If you like this fic, please reblog ! and maybe, buy me a Ko-fi?
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The painting wasn’t quite finished yet, but it was coming together. It was as if he were looking at his vision through Logan’s glasses. He stood back for a moment, most of the paint still needed to dry before he could add any more details, but there had to be something he could add without disturbing anything. ...right? He began to stir the paint on his palette when he heard a sound behind him and felt a breeze despite being indoors.
“Going up?” Roman asked, laughing to himself as he rubbed his paint-stained hands over his apron and put his supplies down on the table next to him. “Did you come in here just to take a nap?”
“Maybe,” Patton hummed, staring at the ceiling from where he laid on Roman’s bed.
Roman pulled off his apron and laid it lazily over the hook on his wall. He sat down next to his boyfriend and laced their fingers together before placing a kiss to Patton’s knuckles. “What did you come in for?”
“It can wait,” Patton said quietly. “You’re busy painting.”
“Patton.”
“I’m fine just watching you paint.”
“Well, that’s rather unfortunate then because I was just about to take a break,” Roman said. “Though I suppose you’re welcome to sit here and watch paint dry if that’s what you’re into these days.” There was a thud as Patton’s shoes hit the floor. “Or perhaps we can cuddle.”
“I like that idea,” Patton said, squeezing Roman’s hand.
The two settled into bed more comfortably as Roman grabbed the TV remote, using one arm to scroll through Disney+ and the other to hold Patton close. “So,” he said, “do you want to talk about what’s bothering you? And slash or offer a movie suggestion?”
Patton hummed, resting his ear against Roman’s chest. “Anything is fine.”
“Do you want a distraction or a movie that will rip your heart out?”
Patton hummed again.
“Cinderella three it is then,” Roman teased. “Seriously, if you want to talk, it’s fine.”
“I just-” He sighed. “I feel shitty.”
“I see.”
He pulled Roman closer and added, “And you’re the only one I feel safe feeling shitty around.”
“Oh.” Roman squeezed his boyfriend’s sides and pressed a kiss against his forehead. “I see.”
“I love you.”
He pressed play and started up the film, wrapping his other arm around Patton. “I love you too, mon amour. I love you too.”
Patton Gray discovers that he’s aromantic and comes out to his best friend, Roman Maxwell
Word count: 1.7k
Warnings: Use of a swear word, Patton feeling like he’ll be alone forever, self-denial of one’s identity, Remus being Remus (only for a small amount of time)
Angsty fluff with a happy ending
Disclaimer: I know that not all aromantic people are alone forever, but this is just something I felt when I discovered that I was aromantic, so I projected onto Patton.. Roman does kind of correct him, though. *Also Patton feels weird when someone has a crush on him, but I know that not all aro people feel this way. There are 3 main kinds of aros: Romance positive, romance neutral (indifferent) or romance repulsed, and I think Patton in this fic may be indifferent, so I know that this is not everyone’s experience. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask! :)
*Also, this is one of my first fics, so this is most definitely not perfect
Patton knew he had to get to sleep, but something was on his mind. At school yesterday, he found out that one of his classmates, Janus, has a crush on him. He couldn’t figure out why he felt so weird. Isn’t this supposed to be a good thing? Crushes are good, right? He had had a crush on a boy when they were in 7th grade. Logan was always kind to him, and Patton enjoyed his company. That had to be a crush.
Patton desperately wanted to talk to his best friend, Roman about it, but he was terrified that the romance obsessed theatre kid wouldn’t understand. The thing was, he liked the idea of being in a relationship, but the thought of Janus acting on his feelings made him uncomfortable. Since he didn’t know if he could talk to Roman or not, he consulted the internet.
He opened Google and typed in: what does a crush feel like?
Upon finding the answer, he realized the feelings he’d had towards Logan were not romantic. The signs were butterflies, happiness when that person is around, wanting to see them everywhere, and increased heart rate. Has he ever had an actual crush? He saw guys all the time that he thought were cute, but he didn’t want to date them, he just thought they were good looking.
After a few minutes of reading, he saw the word “aromantic”. He kept scrolling, and got the definition.
Aromantic: Someone who experiences little to no romantic attraction
He sat in stunned silence. This couldn’t be him. He liked the idea of being in a relationship. He wanted someone that he could spend the rest of his life with! He wasn’t aromantic, no way.
He opened Google again and searched: am I aromantic?
After reading through reddit pages, articles, and a website dedicated to a-spec people, he was utterly confused. He didn’t really want to fall in love, he just liked the idea of it. But come to think of it, his idea of a relationship actually seemed like a friendship.
