Virgil left in the morning, before Janus woke up. His back was a little better and he wasn't in constant panic mode; he couldn't avoid going to work any longer. When he walked through the shop doors, Spunk and Elliot greeted him with glorious applause.
"You lived!" Elliot declared.
"Thank you!" Virgil held his arms out wide in victory. "I did!"
Spunk wolf-whistled. Virgil walked into the back room to put his bag on his desk. He would have to make up all those tats he had to reschedule. Maybe he could plan a flash sale later in the week to get a couple bucks back.
The three of them settled into an easy morning, getting their stations ready and preparing for any appointments they do have. Virgil was scrolling through his calendar, trying to see which lucky bastard got rescheduled for today. It looked like he had three smaller tats. Shouldn't take more than an hour each. Virgil liked the days where he only had one big piece better. There was less required conversation.
"Will you go on a date with me?" Elliot asked out of nowhere, rolling their chair over to talk to him.
Virgil said in a hushed voice, "Dude, Spunk is right there."
"Shut the fuck up." Elliot rolled their eyes. They pushed Virgil, and he laughed. "I meant a double date. With me and Crude."
Virgil wrinkled his nose. "Crude's not really my type-"
Elliot mimicked strangling him. "Bring one of your Sides."
"I don't think any of them like Crude, either." Virgil said.
"Im ignoring you." Elliot interrupted. With a hand on the back of their neck, they added, "I thought you could bring Janus? He seems to be the only one Crude listens to."
Virgil perked up. "I mean, I guess I can ask him."
Spunk, from across the room, pointed and yelled, "I saw that! What was that smile about?"
"Nothing, shut up!" Virgil groaned, his face heating. Elliot laughed at him.
Spunk gasped, "You like that worm of a man?"
"Hey! They have a crush on fucking Crude." Virgil pointed at Elliot, trying to hide his smile. Elliot sputtered. Virge continued, "Besides. Jan's not that bad, actually. He, uh, helped me a lot."
"With what? Tax fraud?" Elliot asked.
Virgil sighed, "Well, it was more like. A Fission burn?"
"What!?" Spunk twisted to fully face them. "Who hurt you!?"
Elliot asked, "Are you okay?"
Virgil nodded, shoving his hands in his pockets. "It was, uh… It was Roman. Me and him and Jan, we - uh - don't really work well together. Fusion-wise."
Spunk crossed her arms. "How so?"
"We." Virgil rubbed his face and sighed. "We made this massive fucking prick. And he wouldn't let go of us. So Roman had to…"
He made a pushing motion with one hand, closing his eyes so he didn't have to see his friends' reactions.
"Oh, Virgil…" Spunk said.
"Anyway," Virgil wasn't expecting it to be this hard to talk about. His back burned, like it knew he was gossiping about it. "I couldn't move. Or do anything. It activated my Trait."
Spunk shook her head. "Fuck, that must've been awful."
"It was the worst attack I've had in years. Since high school." Virgil got attacks more often back then. Because high school was made to torment Sides like him.
Elliot made a sympathetic "Ugh" noise.
"Would've been worse without Jan." Virgil said softly. "He stayed with me, the whole time."
"Hm." Spunk squinted her eyes.
"Aww!" Elliot smiled earnestly.
"So the date?" Virgil looked expectantly at Elliot.
Elliot gave him a sheepish grin. "Yeah. They asked me out, but I don't want to be alone with them just yet."
"I don't blame you." Virge said. He asked Spunk, "Are you coming?"
Spunk shook her head. "I already made plans with my sister."
And that's why Virgil was needed. "Okay. When is it? Tonight? It's Monday."
"No, tomorrow. We won't be out late. Just some drinks and talking." Elliot said, waving dismissively. "Crude doesn't do jack shit, but we have work in the morning. I won't let them keep us out all night."
Virgil nodded, thinking. He pulled out his phone, ready to text Janus, only to find he already had a message from him.
Jan said, 'Are you free tomorrow?'
Virgil smirked and texted back, 'Did Crude ask you out?'
Jan responded a moment later, 'It's their favorite hobby. Are you interested in coming?
Virgil thought of a dirty joke, but refrained from sending it. Instead he said, 'Only if you're coming with me.'
That ended up being a little dirty anyway. Virgil chewed the inside of his cheek as he waited for a response. He hid his smile behind his hand at what Janus said.
Simply, 'Of course, love.'
How could he focus on his work, when he had that to look forward to and worry about?
Virgil's back was killing him by the end of the day. He had three scheduled tattoos and managed to fit in three more walk-ins. He spent hours hunched over skin, focusing on his linework. He offered his clients more breaks than he usually would, and snuck away to the back room, where he could stretch or bitch in peace.
Elliot and Spunk were good enough friends to not mention his sour attitude. He tried to keep his pain on the inside (where it belonged) but that meant he constantly had a pinched brow. The clients were awkwardly quiet as well. Virge knew he wasn't doing a good job at the "being friendly" part of having a career. But to be fair, he wasn't being an asshole either. He was just quiet. And pouty.
When Spunk finally called it quittin' time at the end of the day, Virge could not be more relieved. He cleaned up as quickly as his back would allow. He spent the entire drive home trying to ignore the tape on his back. How it itched so much it almost burned. Or how his back was burned so badly it itched, like ash trying to fall away from bark. How he was permanently altered forever. How, unlike tattoos, he couldn't lazer this mark away.
He could feel the sensations of his trait kicking in. His breathing became short as his fingers gripped the wheel tighter. He turned up the music on his radio until he couldn't hear his own thoughts anymore.
And somehow. He made it home.
Virgil thanked the gods as he climbed out of his car and jogged inside. He checked the livingroom and kitchen, both empty, before he bounded up the stairs.
In the back of his mind, he couldn't help but focus on his burn. Constantly itching, aching, hurting.
Fuck fuck fuck fuck ow ow ow ow ow-
Janus wasn't in his room. Virgil cussed and looked around. His room was empty. Briefly, Virge tried to remember when was the last time he slept in his own bed. Desperately, he threw open Roman's door. Maybe Jan was there? He didn't find Jan or Roman, but he did find Shadow, who meowed in protest that her nap was interrupted.
Virgil debated if he was desperate enough to drive all the way to Patton's daycare. Stupid fucking burn had to be on his back where he can't reach. Virgil ran across the hall to Patton's room. Looking inside, Virge confirmed he was still at work.
Ow ow ow ow
"Fuck, am I the only one here?" Virgil muttered before he practically threw himself at Logic's door. He knocked frantically, partially because Logic appreciated knocking, and partially to get rid of some of his Anxious energy.
