Analogical One-Shots

The Way You Look Tonight-Prom AU

Summary: Logan's best friend Roman is going to prom with Virgil's best friend Patton. Instead of third and fourth-wheeling, the boys decide to go together and maybe get to know each other better. ;)

TW: Brief mentions of a toxic relationship (no details, don't worry), and a bit of swearing.

*****

"Which tie should I wear?!" Patton was frantic, pacing around his bedroom. He was extremely dapper, dressed in sleek black dress pants with a white button-down shirt tucked in. That was the day that Patton was planning to surprise Roman with an extravagant promposal. Everything was set in place. Virgil had come over to help him decorate the front yard with rose petals and blow up gold balloons that floated around everywhere. A glittery poster with a punny phrase written on it sat at the foot of Patton's bed. His unsuspecting boyfriend would be over any minute.

"Virgil! Red tie or blue tie?!"

"Whichever, Pat."

Patton lightly punched Virgil's arm.

"This is not the time for Tumblr, Virgil!" he exclaimed. "I have to look perfect or he'll never say yes!"

"You're already dating," replied Virgil, stuffing his phone in his pocket. "He has to say yes."

"Okay, but still! I need to look absolutely perfect. Red tie or blue tie?"

Virgil laughed a little and pointed to the blue tie. "Roman always says it's your color."

"You're right," said Patton. "Good call, kiddo."

A car rumbled into the driveway. Patton sprang towards the window and spotted Roman's shiny red car. Virgil could almost hear Patton's heart racing.

"Pat."

Patton whipped around.

"He'll say yes."

Patton breathed a sigh that relieved only some of his nerves. "I sure hope you're right...here goes nothing!"

**

Patton's proposal was received well by Roman; he said yes! Virgil had to admit that he was a tad jealous. He had watched the whole thing from the upstairs window, silently wishing that he had somebody that would look at him the way that Roman looked at Patton. Roman had pulled Patton into a dramatic but loving embrace, making Virgil's heart sink. He slid down the wall and plopped onto the hardwood floors of Patton's bedroom.

Maybe I'd have something like that if I wasn't so difficult to love, thought Virgil sadly. He pulled his knees to his chest. Truthfully, he didn't even care that he didn't have a date to prom. In fact, he had been planning to go alone and eat snacks in the corner the entire time. However, what Virgil wanted was the kind of companionship that Patton had with Roman...a hand to hold, a pair of arms to hug, a mouth to kiss...

Virgil felt genuinely unlikable in that moment. He did not think that he could ever hold onto a relationship. He'd just get in the way of their happiness. In eighth grade, he had his first--and only--boyfriend: a horrible snake of a boy who lied to Virgil at every opportunity. Ever since then, Virgil had been afraid to let anyone into his life other than Patton. Not even his family knew how he felt about himself. All he wanted was the confidence to let someone love him. That was all.

**

About a week had passed since Patton's promposal, and all of a sudden, everyone at school was buzzing about the dance. Virgil rolled his eyes as he plopped down at his desk. A familiar face sat down beside him.

"Hello, Virgil."

Virgil brushed a lock of hair away from his eyes. "Hi, Logan."

Ah, Logan. Class president, captain of all things nerdy, and best friends with Patton's princely partner. Virgil didn't know much about him beyond the distant association, but they held short conversations periodically.