If I Can Say It

Sometimes, the best thing is to let go

(It has been awhile, I know and I'm sorry. Life has just been nuts. Just to let you know, I do plan on continuing this story but I made the mistake of not stock piling chapters so I'm kinda uploading as I write and I didn't start out with a fully fledged idea of what I'm doing. But I've got it partially planned now and with luck, I'll have more time to write soon. I know it's a bit short but I just wanted to get something out. So, I hope you all enjoy!)

It had been four days since what Virgil dubbed 'the crying incident' and suffice to say, he did feel much better for it. All that pain and anger and sadness that had built up in him had finally found a release and it felt like a weight had been lifted from his back. His wrist was nearly healed and with the knowledge that they weren't just gonna kick him out, he felt happy and rested. 

Two days earlier, he had begged Patton to give him something to do. Sitting still all day never did him anything good. On the streets, he was constantly alert, looking for food, potential shelters and threats. His mind was constantly stimulated and without that ever present buzz, it had been too quiet. Not to mention, he felt bad about the free board he was receiving. He was living under his roof, eating his food and doing nothing for it. It didn't sit right with him. Eventually, Patton gave in and allowed him to complete small chores which Virgil completed quickly and efficiently, too efficiently since he was completely done in about 5 hours. With nothing else left, Patton allowed him to work in the cafe, serving customers, taking orders, preparing food and clean-up. 

The buzz was back and Virgil welcomed it, it felt to quiet without it. And that was how Virgil found himself dressed in black with a white apron, serving coffee and cookies to different people while Patton whistled as he baked and Roman and Logan chattered about whatever they found interesting that day. He was happy. Happier then he'd been for months. He had a place to stay, people that he could almost call friends and coffee, oh how he had missed the bitter taste of liquid sleep.

"Hi, can I ask your order?" He asked an elderly lady. She smiled at him, wrinkled face crinkling upwards.

"No thanks deary, I'm still deciding. The menu has changed quiet a bit from when it first opened. I remember when this place in its prime, always full of life and wonder. Not that it isn't now but after the death of that young couple, the place just lost its spark. Poor lad, know he tries hard but sometimes the best thing to do is just let go. Sorry about that. Listen to me rambling. I'll just have the cheese cake with a hot chocolate thanks."

Virgil nodded numbly, writing down the order and forcing a smile to his face. Walking away he passed the order on to Patton who beamed at him brightly. Now that he thought about it, the place wasn't quiet as busy as he first thought. Only a third of the tables were taken and those were mostly filled with older people, those who probably remembered when the restaurant first opened. Few young people even entered or even spared the place a glance. With no new customers, Virgil was surprised the place has stayed open as long as it had. 

Money must have been a big issue. Looking closely, the decor was rather shabby. The walls peeling in some places and the cloths worn and patched. Frayed curtains and rickety chairs. The place looked like the life had been drained out of it. Virgil felt even guiltier. Patton worked so hard to maintain this place and still took him in despite the drain on resources he was. A small spark of determination flickered to life within him. The first in a long time. If there was one thing he had, it was time. He would help Patton bring this place back to life, it's the least he could do. 

With that in mind, Virgil helped close up shop and while Patton went out to get groceries, he grabbed Roman and Logan and set about it explaining his idea. Hopefully, they would take it. With Roman grumbling about the pastries he was forced to abandon and Logans half jumbled words of confusion, Virgil led the two upstairs and into the room Patton has lent to him. Swinging round, he faced them with a triumphant look on his face, hiding his sweating palms behind his back. Masking his worry, he began to explain his idea only to be interrupted by Romans extravagant exclamation.

"Hey man, what's the big idea? I was just in the middle of courting my pastries and soon we would make off into the distance like a fairy tale dream! Oh it would have been amazing and beautiful and we..."

"What he's trying to say," Logan interjected, "was why'd you bring us here?"

"Well," taking a deep breath, Virgil continued, "I don't want to offend anyone. Especially not Patton! But I'm sure you've all noticed."

"Noticed what, you stormy night?"

"Pattons business... is kinda slowing down..." He blurted out.

"How is that not offensive!" Roman exclaimed, ready to leap to Pattons defence.

"No, wait, he's right. Business hasn't been the same and I know Pattons struggling to keep the place open." Logan interrupted.

"What?! Why did nobody tell me!? We must help him! But why didn't he come to us?"

"Of course we must help him," Logan stated, pushing his glasses further up his nose, "but as to why he didn't tell us, this place was his parents. It must hurt to see their dream crumble..."

Roman fell silent, a foreign frown on his usually cheerful face.

"Well, what can we do?" He asked.

That was when Virgil interjected, glad that the others weren't mad at him.

"I had this idea... it's kinda stupid but it might help Patton pick up some business. Maybe encourage some new, younger customers to spread the word..."

At the curious and encouraging faces of the others, Virgil finally blurted out his answer.

"I think we should start a music corner. And we definitely need to re decorate. The menu is great but maybe we could add some things to follow some of the new trends? And maybe"

He was interrupted by Logan clearing his throat and he stumbled to a halt immediately, wringing his hands together nervously.

"I think, that could be of assistance."

"Absolutely!" Roman cried out, "I could sing and Logan could plan out new colour schemes while negative Nancy over here could serve and make the food with Patton! It's perfect!"

"I was kinda hoping I could sing..." Virgil trailed off, over taken by Romans enthusiasm. Shaking his head, he gave a small smile, pushing aside the hurt the words had caused. He couldn't have known. Anxiously, he looked to Logan, who appeared to be contemplating the idea.

"Yes, perhaps. I see it now. I think your idea could work Virgil. Some new designs and furniture would definitely make the place more appealing to new people and music would be a great way to attract attention. But I have two questions for you. One, how are we going to afford this? And two, how are we going to convince Patton?"

Roman and Virgil fell silent, both wondering how they may bring about this much needed change without breaking Pattons heart.