Misinformation Can Be Deadly

Chapter 83: Don't Let The Homophobes See This One

CW: talk of injuries

Roman didn't want to leave Virgil's side. That was the last thing he wanted to do, especially since it's been over a day and he's still not waking up. He stirred a few times, and every time Roman held his breath and watched over him.

He knew that if Virgil was still asleep, it's because he needed to sleep. His body was doing what it needed to heal. The injuries were healing fast, much faster than Remus's. It made sense, he was a god now and his body changed to fit his needs.

Maybe it was why he was sleeping this long. He was using so much energy to heal, so he stayed asleep. That didn't worry Roman any less. He's heard worried whispers from outside the door, Remy said that he's officially in a coma.

Remy has checked on him a few times, to see how he was healing. However, he was a sleep doctor, injuries like this weren't in his field. He knew the basics, different types of injuries and how to stitch or how to stop bleeding. He couldn't give any new information or guess when Virgil was going to wake up.

Roman had taken off Virgil's jacket and laid it on top of him, still curled up by his side. Being stuck in his thoughts for so long has made it hard not to panic or cry. He wanted to keep himself calm for Virgil, but it was getting harder with each passing second.

He didn't know when he started crying, only that it made it hard to breathe and he was struggling to stop the tears. He needs to calm down, he knows that he needs to calm down. He couldn't hurt Virgil any worse, he had to protect him. He failed to protect him. He had to fix things. Virgil needed to be okay.

He needed Virgil to be okay.

He needed him to wake up. He needed him to smile, to laugh. He needed him to tell him everything was going to be okay, that it was alright. That Roman didn't fail and that he did his job as best as he was able to.

But he did fail, he failed horribly and Virgil was hurt because of it. He has way too many injuries and they were way too big. And he won't wake up. It's been too long, Roman needs him to wake up.

"Wake up," Roman quietly begged, his face full of tears. "Pl-please wake up... I need you awake."

He couldn't keep the fear back anymore. He didn't know when Virgil would wake up, but he knew he went through hell. He wanted Virgil to wake up so he could help him get better, he just wanted him to feel better.

Roman didn't notice Virgil stir this time, too worried for his boyfriend. That was until the god made a small whimper. His eyes shot open and he propped himself up on his elbow. Virgil's face was scrunched up in pain and Roman felt him lightly squeeze his hand, making the demon hold his breath as his heart raced faster.

Virgil's eyes cracked open, blinking for a bit. The room was dark, the only light coming from a crack in the curtain in front of the window, making the room a dark red. But he could still see, better than before. And he saw Roman.

"V-Virgil?" Roman broke the silence.

Virgil just held his breath, his eyes wide as he looked over the demon. With every passing second, the demon only got more worried. He opened his mouth to say something, but Virgil finally spoke in a small, terrified whisper.

"Is this real?"

Roman couldn't help but let out a single laugh, and then another, and a sob. "Yes love, yes this is real," he swore, tears dripping down his face. "I'm real, you're safe! It's all real, I swear it is!"

Virgil started sitting up, holding his chest as he leaned on the bed with his arm. Roman quickly helped him sit up, letting him lean against him as he brushed his hair back. Virgil tried reaching up to Roman, but his arms were still heavy and it hurt to move his fingers. He let Roman hold him as he let out an ugly and broken sob.

"I-I didn't think-" Virgil cried, cutting himself off. "You came! Y-you s-saved me..."

"Oh Vee, of course I did, there's no way I could have let you stay there. I should have come as soon as I could, I'm so sorry I took so long."

"I-I thought I was dead, I-I-I didn't know... I was so scared!"

Roman pressed his lips to Virgil's head as he hugged him tightly. It made Virgil's injuries ached, but he couldn't care less, because being in Roman's arms was the best feeling in the world. "I know, dear, I know. You're okay now, I have you, and I swear I'm never letting you go again."

"Plea-please don't let me g-go. I-I don't wanna wake up back there, pl-please!"

"Shh, you're okay, you're safe. She's not going to hurt you anymore, no one will, everything is alright."

Virgil tried to stop his sobs as he looked up at Roman again, and the demon couldn't help but get lost in his black and purple eyes. "I-I love you, I'm so s-sorry."

Roman wiped away his tears, making Virgil lean into his hand. "I love you too, and I don't know why you're apologizing, you've done nothing wrong."

"You-you were sc-scared and-"

"Virgil, that's not your fault. I will always be afraid if you're not okay. You don't need to feel bad about that, because I'm not mad at you for anything. I-I'm so glad you're awake though," Roman's voice broke. "I missed you so much."

"I-if this ends up being an-nother vision, it's the worst yet, because I really want this t-to be real."

"It's real, love. Look."

Virgil tensed when he felt a pressure in his head, but he recognized the magic and melted in relief, a few more tears slipping out. I missed you, Roman.

I missed you too. You're safe now. Roman leaned back against the headboard, letting Virgil lay on him. He pulled Virgil's jacket over both of them, and he could see the god take comfort in it.

"Roman?" Virgil asked. His voice was still scratchy, but it seemed to be healing.

"Hmm?" Roman hummed, starting to run a hand through Virgil's hair.

"We're... no longer contracted. Right?"

Roman stiffened, sad look in his eyes. "I'm afraid so. But I just want you to know, I'm not going to leave you. It doesn't matter if we're contracted or not, I'm never leaving your side. This I swear."

"Okay... I trust you. I'm gl-glad you're not leaving me."

"I don't think I could. I can't imagine wanting to leave you." Roman sighed softly. "I should tell the others that you're awake, they're all worried about you."

"I can feel it," Virgil said. "But can you wait a bit longer? I-I'm still trying to... convince myself this is real. That it's not fake, and I'm n-no longer..." He seemed to choke on his words, but Roman understood.

"Okay, take your time then. I'm not going to leave or rush you. I'll be by your side forever if you only ask."

Virgil moved so he was leaning his ear against Roman's chest, hearing the demon's heart beat. "That sounds nice..."