never hate anything Patton would do. Besides, when he did it it was adorable.

Afterwards, he let the three lovebirds chat, returning to his room where he hugged his bed. "Who needs lovers when I have you" he mumbled, face pressed into the sheets.

Most the day passed with him lounging - as per usual - sometimes he would be called to by Patton, joining in on whatever he was invited to but not for long, as he was an introverted boy who needed to socialise but also needed time to relax, alone. Really, the only thing out of the ordinary today was the list - but then again Patton has given him gifts in the past without telling him beforehand, so Virgil brushed it aside, listened to the music and fell asleep around four am.

The next morning, Virgil woke up surprisingly the same time as yesterday. He smirked in tired realisation - that was pretty cool. Like usual, he snapped his fingers into his clothes and left his room, socked foot landing and crinkling yet another sheet of paper. He sighed, waving his hand around for the paper to lift up onto it, too lazy to bend down.

On it was yet another list. This time, the same amount of books as songs from yesterday, each book with an enticing title - at the top, it also stated these were all from audible. Since Logan gave him the audible-related gift, he had used the app many, many times. Mostly during moments of heightened anxiety and other times when he just wanted to relax and go to sleep. (A rarity, wanting sleep).

He assumed this was from Logan - once placing it beside the other, he truly wondered what they were all doing. First the songs now this? Are they trying to soften him up to tell him something bad? Really bad? He rolled his eyes at the thought - he wouldn't be surprised if they destroyed one thing or another and haven't told him yet.

Appearing in the kitchen for maximin laziness (he actually preferred walking, appearing and disappearing took more energy) he slumped across the room and sat next to Roman - knowing everyday Patton liked to switch it up, sitting beside Roman on one day and sitting beside Logan the next. He honestly didn't mind, if either were to annoy him they could do it beside him or across from him.

"Good morning, Virgil. Did you sleep well?" Logan asked once he noticed him. Virgil shrugged, mumbling what seemed like a 'yeah, whatever' until suddenly remembering the list. "Oh uh, thanks"

Logan blinked then slowly nodded his head - "you are welcome"

"Maybe you should try sleeping earlier, kiddo" Patton chirped, placing plates of steaming food down before the sides who seemed to light up a little at the sight. "You could wake up early enough for breakfast! The most important meal of the day" Patton sounded like he was reciting Logan, sitting beside said logical aspect afterwards. He looked proud of Patton.

"Second to me" Roman was quick to interject, making Logan sigh and Patton giggle. Virgil rolled his eyes and elbowed Roman who yelped. Virgil noticed Logan's eyes darken for a second before he went back to normal. Virgil brushed it off - Logan was very protective of his boyfriends (not toxic protectiveness, but enough to severely hurt someone who hurt either of them). With his natural instinct to protect, if either Patton or Roman made a sound of alarm or pain, he'd jump aboard it immediately.

Virgil actually found it pretty cool - he was similar, if someone hurt any of his friends (especially Patton) he'd lose it. Maybe he and Logan could band together to form the protective squad. A second later he grimaced, hating that.

With the day breezing by, he actually took into account Patton's suggestion - that is how it goes, really. Patton begins to notice Virgil becoming tireder and tireder each day, suggests he sleeps earlier (which he does) until many nights go by, he falls asleep later each night until it loops once again. 

A start to a new loop.

With an audible book filling the space around him, he fell asleep nearing one am. Still not waking up early enough for breakfast, however today he woke up at ten, two hours earlier. He was a proud boy.

Swinging his legs off the bed, he didn't feel as ragged as he had in the past, so he actually changed into his jeans and top himself, however snapped on his jacket along with folding up his pyjamas and laying them on the edge of the bed he didn't make knowing he would return soon later.

Opening his door, he hesitated this time, glancing to the ground to see another paper, the same printed text and white background.

This time a list of conspiracy videos linked to - guess what? - Disney. Roman, obviously. He supposed they weren't trying to be subtle. Laying the list on the desk (intending to go back for it later that night) he walked to the kitchen, plopping beside Logan and sending a slight nod of gratitude in Roman's way.

