12:10am

Omgnghgjfjdjsjsjajsj congrats to Jaq for winning 2019's I'm a Celebrity!
(You can tell how long this OneShot has been in the works LMAOO-)

Trigger warning: mentions of past death, mentions of past fostering

Au
—

Today was the start of something big - and to say Virgil was anxious would be an understatement. He's usually anxious at most things that occur in his life, for instance leaving a glass of water alone for too long only to suspect it's been poisoned - but that's besides the point, this is big, like big boy big. He was starting college in a new state, with new people, with new teachers, new buildings, new, new, new! He didn't know what to do, how to act- scratch that he did know what to do but swore to himself he'd somehow mess it up, even if it was to just walk to the dorms!

Would he trip and be laughed at? Would he be laughed at for simply being him? Would people judge him because of his dark clothing under such heat, or the tattoo peeking up above his collar? Or maybe because he's wearing makeup? Realistically, he knew he was judging himself more than any other person ever would to him- but do people with anxiety even know the definition of the word 'realistically'? Yes. I'm calling all of you out.

Moving swiftly on, Virgil looked up at the building he'd be staying in for the course of his time in college. It was two story, very large and very intimidating. The other one nearby being for girls. He watched boys walking in with their family members, all with boxes and suitcases, duffle bags and excited grins. Now he truly felt the odd one out; he was the only one alone. His parents couldn't make it, to be fair Virgil was glad, because if he saw them he'd turn and sprint in the other direction because his parents have been dead for ten years - his foster family though? They could make it, but didn't want to - in the end Virgil accepted he was nothing to them and they were nothing to him, which is why he moved out so quick, and so far.

He was alone - and if he allowed himself to worry about being judged for that he'd suffer for the rest of his life, so standing that little taller he gripped the strap of his suitcase and crossed the spacious front yard where a few boys were already kicking around a ball with a young girl who seemed to be related to one of the boys, sister perhaps. He pulled himself up the few steps and onto the first floor, grimacing at the sight of the wide hallway filled with people. He knew it wouldn't be this bad once all the families had left, but he was glad he was on the second floor.

Walking up the steps due to the elevator being in use, he hurriedly walked on by, relieved to make it to his room right at the end before the hallway would have filled up. Pulling out his key given to him by the front desk (along with a few other necessities) he unlocked and pushed open the door, all the while thinking how unnecessary the word necessary was.

The room wasn't the largest, but he loved it upon first sight - true love? Is real. Closing the door he let out a breath of air, finally he could be alone in peace. Leaving his bag and suitcase by the single bed, he sat down on the edge and scanned the room, opposite him was a small cream couch with two pillows, both way too 'boomer aesthetic' for him. He'll soon replace that with black. Well, he'll replace everything with his emo-related aesthetic because it wasn't a phase, mom.

He also had a spacious desk facing the window that gave him a great view of campus, which he would use to gaze at the people he'd want to talk to but never have the balls to. He'd also use it as inspiration for his drawings, because a boy like him can't go without the skills of art. Lonely, without a family, friendless? The three necessities for a teenage artist!

Unpacking his belongings (after putting on some of his favourite tunes) he laid out his desk orderly, although it wouldn't last, then hung up his hoodies and trousers inside the small closet beside the couch - he'd use the draws at the bottom for his t-shirts as his abundance of jackets, hoodies and ripped jeans took up a lot of space. What could he say? He was a fashion geek...in the punk-emo-goth related section of any given clothes shop. Poor boy has an aneurism every time he even smells Hot Topic.

It took him an hour (two-) before he was mostly content with his room. He hung up his favourite Disney poster long with some from popular bands, but other than that he'd need more decorations. After scouring through Pinterest (even if it shaved five months from his life) he was able to conquer fairy lights were a must, so he'd go to the nearby shops when he has the time. And when he isn't procrastinating. So...we're ready to see pigs fly first! But still, he was determined to change his life around, instead of wasting away his time either smoking or drinking in the forest, sitting in his treehouse he was way too old for he'd actually bog down, do work, make his room nice and...him, and maybe just maybe start liking life again...

He did once, but then they died...

However! His tears haven't washed away the entirety of the flame of hope within, so...without further ado!

"Let's get this bread, gamers" he whispered, a determined glint in his eye.

