Virgil hasn't been doing well. His back ached every time he moved, so it was better to just lay motionless for hours. Sometimes the tears slipped past his eyes, rolling easily down his cheeks and wetting the bed sheets. When the pain dulled, he slept. When it grew irritated, he awoke. Throughout it all, Janus remained by his side.

Voice soft, hands softer, Janus took care of him with practiced ease. Virgil allowed himself to be completely unguarded, raw and open like the wound on his back. Janus never once shamed him for his tears and fears.

Disgustingly, Remus had infected his mind. Virgil's trait hasn't stopped since he got out. Every waking moment, his heart was racing, his hands shaking, and his thoughts lost in what if's. His only break in the terror was when Janus held him close. A strong heartbeat and warm arms.

As the days went on his appetite improved, but his stomach turned sour at anything more intense than bread and fruit. He was drinking water all the time; Janus insisted his burn would heal faster if he was hydrated.

Virgil avoided the others when he left Jan's room. Roman was a toss up, Patton was smothering, and even Logic's concerned gaze was too much for him. He ate in silence for the meals he felt able to. He relied on Janus for those he couldn't.

And then one day, he woke up, and didn't feel like his lungs were shredded to pieces. He still ached, his muscles stiff and his body unwilling. But he could sit up straight and breathe for the first time in days. It took Janus' concerned expression for him to realize what the difference was.

"I think- I'm okay." Virgil murmured. Feeling tired, but relaxed for the first time in days.

"How so?" Janus asked, crawling behind him to check his bandages. Virgil blushed when he felt his shirt hike up. Something they've been doing routinely now felt almost foreign.

Virgil fought the burn in his cheeks. "My trait. It, like… the panic attacks I experience can be way different than anyone else's. And this one lasted days."

"Oh, love." Janus said sadly. Virgil felt his chest flip. Had he been calling Virge that the whole time? "Is that why you were so sweaty?"

God, kill him now. He sighed and ignored the question. He asked, "What day is it?"

"Friday."

"Oh my God." Virgil groaned into his hands. He lost a whole week. That hasn't happened since high school. He probably should've used his inhaler at some point during all this, but the thought hadn't occurred.

"It's alright, dear. Let me finish this and we can go downstairs. The others will want to see you." Janus said and Virgil felt the slow peel of bandages being removed from skin. He tried to keep his breathing even as Janus's gentle hands slid across sensitive skin.

"You didn't have to do this." Virgil murmured as he felt the sharp burn of the medicine. "Patton would've-"

"You asked to stay. I took care of you." Janus' hands stilled for a moment. "Nothing more needs to be said."

Virgil glanced over his shoulder, but Janus went back to applying the cream. He hissed and sat forward again.

Still, when Janus finished applying new bandages, Virgil felt the need to thank him again. He caught Janus' wrist and spoke quietly.

Janus held his gaze, nodding once and turning away. Virgil watched as he stood up from the bed and fixed his messy hair in the mirror.

"Are you ready? I'm sure there will be questions." Janus said.

Virgil nodded and followed him out the door and down the stairs. He didn't lean on Janus, since he wasn't fighting to breathe. A part of him missed the support. He glanced down at Janus' hand, just an inch from his own.

He wasn't brave enough to reach out before they made it to the kitchen. Patton jumped up from the table when he saw them.

"Virgil!" Patton ran up to him, taking his hands in his own. Janus disappeared out of sight and Virge was left to the wolves. Patton squeezed his hands and asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Um, a little groggy. But good?" He held his breath when Patton hugged him. His grip was loose and gentle, but it still caused the fabric of his shirt to brush against his bandages.

Logic approached next, smiling. He didn't touch Virgil, but he knew he wanted to. Logic always puts his hands behind his back when he wants to touch. Virgil offered his hand, which Logic took smiling.

He gave it a squeeze as he said, "It's good to see you coherent."

"That noticeable, huh?" Virgil wondered just how brain dead and weepy he'd been this week. He internally cringed. They didn't need to see him like that. He shouldn't have worried them.

"Usually when you're that gloomy, it's purposeful." Is all Logic said in response.

Patton called from further in the kitchen, "Come in, sit down! Do you want one sausage or two?"

Virgil snorted, his gaze immediately finding Roman, expecting him to giggle at the phrasing as well. But Roman wasn't looking at him. His hands rested around a coffee mug, his focus lost in his mocha reflection.