He cocked his head to the side questioningly. "Thanks for the, y'know" Virgil gestured vaguely towards the doorway which seemed to recall Roman's memory. He smiled and nodded back, welcoming him graciously.

Falling asleep to conspiracies about Disney, he awoke the next morning kinda...excited for what he would be greeted with today. Clicking his fingers to change (for he wanted to open the door faster) he looked out at the ground, surprised today to see a single rose laying on the ground, completely black. He lifted it up, the stem green, the petals such a deep black Virgil wondered how it was possible.

He made a vase appear and dropped it inside so it would survive for longer, grazing his fingers across the soft petals for a moment before he entered the kitchen with a light smile on his face. Small, but there. He really liked the rose - he hadn't seen a completely black one before. Not in real life, anyway.

Further along the day Virgil found himself sitting in the living room, one leg drawn up to his chest, the other hanging off the edge of the couch as he watched a movie. Every so often he would glance over at the three cuddling sides - he wasn't jealous of them, no, however he wouldn't mind receiving some cuddles. In a friendly way, he guessed - he was just a little touch starved, and now more of Patton's cuddly/affectionate side was aimed at his boyfriends (which, again, Virgil didn't mind for they were dating, they both deserved it) it was becoming worse.

He left movie night early.

His gift the next day surprised him a little bit - it was a teddy bear. It looked cute, with round, dark eyes, a button nose and soft fur, however it was quite big, probably the size of his upper half. He scooped it up and read the note attached to a string loosely tired around it's neck.

'Studies have shown that cuddling a soft toy can help soothe anxiety'

Virgil smiled, his arm tightening it's hold just that slight bit. He brought it into his room and laid it gently onto his bed, supposing this was a gift idea from both Patton and Logan.

That morning, he thanked them both, not realising the time was nine thirty. The earliest he has woken up in years.

Before the gifts, Virgil would usually dread waking up each morning, but now he always got up, barely remembering to change into his clothes before he was opening the door to see what he was given that morning. His collection was growing, with now a few teddies on his bed, vase full of black roses, each as beautiful as the other, not a single one wilting or losing colour. He had compiled the papers together, most different ways to help with anxiety, others just random things he didn't know he would enjoy. Nothing that would take too much effort but not too little to feel like he got nothing out of the experience.

He was honestly loving each and every gift, from the smaller ones to the larger. His thank you's became less frequent to the point he doesn't do it anymore - mostly because he doesn't know which side gave him the gift that morning, and it was becoming a tad tedious. He appreciated them all and he hoped his growing smiles proved that. Sometimes he would carry around the gift with him during the day, whoever passed by would smile at him when they noticed it.

Two whole months had passed and his room had brightened up considerably. Now, his lights weren't so dark and dreary, they were brighter and he could change them to any colour he liked. They mostly stayed on purple. His ceiling was also covered with glow in the dark stars (he was gifted them after one night he admitted he was a tad afraid of the dark). He had a wall dedicated to different drawings he sometimes received and a board covered with the lists on the small, square pieces of paper.

Honestly, the two months were really...great. He admittedly had been feeling down recently with the whole other sides becoming boyfriends and whatever. He adored their relationship, truly he did, but he sometimes felt...jealous. He wouldn't mind cuddling someone, spending time with them, going on dates and kissing - it also kinda hurt because he had a miniature crush on Roman, so seeing him with Logan and Patton didn't exactly help. He was over it but he could still recall how much he was hurt and would stray away from them if possible.

Now he hung around them pretty often, he guessed they all wanted to make him feel better and knowing confrontation and talking it out wasn't his jazz, they gave him gifts instead. He found it really endearing.

Halfway through the third month he opened his door, staring at the folded blanket left before it. Curiously, he bent down and scooped it up, loving the fact it was fluffy, smooth and black. He then furrowed his eyebrows when he realised it was really quite heavy - then understood it was a weighted blanket.

He stretched it across his bed, tempted to lay back down and use it but he wanted to thank them today for he had actually wanted a weighted blanket for awhile, just hadn't gotten around to creating one. Making things that he hadn't ever touched or felt before took a lot of energy and usually never turned out right, anyway.