—

A month had passed since he first started college and it...didn't go as badly as he originally assumed? Go figure. Although he hasn't made any friends he can say he has some acquaintances and can easily talk to the teachers he has for his classes which is fucking incredible. It makes life so much easier! He still hasn't mastered emails yet, those are still...too much. He'd suffer doing the homework as fast as he could during class after asking someone what it was than letting his teacher know he only realised he didn't know what the homework was at three am through email. The day before it was supposed to be handed in.

But other than that, it's great! And he couldn't be more content. He's also found it much easier to have moments of happiness, while sometimes drugs called his name he was able to put it off in favour of watching anime on his laptop with his room lit up by fairy lights. Yes, he managed to get them, and good ones too! He was proud of himself, and so he should be.

Right now he was heading through the hallway to get back to his dorm, he had to plan out what he would wear for his date tonight. Don't get any ideas, he's taking himself out for a date - even if at first that made him cringe the more he thought about it the more he saw it as a good idea. If no one else would he'd take his handsome ass out to the movies he would. Well, semi-handsome...admittedly he was still working on the self-confidence front.

With his headphones in, he couldn't hear the world around him, kept his eyes mostly glued down, but enough for him to see incoming people and move out their way before any accidents would occur. However (as he should have seen coming) it couldn't save him from all accidents, before he knew it he arched his back when something cold ran down it, tugging out his earphones and spinning around he realised someone had spilt their water on him, by accident it seemed as someone else behind her was on the ground, possibly as he fell he knocked the girl with water.

"Holy shit..." she whispered, eyes wide. "I'm so sorry dude I-"

Before he could finish Virgil rose his arm and suddenly everything stopped, for just a second, then it began to rewind. He could fell himself walking backwards, like others around him, he kept going until he was a good enough distance before lowering his arm. Instead of walking he waited, watching as the girl who apologised opened her bottle of water, ready to drink when someone else tripped on their shoe laces right into her, causing her to spill the water to the side - onto the empty space now that Virgil wasn't there. He wasn't about to let himself be embarrassed and cursed with that awkward encounter for the rest of the year.

Yes Virgil did have powers...a forgotten detail. He didn't use them too often, at least he liked to think he didn't, but he's never had any problems with it before, so assumed he could carry on without repercussion. He must've discovered them when he was ten, still in the adoption agency before his 'family' fostered him. It was a nice place, nothing really more to say - the children there were okay, some were a bit mean but looking back Virgil wasn't surprised. He remembered the day like it was yesterday, an unfortunate accident that should have ended in death - he watched as two boys fought and fought, moving steadily closer to the staircase until...! One fell down, rolling all the way to the bottom, smacking against each step as he went.

He lay at the bottom. Dead.

Virgil couldn't believe it, the fear that coursed through him, the horror he saw in the boy's wide open eyes - it was enough to give him nightmares for years - without thinking he rose his arm and his whole world changed. It happened in a flash almost, the boy rolled up the staircase and back into the other boy, their fighting had started once again.

Virgil retracted his hand like he touched fire, he didn't know what to do, what to think, but when he saw the boys nearing the edge again he knew what he needed to do. He called an adult who rushed over at the news of a 'fight' and broke them up before anyone could fall. Virgil stayed awake the whole night wondering what had happened - how he saved that child's life.

He didn't bother with the powers again until two years later, twelve years of age. Living with his foster family he knew deep down it wouldn't work out but at least he has a family now.

The family had a dog, Virgil's only friend. He loved that dog to pieces, so when the front door was left open that little bit too long, and he went scampering out towards the road...Virgil had no other choice but to raise his arm and let time flow back, the dog bounding backwards was a sight to behold, but once back inside Virgil grabbed his collar and took him to his room, keeping him there until his parents finished talking with the neighbour who showed up to give back a borrowed tool.

He was terrified someone would notice, mulling over the conversation that would happen that dinner, possibly his mother asking about deja vu or...his father saying he could have sworn he watched their dog run off into the street. But it didn't happen. So Virgil used his power again, and again, and it never happened - not once. Not a post on social media, not a news article to be seen. Everyone's lives continued on as normal, no matter if he used his power. That did relieve him, because the better he became at it the more he wanted to use it. The times he did use it were few and far between, sometimes he'd spend hours rewinding just to get something exactly right, other times he wouldn't use the power for months until something urgent came up.

It was a gift he would cherish, a secret best well kept.

