A few hours later, Remus was able to leave the house without letting their friends know that Roman had company, just that he just wanted to stay home with their parents and went off to the party. Currently, it was a half hour until midnight and Roman had made pizza rolls and other snacks to bring to Virgil. He had picked Virgil up around noon and wasn't sure if he had lunch but the gummy worms seemed to hold him.

Roman was still worried so he made sure that he made dinner and then fed him a little extra during the night. His parents were sitting with him in the living room, they were all laughing. Roman could hear his mother translating what Virgil was saying but it wasn't loud enough that he could hear details.

Roman walked in balancing a ton of things in his hands, Virgil almost seemed impressed. For a kid who had never had a job, he could really do well as a waiter. Virgil rolled his eyes and laughed silently, he went over to help Roman who whined a little. With one glare from Virgil he quieted down and let him help. His mother nudged him with his foot, and raised her eyebrows. Roman shrugged.

"Well, we do have work tomorrow morning and I think we have stayed up late enough." Liz said and put her hand on his husband's knee.

"I guess you are right, you two behave alright?" Joseph said. Virgil smiled and nodded. He signed something and Liz laughed.

"Of course, we know that. It's him that we are worried about." Liz said with a smile.

"Mom." Roman said with a faint blush. Liz laughed and kissed Roman's head.

"Alright, alright. It's lovely to see you again Virgil. See you at breakfast." Liz said. Joseph also said his goodbyes and leaves as well. Then there was just Roman and Virgil watching the ball drop.

Virgil had his attention on the tv. Roman couldn't help but think of the New Year's kiss tradition. He wasn't going to try it, afraid of what Virgil would think, but he started to imagine what it would be like if he knew what Virgil wanted.

Would they have gone to the party with Remus? Virgil was scared that he was the reason Roman was staying home. Would they be cuddling right now? Virgil was sitting on the floor looking at the many colors, his eyes reflected them and danced across his face. He moved his head along to the pop songs playing, Roman moved to the couch and got a few blankets. Virgil didn't seem to notice the movement yet.

When he did, he wrote a note saying he would be right back and disappeared up the stairs. Roman moved his arm so he had it draped on the back of the couch. He returned a minute late with a small bound book and a pencil. Roman figured that was his sketchbook. Virgil sat down next to Roman.

"What cha doing?" Roman asked. Virgil pointed to the book. "Drawing?" Virgil nodded. He opened the book and seemed to get to work on a drawing he had been working on. Virgil then moved so his feet were on Roman's lap and he was facing him.

"Drawing me?" Roman asked. Virgil shrugged. "That's not an answer." Roman sang. Virgil poked his stomach with his foot.

"Alright, alright. I'll stop." Roman turned his attention to the tv and kept seeing Virgil glance back up at him.

After a few minutes passed, Roman spoke up. "Do you believe in the New Year's kiss thing?" Virgil stopped drawing and shrugged. He got a notepad and closed the book he was drawing in.

Not really, from what I have heard it's supposed to be good luck or something but I kinda can't get that you know? It's just weird to me, why do you? Virgil wrote, and moved closer to Roman so he didn't have to hand the notepad so far.

"I mean I think it's sweet when you have someone who you really care about but I can't really say that I believe it's good luck." Roman said.

Why do you bring it up?

"I guess I was just curious about it. You seem like the person to be superstitious about that kind of thing." Roman said. Virgil smiled and shook his head. He looked at the tv. The last performance was happening.

I don't like how they pay people to kiss in the city. It's all for show, that's not what the tradition is supposed to mean. Roman nodded.

"I agree with you. But enough about that, let's just enjoy the over dramatic displays of the holiday." Roman said. Virgil nodded and then got settled next to Roman. Roman then felt Virgil lean on him. Roman smiled and moved his hand to Virgil's waist.

Roman tried not to read too far into it but his heart was beating faster. Virgil might just want some comfort. Virgil laid his head on Roman's shoulder. Roman hummed along to the music. There was five minutes until midnight. Remus still hadn't come back yet and Roman figured he would be staying with a guy tonight.

"Hey Virgil?" Roman said. Virgil looked up at him. "Did the flowers have to do with feelings? Like the message?" Roman asked. Virgil nodded. Roman knew it was a little random but it popped into his head.

He had felt more clingy to Virgil since he came back from the bathroom, he didn't know why and he was trying to keep it in check to not freak out Virgil.

Are you any closer to figuring it out? Virgil asked. Roman shook his head.

"I think the feelings hint you gave helped." Roman said. "But I don't think so." Virgil smiled and rolled his eyes.

You don't have to find the message for all you know I am lying. Roman looked at him.

"I don't think you are. I know you pretty well but I don't think you would lie." Roman said. Virgil shrugged. "What is that supposed to mean?" Roman asked.

Nothing. Virgil answered.

"I think it meant something." Virgil shook his head and tried to refocus on the tv. Roman wasn't going to have it. A minute to midnight. Roman then started to tickle Virgil. He squirmed but Roman held him in place. Virgil started to move out of Roman's grasp and move down the couch, but Roman moved him so he was straddling Virgil. He continued to tickle Virgil.