Knock knock knock knock
Virgil heard a voice from inside. Thank fuck!
He opened the door, thankful to see Logic on his bed. He said, "Hey, glad you're here, can you, uh-"
Janus popped up from the depths of Logic's bedsheets, shirtless and flushed. Virgil felt rocks tumble inside his chest.
"Oh. I… didn't see you?" Virgil felt the air turn awkward. Why did he feel awkward? Logic and Jan are boyfriends, they can do whatever they want in Logic's bed. Besides, if Virge can go back to work, he can handle a little burn care by himself. He started to back out of the room, "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt."
"No, by all means," Janus said, his voice rough and deep. Virge felt a shiver run down his spine. For a split second, he thought Janus was going to invite him to join them. "What do you need?"
God, Virge, get your head out of your ass. He told himself, feeling his cheeks burn. He said with what little dignity he had left, "My back hurts."
Janus moved to climb off the bed. Virgil's gaze dropped lower, his embarrassment growing upon seeing Janus' underwear peak out from his low sleep pants. He wasn't able to stare for too long before Janus was by his side.
"Here, I can help you. Let me, love." Janus said, taking his hand. He kissed Virgil's knuckles, and Virge's breath hitched like the lovesick loser he was. Virgil's chest felt warm and tingly. He glanced back at Logic, noting his expression.
"Are you sure-?" Virgil asked as Janus guided him back out of the room.
"Don't worry, dear." Janus said, leading them to his room. "We were finished there."
"Oh." Virgil glanced down at Janus' ass in sweatpants. "Okay."
Not much longer, Virgil found himself laying shirtless on Janus' bed. He rested his chin on his crossed arms, humming peacefully as Janus applied medicine to him.
"You sound nice." Janus broke the silence, his voice soft. He leaned close to Virge to speak into his ear.
Virgil smiled, his hum turning into a small laugh. He tilted his head and said, "You smell nice."
"Logic and I took a shower." Janus said, pulling away.
Virgil's smile grew wider. "That was fast."
"What do you mean?" Janus asked.
Virgil shrugged, relaxing again as Jan continued giving him a little massage. "Feels like he was just talking about how he wanted to fuck you."
Janus' hands stilled. "That… doesn't make any sense."
"Why? Cuz he's a Logic?" Virgil asked. When he didn't get a response, he looked over his shoulder. Janus was staring at his door, brows pinched. Virgil twisted a little more to get a better look at him. "Jan?"
"Nothing, love. Nevermind." He looked back down at Virgil, smiling sweetly.
Before Virge could respond, Janus leaned down and kissed his temple. Virgil felt heat spark across his skin from where Janus touched. He turned to face forward again, swallowing his tongue. Virge buried his face in his arms to hide his stupid grin. Janus kept touching him and saying sweet things, and Virgil kept letting him. He was never sure when it would be the last time.
The medicine on his back cooled his wound and calmed his mind. Janus' touches were confident, and Virgil let his body melt into the mattress.
"Excited for our date tomorrow?" Virgil asked, feeling warm and sleepy. Butterflies migrated from his stomach to his chest. Every touch felt like tiny sparks of electricity, but softer. Electric kisses. That'd be a cool band name.
"Oh, that little thing?" Janus sounded bored, his hands slowing to a stop. "Shouldn't be too interesting."
Virgil twisted around to look at him, eyebrow raised. Janus' impartial mask broke into a wide smile. He let out a giggle and pushed Virgil's face away. Virgil laughed too, reaching behind to swat at him.
"You're cute." Virgil said, relaxing once again.
Jan's adorable laugh turned into a small cough. He cleared his throat, and a moment later, his hands were back on Virgil's back.
"You must be tired." Janus murmured in his ear. Virgil hummed again, pressing against his warmth.
"Rest up, love." Janus said.
The last thing he felt was a kiss against his temple.
How slutty was too slutty? Virgil wasn't sure. He wanted Jan's attention, but Crude would be there. A delicate line to walk, indeed. Virgil debated a crop top before deciding against it. He tried on different shirts, with and without his jacket, but none of them looked hot enough. After all, he was competing with fucking Roman. For Janus. You know, just the two hottest, god-like-attractive Sides in their pod. How could Virge even attempt to get either of their attention when he was so remarkably average?
Yeah, Roman wasn't going to be at the date, that didn't matter. What was stopping Jan from comparing everything Virge said and did to Roman? Virge just knew he was going to flunk this test.
Black was good. And also most of his wardrobe. Maybe he could find a plain black top? Virgil moved to his dresser, before he remembered something and veered to his closet instead.
"Oh, I hope I didn't throw that out-" Virgil muttered as he pushed aside jackets and sweaters. Come on, come on- oh, there! "Yeah!"
He grabbed the top out of the closet and moved back to his mirror. It hung on the wall in a spot that was usually out of his vision. He had to stand directly in front of it to get a look at his reflection; otherwise it was hidden away behind the closet door.
He held the black sleeveless top up to himself. If it still fit, it would work. Virgil quickly removed his shirt and wiggled his way into the shirt? Corset? Binder? Virge didn't know what to call it. He just bought it online two years ago and wore it once, around his apartment, alone.
The neckline rose up about an inch or two up his neck. The fabric pulled tight against his chest and sides, feeling almost constricting. Strangely, Virge found the sensation calming instead of suffocating. It pressed against his bandages a little, but that was the price of fashion. Virgil rubbed his neck, looking at himself in the mirror. The top was nice, practically new, and simplistic. He turned to his desk and thought about accessories.
A necklace would be pretty, right? Or would that be stupid? Virgil glanced at himself in the little mirror on his desk. He could keep his studs in. Or should he change them for something flashier? What would Janus like?
Virgil groaned and resisted the urge to flop on the bed and give up. Why was it so hard to be cute? Janus was effortlessly gorgeous every goddamn day and Virge couldn't even pick out what earrings to wear?
Deep breath, Virge. Don't work yourself up into a panic fit before your date. It probably won't go horrible. After all the last time you went to a bar with Janus, you only got harassed, embarrassed yourself, fused into a monster, and got physically and mentally scarred for life. NBD, right?
"Okay." Virgil pushed down his thoughts, staring at his jewelry box. "Okay."
His fingers found a long, gold necklace with small, sparkling jewels hanging from it. Many of the little crystals were white, but a few of the were yellow or purple. He turned the necklace about in the light and watched the crystals shift between the colors. Virgil carefully put it on and watched himself in the mirror. He held his breath, turning slightly to look more. He decided he didn't want to keep wearing the black skinny jeans he wore to work. Virgil went to his dresser, digging through his pants drawer. Here he found another article of clothing he had never been brave enough to wear.
