Park Bench (Prinxiety AU)

Chapter 16 - Roman

November 7

     I watched Virgil over my coffee cup as he laughed at one of Patton's jokes. Something was wrong with me. I mean, I'd always been a bit of a hopeless romantic, but this was really putting emphasis on the hopeless part. He caught my eye and I gasped, inhaling the bite of toast that had been in my mouth. I started to cough, and Virgil facepalmed and stood up. "Don't leave, I'm dying," I choked out.

     "You're on your own, I'm leaving," he said. He made his way to the door and I grabbed and pulled on his sleeve, causing him to stumble and almost knock over Patton, who had to dodge him.

     "Stay! I need to dictate my will!" I cried. I was still coughing.

     "We already know you're leaving it all to me," he joked and winked at me. I released his sweater and let him fall backwards. That was... weird. He was awfully confident for some reason. He stood up and glared at me, before exiting to the living room. I took a sip of my coffee to soothe my throat before walking over to help Patton wash the dishes.

     "What was that about?" Patton asked sweetly, handing me a mug to dry.

     I was avoiding eye contact. "What was what about? Nothing happened. That was normal."

     "You and Virge seem-"

     "I need to go to the bathroom," I interrupted and rushed out of the kitchen. I poked my head back in and added, "For a long time," before running to their hallway.

      The bathroom door was shut. Knowing my excuse had failed, I shook my head and turned around. Just as I started to head back the way I came, the door opened, and standing there was Virgil. He waved for me to follow him. The gentle look in his eyes was terrifying to me.

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     "I'm sorry, I don't know why you're the one I'm trusting with this," Virgil said, running his hand through his hair nervously. I opened my mouth to speak, but it seemed better to let him do the talking. "It's... my mom. She texted me."

     "Oh..." I said. I was stunned. Maybe even angry. Either way, I tried hard not to show it. "What... What did she say?"

     "She apologized."

     I rolled my eyes, but he didn't see it because he was staring at the floor.

     "She wants to meet up for lunch to um, reconcile, I guess?" He flinched, and his eyes finally found mine. He looked like he might cry. "I didn't respond. I don't know what to do."

     "Oh, Virgil..." I sighed out, standing up and pulling him with me. I wrapped him in a hug, and he hugged me back, sniffling into my shoulder. "I know I can't tell you what the right choice is, but if you do want to go, I could go with you. You know, for moral support. And we can leave the moment you start to feel uncomfortable." He pulled away slightly, keeping his arms around my neck.

     "That sounds like an excuse for free food," he said with a smile. Before I could come back with any remark, the door opened. Virgil let go and jumped away from me. "Jeez, knock much?"

     "Well this is most interesting," Logan said, adjusting his necktie.

     I covered my cheeks with my hands, trying to hide my blush. "Since when were you even here?" I asked. I decided it was best not to mention that this wasn't the first time he'd interrupted me being that close to Virgil.

     Logan glanced between us before sighing. "Patton would like your accompaniment at the shopping center, but I'll inform him that you two need a minute first," he said and shut the door. I took a deep breath and looked at Virgil. When we met each other's gaze, we both smiled and he rolled his eyes.

     "Lunch then," he said decisively, but his face told me he didn't feel as confident as he sounded. "Let's go, Patton's waiting."