#child!thomas

    “Remus, please—” A hint of a smile twitched at the corner of Logan’s lips as he chided Remus softly. “—perhaps now is not the time to torment Virgil with such vivid descriptions of his particularly pallid complexion.”

    “You guys are the worst,” Virgil muttered, feeling himself sway on his feet. “but Remus is right. I feel like I'm going to throw up.”

    A cold, salty breeze rushed over Virgil’s arms as he stared into the dense foliage ahead of them. The full moon hung in the sky, illuminating the island in a silver light as they watched the ship below.

    “Virgil, are you certain you wish to join Remus and I?” Logan’s voice deepened as he soothed Virgil. “There’s no shame in choosing to stay with Roman and Janus.”

    “I can’t leave now.” Virgil pulled his hands to his chest as he stopped to rest. “Not after what Janus said—”

    “Come on. We never once listened Jan-Jan.” Remus cooed, dropping down to Virgil’s side. “What makes you think we need to start now?”

    Virgil blinked, his fear diminished by Remus’ casual tone. He let his shoulders drop as Remus reached over to catch his waist, pulling him into his lap. His cocky grin glistened in the white moonlight as he leaned them back against the rocks.

    “You’re not bothered by what Janus predicted?”

    “What can I say?” Remus purred, his mustache twitching into a smile. “I ain't the superstitious type."

    Virgil let out a breath, staring Remus as they paused to rest. “Has Janus ever been wrong?”

    “The way I figure,” Remus purred, pointing the tip of his sword down to the amber lights of the ship below. “any prophecy that doesn’t predict I'm about to fly off the rails a bit don’t hold no weight.”

    Virgil sucked on his lip uncertainly. “I don’t know if that makes me feel any better.”

    “Dearest, what Remus means is that we cannot allow Janus' words to dictate our behavior.” Logan hummed softly, drawing Virgil’s attention. “The prophecies will become clear in time, but regardless, what decisions we make are permanent. Figuratively, it is better to trust our gut to guide us rather than to let fear dictate our actions.”

    “What if my gut feels like its twisted in seven directions?” Virgil leaned into Remus' touch, still feeling faint.

    “That is when we trust each other.” Logan reassured him. He twisted the dagger in his hand to tuck the blade into its ornate, blue sheath before raising a hand to Virgil’s cheek. “Whether or not you choose to accompany Remus and I, we will support your decision.”

    Virgil bit his lip, feeling it quiver with emotion as he tried to hold back the walls of emotion closing in on him. He let himself sink back into Remus chest, trying to focus on his soulmate’s steady heartbeat as he grounded himself.

    “I don't think I can go with you.” Virgil’s breath caught in his throat as Remus’ grip tightened on him. “I'm sorry. I—”  

    “Never apologize, love.” Logan  whispered with a smile, his silver eyes sparkling in the moonlight. “We would never dream of forcing you into a situation in which you are uncomfortable.”

    Relief washed over Virgil’s body as he let his weight rest back entirely against Remus’ shoulder. He sighed as Remus chuckled in his ear, but he couldn’t shake the guilt burrowing in his stomach.

    “Geez, Stormy.” Remus purred, jostling Virgil lightly as he rested his chin in the nook of Virgil’s neck. “Your heart doesn’t need to explode for you to have an excuse to lean up against me. You can warm my lap anytime.”

    “Shut up.” Virgil grumbled, though he was grateful that Remus only pulled him closer. “I just wanted to be brave.”

    “This is not a matter of bravery, dear.” Logan hushed him. Amber lights sparkled in his eyes as he leaned closer, brushing Virgil’s hair out of his eyes. “You are inexperienced in physical engagement. It is natural for you to lack confidence in your abilities.”

    “What?!”

    Virgil’s voice cracked into a shriek as a heat rushed to his cheeks.

    “He means combat, sweets.” Remus chuckled as Virgil’s body stiffened. He perked up, nuzzling his mustache against Virgil’s neck. “Clever, clever Lolo. I see you trying to get a rise out of him. Though I  can't say I disapprove of redirecting his blood flow.”

    Virgil groaned, squirming as his soulmate’s mustache tickled his neck. He managed to squeeze himself out of Remus' range and let out an exasperated sigh as his eyes darted up to Logan's teasing smile.

    “You guys suck.”

    “Only if you ask really nicely, Stormy.”

    Virgil burrowed his face in his lap, pulling his hood over his head to hide the glowing redness in his cheeks. “Never mind, I'm leaving.”

    Logan reached a hand out to stop Virgil as started to rise to his feet. “Wait, we can escort you back.”

    Virgil eyed Logan’s smirk suspiciously. His eyes flitted to Remus grin in exasperation. “Do I even want to know what you mean by being my escort?”

    Logan chuckled. His eyes glimmered with playfulness as he extended a hand to Virgil. “My intentions are pure, love. You have my word. We merely wanted to help you relax.”

    Virgil’s shoulder dropped as his eyes flitted back to Remus' smile glistening in the darkness. “Really?”

