The first time Virgil saw the elusive rebellious side after the... events of Christmas, he was outside Thomas's local Starbucks with an ice tea in his hand. Whenever sides were manifested into the real world and anywhere outside of the apartment, there were three rules: try not to get noticed, pretend to be Thomas to escape unnecessary scrutiny, and shapeshift to disguise their features if necessary. That last one was a protection in the case that two sides were out together.

So the moment Virgil spotted Remy outside Starbucks, he ducked into a dark doorway and changed his features to keep himself from detection. Gosh he always hated doing that. It made his insides feel like they were in the wrong place. With tension roiling in his chest, Virgil made his way over to Remy and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Hey Rem. Remy. Uh, Rebellion. Yep." Oh gosh all Virgil can think about is Remy's red lips and those high heels. Remy's face inching closer and closer and his soft words-

"Suuuuuuup girl!" Remy called, swinging his hips a little as he strutted forward and sipped his ice tea. He sucked on the straw as seductively as possible, turning the charm up to maximum for Virgil, who he recognized in civilian (not side) form. "Can't believe you're out here and not stuck back in the apartment. But I have to say booooooy you are a sight for sore eyes."

Why is he being so flirty? Virgil's completely confused. Sure, Remy's flirted with him a few times before, but right now Remy seems like he's actively trying to make Virgil flustered? "Laying it on kinda thick today aren't you? Should probably save your flirting for someone else..." Cause that stuff totally doesn't make Virgil weak kneed. No way.

With a small adjustment to his sunglasses, Remy's smile quirked up to one side and he chuckled lightly. "But babe, I only have eyes for you~" he replied, sucking on his straw again. Virgil decided to look away so he could keep his composure. Once it seemed his charms weren't working so well, Remy dropped some of his flirty exterior with a sigh. "C'mon Verge, I'm really not lying when I say I only have eyes for you."

Virgil rolled his eyes and shoved his hands in his pockets. Anxiety simmered in his gut, filling his head with questions and doubts. This new Remy... he doesn't have rules. Virgil has no idea what exactly he wants, and that makes him dangerous. What if Remy uses him, and then throws him away? What if Remy gets what he wants only to realize he doesn't want Virgil anymore? What about his powers? If Remy's always running around with reckless abandon, doing drugs and spray painting the sides of buildings, that'll make Virgil's life harder and it could hurt him a lot. No no no no no no he doesn't want any of this just keep walking just go away and maybe Remy will get the idea please please please-

A gentle hand caught Virgil's arm and he looked up in surprise, croaking like a frog to keep his anxiety from making him fling a fist into Remy's face.

"Babe, I didn't mean to make you run away..." Remy was much more gentle now, smiling without all of the flirtatious energy or slyness. It was just a genuine smile, which was really weird cause Virgil didn't think he'd ever seen something like that on Remy's face. He was always throwing a fit or throwing his hips around trying to get people to look his way which was the opposite of Virgil because he didn't want people to look his way at all ever because that would just be attracting attention to himself and Virgil hated attention god no he can't do this no no no-

The truth was, Remy had only been flirting Virgil up because whenever he was around the anxious trait, he didn't really know what else to do. It kinda felt like he had to be in overdrive just to make Virgil look at him. When he reached out to stop Virgil from leaving and ask to spend some time with him, Remy hadn't expected his counterpart to look up at him with panic in his eyes. "Whokay, hey, everything's fine. Deep breaths, Verge." Damn, he didn't know how Virgil managed to stay awake with his chest heaving that fast. "C'mere," Remy said, lightly pulling Virgil over to an outdoor Starbucks table. "Let's just sit down so you can catch your breath, mkay?"

Virgil nodded and coughed a little bit before leaning forward and putting his elbows on his knees. 4 8 7, come on, 4 8 7. It's fine, everything's fine.

That was completely unexpected. Remy'd never been caught in the midst of one of Virgil's panic attacks, and to be honest, he was kinda scared himself. "Are you alright, babe?" he asked, scratching his nails absentmindedly over the flimsy plastic cup in his hand. Clearly he was doing something wrong if he was causing a panic from Virgil... a twinge of heartache fluttered through Remy's core and he grimaced.

