Like Patchwork

Chapter 11

Trigger warning. Please check end notes for more details.

Saturday, October 10th, 2020: 5:06 PM

"Come in," Virgil called in response to the knock at their door, adjusting their (Remy's) skirt.

Roman inched the door open, "Hey," he said softly, "Can we talk?" He looked better than he had yesterday, clearly having rested.

"Um, yeah," Virgil said, deflating a little at the prospect of having to talk about feelings, especially after their breakdown the previous day.

Roman left the door cracked, walking over to the bed where Virgil was sitting. He sat down slowly, watching Virgil carefully for a moment. Roman smiled as he finally noticed Virgil's outfit, "I like the skirt, V," he said softly, genuinely.

Virgil relaxed a little, "Uh, thanks," they muttered.

It was silent for a few moments after that, until Roman took a breath and began speaking, "I'm so sorry for what I said, my darling," he whispered, "I'm sure it has already been explained to you that I was in the midst of an episode and had gotten very little sleep," Vigil nodded silently, "Of course, that is no excuse," Roman continued, almost in a frenzy, "And that is not why I mention it! I simply– what I am trying to say–"

Virgil grabbed Roman's hand and squeezed gently. Roman laughed sadly, "Thank you, V," Virgil nodded, staring at their intertwined hands instead of Roman's face.

"I am telling you that what I said the other day was said in the midst of an episode where I was not thinking clearly so that you understand that I don't actually believe what I implied, Virgil,"

Virgil froze for a moment, fiddling with Roman's fingers, "It's uh... it's whatever," they muttered.

"No," Roman said stiffly, "No it is not just, 'whatever' Virgil. I will not allow you to once again make excuses for an adult whose actions are no fault but their own,"

Virgil scoffed, "It's fine, Roman, I get it. You don't have to get upset,"

Roman sighed, using the hand not occupied with Virgil's to brush a stray curl out of their face, "I'm not upset, my prince; or not at you, I'm not," Virgil frowned, confused, "What I said was wrong, no matter the reason I said it. You are allowed to make sure I am held accountable for my poor actions and you are allowed to be upset, or sad, or angry,"

Virgil guffawed, pushing Roman's hand away, "Oh shut up," they snarled angrily, curling away from Roman, "I don't need to hear that shit from you,"

"Yes you do," Roman responded instantly, "You don't have to be so quick to move on Virgil. You seemed really upset. You have every right to be,"

"I'm upset at myself, Roman!" Virgil yelled, "And I'm upset that I'm so fragile that you can't say anything to me!"

Roman frowned, "I can assure you, Virgil, that you are not–"

"Oh my god!" Virgil interrupted, "Shut up!"

Roman stopped talking, eyes wide.

"You said no, Roman!" Virgil pushed themself off the bed, turning to face Roman where he remained sitting, "You said no but I kept pushing! Of course you got upset! You shouldn't feel bad for calling me out on my bullshit!" Roman stayed silent, frowning as he tried to understand what Virgil was saying. After a few seconds of silence, Virgil laughed, "Even now you won't do anything! I'm fucking screaming at you, Roman! You should be infuriated! Once upon a time you wouldn't have been afraid to fight back,"

Roman smiled sadly, "Oh, my lovely little nightmare, this is not a fight, and you are not my enemy. I know that. It doesn't sound like you do,"

Virgil only seemed to grow more enraged at Roman's soft tone, "Shut up! Just stop it!"