When he got bored in class and daydreamed about his future, he always saw a boy that he lived with. However, they never kissed, they didn’t hold hands, they cuddled, but not romantically, and they didn’t share a room. That’s basically a best friend!
Closing his computer, he looked at the clock. 2:48 am. He had to get up at 6:15 for school. Sighing and rolling over in bed, he closed his eyes.
6:15 came really early that morning, but his annoying alarm wasn’t the first thought on his mind.
“I might be aromantic.” He whispered to himself. After a few seconds, he shook his head. Maybe he was just experiencing something normal. His head was spinning trying to figure it out. This has to be how everyone feels, right? Maybe I’m just a late bloomer. Yeah, that’s it, I’m a late bloomer. I think I should tell Roman about this. He may not understand, but he’s my best friend, maybe he could at least give me some advice.
This is fine. Everything is fine. Nothing to worry about.
With the schedule he had today, he wouldn’t see Roman until lunch, which felt like it was forever away.
—
When he sat down next to Roman at their usual table, he noticed that his friend was looking at him weird. “What’s wrong, Ro? Did something happen?” Roman took a bite of his sandwich and continued to stare at Patton. “Nope. You just seem kinda weird today, Puffball. Are you okay? Do I need to fight someone for you?” Patton placed a reassuring hand on Roman’s shoulder. “No, no fighting Roman. I’m just kind of struggling with something… Can I ask you a question about love?” Roman gasped. “Love?! Oh my gosh, are you in love? Who is he? What’s his name? Wh-” Patton quickly shook his head. “No, I’m not in love. It’s kind of the opposite of that… I don’t think I’ve ever had a crush on someone, and finding out that Janus has a crush on me sparked some negative feelings. I googled some stuff last night, and I found the term aromantic. Have you ever heard of it?” Taking a second to chew his sandwich, Roman pondered. “When someone feels little to no romantic attraction?” Patton nodded. “Is that what you think you are, Pat?” He stared silently at his food while he thought about his response.
“Hey,” Patton looked up. “If you don’t know, that’s perfectly fine. If you don’t want to share that with me, that’s fine too. I just want you to know that whatever you say, if you choose to say anything at all, is one hundred percent safe with me.” The sweater clad boy smiled. “I know, Princey, thank you.” The bell rang, signaling that it was time to go to their next class. “Shit! lunch is always so short!” Roman quickly gathered his things, and helped Patton with his, then they said their goodbyes.
Still confused and walking to class, he couldn’t help but feel a bit let down. He thought that he would have more time to talk with Roman, but he’d just have to figure out another way to communicate his complicated feelings.
—--
When school got out, the two met at their usual spot, the giant oak tree near the bus loop.
“Do you want to sleep over at my house since it's Friday? My brother won’t be home, so don’t worry. I know he kind of scares you.” Patton smiled. “I’d love to! I just need to call my mom first.” Roman nodded, and the pair started their walk home together.
When they got to Roman’s house, they were greeted with silence. Patton wasn’t surprised, he knew the drill. Roman and Remus’ parents were split up, and they lived with their mom. She worked crazy hours as an ER nurse, so they didn’t see a whole lot of her.
The Maxwell house was pretty small, and it was one story, which Patton appreciated, because midnight snacks were very accessible.
When they got to Roman’s room, they threw their stuff down on the floor, and Patton looked around. He’d been there hundreds of times, but every single time, Patton had to take a minute and enjoy all the theater posters, movie scripts, and awards that Roman had accumulated over the years. Patton wasn’t exactly a theater kid, so that world was magical and foregin to him.
“Do you want to talk about what happened at lunch?” Suddenly feeling nervous, he tucked his hair behind his ears, an anxious fidget he had developed. “You mean the whole aromantic thing?” Nodding, Roman ripped open a pack of Pocky and held some out towards Patton. Taking some of the strawberry covered sticks, he sat down next to his bag. “I fit the definition perfectly, but I don’t know- I don’t think I want that to be me, you know?” Shoving some of the candy in his mouth, Roman shook his head. “I want to be normal. I may not want to fall in love, but I like the idea of it! That has to count for something, right? It’s just- out of all the identities out there, why do I have to be the one where I end up alone forever?” Patton’s eyes were beginning to fill with tears. “I may not want to kiss someone, or get married, but I’m- I’m still deserving of some kind of love, right?” Roman immediately stood up and embraced his friend. “Of course you are! I love you so, so much, Pat. You mean the world to me.” Sniffing, the crying boy wiped his eyes. “We’ve only been friends since freshman year, but I’d spend the rest of my life with you, padre. You’re my best friend, and I just want you to know that no matter how you identify, you are perfect just the way you are. You will always be deserving of love, no matter what.” Patton buried his head in his friend’s shoulder.