He was happy arriving at his dorm dry and ready to prepare for his self-date. His me-time.

—

Second month in, Virgil was having a slow day. His classes had been kinda boring, the weather was bland, and he didn't have any plans to go out. Still a little awkward on the friend aspect...he was getting there but finding it in him to start conversation brought on waves of anxiety, so much so in the end he often always gave up. It was tough but...he'd live! Maybe one day he'd have the courage, or many one day he'd die alone...

With his bag on his back he trudged down the pathway towards the dorms, he was caught on up work and without plans he decided the best course of action would be to lay down and nap the afternoon away. Then maybe order some take out and watch anime until midnight. He had forced himself a (lenient) sleeping schedule, which allowed him until midnight during the week, until one or two on the weekends, depending how he feels. While at first it was tough to get used to, and often he'd give up in favour of staying up late, in the end he got it down and it's done wonders. Who knew actually taking care of yourself could pay off?

"Hey! Watch out!"

Virgil didn't have time to react before he was falling to the ground after someone ran into him, the two boys groaning. The other had skidded a little further due to their stronger momentum, Virgil realised the issue; he had rollerblades on and probably lost balance. Giving the guy a deadpan stare he rose his arm and rewrote time, going back until he was certain he was safe - then he stepped aside and sat down on a bench, watching idly as the rollerblades boy hit a broken slab of concrete and flung forward, Virgil's body not being there anymore he hit the floor with harsher impact, but he wore protective gear, so Virgil didn't feel too bad. At least he didn't laugh.

"YOU!" A sudden voice projected across campus, as the boy with rollerblades got up and hurried away, Virgil stood up and looked to where the sudden voice called - shocked to see the person it belonged to was pointing at him. An extremely smart guy, majoring in the field of science he was awarded for his intelligence and fantastic work ethic. Named Logan, Virgil wondered what he wanted from him.

Pushing up his glasses Logan marched across patches of grass and pathways to get to him, "it's you! It was all you!" He kept exclaiming, ignoring weirded out looks he received from people around him. "Uh-what?" Virgil backed up a little, holding his hands up in defence. What was wrong with him? He was usually so stoic and well-kept. What's blown his top?

"I watched you! That boy fell into you"

And that simple statement brought Virgil's world crumbling around him, he...he knows. How?! Why him? Why Logan Atlas of all people!? Never, ever had anyone given this sort of reaction to his power before! This is a first, and god it was one too many. He panicked, fight or flight really kicking in, and he didn't exactly want to fight...raising up his arm he rewound time to the point where Logan was away from him again before turning around and bolting it down the pathway to get to his dorm. Logan seemed a little bewildered at first, but quickly realised what happened and glared.

"Stop!" He called but he knew that was fruitless, without any other choice he sprinted after the boy who moved with the swiftness of a cheetah, knowing exactly what he was doing as he jumped over the small, low fence surrounding the patches of grass, leaping up the staircase and crashing into the door to the dormitories. Slamming it shut behind him he took the stairs two at a time, legs burning as they were punished with exercise they aren't projected too enough; running.

Reaching his dorm, he unlocked the door faster than lighting, collapsed into the room, shut and locked the door - finally letting himself have a moment of reprise, taking a seat at the couch changed from beige to dark purple. He didn't exactly know why he ran like he was being chased by a murderer, he just knew the fear that shot through him at the idea of someone finding out about his power was enough to make him go haywire. He has seen movies, he knows what happens to the unfortunate souls of people being locked away for their powers! He didn't want to be experimented on! He wanted to live a normal life, which meant avoiding telling anyone his power and avoiding anyone discovering his power.

He tensed when hearing the sound of heavy footsteps near his door, then a heavy pounding on the wood. "Open this door right now!" Logan demanded and Virgil threw himself onto his bed, dragging his blanket over his body and curling up into a ball. Admittedly he was a bit scared...first time he's interacted with someone who's known about his power, he had no idea what would happen to him!

"Let me in!" Logan carried on, "please!" He added and Virgil was shocked at the voice break. He sounded so...so genuinely desperate, begging without hesitation.

"No!" Virgil countered, slowly sitting up. "How can I trust you!?"

Logan sighed, "by using your powers! How could I possibly hurt you!?" Virgil supposed he was true, with another sigh he looked away down at his bedding - would this be a good idea? He had no idea how this conversation would go...but looking at it from Logan's perspective, he must've felt the affects of Virgil's rewinds and now he's so close to discovering the truth, pushing him away would just be cruel.

