Hello, welcome back to a new chapter! I hope you will enjoy. It's a wholesome chapter for the most part a bit of reoccurring anxiety and awkwardness and one moment where swords are jokingly referred to as murder weapons. As always take care of yourselves and thank you for reading!

"Hold still Virgil!" Remy complained as he attempted to fiddle with Virgil's makeup.

"What are you trying to do? It's just dinner with Roman. We're probably just going to the cafeteria. He'll probably think I'm weird for dressing up more than usual and he'll tease me or something," Virgil pouted in response, trying to duck away from Remy's attempts.

"He won't tease you for looking nice. People are allowed to dress up for themselves, not others. Besides, I'm barely doing much with your makeup besides a bit of eyeliner and actually shaping that eyeshadow of yours, even the shirt I picked out for you is pretty casual," Remy insisted.

"I don't know…" Virgil murmured worriedly.

"If he says anything, blame it on me, okay? I'm willing to be your scapegoat in any circumstance. Tell him I did this because I wanted to experiment and you just didn't feel like taking it off or something," Remy sighed, brushing Virgil's bangs back into a more manageable position.

"It's still the principle of the matter," Virgil grumbled, slouching back on the toilet lid to let Remy finish his makeup.

The phone on the counter beside him went off with a chorus of trumpets.

"Yo, what's up Roman," Remy asked, answering Virgil's phone for him and putting it on speaker.

"I just pull into the parking lot whenever our favorite shadowling is ready. No rush, I just wanted to give you a heads up," Roman replied.

"I'm almost ready. Just need to actually get dressed," Virgil hummed.

"You're not dressed?" Roman asked with a vague concern in his voice.

"No? Sorry, I'm a bit behind, Remy kind of dragged me into the bathroom and yeah," Virgil chuckled nervously.

"Wouldn't expect you of all people to be comfortable in the buff…"

"Wait what? The hell Roman! I mean changed into nicer clothing instead of lounge clothing, I'm not naked!" Virgil blushed trying to hide his face.

"No touching your face, you'll mess up your makeup again," Remy lectured.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. In my defense I live with Remus!" Roman explained from the other end of the phone.

Virgil laughed slightly, bending over so his head was practically between his knees.

"I'm just… Yeah, I'll meet you outside in five Princy," Virgil stated, waving his hand dismissively.

"You heard the man. I expect you'll take good care of Virgil tonight once he comes out, alright?" Remy chirped, a slight venom laced into the end of his statement. "Bye!"

He hung up the phone and returned it to its place on the counter.

"You ready?" Remy asked.

"Tonight is going to be a wreck," Virgil whined.

"You'll be fine," Remy promised with a chuckle.

"Roman and I don't exactly have an A plus quality relationship."

"Well that's why he invited you out tonight. Come on, he's really trying here. You two might sometimes have your awkward moments and friction but that doesn't mean that it won't be a great night for you. Besides, what better way to or the rest of my life, I'm blaming you," Virgil said as he stood up and punched Remy's get closer to your crushes than getting close to their soulmate? You might be surprised."

"If tonight sucks and I end up getting cringe flashbacks from this forever, I'm blaming you," he grumbled, frowning softly.

"Yeah, yeah, now get dressed Roman is waiting for you," Remy smirked, watching Virgil scamper off through the bathroom door.

Virgil quickly slipped into the clothing Remy had left for him on his bed, calling Remy out once he was putting on his shoes.

"You're leaving Ember here with me right?" Remy checked, glancing over to where the said flat coated retriever was napping in her crate.

"Mhm, take good care of her. I'll be back soon, probably. I don't expect Roman to keep me out too long," Virgil replied, zipping up the second boot and standing.

"Don't be in too much of a rush to get back, just have some fun," Remy sighed, returning Virgil's phone to him.

"Yeah, yeah. You should know better than to have high expectations with me. My social meter is easily drained, especially around Roman," Virgil smirked as he walked out of the dorm, giving a little salute over his shoulder.