—
After taking a break from their heavy conversation, an idea popped into Roman’s head. “Have you ever heard of queer platonic partners?” Looking up from the comic book he was reading, the glasses wearing softie shook his head. “Queer platonic partners are when a-spec people have a partner, often on the aromantic or asexual spectrum as well, but they’re platonic. It’s more than just a best friend, it’s a person with whom you share a deep connection. Sometimes queer platonic partners get married, so you don’t need to worry about spending the rest of your life alone, Pat! You can just find one of those!” He closed the comic he was reading and adjusted his glasses. “But wouldn’t that be kind of hard? One percent of the population is aromantic, Ro.” The other boy shook his head excitedly. “One percent of the population is 70 million people! And you have a perfectly good a-spec person right here!” Confused, Patton looked around the room. “Wait, are- are you a-spec too?” A huge smile spread across Roman’s face. “Yep! I’m demi-romantic and akoisexual!” Patton was smiling, but still slightly confused. “What’s ako- whatever you just said?” Roman stifled a laugh. “Akoisexual. Also known as lithsexual. It means that I experience some sexual attraction, but it fades if it’s reciprocated.” Tackling his best friend in a hug, Patton could not stop smiling. “Ro, this is great! I’m so happy for you! And for me, because I have the best queer platonic partner in the world!”
—-
It was 3 am when they heard the door slam. Patton looked at Roman in a panic. “Is that-” A voice interrupted him. “Oh brother, dear! I’m home!” A maniacal laugh followed. He tried to hide, but Roman’s door flew open. “Oooo! The cutie is here! What’s up, Pattie Cakes?” He couldn’t respond. His face was beet red, and the only sounds that came out of his mouth were stutters. “Aw, I love it when you get flustered! Anyway, you missed a crazy party, Roman. The cops had to break it up!” Disinterested, his brother nodded. “Well, nighty night you two. You know where I’ll be, Patton. Don’t be shy.” He winked and left.
Groaning, Patton laid down on the floor. “I’m sorry about him, I didn’t know he’d be home so soon.”
“If we’re queer platonic partners for life, does that mean that he’ll be around forever?”
In which Roman absolutely adores the chapstick/lip balm Patton uses, so he keeps stealing kisses.
“Ro!” Patton exclaimed, giggling as he playfully shoved his boyfriend away. He was in the middle of making food and Roman had come up behind him to attack him with kisses. Roman laughed, ruffling Patton’s hair.
“Sorry, babe.” Patton’s cheeks tinted red as he tried to go back to what he was doing. He seemed to notice a pattern over time, recently Roman had been extra affectionate with him and stealing those quick kisses all the time. Not that Patton didn’t secretly love it, and not that Roman wasn’t always affectionate, but this was more than usual and Patton was curious as to what had gotten into him. He didn’t question it, and the kisses continued.
Roman kept on with those stolen kisses any chance he could. When Patton was reading, cooking, talking with someone else, even when he was half asleep. Patton had laughed each one off and given in in the end, but things didn’t click until one day Patton had been applying lip balm and Roman had immediately pulled his face in for a kiss, rubbing his lips together when he pulled away. Patton gasped.
“Roman!” He scolded. It was rare he used the prince’s real name instead of ‘Ro’ or ‘Princey’ or ‘Prince’ or some other pet name. Roman grinned up at him, acting oblivious.
“Yes, my love?” He responded.
“All these sneaky smooches...you’re using me for my new strawberry lip balm!” Roman busted out laughing, kissing Patton on the cheek.
“Maybe. It tastes good!” He admitted shyly.
“I have an extra one, you could’ve just asked.” Patton rolled his eyes as he handed the unopened extra lip balm to his blushing boyfriend, who pocketed it.
“Well, yeah...but...”
“But what?”
“Maybe I just wanted an excuse to kiss you.” Patton giggled, booping Roman’s nose.
“You’re cute, prince. In that case, keep it up.” Roman smiled wide and pulled Patton in for yet another kiss, one of many more to come.
17. “I feel like I’m in the clouds when I’m with you.” with royality?
Patton woke up slowly, savoring the weight of the blanket around his shoulders and the warmth of the sunlight on his eyelids. A tiny smile twitched at the corners of his mouth, then suddenly the morning silence was broken.