Walking to the kitchen, he noticed they were all sitting at the table eating breakfast. He had began waking earlier and earlier since the gifts began, and now he can actually sit and eat breakfast with them. He doesn't have much, just a fruit, really, but nevertheless it was nice spending time with them for longer.

He shuffled across the room, taking the vacant seat beside Patton, Roman and Logan opposite, the two holding hands while eating cereal. "Morning, Kiddo!" Patton chirped, giving him a quick side hug, mouth full of porridge. Virgil smiled, leaning into his embrace. "Hey, dad"

"It is nice to see you up early" Logan commented once swallowing his food. Virgil nodded slightly, drumming his fingers against the table.

"What's up, Sunshine and Rainbows?" Roman questioned, that nickname coming into use with the sudden recurrence of his smile. 

Virgil rolled his eyes fondly, laying his hands in his lap. "Thanks" he began, "I've wanted one of those -uh..weighted blankets for awhile, so thanks" he smiled timidly at them, watching them all slowly stop eating and share confused glances.

"Uh...well, I for one didn't give you it" Roman responded, surprising Virgil.

"Wha-?"

"Neither have I, nor has Patton" Logan interjected.

Virgil felt heat rush to his cheeks. "What-but... what about the other gifts?"

They looked confused again. Virgil paled this time, swallowing dryly. "What gifts?" Roman asked, head tilted to the side slightly.

"You haven't left gifts outside my room everyday?"

They all slowly shook their head. "Is this a prank?" Logan questioned, Virgil wanted to deny it but stopped himself from doing so. If all of those gifts weren't from these three, then they were from the dark sides...he had accepted gifts from the dark sides! He knew them- all the main sides knew them, they were lazy and didn't really do much, preferring to stay in their corner of the mind where they did whatever they found entertaining. Really the only dark sides that have broken from that are Virgil and Deceit.

The difference between those two being Virgil wasn't counted as a dark side anymore - Deceit still was.

Being that the other dark sides wouldn't do this, Virgil gulped, how could this be true? Why would Deceit give him all of that!?

"Yeah. Pranked ya" Virgil forced a grin, standing up and pushing in his chair. "Gotta stay on your toes" he finger gunned them before rushing to his room, closing his door kinda loudly and scanning across all the gifts that he was given. He couldn't believe it. It was really hard to comprehend the fact that Deceit gave him all of this. For what!? What is he planning?

Virgil had to confront him before it got worse. Sinking out of his room, he reappeared in Deceit's. The light side's and the dark side's were split - they had their section of the mind and the others had their own, too. They never really mingled, but if a dark side or light side stuck around their area for long enough (if the sides are willing) they'd create a room for them, which is what Roman did for Deceit after he asked so nicely.

Virgil was a little pissy about it but didn't attack Roman for it - it was just a room.

He glanced around, spotting a large tank with a glowing heat lamp and a snake slithering across the branches and sand inside. The snake never really freaked him out - Deceit never used her to scare anyone, it was just a friendly pet.

"Deceit. I know you're in here" Virgil called, turning around slowly, trying to find the deceitful aspect.

"Oh, Virgil"

The anxious side spun around fast to see him. He wore his usual attire, a smirk on his face, gloves hands clasped before him. "How wonderful to see you"

Virgil huffed, taking a few steps closer. "Cut to the chase - why are you giving me all that stuff?" He demanded, voice low and commanding. Deceit sighed, "Hello Deceit, Hello Virgil, how are you? Oh I'm good, yourself? I'm doing splendid honey-!"

"Shut it! I'm not hear to talk, I'm here to know why" Virgil's voice rose in volume, he wasn't and probably never will be in a mood to deal with Deceit's shit.

"Why what?"

Virgil growled, inching forward, Deceit didn't move. "Why. Are. You. Giving. Me. All. That. Shit" he spoke angrily, emphasising each word. He noticed Deceit's eyes flicker to the ground for a moment, smirk still etched onto his stupid snake-skinned face.

"Isn't it odd how you appreciated it before you realised it was from me" His voice laced with sarcasm. Virgil groaned, throwing his arms up.

