yomica12345

[yomica12345]

Dang, got me emotional. Beautifully done! Thanks for writing this, loved it!!! <3

I’m really wondering what would’ve happened if Logan never opened that news paper and I damn well know Virgil wasn’t gonna say anything ugh I need a fanfic of this.

[yomica12345]

rewatching svs redux, and i'm still going insane overanalyzing janus telling the others his name. more specifically right afterwards, when roman makes fun of him and he immediately bites back with an incredibly low blow. it's honestly very indicative of what he's like as a character; constantly on guard, ready to show his teeth at every indication of a threat. it also kind of goes into my idea of him and virgil as foils; both cautious, both protective of themselves and what they perceive as their weak spots, but the way they defend themselves is so different. virgil does it by never opening up at all, janus does it by opening up like a trap.

when virgil opens up, he's already off his guard, he won't do it unless he trusts the situation completely. i don't think janus has ever trusted any situation completely. so instead of opening up when he feels it's safe to do so, he opens up when he knows it's unsafe to do so, he's just constantly prepared for the eventual worst outcome. he had that honestly pretty cruel comeback locked and loaded, ready from the start, because he knew roman would take advantage if he showed any vulnerability. that's what i mean when i say that he opens himself up like a trap; his weakness can't be exploited if he's always on guard. ready to fight back, even when there are no weapons in sight.

virgil's emotional walls can be brought down. when he feels affection, safety, comfort, he lets his guard down. janus could feel all of those things, and still be prepared to bite back at a moment's notice. and i think that also fits into their respective roles: anxiety gone too far means expecting cruelty at every turn. self-preservation gone too far means preparing for cruelty at every turn.

and, just like what happened in that scene, janus being constantly on guard means that no matter how vulnerable he gets, no matter how much he opens up, he can always take all of it back if it goes wrong. the trap closes like this: "you can't hurt me; i've prepared for every situation in which you might."

this is a carnivorous animal bearing its fangs at its perceived assailant, a fox raised in the woods doesn't understand the difference between a teasing poke and a fist ready to reel back. it'll bite you anyways. just don't poke the fucking fox. its scared, and its teeth are sharp.

[yomica12345]

another stupid sasi mv but its short and. and… well not sweet.

anyways im gonna talk about it more so pop this bad boy open ⬇️⬇️⬇️

okay yeah this is creativitwins and patton centric. NO SHOCKER. i kinda wanted to show how i think that roman and remus were split purely on the basis that there needed to be a “good” creativity, meant to be put on a pedestal, and a “bad” creativity, meant to be hidden and locked away forever. like thats the entire reason they exist.

and i do also believe patton was responsible for the split, but absolutely NOT out of malicious intent. not even close. listen, when outside influences are telling you that “bad thoughts” are going to land you into eternal damnation, and ALSO you’re like 7 years old, it’s completely understandable to react such a way. not excused, but understandable. i think patton, in a state of complete emotional and mental distress, TRULY believed that splitting creativity would keep c!thomas safe.

and naturally everyone came out of it a littleeee fucked up. i hc that logan and king creativity had been very close before the split, and as you might expect, seeing someone you are the closest with split in half and permanently altered would make you kinda apathetic (especially on the topic of others emotions and your own bonds). and janus, having just watched someone die because of just being themself and living their truth unabashedly, kicked his ass into full “self defense via deceit” mode. and virgil (who at this point represents every kind of fear, rational and irrational) just watched someone get split into subjective “good” and “bad” halves and thought, in no better words, “holy shit I’m next”

shoutout to @heartwitchhouse for inspiring a part of this pmv!!! it was the cross blade thing btw LOLLOL

okay now for the stills because capcut turned my art into mashed potatoes (that was pissing me off btw. sigh. sorry about the sandpaper quality) (its also only letting me add 8. so im doing my faves 030)

[yomica12345]

can you guys tell who my favourite sides are

btw, thanks for all the notes on my last post !!! cannot be happier that people like it sm, thanks for the kind words !

+ a moceit offer if you'd like

i cannot believe these guys are my solution to slowly get out of art block,,,

[yomica12345]

Here's a bunch of doodles I've done for my Hybrid/Isekai sanders sides au thing. Still figuring out what to call it.

[yomica12345]

My sasi animatics are usually just recaps of episodes but I had an idea that I aggroed on LOL so (ill explain the idea more vvv because im insane)

I don’t think that Logan would ever duck out as a result of the lack of acknowledgement he receives. I don’t think he would ever take HIMSELF out of the picture… but I don’t know… him taking the others out is an interesting idea. tehehehee..

I really liked the idea of Logan cutting all contact between Thomas and the others via restricting everyone to their rooms (even if I don’t really rhink something like this would canonically happen, still an interesting thought). And Virgil wants to help him, or stop him, or do anything about this, but seeing someone you are possibly the closest with being corrupted by someone you’ve distanced yourself from for so long kind of muddles what the right way to go about that would be.

So Thomas can feel himself falling into the steadfast work prioritization. And Remus, well Remus is no stranger to being hidden away from Thomas, so he wont let himself mourn the prematurely fleeting liberation. Roman, not used to being trapped in the confines of his own room, is quickly holed into an unbreakable maladaptive daydreaming state. Janus knows well and good what’s happening, it was inevitable, he just never expected such a direct approach from Logan. And Patton,, we know how Patton gets when stuck in his room too long :///

But with that all out of the way Logan and Thomas can finally start a new day and get working. yaayyy..!

[yomica12345]

Pane-fully Obvious: Chapter 28

Prologue Link, Chapter 27 Link

Ao3 Link

Warnings: Child Abuse & Neglect, Confinement & Isolation, Food Insecurity, Parental Neglect, Mental Health Themes, Suicidal Ideation & Implication

Chapter 28: Locking In

Janus’s wrist was trapped in an unforgiving grip, a grip that yanked him behind an even more merciless hand. 

Janus hopelessly scrambled against the pull, his small form doing nothing against the towering man. He cried as they neared the end of the dark hallway. The door at the end holding the torturous promise of isolation.

“I’ll be good!” Janus screamed. “I’ll-”

“Shut up! You ungrateful little- You want to play sick? Why don’t you play sick in your room?” The man threw Janus into the room onto the floor. “You’ll have plenty of fun staying locked in here all day. Maybe, just maybe I’ll think about letting you out tomorrow if you’re quiet enough.”

Janus sobbed as he curled around himself, the cold floor contrasting the heat of his trembling body. He cradled his stomach as the door slammed shut, shaking the room. The click of the lock left the finality of the punishment. He was trapped. No food, no water, no company.

He should never have said anything.

He’d never say anything again.

Janus’s eyes flickered open, now on his bed. He glanced to the door. A different door. A different room. His body shivered as cool air that slithered through the window that was barely cracked open. His stomach churned, his skin clammy.

Sick.

He was sick.

Janus closed his eyes, bringing an arm to rest over his head. Of course he was sick. He sighed, shifting into a more comfortable position, willing himself to fall back asleep, even just for a little bit.

But then came crying.

The baby.

Janus pulled what little warmth the blankets had to offer from his body and forced himself out of bed. He grabbed a sweater, slipping it on as he stepped into the hall. Around him, other rooms stirred—soft groans and rustling sheets as the baby’s cries disrupted their sleep. He exhaled, dragging a hand down his face.

He was tired.

Exhausted by the routine.

Check on the baby. Make breakfast. Pack lunches. Take the scraps for himself. Then school—Charlotte, Logan, Virgil. Then home—cleaning, helping with homework, making dinner. Staying up late to finish his own assignments. And finally, only then, he could rest.

But never for long.

Because soon, the baby would wake again, resetting the cycle. Over and over. 

“You know if the baby suffocated in its sleep you’d never have to deal with it again.” Remus mused, floating alongside him.

Janus sent him a look before opening the door to the baby’s room. Carefully he scooped her up into his arms, rocking her gently. His eyes drifted to the small green teething ring around her wrist. “You better not be teaching Emmy anything inappropriate,” he murmured.

Remus giggled. “Now why would I do that?”

Janus quirked an eyebrow. “An innocent mind to mold.”

“Or to corrupt.” Remus wiggled his fingers over Emmy, grinning as she giggled. “You know I’m its favorite.”

“Sure you are.” Janus took hold of the crib with one hand to steady himself. “We’re supposed to be putting her back to sleep, not waking her further.”

“Where would be the fun in that?”

“Janus?” 

Janus glanced back at the doorway to a disheveled woman with light, long hair. Her robe looked clumsy pulled over her pajamas.

“Gina.” He returned boredly, setting Emmy back down in her crib, pulling the blanket over her.

Gina sighed, leaning against the door. “You don’t have to do this.”

“Don’t I?” Janus folded his arms as he watched the baby. “Half the time you would let her cry herself back to sleep if I wasn’t here.”

“I don’t do it on purpose. Sometimes I don’t hear her.”

Janus rolled his eyes. “I’m sure that’s it.”

“It is.” Gina made her way over to the crib with a frown. “You just don’t understand how-”

“How hard it is to raise seven kids?” Janus finished for her, narrowing his eyes at Gina. “Then why do it? You’re fostering half of us, just drop us already, it’s clear you don’t have time for us so stop pretending you do.”

