If it was any other thing, Roman would be able to keep his cool. But right now, Roman wasn't doing a good job. It was the day they were being sent home from school for the winter holidays and the day before Virgil's birthday. Also he was going to be making his comeback in front of his parents, brother, and Virgil was there.

Remus had dropped the canvas off at Roman's room before they had gone to dinner. Most of the kids who weren't watching the show or in it had left. But it was a relatively small number who did go home. They were doing more showings over the break but not a lot.

Virgil was currently doing Alicia's makeup while Roman panicked. Roman was standing in the room next to them and he was just pacing. Suddenly he was met with grey eyes. "Oh. Hi." Roman said.

Virgil waved and then walked over to him. Roman sat down knowing Virgil was going to be putting on his mask. He was always better and more relaxed with Virgil. Virgil was putting his mask on when Roman asked him randomly, "Want to meet my brother and parents?"

Virgil froze, and then he shook his head. Roman had learned that didn't really mean no, just maybe I don't know. Virgil's eyes read anxiety. "We can meet them after I show you what I got." Roman said.

Virgil wrote a note then finished making sure Roman's mask was good. He left the room after giving Roman a hug and then went to make sure everything else was set. Virgil was going to sit with his uncle during the show. Roman wasn't at all nervous. But he did read what Virgil wrote.

Sing me a pretty song and do great and then I'll meet them, but after you show me what you got. Roman smiled and went to the wings to wait for his cue which wasn't for a while. Instead he thought back to about a week ago when he asked Virgil when his birthday was.

~~~~

The two sat on Virgil's bed after a dress rehearsal and they were studying.

Really Virgil was refusing to study for history while he laid on the bed, his legs trapping Roman to sit against the wall. Virgil had his notebook in his hands while he kept huffing to show he was upset. Roman would roll his eyes and not give him the attention.

Despite Roman being the actor, Virgil sure was dramatic. So when he started to lightly kick Roman, Roman knew he was asking for a story. "Virgil, stop." Roman said while glancing over at him. As he started to look away, Roman saw a smirk appear on Virgil's face and braced himself for a bratty Virgil.

After the night that they spent together, Virgil had started to be more and more comfortable with Roman and Roman had learned a comfortable Virgil was a bratty Virgil. So Virgil kicked Roman again, then waited and started again. It was a pattern, he would kick then wait, then kick again.

After the third or fourth time, Roman grabbed his ankle. "Virgil." Roman looked over and saw Virgil smiling. "I am aware that you are very smart, however I do need to study. I think you should too." Virgil pretended to think about it and then shook his head. He moved his other foot and kicked Roman again.

Roman sighed and let go of Virgil's leg and moved his work from his lap to one of Virgil's pillows. Virgil didn't move, Roman knew it was because he was confused. When Roman started to get up, Virgil kicked him again.

"No." Roman said. He got up and moved his work to Virgil's desk. Virgil did what he wanted and moved from his spot to his knees to where Roman used to be. Roman then moved quickly, he started to tickle Virgil who gasped and then started to laugh.

This wasn't the first time that Roman had heard Virgil laugh but each time it was a gift. Virgil tried to get up but the force from Roman had made him lay down. So Roman was now standing next to his bed while he tickled Virgil. Virgil kept trying to hit Roman's hands away but Roman wouldn't let him. He grabbed Virgil's wrists and held them so he was laying on his side towards Roman.

"Are you done?" Roman asked with a smile on his face. Virgil nodded. Roman let go and then Virgil hugged him, Roman wasn't complaining but Virgil had been more touchy lately. Roman didn't mind, it was just the two of them. "How about this, you help me study until the dinner bell?" Roman asked. Virgil nodded and then sat up.

Roman went to get his work and then turned back to Virgil. "When is your birthday?" Roman asked. Virgil went to his calendar and pointed to Saturday the 19th. "Cool, mine is in June." Virgil then signed the letter 'y' to ask a question. "I was curious and I wanted to know how long I had to get you something."

Virgil made a face and let Roman sit on the bed. Virgil climbed up after and then moved Roman's arms to sit between them. Virgil had his ways of asking for what he wanted without actually asking and Roman wasn't going to complain.

"You are a brat, you know that?" Roman said, Virgil nodded and got his notepad.

Would you have it any other way? Roman chuckled.

"No, now let's get to work." Roman said. It wasn't even ten minutes until Virgil started to kick Roman again. "Virgil!"

~~~

Roman was shaken out of the memory by Patton grabbing his arm. He moved to his spot and waited. Here goes nothing...

Roman was met with Virgil backstage when it was time for him to take off the mask. "Oh, hello." Roman said and saw Virgil roll his eyes. He made Roman sit down as he moved to the bottom of the mask. He moved quickly practically ripping it off and was handed sponges to wipe Roman's face. He fixed Roamn's hair and smiled, then he pushed Roman out to the stage.