Virgil sighed as he fiddled with the buttons that went down the neck of the turtle neck sweater Remy had chosen. He really hoped this would go well. He didn't get along with Roman as easily as the other two. Remy seemed sure it would go well, he wasn't sure how much he trusted that however. Remy was always relaxed and confident. Except for the other day. The lie. He still had no idea what was up with that. He didn't get why Remy bothered to even bring it up if he had no intention of telling Virgil what it was about. He couldn't figure out what it was about and it was bothering him. It seemed to be really heavy on Remy's shoulders, he hoped Remy was okay.

"Virgil! Greetings my sightless prince, are you fully prepared for our little escapade?"

Virgil nearly jumped out of his skin as he was startled out of his thoughts. He hadn't expected the familiar voice to call out to him in the lobby of his dorms.

"We're going to dinner. It's not exactly a grandiose adventure Princy," Virgil replied with a raised brow.

"Mnn, but who is to determine what is and isn't an adventure. Can't anything become one with a bit of imagination?" Roman hummed, leaning in towards Virgil playfully.

"What are you even doing in the lobby of my dorms? I thought you were out at your car?" Virgil asked, remaining unamused.

"I thought I'd be a gentleman and meet you halfway," Roman reasoned.

"Well then, escort me to your car you oh so noble gentleman," Virgil teased.

Roman quickly linked arms with Virgil taking him by surprise and began leading him towards the door.

"Right this way, Sire," Roman said with a clear grin in his tone.

"You're really pushing this act, aren't you?" Virgil sighed.

"Aww, admit it, you find me charming," he pried.

"Ehh, that's debatable."

Roman let out a dramatic scoff of offense but made no move to stop leading Virgil out of the dormitorium and to his car.

"Well, we'll just have to see if you have that same tune after you see my plans for tonight," Roman proclaimed proudly.

"Plans? I thought we were just heading over to the cafeteria or something," Virgil questioned nervously.

"Haha, the cafeteria, that's cute," Roman laughed.

"Why am I suddenly concerned?"

"Never fear, you'll enjoy it… hopefully."

Virgil tried to continue to argue with him and question his plans but he was continually brushed off, being told it was a surprise. Wherever Roman was taking him was a decent while off campus by the length of the drive which Virgil sat tensely through, curious about what was going on.

The car was eventually turned into their location and parked.

"Are you going to tell me where we are yet?" Virgil asked.

"Nope!" Roman beamed, quickly hopping out of the car.

Virgil unstrapped himself from his seat just in time for Roman to open the passenger side door for him.

"Might I have the honor of guiding you arm in arm tonight?" Roman inquired.

"Y-yeah, sure," Virgil mumbled, extending his hand out for Roman as he lowered his head in an attempt to hide the growing heat rising in his cheeks.

His fingers brushed along the stiff cuff of Roman's sleeve as he took hold of the extended hand to guide him out of the car.

"Are you wearing a dress shirt?" Virgil asked puzzledly.

"Yup!"

"Why? Where are we? Wait, am I underdressed?" Virgil fretted a new vein of anxiety kicking in at high gear.

"No, Virgil, you look beautiful tonight. You're perfectly fine," Roman promised gently as he cupped Virgil's trembling hand on his own.

"Well, your words not mine," Virgil chuckled, trying to brush off Roman's flattery.

He'd have to thank Remy later for not letting him leave the dorm wearing a hoodie tonight.

Once Virgil seemed a bit calmer, Roman led him inside the restaurant and immediately was met with the strong scent of marinade, specifically a steak marinade.

"Prinz, party of two?" Roman questioned the front desk.

"Greeting Mr. Prinz, right this way," the host replied, immediately leading them to their seats.

Virgil clung close to Roman as they made their way through the restaurant. Steak, fancy clothing, reservations, his head was reeling from how obvious it was becoming that Roman had taken him somewhere very nice for dinner. He didn't get it, Roman just said he wanted to get to know him better but this seemed a bit excessive. This didn't seem like a location that one would take someone they simply wanted to befriend. Roman showing off to him to this extent didn't make sense.

