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Roman wouldn't find himself in these situations nearly as often if he didn't indulge his brother in games of Commoner Hide and Seek. Remus was scary good at becoming unrecognizable and blending in with the common crowds in the City just below the palace... Roman not so quite skilled. Now he was running for his life from yet another assassin. No matter what roads he turned down or crowds he threw himself into, the man seemed to be hot on his tail. He jumped into a crowd of rough-housing, drunk men and then took a harsh left down an alley he'd never paid much mind to before. He sprinted into a run down street on the outskirts, eyes searching for a haven.𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘥 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘥 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘥 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘥... honestly, you think he'd know better than to ditch his guards to play hide and seek at his age.He dashed through the front door of a cozy looking cafe. He'd never seen it before, at least not in his recent adventures outside the palace. The entire place smelt sweet and warm, the setting sun filtered in a perfect orange glow, and a small music box on a corner shelf sang a calm foreign tune. For a moment he was able to take a calming breath, the fear forgotten."Welcome! What can I do for you, Kiddo?" It was a younger man behind the counter with soft curls of blonde hair like a halo around his head. Striking blue eyes looked up at him, and Roman took a second to take in how much shorter this man was compared to him."Kiddo..?" Roman absentmindedly murmured trying to get his brain back online. What was it he came in for again? "OH!! Hide me! You have to hide me! He'll kill me if he gets his hands on me!""Kill?!?! Just how much trouble are you in??" The man watched Roman hesitate on what answer he was supposed to give- he couldn't just tell this man he was the prince. The blonde's face melted back into a smile, though more strained this time, and ushered Roman behind the counter and through a door. "Never mind that if it's hard to answer, Sweetheart. Just stay right through here in the pantry. I'll take care of the bad man."Truth be told, he would often rather call himself the knight in shining armor- but without a weapon or guards, in a part of the city he was not accustomed to, hiding was a much preferred option. So there he sat, safely stored in their pantry beside some delicious looking cheese, shelves of various foods and spices, and... what looked to be another door? Light seeped from the frame, and a sugary sweet smell drew him closer. He creeped to the door and opened it as quietly as he could and taking a peak inside.Inside was a kitchen, the cook inside had his sleeves rolled back as he kneaded some kind of dough. The kitchen was easily 10 degrees hotter than the pantry and he could see the baker's sheen of sweat from working what must be hours in this heat. Still, the window in front was cracked open so a nice breeze filtered in and rustled his hair. The baker was humming and seemingly lost in though as Roman continued to stare.Roman drew a breath a the sight before him. the baker was pale, and while slightly slimmer than Roman himself, corded in lithe muscle. scares littered his hands and arms, and shaggy black hair fell to cover his thin face. He had finally found what he's been looking for all his life. His True Love. His Destiny. Roman had found his Princess. He'd been pushing the door more and more open, trying to sneakily get closer to this beautiful mystery man, when his foot catches and gravity takes over.The door swings open and roman hits the floor face first.He looks up and sees the startled man looking down at him- a mix of curiosity, surprise, and annoyance on his (very handsome) features.𝘰𝘩 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘪𝘪𝘪𝘪𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘵𝘵-

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Virgil... hadn't been expecting a stranger to fall through his doorway.No no no, in fact it had been a perfect day before this. An early morning spent getting his desserts and pastries made, Patton whipping up their breakfast and tea before joining him. Watching the sun rise as he put the 'open' sign out. Nice customers like the Joan who would always come by with something delicious for lunch as well as the towns gossip."I'm just saying that next time you eat an entire stick of butter- DONT do it in front of the kids?" Joan had said with a straight face while Virgil and Patton were bent over the table laughing at the ridiculous story.After lunch, Virgil and Patton had opened the windows, cleaned, served customers, and over all had a good day. It was far