"I don't-I still appreciate them, I guess, they're-just-..." he sighed, crossing his arms. "Why? Why are you doing this? What do you want from this?" Deceit stared at him for a moment, his hands unclasping, one lowered to his side, the other bent at the elbow, hand hovering in the air. "Must everything I do be towards deceitful means? I couldn't possibly want to give you a gift from the kindness of my heart- could I?"

Virgil shrugged, "I mean, I guess"

Deceit looked surprised. "You won't argue with that?"

The anxious aspect sighed and held his face on his hands. "Well, no! I guess, I mean, you aren't going to be that bad if Thomas isn't. You're still bad but...you could still give out gifts, I guess" Virgil couldn't believe he currently wasn't arguing with him, but what could he argue with? Deceit - or any dark side - isn't going to be predominantly evil, they all want the best for Thomas, just others want it in ways society deems unacceptable. They don't take in others, they just focus on Thomas.

Deceit was silent for awhile, arms crossing over his chest. "So you admit I can be nice?" Virgil sighed, long and heavy. He really just wanted to leave - spending time with Deceit was never something he favoured, he appreciated the gifts, just still couldn't see why Deceit wanted to give them to him. If it was merely from the kindness in his heart, why didn't he do it for everyone?

"Whatever, look, I don't care. You do what you want" he went to duck out but Deceit rushed forward, grabbing his arm.

"Wait" he let go, but stayed close. "I know you're jealous" he began, Virgil raised his eyebrow. "Of the others - they're all lovey-dovey while you, poor Virgil, is left out. Doesn't that make you feel-?"

"Jealous? Yeah" Virgil shrugged, "I'm pretty sure they know, too, I don't exactly hide it. Anyone would be jealous of what they have - they're in love, or whatever"

Deceit tensed, "but don't you want that? Wouldn't you do anything to get that? Like, say, breaking them up?"

Virgil screwed his face up, "fuck no. Yeah I want what they have but if I broke them up and corralled one of them to be with me I wouldn't be happy because I know they wouldn't be"

"So you admit you want that-"

Virgil groaned again, "yeah! Most people want that - you probably do, too! What is the point, Deceit? Are you trying to make me realise I'm jealous? I already know that - yeah sometimes I get upset that I won't have anything like that, but I can't do anything about it, so what's the point in making yourself upset?" He asked, not wanting an answer. Deceit didn't respond, just looked towards the ground, so Virgil took it as his queue to leave.

Appearing in his room, he snapped into comfortable clothing and flopped onto his bed. Yeah, the gifts were all from Deceit but he was still gonna use them. Comforted by the weighted blanket and teddy in his arms, he drifted off into a nap, his and Deceit's conversation fading to the back of his mind for another day.

"Deceit! Will you just go? Please?" Virgil glanced at Thomas, not realising he was that done with his lying side. Deceit, who stood between Patton and Roman, narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists.

"I'm trying to help-!"

"You heard what he said, Deceit" Logan cut him off, vision icy, Virgil knew why, Deceit was manipulating Roman again and he didn't like it one bit. Neither did Virgil. However, he could understand the position Deceit was in. Before he was accepted he wanted to help, too, but his ideas were usually shunned and no one really liked him - he hated how he could relate to Deceit because he still found the things he does to be wrong, but in this moment Deceit is actually trying to help...and making good points to Thomas's query.

The room fell to a very tense silence - Patton didn't know what to say, he didn't know who to comfort or side with. Roman stayed quiet, too, worried he might say something that'll make the situation worse, Thomas and Logan glared at Deceit who glared right back, but Virgil could sense Deceit was breaking.

"Fine" he finally muttered, "but listen to this, Thomas" his vision turned to the host. "If a known murderer did come to your house, asking for a friend's whereabouts, let's see how easy it is for you to lie" his voice dropped, lower and lower until it was a snarl, his eyes burning with rage, something Virgil hadn't seen in the side before. He kept his composure most of the time, and when he did break he never became this mad.

He sunk into the ground, leaving the others to glance at each other, wondering what to do or say. Virgil sighed, drawling his sleeves over his hands, he couldn't believe he was about to say this-

"That was mean"

Everyone turned to him.