“God, you’re so beautiful.”
Roman’s voice was thick with sleep and barely audible, but it was rich with adoration. He continued to murmur, almost to himself, and Patton quickly realized that Roman thought he was still asleep.
“I can’t believe that I get to wake up every morning and see your face...I must be the luckiest man on the planet.”
Patton’s heart swelled, and he wanted to open his eyes and kiss Roman senseless, but he also didn’t want Roman to stop.
“How I ended up with someone as amazing as you I’ll never know...I feel like I’m in the clouds when I’m with you.”
Patton couldn’t take it anymore, and he opened his eyes, smiling sleepily at Roman, appreciating the blush that immediately colored his cheeks.
“Morning, Roman,” he breathed.
“How much of that did you hear?” Roman asked, and Patton grinned, reaching forward and carressing the side of his face.
“Enough to know that you are the sweetest, kindest, cutest, most wonderful person in the whole entire world,” Patton said, punctuating each statement with a little kiss to Roman’s face and ending with a slow, sweet kiss on the mouth.
“I love you,” he whispered when he pulled away, and Roman smiled at him and pressed their foreheads together.
“I love you too.”
Emotional Prompts (please write the actual prompt in your ask!)
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
It begins, as most disasters do, with a horse.
Well. Several horses.
Remus gets injured in his half of the imagination, and Roman has to deal with getting a lot less attention than he's used to. (i.e, Roman is jealous, Patton is just trying to hold everyone together with craft glue homemade cookies and tolerance, and Remus learns what it means to be taken care of and nursed gently back to health for once)
Hello fellow Fanders! This is the second chapter of Queer ‘n Crazy, and thank you so so so much for reading this! I appreciate it a lot. 😄 Also, does anyone know how to tag people? Or link things accurately? I have no clue how this website works.
Blurb thing : To say Virgil Black hasn’t had the easiest life would be an understatement. Considering all he’s been through, it’s no surprise that he has a few mental illnesses. But that doesn’t mean he appreciates being thrown into some government experiment, even if he does have a gorgeous roommate.
Previous Chapter / Next Chapter
Warnings : Mentions of an abusive family, OCD, depression and anxiety disorders, self deprecating thoughts.
.................
Virgil re-adjusted the backpack strap on his shoulder as he stared out the car window, biting his lip.
He'd been to the school before, on the orientation and moving days. However, his roommate had not been present on moving day. When he asked the receptionist about this, she said he'd arranged to move a different day. Meaning, that out of almost everyone in the school, he was the only one who had not been acquainted with his roommate.
"Are you alright, Virgil?" He nodded, turning to Mike, who was in the drivers seat. The car approached the campus, and Mike found a parking not too far from the dorms. Fidgeting, Virgil consulted the leaflet that he had clenched in his hand. A map of the institute.
His anxiety had caused several scenarios to run through Virgil's head concerning this day and needless to say, hardly any comforted him. But as Janice had reminded him about ten times that morning, "If you want to leave, just give us a call." Virgil looked at the map.
His dormitory, a building called Draconis, was a five minute walk from the parking lot. All of the dormitories were arranged in a pentagon, around a courtyard commons.
Virgil stepped out of the car to feel a light breeze ruffle his hair. Despite himself, he smiled. He'd seen the campus before, and there was no denying that it was beautiful.
Maple trees were planted around a the brick-lined sidewalk. A large reception blocked Virgil's view, but he could still see a slither of a large college-style campus, with small gardens and fountains. A few other students were getting out of cars, and like Virgil, all of them held a small suitcase or duffel bag.
"Goodbye, Virgil." said Mike, stepping out of the car himself to Virgil a hug. Virgil hugged back, ignoring the voice in his head that said the other students would judge him because of it. Mike stepped back into the car, and a stab of worry hit Virgil. What if he was an outcast here, too?
Just to give himself something to do, Virgil glanced at the map in his hand once more. He knew what he had to do, go to the reception and get a key, and then go to his dorm. Simple. But there were people in the reception. Chances are it was full of people waiting to get their dorm keys. Still, to prevent himself from looking like an idiot, Virgil willed his feet into motion. He was tempted to put on his headphones, but he didn't want to risk bumping into anyone.
He walked to the reception, and joined the line of about nine students, all queuing up to receive their room key. Most were accompanied by their roommates, chatting uncomfortably. Virgil fiddled with the strings of his hoodie and kept his gaze fixed on his feet to avoid the non-existent gazes he was sure were plaguing him.