Roman continued the scene and as they moved to the last scene he saw Virgil move back to where his uncle was. He didn't see what Virgil was doing but saw a flash of colors. Roman wouldn't know what until after the show. He finished the final scene and then met Virgil on the other side, he didn't see anything of color but was curious.

"I am going to go see my parents and brother, I'll be back." Roman said and Virgil nodded.

I'll be here. Virgil handed him a note and disappeared backstage. Roman walked out to the stage area and then jumped off the stage and saw his brother. Remus waved frantically and then ran towards Roman.

"You did so good! That kiss was even convincing, you know for a gay guy." Remus said as he hugged Roman and Roman rolled his eyes. Their parents walked up to them and congratulated him.

"That was very good. It was a good surprise I have to say. I was skeptical when Remus insisted we buy tickets to the show but I am glad that he did." His mother said.

"I have to agree, it was good to see you on the stage again. Maybe you can continue this over the summer at the theater downtown instead of getting into trouble with your 'friends.'" His father said. Roman and Remus both tensed a little, their dad was never happy with the people they chose to hang around with. "Maybe you can even take your brother. I understand he has a talent for art."

"Maybe." Roman said. "Well, I am going to go get changed and then get my stuff from my room. So I'll let you know when I need help to take the stuff done." Roman started to leave when Remus stopped him.

"Wait! Are we going to meet your friend who got you to do this?" He asked and his parents both turned and seemed to agree.

"Possibly. It depends on how he's feeling. Also, fair warning before you meet him is that he is mute so he doesn't exactly talk." Roman felt bad about telling his parents without asking Virgil first but he didn't think Virgil would mind.

Roman left his parents and then went to find Virgil, who was sitting in a dressing room and on his phone. Roman kicked him out to change and then grabbed his hand when he was ready.

"Can we go the back way? I really don't want to break that promise." Roman said and Virgil nodded. Then the two ran through the halls to Roman's dorm.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

To say that he was nervous about giving Roman the flowers was an understatement. He had conjured them after Roman had gone back on stage and then Micheal had let him into the room so he could put them in the room.

The bouquet was a rose and carnation mix. The carnations were a light pink to represent love, the roses were lavender because Roman was called Princey and they represent majesty as well as a blue to represent unattainable love. The blue also worked for mystery as well.

Virgil made sure the note was underneath the bouquet that had a red ribbon tying it together. He took a deep breath and waited for Roman to open the door.

"Okay, so go sit on the bed and close your eyes." Roman said excitedly. He didn't even notice the bouquet yet and Virgil did as he was told. Virgil heard the closet open and Roman moving things around. "Okay, before you get upset with me, I wanted to thank you for pushing me to do something also as a birthday present, so open your eyes!" Roman said.

In front of him was a spray painted canvas in the same style as Roman's backpack and suitcase. The font was modeled after Evanescence but had his name on it, there was also a tarot deck with him as a king on the back of the cards with purple roses all around the deck. Virgil as a king was sitting on a throne sideways and had storm clouds around him. Virgil was blown away. The background was a mix of black and dark purple. And in the corner there was a single name, Duke.

Had Roman known the meaning behind roses and didn't tell him because they were the same shade that Virgil conjured. Virgil quickly glanced at the flowers on the desk as he processed it all. Roman was watching and hoping he would like it. But he caught the glance and followed it.

"Virgil? Why are there flowers on my desk?" Virgil looked up at him and then blushed slightly. "Did you get the flowers?" He asked slowly, Virgil nodded and then hid behind the canvas.

He heard Roman chuckle and he got nervous that Roman was going to make fun of him. Roman pushed the canvas down to see Virgil. "I never said I didn't like them, I am just a bit surprised." Roman said. Virgil smiled and let out a breath he was holding. He was relieved that Roman wasn't upset.

Virgil hugged Roman. Roman hugged back tightly. His phone went off and it was his brother asking him where he was. "So." Roman held the 'o' sound. "How do you feel about meeting my family?" Virgil smiled.

He completely forgot that Roman hadn't told him the story behind the picture. But Roman had just gotten him a great gift for his birthday and liked the flowers. Virgil made sure the note went with Roman who was confused.

"Secret message?" Roman asked and Virgil nodded. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"You'll have to figure it out." Virgil's phone said. Roman pouted a little. "Who's the brat now?"

"Still you. Now let's drop your canvas off before we go meet them." Virgil nodded and helped carry the bags the best he could with his new canvas. "Do you know where you are going to put it?" Virgil shook his head.

