Summary: Logan has been an appreciated, steadying presence in Janus’ life since college; the way he finds out he’s Logan’s comes as a pleasant surprise.
Warnings: none
Ships: Lociet, Logan x Janus
Word Count: 1,558
AO3 Link
Logan had always been wound rather tight. It wasn't as if that was a particularly bad thing most of the time, having the presence of mind for proper time management was a very good quality to have. Group projects were always a daydreamers nightmare with the man, everyone's skills and time taken into account (with little exceptions) and put into a schedule that made it easy for everyone to follow as long as you did actually follow it. Janus remembers college fondly sitting back in amusement as the other students tried to argue against the raging nerd and his binders but eventually it was well known by even the teachers that if you wanted a group project done and done right and done early you went to Logan.
As organized as he was, and still is, it made sense for things to slip through the cracks. One could only account for so much and he certainly couldn't be blamed for not being able to predict the future. Not that the stubborn man would ever listen to the little bit of logic Janus could add to his mindset every now and again.
"I just don't understand why it had to happen today of all days! It's completely unprofessional for any standard of etiquette, not to mention if I were someone else and didn't have all of the paperwork organized beforehand I would be at even more of a disadvantage! I accounted for weather and traffic for two days from now, not today, but now they're going to think I can't handle the job because I can't handle a change in plans, which I clearly can't and-"
Janus slowed his quick pace as the other continued to rant, watching as he frantically fixed his tie and tried to smooth his hair at the same time. The power had gone out this morning, resetting Logan's clock and making him wake up late and subsequently missed checking his email until even later where he had found the appointment for his job interview had been moved up due to scheduling complications. He had called Janus while trying to gather everything nearly crying in frustration, to which he had of course rushed over to help and had a cab waiting to drive them to the lab. Then of course traffic had backed up and rather than waiting for it to clear Logan had quickly paid and tipped before making his way down the block to the research lab himself, just barely restraining the urge to sprint.
They were nearly there but as the other continued to ramble and shake his pace only quickened, nervous energy visible from a mile away. Fortunately Janus had been friends with him long enough to know a spiral when he saw one. "Logan, come here."
"What?" Logan stopped and whirled around, breathless and tense as Janus approached him. Taking the briefcase from his hands he took them into his own and gently rubbed the knuckles as he looked earnestly into Logan's eyes.
"Breathe." Taking a deep breath to demonstrate, he held it for a moment before releasing it, watching Logan to the same. Janus smiled as he closed his eyes, face relaxing as he took measured breaths along with him, the tense muscles in his hands finally relaxing in Janus' secure hold.
Taking them away he ignored the soft whine the other let out. "Relax."
He reached for Logan's tie, straightening it just so and carefully smoothing out the slightly rumpled shirt. Logan tracked his movements while he fixed his polo cuffs and threaded gentle fingers through his hair to neaten his current windswept appearance. Smiling Janus settled his hands on his shoulders before leaning forward to press his lips to Logan's forehead.
"You are handsome." A kiss to his left cheek. "And intelligent." Another to his right. "And you are going to do amazing things even if you don't get this job." One more to the very tip of his nose. "Which you and I both know you will because of how hard you worked for it. A few minor set backs isn't going to stop you."
Catching the look of pure adoration in the others eyes Janus blushed furiously and leaned down to hide his face, shoving the briefcase into Logan's hands and turning him around in the same movement. "Now, shoulders back, head up and move! You're going to be late and I have no patience for another breakdown."
Hearing Logan's laugh was like getting front row seats to an orchestra, loud and booming with enough emotion to set Janus' chest aflame. He shoved his hands in his pockets as he watched Logan make his way to the doors with much more confidence than he had shown before, taking another visibly steadying breath as he pushed the doors open and disappeared.
-----
"...and I was the one that had to tell them what they were smelling was chlorine gas, which meant that entire section of the building had to be evacuated until it was sorted out. Honestly how half of them ended up with degrees contradicts all logic."
Janus snorted through his pizza as his boyfriend ranted on about his coworkers. It was funny to think a year ago he wasn't sure if he would get the job at all and now he stood as one of the only competent people there. His sudden blush thankfully went unnoticed as he realized that a year ago they had still only been friends, though he supposed that's when the pining may have started. They had both been oblivious idiots back then and though they still were the difference was now they were officially on their first date at a hole in the wall pizza joint with good reviews and better service.
They continued to swap stories and rants, occasionally flying off topic when a particular phrase or topic reminded them of a side project they were working on or a book they wanted to read (which led to them agreeing a library date would definitely be next, as unoriginal as it was). When their plates were clean and the waiter tipped and they could no longer find an excuse to stay, Janus felt himself being tugged by the hand down the block, much to his flustered amusement.
"Did you forget something at work?" He asked in confusion seeing where they were headed.
"Not exactly." Logan's cryptic answer did little to sate his curiosity but he kept quiet as they neared the building. Suddenly they stopped and Logan dropped his hand, an action he tried not to pout over as the other began looking around. Janus smiled, biting down his concern as he was gripped gently by the shoulders and steered a couple feet back before Logan nodded in satisfaction.
"Breathe." Janus huffed out a laugh at the request, taking a steadying breath nonetheless. His hands twitched with uncertainty until Logan took them into his own, grip soft and sure as he rubbed the knuckles. "Just relax."
"Logan-"
"I wanted to thank you-"
The both laughed as they started to speak over each other but Janus tipped his head to the side in question. "Thank me for what?"
"For everything. You reigned me in at college and helped me through my worst moments. You helped me study and let me talk to you about things you didn't really have any interest in. You were my first friend and the only one who stuck around after graduation." He chuckled quietly. "Janus you even helped me get my dream job."
"I hardly think I was any help with that. You had the qualifications for it."
"I woke up late, the interview time was moved, everything was going wrong but you helped me walk in looking as confident as I needed to be to get it."
"I-" Janus let the sentence hang as Logan leaned forward slowly, allowing him to pull away if he wanted, which he definitely did not.
"You're handsome." A kiss to his left cheek. "And intelligent." A kiss to his right. "And you've helped me more than you'll ever know." One more to the tip of his nose. "I feel so very lucky to be finally dating you."
Janus' face burned as a feeling of Deja vu settled itself in the back of his mind. Had he really remembered?
He watched as Logan flicked his gaze to his mouth, blushing furiously. "I was too nervous to kiss you then but...may I now?"
"If you don't I'm breaking up with you on the spot." Logan laughed outright before leaning forward again.
And oh.
Careful fingers threaded through the hair at the base of his neck, pulling Janus forward as his own hands flew to Logan's waist. It was simple, chaste and sweet and Janus' mouth still tasted like pizza but so did his and it was their first kiss and it was perfect. Standing in the dark in front of a research lab that had questionable safety regulations with what he could tell was gum stuck to his shoe and Logan in his arms pressing their foreheads together and Logan looking at him with as much adoration as he had a year ago and Logan gently stroking his thumbs against his neck and Logan Logan Logan-
Everything settled at once as Janus closed his eyes to breathe.
Series Summary: Written for the Soulmate September challenge. Every day is a different soulmate au prompt and ship.
Part Summary: Virgil goes deeper into the forest than he’s ventured before in the hopes of gathering more food. He finds more than he bargained for when a fairy claiming to be the prince of the forest begins to follow him.
Prompt: Feel a spark when you touch your soulmate
Ships: Prinxiety (Roman x Virgil)
Warnings: none
Word Count: 3959
AO3 link
Part One: Sparks Fly
Tugging his long, dark cloak impatiently away from a jagged branch, Virgil skid down the steep embankment swearing the entire way. He didn’t often venture this far into the woods but he was getting just desperate enough to find gatherable ingredients he had decided to risk it. Honestly as long as he kept his eyes straight ahead and avoided the beckoning twinkles of light between the trees he should be fine. Thankfully this time of year the river was reduced to a large creek at best, making crossing to the other side where he was certain to find berries and mushrooms aplenty quite easy. It was only a matter of keeping his balance on the slimy rocks that normally made up the river bed, a skill he had mastered before he had even been entrusted as a gatherer.
Hiking his pants up to just below his knees he carefully adjusted his pack to be more balanced and draped the bottom of his cloak over his arm for good measure. The last thing he needed was to be scolded for dripping mud all over the floors again when he returned to the kitchens. Absentmindedly rubbing the stinging memory from the back of his head he hopped to the first rock, breath hissing between his teeth as the cold water rushed over his heated skin. With another breath he was perched on the second rock and then the third, toes gripping the moss in a mostly unneeded measure for stability. Wiggling a bit so his pack would recenter he eyed his next target, muscles tensing in preparation for the bigger leap.
“What are you doing?”