Logic led him to the table, and Virgil sat across from Roman. He still didn't look up. Virge tried to hide his pout. Logic sat beside him, turned slightly to face him. Virgil tried to not freak out by all the attention being on him. He made them worry, he has to sit through the pity committee.

Patton set a plate full of strawberries, sausage, and cat-shaped pancakes in front of him. Virgil gave his best attempt at an excited smile to Patton before he slowly picked up his fork.

"Will you want to visit the mall with us tomorrow?" Logic asked. "If you'd rather rest-"

"God, no. I'm tired of laying in a bed all day." Virgil said as he poured syrup over his pancakes. The cats drowned in the thick, sticky liquid. Unable to escape. Meowing for help that would never come…

"Virgey- uh, Virgil?" Patton's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Hm?" He blinked and looked up. Everyone was watching him. Even Roman peaked up to stare with wide eyes, his palm now holding his chin up, pressed against his mouth. Virgil found Janus, the only one standing, by the coffee maker. He slowly raised his mug, looking away from Virgil as he sipped.

Logic said, "I just asked if you wanted to leave at a specific time. We could go later, after lunch, or…?"

Virgil shook his head, "Yeah, no. Um. There would be less people in the morning? The old ladies that walk around the mall don't show up 'til lunch."

He saw his Sides relax as he shoved a massive piece of pancake in his mouth. Sorry, cats.

Roman looked back to his coffee. Janus pulled out his phone, staying over by the counter. Why was he leaving Virgil alone in the middle of the circling vultures?

"I ran into Spunk and Elliot the other day." Patton said. "They wanted to know how you were doing."

Virgil raised the glass of orange juice he was given. "Tell them I lived."

No one laughed. Virgil drank his juice.

The rest of the breakfast passed by far too slowly for Virgil's liking. He listened to Patton and Logic discuss their week and their plans for the shopping trip. They kept looking at him expectantly, like they thought he was going to fall apart at any moment. Janus and Roman offered absolutely no help at all, both silently avoiding his eye contact.

Finally, Logic stood. He ran his hand down his shirt and said, "I'm afraid I must depart now. I have a study group to attend to." He looked down at Virgil and smiled again. "I'm glad you're feeling better."

Virgil nodded and gave him an awkward thumbs-up. He blushed and shoved more pancake in his mouth.

Patton left next, saying he wanted to take a shower before he went on a walk. Sounded backwards to Virgil, but he didn't comment. Janus left without a word, shortly after Patton's shower started. He didn't look at either of them as he left. Virgil looked across the table to Roman.

And then there were two.

Roman was now looking out the window, which was a step up from coffee. Virgil nudged him under the table with his foot. Roman jumped, gaze snapping to him at last.

"Hey." He said.

"Hey yourself." Roman muttered.

Virgil tilted his head and asked, "You okay?"

"Yeah, fine." Roman pointed at him, "You're the one that was comatose for a week."

Virgil thought he heard guilt in his tone. He nudged him with his foot again, but this time he kept their ankles pressed together.

"Yeah, but I always act like that. You're never so…"

"Negative?" Roman interrupted. Virgil sighed at the bags under Roman's usually lively eyes.

"I was going to say 'sad'." Virgil rolled his eyes, hoping to lighten the mood. Roman looked back out the window. Virgil glanced down at his plate. His strawberries were untouched. He pushed the plate across the table. "Want some?"

Roman glanced at the fruit, shaking his head stiffly. He was quiet for a moment, then he asked, "Can you do me a favor?"

"Uh, maybe?" Virgil didn't like the look in Roman's eye.

"I want this done." Roman pulled his shirt collar down to reveal the elegant 'K' and floating crown. Virgil blinked, surprised.

"Oh. Yeah, I can do that." Virgil stood and walked around the table to get a better look at the tattoo. It had healed well, and would be easy to add onto. His thumb brushed along the letter. "You want it to still say 'King'?"

"Yeah." Roman's voice sounded odd. "Maybe color in the crown?"

Virgil nodded. "Let me see what I have."

He stepped back and gestured for Roman to follow. He took them up to his room, closing and locking the door behind him. The last thing he needed was Pat or Logic interrupting them mid-session. Roman stood awkwardly as Virgil laid a towel out on his bed. He moved to his desk and pulled out his supplies. Gloves, disinfectant, ink, needle. Roman moved a little closer as Virgil set up his gun.