Gina shook her head. “Go back to bed, Janus.”

Janus scoffed. “Back to bed? Should I expect you to start getting breakfast ready for the kids this morning? Or were you hoping I would handle it like I always do?”

“As a teenager I don’t think it’s wrong of me to expect a little help from you with your siblings.”

“A little help?” Janus gripped the crib, keeping his voice low. “I barely have time for myself, Gina. And these kids aren’t my siblings. I never agreed to raise them. I never wanted to be here. Is the only reason you took me in to do all the work for you? You don’t expect the same from your son Andy do you? Because it sure seems like you don’t care if he’s left to laze about.”

“It’s not like that, Janus.”

“Then what is it like?” Janus shot back, daring her to answer.

“... Where is this all coming from?” Gina stepped closer, pausing when she noticed a little tremor run through Janus’s body. She reached up to rest the back of her hand against Janus’s forehead.

Janus flinched away, eyes widening.

Gina dropped her hand, eyebrows furrowed. “You’re burning up. Why don’t you go to your room? I’ll-”

“I’m going to school.” Janus pushed past, snatching up his backpack and helmet.

 “Janus-” 

Janus slammed the door shut behind him, getting onto his moped.

Remus giggled as he watched. “You’re really going to drive to school like that? Are you on some suicide mission?”

Janus pulled on his helmet, having trouble getting it clipped on with his shaky hands. “What if I was?”

Remus’s grin disappeared. “That-That isn’t funny, Janus.” He grabbed his arm. “Don’t you ever do that to me. Promise me you won’t.” His grip tightened on Janus’s arm. “Promise me.”

Janus looked down to the strap of his backpack, gripping it. “Remus… Why would I ever do something like that to you?”

Remus took hold of Janus’s chin, turning his head forcibly to face his own, eyes dangerous. “Promise.”

Janus’s fingers twitched against the handlebar, but his stare didn’t waver. “I promise.”

As Remus released him, Janus glanced down at his own hand, unfolding his crossed fingers. His voice steady when he spoke again.

“Let’s go to school.”

[yomica12345]

Pane-fully Obvious: Chapter 27

Prologue Link, Chapter 26 Link

Ao3 Link

Warnings: Nightmares/PTSD, Death/Loss of a Loved One, Emotional Distress, Mild Bullying/Embarrassment

Chapter 27: The Phantom of the Aisle

"So he believes you're Princey?" Charlotte checked, crossing her legs as she looked up from her book. 

"No, he's only following me because I stole his lunch box." Janus returned, rolling his eyes. 

Charlotte narrowed her eyes. "And you're making sure he's staying away from Roman?" 

"If he is busy following me why would he have time to spend with Roman?" 

"Good then there's nothing for you to worry about." Charlotte closed her book. "Now I have other things to oversee. Make sure Roman doesn’t tell Virgil about Princey." 

"Of course." Janus waited for Charlotte to be gone before moving to the door himself, stepping out of the empty classroom. 

"Ooo. Are we going to-" Remus started to say with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Janus adjusted the necklace he was wearing, the spectral teething ring shrunk down around the chain acting as a sort of charm. "Don't say it Remus."

Remus giggled. "Say what? I was only going to say-"

Janus rolled his eyes. "I know what you were going to say, don’t say it aloud." 

Remus floated ahead on his side, one arm holding his head up, free hand drawing circles on the non-existent surface under him. "Aw, you're no fun when you're cranky wanky for some hanky panky."

"I should have never granted you access to the internet."

"You want me to enter the what?"

“I don’t want you entering anything.” Janus sighed, turning down the mostly empty hallways.

Remus took Janus’s arm with a grin as they made their way through the library. “Are we going to see my brother?”

“It’s likely we will. Despite Virgil’s promise to stay away he certainly hasn’t been.”

Remus giggled. “Good. I made sure he can hear me so this will be fun.”

Janus stepped through the theater, opening the door to the sound booth. His eyes flickered briefly to Logan, meeting his gaze for a moment. His face fell as Logan just turned his attention back to his notes. Janus gripped his necklace as he looked away. Why did Janus still hope things could go back to how they had been? This was their new normal. Logan barely acknowledged him now, but it was the least Janus deserved. He’d never get back what he lost and never lose the guilt that tangled his heart in uncomfortable knots.

Janus turned to Virgil on the floor, offering a smile as he reached a hand out to him. "Are you prepared for Biology, Xi?" 

"Now?" Virgil checked the time on his phone and then glanced between his friends before his eyes stopped on Janus again. "We still have ten minutes until class starts." He packed up his equipment regardless, taking Janus's hand with a little smile of his own.

Janus gently pulled Virgil to his feet, placing a kiss on his cheek. "I thought it may be less stressful for you if we were to make our way while the hallways are at their most bare."

Logan cleared his throat, slipping his things into his bag. "I would not mind arriving early to prepare for my next class as well." He stood, bag already over his shoulder, his grip tight over the strap as he glanced to Roman expectantly.

Roman watched Janus and Virgil a moment before registering what Logan had said, scrambling to stuff his things into his backpack. "Uh, yeah, yes, me too."

Janus gave a little nod, not waiting for Roman to be up before leading the way out of the soundbooth, starting down the stairs towards the stage, eyes going to Virgil’s hand as it slid back into his.

Roman's eyes followed the group as they left the booth, reaching for his phone to pocket it. He looked down when he didn't make contact, moving closer and blinking when the phone seemed to move away, but only just a little bit. Shaking his head he grabbed it, hurrying out to follow everyone else. 

A light tap on Roman's shoulder caused him to pause, checking his side for Patton before remembering the cheerful spirit was ahead of him with Logan. He frowned, brushing it off before he was shoved towards the audience seating. Yelping, he quickly caught himself on the aisle seat looking around frantically for who had done it, but he couldn’t see anyone, only hearing a soft… Was that snickering? 

"Roman, are you okay?" Patton swiftly rushed up to check on him.

Roman pushed himself back up to his feet, eyebrows furrowed. "Yeah, I must've just tripped..."

Virgil hesitated. "You sure you're good?"

Roman nodded, standing taller, putting on a grin. "Of course, can't knock this Prince down."

As if on cue with the end of Roman's statement his pants were tugged down to his ankles, revealing his red boxers underneath, small gold crowns littered across them.

It was silent for a moment before Virgil burst out into laughter. "Are those crowns?"

Janus held a hand up to hide his lips as he chuckled softly, trying to keep an air of sophistication.

Roman's cheeks burned as he tried to pull them back on, struggling against some invisible force keeping them down. "They were a gift!" He defended.

Virgil raised an eyebrow. "And you wear them?"

"Of course, I do, I do not want to be rude!" Roman grimaced, pausing to think for a second before looking over to the seating. He dove towards it to block the others' view of him, kicking away whatever it was holding his pants down and finally tugging them back on, doing up his belt.

"How would anyone even know you're actually using them or not?"

"I would." Roman returned, keeping a hand on his belt as he accepted Patton's help up.

"This has to be one of your crowning moments." Patton teased.

Roman shot Patton a look as Virgil's laughter picked up again.

"Sorry, Kiddo, couldn't help myself." Patton shrugged, before looking his friend over with an edge of concern. "You okay?"

Roman nodded, looking around warily. "Let's just get to class."

"You want us to lead the way, your highness?" Virgil smirked.

Roman looked away, his blush returning. "Do whatever you want."

Virgil, Janus and Logan continued on, Patton staying close to Roman this time, peeking over at Roman as they walked down the stairs.

"Remember me, RoRo?" A voice giggled mischievously.

Roman froze where he was, recognizing the nickname that had only ever been used by his brother. 

Patton stopped beside him, unsure as he glanced at his friend. "Did you hear something too?"

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Roman gripped his pillow tightly, whimpering as he tossed from one side to the other. Sweat and tears traced his cheeks, barely tying him to reality. The giggling in his head taunted him, haunted him as his dream continued. They were playing, messing around despite the warnings to stop, be careful, the ‘you’re going to get hurt’s, but they just kept going. Kept running dangerously close to the edge of the mountain path. Horrifyingly close to the steep slope down the side of the rocky mountain.

Then the other boy tripped backwards. Their foot slipped and the look of glee on the other boy’s face twisted into terror. He cried out, grasping the air for anything to catch him. Roman’s little hand darted forward, but only the tips of their fingers touched. There was a scream from behind as Roman was yanked away, another hand reaching past him.

But it was too late.

The other boy was gone.

"Roman!"

Roman shot into a sitting position. His eyes searched desperately for the boy from his dream. His brother. Remus. His chest heaved with uneven breaths. “Remus!” He cried out, sobbing when his twin didn’t answer him. “Remus!”

“Roman. Roman, it’s okay.” Patton slid on a pair of glasses onto Roman, coming into view for him. “Hey, it’s-”

Roman tugged Patton into a hug, clutching at the back of his shirt as he trembled against him. “I could have saved him, I could have-”

“Shh.” Patton soothed, running a hand through Roman’s wet hair. “It’s going to be okay.”

“But-”

A soft knock interrupted them, Wilder’s voice coming through the door.