Squawking in alarm, Virgil tipped back dangerously, arms pinwheeling as his feet lost their purchase and let him fall backwards into the creek. Taking a brief moment to thank the gods he hadn’t landed on a rock he sat up quickly, sputtering as water ran down his face and soaked his shirt more than it already was. His cloak dragged behind him as he tried to get up, aiding only in him slipping back again with an unceremonial splash.
“Oh my dear I didn’t mean to frighten you!” There was more mirth than malice in the voice but that didn’t stop Virgil from flinching away from the strange hand that reached towards him. It retreated as he shoved sopping hair from his eyes and squinted against the sun to try and see what idiot made it a habit to scare people when they were jumping on wet stones. His breath caught when a face finally came into focus, sunlight forming a halo around the most beautiful person Virgil had ever seen.
His brightness was almost blinding, with shining red curls looking like spun gold in the light. Sharp features complemented kind brown eyes and tanned skin flecked with earth. Like Virgil he was barefoot, but instead of wearing sturdy pants and shirt to protect himself from the woods, autumn-red pants flowed just below his knees with an equally flowy white shirt tucked into them and unbuttoned to the chest. Despite the darkness of his skin he seemed to radiate his own gentle light that somehow made the sun look dull by comparison, making Virgil idly wonder if this was what seeing a god was like.
“Prince actually, but you do know how to inflate the ego.” The man chuckled.
Face burning with the realization that he had not only said that out loud but he had also been sitting in the water gaping like a stunned fish for entirely too long. Mumbling low curses under his breath he once again struggled to his feet while waving away the other’s outstretched hand impatiently. A fairy prince coming to pester someone with zero assets or connections- the fae were worse pranksters than they had the reputation for. Sighing, he decided to wade the rest of the way through the creek since he was already soaked, leaving the stranger behind in hopes he would stay there.
“So you never did answer.” No such luck apparently. “You do realize what part of the forest you’re in right?”
Virgil gritted his teeth. “I don’t wish to consort with your kind fae. I’ll only be in here for a little while.”
“My kind?” Virgil winced as he detected insult in his tone. “My kind are the reason your kind feel safe enough to traipse wherever you please regardless of obvious territorial lines!”
Virgil glanced at him quickly as he began scrambling up the incline of the bank. “Territorial lines?”
The man drew himself up proudly, keeping pace with Virgil as he effortlessly stepped his way up the embankment rather than crawling. “This part of the forest is mine, a long way from the edge of the river by your route. I could turn you into dandelion fluff for trespassing here.”
Virgil raised an unimpressed brow as he searched around for his next handhold. “Mhm, I’m sure you could.”
Smirking as the other man stomped his foot impatiently he made it up and over to the other side, slinging his pack around to see how damaged the things he had already gathered were from his earlier fall. Shoulders sinking as he surveyed the smashed contents he shot a glare at the stranger, who was currently standing on tiptoes with his arms crossed trying to see inside the bag.
“Humans used to grovel at our feet, what happened to that? Also is it custom to smash ingredients well before they’re cooked? I’m not caught up with the latest human affairs. Terribly dull, most of them.”
Gritting his teeth Virgil dumped the berries and mushrooms he had collected onto the forest floor, water that had seeped in from the top sloshing out as well and coming out like a weird, thick juice for all the mush everything had turned into. “They only smashed because I fell- something I never do unless someone decides it's a good idea to startle someone who’s trying to balance.”
The man looked unimpressed. “Why were you coming over this way anyway? There should be plenty of the things you were collecting on the other side of the river...and much closer to the nearest village too might I add.”
“Fall makes the pickings slimmer the closer to the village you are. Other people gather, animals eat what ‘s left, sparcer trees means more sun means things ripen and fall faster. I was trying my luck further in.”
“And you came alone?”
“None of your business.” Virgil hauled up the pack and stood. “I’m a tracker so I’m the one that usually gets sent out.”
“Oh really? Must be an expert to come out this late.”
“Sure.” Grunting, Virgil stepped over a rotting log and began pushing his way through bushes.
The man snorted. “Expert tracker- when I could hear you tromping through here from across the forest.”
“Your words not mine. And stop following me, I’m only here to gather ingredients.”
They continued on in silence for a while, the fae following behind him near silently as he kept an eye out for anything edible. The crops had been plentiful this year but berries, nuts and mushrooms weren’t something locally grown, so gatherers routinely went into the forest to search for them to dry for the winter. Fast protein was always welcome in the harsher months when tracking fresh meat became a dangerous chore.
The forest was quiet here, nearly serene if it wasn’t for the fae still following him no matter how harsh a path he took- not that he was having much luck finding easier ones. He imagined he could easily get lost here if he wasn’t careful so he kept an eye on the direction of the shadows and any landmarks he spotted so he couldn’t get turned around. Fair folk were rarely hostile towards travelers as long as you met them on their level and stated your intentions clearly. Most of the time a certain level of sass while only answering them when they were curious served Virgil just fine. Of course, they didn’t normally follow him either but he remained unconcerned so long as the forest didn’t turn hostile. He didn’t think he’d succeeded in pissing the other off that much...hopefully.
It was some time later when Virgil found his cloak snared on a branch as he was struggling to get over a particularly high log. Crawling under it hadn’t been an option so now he was stuck straddling the thing awkwardly with the cloak snagging in one direction and his pants in the other. Blowing out a frustrated breath he startled as the fae appeared a foot from his face, brown eyes searching his green ones as he struggled not to fall backwards for a second time.
“What are you tracking anyway?”
“What?”
“You’re a tracker, so what are you tracking?”
Virgil resumed trying to lift himself enough to get his other leg over without ripping his pants. “Nothing at the moment. Not that, again, it’s any of your business.”
The fae glanced at the dirt under his nails and hummed thoughtfully. “Mushrooms is it?”
Groaning, Virgil sat back down and instead reached behind him to try and tug his cloak free. “Partly.”
Trying and failing to get his cloak untangled he stumbled as his feet found solid ground after dangling for the better part of ten minutes, nearly overbalancing for the third time that day as the fabric went limp in his stranglehold. Looking up he saw the spot on the river bank he had climbed over not ten minutes before with a significantly lighter pack. Confused, he slung it around and peeked inside only to see it nearly overflowing with varieties of mushrooms he had never seen mixed with the more common ones he had found before. Opening his mouth to speak he quickly shut it as a light breeze carried faint laughter through the trees.
“Feel free to thank me later.” A faint voice called.
Looking down again, he carefully closed the pack and looked up at the sky. It was barely encroaching late afternoon...would anyone believe he had gathered these that quickly? Deciding to just say he had gotten turned around and found a good spot if anyone asked he started hiking his way back as slowly as he could. He’d have to find something to offer as thanks when he came back.
-----
“You’re back.”
Virgil shuffled around a low shrub between the trees awkwardly. “Mhm.”
“Do you need more mushrooms?” The fae crouched on a low branch, balancing on his tip toes as he watched Virgil struggle through the underbrush.
“They asked me to come back- ow!” Stumbling away from the bush he knelt down to tear away some thorns sticking out of his pants. “Since I was so successful yesterday they asked me to come back to find more. Among other things.”
“They?”
“People from the kitchens.” He started off in a slightly different direction, seeing sunlight a little ways away and hoping for a clearing.
“What else do you need?”
“A variety of things to dry for the winter. Nothing to concern yourself with. I won’t invade your forest for too long.”
“A shame. My forest is beautiful but I’ve found I enjoy looking at you more.”
Virgil stopped in his tracks as he tried to process the comment. Was this a trick? Some weird fae flirting technique to get his guard down so he gave away his soul? Which reminded him-
“Not because of that comment, but for helping me the other day.” He dug around in his pocket and pulled out a smooth skipping stone, the surface a perfect, uniform pale gray. He knew fairies rarely had use for human materials but things like this could be enchanted or used for entertainment- the more pleasing to the eye the better. “Here. And...thank you.”
The man’s eyes lit up at the sight of the stone, taking it carefully and running his fingers gently over the smooth surface. “For me?”
“Don’t expect it again, I don’t expect anything more from you.” Hoping that would settle it, Virgil continued on in the direction of the clearing. Fae were always tricky to get involved with and with the fall harvests approaching, continuing to speak with one claiming to be a prince wasn’t something he would allow himself to get involved with- at most for the sake of the village and at the very least for his own sanity.
“A pity really.” The fae called from behind him. “I could help you find whatever you need.”
Gritting his teeth, Virgil resisted. “I don’t need any help.”
“Right, expert tracker and all that.” He startled as his pest of a companion appeared in front of him waving a hand dismissively. “This is my forest and I can bend it however it suits me at the moment. Right now it suits me to help you, why won’t you let me?”
“I don’t want to owe you anything. Owing things is a risky business- especially with fae. No offense.”