"You look so cool when you're in the zone." Roman said, effectively taking Virgil out of 'the zone'.

He ignored the heat in his ears as he said, "Did Janus tell you to say that?"

"What?"

"Nevermind. Get on the bed." Virgil hid a smirk as Roman practically jumped onto his sheets. He pretended to not watch as Roman nervously slid off his shirt.

Virgil plugged his machine into a power outlet and slid his desk chair over to his bedside. He pulled gloves on, loaded his ink, and looked over to Roman. "Ready?"

Roman nodded, biting his lip.

"It'll probably hurt a little more, since you're not fused." Virgil said. Some folks said they preferred being fused for tattoos and piercings, not just for price but to split the pain. "But it won't be too long."

He was planning on just free-handing it. The style of the lettering wasn't too complex, and so long as Roman didn't wiggle too much, he could keep the lines straight.

"Take you time." Roman muttered, already clenching the towel under him.

Virgil didn't comment on his obvious nerves. Even tattoo lovers got anxious when it came time for the gun.

He placed his arm across Roman's torso, holding him down a little more firmly than may be necessary. As soon as the needle hit Roman's skin, he winced and closed his eyes.

"You sure you want to do this?" Virgil asked, pulling the needle away.

"Yes, keep going." Roman didn't open his eyes again.

Virgil shrugged and continued. He felt Roman's chest twitch under him as the needle moved. He could hear Roman's breath hitch, and when he forced himself to slowly exhale.

"You got this." Virgil murmured as he wiped away ink and blood. He didn't usually encourage his clients, but Roman wasn't a usual client. He watched his pained expression closely as he worked, trying to make the session as quick as possible.

Roman let out a shakey sigh as Virgil wiped over the tattoo again with disinfectant. When Virgil glanced at him again, his face seemed far more relaxed, with only a slight pinch between his brows.

"Good boy." Virgil said as he began working on the 'N'.

"Yeah-" Roman let out a short, breathy laugh. "I figured, you could hurt me back a bit."

Virgil stopped, needle a centimeter from skin. He looked up at Roman's wet smile. "Oh. Oh, no, Ro-"

"I-I mean, I wanted it done anyway, but this way it's like, a win-win, right?" Roman closed his eyes again, and Virgil had the sinking suspicion it was to hide how glassy they were.

He sighed and continued working. "I don't win by hurting you. I don't- I don't do this to hurt people. It's about the art that comes from the pain."

Roman didn't respond.

Virgil worked silently until he finished the word. 'King' stared back at him in loopy, fancy script. He wiped the tattoo again. Roman hissed at the sting of disinfectant.

Virgil turned to his ink tray. He didn't have much at home. Black, blue, green... He looked at the crown. "Almost done."

He poured the red ink into a cup and dipped his needle in it. If Roman wanted pain, this part wouldn't be pretty. He drilled the needle into a small circle in the center of the crown. Then two more, smaller dots on each side. A royal crown full of rubies. Roman made a little grunting noise, followed by another hiss as Virgil quickly wiped the blood away.

"What'd'you think?" Virgil reach over and grabbed a small mirror to show Roman.

Roman squinted at it. "It's backwards."

"It's a mirror, you idiot."

Roman smirked at him, and for a moment his joy seemed genuine. Then he glanced back down at the reflection of the tattoo, his smile faltering.

Roman moved to stand, but Virgil pushed him back down with a hand on his shoulder. He said, "Hold on. I need to wrap you up."

Roman's lip twitched as Virgil turned away. He rummaged through his desk to find his sheets of plastic-wrap-like skin.

"I only have second skin here. I prefer it, anyway." Virgil said as he cut put a piece. Roman watched silently as he peeled the back of the wrap off and pressed it smoothly to his skin. Finally, Virgil stepped back and let him sit up. Roman looked up from his tattoo, his face red.

"Thank you." Before Virgil could respond, he sucked in a deep breath and said, "Will you- will you follow me?"

Virgil peeled off his gloves, watching Roman hesitantly. "Uh… okay."

Roman stood and took his hand. Virgil watched their fingers slot together perfectly. Roman quickly led the way across the hall to his own room. He stopped just inside, closing the door behind him, dropping Virgil's hand.

