*Discontinued* Shifter

11

(TW~Racism continuation)

"What?" Roman's eyes snapped up at the sudden mention of his power, not that Virgil noticed any as he was far to upset to even look at the man. "What are you saying?"

"Think about it princey? What's more dangerous? A girl who can only change the color of her skin, hair, and eyes... or a man that can completely crush you to dust without lifting a finger?" It was Roman who flinched this time. He felt the air shift around him as the sound twinge in his power made itself known. "There is a man out there that with a simple glance can take the very thing holding you onto this plant and make it vanish. One second your standing there and the next you're hurdling towards space."

"That's... That's not..." Roman was very tense at this point. His brain just wasn't working. He wanting to argue... to defend himself and his power but nothing was coming out and to be completely honest... deep down Roman knew Virgil was correct.

"He's a fucking hero too. Idolized by the masses to take down villainous scum. Yet... most of the 'villianous' scum a hero will 'take care of' are people who had no choice in their lives." Roman's eyes fell as everything just hit him all at once. He glanced over to see Virgil clenching his fist tightly, tears in his eyes, and if his heart wasn't broken yet...

Roman's completely shattered seeing that first tear fall.

"Hey, no... please don't cr-..."

"I'm sorry. I just... I can't do this." Roman blinked for a bit, those words not quite regisuring.

"What?"

"I can't do this." Virgil repeated completely unaware at how broken the other one got with just those for words. "I just... I refuse to believe anyone is 'born' evil. I refuse to believe that there is a set group of people who's power make them automatically the villain... and I refuse to associate with ANYONE that actually agrees with that so... "

"Virgil, don't do thi-..."

"I'm just going to go." Roman didn't even realize what had happened until his mind finally caught up to find him with his hand outstretched and Virgil standing there eyes wide in shock unable to move over the pressure keeping him still. Roman quickly threw his hand down stepping back in horror as he shook his head.

"I'm sorry. I... I didn't mean to. I wasn't thinking." Virgil's eyes narrowed as he felt that pressure lessen, the other slowly putting more and more distance between them. "I just didn't want you to leave."

"I cannot associate with people who believe that shifters are inharrently evil. I won't do it." Roman frowned as he hugged himself tightly.

"W-Why do you c-care so much about them?" Virgil's eyes dazed out as Roman started to panic. "Why d-do you feel s-so strongly?"

"Maybe I just don't like the idea of knowing a 5 year-old boy could end of hurt or worse because of a power he couldn't chose, having to hide it and never feeling safe or like he belongs... When another little boy with a power that could burn a house down can walk down the street without a care in the world." Roman's frown only grew as the weight of everything finally made his head stop spinning. "You said it yourself, Roman. Morals are taught and learned. No one is born knowing them. That also means the same for the other side of the spectrum. If no one is born good than no one can be born evil."

"Just take it easy for a few day's and you should be good to..." Patton froze up the second his eyes noticed Roman's stance. The broken look in those dazed out eyes, the way he hugged himself as if trying to hold himself together. The lady gently pushed herself through the door thankful to see Virgil standing there waiting for him and the young shifter smiled.

"You good?" Virgil called out as she smiled anxiously.

"Thanks." Virgil nodded as he glanced over to patton mouthing his own thank you, not that it was seen much.

"I'll walk you home." She just nodded as they started for the door only to stop as Roman finally called back out.

"Teach me." Virgil stopped dead in his tracks as Roman's voice shook. Patton was highly confused and concerned. All he knew was that Roman was clearly upset. "I only know what I was taught. Everything I said... every response I gave you tonight... where things said to me growing up." Virgil's eyes darkened as Roman hugged himself tighter. "We are the product of our experiences and the lessons taught to us through life so... You want me to think differently... Than teach me to."

"Princey, I shouldn't have to."

"No, you shouldn't." Roman cut back with a sad look in his eyes. "But unfortunately... You're going to have to. I'm... I'm willing to learn. I'm willing to learn to stay friends with you..." Virgil scoffed already reaching for the door but Roman just smiled. "And because my entire world just seemed to crumble around me and no longer feel like I understand it at all." Virgil cringed as he shot one last look back at the obviously panicking man. "Please? Don't just drop this. I'm willing to learn. So... teach me?" Virgil sighed as she shook his head a bit before giving the man a soft smile. He could see the way his eyes lit up, his arms dropping to his side. "Virgil?"

"I'll talk to you later, Princey." Roman practically beamed as Virgil shot him a two finger salute as he left. "Right now, I have a lady to walk home... We can figure it all out later."

"Ok..." Roman choked out as he nodded. "I can... I-I can accept that just... b-be safe?" Virgil hesitated slightly in his walking as his head went to his chest, feeling that sudden twinge. He smiled softly to himself. The last time any one actually said that to him was his mother... when he was 7, before she vanished two years after his father died. The concern for his safety had taken him a bit by surprise. "Please, Virgil. Be safe. B-Both o-of you. Text me when you've gotten home so... s-so I know?"

"Sure thing, Princey."