"I'll stop once you tell mee." Roman said. "I'll even be nice and give you your notepad back." Roman stayed over him and got Virgil's discarded notepad. They heard the countdown start.

It didn't mean anything. I was just being me. Virgil wrote.

10

"Yeah, brat."

9

I am not a brat.

8

"I think that you are. Why else would I call you mocoso?"

7

Because you are mean.

6

"Me? Mean, never."

5

I think you are. I want a hug. Can I have one?

4

"Hmmm. Maybe."

3

Roman!

2

"Fine." Roman moved slightly and pulled Virgil up so he was sitting on Roman's lap.

1

The crowd cheered loudly as the ball dropped. It was the new year. Roman put his head on Virgil's shoulder as he watched a couples kiss. He sighed a little and rubbed Virgil's back. Roman felt his hair tickle his neck as Virgil moved his head. Suddenly, a pair of lips landed on his cheek.

Roman pulled away a little and looked at Virgil. He handed him a note.

Happy New Year. Roman smiled at Virgil.

"Happy New Year to you as well."

After the ball dropped, Virgil insisted on watching another movie saying he wasn't tried. Roman put a movie on so he could clean up the food that he had leftover. Virgil was pouting the entire time Roman cleaned.

"You don't have to wait for me, you know. My bed is open." Roman said and poked Virgil's cheek as he picked up an unopened soda can.

Roman was almost done with everything, but Virgil looked like he was about to pass out. Roman had to admit it was cute. After the last part of the sentence, Virgil perked up. Roman winked and picked up the last few things. He walked out of the room to take care of them, and he heard Virgil follow him.

You weren't joking about that? Virgil asked.

"Nope, you are sleeping on the bed. I'll take the air mattress. Unless you want me to sleep in the bed with you. I figured you would want to be more comfortable on the bed rather than on the air mattress." Roman said.

But it's your bed.

"Yup." Roman said. Virgil shook his head.

I don't want to take your bed. Virgil reasoned. Roman shut off the tv and then picked up Virgil's sketchbook to hand to him.

"You aren't, I am offering it." Roman knew Virgil was going to deny it because he slept on the couch for the first part of the night that he spent at Virgil's dorm, but Roman still felt that he needed to take care of Virgil. Why? He wasn't sure but the pull towards him was only getting stronger.

Well, I am not taking it. I am sleeping on the air mattress. Virgil wrote and took his sketchbook. The two were in sleepwear already and made their way up the stairs.

"We will see how long that lasts." Roman muttered under his breath. Virgil made it to his room before he did and went to brush his teeth.

To prevent Roman from getting the air mattress, Virgil locked the door so Roman couldn't brush his teeth at the same time. Roman knew Virgil was being stubborn but he didn't have the energy to argue at the moment.

Virgil came out of the bathroom and laid down, Roman shook his head and went to the bathroom. He brushed his teeth and then brushed his hair. He always did before bed, it was a weird thing. Roman came out of the bathroom and went back to his bedroom.

He turned off the lights and then flicked on the fairy lights he hadn't used in years and he had taken down at some point but they provided enough light so Virgil could see if he needed anything so he put them back up. Roman watched and made sure Virgil's breathing was steady and he was asleep before going over and kissing his forehead.

"I am going to figure it out, Virgil. I promise." Roman whispered and laid down and stared at the bouquet before drifting off to sleep.

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

Virgil woke up in the early morning. By early morning, he meant about 9 am. He could hear voices talking downstairs. He was just glad that he slept through the night. He slipped a notepad into his pocket with a pen and looked over at Roman. He was still sleeping.

Virgil walked out of the room and downstairs. Liz and Joseph were sitting at the table with a disheveled looking Remus. Liz was wearing a nice dress and Joseph was in a suit. They both were sipping coffee.

Liz looked up and saw Virgil. He was surprised she was still here, but she might be going in late because it was a holiday technically. "Good morning, did you sleep well?" She asked. Virgil nodded and sat down next to Remus. "Give me one second, I'll ask the kitchen staff to get you something to eat." Liz said and got up.

She didn't come back in until a few minutes later with a plate of pancakes, eggs, and bacon. So that's why Roman asked him his favorite breakfast stuff. She put it down in front of him and kissed the top of his head.

Virgil smiled and said thank you. He wasn't sure how to deal with that, it had been a while since he had a female role model so he wasn't sure what to do. Apparently, the couple was going to go into work in a half hour so Virgil sat and watched Remus try to stay awake. Virgil tried to engage him but he really didn't react.

So Virgil poked some fun. He lightly kicked Remus who jumped. Virgil pretended not to notice that he did and kept eating. A minute later he did it again. Remus looked at Virgil and Virgil looked back and shrugged. Liz had also gotten him orange juice to drink. All of a sudden, they heard thundering down the stairs.

The four looked over and saw a stressed Roman come running in. He saw Virgil and relaxed. That was an after effect he assumed. Roman would be more clingy and protective so leaving him randomly wasn't a good idea. Panic would set in and he would not be happy.