The fae sniffed indignantly, putting a hand dramatically over his heart. “No offense indeed! I suppose this wound was here before you arrived, it’s fine really.”
Virgil glanced over as the other man draped a hand over his eyes and leaned back slightly, sighing loud and deliberate and trying to disguise the fact he was peeking at his human companion from under his arm. Virgil couldn’t help it- he barked out a laugh he managed to quickly catch with a hand slapped over his mouth. Watching as a wide grin took over the fae’s features he realized he was too late and the damage had been done. He stalked over and jabbed the air in front of Virgil with a perfectly manicured finger.
“You like my company!”
Blinking, Virgil lowered his hand. “Absolutely not!”
“You do! You find me amusing! Dare I say charming!”
Snorting, Virgil readjusted his pack. “Uh-huh. Nothing like a raving lunatic spouting he’s royalty to get the giggle juice flowing.”
“You don’t believe me?”
“I believe fae will say anything to strike whatever emotion they want in a human. Whether it be fear or awe, the end goal is always to lead someone astray.”
Glancing over he startled when he saw the other man actually looked a bit hurt at his words, head down and eyes flicking to the side with a tight draw to the lips. A trick...obviously. But one that had him reconsidering his choice of words.
“Look I-”
The fae held up a hand. “It’s okay! I’ll prove it to you! You need mushrooms and berries and the like right?”
“Uh- yeah?” Virgil watched as the fae stepped forward and furrowed his brow in concentration. Bringing his arms up towards the clearing he swung his arms out and up before slouching tiredly.
Virgil squinted against the sunlight shining overhead, looking around in wonder. They were in a large clearing absolutely teeming with enough plantlife to fill his pack ten times over. Dappled shade dominated at least half of the clearing as the sun shone through the bright trees at an angle. Soft grass soothed his aching feet that had previously been treading on nothing but snapping sticks and long-dead leaves. It was beautiful- and glancing over at his companion as bright gold shot through his hair and the sudden calming warmth relaxed him- Virgil could tell he was in his element.
“Did you just use magic in front of me?” He honestly hadn’t thought the fae would go that far to prove a point.
“Watch regular fair folk top that for ability.” the fae mumbled under his breath. Speaking up, he flashed a bright smile and punched a hand lightly onto his hip. “Of course! Got the point across didn’t it? Never seen a fairy bend a forest before?”
Virgil raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never seen a fairy perform any magic before. Usually they keep that to themselves. Honestly none of the good neighbors have paid me any mind before whether I was in their territory or not.”
“Oh.” The fae sputtered uselessly for a moment, fluttering his head to his hair to fidget with the curls. “Well, clearly that’s their loss. Berries, was it?”
Face burning, Virgil nodded mutely and made his way over to a far tree that looked like it promised chestnuts in the higher branches. He never figured having company, however forced upon him it was, would be so nice.
Later, when Virgil’s pack was practically bursting at the seams, he reluctantly turned towards home. The afternoon had been wonderful, gathering enough to make the people in the village happy while listening to the other man as he sang almost like he didn’t realize he was doing it. Rich, low tones filled the clearing with a bright melody that Virgil didn't recognize but found himself humming along to- much to his companions utter delight.
It had surprised him when he began singing popular festival songs after that, thinking that fair folk never bothered much with humans and therefore wouldn’t know many traditional tunes. But when Virgil had started softly singing along, offering a wry grin when the other man had started excitedly bouncing on his toes from having a singing partner he couldn’t bring himself to care. Eventually both of them had started getting louder and louder, swaying along to an invisible beat as they had continued collecting what was needed. Another reason Virgil was reluctant to return to the village for fear their noise had reached ears he’d rather not explain himself to. He found it strange that he felt drawn to stay, stranger still that he didn’t immediately think it was some trick on his companions' part. He just- enjoyed his company and wished he could come into the forest to actually visit rather than just his job. Pressing his lips together he turned around, smiling faintly and gesturing to his back.
“You really didn’t have to help, or keep helping. But thank you again-”
“Roman!” The fairy blurted at his slight pause.
Smirking, Virgil cocked his head to one side. “Aren’t I supposed to give you my name first?”
Roman shuffled slightly. “Yes well, seems a shame that if you were to think of me you’d have no name to give the thoughts.”
“Bold of you to assume I think of you after leaving the woods.”
“How could you not?” Striking a bold pose he sniffed indignantly. “It’d be an insult really, wounding me so deeply.”
Chuckling Virgil turned and started walking away. “I’ll be sure to bring bandages next time.”
“It’s a date, Doom and Gloom!”
“That a promise, Sir Sing-a-lot?”
“If my serenades are what brings you back I shall renounce my princehood and become a siren.”
“Your voice is certainly deadly enough, leads to something prettier though.”
The forest was silent for a moment, before Virgil began walking as quickly as possible without stabbing his feet to the edge of the woods. Why had he said that? Did he mean that? Of course he meant it but why on the gods green earth had he said it? Could he even come back now? Chest tight with nervous anxiety and head swimming he didn't look back as he dashed out of the trees.
Though if he had he would have seen Roman standing stock still, face a mask of shock but slowly splitting into a flustered smile below rapidly reddening cheeks.
-----
When Virgil stepped into the creek the following day, it was without his pack. Early evening sunlight drifted through the trees as a slight breeze ruffled the cloak around his shoulders. Pushing his dark hair away from his eyes he surveyed the banks for any sign of Roman, deflating a bit when he saw none. It was stupid to think he could get away with saying something so forthright without reaping anything but negative consequences. It was just as well he supposed, consorting with fair folk never led to anything good after all. He had just- hoped this would be different.
Fair folk and humans rarely mixed well, platonic or not, and once he found his soulmate he was doubtful they would enjoy the thought of fraternizing so casually with one of the good neighbors- especially one as powerful as Roman appeared to be. If he knew anything of the fae it was that one didn't just casually bend an entire forest to their will with so little effort by themselves. Sighing, he turned to leave, feet missing the wispy grass of the clearing as they crunched through dead leaves.
“Going so soon?” Whirling around he was met with a charming smile, Roman balancing on a rock in the middle of the creek with a hip thrust out cockily.
“I thought- I didn’t think you’d come back around.”
“If you were trying to get me to leave, your methods are wanting my friend.” Roman squinted at him curiously. “No pack today?”
Virgil shuffled a bit before answering. “I- just wanted to see you.”
Blinking in surprise, Roman smiled warmly. “What an honor it is that our wants should align. Care to join me?”
Face burning, Virgil was quick to hop to the first rock, finding his balance easily. Keeping his head down he stepped from rock to slippery rock, finally getting close to where he assumed Roman would be. Looking up however, he didn’t expect to be quite as close as he had gotten, vision suddenly filled with deep brown eyes surrounded by flaming red curls. Yelping he tipped backwards, arms reaching forward in a desperate attempt to not repeat their first meeting even as he prepared to go home soaking once again.
To his surprise, the riverbed never rose to meet him, instead finding himself surrounded by the scent of wildflowers and moss in the most comforting embrace he’d ever been in. Virgil tilted his face up when he heard Roman gasp in wonder, his own eyes widening in disbelief as he leaned back to take in their surroundings. Colorful sparks seemed to catch the evening sunset as they bounced off and around them, falling like stars imbued with the colors of the sky and sizzling as they hit the water only to be immediately replaced by ten more.
Leaning back but still catching each other’s arms they watched as the sparks continued to fly around them in a frenzied shower, dimming the already fading sun itself in their wake. Virgil watched as the light caught itself in Roman’s eyes, flecking the brown with golds and brilliant reds and deep purples. Seeing his face literally light up in amazement and wonder, Virgil couldn’t help but let out a low chuckle, then tilting his head back and laughing out loud.
“What- why are you laughing?” Receiving no answer, Roman grinned uncertainly. “Do I have something on my face?”
Shaking his head, Virgil stifled another bout of laughter to answer. “I’ve never seen the sparks of soulmates before. Are they supposed to be this dramatic or is it just because of you?”
Smile turning more genuine and laughing himself, Roman let go of his arms and instead wrapped his arms around his waist and lifted, twirling them around with a sure step even as the water splashed around his feet. Setting him down gently, he rested his forehead against Virgil and held him as close as he could.
“Maybe both- knowing me, probably more of the latter. Do you really mind?”
The sparks were dying down as the sky darkened and yet to Virgil his companion still stood bright enough that he feared nothing the darkness could threaten him with. Leaning impossibly closer he touched Roman’s nose to his own and smiled softly.
Summary: Logan finds a new diner that he decides to become a regular at, not necessarily just because the food is good
Warnings: food mention
Ships: Remus x Logan, Intrulogical
Word Count: 1,420
AO3 Link
A chaotic man with an immaculately cared for mustache was the first thought in Logan's head as he watched the waiter waltz between and around the tables of the cramped diner. Somehow keeping two trays balanced on each hand and a third on the left shoulder while he stood on his tiptoes and twirled around a stray bag, hair flopping messily into his eyes as he did so. He was mesmerizing, as cliché as that might be and Logan blushed as he ducked his head back down, hoping no one caught his staring.