from what Virgil had been used to. Just a month ago this would've been entirely impossible- it felt like he'd started a new life. The towns people had taken to them well. He had to give that credit to Patton, though. The little ball of sunshine had made friends with everyone in a matter of weeks. He quickly secured a part time job teaching the children in the orphanage down the road. When he wasn't there he was in the shop with Virgil.They'd both decided this was the safest place to be. A comfortable new home where they could lick their wounds, and get some much needed rest. They knew it wasn't their forever destination, but the shop was a good start, and with their income from both jobs- it wouldn't be hard to pick up and move when they needed to. That was enough of a reassurance for Virgil. Well, as good as he could get. He can't say he 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘹𝘦𝘥 much- but he's not exactly known to be a relaxed individual. He preferred to be alert. To know his surroundings so that he wasn't thrown into situations he wasn't prepared to handle.speaking of.He glanced into the pantry like it might hold the answer to the brunette gaping up at him from the floor, but found no such help. Bright Carmine eyes stared at him from above blushing cheeks."𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬" The man whispered. it hadn't seemed to be entirely intentionally spoken- more of air he'd puffed out. Virgil let out the breath he'd been holding and wiped his hands on his clothes to clean the flour off of them. Once slightly less messy, he offered one to the bumbling idiot who was 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 on his kitchen floor. The Intruder took it gratefully and Virgil hauled him up. Now that he wasn't on his floor, Virgil realized that the man was taller than him by merely an inch. In fact if Virgil craned to stand straight- he may even be the taller one."Yeah, 'fuck' is right. Wanna tell me what you're doing on my floor?""Uh... hiding?" The man seemed to cringe at his answer as Virgil scanned him and then the pantry again."Well, uh, I hate to say this- but you aren't really doing a great job."The brunette pouted at this and let out a huff. "Not from you, Surly Temple. I was being chased..""Chased?" Concern seeped into Virgil's voice, though it stayed steady. He has been trying to 𝘯𝘰𝘵 draw attention to this cafe. Virgil didn't need people being chased in and out of his new perfect little undisturbed life. "Why?""Obviously because I'm just that handsome~!" The man said with a smirk while holding a pose. Virgil couldn't decide if it was endearing or fucking annoying. "Okay, okay. He's an assassin and he's trying to kill me. I'm.... a noble?"Virgil could've guessed the man was not a commoner. Even wearing simple clothes he exuded a noble air, and he spoke like someone who had a strong (privileged) education. He'd seen enough of their type to know he didn't want anything to do with this guy. Virgil also is well aware that he can't have a noble dying in his cafe. Again, he's REALLY trying not to draw attention to them. He's trying to live PEACEFULLY."Alright, let's have a look at who we're dealing with." Virgil sighed and resigned himself to the reality that he'd need to solve this situation.He's walking through the pantry towards the other door and spots his meat clever sitting innocently on the shelf.𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺Gripping his cleaver, he creaks the door open enough to grasp the situation. Virgil glances around the door frame spotting a man who clearly doesn't have good intentions. Patton was at the front counter, an strained smile on his face, talking through gritted teeth.Virgil had seen this man before- he was known for taking dirty money to do dirty jobs. When they'd first moved here Virgil had made sure to spread out some feelers. He needed to know what was happening in this town, and he'd quickly found that the head of the Serpent Information Guild was a man of good taste in teas. Virgil soon had the head of the guild, Janus, visiting him on a regular basis. Janus had said this man's name was... uh.. A.. An.. An-something??"He's the one you're running from?" Virgil question, looking up at the slightly taller brunette."I'm really sorry, I just need to hide till he leaves...""Fine. I'll take care of this."Virgil isn't new to intimidating people. In his opinion, fear is an amazing tool to be able to wield. It was something life saving in some circumstances. He walked up behind the counter with quiet and sure steps. He towered over Patton as he protectively stood behind him, finally catching the attention of An-something. He made a point of tilting the cleaver to catch the light coming in from the window- the light glinting sharply in the mans