"I know - he's such a snake!" Roman pouted, crossing his arms.

"No, not him" and that made everyone surprised. "He was just trying to help in ways he knows how. Sure, you might lose your friend but she makes you uncomfortable. Your friends help me but she...makes me-makes us all feel...weird"

Patton ducked his head, fiddling with his hands.

"Well this is a sudden turn!" Roman exclaimed, "I thought you hated that guy?"

Virgil sighed, "I don't hate him, I just dislike him and the affects he has on Thomas. But in this situation he was right, as much as I hate to admit it"

Logan's nostrils flared, "right? Are you seriously siding with Deceit?" He then quickly turned to Thomas, "Thomas, I have come to understand how much your friends mean to you, and if losing one or hurting one can affect you in ways to leave you unproductive or lacking motivation, then you should attend this friends' party, you already agreed and we have no reason to back out"

Patton hunched his shoulders slightly.

Roman glanced from Logan, to the host, to Patton, them to Virgil. The latter looked back, hoping he would say the right thing.

"Thomas?"

The host looked at his fanciful side, "guilt can be dealt with over time, but whatever this friend might do to you..." he swallowed, "I fear that will take years to overcome"

Logan turned to him, "are we really assuming she would go that far? Because she makes Thomas feel slightly uncomfortable?"

Roman brushed aside his accusatory tone, knowing deep down Logan didn't want to hurt him in anyway. "Gumdrop, I know I am usually the one that you all have to reel in and help understand the situation from a different light, but you must understand it is my duty to protect Thomas, and if that friend might hurt him, I want to keep him away from her as much as I possibly can" he kept a level, soft voice to help calm down Logan who stared at his boyfriend for awhile, then closed his eyes and sighed out.

"I will never understand friendship" he muttered.

"You do understand, Lo" Virgil murmured, gaining his attention. "You just...don't feel what Patton or I feel in connection with Thomas. And that's okay - you're trying to understand Thomas's friends and how much they mean to him. You're getting better" Logan seemed to relax a little further at that, even managing a small, grateful smile.

"Thank you, Virgil"

Patton finally looked up, "Thomas?"

The host nodded for him to continue, "lying is wrong...but please don't go to that party" he pleaded in a tone that shattered all of their hearts. Roman stepped over and drew him into a hug, pressing a soft kiss to his temple to help soothe him.

Thomas nodded, "I know, I know..." he picked up his phone, the weight heavy in his hand. "I won't, I won't go" He reassured. "But what do I say to...make sure she won't come over to...check?"

Logan scratched his chin, "it has to be convincing" he finally conformed.

"Not a sudden illness or death, they're predictable" Virgil added on.

"What can he say?" Roman asked, now returned to his spot once he made sure Patton was well enough.

"Deceit would know" Virgil found himself murmuring under his breath. They all glanced to where he stood before turning away again.

"What about something came up? A family relative's staying and Thomas wants to see him?" Virgil suggested off the fly, they all glanced at each other, nodding in agreement. "That could work" Thomas responded, beginning to type out a message. They all put their input into what it should say, but before Thomas could send it something made him stop and delete the bits of information unneeded - a sudden thought came to mind. Liars give out too much information.

Why that suddenly came up he didn't know, but he was grateful, for when she responded a few minutes later, she seemed to have bought it.

After everyone returned back to the mind, Logan walked up to Roman and apologised for his anger, Virgil didn't really hear much of the conversation but he glanced over his shoulder as he walked down the hallway, smiling a little when he saw the two hugging with Patton watching on, wearing a smile too.

He passed by his room, stopping when he came to Deceit's. This time he knocked instead of teleporting in, the door opening a few moments later.

"You alright?" Virgil could ask before Deceit could speak. That made him bite his tongue, confused and surprised someone even cared enough to ask. "I'm fine" he responded, but Virgil's snort made him raise an eyebrow.