Virgil blushed, staring down at the purple, plaid skirt. He ran his fingers over the smooth fabric. He shouldn't. That was too desperate, wasn't it? Janus would take one look at him and know he was trying too hard. And people were only tryhards for their crushes. And then Janus would laugh in his face for having an embarrassing middle school crush on his Side.
He switched his pants out for the skirt and returned to the mirror. He couldn't see too well, since it wasn't a full-body. But he got the vibe. The skirt fell just before his knees, and had two gold metal chains wrapped through the belt loops. Virge wasn't usually a gold boy; he preferred his jewelry to be silver (or, you know, black). But he had a feeling Janus would like the gold better. He hoped.
Gods, stop being such a loser! Virgil covered his face with his hands, like he could hide from his own embarrassment. He didn't care what Janus thought. He was going to hang out with Elliot. That was it. It was just going to be a fun time with his friend and their partner. He didn't have to waste all this time on Janus, when the motherfucker probably won't even notice him. Okay. Okay. Earrings.
Virgil decided on just changing his black studs out for small, purple gems. He thought they looked good with his dyed hair. Virge doesn't know shit about fashion, but matching was a thing, right?
Whatever. He'll wear his black boots, the ones with the built-in heel. And with that, his outfit was complete. Virge put his jacket back on, watching his reflection. He slid the jacket off his shoulders. Then put it back on. Off again. Fuck, he couldn't decide. Without it he probably looked sluttier, his shoulders out and everything. But with it. Well. He had his jacket. And he loved that jacket. Roman made it.
Virgil chewed his lip, and left the jacket on. He moved back to his desk, forcing himself to carry on. Make up. He needed everything back on; he washed his face at the beginning of his getting dressed montage. Foundation, eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara… lipstick?
A knock at his door.
"Virgil? Can we talk?"
Aaaand he's Anxious. Virgil looked up from his spot at his desk. He had a little mirror that he used only for his eyeliner, which he set down awkwardly.
Patton stood in the doorway, rubbing his hand up and down his arm. "About something important."
Great. Now he's double Anxious. Virgil turned to face Patton better and said, "Okay."
"Okay." Patton took a deep breath, then stepped into the room. He closed the door behind him softly. Slowly, his eyes found Virgil's again. "I'm glad you're feeling better."
"Yeah. It's good to be up and around." Virgil said, unsure what Patton wanted. He watched Pat carefully, temporarily forgetting his make up.
"I missed you." Patton said slowly.
Virgil gave a small smile, trying to ease his nerves. "Yeah, I missed you, too."
"I was hoping we could spend more time together now that you're feeling better?" Patton said. Virge nodded, he didn't mind that.
"Sure, Pat." Virgil said, returning to his make up. He was close to done. "Um, I'm busy tonight. But what did you have in mind?"
He saw Patton's face flush in the reflection of his mirror. "I- want you back in my bed."
"Uh-huh." Virge wasn't expecting that. He tilted his head slightly. He felt heat gather in his ears and he had to remind himself that Patton was celibate.
"I miss cuddling?"
"Okay. Um, is cuddling the important thing?" His anxiety couldn't handle this beating around the bush bullshit.
"Kind of."
"What do you mean 'kind of'?" Virgil sighed. "Look, I want to give you the time you deserve to talk about cuddling or whatever. But I need to finish my make up, so-"
"You look so nice." Patton sounded sad. His gaze slowly traveled up and down Virgil's body. "Why do you look nice?"
Virgil couldn't meet his gaze. "I'm going out tonight."
"You and…?" God, Virge hated the sadness in his voice.
Virgil looked up at him. "Some friends."
"Virgil. I-" Patton took a deep breath, then said, "I'm just worried you're hanging out with the wrong crowd."
"Oh." Virgil sneered, finally snapping. "I see. This is about Janus."
Patton put his hands up, caught. "No! Well, yes, but-"
"Patton, I can hang out with any of my Sides. They're a part of me." Virgil knew this argument was coming at some point. He'd seen the way Pat glanced between him and Jan when they stood too close.
"I know that but-" Did Patton just flinch?
"And a part of you!"
"I know that but-" Patton definitely flinched.
"But what?" Virgil shook his head. "Do you want us to just ignore him? Pretend he doesn't exist? How will we ever become Established like that?"
Patton waved his hands in a refusing motion, "It's not like that. It doesn't have to be like- but- maybe just be careful around him."
Virgil rolled his eyes, "What is there to even be careful about? Look, I know you and him had a spat in the past, but, he's not as bad as you were saying."
"Yes he is!" Patton said, desperately, "Please stop spending so much time with Janus."
Virgil looked Patton up and down, his lips pulling into a sneer. He stood and crossed his arms, "You're seriously asking me to avoid one of my Sides?"
Patton sighed. "I know. But he's my Side, too. I understand! And he's clearly dangerous- look at what he did to your back!"
"Janus didn't hurt me." Virgil snapped. He stepped close to Patton, his voice hard. "He's a victim here, too. We all are. But Jan had nothing to do with my back. He's fucking burned, too, you ass!"
Patton flinched.
"The sooner you realize Jan is innocent, the better." Virgil said, his hands shaking. "He didn't hurt anyone. Roman burned us."
Patton gasped. He shook his head and said, "But Remus was only that bad because of Janus!"
Virgil rolled his eyes. "Oh my god." He stormed past Patton, towards the door.
"Where are you going?" Patton asked.
"I have a date with a Negative. At a Negative bar. With other Negatives." Virgil growled as he threw the door open. Janus stood in the doorway, looking surprised. His hand was raised in an aborted gesture to knock. Virgil grabbed the hand and said, with far more force than necessary, "Don't wait up."
He pulled Janus away, leaving Patton alone in his room. Virgil could feel Janus' eyes boring into the back of his head. He kept moving until they were down the stairs, out the door, and by his car.
Janus said, voice soft, "You okay?"
"Yeah. He's just." Virgil sighed. He kicked the car's tire. "Being stupid."
"We don't have to go." Janus said, his hand falling from Virgil's grasp. "Or you could go without me and-"
"No. I want to hang out with you." Virgil said. After seeing Janus' expression, he blushed and added, "And our friends."