eyes."What is his business here, Patton?""Vee! Nothing much, Kiddo! Just insisting we have something he's looking for in here." Patton let out a breath in relief, and leaned back into Virgil. He let him, and wrapped an arm around him to support his weight better."I don't think we do. Unless he wants those chocolate pastries you made this morning?" Virgil had been staring An-something down the whole time, and could tell the cleaver had done it's job. "We should pack him a couple and then send him on his wa-""I KNOW HE'S HERE!" The pursuer yelled slamming his hand on the counter. "JUST HAND HIM OVER AND NOTHING WILL HAPPEN!!"Virgil doesn't understand how people can be so stupid. it honestly baffles him some days. He raises the cleaver and brings it down in one swift motion, and it lands in the middle of An-something's hand. An-something lets out a yell as the knife imbeds itself through his hand and into the wooden counter top."Now, Vee. That's not nice." Patton says causally in a disappointed tone. Virgil snorts and mumbles an apology while reaching for the knife. Virgil yanks the knife out of the man's hand and Patton scoots a bag of chocolate croissants towards An-something. "Here you are! The pastries you were looking for!"Patton still has a cheerful smile on his face when An-something lets out an angry noise and stomps away, leaving the bag of pastries."His loss." Comes a random voice behind them. Patton and Virgil whip around having thoroughly forgotten he was even hiding in their pantry. Noble little brunette shoves his hand into the bag and starts munching in the pastries while getting crumbs all over his face. "You guys didn't have to go so far for me though.""Not just for you, Sir Sing-A-Lot," Virgil huffed out a laugh "That guy has been terrorizing stores in this part of the city for a bit now. Patton- I need to go talk with the Serpent. Do you think you can hold down the fort?""Patton, huh? Nice to meet you! These croissants are absolutely heavenly~" He moaned as he took another bite. Virgil let a small smile slip as Patton preened at the praise. He Started to clean the bloodied countertop while the two happily chatted. "Oh- sorry! Good heavens where are my manners?! I'm Ro- uh Ro. You can call me Ro.""Nice ta meetcha, Ro! This grumpy sweet-and-sour boy is Virgil! We'd love to have you by when you're not being chased!"Virgil looked up from packing his satchel when he heard his name, "Yeah, and you owe me a new countertop, Mr. Noble."Ro stalked forward and bowed with a flourish, taking Virgil's hand. Virgil once again found himself wondering if this was endearing or annoying (he was leaning towards the latter), but let the brunette continue with his theatrics."For you, my dark prince, i will get only the best. While we are forced apart for a moment- do not fret. for I will return!" Ro kisses the top of his hand while Virgil mouths 'What the fuck" to Patton, who can barely keep his laughter in. As Ro pops up and leaves with a flourish of his cape, Patton finally lets out all of his giggles- finding himself doubled over and wheezing."Oh, I liked him! He was fun!" Patton cries, still hunched over giggling."He was... weird. I'd be ok if the little noble just stayed home from here on out." But Patton saw the smile playing on Virgil's lips, and the blush spread across his cheeks."Awwww~ you liiikkee hiiiiiimmm~!""Nope! I'm leaving!"

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Virgil made his way further into town, a casual tune stuck on his lips and a slight pip in his step. He wasn't /happy/, leave him alone. He can just hum sometimes- it has nothing to do with that stupid noble (no matter what Patton might say). He weaves his way through the crowds, drawing his hood closer over his head and turning down a secluded alleyway. Virgil steps up to a doorway with a serpent engraved into the wooden doorframe."Who- Ah. Vee! Did you have an appointment?" Terrance had opened the door. He was a handsome young man who worked under Janus as part of his guild- his bright smile only rivaled by Patton's."Evening, Terrance," Virgil said with a smile, "No appointment, but this is pretty important. An update he should know.""Great! just let me go tell him you're here! Oh, and you have great timing- I just made his tea!" Terrance let Vee in and then was bounding up the steps taking them two at a time. Virgil took a second to appreciate the calmness of the now empty room. He sat on the back of the couch (after learning how much it had bothered Janus he'd started making a point to sit in the weirdest positions possible on all his furniture) slightly bouncing his knees and humming his little tune again. Virgil was to absorbed in his own thoughts to catch the quiet creak of the stairs behind him."I wonder who has made my little spider so happy that he's turned