"Close your eyes." Roman said.

"I'm getting nervous." Virgil mentally told his trait to back the hell off.

"Shh, just do it." Virgil did. "Hold out your hands."

"Roman-"

"Do it. Please."

Virgil sighed and held his hands out. He couldn't see, but he heard Roman shuffle away. Something moved around. And then a shuffle back. After a brief pause, something was placed delicately into his hands.

A soft, heavy weight. Something about it felt familiar. Roman's nervous voice floated past his curiosity.

"Okay, open your eyes."

Virgil opened one first, peeking down at his new gift. He gasped and blinked both eyes open. In his hands was his old jacket. He rubbed the fabric between his fingers. Yeah. It was definitely his jacket that was burned through.

He slowly unfolded it. The back, which was previously demolished, was stitched back together with thick purple fabric. The same purple additions was added to his elbows and the inside of the hood. He turned the jacket over and over, struck by how well the stitching looked.

Jaw dropped, he looked up at Roman.

"It's weird seeing your arms." Roman said.

Virgil laughed. He pulled Roman forward into a hug, not caring if his bandages tugged. Roman gasped, his hands landing on Virgil's hips.

"Roman!" He pulled away just enough to look in his eyes. "Thank you!"

"Yeah- Um," Roman stuttered, his face turning almost as red as his hair. They stepped back and Virgil smiled down at his jacket. Roman said, "You seem to like it a lot. I mean, you wear it every day. And we live in Florida, so…"

"I've had it for forever." Virgil pressed it against his face. It even still smelled perfect. Familiar and safe. And just a hint of Roman's spice. He said, "My sister gave it to me, when I moved out."

Roman smiled and gestured to it. "Try it on?"

"I need help." Virgil felt his ears burn. He lifted his arms a little. "My shoulders are stiff, and uh-"

"Got it." Roman took the jacket from his grip and stepped behind him. Virgil watched as he helped guide Virgil's arms into the sleeves. He relaxed as the familiar weight of the jacket rested on his shoulders. Roman said from behind him, "Do a little spin."

Virgil snorted, but turned on his heel, grabbing Roman's wrists to catch him. "Thank you, Roman. I love it."

"I figured purple was your favorite color." Roman said, gesturing awkwardly to his hair.

Virgil smirked. "That's a good guess. But it's not actually purple." He stepped forward, watching Roman's smile fall into a cute pout. He said in a low voice, "It's red."

Before he lost his courage, he kissed Roman's cheek, giving his hip a little squeeze. Then he pulled away, turning on his heel again. He ran his hands along the purple detailing around the zipper.

"See you later." He looked over his shoulder to see Roman's bright red expression. He chuckled and added, "Don't worry about your tattoo bleeding, it's normal."

Roman glanced down at his tattoo, blood slowly starting to seep from its wound. Virgil closed the door behind him as he stepped into the hall. He rubbed his hands along the fabric of his jacket, excitedly tugging on the draw strings.

He had fixed it. Something Virgil didn't think possible. He was devastated to throw away the comfort item. But it was back, better than ever, and Virgil felt invincible.


Virge was right, there would be less people at the mall in the morning. He followed along behind the others and did his best to not look in pain. His back didn't burn so much anymore, but it was the first time he really moved his muscles in a week. He was sore everywhere.

Patton and Logic led them through different stores that Virgil would never step foot in. Everyone complemented Virgil on his new jacket.

"Roman fixed my old one." He told them.

"Oh, that was sweet of you." Patton looped his arm around Roman's.

Virgil raised an eyebrow at Roman's pink cheeks. Had Patton caught the Prince's eye now? Virgil snorted, thinking, good luck getting him to shower with you.

After the third too-bright store, Virgil tapped Logic on the shoulder. "I'm going to melt if I have to be in another store that smells like burnt gingerbread."

"I suppose we could separate for a moment." Logic looked down at the list he had on his phone. "I was going to look for a new toaster, a place that would deliver a couch, and a door…"

"I'll go with you, Logic." Patton let go of Roman's arm to grab Logic's. "I like looking at furniture."

"I'll stay with Virge." Janus said, mockingly looping their arms together. He gave Virgil a fake smile, and Virge flicked his nose.

"And I'll find the food court." Roman said, unironically looping his arm with Virgil's other side.