Standing up, he unlocked the door but didn't open it, instead took a few steps back and watched, arm hovering in front of him, ready to drag time back in case Logan wasn't genuine and was about to throw hands. Slowly, carefully the door cracked open, after a moment Logan appeared through, "don't...please, let me talk" he pleaded and Virgil nodded slightly, allowing Logan to step inside and shut the door, making sure they wouldn't be overheard.

"It's you, isn't it?"

Virgil shrugged lightly, "you can rewind time" he explained further, Virgil licked his lips and nodded slowly. Logan ran a hand through his hair then fiddled with his necktie. "You have made my life hell" he stated with no mercy and Virgil took a light step back, eyes widening at the sudden change of tone in the boy's voice. "Every time life would rewind it was like-like I hadn't saved work on my computer and when logging back in at a later date I would have to do it again. I have re-written sections of essays over and over simply because you kept rewinding! If I were to say something to my friend the world might rewind and I'd have to repeat myself over and over until I stopped caring! I..." he took a breath, "I even admitted feelings for someone- I-I didn't hear their response but you rewound! And I lost the confidence I had...why?" His eyes hardened, taking a step forward but not too far, especially after Virgil's hand rose higher.

"Why are you doing this? To spite me?!" He outraged, now Virgil was in a pickle- he felt tremendously guilty for everything he had put this boy through but he certainty didn't do it as a way to 'spite' him.

"I don't even know you, dude! All I know is your name-why the fuck would I purposely rewind time against you?" He countered and Logan huffed, "I do not know!" Hands clenching by his side's he carried on, "all I do know is I want you to stop! For good!"

Virgil's eyes widened, but they shrunk and quickly looked towards the ground. He couldn't be offended at Logan for asking such a thing, yes it was his power and theoretically he should be able to do whatever he wanted with it - but if it was hurting him? Obviously it's affected him horribly, unknown to Virgil prior, so could he continue? What if he was ever in a sticky situation and needed to rewind to get out? Besides what could Logan do to him if he carried on using it? Tell everyone? He knew the idea made him shudder but logically...who would believe him? Who would agree with Logan, trust him when he says 'that boy can rewind time!'

"I-...wh...I-" he stammered, Logan crossed his arms. "Well?" He snapped and Virgil awkwardly stuffed his hands in his pockets.

"I-I don't know! They're...they're my powers" he argued meekly, "and it's my life you keep rewinding!"

"I didn't know! This is the first time someone's confronted me!" He countered and Logan groaned, "well what if there are people like me who feel the affects too? Are you really comfortable distorting someone's life like this?"

"Of course not!" Virgil hissed, "but it's magic fucking powers for fucks sake! It's not something to easily give up!"

Logan didn't look impressed, "it is with human decency"

That, that made Virgil crack up, staring at him ludicrously. "You don't even know the definition of human decency, dude! Just last week I saw you hammering at a girl who lost their pet dog two days ago!-"

"I have an excuse! My life is dragged back and I am forced to replay it over and over-!"

"FINE! But don't you dare go preaching 'human decency' to me unless you have it yourself!" He yelled back, the two boys glaring absolute murder at each other. Just when they were about to continue a knocking came at the wall to the right, "will you shut up!?" And Virgil paled, clutching the back of his desk...holy shit he didn't even think about people being able to hear them! What if-what if they suspect him now? Of having powers?

He turned back to Logan, "get out" he demanded but the boy seemed adamant. "Not until you promise to not use your powers again"

"First of all" Virgil hissed, "it'll take me awhile to get used to not using them, second you have no say in what I do! Don't think I haven't noticed the fact people avoid you? That you don't have any friends? You are a fucking dick and I'm witnessing it first hand, so fuck off before I rewind to the point where you were locked out. Now" he demanded, voice icily cold. Logan opened and closed his mouth, stuttering for a response but left with a slam of the door after Virgil prepared to rewind.

As soon as he left Virgil locked the door and sat down on his bed in a huff, staring down at his hands. He felt like he got a bit too defensive there... Logan had every right to be mad, but from past experiences Virgil had heard about with Logan between others he knew him to be a complete ass, still...now he has a valid reason. More importantly; what should Virgil do now? Carry on as normal or...stop completely? Logan was right, there could be many others who have felt affects but he's never seen it publicised before, besides déjà vu has been around for longer than he has. Yet; would it be publicised? Who would believe them?