"Oh, one thing. My brother is a bit overwhelming so I did have to tell him you don't talk so I hope you aren't mad." Virgil shook his head as he unlocked his door.

"I figured you would, I can't blame you. I would've asked you to do it anyway." Virgil typed.

"Oh, good." Virgil locked his door and repositioned the bags so he could carry them easier. The two walk towards where Roman's family was waiting. Roman was walking slower, he was carrying the flowers and dragging his suitcase. Roman had said they would FaceTime despite Virgil not being able to talk.

It seemed Roman was more nervous about Virgil meeting his family than Virgil was. Virgil stopped and then dropped the bag he was carrying. Roman stopped as well and Virgil hugged him. "You need to calm down, I am excited to meet this infamous brother of yours."

"Are you sure?" Virgil nodded and then poked Roman's nose. He picked up his bag and Roman matched his stride. Virgil could suddenly feel that Roman was more confident. Virgil smiled a little and walked with him happily.

He could feel the anxiety starting to twist his stomach but he pushed the thoughts out. He was excited. "ROMAN!" A familiar voice yelled. Roman's brother who was dressed more normal was frantically waving.

"Dude, stop." Roman said. Virgil smiled and hid his behind his hand.

"Why? OH MY GOD IS THIS HIM?" He asked and Virgil suddenly dropped his smile and hid behind Roman, grabbing his arm.

"Listen to your brother, we don't want to scare his poor friend." His mother said. She was a pretty woman and had Roman's eyes. Her hair was more auburn and she had high cheekbones. She was a little shorter than Roman's father who had the same green eyes as his brother. Roman and his brother got their hair from both sides. Needless to say, Roman came from a long line of good looking people.

"Mom, dad, pain in the as-" Virgil hit him, and Roman threw him a smile. "This is Virgil, he is the friend that pushed me to do theater again." Virgil moved from behind Roman slightly but not letting Roman's arm go. Virgil waved.

"Lovely to meet you Virgil, I am so glad you were able to convince Roman to get back on the stage again." Virgil vaguely remembered Roman saying that his brother knew ASL. So he singed.

You're welcome. His brother's eyes lit up.

"You know sign?" He asked.

Yes?

"I can translate." He said excitedly. "He said you're welcome, by the way. So how'd you like your canvas?" He asked.

How'd you know about that? Virgil was now much more comfortable now that someone could understand him without much work. Roman's mother seemed to also understand. Virgil guessed Roman never learned. Roman was kinda upset that Virgil had moved but tried not to show it, but Virgil knew.

"Who do you think did it?" He asked. Was Roamn's brother named Duke?

Nice to meet you, Duke. Virgil signed. His brother laughed.

"That's my artist name, but I'll take it." Duke said.

How come you know sign, and it seems like your mother does as well, but Roman doesn't? Virgil asked.

Duke smiled. "I like your spunk, Roman keep him." Roman sighed.

"Roman, don't be like that your brother and Virgil are getting along just fine. Plus he seems very nice, so don't be so protective." His mother said. "But to answer your question, Remus just learned because he was curious and someone had to teach him."

Sooo, we can gossip? Virgil asked, and Duke nodded. Great!

"Seriously, this kid is funny. I approve." He said.

"Really? Can you not?" Roman said. Virgil rolled his eyes.

Care to introduce me to your parents because Roman clearly had dropped the ball. Virgil said and their mom giggled.

"Well, I am Elizabeth and this is my husband Joseph." Roman's mom said. Virgil nodded then turned to Duke, Virgil could have been content with that but he was curious.

Nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley. Elizabeth tried to say Virgil didn't have to worry about being so professional but then realized that Virgil had moved on, she was also translating for her husband. So what is your actual name? Roman has told me a lot about you.

"Well, I would hope so. I am his twin and my name is Remus." He said, and Virgil stopped. He knew his eyes widened and he thinks he viably paled. He had connected the dots. His assumption was proven correct when he saw Du-Remus look concerned and then Roman ask him if he was okay.

Virgil nodded, and tried to sign it but couldn't think. His mind was swirling. The names 'Remus' and 'Romulus' kept flashing through as well as the roses and the meanings. He quickly got overwhelmed with the three people standing there watching him. Everything got loud, and Virgil felt a panic attack coming.

He didn't want to have one in front of Roman's family, so he just signed I got to go, sorry. Then he nodded to Roman and waved at Remus

He got to his room and saw the canvas that Remus had painted and got a sheet. Roman was extremely sweet but he had to make sure he was correct. He opened the drawer that had the notebook.

But when he turned to the page that had the notes previously and in place of where the name Romulus previously was, there was a cursive message that read: "What are you waiting for?"

So Roman was Romulus and Virgil was convinced he was screwed.