“Roman? Are you alright? Can I come in?”

Roman hesitantly pulled away from Patton, swiping at his eyes. He grimaced. He’d woken Virgil’s dad up. Maybe even more than just him. He was supposed to be a guest in this house and now he was disturbing them with his nightmares. He couldn’t say no, could he?

He exhaled shakily before speaking up. “Yeah… Come in.”

Wilder gently pushed the door open, flicking on the light switch. He remained by the door, expression soft. “I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”

Roman didn’t meet his eyes, holding his arms instead. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake anyone.”

“You don’t need to apologize.” Wilder assured. “We’re more worried about you than upset. Are you okay? Is there anything I can offer you that would help?”

Roman’s lip quivered slightly at the question. His parents had never been so gentle with him when he used to wake them. And now here was a man who barely knew him, offering to help. Asking him if there was a way he could. He swallowed, lifting his eyes behind the cover of his bangs. “I’ll… I’ll be fine, thanks Mr. Storm.”

Patton reached over to squeeze Roman’s hand, sending him a reassuring smile.

Wilder gave a nod. “Alright. If you ever need someone to talk to, my door is always open.” He stepped aside as Virgil stepped into the room, a wet rag in one hand and a glass of milk in the other. Giovanna nudged him forward before pulling Wilder out of the room with her, closing the door behind them.

Virgil opened his mouth, hesitating. “My mom thought you might need…” He set the glass of milk on the nightstand, holding out the rag. “Here.”

Roman accepted it, the rag was cool against his skin as he wiped off his face with it, his shoulders sagging. “Thank you,” he whispered.

Virgil took a seat on the edge of the bed, looking to his hands in his lap. “Nightmare?” He guessed.

Roman put the rag down, taking a sip of the warm milk. “Sort of… A bad memory,” he murmured, taking a deep calming breath. “I didn’t mean to wake anyone.”

“It’s okay… I actually used to wake my parents up with my nightmares all the time.” Virgil admitted. “They don’t mind, and this is sort of like karma for me.”

Roman set the empty glass down after a moment, watching it. “Did they always comfort you like this after your nightmares?”

“Yeah.” Virgil reached up to rub the back of his neck. “Kind of embarrassing, I know.”

“They must really care about you.” Roman mentioned, unable to hide the tinge of longing from his voice. He had never had this before, not like this.

Patton and Virgil both turned to Roman, Patton scooting closer to Roman.

“You know who cares about you?” Patton smiled softly at Roman, rubbing his arm. “Us.”

Virgil cleared his throat. “Well Patton does, me I-” he cut himself off as he met Roman’s eyes, ducking his head and nudging Roman’s knee with his. “I guess I do… a little.” He sighed after a moment. “More than a little.”

Roman’s lips twitched at the corners at the admissions. “I care about you both too.”

Patton’s smile warmed. “Is there anything else we can do to help you tonight, kiddo?”

Roman glanced back to the pillows behind him with uncertainty. “Well…” he hesitated. “Did your parents do anything else to help you get back to sleep?”

Virgil tapped on his thigh. “They- My mom…” He shook his head. “This stays in this room.” He crawled up onto the bed, adjusting the blankets.

Roman blinked, his eyes following after him. “What are you-”

“Just lie down.” Virgil interjected, his face pink.

Roman did as he was told, shifting to be in the middle of the bed to make room for Patton on his other side.

Patton turned off the main light, turning the lamp by the bed on before joining the other two on the bed. “We’ll keep the nightmares away.” He promised, wrapping his arms around Roman and resting his head against his chest. “You’re safe with us.”

Roman relaxed into the hold. “Thanks Pat-” His breath caught as an arm slid under his side from the other side, Virgil’s arms slipping around him too, his body cradling Roman’s. His eyes teared up as they glanced from Patton in front of him to Virgil’s arms, his voice cracking.

“Virgil?”

“I’ll protect you,” Virgil whispered, his words barely making it to Roman’s ears. 

Roman brought an unsteady hand from Patton’s back to Virgil’s arms. He closed his eyes as Patton and Virgil shifted closer to steady him.

Here.

Here was where he felt safe, in the arms of two people he cared about.

Here he was safe to sleep.

Here he was safe to dream.

Chapter 28

[yomica12345]

Pane-fully Obvious: Chapter 26

Prologue Link, Chapter 25 Link

Ao3 Link

Warnings: Emotional Conflict, Family Struggles and Trauma, Insecurity and Self-Doubt, Verbal Confrontation, Inadvertent Sexual Tension, Comments about Sex/Accidents

Chapter 26: A Study Over

"A study-over?" Logan repeated, his face scrunching up.

"Because it's like a sleepover but you're all studying." Patton nodded, chuckling.

Logan held back a sigh, putting his bag down slowly beside the coffee table and removing his textbooks, setting them up as he would his desk at home. "I suppose now that you believe you have stumbled across a clever name that encompasses the activity you will not be accepting constructive criticism."

“Nope.” Patton grinned.

Logan watched Virgil across the room on his phone, a smile on his face as he nodded along to the person on the other line, disappearing into the office. It was Janus, it had to be. He lowered his gaze, smoothing down his shirt with pinched eyebrows. He couldn’t even listen to them without Janus’s words repeating through his head. He hoped they weren’t true, that Janus was lying. In fact he couldn’t help but explore possible reasons Janus was lying. His mind kept circling back, searching for any logical explanation. Any reason Janus would push him away. 

“Logan?” Patton tilted his head.

Logan sat up straighter, adjusting his glasses. “Yes, Patton?”

Patton slipped onto the couch beside him, tapping his thigh. “Are you okay? Since whatever happened last week with Janus you’ve been more… reserved.”

“It’s nothing of importance, Patton.” Logan picked up a textbook from the coffee table, flipping through it. Was there something Virgil had that Logan didn’t? Was it the same reason Virgil and he had drifted apart when they were dating? He lifted his head as Patton rested a hand on his leg.

"Logan..." Patton spoke more softly now. "Does this have to do with you not believing Janus is Princey?"

Logan’s eyes flicked to Roman as he stepped into the living room. His jaw tightened as he stood. "I don't believe Janus is Princey. I know who the real Princey is."

Roman stiffened, eyes darting to the office Virgil was in. He chuckled uncomfortably, lowering his voice as he brought over a tray of hot chocolate, setting it on the table. “You do, huh? Who do you think it is?”

Logan folded his arms. “I know you’re Princey, Roman. Your last name is literally Prince. I am also certain if I checked your room I would find the very suit and mask that he was wearing along with the matching shoe to Virgil’s.”

Patton blinked, looking between Logan and a tense Roman. “You think Roman is Princey?”

Roman scoffed as he picked up a mug. “I am not Princey.”

“Roman, Janus is actively lying to Virgil. The longer you withhold from telling Virgil the truth about Princey the more it is going to hurt when he finds out.” Logan pointed out, gripping his textbook tightly. “The longer Janus gets away with this.”

Roman’s eyes trailed up to the door. “I… I can’t take this from Virgil, Logan. He’s happy thinking Janus is Princey. If he knew I was actually him he’d… He would be disappointed.”

“Kiddo…” Patton rested a hand over Roman’s shoulder, his face falling. “What makes you think that?”

“Have either of you seen me these last couple weeks?” Roman laughed, not making eye contact. “I’m pathetic. Virgil’s family literally had to take me in because my own family didn’t want me. I can’t tell Virgil, I just can’t.”

“Can’t tell me what?”

Roman jumped at the voice, spilling some hot chocolate over his hand and nearly dropping the mug.

Virgil was already at his side, worry etched across his face. “Are you okay?”

“I…” Roman’s eyes went from Virgil’s hand on his to the worry in his eyes. He pulled back a bit as his eyes drifted down just slightly from his eyes, swallowing. “I’m, uh… fine.”

Virgil grabbed a napkin from the table, wiping the hot chocolate from Roman’s hand. “You just burned your hand, you’re not fine.”

“The hot chocolate wasn’t that hot.” Roman took his hand back from Virgil, ducking his head. “I’m really fine, Virgil… Thanks.”

“Fine.” Virgil sighed, setting the napkin aside. “But… there’s something you can’t tell me?”

“Not- Not yet, but I will.” Roman glanced between Logan and Patton, hesitating before nodding. “I will.” He grabbed a textbook after a second. "But now we should really be focusing on studying." He looked down at the math textbook in his hands, making a face and trading it for the language arts one instead.

"I agree." Logan took a seat giving Roman a little nod as he pulled out a stack of paper. "I have prepared worksheets so I will be able to understand where you both are and what parts of each subject you are struggling with."

"You brought worksheets?" Roman plopped the textbook back onto the coffee table, splaying out on the couch. "But we just got out of school a half hour ago." He whined.

"Actually, forty-three minutes and twenty-eight seconds ago." Logan fixed the position of the discarded textbook before handing Virgil a neatly stapled worksheet and holding one out for Roman. "School does not end when we leave the school building. It ends when we have properly completed our work and understand the material we are covering. In a sense it also goes beyond that in that we-"

Roman snatched the worksheet from him. "Let's just get this over with."

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"My brain hurts." Roman complained, slumping back against the couch now that they were finally finished studying for the night.