Thankfully it didn't take too long for Virgil to recover from his small panic, at which point he sat back in the chair and breathed a heavy sigh. "Ugh... yeah, Rem, I'm all good," he croaked, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Sorry I... just, y'know. People. Bleh." Understatement of the year, Virgil.

Remy also sighed in a relief, smiling shyly. "Yeah, I uh... didn't mean to make you go all Stiles on my ass," he replied, taking another sip of ice tea before sitting forward. "Virgil, You know I wouldn't be bad for you, right?" It just slipped out before he could even stop himself, stupid. He opened his mouth to say more, but Virgil stopped him.

"Yeah, this is like one of those medication commercials where they tell you it's awesome and then say 'Side effects include jealousy because he can't stop flirting with every single humanoid that walks past,'" he replied with a scoff. Then he ducked his head and mumbled, "Sorry, that... wasn't supposed to sound so rude. Um." Can he become a turtle now please? He'd really like to have a protective shell to hide in at the moment.

So there was more to this latest freak out than simple "ugh people" feelings, huh? Remy put his drink down on the table in favor of putting his hand on Virgil's stitched-covered hoodie arm. "Babe..." What exactly does he say here? That he's willing to go the distance for Virgil? To stop being so flirty with everyone? That he used to see his future with meaningless hot guys that passed by him on the sidewalk but now he can only ever see a future with the dry, sarcastic man who wears black eyeshadow on the wrong side of his eyes?

There was a saying Remy always lived by: I hear, I forget. I see, I remember. I do, I understand.

"Virgil," Remy said, seriousness coloring his tone for the first time in a while. It was so startling, in fact, that Virgil looked up at Remy with wide, blindsided eyes. What... what did that look mean? That look Remy was giving him, with one eyebrow quirked up just slightly and eyes that had layers upon layers of chocolate amber hues.... Why couldn't Virgil read Remy like he usually read everyone he shared a face with?

Remy took a deep breath before he parted his lips and asked, "Give me one day, Virgil. One day to prove to you that I'm serious about you and that I want this... Please?"

Out of everything Virgil was expecting to hear, a question that sounded so genuine and sincere was not one of them. So he just kinda sat there, stunned into silence that soon shifted into hesitation. Was this a good idea? What if he gave Remy that chance and something went wrong? Or... What if it went right? How was he supposed to know which outcome he'd be okay with?

Virgil bit his lip nervously, his foot tapping quietly on the ground as a means to work out some anxious energy without doing something stupid like making a break for it. Patton would tell him it's good to give people a chance to prove themselves, and he knew Roman and probably even Logan would agree. So...

"...Fine. Just one day though." Remy was Rebellion now, he could get them into some serious trouble. If that were to happen, there was no way he'd risk a second outing with him. Outing, definitely not date. This was in no way a date, nope.

"Yes!" Remy pumped his fist in the air and  did a little victory dance in his head. Then he stood up and pulled Virgil up into his arms. "I promise you, babe, you didn't make the wrong choice." Now then, he has to figure out that to do for their day... his arms slipped back down and instead he took Virgil's hand with an excited gleam in his eyes. "Come with me... I'll show you the world."

For a moment there,Virgil was certain that it had been Roman there instead of Remy, but he knew better in the end. As if Roman would ever wear a Remy style outfit. "Uh... Okay?" He was definitely a bit tense as he took hold of Remy's hand, but he'd already committed to this, so he couldn't just back out a second later. "Where are we-" And just like that, they were no longer sitting in front of a Starbucks, they were instead standing in front of a large topiary, that made up some sort of entryway. "What's all this?"

Remy pulled Virgil gently down a path and into the topiary, where several beautiful butterflies of silver, purple and orange hues danced around them in greeting. "It's a garden, babe. It's right out of cheesy romantic spots and I am totally here for it," the rebellious side said with a wide grin. "C'mon, I've even got a fave spot and it's a secret-" he whispered.

