The Academy of S.I.D.E.

No. 45: Taser

"I'm almost sorry I ended up missing play practice," Roman commented, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "That sounds like a sight to see."

"It's not very fun to have a gigantic snake dangling you by the hood and telling you to apologize while lisping," Virgil said, glaring at Janus. "I think it killed what little self-esteem I have."

Janus smirked. "You had it coming, sweetie. Don't deny it."

"Okay, never call me 'sweetie' ever again."

"Suit yourself."

"I did end up recording it," Logan told Roman, holding his phone up. "If you're willing to see just how chaotic it turned out to be, then---"

"Give me your fucking phone."

"Language." Logan passed his phone to Roman, who instantly opened up the video and started laughing.

Virgil elbowed him. "I thought that you would've protected me from the big bad snake."

"Eh, you stole his hat. You kind of deserved it."

"Why do I love you?"

"Because I am the most handsome, charming, and talented person in the universe!" Roman sang, doing a little twirl. "Those other shmucks would be lucky to have me!"

Virgil shook his head. "Nah, it's because you're endearingly annoying and you like the same shit I do."

He let out a little hmph, but he had a smile on his face. "All right, that's fair."

Patton clapped his hands. "Okay! This is our third-to-last Toronto Trip this year, so we'd better find something great to do."

"How about we stick with our usual library-restaurant-wander plan?" Virgil suggested. "We can save the greatness for senior year."

"I'm on Virgil's side here, Patton," Logan added. "I don't particularly feel like doing anything especially wonderful today."

"Aww," Patton mumbled, deflating.

Janus patted him on the back. "Tell you what, Pat, how about you pick the restaurant this time?"

He brightened. "Really?"

"Yes, really. I think you've earned it."

Patton let out a little squeal, clapping his hands. "Perfect! There's this place I've been dying to try! I mean, it's a tiny bit expensive, but the food is---"

"I'll take care of it," the twins said in unison.

Virgil smirked. "Way to remind us that you're loaded."

"We aren't loaded," Roman corrected, putting an arm around him. "We're gentlemen."

"That's... uh... that's definitely one way to describe Remus."

"Hey, I can be a gentleman, too!" Remus protested.

Virgil looked over at Janus. "Is that true?"

"It is, actually," he answered, giving Remus a smile. "He's quite chivalrous when he wants to be."

"Your family is actually quite rich," Logan reminded Roman. "That's the entire reason why you and Remus always pay for things when we go out."

"Oh, don't pretend like you don't have money, either, Calculator Watch," Roman said, elbowing him.

"Because of my father's incredibly useful and ingenious inventions. Your family's got money because they've inherited it over centuries of being stuck-up and close-minded."