Patton and Logic shared a glance. Virgil felt his stomach drop. Patton bit his lip. "Um."

"So, what? You don't trust us to be alone anymore?" Virgil snapped. He felt his grip on the others tighten.

Patton held his hands up. "No, no, that's not it. Uh-"

"Just," Logic interrupted, "Be smart."

"Yeah, no shit." Virgil muttered, twisting out of the others grips and storming off. He heard Roman and Janus follow behind him before too long. Virgil shoved his hands in his jacket pockets.

"Sorry." He muttered.

"Don't apologize to me." Janus responded.

"I just-" Virgil looked over his shoulder, but Patton and Logic were already gone. He sighed. "It's like they think we have a death wish or something."

Roman nodded, gaining Virgil's attention. "I know! Like, we get it. We won't fuse. It's not that big 'a deal."

Janus didn't comment, but his expression seemed a mix of smug and annoyance. They were on the first floor, with most of the furniture stores on the second floor. Meaning they wouldn't run into Logic and Patton until they wanted to.

Without really thinking, Virgil led the way to Hot Topic. He was a stereotype, but he didn't care. Neither of his friends commented as they entered, and that's all that mattered.

Roman got distracted by their Disney section. Virgil looked through the clothes while Janus stood by the jewelry area. Virgil felt himself relax as he looked through various shades of black. He couldn't help getting irritated by Patton and Logic's concern. It wasn't like any of them liked Remus. They didn't need a lecture every time they wanted to hang out together.

"You'd look good in this," Virgil heard Janus whisper as a lacey black choker pressed against his neck. Virgil touched the necklace, turning to a wall mirror to look. It was simple, the black lace looping between golden jewels. Janus watched his expression in the reflection.

Virgil smiled and tilted his head to the side to expose more of his neck. Janus' gaze briefly flicked down. "I like it. But it matches more your vibe, don't you think?"

"Should I find something bulkier for you?" Janus asked, turning Virgil around with a hand on his hip. When did he get so suggestible? There was a time he would've fought Janus for even looking at him.

Virgil raised an eyebrow, fiddling with the choker still around his neck. The lace did feel nice. "Desperate to put me in a collar, are you?"

Janus smirked and leaned close. Hands on Virgil's hips, voice sultry, "You have no idea."

Virgil broke, giggling and pulling away. He gave Janus' hand a squeeze as he let go. "You're funny. Now get this off me."

Janus silently removed the choker, and the two found Roman by the mini backpacks. He showed the options to them.

"Stitch or Toy Story?" He asked them.

"Neither?" Virgil said, "this would probably fall apart in seconds."

"What could you even fit in it?" Janus asked, opening one to peer inside.

"It's for fashion!" Roman said.

"How is Disney fashionable?" Janus asked.

Roman gasped in offense.

They were able to drag him away from the over priced bags. They wandered further down the hall to find the mall opened up into a big sitting area with a fountain. More shops lined the walls around the fountain, and the open air allowed you to see the two floors above.

Virgil found the only other store in the mall he liked, Spencer's: Hot Topic's cooler, older brother. He walked in, with Janus and Roman on either side. Again they took their time looking at different things. Virgil scanned the sticker and lava lamp collections. He saw Janus looking at the hats and beanies. And after ten minutes of looking around, he found Roman in the very back. Virgil sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Dude. Those things are for Fusions." Virgil said, nodding to the adult toys. Many of them were normal sized, but not the one Roman stopped in front of.

Roman jumped, "I was just looking."

"Oh no, dears." Janus appeared out of nowhere, startling both of them. "That would definitely hurt. Why not something like this one?"

"Don't just grab them!" Virgil felt his face burn as he looked around. There weren't many customers in Spencer's at 9 in the morning, but Virgil still felt embarrassed.

"They're in packages, dear. They're not dirty." Janus said, handing the colorful dildo to Roman. "This is more your size."

"I know," Roman also looked red, "I was just looking."

"Imagining, maybe?" Janus nudged him. Roman's face grew redder.

Virgil couldn't drag his gaze away from a long, neon green one. "You know who'd want that?"

The other two glanced at the big one he nodded to. Then all three of them started giggling. Remus was absolutely awful, but at least they could make fun of him.

"Please, he wouldn't be able to behave himself long enough to get out of the mall." Roman muttered, putting the dildo he was holding back on the wall. "He'd get us arrested for - Gods everything."