Burying his face in the menu instead he searched for something simple and quick to eat as he worked through the stack of papers he had brought to grade. Being a teacher was a rewarding pursuit but the endless stream of paperwork was definitely something he could stand to do without. His shoes shifted and squeaked on the clean floors, making him appreciate the diner even more considering how many floors his shoes had stuck to rather than slid on. The menu had a variety of simple yet delicious sounding choices as well that the smells wafting around only exaggerated. Hopefully this would be a nice place to lunch at more often.
"Are you ready to order?"
A nasally but pleasant voice brought him out of his thoughts, bringing him face to face with the whirlwind if a waiter. His dark green eyes gleamed in the low light and Logan found himself speechless for all the vocabulary he drilled into his students.
"I uh-eyes."
For all his previous praise of the floor Logan found himself swearing at it profusely at the nerve of it not opening up and swallowing him whole. His face heated up as the waiter blinked and then laughed outright, plucking the menu from his hands. "Coming right up!"
Before Logan could even begin to guess what was happening the other was off with a swish of his hips, leaving him to wonder what exactly was going to end up on his plate. Fiddling with his tie he glanced around nervously as his face began to cool, thanking the stars no one had noticed the exchange.
Within a few minutes a plate was set in front of him with two larger mounds of what looked like fried rice with cartoonish pupils and irises drawn on them in some kind of sauce. The waiter beamed at him as he looked up in question, gesturing to the dish.
"Meat stuffed fried rice balls with hot sauce eyes drawn on!" He tilted his head to the side and frowned in thought. "In hindsight it's more akin to putting googly eyes on testicles but it's close enough."
By the time Logan had managed to process the comment the waiter was gone, back to darting in between tables. Idly he poked at the food in front of him while laughing quietly at the strange mans antics. Actually tasting it however made him appreciate whoever it was even more, as the hot sauce made the dish burst with flavor. Watching from the corner of his eye while the other served patrons made him smile into his plate, ungraded papers completely forgotten. He'd definitely be coming back here.
---
"You're back."
Logan snapped his gaze up from his work to meet the waiter's gaze, eyes twinkling from lights or amusement he couldn't say. Blushing slightly and adjusting his glasses Logan nodded.
"So? What'll it be this time?" The man gestured to the menu and Logan refused to admit he loved the others black glittery nail polish even if it was chipping. Carefully avoiding his gaze he handed the menu over and cleared his throat.
"I was hoping...you'd pick again? Usually I despise surprises but it was quite pleasant yesterday."
The server grinned wide. "Not gonna give me something to go off this time?"
Logan faltered for a moment. That smile...
Grinning even wider he took the menu and twirled away. "Won't be mine but I'm good at improvision!"
Logan gaped as he realized he must have actually said that out loud, once again turning him into a stuttering mess that quickly buried itself back into the paperwork with renewed vigor. Don't think about him, don't think about him, don't think, don't think-
Groaning he shoved the papers away and dragged a slow hand under his glasses. He hadn't had a feeling like this since...he actually couldn't remember. Everything that random waiter did was just another point on the growing list of reasons Logan was beginning to deduce meant he had feelings for the other. Even though that was impossible since they had only met twice and the other was only serving him food since it was his job but he would much rather be given his number than whatever it was he was going to bring out. Would it be inappropriate to write his number on the receipt? Did people still do that?
Looking up as a plate was set in front of him he was met with a wink and another dazzling, if slightly manic, smile before he was left alone, his heart beating painfully against his chest as he once again tried and failed to contain a blush. He looked down to be met with a stereotypical smiling meal of eggs and bacon...with tomatoes cut like fangs placed under the bacon and the yokes poked and smeared with what appeared to be a dot of ketchup in each to represent the eyes. It was as ghastly as it was amusing and Logan was happy to find it was just as delicious as the meal previous.
----
The rest of the week passed in a blur of failed flirting on Logan's part and delicious meals on the servers. He caught himself thinking about his next lunch more often than not, wondering of the white streak in the others hair was dyed or hereditary, if he had more piercings besides his ears and the one he had seen in his eyebrow, how it was possible for jeans that tight to be comfortable.
Saturday brought a hint of nerves as he wasn't sure if the man he had grown infatuated with would even be working but his shoulders noticeably relaxed when he caught sight of his smile getting closer, already carrying a dish to his table. In just a week a tradition seemed to have started where Logan wasn't even handed a menu anymore, some sort of oddly decorated meal already ready when his allotted time for lunch came around.
"Wasn't sure you'd be here today but I'm glad you came."
"I- wait why- what?" Logan stuttered through his half question as the waiter disappeared around the tables without answering, leaving him gaping embarrassingly before snapping his mouth shut and turning towards his lunch. His brow furrowed as he realized it was alphabet soup with the letters arranged in suspiciously straight lines that upon closer inspection spelled out numbers with a question at the end.
“Call me?”
He spent an undetermined amount of time simply staring at the bowl, leaving a rather gross congealed mass in place of the previously steaming lunch. Taking out his phone slowly he typed out the number, panicking slightly as he thought of what to say before settling on his curiosity.
???: Why soup?
???: Why not nilf?
???: I don't know what that is.
???: I don't know your name so that's what I've been calling you.
???: My name is Logan but that doesn't answer my question.
???: I'll tell you when you're older Nerdy Wolverine. Or I could tell you over a proper dinner rather than a lunch rush meal? I get off at 7. Name's Remus btw.
Logan's mouth quirked at the nickname even as his face heated impossibly brighter at the dinner proposal. Feeling bold he texted back quickly.
Logan: I'll admit I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since I started coming here, so dinner sounds lovely.
Burying his face in his hands he did his best to contain the awkward embarrassment he felt. Why had he said that? He was going to come off creepy and weird and he was certain that wasn't how you secured a date and-
He peaked out from his fingers as his phone buzzed. Tentatively he opened the text.
Remus: Glad the feeling's mutual!
"Wanna meet up outside the restaurant tonight then?"
Logan looked up at the familiar face, eyes shining with mirth as he leaned forward. He offered a smile of his own and nodded.
Summary: Logan gets lost in thought as he thinks about his life with Virgil, deciding after that a kiss is definitely needed.
Warnings: very brief, non explicit sex mention.
Ships: Romantic Analogical, Logan x Virgil
Word Count: 1, 573
AO3 Link
Logan smiled softly as he watched Virgil from over the edge of his book. He hadn't turned the page in a while but thankfully the younger man hadn't seemed to notice over the music playing on the counter beside him. Evanescence played a rolling beat to accompany the clanking of dishes Virgil had insisted on doing, bowls and pans from their late lunch of valiantly attempted vegetable stir fry stacked gleaming in the drip rack. He still wore his hoodie, albeit with the sleeves scrunched up tight above his elbows, tendons tensing and releasing in his thin wrists as he scrubbed at a patch of rice stuck burnt to a pan's bottom. Logan's smile grew wider as the other huffed at his long bangs that had fallen into his eyes to make them fluff away for a moment only to let them fall back again.
His hair was just as long as when Logan first met him, all bite and almost no show as his sarcastic quips kept people at a comfortable arm distance, preferably more if he could manage it. But he had needed help and Logan was right there. He remembered how the darkly dressed boy had turned to him angrily, false bravado flashing in his eyes but fingers twisting in stretched out sleeves telling an entirely different story. The math had been hard, calculus being new to both of them and Logan with only the tiniest step up in understanding to really add to Virgil's confusion. They had both stuck it out though, too stubborn to give up on what they had silently agreed would be a one time thing anyway and as long as they had worked together in class they may as well puzzle out their homework together at the library.
The library had turned to the common area, and the common area Logan's dorm room where Virgil had discovered his self edited poster of Ellie from Up pointing to a NASA logo exclaiming "Adventure is out there!". Virgil had laughed, calling him a nerd to which Logan had immediately bristled but quickly calmed when the emo began rambling about his old dorm mate that had been obsessed with all things Disney and Pixar, Up being a movie Roman would cry in the beginning for every single time it was put on. He went on to talk about debates the two would have and the arguments that would often break out about the true meaning behind the films which had then dissolved into conspiracy theories that Logan was quickly sucked into, homework forgotten as they chatted long into the evening, only shutting up once their stomachs growled and they had laughed at the hours that went by, mutually deciding pizza over calculus was the way to go.
The first time Logan remembers thinking Virgil was beautiful they were eating at a park bench trading class gossip back and forth when he had said something particularly relatable, making Logan's eyes light up as he dug out a flashcard he had just made without thinking, nodding to himself before quoting "same-sise". Virgil had looked so confused as Logan registered what he had done, quickly hiding the note card against his stomach and looking down in shame.
