it's the weather, man // prinxiety

Chp. Three: Cloudy Day

Content Warnings: swearing, spider mention, abandonment mention, child neglect mention

"But no, it wasn't meant to be and see,
I wasn't made for you
And you weren't made for me
Though it seemed so easy"

In the comfort of his bedroom, Virgil Reese curled up on himself, basking the warmth of his freshly washed comforter. Eyes still closed yet his mind was running and awake. Wednesday morning came fast as lightning. The heat of yesterday had cool down and now, on this early Wednesday, the atmosphere was warm and cozy, it was just right. But, no matter how perfect the weather condition was, Virgil couldn't help but feel awful; he should have said something to Roman, he should have stopped him and talked, he shouldn't have just stood there like he was some tensed up statue. He should have expressed what was in his heart, he should have said SOMETHING.

But what if he actually didn't like Roman like that?

What if he only liked the thought of being with Roman because he knows Roman's feelings towards him?

Virgil bit his lower lip, eyes fluttering open as a sudden wave of anxiety overshadowed him. It was like a sudden crash of everything dawning upon him. Was he really going to spend all Wednesday drowning in his intrusive thoughts? (That would be in character for him, at least) Or was he going to man up and apologize to Adams? Say sorry to Roman and tell the boy what he actually feels about him (it would be considered brave but Virgil knew he was not that). Virgil bit his lip harder, he knew he was drawing blood but it was the only way he could ground himself - especially in this state. He shook his head, groaning in his pillow in slight annoyance.

He wasn't going to be doing either.

Virgil sighed to himself, releasing his lower lip in the captive between his teeth. He stumbled, walking over to his dresser, wiping the blood with the pad of his thumb. "Roman hates me now." He muttered under his breath, maybe saying it out loud would make a difference? Make him truly understand the situation he had placed himself in. "Apologizing won't work. People who say sorry are only drowning in guilt and only want to apologize because the weight of the guilt is too overpowering." He whispered, taking his shirt off and grabbing a black button-up from a hanger. He furrowed his eyebrows, gripping the material in his hands before groaning and closing his dresser. Maybe he can ask his mother to call in sick? Lie that he was having a fever or something.

Was his only other option rather than confronting Roman was to lie to get out of it? When did he become so shallow?

"Virgil, are you awake?" A muffled voice called out softly, startling Virgil causing him to flinch. He turned, looking at his locked door. Eyes widening before he took a breath in. It was just his mother, there was nothing to worry about. Though, thinking more logically, it was unusual that she was up at this time - it was too early for her to be awake.

"Yeah, I'm awake." He called back in a mere whisper, putting the button upon and unlocking his door with a forced thin smile. He looked at his mother who smiled back, forcefully as well, fiddling with a lock of her hair that stood out of place, "Did you need something?"

"Oh, um, yes." She stuttered, awkwardly, hands folding in front of her as she looked deep in thought. Her long hair falling gracefully over her eyes as her head lowered, tilting back. She tucked a strand behind her ear before inhaling, lifting her head, and looking at her son. Virgil stared back, a bit uneasy at her serious expression, façade. "Your father wants to talk to you.. about moving in with him."

Virgil took a step back, eyes widening immediately at the statement, "Excuse me?"

"I called him, actually." She whispered, cautiously, hands twitching as she reached out for Virgil who took another step back. "Virgil, I can't take care of you anymore. Yes, we are well off. Yes, I have the money but I don't have the time. Please, understand this." She cried in a hushed voice, shoulders tense and eyes red in piled-up tears. Virgil drew back, looking at her worried, concerned face. Trying to figure out what to say, the gears in his head wouldn't move, he was utterly speechless. "I want only the best for you, Virgil, you are my son. I love you but because of work, the business I'm running, the many people who depend on me, the countless families I'm helping; I just can't balance it all with you here."