"Right, right." Janus opened the door to the car for Virgil, gesturing for him to enter. Virgil slid into the passenger seat and Janus ran around to the driver's side. Even though this was Virgil's car, he didn't think twice about Janus turning the ignition. Sure, he could be stupid when he was by himself, but Janus always drove perfectly when Virgil was in the car. Virge let himself relax against the seat and look out the window at the lights.
Janus broke the silence after a few minutes of driving. "I like your outfit."
Virgil felt his heart flutter. He smoothed his skirt out over his thighs and said, "Thanks."
"Heads up, Crude picked where were going, apparently." Janus said.
"So it's a strip club." Virgil was starting to regret agreeing to this.
Janus shook his head, "No, it's not like that." Janus chewed his lip. Then said, "It's just. I've kinda been banned from there?"
"What?" Virgil was really starting to regret this.
When they got to the bar, Elliot and Crude were already standing outside. Crude was smoking a cigarette while Elliot messed with their phone.
As they approached, Crude grinned and threw their cigarette on the sidewalk. Virgil scowled and stepped on it to put it out.
"Janny, it's been too fuckin long!" Crude said, throwing an arm around Janus' shoulders.
Janus scowled at them and muttered, "Don't touch me."
"Y'okay." Crude stepped back, then looked Virgil up and down. Virge prepared for the worst, but all Crude said was, "Nice."
Janus wrapped his arm around Virgil's waist, pulling him close. Virgil felt his ears heat but he did his best to ignore it.
Janus sounded surprised, "I see you're on your best behavior."
Crude grinned, "Well, I always undress to impress. You all know my Side, Needy."
They gestured to Elliot, who was still on their phone. They glanced up and rolled their eyes, "Please, stop calling me that."
Crude said in a mockingly polite tone. "Please stop texting Spunk." Then, more irritated, "We're literally on a fucking date!"
Elliot glanced between their phone and Crude a few times before they frantically shoved their phone into Virgil's hands. "Fuck, sorry!"
Virgil looked down at the phone. Spunk had sent an encouraging message in response to Elliot's onslaught of concerns. Virge knew what Elliot's trait entailed, he just rarely saw it in action. Elliot was always near Spunk. They had no reason to freak out. Now Virgil was really starting to regret agreeing to this. Virge slid the phone into his last free pocket.
Elliot rubbed their eyes and said, "Sorry, are you wearing a skirt? Did you buy that?"
"No, I didn't buy it. I've had this for years." Virge muttered.
"I have never seen that." Elliot said with a wide grin.
Virgil felt his face burn. Janus squeezed his hip. Virge couldn't look at him. He said through gritted teeth. "Shut. Up."
Elliot laughed.
Janus spoke up then, "Crude, darling, don't you remember Mister kicking me out of here?"
Crude waved him off. "Yeah, but then when I got kicked out I was told to not come back without you."
"Me?" Janus placed a hand on his chest.
"Why did you get kicked out?" Virgil asked.
Crude's grin was wide and wicked. "So, Horny and I-"
"Oh, I see." Janus interrupted. Virgil found himself glad Jan stopped them. "I wasn't here to stop you from harassing Horny."
"Hey, it's not harassment if he came up to me." Crude said, holding up their hands.
"It is if it's a Horny Side!" Janus smacked Crude's shoulder.
Elliot interrupted, their hands shoved under their arms, "Sorry, who's Horny?"
"You'll meet him." Janus said, leading them towards the door. "I swear the fucker sleeps here."
Crude snickers, "Oh, he sure does."
Janus said, "Shut up." As he held the door open for the group.
"Make me." Crude blew a kiss as they walked by.
Virgil stayed close to Janus, glancing around the dark bar. The bar itself took up the center of the place. On one side was a couple pool tables and old arcade games. The other side had a dart board hung on the wall. Booths and tables scattered around the area, with TVs hung on the walls. Only one TV played any sort of sports channel. The rest had gambling, the news, and true crime shows. Old rock music played quietly. Virgil was actually surprised by how chill the place was. He was expecting Janus' big, scary Negative bar to be bigger and scarier.
His heart skipped a beat when he smelled smoke. He relaxed a second later when he realized it wasn't the fire kind.
He tugged on Janus' hand. Jan's fingers curled around his own, he leaned close to hear Virge. "They let you smoke in here?"
"Yeah, Mister got tired of arguing with Addiction." Janus said, waving at an old lady sitting at the bar. "You want some?"
"No thanks." Virgil shook his head.
"Good. She doesn't like to share." Janus said as he led the way across the bar to a booth near the dart board.
Virgil crawled in with Janus beside him. Elliot sat across from Virge, and Crude took the last spot by them. Janus' thigh pressed against his own, and Virge felt his chest tightened. His mind filled with memories of Janus rubbing his leg at their dinner the other day. Virge couldn't tell if Janus was doing that to distract him from the STRESS, or if he found out about Virgil's stupid crush on him. Either way, Janus had his attention the entire time, which didn't help when Patton tried to comfort him. Or when Logic tried to include him in the conversation. This was his nightmare: discussing a horrible, STRESSful history while avoiding all eye contact and trying to be cool because they were in public for fuck's sake. If Virge was trying to calm his heart rate down, Janus was trying to bring it right back up. It didn't help that Roman was staring him down the entire time. Virgil pressed his leg closer to Janus'.
"Doing ok?" Janus murmured, his head turned to face Virge. Their noses were close and Virgil had to lean back to not go cross-eyed.
"Mm-hm." He didn't trust his voice. Not when Jan was looking at him like that. When Virge gave him a little nod, Janus finally glanced away.
"So," Crude said, drawing out the word. They set their arm on the table and leaned towards them. "When's the wedding?"
"Tuesday." Janus said, not batting an eye. "Don't be late, you're the flower girl."
Crude's smile widened. "I'll wear my best suit!"
At the same time, Jan and Crude said, with varying levels of enthusiasm:
"My birthday suit!"
"Your birthday suit."
Elliot laughed. Virgil rolled his eyes and relaxed. Janus didn't seem mad at the implication of- no, Virge do not start thinking about weddings, what the fuck. You could only do that shit in, like, eight states. He set his chin on his fist and tried to force his thoughts and his heart to chill. He hoped no one noticed him, like he could just sink away into the corner and watch the other three drink.
"We don't have all night, now." Crude said, "I want to be sick and hurting in the morning, one way or another."
Elliot squinted. "Why would you want that?"
"I live to fuck up my insides." Crude said with a wink.
"I'll get the drinks." Janus said, leaving without another word.
Virgil glanced after him. Elliot kicked his leg under the table. They whispered, "Give me my phone."
"Don't do it, pretty boy." Crude leaned against the table and glared at him.