Rebellion having a secret spot could very easily be something very bad, but Virgil bit back any protest he had in mind. Just give him a chance... Right. "If you turn this into a Disney movie I swear-" Not that he was actually against that, it's just that if Roman or even Patton caught wind of it then he'd never hear the end of it. It was nice here though, he had to admit. The sun was shining, birds were singing, and there was a lovely lack of other people around to bother them. That much he can certainly appreciate.

There was a reason Remy picked this spot. Ever since Virgil's words to him when Patton was sick, something new had been driving the rebellious trait forward in his (sort of) life. The need to be better. He passed by all the beautiful red roses and the blossoming white lilies, because they didn't mean anything to him. However, when they came to a small grove surrounded by trees, excitement filled Remy's insides. Bringing Virgil to this place that he cherished was kind of like sneaking away from school or work to play hookie for a while, and that really spoke to Remy.

The sunglasses on Remy's face flashed a little when he parted the trees and led Virgil into the secret garden.

Virgil didn't know what to expect, but the moment the trees parted, any sarcastic remark he might have had flew from his mind. "Woah..." It was beautiful. There was nothing but purple and black flowers all over, and wisteria hanging from all the surrounding trees. Even the butterflies that were flying from flower to flower were a mix of purples and blacks. Talk about aesthetic... He didn't know how to even respond to all this, it was almost beyond words that Remy of all people brought him here. "This is... Wow..."

"I love to come here... bring some starbies for the girls." Yes, he's talking about the butterflies, "I used some of my power on the flowers too, but I made sure this was a private lot when I bought it, so don't worry about anyone knowing there's someone with powers out there. And of course, we've got the place all to ourselves." The rebellious side emphasized his point by dancing around the garden space, feeding a few of the plants with ice tea, and talking to his babies like other people might fawn over their puppies. "Who's a good purple primrose? You are! Yes you are!"

Virgil could only watch in awe at first, but he eventually found the will to move his legs and step further into the private garden. It was so... Picturesque. Remy looked so happy, and the way he was dancing around and talking to the plant life was honestly one of the most adorable things he's ever seenㅡnot that he'll admit that to Remy. The anxious trait hardly even noticed himself doing it, but he soon found himself standing right up beside Remy, with one of those rare little smiles on his face. "This is... Really nice, Rem. Honestly I expected something that involved breaking the law or getting in trouble from you. But... That was wrong of me, wasn't it?"

Remy looked up and his heart flip-flopped in his chest at the sight of that tiny happy smile. Oh god he's literally so whipped. "Nah... don't worry," he said with a sheepish grin. "Tbh you're not the only one with that expectation. Hell, at this point I kinda expect it of myself too sometimes. That's why I come here." He gestured over the beds of small bell flowers and purple poppies, sheltered in the comforting shade of black roses. "Gotta do something besides shoplift." Then his tone softened and he looked back to the royal purple primrose in his hand. "Besides... You're anxious,V. Taking you on a fast car ride or smoking or something... well that would be mean and really wrong of me. You deserve better than that, babe."

Darn it Virgil is falling for this boy faster and faster the more he talked. He really cared... He took into consideration how Virgil felt and purposely took him somewhere that wouldn't make him more anxious. "Man... I didn't think you'd actually get to me in just one day." He's not one hundred percent there just yet, but he definitely couldn't deny that his comfort level with Remy was increasing by the minute. It was kinda impressive honestly. "I'm not really used to having someone plan ahead for my anxiety. Usually I have to speak up about it." Which wasn't a bad thing necessarily, he knew the others were willing to listen to his concerns and help him feel more comfortable, but it got a bit tiring after a while.

That actually made Remy chuckle a little as he stood. "Well, I'm Rebellion, babe. Doesn't it make sense that I would go against the grain?" He reached out and took Virgil's hand, only to hold it up in the air. A purple and silver butterfly fluttered around Virgil's head before inspecting the pale, outstretched hand in the air. Curiously, it hovered over it and batted it's wings at it, as if to make sure it was free of dust. Then the tiny, fragile creature gently settled onto Virgil's hand and waved its wings in and out slowly. Remy looked so happy. "I think she likes you."