"That's true." Janus made a face.

The three of them walked past the adult section without further comment. Virgil did see the curious glances the others made to the various toys, and he tried to push away all the dirty thoughts that observation provided.

You're not dating, you're not dating, you're not dating. He kept reminding himself. Even as Janus rested his chin on Virgil's shoulder, standing a tad too close. You're not dating.

Physical affection didn't mean romantic attraction. Virgil knew that. But he couldn't stop thinking of Janus' soft, healing touch. Of the warmth they shared throughout the week, home alone together, while the rest studied and worked.

"Hey, Jan…?" Virgil turned to look at him better. Janus' face was closer than he anticipated. Virgil's breath hitched.

Janus smiled at him. Virgil's gaze followed the movement. "Yes?"

Distractingly, the song that was playing over the store speakers ended and the next began. Virgil knew the beats well and his brain immediately prepared the lyrics that would come up. He lost focus of what he was going to ask Janus, his cheeks warming.

"Um."

Robert's got a quick hand

He'll look around the room, but won't tell you his plan -

"What?" Janus asked, sounding amused.

"Nothing." Virgil pushed him back by his good shoulder. Janus smile grew wider as his fingers loosely looped around Virgil's wrists.

He found a six-shooter gun

In his dad's closet, and with a box of fun things -

His smile was intoxicating. Virgil didn't get it directed at him often. Janus had plenty of expressions, but over this week he had shown Virgil his rarest ones. Virgil cursed his mind for being too foggy to appreciate the view.

But he's coming for you, yeah, he's coming for you -

"Do you want to…" Janus glanced away and licked his lips. "I mean, I know you're feeling better-"

"I'll still need help with the burn cream." Virgil said as an offering. Janus' face lit up, his shoulders relaxing.

All the other kids with the pumped up kicks

You better run, better run outrun my gun -

"I got plenty to share." Janus murmured, eyes shining. Virgil felt light headed. He wanted to touch Janus, to hold him close, but he was only brave enough to do that at night.

All the other kids with the pumped up kicks

You better run, better run faster than my bullet -

Virgil opened his mouth to respond, but his jaw clacked shut at the sound of screaming. He grabbed Janus on instinct, turning to the front of the store, where the screaming was coming from. There was the distant sound of broken glass, and the screaming grew louder. Virgil watched out the store window as people sprinted past the store.

"People are running." Virgil said.

"And screaming." Janus added helpfully.

They were both gripping each other's hands tightly. Nearly frozen in shock as more and more people, Sides, and Fusions ran by. And then the music cut off. And the alarm rang.

" THIS IS NOT A DRILL. A STRESS HAS BEEN SPOTTED IN THE BUILDING. PLEASE EVACUATE TO THE NEAREST EXIT. AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. "

Virgil's wide eyes met Janus'. Their holds on each other tightened. They both looked around the store, quickly darting towards the door. Other customers and employees sprinted past them.

Virgil looked to Janus and they asked each other at the same time, "Where's Roman?"

"I thought you were watching him!" Virgil hissed.

"No, I was watching you." Janus snapped back.

Virgil had to tell his heart to shut up and not be flattered by that. This was not the time to get distracted by feelings.

"THIS IS NOT A DRILL. A STRESS HAS BEEN SPOTTED IN THE BUILDING."

Virgil ran out into the hall with Janus right by his side. Less people were running by, with most in the area having already evacuated. It made it easier to spot their absolute fucking idiot.

He knew Janus spotted him at the same time when Jan groaned. "Seriously?"

Roman, wearing heavy headphones and a VR headset, stood on a little platform in the middle of the open area. On a TV, you could watch him play a hunting video game. Literally hunting, as in deer and shit.

"AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN ALERTED."

Virgil sprinted across the mall, dodging people sprinting out of the mall. Janus reached the platform a moment after Virgil, climbing up while Virgil looked around for the STRESS.

"I swear if we live, I'm killing you." Janus said as he yanked the headset off Roman's face.

"Hey!" Roman shouted. "I was about to- woah."

"THIS IS NOT A DRILL. A STRESS HAS BEEN SPOTTED IN THE BUILDING."

Roman's wide eyes landed on Janus'. He pulled Janus off the stage and grabbed Virgil with his other arm.