Virgil raised an eyebrow. "Pretty boy?"
"Well, I wanted to call you cumflower, but I'm being on my best behavior." Crude said, waving their hand dismissively.
Elliot covered their face. "Oh my god."
"I'm gonna go help Janus with the drinks." Virgil said, sliding out of the booth as fast as he could. Janus was easy to locate, since the bar wasn't that busy. There were a few people gathered around different tables, and two Sides playing pool. But otherwise the place was empty, much different from the dance club Roman took them to.
He slid next to Janus' side, glancing over his shoulder at their table. Crude was turned away, facing Elliot. From Elliot's expression, they were still arguing. Virgil's hand found Janus' hip. Jan flinched, turning to look at him.
"Oh," Janus relaxed, wrapping his arm around Virgil's shoulders and pulling him closer. "Hello, love."
Virgil's heart fluttered. He hid his face in Janus' shoulder. He said, "Crude was being weird."
"They excel at that. Do I need to talk to them?" Janus' gaze slid over to their table.
Virgil shook his head, "They're fine. It's just their trait."
For some reason, that made Janus smile.
"So." A gruff voice had Virgil looking at the bartender; a big Side with faded tattoos and a five o'clock shadow. He nodded to Virgil. "Is this the one that smacked the shit outta me?"
"What?" Virgil glanced at Janus.
"That was me, actually." Janus said with a smug smile and a gay, little wave. The bartender rolled his eyes.
"Right." He said. He reached across the bar and tilted Janus' chin to the side. Jan sneered as he said, "Did this little lovebird give you that?"
Virgil found himself being glared at by the big Side. He glared right back. Like it was any of his business what happened to Jan. Who the fuck did this guy think he was anyway?
"Can we get our drinks, please?" Virgil said with as much spite as he could.
"I've known this boy since his first jello shot." The bartender said. "If I find out you were the piece a'shit that ruined his pretty face-"
Virgil hissed at him, swiping across the bar. The man stepped back, like he was expecting the attack. Janus grabbed his hand and pulled it back, keeping him still. Virge hissed again.
"Stop, stop!" Janus shouted, earning some looks from the rest of the bar. He glared at the bartender and said, "He didn't fucking do it, lower the guns. Goddamn."
The bartender laughed, giving Virgil another glance. Virge still felt steaming, glaring at the bigger man. The Side's smile grew wider and he said, "I like him. He's feisty."
Virgil forced himself to relax as he felt Janus' fingers gently massage his shoulder. He glanced at Jan, who was still watching the bartender.
The Side asked, "Well, boy, you look like a Negative. Are you?"
Virgil did a double-take, surprised at the directness of the question. "Uh-"
"You're in the right spot, if you are, is all I'm sayin'." He gestured around at the bar goers. Virgil glanced at them, who all match some kind of alternative aesthetic.
He shrugged and shoved his hands in his pockets. Janus let go of his shoulder, letting his hand drop down to Virgil's hip. He tried to act like he didn't just hiss at him as he said, "I'm a tattoo artist."
The Side's smile turned knowing. "Good enough for me. First round on the house, Janny."
"You are so kind." Janus said in a tone of voice that made Virgil snort. He hid his laugh against Janus' chest again, smiling as he felt Jan's grip on his hip tighten.
"Aren't I?" The bartender responded as he returned with a tray of drinks. Virgil eyed the shots, well aware they would taste like shit. God, but he couldn't look like the only loser here that couldn't take a shot. Virgil felt his hands begin to sweat.
What if he made a weird noise? What if he couldn't drink it all in one shot? What if he choked?
Hey, Anxiety, He thought to himself, could you shut the fuck up for a second?
As they walked back to their table, Janus carrying the tray of shots, Jan asked, "What was up with the hissing?"
Great, he already looked like a total freak. Good job, Virgey. He shrugged and said, "He started it."
"He did." Janus agreed. He sighed and said, "Sorry. Everyone here knows me, and they're all-"
Virgil said, "Protective?"
As Janus finished, "Assholes."
They glanced at each other. Janus smiled again, small and shy, and looked away. As they approached the table, Crude glanced at them and stopped talking.
Janus set the tray on the table and Crude immediately grabbed two shots. They threw one back without hesitation, then gestured with the other for Elliot to grab one.
Virgil went back to his nice little corner in the booth, with Janus' thigh returning to its spot next to his own. Virgil glanced at Janus, who handed him a shot.
Well, here goes nothing. Virgil sucked in a breath, tried to ignore the smell, and threw the alcohol as far back into his mouth as he could. He swallowed and tried not to cough. He was right. It tasted like gasoline.
Crude happily drank a third, swirling it around in the shot glass for a moment before indulging. Janus set his own empty glass on the table.
Elliot coughed, shaking their head. "Oh, I didn't like that."
"Do you want something sweet, sugar?" Crude asked. "I can get you what I order the college cheerleaders-"
"I think I'll be okay for right now." Elliot said, fidgeting in their seat. They glanced at Virgil a few times and Virge wondered if he was supposed to be understanding something. Then they said, "If I could just see my phone for a minute-"
"Jesus fucking Christ!" Crude threw their hands up in the air. "I can't believe you-"
"I'm sorry-"
"Are you even trying-"
"I can't help it-"
Janus sighed and drank the last shot on the tray. He set the glass down with more force than necessary, causing Virgil to flinch.
"As much as I'm enjoying this conversation," Janus said, gaining the table's attention. "I came out tonight to have fun. Can you keep your polyamory jealousy fight thingy to yourselves?"
Elliot protested, "It's not jealousy, it's more than that."
Crude stayed silent, glancing away.
Virgil asked, "Jan, do you know Elliot's diagnosis?"
Janus glanced across the table, gaze sliding from Crude to Elliot. He said, "I just learned they were named Elliot, so…"
Elliot placed a hand on their chest, offended. Crude's lip twitched, not quite a smile.
Virgil ignored the quip. Explaining quietly, "They're Dependency."
Janus squinted a little at them. "Okay. So?"
Elliot shrugged. "My brain latches onto a specific person, or thing, and I … need them."
Crude shifted, looking out at the bar. Janus' brows twitched as he listened, genuinely focusing on Elliot. Virgil glanced back at Elliot, who was tearing apart a napkin now.
"When I was younger, it was my mom and my teddy bear. Now it's Spunk and my phone. Without them I just…" They trailed off. Crude removed their orange beanie and ran a hand through their greasy hair. They shared a long moment of silent eye contact with Elliot.