"Here you are Virgil, go ahead and take your seat. I requested a quiet corner booth so you wouldn't feel too crowded, is that alright?" Roman asked worriedly.

"What? Yeah, it's perfect," Virgil replied quickly.

He'd even requested the table. Roman definitely wanted something or was up to something.

Virgil situated himself down into the corner booth, sitting on the side against the back wall, he could hear Roman sliding in on the opposite end.

"Now, I know you can't read the menu so I took the liberty of typing out the menu for you. If you're interested in anything I can read out the exact descriptions of each item since I just mostly wrote out the names," Roman explained, tapping at the screen of his phone to bring up the file he was talking about.

"You could've just downloaded a pdf and used the text to speech option," Virgil chuckled nervously.

"I could've but then it would have listed out a bunch of details and prices and I don't want you to worry about any of that stuff. Tonight is my treat so you just enjoy it and treat yourself," Roman replied.

"Th-that really isn't necessary," Virgil argued.

"Nonsense, I won't hear another word, I invited you out and chose the location so I'm treating you to a good meal. Besides, money is not a concern to me, I have plenty," Roman insisted. "Now, I know you're really aware of your surroundings so I figured you were the type that wouldn't want to listen to any audio in public so I brought headphones. But don't worry, I didn't know if sharing headphones was something that bothered you so these ones are brand new, you can keep them after tonight if you'd like."

Virgil nervously took the phone and attached headphones from Roman, his brow furrowing a bit.

"Is something the matter?" Roman asked.

"Did I do something wrong?" Virgil replied.

"What? What'd make you think that? Of course you didn't!" Roman insisted worriedly.

"Well, it's just… You're really going out of your way for me and I don't get it. Did I do something to make you uncomfortable or make you feel like you had to do this?" Virgil fretted.

"Absolutely not," Roman piped up quickly. "I just… wanted to get closer to you, you know? You're really close to Logan and Patton but we didn't start off on the right foot. I wanted to show you a good time and mend my errors in judgment."

"Roman, you inviting me out alone in the first place was more than enough. You don't need to waste money for me to see you're a good person. You should be using it to spoil your boyfriends, not me," Virgil chuckled. "But thanks I guess, I really appreciate you going through all this trouble and being so thoughtful. It means a lot."

"Anything for you, my mist eyed prince. You're just entitled to being spoiled once in a while as they are, it's how I show my affection. Now, how about we enjoy tonight, alright?" Roman grinned.

Virgil gave a nod and was about to put in the headphones when he heard the waitress approaching.

"Hello, I'll be your server today. Can I start you off with something to drink?"

"I'll have a strawberry hibiscus iced tea please," Roman requested.

"I'll just have a water."

"And are you ready to place your order?"

"Not yet, it'll be a few minutes," Roman quickly cut in for Virgil.

"Alright then I will be back in a few minutes with your drinks and your complimentary bread," the server chirped before leaving them alone.

"You could've gotten something more interesting than water," Roman mused once she left.

"Meh, it's simple and free," Virgil shrugged.

"I told you money is no problem. Treat yourself," Roman pouted.

"Whatever Princey, I happen to like water," Virgil chuckled.

"Hmm, if you say so."

Virgil shook his head and got to listening to the list Roman had made for him choosing the parmesan crusted sirloin cooked medium with a side of a baked potato without the sour cream and the house salad with ranch dressing once the server returned.

"So, tell me about yourself, I want to know everything," Roman instructed as they waited for their salads to come out.

"Oh? Why me? What if I wanted to know more about who exactly the great 'Prince Roman' is? All I know is that you're rich, a twin, and you have two soulmates," Virgil smirked, purposely leaving out the bit of knowledge he knew about Roman's family drama he'd learned from Remus.