into a songbird?" A smooth voice whispered from over his left shoulder. Virgil startled so hard he lost his balance and tipped backwards with a yelp- surprising the serpent- who quickly rushed to catch him. "Oh my~! No need to throw yourself at me, dearest. I'm right here~"Virgil allowed to Janus to support his weight long enough to catch his breath before righting himself on the back of the couch. "Uh, Hiya Janny.""Hi, little spider." Janus came around and sat down in the chair across the coffee table, a picture of grace, his handsome face lost none of its beauty even with the scar covering half. "What do I own this visit to, hm?""Yeah, that. Right." Vee shifted into his work voice and he saw the serpent slip into a more serious state as well. "Remember that guy from before. An-something? He's taken a new job, and his dumbass chased a noble into /my/ shop. Ruined my fucking countertop. I'm sure his buyer is paying him a pretty penny...""Ah... You wish to know which noble is buying Anthony's skills.""I put a cleaver through his hand, Janny. I need to know who I just angered while trying to protect my shop. Besides, I assume you want to keep a tail and what an- uh- Anthony is up to." Vee slipped down to sit properly onto the couch so he could reach the tea and poured them both a cup. "So, yeah, I want a name."Janus looked at him closely while he sipped his drink. Virgil was.. unnerved by those eyes if nothing else. He knew that they saw everything- even the slightest of deceit or hesitance. He let out a contemplative hum."Yes," he started, "Alright, well which little noble did Anthony try to off?""Ro? brunette. 20's probably? Oh, and those eyes..." It took Vee a minute to realize he'd trailed off thinking of Ro laying splayed out on his floor ridiculously, and his pretty red eyes staring up at him. "Uh, ahem, his eyes are kind of a red-ish amber color. Not sure what family he's from but that can't be common."Janus hadn't responded. He was still judging Virgil with some sort of emotion thinly vailed on his face. Another hum did little to nothing for Virgil as he tried to figure out what the Serpent was thinking. Finally, about the time he was going to stop breathing from anxiety, Janus spoke up:"Was the little noble the one who made you happy enough to come in here singing?" Janus' tone was light, but Virgil wasn't sure he could quite trust it."A little, maybe? Why?" Virgil cracked a smile trying to ease the mounding atmosphere. "Jealous?"Janus returned his smile with a slow one of his own. "And if I am, Little Spider?""Then maybe you should finally flirt with Pat instead of wasting away your time." Virgil sighed- Janus had once confessed how he found Pat to be attractive- past that admission Janus hadn't made even one move to act on it. "You know he likes you. He gushes every time you come to the shop.""I just don't get how you do this... Romance thing so easily. Not that I find it hard, of course.""Obviously.""Shut up, Spider.""whatever, Serpent."They kept serious faces for another two seconds before being unable to keep the chuckles at bay. Janus relaxed and finished off his tea looking satisfied with himself."Alright, dearest, I know who your elusive little noble is thanks to his eyes. I'll find out who's wanting him dead." Virgil nodded his thanks and stood to turn to the door. "And I'll.. find a time to visit you and Pat soon."Vee shook his head and let out a chuckle. "Yeah you do that."********** Janus watched as his little spider made it's way back to it's nest. He'd have to... take care of Anthony. He can't have anyone threatening /his/ people. And those two are /his/. Janus stands and sends for Terrance to tell him the news. He already has a vague inclination after who is after "Ro", aka Roman Star, prince of the Star Kingdom. Many are eager enough to hire an assassin to kill the prince, but few are stupid enough to hire someone like Anthony.He sends Talyn, one of his best spies, to make sure Vee makes it home safe. Just.. to be sure. Not that he /cares/. He's simply protecting the people in his confidence. That's it. No matter what Terrance says, he does not have a "kind heart". Whatever that even is. Janus just isn't... annoyed by their company. Patton seemed to believe he was a tortured soul with a bleeding heart despite his cold exterior. Janus refused to admit he /liked/ them- much less act on said emotions. He had drunkenly said it ONCE to Virgil, and little spider never let it go. Virgil...Janus actually met Virgil long before he moved to this town. He met Virgil long before Janus had become who he is today. Yet, when Vee moved in with Patton, it became glaringly obvious that he hadn't remembered the encounter. And maybe that was best...Even if that memory was lost to his spider, Janus would hold it close.Janus wasn't one to forget.