Then Elliot said, "Sides like me are Symptom Sides," They glanced away from Crude, the air turning awkward. "A signifier that we'll be some kind of neurodivergent as an Established person. Possibly Autism, or BPD, or maybe something like Narcissism."
Janus glanced at Virgil, "Are you-?"
"No." He placed a hand on Janus' knee, instinctually. He blushed and pulled his hand away. "Sometimes Anxieties are Symptom Sides. But I'm- I'm not. We won't have anything extra. We'll just have, um, me. Anxiety."
Janus thankfully didn't bring up his stupid blushing and fumbling. He nodded seriously, glancing back to Elliot.
Elliot's morose expression grew distant. They shrugged. "And I'm just. The one who gets to tell all my Sides that."
"And on that note." Crude said. "We need more drinks."
They left the table, even as Elliot said, "Wait, Crude-"
"Do you feel unsafe without Spunk?" Janus asked.
"Yeah. Incomplete." Elliot said, watching Crude move further away. They realized what they said and shot Virgil a small glare, "Don't tell her I said that."
That made Virgil snort and relax a little. He placed his hand on his chest, "Scout's honor."
Elliot smiled, too. But it faded as they looked back at Crude. They muttered, "I'm fucking this all up."
"Don't worry," Janus said, "Crude is easy. And."
Virgil sat up a little, wondering what Janus' expression could mean. He gave Elliot a tiny nod and said, "They're on their best behavior, for you. Don't take that lightly."
Elliot blushed, looking back to their Side. Virgil briefly thanked the Gods that he didn't have Crude as a Side. He didn't hate them or anything. But he also didn't want to think about fusing with them. Being inside of their mind? Remus was bad enough.
Virgil snorted at his own thoughts. Janus turned to him, smiling. He asked softly, "What?"
Virgil opened his mouth to respond, but was interrupted by a new voice.
"New faces!" When Janus turned to look at the Side, the newcomer's grin grew wider. "And new, sexy scars, hello!"
The Side reached forward to touch Janus' face, but Janus just leaned back a little and 'tsk'd. The Side dropped his hand without ever touching the scar. Virgil let out a breath he didn't know he started holding.
"Horny." Janus said. "Go away."
"Aw, but I've been thinkin' 'bout ya." Horny said, running a hand down Janus' arm. "I missed you. Thought maybe you could introduce me to your new friends."
Virgil squirmed, glaring at the Side over Janus' shoulder. He felt Jan's hand gently rest on his knee.
"Keep dreaming." Janus gestured to the other side of the bar, "Somewhere over there."
Crude returned at the worst moment. "More drinks for the- Oh, hey Horny."
Horny smiled, fluttering his lashes. "Hey, Crude."
"Absolutely not." Elliot said.
"Focus, dear." Janus said, taking the new tray of drinks from Crude. "You were doing so well."
Crude blinked at Janus' words, leaning away from Horny. They swallowed thickly and said, "Not tonight, slut."
"Still on Jan's leash I see." Horny said.
Crude reached forward and pulled on the choker Horny wore. "Didn't he give you this?"
"Horny, look." Janus said, pointing at one of the TVs mounted on the far wall. "Isn't that the soap opera that you like?"
"Oh yeah," Horny grinned. "It's like all softcore porn. It's about- wait, don't change the channel!"
He ran across the room to fight with someone over the TV remote. Janus placed his arm over Virgil's shoulders, relaxing against the booth.
"Finally," Jan muttered. Under the table, he slid something into Virgil's lap. "Hold onto that."
Virgil glanced down at a TV remote, and wondered when the hell Janus got that. He placed it on the booth beside him, sending one last glance over to Horny. He was frantically looking for the remote so he could watch his soap-porn.
"He must've not gotten any lately." Crude said, turning to wink at Jan, "Without either of us here."
"No wonder Mister wanted me back." Janus said, making Crude laugh. Elliot and Virgil shared a look, both grabbing their new drinks from the center of the table.
This one was large, frozen, and with a straw. Virgil tasted it and happily took another sip. It was fruity and not too strong. He could taste the alcohol, as a little kick at the end; but for the most part, it just tasted like a smoothie.
"Woah, slow down, handsome." Janus said. "These have more alcohol than you think they do."
Virgil glanced down at his glass and realized he already drank a third of it. He licked his lips, already feeling the shots buzz around in his head. Fuck, he was going to get smashed tonight. That wasn't part of the plan. Virgil took another sip of the smoothie. He didn't have a plan.
"Worried I'll kiss you again?" Virge heard himself say, nudging Janus' shoulder.
Janus blushed prettily. Virgil hid his smile by chewing on his straw. He saw Elliot watching, their eyebrows raised high. Judgy bitch. Virgil made a face and sipped more of his smoothie.
Crude started telling Janus about some terrible movie they saw. Jan nodded along, interested - or pretending to be. Virge couldn't tell.
He sat quietly and listened for a while as the others talked. Elliot didn't speak as much either, and it quickly became a Crude-and-Janus-catching-up kind of date. Every so often Elliot would glance at him, and Virge got to decide if they were sharing a 'wtf did they say' look or a 'give me my phone back' look. Either way, Virge responded with a shrug and drinking more smoothie. Hehe. Yummy.
A part of Virge was on edge. The part that kept gently brushing against Janus and feeling the pressure of him by his side. He kept thinking, maybe he'll rub my leg again. His thigh felt tense, like a landing sight awaiting its package. He kept waiting, anticipating that Janus would drop his hand under the table and no one would be wiser. But he never did. Virgil pouted to himself, pressing his thigh against Jan's. He was trying to think of ways to be more enticing. What had he done at the restaurant the other day to earn such attention? How could he repeat it?
Maybe a STRESS should form. Virgil snorted at his own intrusive thoughts. He stared down at the smoothie, stirring his straw slowly. Wait…. Hold on…
"Sometimes I wish I had tiddies." Crude said, leaning on the table, completely snapping Virge out of his focus. He blinked.
"Why." Virgil asked.
"What kind?" Elliot sounded more interested.
Crude nodded, "Big ones. So I could go like," they mimed pushing their tits side to side.
Again, Virgil asked, "Why."
"Why not?" Crude gestured around the table. "We all deserve big tiddies."
"No, thanks." Virgil said, and Janus laughed. It was a loud laugh, Jan rarely let his joy be that obvious. Virgil grinned, happy he was able to hear it.
"Massive honkers." Crude said, then squeezed their own chest. Elliot snorted and sipped more of their drink.
"I think smaller ones would be better." Elliot said.