"If that is what you wish then I'm obligated to comply although don't think you've gotten away without telling me anything. I did invite you out under the terms of getting to know you better," Roman hummed with a smirk before leaning back in his seat. "I've the soul of an artist if you did not know, particularly with an affinity for the stage. As a matter of fact I'm playing the leading man in the upcoming musical performance at the campus theater in a few weeks. You are invited to come if you'd like to of course, I'm sure the other two would be more than happy to have the extra company and I know I'd adore having you in the audience. I take a medieval sword fighting class and a small dojo. Oh and I write a lot, I should share some of my work with you at some point."

"Hold the phone. Just pause and rewind for a few moments here. You take medieval sword fighting classes?" Virgil gwaked.

"Indeed. I've always had a fascination with swordsmanship, but when I learned there was a place for it here on campus I couldn't resist," Roman chuckled. "I couldn't bring them with me to the dorms for obvious reasons but I do have quite the extensive collection of swords at my home. Someday I hope you can come visit so I can show them to you."

"Ah yes, let's give the blind man tools of murder, I don't see any problems resulting from this situation," Virgil smirked.

"I thought you were the one that told us not to underestimate you just because you were blind," Roman countered playfully.

"There is a difference between trusting me to walk somewhere and trusting me with a blade I probably won't be able to quite figure out what it will and won't hit exactly you dork," Virgil rolled his eyes.

"Meh, perhaps it is wise, perhaps it isn't. I've gone through with far worse plans before. I do live with my brother after all," Roman chuckled.

"Mnnn, I can understand that one. How do you keep your weapons out of his hands?"

"Uhg, trust me he has his own. Just steer clear of his room unless you want to step on a freaking morning star."

"Good to know…" Virgil replied vaguely worried about the new found knowledge that someone as chaotic as Remus had access to a series of deadly weapons.

Roman and Virgil continued to share small stories and facts about themselves throughout their dinner and it was actually going quite well in Virgil's opinion. He hadn't expected it but being alone with Roman had somehow managed to wash away all of the tension and friction he'd felt about their relationship. He felt like he genuinely was getting to know Roman a lot better and feel more comfortable around him. The loud, obnoxious, proud prince was still the same but he was seeing him for the Disney loving, creative, theater nerd he was. Although he did have to admit he wanted to suffocate Roman with his napkin when he began trying to sing Disney songs as soon as the topic managed to get to which movies were their personal favorites.

"Will you two be having any dessert tonight?" the waitress asked at the end of their meal.

"N-"

"Sure, we'd love to. What would you recommend?" Roman asked.

"Well our sweetheart chocolate cake for two typically is very popular among couples," she replied.

"Then we'll take it," Roman nodded.

Virgil let out an inaudible squeak at the insinuation and sat tensely in his seat until she walked away.

"Why did you let her think we were a couple?" Virgil complained.

"She'd be embarrassed if I corrected her. It's not a problem if she thinks we are dating, right?" Roman shrugged.

"N-no, but you have two boyfriends, it's the principle of the matter," Virgil argued.

"I don't think they'll be jealous that someone accidentally called you my boyfriend," Roman laughed.

Virgil ducked down again, trying to hide in his hair and glasses.

"That's not the point," he mumbled.

"Do you want me to correct her when she comes back?"

"... No."

"Alright, then let's just enjoy the cake. You do like chocolate, right?"

"Mhm!"

"Should I feed it to you like a real boyfriend, sweetheart?" Roman teased.

"Shut up you asshole," Virgil growled, playfully tossing his napkin at him.

"Oh you wound me. What else is a loyal knight to do when his prince denies him?" Roman questioned pitifully.

"Suffer?" Virgil suggested.

"How cruel!"

Virgil laughed softly, hiding his wide grin behind his hand. Roman joined in only a moment later, being less restrained with the joyful sounds he made. This time, he didn't mind his table seeming a bit loud.

When the cake came out Virgil couldn't help the slight blush of embarrassment as he quickly thanked the waitress and tried to avoid him insinuating they were a couple again, Roman of course laughing at his misery when she did end up complimenting them for being a cute couple. He didn't complain further however, the cake was delicious and soon enough the meals were bought and paid for.

"Uhg, I'm stuffed to the ribbons," Virgil moaned, placing his freehand over the slight foodbaby.