He groaned and flopped back against his bed, what to do...

He tried to keep his life up to the standard it was before meeting Logan; filled with studying, self care, improved self confidence and common happiness but he's been in a bit of a stump. Although nothing has deteriorated too bad he knew he wouldn't be able to keep up if he didn't talk to Logan again, his sleep schedule was beginning to crack. He had seen Logan around campus a few times but the two stayed away from each other, every time he was about to use his power he'd hesitated and think...think about Logan, what he said, what he was going through.

They needed to talk, he knew that, he was just putting it off...procrastination was his speciality once upon a time.

A month later, Virgil shut off his phone and stated up at the ceiling illuminated by the soft glow of fairy lights. The avoidance of Logan was starting to piss him off; it wasn't like he was allergic, he needed to talk, apologise, and settle things. With a determined nod he stood up and left his room; it was late in the evening, the sun had long set and everyone was in their rooms getting ready to sleep or simply stay up late.

Logan's room was at the end of the hallway compared to Virgil's, complete opposite ends. The room directly next to Logan's was a bathroom and the one opposite not in use. He was pretty cut off from the others - just how the others preferred it. Like stated; Logan was a complete douche. Now, though, Virgil winced when he felt bad for the boy but he couldn't help it, blasted feelings...but-it was his fault! He ruined his life....presumably made him into this mean, standoffish character.

Which might be resolved over time.

Noticing light peek from under his door, Virgil rapped on the wood and waited.

"Who is it?" Logan called, a little surprised someone would knock on his door...unless pranksters. He's dealt with that before.

"It's uh-it's Virge, we need to talk" he explained briefly, there was some shuffling and a disgruntled response. "I don't wish to speak with you"

That made Virgil roll his eyes, "I wish you'd be more cooperative" he spat back but quickly calmed down, getting angry wouldn't solve anything. "Please, Lo, c'mon, we can't avoid each other forever"

"I will continue to avoid you no matter what" Logan responded harshly, Virgil rose his arm. "I guess I'll have to keep rewinding until you open up then" before he could even get one rewind in he heard hurried shuffling and the door burst open revealing an annoyed Logan in pyjamas and mused up hair.

Virgil took a step back, eyes wide. "Oh-uh...sorry, didn't realise you were trying to sleep" he apologised awkwardly, Logan huffed and adjusted his glasses, almost reaching for his tie but he wasn't wearing it. "It is eleven pm, what else would I be doing?"

Virgil shrugged, gesturing meekly to the room. "The lights were on, I guessed-"

"What do you want?" Logan cut him off instead and Virgil sighed, taking a tread forward. "Can I come in? To talk?" He reminded and Logan stared at him in contemplation, gripping the door that little tighter before relenting; he supposed they did need to talk, after their last conversation didn't go so great.

Stepping aside he let Virgil shuffle in and take a quick glance around, the room looked...like it belonged to Logan. Very nerdy and clean, with countless books, fiction or not, walls poster-less and desk organised to the extreme. Plus a rack full of different, safe, ties Virgil had seen him wear around the campus. He couldn't deny, Logan looked good in them... Moving (gayly) swiftly on, he turned to Logan who sat on his bed, gesturing to the seat by his desk, silent permission.

Virgil nodded, walking around the small coffee table in the centre of the room but obviously not enough...he let out a yelp as his foot caught the leg of the table, rewinding time on instinct to save himself. Quickly he looked up at Logan who looked less than pleased, gripping the mattress underneath him tightly.

"Sorry-! I-..I-"

"Sit down" Logan growled and Virgil did so in an instant.

"Now" he calmed down a little, "where shall we begin?"

Virgil sighed and scratched his neck. "I...have been thinking, a lot, since we spoke. I realised how fucking annoying it must've been and...yeah, life ruining" he admitted with a painful heart, "I promise I won't use it unless absolutely necessary"

Logan scowled, "I thought I said to never use it"

And now his attitude was riling Virgil up again, "and I thought I said you have no say in what I do" he repeated, "you're lucky I'm cutting myself off at all, besides if I'm in a life or death situation - or I have the chance to save somebody I'm rewinding time, whatever your snappy attitude says about it" he clamped down his mouth and sighed through his nose, arguing will get them nowhere, he's been through this! Besides, he needs to be somewhat sympathetic, Logan's life was literally ruined after all.