"What did you just say L?" He had said.
"I was...I had read the slang word a few times and looked it up since it seemed relevant. I'm not...the most proficient at new social terms."
"Hey it's alright, honestly. Can I see?"
Reluctantly he had handed over his cards and watched as Virgil read the word over. "It's pronounced same-seas. But you used it in the right context. Some of these are outdated though...I could teach you the new ones people use now if you want? So you can keep up with conversations and stuff."
Flabbergasted Logan could only nod, watching as a huge grin broke out on Virgil's face, one of the few genuine smiles he offered. No judgement, not even a hint of disdain were found in his gray green eyes, making Logan's stomach flip with an unfamiliar feeling at the thought of being listened to, wanted, and only one thought graced him with its presence as Virgil began talking again.
'Beautiful'
Later on Logan learned about Virgil's panic attacks, helping him through several and regularly guiding his breathing before tests and after classes. Virgil learned of his own pent up anxiety attacks and was always there to lay a careful hand on his shoulder or words of encouragement from a safe distance away. They learned it was okay to lean on each other, asking for help at two in the morning or a hug at three. Virgil found tight hugs and soothing backrubs grounding while Logan found he very much enjoyed the others pale fingers carding through his dark hair. They weren't always physically affectionate, sometimes they couldn't be as touch could be too overwhelming, so quiet 'heys' were exchanged with soft looks instead.
The first time 'I love you' was said it was whispered so quietly Logan had almost missed it, tucked under the blankets with his legs tangled with Virgil's and fingers threaded together. His heart had nearly stuttered to a stop, emotions overflowing as those three words hit him harder than anything anyone had ever said to him. It hurt, how much he loved Virgil, with his despicable music taste he had grown accustomed to and had downloaded to his phone. His dyed purple hair that he grumbled about staining the towels. The way he always had the AC cranked up because of the oversized hoodie he wore everywhere all year long since it was his favorite comfort item. His chipped fingernail polish and dark eyeshadow that did nothing to hide the bright smile that had slowly become more and more common. He had choked on his sobs, Virgil's breath hitching as he began to stutter out an apology before lips were being pressed to his own even as tears dripped down to splash against his cheeks. Logan had pulled back, embarrassed, just managing to gasp out his long belated confession.
"I love you too. Virgil, I love you so much-" Their lips had met again, softer and sweeter and nowhere near perfect with snot dripping from Logan's nose and Virgil's palms sweaty with anxiety but it was fine because Virgil loved him.
Virgil loved him.
And Logan loved Virgil. From chaste kisses shared (not so) discreetly in the halls to heavier ones shared between moans behind firmly shut doors. Logan held Virgil's hand or linked pinkies or pulled him down on his lap as he read. Virgil wrapped warm and safe arms around his shoulders or held his face between cold palms or brushed their shoulders gently in passing. They shared friendly banter and heated arguments alike, both too stubborn to admit to a wrongdoing in the moment and having cool off separately for however long it took for one to miss the other, which was never that long at all really.
Unfortunately life had gotten in the way. Different jobs across the town and neither of them owning a car meant Virgil stayed in an apartment building close to his work while Logan did likewise miles away. Still more often than not they enjoyed each others company in either apartment, Virgil's being smaller and cramped while Logan had yet to disclose he had rented a two bedroom much closer to a mid way point between their respective jobs. They had discussed it earlier but at the time neither of them had had the finances so it was put in the back burner. Until now.
Logan came back from his reverie to see Virgil finishing up drying the dishes, mouthing along to a new song as he bounced in place slightly to the tune, making Logan smile yet again. Everything Virgil did was infuriatingly adorable, from his hips swaying slightly as he bent to put a pan back to the way he tried to be subtle about pushing back the hair he knew had grown too long from his face. Mind made up, Logan stood and smoothly took away the towel to place it on the counter, reaching up to gently brush Virgil's bangs from his beautiful eyes staring at him in question. Instead of answering Logan brought both hands up to the others cheeks, brushing them over softly with his thumb as he leaned forward.
Their lips met as Virgil twisted Logan's shirt in his fists to pull him closer, closed mouth kiss long and lingering as they smiled into it. Logan brought his hand around the back of Virgil's neck and tipped his head slightly, deepening the kiss with a simple swipe of the tongue, teeth carefully avoided with practice and mouths moving in sync. Logan pulled away first only just enough to lean forward and press their foreheads together, still holding the other as gently as he would a treasure, eyes locking as Virgil's eyes crinkled with adoring amusement.
"What was that for you sap?" He asked softly, rubbing tiny circles against his stomach through his now wrinkled shirt.
The extra apartment key felt heavy in his pocket with the added storm cloud keychain he had had specially commissioned, weighing his pocket with a promise he couldn't wait to make. "No reason."
Smiling he kissed the other again and again, making him laugh and bat playfully at his face.
Summary: What if the reason Virgil and Logan weren’t present in Putting Others First was because they were putting themselves first? Fic based off a theory I had that Virgil didn’t show because he was panicking and Logan stayed behind to help him through it.
Warnings: Anxiety attack
Ships: Platonic analogical
Word Count: 921
AO3 Link
"What the f*ck, everybody??"
Virgil cringes down further as he hears Thomas' angry tone echo through the mind scape, squeezing his eyes shut as a jittery numbness overtakes his limbs and his stomach flips over itself once again. He feels his panic rising faster than he can remember to breathe and he's stuck drowning in the piled up events that he hadn't yet had time to dissect properly, trying to focus instead on not making Thomas out to be a bumbling idiot through his weak attempts at social interaction through the wedding.
The softness of his hoodie is barely a comfort as he remembers the awful itch the suit created; layers making everything stick to overly sensitive skin that felt far too stretched over his bones to be normal. The light of his phone was almost too much competition with the outside lights burning his eyes but if he didn't have the phone then he would have had nothing to do with his hands and word crush was a welcome distraction from the tidal wave of emotion he was desperately trying to hold back.
His eyes squeezed tighter at the way he had made them freeze when Lee and Mary Lee had inevitability approached Thomas, frantically shooting down every response that could be seen as anything other than sincere and fine but making Thomas stand awkwardly fumbling with what to say as a result. An involuntary whimper escaped him as he thought of the camera mans dismissal of his less than excited face, too relieved to feel hurt at the prospect of being cut out of a photo.
And they hadn't cared. They hadn't even cared! And now Thomas was angry and guilty and regretful and the emotions were too much to process on top of the events he had yet to get over and the fingernails digging into his palms didn't even feel like anything-
"...."
because it was too much and he couldn't breathe
"..gil..."
and if he couldn't breathe then he wasn't real
"...Virg..."
and if he wasn't real then
"Virgil!"
He gasped out a whine as his eyes darted around frantically before they locked with Logan's, shrinking back at the intense amount of concern shining in the normally passive gaze.
"You can hear me?"
Mouth still gaping open for air that he was only managing to get shallow swallows of he ducked his chin an inch, thankfully satisfying the logical side.
"I'm here for you Virgil, and I won't leave unless you tell me to do so. You are safe, and this will pass." Logan slowly sat back on his heels now that he had the other's attention, aware of Virgil tracking his every move.
"I'm going to breathe and I'd like to you to copy me. Can you do that, Virgil?"
Hearing his name again brought him just a little further out of the fog, tightening his grip on his knees as he managed another small nod. His eyes stayed glued to Logan as the other took in a long, steadying breath, exaggerating the pace and volume for his benefit, which he greatly appreciated as it helped dull the insistent ringing in his ears. His stuttered copied breath was let out too soon, a vice clamping on his chest in light of the mistake.
But Logan only smiled at him reassuringly. "It's okay. Try again."
So he did, and got in a deeper breath than before just as his vision started to blur, letting out the breath much faster than Logan but slower than previously. Again, another breath longer this time, with the gasp out a little less audible than before. Again and again until Logan's exaggerated volume died down and Virgil’s death grip slowly released his aching knees, fingers stiff and far too cold, sweaty as they were.
"Virgil." He looked up at the gentle prompt.
Logan suddenly seemed very unsure of himself as his hands fumble loosely with his tie. "What do you need? Should I leave-"
"No!" Virgil croaked out in urgency. His limbs still tingled as his brain struggled to reestablish reality around him. He felt suddenly exhausted, leaning back against the wall tiredly as he watched Logan. "I can't- please don't go."
They both sat in silence as they listened to the argument still going on above them, Logan nodding as he seemed to gain confidence over his next decision. Virgil watched as he quickly conjured a book and a phone, scooting over to sit beside him before pausing.