Virgil shook his head, "I'm too gay for this conversation."
"It's not sexual." Janus shrugged, still smiling.
"Then I'm too cis?" Virgil lifted his glass, removing the straw. He was almost done, and the smoothie had melted a bit.
"What if you wanted to go running?" Elliot asked.
"When would I want to go fucking running?" Crude responded.
Elliot shrugged. "Okay, dancing?"
"That's the best time to have honkers." Crude said. "Cuz then they'd jiggle jiggle-"
Virgil shook his head. He downed the rest of his drink. Virgil set the glass down, then gestured for Janus to let him out of the booth. They both slid out and stood. Elliot and Crude didn't stop their conversation.
"You alright?" Janus asked.
"Yeah, just." He jerked his thumb at Crude. "I'd like a break from that."
Janus smiled. He hadn't had as much of his smoothie as the rest of them. After the shots, Janus didn't drink much at all. Virgil found himself staring at his face, looking for signs of drunkenness. Janus was either good at hiding his intoxication level, or he wasn't very drunk at all. Either way, Virgil knew he was far drunker. He didn't mind. He hoped Janus didn't either.
"That's alright, love." Janus said, placing a hand on his hip. Virgil tried to ignore how his heart flipped at the term of endearment. Maybe Jan was drunk after all. "What were you thinking?"
"Anything to do here?" Virge asked with a shrug. "Or is it just the beer?"
"Darts or pool?" Janus asked.
Virgil didn't want to think about the last time he was near a pool table. He pointed. "Darts."
Janus took his hand and led him out of the booth and across the bar. The dart board was faded and filled with tiny holes. Virge walked up to it and pulled the five darts out of it. Two were red, three were blue. Virgil looked around.
"You're missing a dart." He said.
"Yeah. I think Pick-It took it." Janus took the red darts from him. "Haven't had all six in years."
Virgil snickered, moving to stand back. There was a little spot of tape on the floor that indicated where to stand. He threw the first dart and got it about an inch from the center.
Janus let out a low whistle. "I wasn't expecting a sharp shooter."
Virgil grinned. His chest fluttered at the praise. He gestured to the board and took a step back. "What can you do?"
"Not anything like that." Janus said, with a little pout. He turned to the dart board and threw one. It landed almost on the edge of the board, far from the center. Virgil let out a laugh. Janus shook his head. "How'd you do that?"
"Its like," Virgil threw another dart. It landed within the inner circle, but not quite the center. "That."
"This?" Jan missed again, somehow landing on the opposite side of the board than his last throw.
"No," Virgil placed his last dart in Jan's hand, wrapping his fingers around his wrist. He shifted closer so he could see the board over Jan's shoulder. His hair tickled Virge's cheek. He guided their hands together into aiming and throwing. Their dart landed next to Virgil's other two, snuggly in the center circle.
Virge stepped back and grinned at Jan, his hands still on him. Janus blinked at him with wide eyes. Virge forced himself to pull away, feeling embarrassed at his own thoughts.
"That's all there is to it." He said, shoving his hands in his jacket pockets. He was glad he decided to bring the jacket. It might ruin the outfit, but he needed it right now. He covered himself with the jacket a bit, subconsciously.
Janus walked up to the board. He returned and presented Virgil with one, red dart. "How do you hold it?"
"Put your fingers here, gently." Virgil brushed his fingers along Janus' hand. They flicked their wrists together, hitting another good spot. Virgil smiled, "That's it."
He could feel from the hand on Jan's back when he shivered. Virge tilted his head, "Are you cold?"
"Uh, yeah. A little," Janus glanced away. Virgil took off his jacket and slid it over Jan's shoulders. Janus clutched the fabric, shaking his head, "Dude, this is yours."
"I know." Virgil smiled, smoothing down the fabric over Jan's shoulders. His eyes roamed Janus happily. "It looks good on you."
Virge jumped at a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Elliot and Crude.
"Hey, can I have my phone back?" Elliot asked, with Crude on their hip. Crude's head rested on Elliot's shoulder, their eyes slipping closed, then blinking open again. Elliot said, "I need'ta call Spunk to pick us up."
"Here." Virgil fumbled through his pockets to find Elliot's phone. He handed it over to them and said, "Let me know when you get home safe."
"Do you want a ride? Spunk'll take you home." Elliot pulled Crude closer.
Virgil looked over his shoulder at Janus, who tossed a dart at the board. Perfect center. He thought for a second, then said, "I think we'll hang out a little longer."
"Cool, see ya tomorrow." Elliot said, dialing Spunk's number. Virge watched them drag a half-conscious Crude away.
Then he turned back to Janus. He was fiddling with the drawstrings of the jacket, with a smile Virge wasn't prepared for. Virge rested an arm on Jan's shoulder, startling him.
Virgil spoke in his ear, his voice low, "Aren't you a little liar?"
Jan said, "Yeah? We knew that?"
Virgil nodded at the dart board. "Lucky shot?"
Janus glanced at the dart, then blushed. He shrugged and said, "You're a good teacher."
"Bullshit." Virgil said with a grin. His hands found Jan's hips. He wasn't fully thinking through what he was doing anymore. The alcohol had pushed his trait deep down into the pits of drunken repression.
Janus shrugged and said, "Alright, you got me. I'm good at darts."
He pulled a dart from seemingly nowhere and tossed it at the wall. Damn. Another center spot. Virge would've been more impressed if he wasn't so focused on Janus' smile.
"I'm not too bad at poker, either." Janus said, putting his hands in his jacket pockets. Virgil's jacket pockets. Fuck, he looked so cute in Virge's black-and-purple comfort item. Virgil just wanted to wrap him up and hug him. But the look in Jan's eye read a little more than "hug me". The alcohol told him so.
"You're funny." Virgil said, earning another shy blush from Janus. Janus was so pretty, Virge needed to touch him; like a bronze statue or a fresh flower. Janus turned and walked to the dart board to gather the two they had thrown already.
Virgil followed and pressed a hand against his back. When they reached the wall, he said, "You know, next time you want me this close, you can save us some time and just ask me."
"But only if you're drunk, right?" Janus muttered, pulling the darts from the board.
"Huh?" Virgil's brain was too slow to process that. He just knew it wasn't flirting.
Janus' smile was turned back to him, bright and warm. Virgil forgot about his moment of worry, relaxing as Janus stepped closer.
"Nothing, love. Are you having fun?" He asked.
"Yeah," Virgil felt his throat tighten as Janus' hands landed on his hips. He said, "This place is cool."
