Soul Bound

Chapter Four: The First Date

A week passed after Virgil and Janus met and they were getting on like a house on fire. It was Saturday evening and the two of them had a date, their first proper one rather than simply hanging out after school. Virgil had been surprised that he hadn't met Janus at school before until he found out that they were homeschooled.

Virgil was anxiously searching through his clothes, hoping to find something presentable. He threw on his spiderweb tank top and purple flannel and acid wash black jeans with the chain, the finishing touch being his spike bracelets, velvet choker, and black combat boots. At the last minute he threw on his red and black marle beanie.

He then decided to put on some black and purple eyeshadow and black matte lipstick. As a treat.

He looked at himself in the mirror and liked what he saw for once. The tank top brought out the definition in his pecs and abs in a way he loved, and the whole outfit made him feel badass. Putting some effort into his appearance actually made a difference in his self esteem.

He got his skateboard and began to skate to the park to meet with Janus. Coco trotted along beside him, looking rather proud. She must have still been high and mighty after finding the first soulmate. She'd always been one to take great pride in her accomplishments.

He spotted Janus sitting under a large tree with a picnic blanket and wicker basket. They saw Virgil approach and smiled.

"Welcome!" they greeted. "I brought sandwiches and such."

"Nice." Virgil grinned as he picked up his skateboard and set it against the tree. "Is that why you asked me if I have allergies?"

"Well, it's good information to have in general, but yes."

Virgil took a seat across from Janus, who began setting out the food and beverages. They really went all out with the sandwiches, making things like chickpea salad sandwiches, spinach hummus wraps, quinoa veggie wraps, and even chickpea shawarma wraps. Virgil's mouth was watering just looking at it all.

"Damn, Janus, you don't play around when it comes to food," Virgil said, taking a shawarma wrap.

Janus chuckled. "My father is a chef, and I wish to follow in his footsteps. Food brings people together. Just look at us."

Virgil smiled warmly as he bit into his wrap. Words could not describe the flavours that burst through his tastebuds.

"Oh my god," he murmured after swallowing. "Are you sure you're not the chef?"

Janus chuckled. "No, but I do wish I was. I take it you like it then?"

"One hundred percent yes. Can we go on picnics, like, every day?" Virgil asked, only half joking. He and Janus both laughed.

They talked over sandwiches and sparkling apple cider. Janus talked about their love of cooking and baking and Virgil talked about his love of guitar. He'd been playing for years and adored the hobby. He got the guitar from his dad, who had passed it down to him.

"You play any instruments?" Virgil asked.

"I play piano because my parents force me to. It's... fun, I guess. I'd much rather play the flute, but they won't let me."

"How come?"

"It's apparently a 'girly instrument'. Whatever the hell that means."

"Damn. That sucks, I'm sorry."

"Ah, don't worry about it. Once I move out I can do whatever I want."

Virgil nodded. "Felt that. I can't wait to move out of my dad's house. Just need to get a job and save up money."