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Roman couldn't think of anything but that shop. No matter what sharp object his brother threw at his head, he remained distracted."Ro Bro, c'mooonnnnnn~!! At least tell me why you've summoned every craftsmen in the kingdom? You've been BORING since you came back from Commoner Hide and Seek! When can we go hunting again? I want to try my new battle axe~!" Rem's voice when in one ear and out the other as roman focused on the countertops in front of him."Re, which one of these would withstand a cleaver?""Oohh!! Now you're talking my language! Let's find out!" Without hesitation Remus pulls a cleaver from behind his back as though preforming a magic trick. Which- if you ask Roman- it might actually be magic. He has no clue where his brother is pulling these weapons from. "Which one should we start with?"A mischievous smile is shared between the twins as Roman draws his own sword."You start on the far left and I start on the right?""Fuck yeah, Ro! Let's do this!"*********** Virgil looked at the stunning countertop that workers were installing. "What kind of stone is this again?""Mercury Quartzite!" Ro announced with a flourish, "It is not only one of the most beautiful of the stone countertops but THIS can withstand your feisty temper!""My what-?" Virgil didn't even get through his sentence before Ro was back on his soap box about how lovely this new countertop was. Virgil... couldn't find anything to disagree with. It truly was beautiful. It was.. almost annoying how much he liked it. Even more annoying that the pretty little noble could /tell/ the Vee liked the countertop."...so as you can tell," Ro was saying, "I really did get you the best of the best!""uh.." Virgil turned to thank Roman, and maybe tell him he's obnoxious, when he really saw the look in Ro's eyes. He looked like a dog waiting to be praised for bringing his owner a dead bird. Vee gave the young noble a small smile and answered him quietly. "Yes, you did a very good job, Ro. I will be sure to use it well. Thank you.""oh. y-you're welcome, Stormcloud..."Ro, who had been confidently boasting in his gift, was now beet red with his mouth hanging open. He obviously had not expected such genuine gratitude. "cute.." Virgil whispered as he tried not to chuckle at Ro's adorable response, covering his mouth with the back of his hand to cover the amusement. The young noble seemed to completely be in a daze as he rushed out of the shop with a murmur about forgetting he had an appointment to "shave his horse this morning". Whatever that awful excuse was.Vee seems to have developed a new interest in flustering Ro.**********"Ro Bro?" Remus called, poking his brother in the face as Roman sat dazed on the couch. His eyes were slightly unfocused and his cheeks still held a heavy blush. "Helllooooo? Anyone home? Knock knock?""He thinks I'm..." Roman's breath stutters and he lets out a dreamy sigh, "cute!"

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THREE YEARS LATER*********************"Wow! It looks like it's bleeding!" Joan gushed as they poked at the pie Re had made. Talyn cackled at Joan and leaned closer to get a look at the admittedly morbid looking pie."That's what makes it the perfect meat pie! Made with read blood!" Re cheered! Joan and Talyn shared another round of laughter and started making meat pie puns- Virgil on the other hand cringed away from the offending food and made his way back into his bakery's kitchen."-Right. No- no, like thi- yes! yes that's perfect!" Patton cheered as Ro, who had his tongue poking between his lips, rolled his pastry, "Absolutely beautiful! You definitely have a talent for this!""Well, of course~! I am nothing if not the best!""Wow, Ro. How humble of you," Vee laughed as the young noble was startled out of his ridiculous pose. His sugar plum cheese danish really /had/ turned out well, though, "It does look pretty.""You ARE the best Ro!" Pat said enthusiastically, grabbing the tray and getting ready to put it in the oven, "It took me weeks to get that right! It's so delicate! I just can't wait to show the others!"Patton had started teaching the young noble to bake after he apparently 'almost burnt down the kitchen making cookies with Re'- which /does/ sound like the twins. Meeting Re had sparked a bit of something in Virgil's memory. A scar sat on Re's brow that made Vee's brain buzz every time he saw it. There was something he couldn't place about it. Re, despite being twins with the other young noble, was