"Sorry" Virgil murmured, surprising Logan who stared at him with narrowed eyes. "I shouldn't have lost my cool-just..." he sighed, meeting Logan's gaze. "This is a big thing is all...it's been apart of my life for so long, it'll be hard to snap out of it, y'know?" He admitted but Logan wasn't having any of it.

"No, I don't know, what I know is having no control whether my life is moving forward or back!" His voice rose and Virgil managed to avoid glaring at him, "don't yell..you'll disturb the others"

Logan huffed, "if you hadn't noticed I do not have any neighbouring rooms"

Virgil had noticed, and still feels sort of bad about it. "Still, you're loud enough to disturb the whole building" he quipped, then groaned and stood up. "Look-talking with you is impossible, I-I...don't know what the right thing to say is"

"I do" Logan stood up too, "tell me you promise you won't use your powers"

"I can't, because I won't, they're my powers" he countered, "I can promise to use them less" he then added, softer, but Logan didn't want that-he wanted them gone for good. He had noticed how over the month they hadn't been used but...still, he needed freedom from the lingering caution in his mind, wondering if life would go back now, or in a few minutes, or in the next hour...he hated living like this, he didn't know how long he could go on for! Still unable to get used to it over all these years, it was torture, Hell.

"Look, it's obvious you're upset" Virgil began, stuffing his hands into his jackets pockets. "So I have an idea...there's no classes tomorrow so we can hang out, up at the light house, no one ever goes there. We can be free to talk and express everything, you can yell all you want and just lay all your cards out"

Logan wanted to disagree off the get-go, but the further Virgil explained the more he was lenient to agree. He did want to express everything, and not be limited by the dormitory. "...fine" he muttered, "as much as I detest the idea of hanging out with you" he added and Virgil rolled his eyes, "ditto, dude" he then walked past and left the room without a word, leaving Logan to shut and lock up - sitting on his bed and sighing out.

Maybe...maybe this would be good. Good for him, good for them both, if Virgil could see his side he'd be less likely to use his powers...right? He hoped so anyway.

The next morning Virgil kept his promise. Waking up early he had a light breakfast and changed into skinny ripped (black of course) jeans with a dark purple graphic tank top and leather jacket. He didn't want to look intimidating but he did put in a few of his piercings and a chain attached to his jeans because one; he looks fucking hot and two; self confidence, right?

Besides, who's to say he didn't want to impress a feisty nerd? He was a dick but an attractive one and Virgil's been single for some time. And he's very, very gay. A flaming homosexual, one could say.

Pulling on some combat boots he ruffled up his hair, dragged his bangs across his eyes and added a light amount of makeup before leaving his room and down the hallway to Logan's, leaning on the wall and knocking on the door.

A few seconds later it opened, as if Logan was waiting on the other side. He wore his usual professional attire, but Virgil noticed the little flustered pink shade dust his cheeks and the way his eyes not-so-subtly trailed across his body.

"Are we going?" He demanded, locking the door. Virgil smirked, "sure, I'll lead the day" with that he pushed off the wall and headed to the staircase, he always avoided the lift and it seemed Logan had the same idea - the two headed down and left the building of dorms. The area out front held a few boys messing around with a ball but they were easily avoided.

"So...ever been to the lighthouse before?" Virgil started up conversation, the two had made it to the bus stop and only had a five minute wait for the bus to arrive. "I have, once or twice" he responded but very briefly, keeping his head held high and posture tense yet perfectly straight.

"You're talkative" he sarcastically quipped, Logan ignored him. Passing time on his phone the bus soon rolled up and the boys stepped on, suddenly both awkward as they wondered whether or not to sit beside each other or across. As Virgil was in front he shrugged and took a seat on the right, close to the window, a clear invitation that he wouldn't mind if Logan took the spot, but after a few seconds he went for the row on the left. Virgil wasn't offended, he could see why he'd avoid him.

In the distance Virgil could see the lighthouse and he sighed out, wondering how the conversation would go...it was near a cliff, would it become so tense that he'd be pushed off? He didn't think the nerd would kill but...he had a strong belief anyone could murder if pushed just enough.

And Logan's been pushed every single time he was taken back.