He shuffled up to the desk, mumbled out his name and room number, and received a small silver key in return. He shuffled out the back door, grateful for the cool air that grazed his skin. shoving his hands into his pockets, he strode down the stone pathways that lined the school following signs for the dorms.
Six minutes later he was standing in a carpeted hallway in front of a door numbered 145. Virgil glanced at his key before slotting it into the lock. A small click quelled the thoughts running through his brain, and he entered the apartment-like complex.
He walked inside, taking in the carpeted room in front of him.
Two double beds were placed into either corner, laid with white sheets, a grey quilt and a navy and green tartan comforter each. A side table stood next to each bed, and at the foot of the bed, a desk. Not bad. There were two wardrobes as well, one of which was laying open, clothing hung neatly inside. Virgil's mouth dried up as he stepped into the room, his suitcase trailing behind him.
Upon closer inspection, Virgil realised that a navy suitcase was leaning neatly against the foot of the bed on the right, so Virgil moved toward the bed on the left. He placed his suitcase on top of the comforter, and opened it. He glanced at the comforter, his nose wrinkling up. It was ugly.
Instead he drew out a fuzzy purple blanket, laying it on top of the comforter, and turned to the side-table. He opened up the drawers and placed in the few items he had left over from moving day. He'd just finished the task before what he assumed was the bathroom door opened.
Out stepped a teen who looked like he had a metal rod instead of a spine. Immaculate posture, a sharp jawline, neatly styled hair and a black shirt and tie, dubbed him the most formal teenager Virgil had met by a mile. But somehow, he managed to pull it off.
He closed the door gently before stepping away from it. Then he turned around and Virgil felt the his breath being snatched away.
He had the most gorgeous eyes Virgil had ever seen. The were a curious dark blue, almost like navy mixed with a storm-cloud grey. But strangely enough, he could spot a small hazel streak near the edge of his irises. They had a depth that Virgil couldn't fathom, like they held the secrets of the universe underneath their captivating metallic pigment.
"Virgil Grant, I assume?" Virgil felt his cheeks heat up as the stranger cocked his head to the side, surveying Virgil. He'd noticed Virgil had been staring.
"U-Uh, yeah. I'm Virgil." he said lamely, wincing at the sound of his voice. God he was pathetic. However, the stranger just smiled.
"My name is Logan Rouge, pleasure to make your acquaintance." Despite being a bit thrown off by his manner of speech, Virgil shook Logan's outstretched hand.
"So you're my roommate." said Virgil, his eyes darting around Logan's profile.
"Yes, it appears so." said Logan, smiling gently. He then moved to sit down on his bed. "So, what are you here for?"
"Depressive anxiety and PTSD. Y'know, just being a burden in general." Virgil fell back into his own bed with a tired smile. "You?"
"OCD and depression, mainly OCD though. Both are under control." Logan surveyed him with interest. "So that's how they're playing it. Odd." he murmured. Virgil glanced at him confused.
"Huh?"
"This building, Draconis, is inhabited by people with different types of anxiety." began Logan. "I assumed that people with the same syndromes would room together, although some triggers may be shared. But their putting people with different disorders in different dorms." His eyebrows furrowed. "It's strange. What if the triggers clash? That wouldn't end well." Virgil shrugged.
"You don't know if it's like that for everyone, so far you only know about our disorders, right?" Logan hummed.
"I suppose." The two lapsed into silence. While Virgil knew he had no reason to be, he couldn't help but feel a bit awkward.
"Anyway," said Logan breaking the silence. "Any triggers I should be aware of?" Virgil looked at him surprised. No one had asked him that before, they usually waited to find out when he panicked.
"Um..." Began Virgil, taken aback. "I don't particularly like yelling, or closed spaces," Logan hummed, his eyebrows crinkling adorably.
"How about comfort objects?"
"Just my hoodie. What about you? Any triggers?" said Virgil.
"Not yet, but I would prefer it if you don't touch my things," said Logan, a bit embarrassed. "I know it's odd but I do need a couple of weeks to figure out what arrangements don't upset me."
"Not a problem, Lo." Logan froze, looking at Virgil. Oh shit, he hates him now, doesn't he. Stupid mouth giving stupid nicknames without asking the per-
"Lo..." he mused, a small smile slipping onto his face. "I like it." Virgil let out a small chuckle, marvelling the boy in front of him. He'd never gotten along with someone this easily before, it was kinda creeping him out.