drastically different than his brother.Janus also seemed to have thoughts on Re. Thoughts he refused to share with Vee outside of little questions or comments here or there. Ro and Re had started coming to the shop more and more as time passed, and soon they had all become close friends. Ro might've even started becoming... more. Flirtations thrown back and forth. At first Ro had seemed insistent that Virgil visit his castle (CASTLE??? are you serious? just how rich is this little noble?) but Vee made it known that he wasn't comfortable in such places and never planned to step foot in them. Too fancy, bright, crowded, and uncomfortable.After that conversation, Ro backed off and seemed to even seemed to be talking about his noble background less.----------"Do you not want to know who he really is, Little Spider?" Janus had asked, his tone making it obvious that Janus was already well aware of the answer."You've known who he was since day one. If he was dangerous you wouldn't have let him anywhere Pat.""You're... not /wrong/. Not that I'm saying you're right," Janny said with a huff as he brought his cup of tea to his lips, "But while he might not be /dangerous/, I do know that you wouldn't like him if you knew what he's hiding...""Stop. We all have secrets," Virgil stood from his spot on the couch, "He'll tell me when he's ready.""Will you tell him?" Janus asked hotly, "Will you tell him what /I/ know?""We'll... never be that close, Ro and I. He's a noble. He just sees our shop as something fun- there's no real interest in me anyway."Virgil knew he was no Cinderella. A noble being romantically involved with a commoner? Not good. A male noble romantically involved with a male commoner? Worse. The flirting was just something... fun. That's all. Virgil wasn't /really/ attracted or anything. obviously. And if he keeps repeating that, maybe one day it would be a little more true. Okay... maybe if he let himself think about it he could see a quiet future with Ro. Where Ro isn't a noble and Virgil isn't, well-No. Not worth thinking about. Ro /is/ a noble and Virgil is everything but. That's why he doesn't love Ro. That's why he /can't/ under any circumstance fall any further."Then why, Spider? Why do you give your heart to someone who has no intention to give anything back?" Janus' tone softened as he came closer, gently putting a finger under Vee's drooped chin and lifting so that they are eye to eye, "Why would you not... look for better options? Someone who /knows/ you.""Janny, I don't have anyone like that," Vee answered, he continued despite the fact that Janus flinched at his words (maybe? But why would the serpent react that way? Virgil must be seeing things- there's no way), "Besides, I have not 'given my heart' to anyone. Ro is just fun. That's all.""Consider this my warning, Spider. I won't bring it up again," And with that Janus turned and left.-----------"-irgil? VIRGIL!" Patton was talking- whoops."Sorry, what?""You alright there, Sour Sauce? Pops over here has been calling you for a minute now." Ro looked concerned, walking closer to Vee and, after wiping the flour off his hands, swiped Virgil's bangs out of his eyes to check his forehead for a temperature, "You don't /feel/ like you have a fever, but I'm no royal physician.""Royal physician? Are you telling me you're royalty right now?" Vee joked, "Also, I'm not sick- I just didn't get much sleep last night.""h-Ha! of.. of course I'm not royalty!! that would be INSANE! HA HA HA!" Ro was acting... weird. But when was he not? Vee shrugged it off as another one of Ro's weird behaviors and Ro seemed happy to have the topic dropped, "Anyway! We should get you in bed early, Shadowling! Can't have the handsomest dark prince in all the land getting sick because of losing his beauty rest!"Without hesitating (or waiting for Virgil to respond) Vee was swept into Ro's arms. Immediately Virgil's brain shut off. He was /not/ light. No no, in fact he had quite the muscular build because of past jobs. He tried to stutter out a response of some kind but his brain was giving him /nothing/ to work with besides- "...'m handsome?""Of course, Stormcloud! I mean have you /seen/ your eyes? I have no clue why you keep them covered by all that hair."Vee just let himself be carried quietly for a bit. Ro himself had pretty gold powder on his eyelids, rouge on his cheeks. Makeup looked good on him- it /fit/ him. It sat well on his cheekbones and brought out the red in his eyes. Ro was still talking to him but Vee felt too dazed to really be paying attention to him. Maybe he was sick?? Virgil, who was know for being vigilant, could do nothing about the slight blur in his vision and his slightly labored breathing."