Virgil set his pencil down, massaging the side of his head. "Well I think I feel a migraine coming on."

"I can barely feel my hand."

Virgil raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching upwards. "You can feel your hand?"

Roman sat up narrowing his eyes slightly at Virgil. "Are you… Are you trying to one up me?" 

"Don't think it's trying when I clearly am." Virgil smirked.

Roman sputtered indignantly. "You can't one up me! That's- That's impossible!"

"Doesn't seem like it is to me." Virgil chuckled softly.

"Oh my gosh they're so cute!" Patton squealed. 

"It is quite enjoyable watching Roman when he is offended." Logan admitted with a slight nod of his head. After a moment he turned his attention back to the table to finish packing his textbooks away, reaching up to hold his arm for a few moments. Getting up he took out a pair of pajamas from his bag, disappearing into the bathroom. "I will be out shortly."

Patton nodded, watching the door with a frown before turning back to Virgil and Roman. "So… Who's ready for a mov-" He froze as someone passed right through him.

"Is this your new boyfriend, Virge?" 

Virgil stopped laughing, his cheeks warming as he scooted ever so slightly away from his friend. "Roman is not my boyfriend."

"So you have a boyfriend then." The girl smirked, setting her bags down.

"I never- I-" Virgil stuttered.

"Virgil, il mio bambino." A woman with hair matching the darkness of Virgil's roots, dropped her own bags, tugging Virgil to his feet so she could kiss him on the head, giving him a big hug. 

Virgil grimaced, a little out of breath from the force of his mother's arms around him. "Hey, mom."

His mother pulled away to look him over, smoothing out his hair. "Hai mangiato bene? È successo qualcosa mentre eravamo via? Come sta la tua ansia?”

"I'm fine. Nothing's changed since you texted me two hours ago." Virgil mumbled, his eyes flickering to Roman, cheeks warming.

Virgil's mother followed his gaze. "This is Roman?" She moved over to him, taking Roman's face into her hands for a moment to look him over. "Oh, mio ​​caro ragazzo. You are welcome to stay here as long as you like. I mean it. You are part of our family now."

"I…" Roman stared over her shoulder blankly as he processed the information, his eyes tearing up. This woman barely knew him and already she was readily accepting him into her family like it was the natural thing to do.

"Anything you need Wilder and I will provide." Virgil's mother let go, narrowing her eyes. "You want us to take those parents to court, we will do it in a beat of the heart. You have siblings? We’ll take them in. Anything you need."

"That's- That's fine I'd rather no one have to go through the trouble."

"For you, it'd be worth the trouble." She gave him a kiss on the head. "Welcome to our family. You can call me Giovanna or whatever you are most comfortable with." She gave Roman another quick hug. "Now what would you like for supper? Anything you want I will make it."

"What I want?" Roman looked to Virgil. "I don't…"

"Gnocchi, I'm sure Roman will love your gnocchi." Virgil spoke up, patting Roman on the arm.

"Gnocchi, oh, you will love it." Giovanna nodded eagerly. "Bianca and I will get started on it right away." She pulled out her phone, scooting Bianca out of the living room as she scolded her. "Faresti meglio a non spaventare quel povero ragazzo, Bia."

Roman watched them go before turning back to Virgil. "So that's your family then, huh? I never would have expected them to be so…"

"Doting?" Virgil offered, falling back onto the couch.

"Affectionate." Roman sat down beside him. "It's just you're so…"

"Cold, yeah, I get it." Virgil mumbled, fiddling with the end of his sleeve.

"No, I wasn't going to say that. You're an emo edge lord, that's all." Roman nudged Virgil with a gentle smile. "I wouldn't love you any other way."

"Love… me?" Virgil looked up, tilting his head, brows furrowed.

Roman's face turned a dark shade of pink, holding up his hands. "I- I did not mean it like that I only meant as- as a friend that cares about you and-" He stuttered.

Virgil quirked an eyebrow, lips turning up at the corners as he moved closer to Roman. "As just a friend?"

"Of course." Roman chuckled awkwardly, leaning away as Virgil got even closer.

"Then why the blush, Prince?" Virgil smirked.

"I'm not blushing, I am merely… I’m just hot." Roman started to fan himself for emphasis. 

Virgil rested his arm over the back of the couch, bringing a leg up as he moved in even closer. “I don’t know, I think your face is looking pretty pink.”

Roman felt the warmth travel up his ears. “I-I-” His eyes widened as he lost his balance, gripping Virgil by the shirt to try catch himself, only tugging Virgil down back onto the couch with him.

Virgil held himself over Roman, looking down at him with a light scoff. “Didn’t you once call me the forward one?”

“I-” Roman’s face turned impossibly redder. “You’re the one who-”

“You kids using protection?” Someone spoke up in an amused tone.

Virgil’s face went from its pale color to a rosy red as he scrambled off of Roman. “What the heck, Dad!”

Wilder smirked, meeting Virgil’s gaze from behind his glasses. “I just wanted to be sure my son and his friend were being responsible.”

“It was an accident. We just- we…”

Wilder reached up to rustle Virgil’s hair. “A lot can come from an accident. You know you were your mother and I’s happy little accident.”

“Oh my gosh, TMI!” Virgil slapped his hand away, fixing his hair. “I didn’t need to know that.”

Wilder laughed. “I was joking, kid. I just want you to be careful. Now you two go wash up. Dinner should be ready in a minute.”

Virgil sighed, stepping into the bathroom with Roman just behind.

Roman smiled as he glanced back into the living room from where he was standing waiting beside Virgil. “Your dad… he seems very accepting.” He commented quietly.

 Virgil lifted his gaze in the mirror. “He is. My family is. You’re safe here, Roman, I promise.”

Roman’s eyes softened as he met Virgil’s. Safe. He was safe here and he could trust that. He could trust Virgil. He did trust Virgil. “Virgil…”

Virgil cleared his throat after a second, reaching back and grabbing Roman’s hands tugging them into the sink with his. “Just wash your-” 

The motion pulled Roman closer, his chest now pressing against Virgil’s back. Their arms shifted awkwardly, trapping Virgil between him and the sink as their hands tangled under the warm stream of water from the tap.

“I…” Virgil’s voice faltered, and he took a cautious step closer, leaving almost no space between them. His breath was shallow as he opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, the sound of Patton’s voice interrupted.

“Kiddos?”

Both of them froze, and Patton peered into the bathroom, blinking in surprise. “Oh…”

Roman stepped back quickly, his face flushing. “Patton.”

“Dinner is ready.” Patton informed.

“Ri-Right, yeah.” Virgil exited the bathroom, not even drying his hands. “Coming.”

Roman watched Virgil go, releasing a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding.

Patton lowered his voice, grinning brightly at Roman. “Were you two going to…?”

Roman leaned back against the wall, raising a wet hand and running it through his hair. “No, of course not.”

“Sure you weren’t.” Patton giggled, sending him a wink. “See you at the table, Roman.”

Roman grabbed a towel, his face still warm as he stared up at his reflection in the mirror.

But had they been?

[yomica12345]

Pane-fully Obvious: Chapter 25

Prologue Link, Chapter 24 Link

Ao3 Link

Warnings: Emotional Manipulation, Betrayal, Implied Self-Harm, Mental Health Struggles, Verbal Abuse, Relationship Trauma, Isolation and Loneliness, Tears and Grief

Chapter 25: The Cost of Lies

“You believe he’s Princey?” Logan folded his arms from his place in the passenger seat. “Why? Is there a reason you’re convinced he is? A reason other than his word?”

Virgil turned the wheel, his eyes flickering to the rearview mirror where Janus trailed behind on his moped. “I have more than just his word. Why are you so suspicious of him? You’ve never even officially met Princey before.”

“I would not be so sure I haven’t.” Logan met Roman’s gaze in the mirror.

“If… If Janus is lying, then who do you think the real Princey is?”

Logan’s eyes narrowed at Roman. “I know the real Princey should be coming forth himself. It isn’t fair for him to hide behind someone else while letting a lie fester.”

“Janus has to be Princey. I mean…” Virgil argued, pulling into the garage. “It feels like it’s him and Charlotte… She wouldn’t be lying about this. She has no reason to.”

“I’m certain she must,” Logan murmured, grabbing his bag and stepping out of the car. He walked straight to Janus. “We need to talk.”

Janus hung his helmet over the handlebars of his moped, lifting the seat to retrieve his backpack. “Do we?”

“Yes, we do.” Logan grabbed his wrist, pulling him past Virgil and Roman and into the house. He ushered him into the office, closing the door behind them as he released Janus. He turned to face him, his eyes narrowing. “Why are you doing this?”

Janus hesitated, his eyes never meeting Logan’s. He set his bag down on the chair, his posture stiff. “Doing what, Logan? You’ll have to be more specific.”

“Why are you pretending to be Princey? We both know you can’t be him. The evidence doesn’t line up. You messaged me while Virgil was with him, and when I found you, you weren’t dressed like him. Your hair wasn’t red.”

Janus tapped his fingers against the desk. “So you’re not convinced I’m Princey, then.”