Even at the closest bus stop they still had a hill to climb, but honestly Virgil didn't mind, it was a nice scenic path, one he had taken inspiration from for his drawings many times since he's moved here. Jumping off he waited for Logan who seemed a little hesitant; possibly nervous or regretting ever agreeing, Virgil assumed.

The bus drove off, leaving them at the edge of town, the lighthouse a simple walk away.

"You seem happy to be here" Virgil commented, Logan sighed. "I do not like being around people" he excused but Virgil didn't entirely believe it. The two walked somewhat close but not really, Virgil always a little bit ahead without really caring to walk Logan's speed - the two were here to talk by the lighthouse, not make small talk while getting to it. Besides Virgil was sure Logan didn't like him one bit, 'normal' conversation would be extremely awkward.

After heading up the few steps and small hill, they made it to the top, right next to the tall lighthouse. "Let's sit on the bench" Virgil gestured to the seat towards the cliffs edge, not exactly safe at all but he didn't think this place was really open to the general public. Crossing the small natural bridge across the land between the cliff and where he came from, he jumped over the back of the bench and sat down, gazing at the vast expanse of calm ocean. It was beautiful- he loved it up here.

Logan stiffly sat beside him and Virgil cut to the chase. "So...tell me. Tell me everything" Virgil prompted, as if a close friend allowing their friend to vent to them, but they weren't friends at all.

Logan clasped his hands in his lap, "like I stated; you ruined my life" Virgil winced, he hated the idea of that. Ruining anyone's life...

"I am often stuck wondering; will my life rewind now? And when it does it takes me a few minutes to settle back down"

Virgil drew his eyebrows together, "every time?"

He nodded, "every time"

Ironically, so far away from everyone this was the moment he was the most quiet. "Because of this I haven't been the nicest, as you have noticed, I have tried to tell people but simply no one believed me! I lost my friends, all because of you" he shot a glare at Virgil who sunk into the bench - he had nothing to defend himself with other than he didn't know, and he'd never do this on purpose, but he knew it wouldn't serve as much for the distressed boy.

"And yet you are still adamant about using your powers!" He suddenly exploded and Virgil groaned, "dude! I'm not adamant to use them! I never have been, it's sorta...it turned into a daily thing, just something I could do! I told you I'd stop! But I won't give them up, if I need them I'll use them" he tried to explain, Logan understood perfectly but he didn't like the arrangement.

"I thought I was bad...while you simply do not care about my life" Logan accused and Virgil flicked his hair from his eyes.

"First of all" he began, eyes hardening. "I don't even know you, I just know you're a smart dick, second, who says I didn't care about your life? Think smartass, if I didn't care I wouldn't acknowledge you, I wouldn't suggest to stop using my powers daily and I wouldn't have offered to take you here to talk everything out!" He countered, "and I'm sorry for everything that I've caused you...but do you think if I knew I would have continued?"

"You could have entertained the idea someone may feel the effects-"

"Holy shit, Lo! What the fuck do you mean!? I've never met someone who's noticed the effects! Not once! I haven't seen it in the news, social media, anywhere! You're the first person, so sue me for assuming only I knew about it and everyone else was fine!" He was lucky no one was around, as his voice was steadily rising.

"It probably wasn't posted online because it is so outlandish! Why do I bother talking to you if it's all the same!? You think you're a good person yet you won't do this simple task for me?"

Virgil faced forward and ran his hands through his hair, groaning loudly. "Logan! I am doing this for you! For fucks sake ever since you first spoke to me I stopped using it often! But it's my power, so fuck you for ever assuming I'd stop using them for someone I barely know" he quickly turned to Logan, growling out his response.

"If we were friends would you stop?" He asked, voice lowering. Virgil shrugged and leaned on the bench, crossing his arms. "No, but I guess I'd be more sympathetic"

Logan scoffed, Virgil shot him a glare. "What? It's hard to be sympathetic to someone like you"

"And it is hard to talk to someone so stubborn as you"

Virgil gritted his teeth together, somehow Logan knew exactly what to say to piss him off. "If I was stubborn I would carry on using my powers. Jesus, d'you need the definition of grateful? I'm doing this for you and possibly others who feel it too, so accept the fact this is what you're getting" he brook no argument and Logan knew this, keeping his eyes set on the ocean.