Oh no Virgil is in love with this butterfly sitting on his hand like a literal queen- "I like her too. She has good taste in color." He chuckled, keeping his hand perfectly still as he looked from the butterfly to Remy. And just look at how sweet and genuine the smile on his face was. He really was enjoying his time with Remy. "You'll have to take me back here again so I can visit her." Oooh look at him sneaking in a way to ask Remy to hang out with him again.

Remy's happy smile turns into a playful grin and he winks, leaning in to whisper in Virgil's ear, "We'll come here at night, when the garden glows."

He most definitely did not shiver when Remy whispered in his ear and he will deny it for the rest of his life. But hey, might as well play along and whisper back, right? "I'd like that, maybe we could have a little camp-out or something."

"I'd like that, handsome," Remy replied.

~💋~

The next place they traveled to was... not as beautiful. Remy had a very etched grimace when he gazed upon the trash-littered, dirty, cold concrete under the overpass. Several greasy bags that used to be filled with cheeseburgers rolled by, letting the wind carry them wherever they might go. This place was such a stark contrast to the beautiful garden that it made Remy's stomach turn. He squeezed Virgil's hand and suddenly a ghostly figure appeared, huddled next to a large concrete column. It was a little boy with a name tag on his chest, reading a torn book as he shivered. Alone and cold.

After such a nice place as the garden, Virgil expected it to be hard to top, and that Remy would take him somewhere even fancier. Yet there they were, standing underneath a freeway, with cars rushing by just overhead. This... Kinda sucked honestly. Virgil opened his mouth to ask what they were doing here, but as soon as he did, there was the figure of a child sitting before them. What would a kid be doing in a place like this? Then he noticed the name tag, and he tensed with the realization. "Rem..." That was Remy. Or what he used to be more accurately, back when he was only known as Sleep. That still didn't explain why he was here, both in the past and now with Virgil. So what was going on?

Remy winced when Virgil said his name. This place hurts... he remembers the cold of the concrete against his back and thighs as he huddled, alone because he was a freak of nature, not even part of a human. Excluded. "I..." Something caught in his throat and the usually sassy, confident side cleared his throat, looking down. "I came here a lot when we were little... uh. Cause I um... well, Sleep kinda always ruined the fun y'know. No one wants to sleep when they can play. So as soon as I knew how to teleport, and not well, I teleported as far as I could, here."

Virgil looked away from the memory, up at the current Remy. His gaze was... Sad. "Remy..." He had no idea that they had isolated Remy so much back when they were younger, just like how Virgil himself used to be an outcast among the group. But this was different, Remy had purposely gotten as far away as he could, even if that meant being out in the cold all by himself.

Well, the anxious side knew one thing for certain, and that was that he hated to see the normally sassy and fun Remy so upset. So without really thinking about it, Virgil turned slightly, his arms wrapping tightly around Remy as he instinctively pressed himself against him. A coping mechanism of sorts, closeness could be very reassuring.

He didn't really know what else to do, or if there was anything he could say that could make any of this not hurt so bad. But he did mumble, just loud enough for Remy to hear him. "Please don't run away again..."

Remy was very surprised by the sudden closeness Virgil needed. He leaned into the warm, purple haired man and closed his eyes. Wrapping his arms around Virgil's back, with one hand sneaking up to gently caress the other man's soft hair, Remy closed his eyes and whispered, "I won't leave you, I promise." He wants Virgil to be a happy boy.

It was not often that Virgil wanted to be up close with anybody, unless it was Patton surprising him with hugs and other such Dad Affections™. But some part of him needed it, needed Remy in particular. The same person who'd made him so anxious before was now proving that he could be better, and even went so far as to let a more vulnerable side of him show in front of Virgil. And that meant a lot to Virgil, it made him realize that it was okay to put his trust in Remy, and maybe see where things could go between them. "Thanks..."

"Of course," Remy murmured before pulling away and spinning Virgil around a little. "C'mon, babe, this place blows. Let's go do something more fun!" and just like that, they were whisked away to a diner. Lunch, some pinball machine fun, exploring a music store, and a classy restaurant for dinner all passed by in a flash.

It was already night and Remy had one last thing to prove before he asked Virgil out for real. Leading his accomplice down the street (and watching protectively so he could curse anyone out that might try and catcall Virgil), Remy had a plan in mind, and this last location had special significance to that plan. "So, Vee, what do you know about dancing?" he asked with a flirty lip pucker.