“Janus, just answer my question. Why are you doing this?” Logan repeated, arms crossed. “What do you have to gain from what you’ve lost?”

Janus remained silent, leaning against the desk. He didn’t want to do this. He didn’t want to have this conversation. He wished Logan had no part in this, that he wouldn’t have to hurt the one person he cared about most. But if he didn’t, Logan would keep pushing him for answers. He’d be dragged down to his level, and he couldn’t let that happen to Logan. He had no choice. “Are you saying I lost anything of value?”

Logan’s cool expression wavered. “You tell me.” He stepped closer. “And I’d like you to do so while actually meeting my gaze.”

Janus clenched his fists, turning to face Logan. He lifted his eyes, doing this for Logan, to protect him from Charlotte. “I didn’t lose anything I cared about.”

Logan’s eyes darkened. “Falsehood.”

Janus swallowed, holding Logan’s gaze.

“You cared.” Logan tilted Janus’s head up with his hands. “Don’t tell me you didn’t care about me, Janus.”

“I didn’t,” Janus pulled Logan’s hands down from his face. “Our relationship was nothing more than an experiment, Logan, you know that.”

Logan’s eyebrows knit together, eyes flickering between Janus’s. His jaw clenched as he took a step back. “I see… So all of it was a lie? Your words? Our kisses? Last night?”

Janus leaned back against the desk, gripping it tightly. He could see the doubts starting to creep into Logan but they didn’t have deep enough roots. He needed to keep going. “It was fun, wasn’t it? Being able to fix someone else’s problems for them? Having someone who listened to you? Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it.”

Logan raised a fist to his mouth, scoffing, but it came out as little more than a puff of air. He stared at the floor. “It was an act. Of course. You were rather convincing, I suppose congratulations are in order.”

Janus gave a theatrical bow, squeezing his eyes shut as they burned. His throat felt dry, his chest tight with an unseen force holding his heart. He opened his mouth.

“You truly had me believing that someone cared.”

Janus swiftly lifted his head, eyes wide. Too far. He had gone too far. “Logan—”

“No.” Logan turned, head down, grabbing the door handle.

Janus reached out, taking hold of his shoulder, his voice cracking. “Logan.”

Logan weakly pushed Janus away before quietly slipping out of the office without another word.

The door clicked shut, and Logan’s retreating footsteps echoed with finality on the other side.

Janus stumbled back into the desk, staring at the door, eyes watering. What had he just done? How could he take it back? How could he undo this? Take back the doubts he had fed Logan, go back in time and just admit he was a coward? That he was trying to push him away out of fear, out of selfishness, a desperate attempt to escape Charlotte? He grasped the desk, his nails digging in as if he could will everything to be undone. He’d go back to Charlotte. He’d face her threats, face expulsion, face anything, if it meant sparing Logan from himself and his cruel lies.

He couldn’t breathe.

“I can’t undo this,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

He sucked in a shaky breath as tears dropped down his chin, staining his sweater.

He’d never be able to undo this.

“Janus?” Virgil knocked from the other side of the door, an edge of concern in his voice.

Janus pushed himself off the desk, counting in his head, taking a shaky step toward the door before his legs gave out beneath him. He collapsed to the floor.

One. Breathe.

He exhaled through a sob.

Two. Get up.

He pushed himself onto unsteady legs.

Three. Shut up.

He closed his mouth, swallowing down the sob.

Four. Wipe your tears.

He swiped at his face, leaving his eyes red and raw.

Five. Repeat. Just like he’d been taught.

He did it all again.

Six. Bury it.

He stepped toward the door.

Seven. Mask it.

He schooled his expression.

Eight. Smile it away.

His lips twitched up, a painfully practiced ease to the gesture. Logan was just another casualty.

But he wasn’t.

Chapter 26

[yomica12345]

Sanders Sides Co-Writing Fun

Hello this is @yomica12345. There might already be some fanders already doing this but I haven't found them if they are. I just thought it would be fun to create a side blog as a space to unite sanders sides fanfiction writers who would like to find others to write with.

I'm hoping it will help inspire those who are in all sorts of positions. Those who may be suffering with writers block and would just like someone to bounce ideas off of or are looking for a proof reader. Those who think it would be fun to co-write with someone but don't know where to look for that person to write with. Those who have ideas but aren't sure where to start and could use some guidance. And maybe those looking for writing prompts specific to the sides or those who would like to offer prompts from ideas they might have themselves.

Basically I want this blog to be a safe place for fanders who love writing fanfiction and fanders who love reading fanfiction. I'm not sure how to organize things just yet but if it seems enough writers are interested in this idea then I'll get a discord running and I'll start setting things up. If you're interested in participating in anything I've mentioned whether it be writing, reading or collaborating please like and reblog this post. The more people I see wanting to get involved the more I'll take this seriously. If you have any questions you can ask them in the comments or through my ask box. Thanks in advance for any support you might offer this post <3

Discord Link

[yomica12345]

I was drawing sanders sides again and thought “grey that’s cringe” but then I remembered that tumblr doesn’t think anything is cringe so here you go I’m exploding them with my mind

[yomica12345]

Pane-fully Obvious: Chapter 24

Prologue Link, Chapter 23 Link

Ao3 Link

Warnings: Bullying & Manipulation, Emotional Distress, Guilt & Betrayal, Mild Physical Contact, Romantic & Emotional Conflict

Chapter 24: A Deal with the Devil

Virgil stared down at his phone, his eyebrows slightly pinched together. No new messages. No response. Not even a reassurance that Princey was okay after last night. The silence made him feel nauseous.

He had no idea where Princey was—or if he’d ever reach out again.

He’d screwed up.

He never should have pressured him. Now, Princey was gone.

"Has he texted you back yet, kiddo?" Patton asked softly, standing beside him as students filtered out of the school for the day.

Virgil shook his head, closing his locker. “No.”

“If he recognized you, he must be someone who goes to this school,” Logan reasoned, adjusting his glasses. “That should narrow things down from the entire school division to just this building.”

Virgil tugged the strap of his backpack over his shoulder. “I haven’t seen anyone with red hair all day, Logan. He’s not here.”

"Perhaps it was only a temporary dye. There are other ways to narrow this down," Logan continued, his eyes flickering toward Roman. “For instance, I recall that he had brown eyes. He also seemed taller than you—approximately five-nine or five-ten.”

Roman scoffed, looking away. “It was dark. How can you be so sure they were brown? And… and he could’ve been wearing heels.”

“He left his shoe behind. He wasn’t wearing heels,” Virgil muttered.

Logan’s eyes narrowed at Roman. “I believe I noticed some of his natural hair color coming through. It seemed to be—”

“Alright, I think that’s enough deducing,” Roman interrupted, voice strained. “I mean, if he wants to be found, he’ll come straight to you, right?”

Virgil sighed, starting down the hall. “Let’s just stop talking about it already. I know I’m not going to find him. I know he’s not going to come for me. And I know he’s never going to want to.”

“Kiddo…” Patton wrapped an arm around Virgil’s, his lips downturning with concern. “I’m sure he does. Maybe there’s just something holding him back.”

“Yeah, it’s that he decided he didn’t like the real me.”

“No, it’s not.”

Everyone’s eyes turned to Roman. He shrank back a little. “I mean…” He ducked his head. “Who wouldn’t like the real you?”

Virgil didn’t meet his eyes. “Apparently, Princey.”

Roman tipped Virgil’s head up gently. He couldn’t let him suffer like this, could he? Let him believe he was any less loved than he was? He just wanted to see Virgil happy.

Maybe it was worth the risk.

Maybe, if Virgil wanted this…

He opened his mouth. “Virgil—”

But before he could say anything more, Virgil pushed his hand away, stepping back as his eyes darted to the side. “Charlotte.”

Charlotte smiled, waving briefly at Roman with a giggle before taking Virgil’s arm. “Can I talk to you about something?”

Virgil glanced at his friends for a moment before giving a soft nod. “Yeah… I guess.”

His eyes stayed on Charlotte’s hand—how tightly it gripped his arm, almost cutting off his circulation. He swallowed hard as they stopped in an empty hallway. “I… I’m trying, but things came up, and—”

"Relax, Virgil." Charlotte chuckled, patting his cheek. "I’m not here to hurt you, I promise."

Virgil tensed up despite her words.

“I think I’ve been a little too hard on you.” She sighed dramatically, her gaze flickering over her shoulder. “You’ve obviously been trying to avoid Roman after my warnings, but maybe… you’d have an easier time if I offered you something in return.”

"An offer?" Virgil’s eyebrows knit together.

“A friend of mine saw you with a masked stranger last night…” Charlotte leaned in close, lowering her voice. “You wouldn’t happen to be looking for him, would you?”

Virgil’s breath hitched. "You know who he is?" His eyes lit up briefly—before his face fell again.

Charlotte tipped his chin up with a single finger. "I could introduce you. Right now.”

"But I have to stop hanging out with Roman."

His posture sank at the realization. One or the other. His best friend… or Roman.

Why was he hesitating?

Why was there a part of him that didn’t want to give up spending time with the dumb theater geek?

Why was there a part of him that didn’t want to give up Roman?

He could have everything he had ever wanted with Princey—but it would mean having nothing with Roman.