"I'm sorry I didn't - I should have asked if this was okay, are you-"
"It's fine, L." Virgil quickly assured him before sliding over to rest tiredly against the other side, feeling himself relax slightly as the physical contact served to ground him further. Logan nodded and flipped open his book, cocking his head to listen to the events still going on before beginning to type in the phone.
"Time for some Logan Lowdowns." Virgil smirked as his eyes slid shut, the steady sound of typing and page flipping lulling him slightly.
'Boy are they in for it now,' he thought tiredly. "Hey, Logan?" He said instead.
The other paused immediately. "Yes, Virgil?"
"Thank you."
"Of course, I'll always be here to help you."
Virgil smiled. "Just my cool teacher being his cool self."
The typing paused again as Logan huffed out a quiet laugh before continuing, letting Virgil settle down further. Content and secure with the knowledge that he would be safe, he drifted off into a blissfully dreamless sleep.
Series summary: Soulmates are given memories of their past lives when their hands touch. For Virgil and Logan, each memory is happier than the last.
This series was created for @analogicalweek and made in collaboration with the lovely @birdsongisland! Please go look at the wonderful drawing that pairs with this work and support them with reblogs so their work can be seen!
Credit to birdsongisland for beta reading this as well, it came out a lot better because of them!
Chapter Summary: Virgil didn’t know what he had been expecting when he asked for a tutor to help with his studies, but it definitely wasn’t who could kick flip a skateboard without even looking down and also happened to be his soulmate.
Day 5 Prompt: Vocab Card/Skateboard
Warnings: none
Word Count: 1539
AO3 link
Chapter Five: We’ll Meet in the Middle
Virgil huffed as he cupped his chin aggressively in his hand, staring down the road to wait for his tutor to show up. Not to get the wrong idea- he was very grateful to the person who had agreed to help him with his vocabulary; he just...wasn’t the best with people. He was socially awkward and very obviously had a vague emo style- wavy purple hair with white streaks fell messily over shadowed eyes and cheeks that would burn in five minutes outside despite his tanned complexion. His black nail polish was chipping from the constant picking and he was never seen anywhere without his favorite purple hoodie hugging him like a portable blanket. But he was falling a bit behind in class because he couldn’t seem to remember the constant influx of new terminology thrown at him each week. Asking the professor about extra practice had landed him a phone number that he had agonized over for too many hours before finally biting the bullet and calling.
The voice on the other end alone was enough to make his stomach flip, light and lilting even when talking about something as boring as scheduling. Virgil knew it then and he was stewing over it now- he was absolutely done for. No one had that kind of voice without being kind and patient and while those were things he definitely needed if he was going to learn anything he was sure he’d get distracted anyway. Forming a squish from a voice- that had to be the worst joke played on him yet.
Looking up however nearly made him want to cry at the irony. That had to be him, the only person on campus at the moment standing tall on a skateboard while gripping a dark blue messenger bag. From what Virgil could see he had blue hair that was pulled to one side with the other shaved, immediately piquing Virgil’s interest with the unique look. He tried his hardest not to stare as he came closer and his jacket came into view; a leather one spiked at the shoulders and sporting pride flags at the chest. Virgil felt his own chest constrict as he stored that away for later, the pintrovert system coming in handy for what felt like the first time in his life.
Just as he was getting his crutches situated to stand up he noticed the other man riding straight for the sidewalk seemingly not paying attention to where he was going. Scrambling to his feet he lurched forward to yell out.
“Hey watch ou-” The warning died on his lips as his tutor executed a perfect lick flip onto the sidewalk, letting the momentum carry him a couple more feet before stopping and tucking the skateboard under his arms. Virgil was sure he looked like an absolute idiot as he approached him, trying his hardest not to gape while practically feeling his eyes sparkling while looking at the punk with wide eyes.
“Hello, I’m Logan. And you’re Virgil right? The person I’m supposed to help with his medical terms?” He waited for Virgil to nod before continuing. “Excellent. Is the library fine?”
Realizing He’d been silent too long, he managed to squeak out a “Yeah,” as he reached down to swing his bag over his shoulder. Logan started towards the doors with him, shuffling things around in his bag to pull out notecards and stuff the skateboard into it. How it fit Virgil had no idea but taking in the aesthetic he honestly wouldn’t be surprised if it involved some sort of fae magic.
They settled down at the table and Logan looked over at him, making his heart once again skip a beat as he took in the beautiful shade of brown. Shaking his head slightly he tried to focus on what Logan was currently talking about while organizing several colored pens in front of them.
“-that way you’ll be able to separate the terms better and your brain will be better equipped to compartmentalize the terms you need to remember in half the time. Does that make sense?”
It didn’t. It really, really didn’t. He had a soulmate somewhere that he hadn’t found yet and most likely wouldn’t for a long time to come, and yet here he was trying desperately to hide a blush because this person was just- he was so cool. His voice and eyes were pretty and he was obviously smart if he had been the first person his teacher had recommended to tutor him…
“Are you feeling alright? You look flushed.” Hearing this Virgil snapped back to reality and gave a thumbs up, ducking his head while trying to resist the urge to slam it into the wood.
“Fine, yeah! Just you’re- it’s hot! Hot in the hoodie.” Praying he had saved that sentence quickly enough he dared to peak back at Logan through his bangs, who was just smiling slightly with an arm draped over the back of his chair.
“You can take that off then, if you want.” Logan pointed to the hoodie. “Since you’re hot.”
Virgil decided then, somehow managing to keep a straight face through his panic, that it was quite homophobic of the floor to not simply open and swallow him whole. Try as he might to calm himself he could still feel the remnants of the harsh flush in his cheeks as he saw Logan simply look at him with that smile, making him idly wonder if the sly bastard was really flirting with him or was actually just that oblivious.
Virgil sputtered as he wrapped the hoodie tighter around himself, shaking his head slightly. “Nah, I’m fine actually! You were saying about colors?”
“Just that color coding can help you study better. I’m here to give you tips as well so please pay attention.” Leaning forward again, Logan started explaining how to separate the different concepts and how to decide what was important and what wasn’t; honestly Virgil was genuinely surprised at how much he retained, forgetting his panic in favor of actually learning, for which he was very grateful. By the time an hour had passed he had a pretty good grasp on what he was meant to be learning and how to go about it. He stacked his much improved notecards together and shoved them in his pocket for later, shifting around in his seat to look at Logan properly.
“Thank you honestly, I feel a lot better about the class now.”
“It was no trouble, I’m grateful I was able to help. And if you’re in need of further assistance before next week, call me?” Logan smiled crookedly. “I use the library’s phone for tutor scheduling, this is for my actual phone..”
Virgil gaped at the slip of paper offered to him with a wink, fully cementing the idea that Logan had, in fact, been flirting with him and Virgil had been too infatuated with his style to actually notice. Purple nail polish caught his eye as his hand moved closer and he had the vague thought of that being his favorite color and how did he keep them from chipping? Before his thoughts could wonder further he was taking the paper and smiling, just aware enough of their fingers brushing as he remembered being with this person, his soulmate, time and time again. Every time was better than the last as their souls grew accustomed to one another and grew over eternity, strengthening their bond with every word exchanged.
Virgil looked at his soulmate's dazed expression, the most beautiful smile he’d ever seen gracing his lips and eyes watering with emotion at having found him again. So many words stuck in his throat as he struggled with the perfect thing to say, something that would capture how happy he was to finally be together again and how excited he was to explore this lifetime together. Something that would make Logan understand just how much he meant to him.
“I think this is the coolest form you’ve ever taken.” He blurted, immediately covering his mouth and cursing himself twice over.
His heart sank as Logan barked out a laugh, snorting into his own hand and taking a minute to compose himself before laying a gentle hand on his cheek.
“And I think this is the loveliest I’ve seen you.”
He laughed softly as Virgil went completely red, fingers twitching with indecision over whether to flap his hand or slap the idiot beside him. Deciding on a combination of both he frantically beat a hand against his shoulder while sleeping his other over his mouth, mumbling profanities under his breath. Whipping around as his hand was caught he couldn’t help but grin at Logan’s own brilliant smile, even if his face felt like he had dipped it in a vat of boiling water.
“It’s getting late, I could walk you home?”
“Yeah,” Virgil managed. “I’d like that.”
Walking home and still slightly wishing the floor had opened up beneath him, he couldn’t help but feel lucky that he had found Logan so soon. They had an eternity to catch up on and if it had to start with fixing his bad study habits, he supposed he couldn’t complain.
Summary: Roman reminisces his time spent with the one he has loved and been loved by completely.