"But it was good wasn't it?" Roman inquired, leaning in closer against his side where he was once again walking arm in arm with Virgil.

"Yeah, it was a nice treat. Thanks for treating me to such a nice meal," Virgil smiled before it quickly faltered. "Um, shouldn't we be turning the other direction?"

"Nope."

"But we parked to the left of the restaurant?"

"That we did."

"Then why are we going straight?" Virgil inquired worriedly.

"Because I have one more surprise for the evening waiting for us over at the park across the street," Roman replied.

"Another one?" Virgil explained exasperatedly.

When Roman wanted to surprise and treat someone he really did not go halfway. He was glad Remy had told him not to rush to get home.

Roman led him safely across the street, soothing Virgil comforting against his side when he flinched at the sound of the nearby traffic. Leaves rustled overhead in the crisp autumn wind, one of the only sounds in the otherwise quiet park. It must've gotten pretty late, the more lively occupants of the park having already retired to their homes. Virgil walked down the silent paths and heard a strange clopping sound and a whinny.

"Roman? What was that?" Virgil questioned suspiciously.

"My surprise; horse drawn carriage for two," Roman beamed proudly, practically dragging him closer.

Roman took Virgil right up alongside the carriage, taking the moment to address the driver and state he was the one who arranged the event. The horse nearest to Virgil began to snort and nod its head irritably, pawing at the ground, making Virgil let out a sharp whine and back away quickly.

"Whoa, hey hey, it's okay Virgil. It's okay, it's just the horse," Roman said, trying to calm him down.

"Yeah, the irritated horse that could buck, or kick, or bite at any given moment," Virgil chuckled nervously.

"Are you scared of horses?" Roman questioned.

"Not anymore than any other large, muscular creatures that could bash your head in with one kick," Virgil replied with a tight smile.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know this would make you uncomfortable. We don't have to go on a ride if you don't want to. I don't want to push you into something you don't want," Roman rambled.

"No.. no, it's okay. You arranged something special for me. We'll be safe in the cart, right? I mean the wheel could always break. Or the horses could get spooked and run us right out into traffic. Or-"

"And we're ending that line of thought right there. I'll keep you safe, alright?" Roman promised sincerely.

Roman took him by the hands and led him up onto the bench on the back of the carriage before laying a shared knitted wool blanket over top of their laps. The reins snapped and the carriage began moving, bobbing along the sidewalk of the quiet park. Nothing but the sound of rhythmic hoofbeat, the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of a distant bird. It was peaceful, more so than he'd expected for something he was so completely out of control of.

The wheel hit a rock, jarring Virgil into crashing against Roman's chest.

"It's okay, I've got you," Roman promised, looping an arm around Virgil's half turned body, turning his own to face him slightly more.

Virgil pressed a hand against Roman's chest for support and paused for a moment. It was very solid. His frame was broader than he'd imagined, much more muscular. He supposed sparring would increase anyone's upper body strength. His arms were quite strong as well, clear muscle definition.

"Um, not that I entirely mind, but can I ask why you're randomly groping me?" Roman asked with a nervous chuckle.

Virgil flinched and drew away slightly. He'd just started letting his hand wander without thinking. He probably looked so incredibly creepy to Roman. Who the hell just randomly starts feeling up their friend's pecs and biceps.

"I-I'm sorry. I-it's just I see… See with my hand you know? And this was the first time and it just took me by surprise and I-I… I'm sorry that was so weird, I wasn't thinking, that wasn't acceptable, I'm so…"

Roman silently took Virgil's hand and rested it on his cheek, Virgil could feel Roman's skin stretching with a smile.

"It's alright, I want you to see me," Roman murmured before nuzzling softly into the hand and giving a small kiss to the palm.

Virgil's face flushed bright red as he cupped the strong jawline of the kind, princely man. His heart was racing and mind reeling, but he managed to get out one coherent thought about the situation. He'd certainly fallen for the charm. Three for three, he truly was screwed.