Charlotte sighed, shaking her head. "You want the guy, don’t you? It’s a friend over a boyfriend, Virgil. You could have this dreamy guy you danced with, laughed with, had fun with. Don’t you like him? Don’t you want to find out who he is under that mask? Go on dates with him, hold him close, make out with him?” Her eyes narrowed. “Or would you rather my friends and I continue to make your life worse? Because believe me, there’s still so much worse in store for you if you choose Roman. Some light nudges and teasing were nothing, Virgil. I have the power to make it so much worse.”

Virgil bit down on his thumb.

Could he handle the bullying for Roman? Could he make it through the rest of high school with Charlotte constantly over his shoulder?

His eyebrows pinched together.

Roman didn’t need him if he had Patton and Logan, did he? He’d survive.

It would be fine.

It had to be.

Everyone would be happier this way.

He gave a slight nod. “Okay.”

Charlotte grinned, taking his arm again. “I have someone to introduce you to, then.”

Virgil held his breath as they stopped in front of a classroom door, his heart rate rising as Charlotte pulled it open, stepping in first.

“Virgil, meet Janus.”

Virgil’s eyes landed on the dark-haired boy, something inside him sinking—though he wasn’t sure why.

Janus met his gaze, something unreadable in his eyes.

“Xi…” Janus stayed where he was by one of the desks.

“Princey?” Virgil took an uncertain step forward.

Janus looked away. “You wish I turned out to be someone else.”

“No.” Virgil blurted. “I…”

He released his breath, chuckling softly as his eyes teared up. “I just wasn’t expecting you.”

Janus lifted his eyes, hesitating before moving closer. He reached up, resting a hand on Virgil’s cheek. “Is that a good or a bad thing?”

Virgil placed his own hand over Janus’s. “It’s good.”

He smiled softly.

This had to be Princey. That same uncertain vulnerability rested in those amber eyes.

He tucked a strand of Janus’s hair behind his ear before pressing an experimental kiss to his lips.

Janus closed his eyes, forcing himself to pull Virgil closer—despite wanting nothing more than to pull away. His breath caught in his throat, something burning behind his eyes.

Virgil stepped back after a few seconds, taking Janus’s hand. “Princey.”

“Xi.” Janus smiled softly as Virgil led him out of the classroom.

He could feel Charlotte’s eyes on them as they left.

Could feel the guilt stabbing into him.

The guilt for lying to Virgil.

But worse than that…

The guilt of cheating on Logan.

It twisted inside him, a knife lodged deep.

How was he going to do this?

His eyes lifted as Virgil slowed, and suddenly, it felt so much worse.

Logan’s eyes drifted to their interlocked hands. Then to Virgil’s hopeful smile.

And then, finally, to Janus.

Betrayal burned behind his hazel gaze.

Janus could feel the unspoken question in his stare.

He looked away, turning instead to Virgil.

For once, he actually wanted to be facing Charlotte.

Because maybe…

Maybe her torment would have been easier than this.

But it was too late now.

He couldn’t go back.

Not anymore.

Chapter 25

[yomica12345]

The poor bean!!!!

*crumples him up*

idk if you guys are able to tell but

apple: janus

caterpillar: remus

crown: roman

rocket ship: logan

music note: virgil

house: patton (because home is where the heart is)

tracked time 5 hours 52 minutes

[yomica12345]

Pane-fully Obvious: Chapter 23

Prologue Link, Chapter 22 Link

Ao3 Link

Warnings: Emotional Abuse, Physical Intimidation/Coercion, Unwanted Touching, Threats of Public Humiliation, Panic/Anxiety, Bullying

Chapter 23: Leaving a Mark

Janus shifted closer to the warmth, his nose grazing against something warm. He exhaled in contentment the breath causing the warmth beneath his body to shiver. Then something moved against his backside, and he tensed as a hand flexed over it. His eyes shot open, his face heating as his gaze trailed down from Logan's neck, which he was curled against, to Logan’s arm and its trajectory.

“Janus? What feels so—”

Remus cackled, floating above them. “He touched the butt!”

Logan’s eyes shot open, and he immediately removed his hands from Janus’s backside, his face flushed crimson. “I didn’t mean to—”

Laughter from the hallway interrupted them, both of them flushing as they scrambled to disentangle themselves from the floor, their tangled legs proving to be more problematic than anticipated.

Logan tugged Janus down when that didn’t seem to be working, their lips nearly touching. “Hide me!”

“Hide you?” Janus hissed, using the suit jacket draped over him to try to shield his face from the students snapping pictures from the hallway. “What about me? Why—oh no...” His eyes scanned Logan’s face, and the bright green marker scribbled across it. A cartoonish mustache, monocle, and worst of all, the bold, oversized word ‘DADDY’ scrawled across his forehead.

Logan squinted at Janus’s face. “...Mommy?”

Janus slapped a hand over his forehead. “This can’t be happening.”

“We need to get out of here before—” Logan started.

A throat cleared, pulling their attention up to the teacher standing in the doorway, arms folded, his deep frown on display. “We’re taking this to the office.”

“Janus...” Logan searched Janus’s eyes, a hint of wariness creeping through his usual composed demeanor.

Janus pushed himself to his feet, removing the suit jacket and draping it over Logan’s head, taking his hand in a firm grip. “No one will see you.”

Logan squeezed his hand in return as they followed the teacher out of the band room. “We should’ve never stayed here.”

Janus sighed. “We shouldn’t have.”

“You think you’ll get a good spanking?” Remus giggled, floating alongside them, his mischievous grin widening. “Ooo, or better yet, will I be getting spankies from mommy and daddy? I promise I’ve been bad.”

Janus grimaced as they entered the principal’s office. “No, you will not,” he muttered, taking a seat as Principal Manning gestured for them to.

She sighed, looking between the two. “Should I even ask, or is this pretty straightforward? Because it seems you two slept here on school property last night, and someone may have taken advantage of your unconscious states.”

“This was my fault, Principal Manning,” Janus spoke up. “He wouldn’t have stayed if it wasn’t for me.”

“He still stayed. Both of you did, and for your sake, I hope nothing more than sleeping occurred. We have surveillance cameras set up in the band room to prevent instrument theft. You’re both minors, and if those cameras recorded anything inappropriate, it could be very bad. We take the security of our students very seriously.”

“Nothing occurred.” Logan assured, his eyes fixed on his lap. “We apologize for trespassing, and it won’t happen again.”

Principal Manning exhaled slowly, her eyebrows pinching together. “I hope it does not. You’ll be expected in detention after school today, and I’ll be contacting your guardians.”

“Of course.” Logan gave a slight nod, his tone unreadable.

“I’d suggest going to the nurse. He should have something to help get the marker off your faces.” Miss Manning held out two late slips. “Do be quick getting back to your classes.”

Janus accepted his slip, leading Logan quietly across the hall to the nurse's office. “I...” He accepted hand sanitizer from the nurse, stepping up to the mirror beside Logan. “I shouldn’t have asked you to stay last night.”

Logan avoided Janus’s gaze in the mirror, scrubbing the marker from his forehead. “It was partially my fault. I shouldn’t have given in to the request if I didn’t want to face the consequences.”

“I’m still…” Janus sighed, turning away. “I’m sorry I pressured you, Logan.”

Logan reached out, guiding Janus’s head to face him. “Did it at least take your mind off certain things?”

Janus met Logan’s soft gaze.

How could he admit to Logan that it hadn’t helped? That he’d woken over and over again during the night? That those unwanted touches burned—lingering. Her words clung, threatening him, tangling him in a trap he could never cut himself free from.

But how could he also deny how much Logan’s presence had helped? How could he deny the way Logan’s steady arms had soothed him each time, easing his trembling body until he could breathe again? That now, the thought of waking up from a nightmare without Logan’s steady breathing beside him felt unbearable?

How could Janus say anything at all—anything that might make Logan see him as weak without him? That might show Logan he wasn’t a master puppeteer, but the puppet who kept getting caught in the string?

He hated it. Hated feeling like this—exposed, unraveling. Like he needed Logan’s steady gaze to hold him together.

He searched Logan’s face, hoping for an answer.

Maybe he couldn’t say anything. Not now. But there was one thing he could try.

He rested a hand on Logan’s neck, tilting his head down as he pressed a gentle kiss to his lips—hesitant, unsure how to convey his gratitude without words. His lips gently pulled at Logan’s bottom lip, pleading for him to understand.

Logan brushed his thumb against Janus’s cheek, the touch making Janus’s heart ache. He wanted to be back on that uncomfortable carpeted floor again. To be in Logan’s arms again. He didn’t want to go out in the hall if it meant running into Charlotte again. If it meant her threatening him again.

“Logan...” Janus breathed out shakily.

It was terrifying how much Janus felt he needed Logan now that he had him. He swallowed, opening his mouth to speak. Then Logan’s arms found their way around him, and Janus couldn’t handle the emotions clawing their way up his throat.

He swiftly pushed Logan away, stepping back. “We—” His voice cracked, and he couldn’t do it. He couldn’t even look at Logan, fearing that Logan would see right through him. He stepped out of the nurse’s office without a word. What could he even say? He was ashamed of himself for being so vulnerable. For allowing even a crack of his walls to show.