"Oh, there you are." Roman said.

"Yes, he's been here for almost ten mintues." Joseph said suspicious of his son's actions and why he was worried. It wasn't like Virgil was going to run away. Virgil smiled and nodded. Roman wandered into the kitchen and came back with a plate of food and a drink.

"You scared me." Roman whispered to Virgil. Virgil gave him a look. Roman threw his hands up a little and started to eat. Virgil finished most of his food and slowed down a little, he didn't want to be rude so he would wait until it was just Roman and Remus to say he was done.

"Virgil, everything okay?" Liz asked as she got up.

Yeah, why? Virgil signed.

"You have just stopped eating and you aren't done yet. I was just wondering if everything was okay." She said. Virgil nudged Roman for help who noticed.

"He sometimes does this, it's normal for him to do this. Everything is good, he's just getting comfortable." Roman said and Virgil nodded. That seemed to keep her happy, she said goodbye to both her children and Virgil then walked with her husband out of the room once he said his goodbyes.

Thank you. Virgil signed.

"No problem." Roman turned to Remus. "So, what time did you get home last night?" Roman smiled. Remus groaned and put his head down.

"Shhh, everything is so loud." Remus said. Virgil smiled and then ate another bite. Roman noticed.

"Virgil, I know you are full. Don't push yourself because you don't want to be rude. I'll let the kitchen know." Roman said. "Well, have you eaten?" Roman asked.

"A little but I would rather throw it back up." Remus said.

"Go to bed and take some Advil. I'll wake up later." Remus got up and was limping. Roman sighed. "Could you keep it in your pants for one night?" Roman said, Vrigil laughed. Remus turned red and walked faster.

That was mean. Virgil wrote on his notepad.

"He should've known it was coming, he goes out and sleeps around and I make fun of him. He did it to me when I used to. It all balances out." Roman said.

Virgil was surprised by that but really shouldn't. He forgot that Roman came to the school as a behavior problem, could it be that he never was? Rumors could be untrue. He didn't like that Roman was with other people and figured it was because of his crush on him. Virgil shut down the jealousy as best he could. When Roman was finished he took Virgil's and his dishes and went to the kitchen. Virgil silently followed behind him.

He didn't expect that the kitchen would have workers moving around in it. Roman's family must be loaded if they could afford this. "Roman! Lovely to see you!" One of the women said and took his plates.

"Gloria, you just saw me."

"Yes, but you were just waking up and everyone knows not to talk to you too much before you eat." She said. Virgil smiled, that was not true anymore. Roman and Virgil would have conversations before breakfast all the time.

"Well, I am not exactly like that anymore." Roman said professionally.

"I assume it has to do with that lovely boy standing behind you?" She said nodding towards Virgil. He didn't think he was seen, he stepped behind Roman to hide. Roman turned to see beside him but then realized that Virgil wasn't there.

"Virge, it's all good. Think of her as one of the cafeteria workers." Roman said softly. "He did have something to do with it I suppose." Roman said reaching his hand behind him and opening it to Virgil.

Virgil took it but still stayed behind Roman, he still didn't like new people. "Well, he's cute. Keep him close, if not I gift just have to steal him." Gloria said and winked. Roman laughed and said thank you after introducing her to Virgil properly.

The two walked out of the kitchen back into the dining room. "So, the housekeepers shouldn't be here until Remus goes to school tomorrow. We can do whatever you want today." Roman said.

Can we watch Ghost Adventures on your bed? Virgil asked.

"Yeah, come on." Roman asked if he wanted snacks for later and then proceeded to sneak back into the kitchen and grab a few things. He was chased out by Gloria and they both were laughing. Roman took Virgil's hand and they walked to his room.

Maybe Virgil would indulge in his feelings and maybe Roman would figure it out. If yesterday was any clue, he was dense as hell. They made it to his room and Virgil jumped on the bed. Roman put the snacks down and turned the tv on. Virgil was sitting on his knees watching excitedly. He loves making fun of Zak even if he can't voice it and Roman would watch it if it made him happy.

Sometimes Virgil would choose a Disney movie or a musical just so Roman could also enjoy their time together. But right now he wanted to watch Zak get angry at ghosts. Roman put on Netflix and then searched up the show, hit play and then moved to the bed.

"You are a brat but I wouldn't have it any other way." Roman said, chuckling at Virgil's face when the show started.

Around the third of fourth episode, Roman had settled at the headboard giving Virgil room to move around. Virgil decided he wanted a hug so he crawled over and latched on to Roman's abdomen and made sure he could still see the show.

He felt Roman laugh and then his arms moved around. He heard Roman whisper something but didn't push it. He was too focused on Zak making contact with something through a Oujia board.

Virgil scrunched his face up and held Roman tighter. "Virgil, you hug me anymore I am not going to be able to breathe." Virgil shrugged and released Roman enough. Roman didn't let go however. Virgil could get used to this but he wasn't sure how long the magic would amplify emotions. But he got his answer and now all he had to do was accept it fully himself.