"I'm glad you like it." Janus said. His voice had a funny, silky tone to it that made Virgil's breathing speed up. Virgil placed his hands on Jan's shoulders, delicately gripping his own jacket. Jan smiled, his gaze dropping lower. His hands left Virgil's hips and rubbed along his biceps. Virgil shivered. Janus said, "You should show your arms more."
Virgil shook his head. He mumbled, "They're scrawny."
"They're sexy." Janus corrected.
Virgil almost choked. He glanced away, laughing it off, as he said, "And they say you're not nice."
"Hm." Janus said. His fingers trailed down Virgil's arms. He traced the spiderweb tattoos, carefully sliding along thin lines. He felt goosebumps form in its wake. "You think I'm lying."
Virgil shivered, "Isn't that what you do?"
"Not this time." Janus' gaze flicked up to him. His focus was intense, sucking Virgil in until nothing else existed. Virge bit his lip and Jan' eyes darted down.
Virgil said, voice thick, "Prove it."
Janus pushed Virgil against the wall. Virge felt fingers dig into his hips. His head knocked the spot behind him and Virge let out a soft moan. Janus raised an eyebrow, and Virgil blushed. Jan grinned, "Like it rough, do you?"
"Always," Virge said, too quickly. He blushed harder, but didn't think Jan noticed. Because he was too busy kissing up Virgil's neck. Virge slapped a hand over his mouth to keep from moaning. In the back of his mind, he knew they were still in public. But Virge was too drunk and Janus was too close for him to care. Janus' teeth scraped along his shoulder and Virge resisted the urge to buck up against him like a stupid animal.
"Jan," Virgil whined.
"Shh," Janus said before sucking at the sensitive skin below his jaw. Virgil closed his eyes and did his best to be quiet. Janus nipped and licked the same spot over and over, sending shivers up and down his spine.
"Tell me to stop if this is too far." Janus said, fingertips sliding up Virgil's thigh.
"Why do you think I wore the skirt?" Virgil responded, pulling Janus closer to him by the front of his shirt.
"Fuck." Janus hissed, and then their lips crashed together. Virgil's hands found Jan's hair. Janus's fingers curled around his ass, under his skirt. Virgil moaned into their kiss.
They rolled their hips together, lost in the rhythm of one another. Janus peppered kisses all around Virgil's face and shoulders. Virgil wrapped his arms around Janus' neck, keeping them close together. Their breaths mingled, and Virgil lost all sense of where they were. All he could focus on was the heat coming off of Janus, and the sparks of pleasure his touch provided.
"We have an audience." Janus whispered.
Virgil tilted his head to see that Horny Side sitting at the nearest table, watching them. Virge shook his head, "I don't like that."
Janus chuckled. He called to the Side, "Hey, Horny. Piss off."
Horny sat back and crossed his arms. "You know the house rules. Don't get shy now."
"Not today, bud." Janus said with a smirk. He took Virgil by the hand and led him to the door. Virgil tried to keep his drunken giggles to himself, covering his grin with his hand.
Janus led him out to their car, but opened the back door. Virgil climbed in, then twisted around to watch Janus slide in after him. With the door closed, and Janus scooting closer, Virgil became aware of the small space they were in. His already flushed face grew darker.
"Is this oka-" Janus' question was cut off by Virgil pulling him in and smashing their lips together. He groaned into Janus' mouth, his hands finding Jan's curls. They were softer than Virgil expected them to be. He giggled at the realization. He gave Jan's hair a little pull, surprised by the moan that slipped past Janus lips.
Janus froze. Virgil grinned. With the kind of bravery only alcohol could give him, Virgil did it again. Janus whined, and Virgil laughed, "What pretty noises you make!"
"Virgil-" Janus' face quickly grew red.
Virgil couldn't hold back his drunken giggles. "And this whole time, I thought you were the one topping Roman!"
Virgil saw the moment the switch flipped (pun intended) as Janus' expression became hard. He snatched Virgil's wrists and pinned them to the car seat. Virgil let out a little gasp that was swallowed by Janus in a forceful kiss. He broke away, panting, and Janus moved his lips along his jawline. Virgil let out a small groan as Janus bit the juncture of his neck and jaw. He could feel his skin bruising under Janus's tongue. Each scrape of teeth had Virgil's wiggling and groaning.
"Fuck, Jan-" Virgil moaned, and Janus pulled away.
Virgil tilted his head a bit so Janus could assess his artwork. He caught his breath, feeling drunk and high and pretty and horny.
Janus' fingers trailed along his neck, making Virgil shiver. His gaze stayed locked on the rapidly-forming hickey he made.
"Think that'll be enough to show everyone you're mine?" Janus asked. Virgil felt a shiver run down his spine. Janus' lips hovered close to his skin again. Fingers gently slid up Virgil's thigh. "Or should I mark you up more?"
Virgil had never thought Janus could be this fucking hot. He was going to lose his mind if he stayed under him for a moment longer. Virgil was already a blushing, shaking mess. He wanted Janus to keep kissing him and never stop. He wanted Jan to reach under his skirt and have his way with him. He wanted, he wanted, he wanted.
"More, more!" Virgil chanted, "Feels so good, Jan. Please!"
"Fuck," Janus whispered against his skin. Lips found the sensitive area of his neck once more. Virgil tilted his head back and groaned, allowing Janus to work his magic.
Virgil briefly thought about how embarrassed he'd be in the morning. When sobriety allowed him to reflect on his actions. He wondered how Janus would react to their drunken make out.
"Aw, shit!" Virgil said suddenly.
"What- What?" Janus sounded alarmed. He shot up, giving Virgil plenty of space to crawl out from under him. Virgil fixed his skirt dejectedly, unable to meet Jan's eye.
"None of this counts because I'm drunk again." Virgil rubbed his face. "You said I gotta kiss you sober. I fucked up."
Janus visibly relaxed, and smiled. The look he gave Virgil radiated pure admiration and warmth. Virge felt the air shift, turning light and filled with unseen electricity. Or maybe he was just super drunk.
"Hey, no, love. It's okay." Janus brushed the bangs out of Virgil's face. "We'll just have to have another first date."
Virgil felt his lips move into a hesitant smile. "Yeah? Okay." He shuffled his weight for a moment, then said, "Somewhere where Crude doesn't pick."
"They won't be invited." Janus promised.
Virgil giggled and leaned forward. Janus met him halfway, and they kissed. While they waited for their Uber, they kept kissing, until Virgil grew tired. He rested his head on Janus' shoulder and imagined a time he'd be brave enough to love him sober.
Tell me what you think!