“Janus.”

Janus cursed at the sound of the voice, picking up his pace to move further away from it, away from Charlotte. “You should be in class.”

“So should you, but since we’re both out here anyway...” Charlotte tugged Janus into an unused classroom, pressing him against the wall, her growl low. “I’m so done with that mutt having his paws all over Roman while you sit back and watch with your bowl of popcorn.”

Janus’s lips twitched. “I’m sorry, should I have offered you some?”

Charlotte yanked him closer by the collar, eyes narrowed. “Don’t act like you’re not scared of me, you little bug. Just shut up and listen.”

Janus swallowed as Charlotte released him, her hands smoothing his shirt—lingering a bit too much, caressing his chest, drifting a little too low on his torso. “I learned some things last night about Roman and Virgil. Did you know they’re online friends? Apparently, they have been for a while, but they had no idea.” She chuckled darkly. “Which means you have an opportunity to pull Virgil off Roman. All you have to do is pretend to be Princey and become Virgil’s boyfriend. Roman will see that Virgil’s taken, and he’ll turn his eyes elsewhere, leaving you the perfect opportunity to make Virgil feel more and more miserable. And guess what? I’ll even promise to leave you alone if you do.”

“I won’t… I’m already seeing someone.”

“You will, or Logan will be dragged into this. You want him to hurt too? You want him to be publicly humiliated? Do you want his grades to plummet? If you don’t, then you’ll listen to me, is that understood?”

Janus squeezed his eyes shut, shivering as Charlotte’s hand threatened to wander further down him.

“Understood.”

Charlotte smirked, stepping back. “Good.”

Janus watched as Charlotte made her way to the door, the soft click of it shutting behind her echoing in his ears. He slid down the wall, his heart racing. What was he going to do? His hands shot to his hair, gripping it in frustration.

What was he going to tell Logan?

What could he tell Logan?

Could he tell Logan?

… No. He couldn’t.

Chapter 24

[yomica12345]

Pane-fully Obvious: Chapter 22

Prologue Link, Chapter 21 Link

Ao3 Link

Warnings: Emotional distress, Panic/anxiety, Mild identity crisis, Mild intimacy

Chapter 22: Exit Stage Left

Roman cleared his throat as he pulled back, chuckling awkwardly. “I thought you said you weren’t much of a crier.”

Virgil turned away, lifting his mask just enough to swipe at his eyes. “I’m not crying. My eyes are just burning. It’s… too dry.”

“Sure you aren’t.” Roman smirked softly, glancing around them and pursing his lips. “So…”

"So…” Virgil coughed lightly, ducking his head. “We actually going to do any dancing or what, Princey?" 

“Right, yeah.” Roman nodded, pulling the tickets from his suit jacket and handing them to the person at the door. As they stepped inside, his stomach began to twist. If he recognized Virgil… would others recognize them? His eyes darted around the room, suddenly hyper-aware of every glance sent their way.

“Princey?”

Roman flinched, whipping his head toward Virgil. He forced a laugh to cover it. “Yeah?”

Virgil eyed him for a beat, then—without a word—took his arm and pulled him back toward the doors.

“I know a quieter spot,” he said simply.

“We don’t have to move. I’ll be-”

“No, it’s okay, Ci. I like it quieter too.”

Roman let himself be guided up the dim stairwell to the library, stopping next to the glass wall overlooking the gym floor. The music was still audible, but the noise of the crowd felt distant, softened by the space between them.

“Here, we can still see what’s going on,” Virgil said, releasing Roman’s arm. “And hear the music while we dance. If we want to dance…”

Roman exhaled, eyes slipping shut for a moment. “Thanks…” He hesitated. “Sorry, this is just the first dance I’ve attended with a guy,” he admitted quietly over the muffled sound of music.

Virgil gave him a soft, reassuring smile. “Then let’s make it a good night.” He placed a hand on Roman’s back, reaching for his hand. “Mind if I lead, Princey?”

Roman’s face flushed as he nodded, placing his free hand on Virgil’s shoulder. Virgil guided their hands between them, holding them against his chest as he stepped into a simple rhythm. The steadiness of it eased the tension in Roman’s shoulders, bit by bit.

“How are you so good at this?” Roman murmured. Then, clearing his throat, he tried again, louder. “I mean, I wouldn’t expect Mr. Edge and Angst to know how to dance.”

Virgil huffed a quiet laugh. “My ex taught me. Slow dancing isn’t exactly rocket science, though I’m sure if he did know rocket science, he’d have tried to teach me that too.”

“Well make sure to thank him for me then.” Roman’s lips quirked into a small, shy smile as he glanced over Virgil. “You… clean up well.”

Virgil scoffed. "You have nothing else to compare this to."

"Except the emo vibes you're giving off with the dark purples and blacks, Purple Day."

"Yeah? And you aren't dripping with princely vibes with your gold mask, Princey?" Virgil shot back, amused.

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Roman said smoothly. “That was what I was going for.”

Virgil hesitated, his expression flickering. “You know… I wasn’t sure if you’d actually come.” He ducked his head slightly.

Roman's eyebrows furrowed, reaching down to tip Virgil's head up. "For you? I’d be anywhere in a heartbeat."

Virgil swallowed, then batted Roman’s hand away, his cheeks dusted pink. "Shoulda expected you'd be this corny."

Roman chuckled, but his voice softened as he lifted his hand again—this time to brush his knuckles against Virgil’s cheek. “I mean it, Xi. Anywhere, anytime, for any reason. I’ll be there for you.”

Virgil’s breath hitched. He searched Roman’s eyes, his own dark and unreadable. “Sorry, I guess I’m just… not used to people showing up for me.”

“Then get used to it,” Roman murmured. “Because…”

He trailed off as Virgil raised a hand to his cheek.

“Because…”

“Shh…” Virgil murmured, guiding Roman’s head down as he pulled him into a quiet kiss.

The warmth spread through him, it had him wrapping his arms around Virgil, holding him even closer, deepening the kiss. A shiver went through him as Virgil’s hand travelled up the back of his neck through his hair.

He was actually kissing a guy.

He was actually kissing Virgil.

And he didn’t want it to stop.

When Virgil finally pulled back, both of them were breathless, faces flushed beneath their masks.

“We probably shouldn’t, er, um… We’re still…” Virgil started, his eyes locked on Roman’s chest as it rose and fell.

Roman leaned back in, loosening his bowtie. His breath tickled Virgil’s lips. “Virgil…”

Virgil tilted his head up slightly, about to go in for another kiss—then paused.

“…Virgil?”

Roman stiffened. He’d messed up.

Virgil’s eyes flickered over him, the realization dawning.

“You know me?” Virgil’s voice was barely above a whisper as he removed his mask.

Roman panicked. He clamped his hands over Virgil’s eyes. “No, stop! You don’t want to know who I am. You don’t…” His breath came out shaky, uneven.

“Of course I do.” Virgil’s hands came up to rest over Roman’s. “I want to know who my best friend is, Ci. I want to spend more time with you. Princey, I’ve wanted this for so long. Please.”

Roman flinched at a noise behind them, shaking his head.

“I’m sorry.” 

Roman couldn’t do this. He couldn’t let Virgil know. What if he regretted it? What if Virgil stopped liking him just because he knew it was him, Roman? The Roman he had to pity. The Roman he was forced to take in.

Before Virgil could stop him, Roman slipped off one of his shoes and pressed it into Virgil’s hand.

“I’ll come back for this. I promise.”

Virgil stared down at the shoe, his brows knitting together. He reached for Roman. “Cinderfella, don’t—”

Roman silenced him with a kiss—soft, lingering, and final. When he pulled back, his fingers ghosted over Virgil’s cheek.

“It’s midnight, Prince Charming.”

“It’s barely ten.” Virgil’s grip tightened around the shoe. His voice wavered, thick with something raw. “At least give me a good reason why. You invited me to this dance. You’re the one who wanted to meet up. So what’s changed? Did I do something wrong? Do you not like me? Have you just been responding to my messages because you feel bad for me? Are you annoyed by—”

Roman cut him off with another kiss, hands dropping to Virgil’s hips, tugging him closer.

Virgil dropped the shoe in his hand, kissing Roman back. He shrugged out of his suit jacket before reaching for Roman’s, his movements slow, questioning.

Roman didn’t stop him. His jacket hit the floor. Their hands fumbled with each other’s bowties. Roman’s heart pounded as Virgil’s fingers found the buttons of his dress shirt, cool against his overheated skin. His breath hitched as Virgil splayed a hand over his bare chest—

And then Virgil’s hand brushed against his mask.

Roman froze as Virgil began to slowly push it up.

A sharp inhale. A split second of hesitation—

Then he wrenched himself away, breaking the kiss and stumbling back.

“No.” His voice was hoarse. “I don’t want this to end. I don’t—” He sucked in a shuddering breath, wide eyes locking with Virgil’s before he grabbed his jacket from the floor.

He took a step back. Then another.

Virgil reached for him. “Princey—”

Roman couldn’t let him find out.

Not like this.

Not yet.