Warnings: none
Ships: Virgil x Roman, Prinxiety
Word Count: 1, 077
AO3 Link
There were lots of things Roman found he loved about Virgil from the moment they met, and those things would build up, he found, again and again until the pile was so large he was nearly buried in it. But he found it a comfortable weight, like a heavy blanket in the winter, warm and safe to keep away the chill of the outside world. The weight of one bony hand in his as they walked side by side he found was the best feeling in the world. The way the other's forever chapped lips pressed against his so lovingly was the perfect way to bring him down from the clouds and keep him on solid ground. Fingers fisting in his best shirts after a long day, or wrapped loosely in his hair as they drifted off to sleep never failed to coat the world as he saw it in a warm glow of dusty purple.
Roman loved his purple hair and would tell the other often, in his loud proclamations complete with the usual dramatics but also in the more subtle ways more suited to his quieter partner. A hand gently smoothing the ever unruly bangs from his forehead, tucking stubborn tendrils behind pink tinted ears. The small baby hairs tickled his fingertips as he brushed the back of his neck, smiling as shivers ran through both their spines. Wet and dripping above frightened eyes the first time Roman had accidentally walked in on him topless, chest heaving slightly as his scars were kissed and tensions eased.
Roman loved his eyes, each pale with differing shades of blue and green. Of skies and fields that he'd gladly get lost in over and over again. The sparkle that was present when the other grew excited, the faint ever present sadness fading as Roman got him going on one topic or another. Eyes that were ever vigilant when in new surroundings making Roman feel safer than he ever had. Eyes surrounded by twinkling shadow that caught the light and shone with iridescence the first time they had gone on a proper date. Eyes that smiled and laughed even when his mouth didn't, and that was always enough for Roman. Virgil's eyes only grew brighter with age, quick and cunning and creased with years of smile lines no matter how small it ever was. The way they shone in the light of the moon or sun never failed to steal his breath.
Roman loved his hands, talented and quick as they were. Always ready to grab and pull to the safety of his chest at a moments notice. Pale and small and bony but sturdy with callous from years of hard work. Artistry suited him; his hands bringing to life worlds Roman imagined and added onto with the joy of having created something for just the two of them. Walls covered in murals contributed to by the both of them, fingers forever stained with some assortment of acrylic or watercolor or chalk or pen. Fingers that brushed his gently under a table and then over a counter and finally out in the open. Hands swung between them and clutched together and held gently and kissed. Hands forever coated in polish of various shades and with patterns traced over palms and a ring slipped carefully over knuckles when the time was finally right.
Roman loved his laugh. A hesitant thing that rarely came about when they had first met. A flutter in the chest that dared him to try and pull out more; and pull he did. Slowly coaxing out one after another until the process was as easy as breathing. The light, only slightly obnoxious belting sound that he craved more than the want to be on the stage. It became a thing of the past for it to be covered up by a hand over his mouth, and instead his giggles would be accompanied by a tongue poking between teeth or his head tilting back as his shoulders shook or a playful smirk as it was desperately contained before coming out with a shout. Roman drank them all in almost painfully, sometimes feeling as if he would burst at the seams from the happiness he felt.
Roman loved that most of all. Virgil's happiness turned his own. His genuine smile that he only ever offered Roman at first but soon spread to all that knew them, the sadness tugging it down insistently long since departed. Replaced with a peace that was present as they settled into the feeling on the couch with their heads resting against each other. It spread to light up the darkest of corners in the dead of night when it was all too overwhelming and Virgil was there to hold him and whisper happiness into his ear until everything else quieted. It was there to cushion his falls and heighten his leaps, pushing and pushing until he couldn't remember having felt anything else. With the darkness gone only shadows remained, shapeless things that lurked but dared not come near as he gripped Virgil's hand across streets and through doorways and eventually down an aisle. A bubble of warmth that refused to be popped all because of one person who stuck with him and he stuck with through anything and everything.
Roman loved Virgil. Their hands clasped between them on the porch watching the sun rise with coffee staining the breaths they puffed into the cool autumn air and the creaks of the old porch the only sound softly breaking the comfortable silence. He smiled as leaves collected on their lawn as the memories collected in the forefront of his mind, and he found himself looking over wistfully at the man who he had shared his life with completely. His once purple dusted hair stark white and just as lovely as it fluffed out in the breeze, eyes shining bright beneath it as a small smile played on his lips. Roman squeezed his pale, bonier hand in his and Virgil glanced over at him, grinning wider as he squeezed back tightly.
There were lots of things Roman loved about Virgil, the weight of them all growing infinitely and making his chest swell with the steadying breath he sometimes needed to bear it all. But it was comforting, in the way only the weight of someone you love and have loved completely can be, and that was something Roman could carry happily as long as they lived.
Series Summary: Written for the Soulmate September challenge. Every day is a different soulmate au prompt and ship.
Part Summary: Soul tattoos don’t fill in until the other person knows without a doubt that their partner is the one, when everything they are become so ingrained in each other’s lives that their souls become entwined. For Virgil and Logan, this doesn’t happen until well after they’ve been married. When the moments do arrive however, they both know they could never be happier.
Prompt: Tattoo that becomes colorful once you meet soulmate
Ships: Analogical (Virgil x Logan)
Warnings: none
Word Count: 2645
AO3 link
Part Three: A Storm of Stars
Logan’s eyes snapped open as a loud crack of thunder shook the house, rain pelting against the roof and making the tiles creak. His popping joints added to the symphony as he stretched his way into a sitting position. Reaching over to the bedside drawer he fumbled a bit before finding the small remote and clicking on the web of fairy lights strung in the far corner, immediately bathing the room in a pleasant blue glow. He flipped his pillow over to the cool side and took a second to fluff the other pillow a bit, moving it over to be closer to his and smoothing the bedsheets.
The motions were automatic after so many years of practice, going back to he and Virgill’s first sleepover when they were still guaranteed a juicebox and cookies after school. It had stormed then too, Logan waking up to find his bed crowded with a shaking Virgil and his trusty stuffed tiger, who though was quite courageous had realized she was no match for a storm and had convinced her charge to seek shelter with Logan instead. Smiling softly at the memory Logan settled down to wait. He knew as his husband had grown older he wasn’t afraid of storms anymore so much as his anxiety ran with endless possibilities of what they could do to them or the house- which Logan was often inclined to agree with but played his role of devil’s advocate for the sake of Virgil’s well-being.
Right as he was beginning to wonder if he should leave to go and collect Virgil, the floorboards in front of his door squeaked in protest. A moment later a figure bulky with sweatpants and a hoodie slouched into the room, quickly shutting the door behind him and practically diving into the bed and under the blankets. The bed springs creaked along with the roof tiles as they both fidgeted and fussed trying to get comfortable, Logan biting back a small laugh as Virgil nosed his way underneath his chin. His soft hair tickled Logan’s lips as he pressed a kiss to the top of his head and wrapped his arms around him. Finally they were still, Virgil’s breathing slowly matching his own as he made sure to take deep calming breaths.
The rain was already quieting, the storm moving on and leaving the two night owls to their bubble of peaceful warmth. Logan readjusted slightly as Virgil snuggled in further, hoodie sleeves riding up as he snaked his arms around his waist in an attempt to pull them closer. Logan did laugh at this, planting another kiss firmly on the other’s forehead.
“I think if you squeezed any tighter we’d fuse, stormcloud. How are we supposed to compose an email when our absence excuse would be cuddling too hard?”
“No such thing,’” Virgil mumbled. “I’ll cuddle you as hard as I want and they’re just gonna haftadealwibit.”
The last half of the sentence trailed off into near indecipherable gibberish but Logan understood well enough. “You are exceptionally adorable when you’re tired. As much as I hate that storms cause you anxiety, I'm glad that nothing else has changed.”
He grinned as the side of his neck where Virgil’s face was pressed against warmed and quietly congratulated himself through the disappointment that he couldn’t currently see Virgil’s crimson face. ‘Still got it’ he thought to himself as he wiggled a bit to try and find a comfortable spot where Virgil’s rather bony arms weren’t poking into his ribs, failing miserably until he managed a sigh. “I’m sorry stormcloud, I’m getting a bit of a cramp. Why don’t you lay on top of me instead; that’s comfortable for you as well isn’t it?”
Humming in confirmation, Virgil leaned back and let Logan flip onto his back. A moment later he let out a small groan of surprise as Virgil flopped solidly onto him, burrowing into his chest and holding Logan tight by his sides. Smiling, he brought the blankets up over them both and carefully tucked them in, bringing his arms out and resting them on Virgil’s shoulders to make sure it didn’t slide off.
“Thank you for always doing this.” Logan scrunched his brow at the frustrated tone in Virgil’s voice. “And don’t you dare say ‘why wouldn’t I’ because you always ask and I always say it’s because I’m too old to be afraid of storms and then you logic your way around me because I’m too tired to argue. This is just something I always thought I’d grow out of.”