"How come you ended up here, anyway? You seem to be doing alright." said Virgil sitting up. Logan sighed.
"My parents can't be bothered dealing with my disorder. We were never really close, but I suppose the OCD really set them off. They can't understand why arrangements would upset me. But I can't blame them, I don't really get it either." Virgil shot him a sympathetic smile.
"You've got crappy parents too, huh?" Logan's mouth quirked up slightly.
"Yes. How about parents stay out of casual conversation, would that be suitable?" Virgil nodded at his stoic faced acquaintance.
"Deal."
"We should probably head to the auditorium, we wouldn't want to miss the speech." said Logan standing up. "I trust that you have a map?" Virgil nodded, pulling the brochure out of his pocket.
"How'd you know?"
"You seem like the type to overthink everything." he said fixing his tie.Virgil smirked.
"You got me there."
..............
TAG THING I’M SORRY I DON’T KNOW HOW TO DO THIS PROPERLY.
Analogical/Royality Sanders Academy of the Performing Arts!AU Part 3
Part 1 | Part 2
In which Grae is too invested in her own AU but it makes me happy so... have a part 3. ^u^ Shoutout to @creativenostalgiastuff for helping me out with Patton’s key line in this new installment.
Warnings: low self esteem, smidge of angst, fluff and softness in droves
So yeah Roman and Patton are standing in the middle of the practice room and Roman still has his arm around Patton’s waist and one hand against his cheek and they’re so close their noses almost brush.
Roman’s wondering if its possible for his heart to break his ribs with how hard it’s pounding waiting for Patton to answer.
And there’s a long moment where Patton doesn’t say anything at all. Because Roman... Roman is looking at him with such a soft devotion that a part of Patton can’t quite believe it’s a look meant for him. Roman--kind, brave, noble Roman--wants to choose him.
And there’s something kind of raw about the moment, too. Because Patton has known Roman long enough to see both the bravado and facade of fearlessness he’s put forward to protect himself, and he’s seen when it’s stripped away in the late hours of the night. And this... this moment, with Roman so close to him, asking Patton to let Roman love him... that look in his eyes definitely falls into the latter category.
Roman takes a breath as if to say something else--Patton realizes in that very second that he hadn’t actually responded yet--but they’re interrupted by the sound of Patton’s phone ringing.
And Patton... well he’s selfless perhaps to a fault, so when he sees that it’s Virgil, of course he answers. And Patton can’t help but notice the twinge in his chest when Roman pulls back. He’s just trying to give Patton space to answer the phone but there’s an abrupt sense of absence as Roman’s weight and heat so close to him suddenly vanishes.
And it’s kind of silly, really. Because Virgil just called to ask if he should lock the door before he goes to bed. And Patton tells him that he expects to be home before too long.
Meanwhile, as Patton talks to his roommate, Roman is trying to discreetly pull himself together. Because his heart might just give out on him entirely and he’s berating himself a little. You backed him into a corner. His hesitation is obviously a polite rejection. Get your stuff and get out before you start crying and making it worse--
“Roman?”
Roman schools his features into something like neutral before he whirls around and starts grabbing his jacket from where he’d tossed it over the piano bench. He wants to get out of here as fast as he can because he may be a decent actor but he thinks if he looks Patton in the eyes again, it’d be the nail in the coffin and he’s barely keeping it together as is.
“I should really get going, Patton,” he’s saying without looking at him. “I’m truly sorry if I made you uncomfortable. It wasn’t my intention, but that doesn’t excuse--”
He’s halfway across the room towards the door before he feels a hand enclose around his own and a soft, “Roman. Wait.”
And he does. He still doesn’t look at him, but he stops. Almost against his will, his fingers close gently over Patton’s grip.
He can see Patton in his peripheral step up closer to him and it’s almost painful how much Roman wants to wrap his arms around Patton and pull him closer. But he doesn’t.
“Look at me? Please?” It’s a request, not a demand. One spoken gently in the space between them. And it takes him a moment to gather himself and scrape together the courage but Roman does. He looks up and meets Patton’s eyes.
“Of course I’d give ya the chance,” Patton says quietly, something bright and sincere and earnest in his eyes, “Any time you’re ready to take it.”
And Roman just kinda releases a slightly emotional breath and gives him a small grin and pulls him closer and they’re looking at each other and then both ask,
“Can I kiss you?”
And it’s the first kiss of many.
Oof I promise an update on the Analogical side of this AU is coming. This has hecking ran away from me as a concept but I’m along for the ride. Thanks to all of you who are also here. Heh. ^u^
