True Deceit

Chapter 54: Virgil

TW- Self harm, panic

"Congratulations," Thomas smiled, shaking Joan's sister's hand. "That was fantastic."

Emma laughed, tugging away her swimming cap from her scalp to reveal a lush mass of red hair. "Thanks, didn't make the finales though."

Joan smirked, waving their hand dismissively. "I think you were the best diver, those judges don't know what they're talking about." Emma raised her brows as they continued. "Anyway, Thomas and I were just going to go jump into the water for a bit. You coming?"

Virgil watched as Joan, Emma and Thomas began to splash about in the nearest pool, breathing a sigh of relief. "He's okay, everyone's happy."

Roman wrapped an arm around his shoulder, squeezing him tightly. "Off course! That's what I've been trying to tell you. Anyway, my precious storm cloud, are you going to get into a pair of swimmers?"

Virgil's heart fluttered. "I don't know about that Princey, maybe I should just sit on the edge of the pool and watch you."

"Oh, come on! I bet you'd look adorable in a pair of purple swimming shorts." He pouted. 

Virgil clutched tightly onto his sleeves, a wobbly breath leaving his lips. "O-okay, but I can't..."

Roman tilted his head. "What's wrong?"

"...What about my cuts?" he whispered, his eyes glued to the floor.

"Virgil, look at me," Roman consoled, gently tilting Virgil's chin up with his thumb and forefinger. "You don't ever need to be ashamed of those, you're beautiful. Get changed, trust me."

Virgil did his best to breath. "Are you sure?"

Roman smiled. "I love you more than anything in the world, of course I'm sure."

Virgil sunk into his bedroom, hastily rummaging through a wooden cupboard and grasping a deep violet pair of water shorts. His heart thumping as he ran his fingers over his cool exposed shoulders, dressed in nothing more than a pair of nylon swimmers.

He paced for a few moments, overcome with nerves, before gritting his teeth and rising into the aquatic centre. 

"Oh-my-gosh," Roman gasped. He took a swift moment to observe the scarring around Virgil's wrists, forearms and lower thighs, smiling proudly. "You look adorable! How do you feel, Hot Topic?"

Virgil blushed, instinctively shielding his arms as he stammered his famous come back. "Aww, you think I'm hot." Roman beamed, grabbing his arm and leading him towards the shallows. 

"Um, Roman, I'm not much of a swimmer, I don't think I should get in," Virgil whispered, feeling the cool water soak his feet as the prince lowered him onto the pool's edge. Roman sat beside him, stroking Virgil's fringe. 

"Do you know how to swim?"

"No," Virgil thrusted himself back, his words sharp and alert. "Seriously Roman, don't. I know you're going to try and throw me in."

"What? No, storm cloud, it's okay, I would never do that!" Roman raised his palms, shifting into a cross legged position. "I don't want you to feel unsafe."

Virgil nodded sheepishly, crawling forward. "Are you sure Janus didn't have a point, when he said that I was too paranoid for you..." 

"Yes," Roman responded strongly, drawing him into a warm hug. "Don't listen to him, he's useless at being honest so how could he possibly understand trust? He just doesn't get it, we love each other, and that's all that matters." 

Virgil sighed, nodding his head. "Okay. What do I do?"

"Hold still, I promise I won't hurt you. Are you ready?"

"Y-yes?" Roman scooped Virgil into his arms, cradling him in the water. 

"Roman!" Virgil yelped, thrusting his arms against his bondage. Roman tightened his hold, obstructing his flailing arms and legs from moving. 

"Easy, you're okay, I'll always keep your head above the water. Do you want me to put you back on the side?" 

Virgil's skin grew sensory, his heart beat echoing in his chest as the loud atmosphere dulled. He whimpered slightly, digging his face into his chest. "I love you Princey, please don't let me go." 

"I won't," Roman smiled, watching as Virgil's anxiety melted in a soft laugh. "I love you too."

                                                                                       *

Later that evening Virgil met his reflection in the bathroom mirror, his hair swept aside in damp streaks. "I'm beautiful," he whispered, courageously scrolling up his pyjama sleeves revealing his scars to himself. "I can do this." 

With pride and fear he strode into the corridor with his journal tucked under his arm, entering the living room with a bottomless pit of anxiety in his stomach. There sat Remus, Patton and Logan atop the nearest sofa, all of whom looked astonished at his vulnerable appearance. 

"What movie are we going to watch?" Virgil's voice squeaked, terror striking into his mind. He absently gripped his forearm, his cheeks burning red. 

"Are you okay, Kiddo?" Patton worried, tilting his head to the side. Virgil gave a small nod, sitting hastily atop the neighbouring couch before holding a pillow to his face. He did all he could to choke back the tears watering down his cheeks. 

"We're watching Marry Poppins," Remus answered, fiddling his moustache with concern. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Hello guys, gals and non binary pals!" Roman quoted grandly as he entered the room, taking a seat beside Virgil. He immediately felt sadness in the air, alerting himself of Virgil's curled up, shivering body. "Stormy, are you okay?"

Virgil sobbed, forcing down his crumpled sleeves. "I'm sorry, I wanted to surprise you... I wanted to make you happy..."

Roman huddled against the frightened ball of fear, soothing him quietly. "What do you mean?"

After a few moments Virgil coughed, "You seemed so happy when I got into my swimmers, I thought if I wore my sleeves up you'd think... I don't know, I'm sorry." 

"You never have to try and make me happy, especially if it hurts you. I love you just the way you are." Roman soothed quietly. "I'm sorry I rushed you, I shouldn't have been so hasty getting you out of your comfort zone."

Virgil leaned into his body, weeping softly. "I love you."