“Sometimes we grow out of fears, sometimes not. The ones that linger aren’t something you can help or should blame yourself for.” Getting no response other than a frustrated huff, Logan continued, beginning to hum and rub soothing circles on his back. “Whether the fear is rational or not- and whether or not the threat is real- I will always be here to protect and support you however you need. Seeing as I’m not exactly in the best shape for fighting crime or fending off rabid dogs, comforting you through a storm is something that I love that I’m able to do. And I will continue to love doing it because I love you and would rather you be here with me seeking comfort than by yourself too stubborn to ask for help.”
“Logan?”
“Yes, Virgil?”
“You’re making it really hard to be edgy and self-deprecating right now.”
“Heaven forbid.”
Virgil snorted, knocking the top of his head gently into Logan’s chin until Logan sighed in mock exasperation, craning his neck to kiss him softly on the forehead so he’d settle back down. As he laid his head back down onto his chest a warm, tingling sensation spread from underneath Virgil’s cheek and covered his collar bone and part of his shoulder. Gasping he nudged the other up, poking more insistantly when the stubborn emo refused to disentangle himself. Ignoring Virgil’s confused look as he made to pull off his shirt he practically whipped it across the room and placed a hand to his soul mark, eyes shining as he took in the sight.
His mark had always looked so odd to him, big blobs of shapes over his right shoulder and collar bone with jagged black scars streaking from them and down his chest. He could never even begin to picture what it could be, though a friend suggested once that it might be a warped forest of some sort, doubtful as his tone had been. Instead, his warm fingers traced over jagged streaks of lightning, such a bright purple they nearly glowed in the dark. The blobs above them had filled in with every shade of gray he had ever seen, broken occasionally by shadows of purple and blue where the lightning was. It was unexpectedly beautiful, his vision blurring with tears as he realized what this meant.
“I always knew.” He looked up as Virgil spoke in a hushed whisper. “I always- but you just felt so safe and you never...you always make me feel better about it and so safe and I guess-”
Logan opened his arms and Virgil gratefully dove back into them, catching his cheek with a kiss on the way down. They resettled quickly, the rain nothing more than a gentle patter against the roof letting them rest easy. Cracking an eye open, Logan strained to look down as Virgil laughed and held him tighter.
“Of all the things that keep me up at night, I’m so glad I was right about this.”
Logan smiled and hugged him closer in turn. “I agree.”
----- -----
Virgil sat up slowly, blanket falling from his shoulders and pooling around his waist as he struggled to cross his legs in the tangle. After a minute of failing miserably he huffed and flopped back, kicking both legs up as far as they would go while catching the blanket on the bottom of his feet and then kicking forward violently to dislodge them. Unfortunately the trick failed, landing more fabric between his legs and scrunching his pants uncomfortably in the process. Scissoring his legs just twisted everything around more and by the time he was halfway through attempting bicycles the situation was hopeless enough he considered just going back to sleep and dealing with it when he woke up. He had closed his eyes to do just that when he heard a muffled snort from the doorway, picking his head up to peer at Logan through squinted eyelids.
“Would you like some assistance?” Logan asked while making a half-hearted attempt to school his features.
Huffing, Virgil flopped his head back onto the pillows. “Clearly I have everything under control.”
“Falsehood. Your wiggling was very impressive but the blankets quite obviously won in the end. Was falling back to sleep after a ten hour nap and a failed battle the plan from the start?”
“No one likes a smartass Lo.”
“And yet your love for me persists.” Smiling lightly, Logan made his way to the side of the bed and climbed on, swinging his legs up and over Virgil’s stomach and plopped down gently with his hands splayed over his chest. Grunting out pseudo complaints Virgil reached up and took both of the hands in his own, giving each a kiss in turn before settling them back just below his collarbones. The sight of Logan blushing- bright enough to be visible even in the dim room- was one he would never grow tired of.
“Illogical as it may be.” He agreed. “Is that why you love your darling husband? I’m your most difficult logic puzzle that’s guaranteed to last a lifetime?”
Logan rolled his eyes. “No, that’s absurd. I love my husband because a pain in the ass though he may be- he’s a constant I find myself unable to live without.”
Feeling his own face heating up Virgil longed for his hoodie to hide in, especially once Logan’s expression turned smug from rendering him speechless. “Logan, it’s much too early for you to be this smooth.”
“Virgil, my love, it’s seven in the evening.”
Virgil blinked. “Wow. you weren’t kidding when you said ten hour nap.”
“I never kid. It’s important to be one hundo percent, one hundo percent of the time.”
“Who gave you that one?”
“Patton.”
“Yeah, maybe don’t trust the dad-friend for flashcards, starlight.’
Flushing slightly, Logan disentangled their fingers and rolled off the bed. “Duly noted. Now please get up, we have plans.”
“We do- ah!” Virgil found himself face down in his pillow, having flipped around with Logan’s rather aggressive flourish of snapping the blankets out from around his legs. Remembering that they had, in fact, had plans for the night, Virgil rolled out of bed as quickly as he could with apologies already hot on his tongue. “Logan I’m so sorry I thought that was tomorrow and I had stayed up late for stupid reasons and I hope we aren’t running late do I have time to change-”
“Virgil, breathe.” Logan cupped a hand to his cheek and gently ran a thumb under his eye. “I assure you we have plenty of time and I’m very glad you got the sleep you did. I would have liked you up earlier only to see your lovely face and to make sure your sleep schedule wasn’t ruined. But if you slept that long you must have needed it, and I certainly am not going to fault you for that.”
Closing his eyes, Virgil took a breath and held it for a second before breathing out slowly. Logan’s hand left his cheek and he caught himself leaning forward to chase the warmth, his resulting blush filling that void for the time being.
“Do what you need and then come in the kitchen; I made fried noodles.”
More awake now than ever Virgil hurried to the bathroom. Logan’s cooking was the best he had ever had and he’d be damned if he was late for noodles.
-----
A cool breeze rustled through the thick grass and flipped over the corner of the blanket Logan and Virgil had set up an hour before. Sputtering, Virgil flipped it back from his face, spitting bits of dandelion fluff out of his mouth in the process while pointedly ignoring Logan’s snicker. He pushed his hoodie closer to the corner to prevent further mishap and snuggled closer to his husband for warmth, head resting comfortably on one arm with his other wrapped around Logan’s shoulders.
Logan lay on his side with his head on his shoulder, the bottom of his cheek pressed into the still black soulmark that traced a shapeless blob from the top of his elbow to the nape of his neck. Soulmarks filled in based on the other soulmates feelings- when they truly felt like they had found the one. Of course that was a romantic conspiracy for the most part and to Virgil it seemed to go against the entire idea of fate. If you could choose your own, then what was the point of the marks?
Choosing not to think about it for the time being, he continued staring up at the sky. The night was clear and this far out not much light pollution tainted their view of everything the night had to offer. Stars glittered for miles with barely there colorful space dust in between if you squinted. Logan had told him what it actually was once- something about it being high temperature nebula gas absorbing starlight- Logan had explained it much better in the past.
Logan always explained everything better.
“You’re quiet tonight.” Logan remarked.
“I’m sorry- just thinking.”
“Mm, don’t be sorry.”
They laid in silence for a few more minutes before Virgil decided to speak up. “They always make me feel really small- stars I mean- and I know I am small compared to everything but all that just leads to...existential dread I guess. Seeing everything laid out, it’s beautiful, but it’s also a bit daunting.”
“Virgil, if you’re uncomfortable-”
“Lemme finish first before you do the sweet thing you do where you overanalyze everything for the sake of everyone else’s comfort.” Seeing Logan smile and roll his eyes he continued. “I always feel small looking at them, but it never matters because you make me feel big. Like I could take on the entire world even when the anxiety’s being a bitch.”
He felt Logan smile against his arm...and then it started to tingle. Tiny pinpricks raced up and down his arms from his shoulder to his neck and he quickly disentangled himself and started blindly slapping at his mark to get whatever bugs off that had decided to ruin the moment. Noticing Logan had his mouth covered with his eyes wide in shock staring at his arm he quickly looked down and gasped with his own.
His unsightly black blob of a soulmark, which he had long ago stopped trying to guess at the shape of, was now a glittering galaxy. Striking blue and dark purple swirled in intricate patterns behind stars that shined so brightly on his skin he would swear they had been plucked from the night sky and flicked onto him. The tingling finally stopped, the whole field seeming to hold its breath along with the both of them before Logan finally broke the silence with a hoarse whisper.
“In an entire universe I found you.” Snapping his head up, Virgil saw tears gathering in his husband’s eyes. “I was sure I already knew but- I’m so happy I found you.”
Laughing wetly Virgil dove forward, knocking them both over and half in the grass but neither could bring themselves to care. Under the stars, with Virgil himself wrapped in a galaxy, he had never been so happy to have an impossibly small space in Logan’s arms to call his own.