-ou hear me? Vee?" Oh. Ro. Right, he was trying to get his attention, "Hey- there you are. You know, Sweetheart, this really is worrying. For now just rest- I'll be back tomorrow to check on you.""Do all nobles have this much free time?"Ro let out a laugh, "No, but that's why I have Re! oh- and my secretary. He's a real pain in my ass but he's good at his job."Virgil let out a noncommittal hum as Ro laid him down in his bed. Normally Virgil would be far more wary of who he allows in his room, but he couldn't find the energy to care at the moment. Even with his heavy eyes closed, Vee could feel Ro's concerned gaze on him. Using what was left of his strength, before sleep took over, he tried to verbalize some reissuances that he was fine.Not entirely sure he managed it.********** Ro had come back down to the kitchen looking very concerned for Vee. Patton did what he could to calm him down- told him this happens sometimes when he doesn't sleep for a few days- and then politely told his guests it was time for them to go home. He did it with a smile plastered to his face, I mean how could he possibly let the others worry? No no, everything was fine. He'd make sure of it.Still, if he was going to do what he was wanting to, Pat would need to ask a certain someone for help. He walked outside and called for Talyn. He dropped from a couple roofs over and asked what Pat wanted. See, Patton saw things that even Virgil might be a bit slow to notice, including the snakes feelings towards /Virgil/ and the protectiveness that Janny held for the both of them. He saw the fact that the Serpent often sent Talyn to make sure they were safe or to deliver goods.So Patton asked Talyn for medicine. One to reduce fevers and help with sleep. And then he specifically asked for an herb that was, well, basic to the normal eyes. Talyn gave a short nod and then was off. To keep his mind busy elsewhere, Patton took this time to quickly whip something up in the kitchen for Vee to eat. He also took a bucket out to the well behind their garden to pull some fresh water.When everything was done, Patton carefully climbed to stairs to the top floor of the shop that housed their bedrooms. He balanced the tray of food on one hand while he used his other to knock on Virgil's door, "Virgil? Kiddo? Can I come in?"He sat outside the door for a bit waiting for a response but got none. While it wasn't /permission/ he couldn't stand the thought of his poor boy not getting food. He pushed the door open a bit and was relieved to see that Vee was sleeping. Patton came in with the food, placing it on the bedside table. He poured fresh water into a cup and then shook Vee a bit. Poor baby barely stirred, a slight groan leaving his lips. Patton sighed and then tried a bit harder to rise him, "C'mon Kiddo! Don't you want some cheddar and broccoli soup? Some fresh water? Hm?"This seemed to wake him more and he found it in him to open his eyes and let Pat help prop him up. Patton was nervous to say that Virgil really did seem to be feverish and sick- not /just/ tired like he'd told the others. Virgil didn't even fight him when Patton tried to feed him.He was in the middle of trying to lay a nearly asleep Virgil back in bed when he heard noises down stairs- then some light knocking on the door. Well. He'd gotten here quicker than Patton had thought he would.Patton opened the door, holding the tray in his hands, "Janus.""How bad is it? Was it caused by his nightmares? How high is his fever?" Janny, who would normally do everything in his power to sound unbothered even if you stabbed him, sounded winded from the run up the stairs and his voice held concern. "Patton, so you plan to-""Only if it gets bad.. but he woke up enough to eat. I'm sure it's fine. He really hasn't been sleeping Janny. You know his nightmares get worse this time of year ever since- well." Patton didn't finish his words. Janus knew what he meant and it was too harsh to be truly spoken unless necessary."Yes. Yes, of course i know. Not that I'd been keeping up with the cycle or anything. I don't have that much time on my hands." Janus was sitting next to Virgil now, looking down at the sleeping man, "The things you asked for are downstairs.""Thank you, Janny.""Shut up, old man. It's.. not that I care.""Of course not."With a smile Patton left the two in peace.