"If Tumblr taught me anything its that 'I'm fine' is a big lie"

Deceit tensed, halfway into his room. "Leave me alone" he hissed, closing the door. Virgil rolled his eyes and appeared inside, stopping him from moving towards his bed. "Stop it, De" the nickname caught him off guard, "just tell me what's up"

He sighed, "Isn't it obvious? The same thing that happened to you is happening to me. But this time they aren't planning to make up for it - I'm sure they would prefer if I ducked out" Deceit passed by him, towards his snake in a hurry for some sort of comfort to calm him down.

Virgil huffed out, "I beg to fucking differ" he replied, turning to stare at Deceit's back. "Thomas doesn't lie often but when he does it's for good reason. Without you he'd have to go to that party, and he might get hurt" Virgil stepped closer, pulling his sleeves over his hands. "Look, thanks, I guess, for letting Thomas lie - the others may not see it but you're protecting him as much as they would"

Deceit still didn't face him. "So you do?"

Virgil shrugged, "yeah...I know what it feels like to be treated like that"

Deceit didn't respond after that. He reached into the tank and pulled out his snake, smoothing a hand across her head and down her body. He then turned to Virgil, walked closer and allowed him to pet his snake, which he did so with a slight quirk on his lips.

Since that encounter every other time Deceit has showed up Virgil has subdued more and more. Yeah, he's till cautious and doesn't like most of his ideas and tricks to make Thomas do what he wants, but when they're just hanging out, not really controlling Thomas to the fullest, he's not that...bad?

The gifts came to a stop since Virgil first discovered they were from him and confronted him about it, he doesn't judge the lying side, besides he has more than enough stuff to keep him calm and happy - he doesn't need anything more. He appreciates them all and now that he's spending more time with Deceit he guessed he could count that as a gift of its own.

"I think you should go for it" Roman said to Deceit after he admitted his secret to the side. They were sitting in Roman's room - the sides becoming more used to Deceit's company now he hangs out more often - and of course that would be his response. Deceit sighed, knocking his hat back so it didn't cover his eyes so much.

"What a wonderful idea, Roman, I'm sure it'll work out great" Roman pulled a less than impressed face at his response, shrugging. "You never know! I took a chance with the loves of my life and we're all happy now. If I didn't I would've regretted it" Roman could see the doubt in Deceit's eyes over what Roman was suggesting he should do.

"You two are becoming close friends now! Sure, you have had small arguments but everyone has arguments with the people they love! Doesn't make them any less in love with them! I believe in you - if anyone would have a chance with Virgil, it would be you" although admitting his feelings probably isn't the best idea, Deceit smiled gratefully nonetheless at the side, bowing his head slightly as a thanks.

A few weeks after the conversation Virgil left his room early that morning, barely avoiding to step on the gift laid out on the ground. Confused, he bent down and delicately picked it up. It was a flower, like the other roses that were still in perfect condition, however this one was pure white.

He put it in the middle of the black roses, going to leave again when he flinched back, Deceit suddenly standing in his doorway.

"De-"

"You were right" Deceit cut him off, closing the door. "I do want what Roman, Logan and Patton all have. But not with them" he stepped closer, hesitance gleaming in his eyes, nervousness gnawing in his stomach.  

"Yeah, same" Virgil chuckled, not understanding where this was going.

"Would you be willing to have it...with me?" Deceit asked in a voice shaking with nerves, he really wanted this to go well.

Virgil's eyes widened, his breath hitching in his throat. That was the last thing he was expecting. Does he want that? Why would Deceit want it with him? He could never imagine someone wanting to fall in love with him. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted to be with Deceit - the gifts definitely softened him up, but he knew if he didn't have some sort of feelings he would've declined.

Inching forward, Virgil shrugged with a timid smile.

"As long as we're not...lovey-dovey" Virgil chuckled, "I would be willing, yeah"

That seemed to lift all the weight off of Deceit's shoulders, leaving behind a broad smile on his face, his entire being brightened up by tenfold. Virgil found it adorable.

Now, during movie nights, Virgil didn't look longingly over at the three cuddling boyfriends, instead he would look up at Deceit's face, kiss his cheek covered with scales and smile slyly.

The couple never made it though the entire movie.

Wink.

—
2:30pm