"What now?" Virgil sighed out after awhile, tired of the awkward, thick silence.

Logan shrugged, "we go back? What else is there to do?"

Virgil looked over at Logan, "we came up here to talk yet you haven't told me the full truth...still, can I ask questions? To feed my curiosity?"

Logan glanced over at him mildly, no one's ever been curious with him before...apart from asking why he was so horrible, but those were all rhetorical. "Fine" he agreed, Virgil nodded and his eyes drifted off back to the sea.

"How's your family involved in your life?"

"I do not have one" he responded flatly, Virgil's eyebrow quirked in surprise. "Huh...orphan?"

Logan nodded, "...same" Virgil murmured quietly, surprising Logan but he didn't show it. "Although I was fostered, unfortunately I guess, they never loved me" he explained further, he never found it awkward to talk about this sort of thing - if they were opening up he might as well.

"I see" he responded quietly, but nothing more.

"What happened to your friends?"

This made him hesitate for a moment, he hated thinking about it but... "I only ever had a few, we drifted apart due to time and me becoming less and less friendly"

Virgil nodded, fiddling with the chain on his jeans. "That sucks, I don't really have any friends either..." he drifted, becoming steadily aware of his similar they were. He pulled a displeased face at the revelation. Why Logan of all people. But he supposed his bad attitude was his doing. His unintentional doing.

"Why'd you come here?"

"I knew I could strive in Blackwell's incredible and well funded science department. Chemistry specifically. Plus, Oregon has always intrigued me...a state touching the ocean, far enough from my 'home' state to forget everything. Or at least attempt to" he explained, Virgil rose his eyebrow. "Where did you live before?"

"Maine"

Virgil threw both eyebrows up, then snorted, "damn...that is far" he concluded, shifting so he was sitting with one leg drawn up onto the bench, facing Logan with his arm leaning on the back, but still with his head tilted to stare at the calming waters. "It's...I didn't really go far, I guess, but it's hard to imagine moving so far away. I don't count the place I lived in as home, and they probably don't want me back..." he drifted, not really wanting to continue. Acknowledging the fact he didn't have a definite home was always something Virgil avoided; he hated the idea he was here, alone, with no chance of forming a family soon. He's heard from countless people how much they miss home, he misses home too - but his home died...many years ago.

"It's...it sucks" he concluded and Logan nodded slightly in agreement. "So...do you think you'll change now?"

Logan opened then closed his mouth, he honestly didn't know. Being who he was was so familiar, it was him ...at least that's what he wanted to believe. He's been this way for so long, the idea of changing for the better seemed impossible. Being like this was his comfort, he didn't have anything else, so he shoved everyone away in hopes of staying comfortable but he knew, deep down, it wasn't really working.

"I have no idea" he responded truthfully; "I don't suppose anyone would be willing to befriend me anyway" he added, a little solemnly.

Virgil shrugged, staring at his boots. "I would"

Logan looked at him, "I'm sure" he responded dryly, Virgil quickly stared back.

"Dude I'm...serious. I do want to be your friend, I guess, I mean you're not that bad...besides, it'll be nice to talk to someone about my powers without seeming crazy and, like I said, I don't exactly have any friends" he reminded, Logan gazed at him for awhile, then slowly looked down at his lap.

"How can I trust you?"

Virgil sighed, "listen...I'm not the type to gain someone's trust only to break them, what would I gain from hurting you? Revenge? I don't care about that shit, now...do you wanna be friends or not? No pressure, only if you're comfortable" he reassured and leaned back, Logan watched him from the corner of his eye.

Making a friend seemed so foreign yet enticing...he couldn't imagine it, yet the chance was right here, laid out for him for him to grasp and clutch onto. Virgil was willing to put everything behind them for a chance at friendship; and if they did become closer, maybe Logan could convince him to stop using his powers for good.

"Okay" he spoke up, Virgil quickly looked at him, still fiddling with his chain.

"I'll be your friend" he agreed, unable to stop the small smile quirking at his lips, especially after seeing the one spread across Virgil's.

After that the two went home, this time they sat beside each other on the bus even still they didn't talk much. Everything needed to say today was already said. After splitting off at the dormitories, they entered their respective rooms and sat down, both feeling the same thing.

Happy. Happy to finally gain a friend, even if at first they were sorta enemies...

—
Actually...proud of this one?

Part two?

5:10am