True Deceit

Chapter 52: Patton

"Hello, Thomas! After our fantastical success in the romance department, Virgil and I have something to say," Roman declared triumphantly. Virgil rose a moment later, blushing for what seemed like the millionth time this week. "Could you summon everyone here?"

Thomas sat up from the couch, an inquisitive look on his face. "Oh, sure." He waved his hands, prompting Logan, Patton, Remus and Janus into the living area.

"Everyone, I have news to share! Drum roll, please!" Roman grinned. He paused for dramatic appeal before stating, "I am here to inform you that Virgil and I... are dating!"

Thomas's eyes widened. "Wait, really? That's great!" The room erupted in applause, aside from Janus who hardly presented a few half-hearted claps.

Remus sniggered. "You two should hump together like a blood clot. Speaking of blood clots, I think I saw Patton smooch my Father yesterday. Are you two in love?"

"That has nothing to do with blood clots." Logan muttered whilst Janus shot Remus a nasty glare.

Patton smiled. "I think we are, what do you think Janus?"

The snake's throat ran dry, though he did well to drench his beliefs in sarcasm. "Im not sure, perhaps you should do a google search, 'would a snake make a good boyfriend,' and see what comes up."

Patton murmured uncomfortably. "Was that an insult to me, or an insult to yourself?"

"Probably you." Janus replied lowly. "It's seems ridiculous that you would even conceive falling in love with me. Anyway, the princxity fans are going to be on you're case Thomas, I suggest you start planning that video as it could certainly be... controversial." He tried to smile, but hardly felt his cheek bones raise.

Logan sighed. "Janus, does their arrangement upset you?"

"Not in the slightest," he responded in an unfazed tone, his teeth gritted. "Roman, may I ask you a question? Why do you love Virgil?"

"Simple! He's cute, sensitive, caring, witty, loving and charming." Roman listed, letting Virgil lean into his chest. "What's not to love?"

"Right, so it doesn't bother you that he's never going to trust you, because his natural paranoia will doubt your every word? I'm curious, really, how do you plan to deal with his frequent panic attacks and distrustful personality?"

"Janus, hold on now," Thomas intervened.

"Well, Deceit," Roman spat scornfully, "I'm going to nurture him, remind him everyday that I love him, and build a trusting relationship between us."

"Good luck." Janus scoffed.

Virgil hissed, "Why don't you just shut up, we are finally beginning to get along again, don't ruin it by picking a pointless fight you can't win. Roman loves me, so deal with it, understand?"

Janus clenched his fists, but nodded compliantly. "If that's what you really want."

"It is."

"Sure." The two stared at each other for a moment until at last Janus pulled away, crossing his arms over his chest.

Patton whispered, breaking the silence. "Janus, do you think... I don't love you?"

Sweat dripped down Janus's skin, his heart thumping fast. "Why are you asking me that?"

"You're acting like I'm lying to you, when I say that we're in love, but I'm not."

"Patton, that's nice of you, but you obviously don't realise that you're being untruthful. I know that being a loving person is one of your moral values, but I am not not in anyway deserving or accountable for that."

Patton spluttered with shock. "But I'm telling the truth! I've helped you eat, bandaged you and defended you in court. I've done everything in my power to be with you, please listen to me. Janus do you love me?"

"Yes." He murmured, his eyes glued to the floor.

"Then we can be together, you just have to trust that I love you as much." Janus was silent for almost half a minute, a lump the size of a tennis ball wedged in his throat. "Janus, can you hear me? Please talk to me. I know you're worried but-"

"-But what if you're lying?" Janus felt his skin run cold, his body trembling.  "Have I accidentally weaved a web of lies to make you fall for me? I'm sorry but Patton, I'm certain you do not share feelings for me."

Patton hesitantly approached him, his eyes flickering with concern. "But I do love you."

Janus shook his head quickly, letting out a small groan. "You're wrong. But let's not argue, okay?"

"I don't know how to fix this, I don't know how to make you trust me."

Thomas exhaled heavily, slowly addressing the group. "Okay, well, I have something to tell you as well. Tomorrow, Joan and I are catching up at the swimming centre to watch their sisters diving championships and hopefully get our feet wet."

"But you've been avoiding them," Virgil muttered desolately, "What if they're upset with us?"

"What if they forgives us like a true friend would?" Roman countered, stroking Virgil's his hair. Slowly he leaned forward, brushing a soft kiss onto his cheek. Patton squealed with excitement, bringing his hands to his mouth whilst he and Remus shared an joyful chuckle. 

"O-okay," Virgil murmured airily, "I suppose we could try."