His chest ached, but he kept moving. Kept retreating, faster and faster. Shielding himself from the rejection, the hurt, the disappointment he was sure would follow.

He couldn’t offer Virgil more than what Virgil had offered him.

It was better this way.

Safer this way.

At least, that’s what he told himself—

As Virgil’s voice broke behind him.

Chapter 23

[yomica12345]

Pane-fully Obvious: Chapter 21

Prologue Link, Chapter 20 Link

Ao3 Link

Warnings: Threats of Rape / Sexual Violence, Sexual Coercion & Threats, Non-consensual Touching, Emotional Manipulation & Abuse, Panic & Trauma Responses, Mentions of False Accusations, Mild Violence, Emotional Vulnerability & Angst

Chapter 21: Uninvited

Janus watched the two hug, his face twisting into a grimace. “This isn’t good.”

“Yeah, when’s it gonna get spicy?” Remus cupped his hands around his mouth. “Boo! Make out already!”

Janus shook his head, looking past Roman and Virgil to Logan. He had actually made it. Logan was actually here to attend with him. He took a step toward him, a slight smile tugging at his lips, before an arm wrapped around his. He glanced back at its owner with a sigh though his chest tightened. “Charlotte.”

Charlotte forced a smile, her eyes brimming with a fury Janus hadn’t seen before. “Why don’t we talk?”

“I’d rather not.” Janus tried to shrug her off, but her grip only tightened. This really wasn’t good.

“That’s too bad, because if you were doing your job, we wouldn’t need to.” Charlotte flashed a smile at a few of her friends as she pulled Janus away. “This is all your fault.”

Janus sent a message on his phone with his free hand as Charlotte dragged him along. Logan needed to know he wasn’t ditching him. “I am doing my job, gathering information. For example—””

Charlotte threw him into a classroom, slamming the door shut behind them. “Information you’re failing to report to me. You knew they went on a date together and you didn’t tell me?”

Janus caught himself against the teacher’s desk, grunting. “It was a friend date. I didn’t see how that information would serve you.”

“A friend date?” Charlotte grabbed him by the shirt, yanking him down to eye level. “Friends don’t hold each other the way Roman was holding Virgil.”

Janus swallowed hard, his eyes flicking between hers. “Where did you—”

“I have a friend who works there, Janus,” she hissed. “I have friends everywhere. Friends who tell me you’re seeing someone.”

Janus ripped her hands off him, eyes narrowing as he lowered his voice. “That’s none of your business.”

“It is when nothing else is getting through to you.” Charlotte’s smile turned taunting. “I thought you didn’t want to be expelled.”

Janus straightened, moving to walk past her. “I don’t care anymore. Just leave him alone and I’ll—”

Charlotte shoved him back onto the desk. “Maybe if you don’t care about being expelled, you’ll care more about this.”

Janus’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. 

Charlotte began undoing the back of her dress with a smirk. 

Janus’s eyes went wide as he scrambled further back, knocking pens and papers off the desk. His eyes darted from Charlotte to the door.

Charlotte quirked an eyebrow, raising a hand to smear lipstick across her cheek. “Do you know what the punishment for rape is, Janus?”

Janus’s breath hitched. His stomach twisted, bile rising to his throat as the implications settled in. “I—”

“Do you want to find out?” Charlotte whispered, grabbing Janus by the shirt again. She undid his bowtie, unbuttoning the top buttons of his shirt as his breath quickened. “Because no one's going to believe you.” She rested one hand on Janus’s upper thigh, sliding her other hand over his bare chest, her touch cold and unsettling over the pounding of his heart. “Scared now?”

“Get your hands off my friend, you filthy—” Remus yanked Janus off the desk, cutting himself off with a snarl.

Charlotte scoffed, fixing her dress, a twisted smile curling on her lips as she followed them to the door. “You better start listening, or you won’t be so lucky next time,” she called after them.

Janus wrenched himself free from Remus’s grasp as soon as they were out of the classroom. He stumbled into the hall. His breath came in shallow gasps as he ran, each step desperate. He burst through the doors into the parking lot, his chest exposed to the cold evening air. The chill bit at him, harsh and intimate.

“Janus!” Remus shouted from behind.

Janus locked eyes on his moped, grabbing the helmet with shaky hands that took too long to unclip the strap.

“Janus?” A softer voice spoke up from the other doors.

Janus ignored Logan, tightening the strap over his chin. This wasn’t happening. He’d ride away and forget everything that had happened. No one would know anything.

“I’m gonna cut that udder sucking—” Remus started as he stopped beside Janus.

“Not now, Remus.” Logan sighed. “Give us a moment.”

Remus huffed. “Fine, Fix-it-Factual, try your best,” he muttered, turning away.

Logan undid Janus’s helmet, tilting his head up to meet his eyes. “Janus, what happened?”

Janus looked away. Logan couldn't see him like this. He was stronger than this. He was supposed to come off as confident, in control. He needed his control back. “Nothing happened,” he insisted, the shakiness of his breath contradicting his answer.

Logan scanned him critically, a hand going to his shirt. He lowered his voice. “Did someone touch you?”

Janus rolled his eyes, raising a hand to hold the shirt closed. “No, this is just how guys wear their shirts.”

“Then why the bowtie? You were planning on dancing, weren’t you? Wouldn’t you lose it?”

Janus swallowed, shivering as the breeze brushed over him. “No, I—”

Logan draped his suit jacket over Janus’s shoulders, causing him to tense.

Janus finally raised his burning eyes to Logan’s.

Logan’s eyes held concern as he drew Janus’s head to his chest.

Janus stiffened as Logan pulled him close. He shouldn’t let himself relax. He didn’t deserve this. He wouldn’t be holding him with this much care if he knew. But Logan’s steady touch felt like an anchor, and before he knew it, his body sagged against him.

Logan wrapped an arm around Janus, using his other to button up his shirt with a steady, gentle touch.

A touch so gentle it was foreign to Janus. Janus opened his mouth to argue Logan’s treatment, but all that came out was an unsteady breath as the first tear trailed down his cheek.

Logan finished with the buttons, staying still as Janus continued to tremble, waiting for him to stop before stepping back to fix Janus’s bowtie, taking his hand. “Let’s move this indoors. It’ll be warmer there.”

Janus swiped at his eyes while Logan wasn’t looking, following tentatively after him as he led him through the hallway and into the band room. The two sat, leaning against the wall in silence. Just the two of them and the sounds of their breathing—Logan’s calm and even, Janus’s uncertain and quiet. Their fingers intertwined between them.

Logan exhaled softly, squeezing Janus’s hand. “I care for you,” he admitted.

“You really shouldn’t,” Janus murmured, watching Logan’s thumb caress his knuckles.

Logan cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses. “Well, I don’t exactly have control over it.”

Janus laughed softly. “I’m sure if you did, you’d care about someone else instead. I’m not a good guy, Logan.”

Logan’s grip on his hand tightened. “We all do things we regret.”

“But I’m still doing them.”

Logan went quiet, his gaze drifting across the empty, dimly lit room. “By choice?”

“I always have a choice, Logan.” Janus ducked his head. “And I always make the selfish one.”

“Sometimes the right choice is to be selfish.”

Janus lifted his eyes to Logan’s, his gaze falling slightly to his lips. “I want to be, for you.” The words left him before he could process them. He rested a hand on Logan’s cheek. Waiting for Logan to pull away. To show he didn’t mean he cared in the way Janus hoped he did. But Logan didn’t move, he just waited patiently, giving Janus the control. The control Janus needed at this moment. To have something in his own hands to decide. Gently, hesitantly Janus kissed him.

Logan returned the kiss, squeezing Janus’s hand. “I won’t stop you,” he whispered.

Janus pulled back to rest his head against Logan’s shoulder, closing his eyes. “Will you let me stay like this, then?”

Logan hesitated. “That would depend… You don’t intend to stay like this all night in the school building, do you?”

“It’s just one night, my dear.”

Logan frowned. “But that would be trespassing…”

Janus quirked an eyebrow. “Is it? We had permission to enter the school, didn’t we?”

Logan sighed, his fingers idly tracing Janus’s knuckles. “That permission doesn’t extend indefinitely.”

“No, but if we never left, how can we be entering at a time we shouldn’t be?” Janus pointed out.

“It’s still legally considered trespassing if we don’t leave when we’re supposed to, Janus.” Logan returned, fixing his glasses again.

“We were never told to leave, were we? How can we know when we’re supposed to be out by?”

Logan rested his head against Janus’s, closing his own eyes. “The time was stated clearly on the poster.”

“And that time was?”

“...After school is out tomorrow.” Logan offered hesitantly.

Janus smirked, settling against Logan to get more comfortable. “Truly? Then they’ve practically invited us to stay all night.”

“They have.” Logan stifled a yawn into his free hand. “You’re a bad influence.”

Janus chuckled, peeking up at Logan as the other rested an arm over his shoulder. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Remind me to teach you what a bad influence is,” Logan murmured.

“Will you be demonstrating?”

“Consider this your first and only demonstration.”

Janus smiled as Logan adjusted his suit jacket over him, the warmth inviting him to sleep. “I shall take that as a challenge.”

“You may do as you wish.”

Chapter 22