Virgil hardly noticed the time going by, as the fun he was having was far easier to get lost in than he'd expected it to be. It felt like they'd only recently arrived there, before it was coming to an end. He figured Remy just wanted to be cute and traditional and walk him home instead of teleporting there, but when they seemed to be nowhere near home, clearly that had not been the actual plan. What did Remy have in mind now? "Uh... I mean, I know the basics of it. I'm just... Not exactly the best at it." Said the one with the high score in Dance Dance Revolution- "..Why do you ask?" And yes he noticed that lip pucker, but all he did in response was wink and otherwise ignore it.

"Well..." Remy said, swinging his hips and pushing open the door for his companion, "This is a dance hall, babe. And I've got an hour until midnight." That means only one hour until his day runs out. "C'mon, I'll teach you the good moves, babe."

Virgil suppressed a gasp as Remy dragged him onto the dance floor. He clung to Remy's hand like a lifeline when usually in situations like this he would pull up his hood to block out the people around him. No no, okay, this was no longer fun. "Remy-" Virgil's breathing sped up and his eyes kept sweeping left and right over the crowd. To many people to handle.

The moment Remy noticed Virgil's obvious labored breathing, he pulled the other close to him, letting his warm chest rest against Virgil's. "Hey hey, shhh, Vee. Just focus on me, okay? Let someone else protect the protector for once, babe." Their breaths mingled as Virgil lay his head down on Remy's shoulder, burying his eyes into the crook of his neck.

"Mkay..." Virgil mumbled, breathing deeply to calm himself. Wow... that was a narrowly averted crisis. How... how did Remy always manage to pacify Virgil so quickly now? It made no sense. "You went all Lydia on me," he chuckled, pushing off so he could see the other's face.

That coaxed a beautiful laugh from Remy's lips which honestly made Virgil a little dizzy with euphoria. "Well, she is an illustrious popular girl, kinda like me," he replied, taking Virgil's hand once again and leading him through a few moves. The music began to blend together as Virgil moved in beat with Remy. They had the same heartbeat, the same breath, the same quiet footfalls and laughter. Virgil had never felt that at peace with someone else...

"Alright lovebirds," the DJ called over the microphone, "Time for some slow dancing at midnight. Grab that person that makes your heart dance and let's have some fun."

Virgil's eyebrows rose and he gasped softly. Already midnight? Where had the day gone? He wanted to turn back time now. With hands gently resting on his hips and arms curled around Remy's midsection... this was heaven. Please don't let it end.

Remy smiled tenderly, swaying to the soft piano as he cradled this exquisite boy that meant more to him than anything. How could Virgil be so much? He was witty, yet soft, and dark, but kind... there were infinite layers to this boy. Remy gazed upon Virgil's pink lips, tracing that beautiful smile into his memory. Lit by the soft purple and green lights overhead, Virgil's brown eyes gleamed like whirlpools of chocolate and happiness just waiting to be set free.

"And we could build a house, hide it in a rose
We could ride a taxi into the unknown
It's true, when darling, I'm with youuuuuu..."

This gentle soul... Remy coveted him.

"And I can feel the day breathing in the trees
Bearing every truth for everything we need
It's true, when darling, I'm with youuuuuu...
Oh, and oh when darling...
I'm with you."

Virgil and Remy's movements slowed to a stop and Virgil couldn't help the water rising up into his eyes as he watched Remy's face. He would be glowing right now if he could. "Remy..." is he really ready for this? Can he handle Remy? Can Remy handle him? Is Virgil to risk it all? Is he brave enough to go through with this, knowing he could get hurt?

How were all the answers yes?

"Yeah, Vee?"

Virgil leaned up very slowly, closing his eyes gently and resting his hands on Remy's back. He waited until tender, soft lips grazed his and connected, spreading warm through his chest and out into his hands and legs, right to the tips of his toes. A thousand years could be spent in this moment, letting Virgil's heart beat drift lazily with Remy's, and Virgil would say that was a milenia well spent. His mind was so still, floating in happiness he'd never experienced before.

They knew.