"You guys!" He shouted, "We have to go! There's a STRESS!"

Janus reached to strangle Roman, but Virgil pulled his arms down. He was about to tell them the closest exit when a massive, shaking roar let out throughout the mall.

They turned to see the beast approaching the water fountain, only ten feet from where they stood.

Virgil pushed them backwards, towards a support beam, whispering, "Go, go, go, go!"

They slipped behind the beam, hiding on the other side of it. Janus peered at the STRESS from around the corner, careful to stay low. A trash can and potted plant offered them a little more shelter. But the STRESS was still far, far too close for comfort.

Roman tried to look over Janus' shoulder. He asked, "What's it do-?"

Virgil cut off his question with a hand pressed against his lips. He held Roman against the support beam with his bodyweight, keeping him still for good measure.

"Don't. Speak." Janus hissed in Roman's ear. He frantically nodded, breath tickling Virgil's fingers.

Virgil peered around the other side of the support beam. The STRESS drank out of the water fountain like a bull; licking and splashing at the water hungrily.

It was disgusting looking; far too many legs and arms coming out of places they shouldn't. Its mouths howeled at different intervals, never letting there be a moment of silence. Its many eyes watched in all directions, seeking out their last Side.

Virgil let out a shaky breath and rejoined Roman in the center. Roman glanced up at him, but otherwise didn't move, still pinned by Virgil's hips.

"Its last Side isn't here." Janus whispered, leaning close to them.

"How do you know?" Virgil whispered back.

"When those things catch the scent of their Side-" Janus just shook his head. "Right now its calm."

The STRESS wailed and ripped the stone statue in the center of the fountain to pieces. Rocks crumbled into the water in a small avalanche. Virgil nodded at Janus, trying to keep his voice low.

"Right. Calm."

Janus nodded to the hallway that led to the exit, but they'd have to leave their cover and make a break for it. Even though they didn't look it, STRESSes were fast. And Virgil didn't think they could all out run one if they had its full attention.

Virgil shook his head. Janus frowned. Virgil nodded to the STRESS. Roman wiggled under him. They both glared at him and pressed him further into the safety of the wall.

And then, the weirdest thing happened. A bunch of peppy freaks showed up. Virgil doubted they were the "authorities". A group of maybe eight Sides and Fusions ran in from different parts of the mall. Some wore tie-dye others had pink t shirts with a saying Virgil was too far away to read.

"Oh my god." Janus muttered. "The idiots arrived."

The new group spread out around the STRESS, keeping a few feet away from it. They led their arms out like they were going to hug it.

"It'll be okay, sweetie!" One lady shouted at the STRESS.

"Know your rights!" Another shouted.

The STRESS backed up into the center of the fountain, roaring and splashing water at the small crowd around it. It didn't like the new welcome wagon. The STRESS thrashed its head back and forth, and it never stopped screeching. Virgil would happily never listen to music again if it meant he didn't have to hear a STRESS for the rest of his life.

As if summoned by the discussion of civil rights, the police stormed through the halls, each carrying massive shields. They blew whistles and shouted at the hippies around the STRESS, but the hippies turned around and began blocking the police off from the beast.

"What the fuck…?" Virgil muttered, watching the commotion. Roman's hips twitched again and Virgil glanced at him. His face was red. Virgil glanced down. He scoffed. "Dude. Seriously?"

Roman glared at him and pointedly looked down at his hand over his mouth, as if he was saying 'what do you expect?'. Virgil rolled his eyes, but didn't lessen the pressure on his hand or hips.

"Leave him alone!" The small crowd shouted.

"STRESSes deserve love!"

The police leader spoke through a megaphone, "Back away from the STRESS or we will have to arrest you."

They didn't back away. Virgil froze up when the police reached for their tasers. Janus must've saw the movement as well. He pulled on Virgil's sleeve, forcing him into movement.

Jan was right, with the cops and hippies fighting in front of the STRESS, the coast was clear to escape. Virgil released his grip on Roman to push him forward. They ran together, the three of them running down the hall and out into the open air.

They kept running until they were deep into the parking lot. Virgil placed his hands on his knees as he panted. Roman hid between the cars and adjusted his pants. The place was swarming with cop cars and flashing lights. Janus looked around, scanning the small crowd that gathered to watch. He turned to them with wide eyes.

"Where's Logic and Patton?"