    Logan’s lip curled into a sympathetic smile. “Has you stress not decreased?”

    “No—I don’t know. Maybe.” Virgil muttered, shoving his hands in his pockets as he stared up at Logan. He couldn’t deny the pit of dread in his stomach felt less heavy.

    “At the very least, you seemed to feel less guilty about setting your boundaries.” Remus chuckled as he followed Virgil to his feet. “That’s a good thing.”

    Virgil ran a hand through his hair, considering Remus and Logan’s words. “I hate how good you both are at reading my mind.”

    “I have been deemed a bastard enough to know I have rightfully earned the title.” Logan smirked as he extended a hand to Virgil. “and Remus has certainly been called much worse.”

    “Only by the people who know me best.” Remus grinned, nudging Virgil’s elbow. He white smile glowed in the darkness, softening at the exhausted look in Virgil’s eyed. “But in all seriousness, Lolo and I have known each other long enough to be comfortable knowing most of each other’s boundaries without asking.”

    “Right.” Virgil looked down at the ground, suddenly a bit intimidated by his soulmates’ long history together.

    “That doesn’t mean we won’t get there with you, sweets.” Remus smiled reassuringly at Virgil’s shyness. “We will spend ten thousand hours learning every little piece of you. Just give us a little time.”

    Virgil felt a warmth spread across his chest as Remus and Logan stared adoringly back at him. His heart felt lighter as Logan extended a hand to him, ready to guide him back to the tunnels.

    “Come now. We have a few minutes before Re and I—”

    A sudden light blinded Virgil as the earth rocked beneath them. The blast nearly sent Virgil to his knees, and when he open his eyes, he could see a bright, light  flickering on the shore.

    Fire.

    “Stormy, I think it's time for you to go.”

    Virgil’s eyes darted up to Remus as his soulmate caught his arm. He stumbled, feeling a pit of dread sink in his stomach. His hand reached for Remus in desperation as his eyes trailed down the column of smoke.

    “Dearest,” Logan rested his hand on Virgil’s shoulder, drawing his attention. “You know the way back.  Correct?”

    “Yes, but—”

    “People could be hurt, Virgil.” Logan interrupted. His voice was sympathetic, but firm as he started to guide Virgil back the way they'd come. “You need to go. Now.”

    Virgil stared helplessly up at the flicker of worry in Logan’s eyes. The air was hot as he sucked on his lip, but he nodded.

    “Do you know the way home?”

    “Yeah—” Virgil’s breath stalled at tge force in Logan’s voice. “—I mean I think so.”

    “Lolo—” Remus interrupted them, glancing nervously at the growing blaze.

    “Try to make your way back.” Logan stated, already taking a step back. “If you run into trouble, utilize our psychic connection to reach out and we will assist as best we can.”

    “O—okay.” Virgil muttered as his soulmates edged their way toward the disaster playing out on the shore. “I can make it.”

    “You've got this, Stormy.” Remus muttered with a smirk. “We'll be back before you even miss us.”

    Virgil managed a half-hearted smile as Remus cocked his head toward him. The small gesture seemed to ease his soulmates’ worried looks as they turned to disappear into the thick foliage, leaving Virgil staring after them.

    A weight seemed to settle onto his chest as their silhouettes faded in the distance.  His feet felt like lead at the thought of heading back to Roman and Janus. He knew they wouldn’t blame him for going back and he was useless in a fight anyway.  Virgil knew this, and yet as he stared after them, the idea of walking away left his stomach in knots.

    Fuck.

    Virgil bowed his head as he rushed through the dense underbrush. His soulmates’ had gotten a head start, but he could reach them.

    At least, that's what he hoped.

---

    Virgil staggered into a tree, leaning against the thick trunk as he caught his breath. Smoke tinged his nostrils as he moved through the heat. The flames had died down but the embers still glowed a bright orange as Virgil edged out into the empty camp.

    He crouched down to the ground, keeping himself low as he skirted the edge of the burned tents. Through the haze, he could just make out the shattered remains of a few barrels of gunpowder that were no doubt the source of the explosion.

    Progress was slow as Virgil navigated the glowing embers. His gaze drifted up to the torn tents and scattered belongings as be swallowed a shallow breath and started to call out for his soulmates.

    “Lo—"

    Virgil’s breath caught in his throat as he looked up to see his Remus and Logan scattering sand onto the glowing embers as they searched the wreckage. The haze darkened his vision as he stepped out of the brush. He could barely keep his eyes open, but he pushed through the discomfort, determined to reach his soulmates.

    “Virgil—”

    “Stormy, stop!”

     Virgil froze as dark blur moved in his periphery. His heart pounded in his chest as the wide eyes of Remus and Logan turned to stare at him helplessly as the click of a gun cocking behind his head confirmed his worst fear.

    “Please, don’t hurt them.”

    Virgil’s quivering plea broke the tense silence that dragged out between them. He watched the growing terror in his soulmates’ eyes as they pointed their weapons in his direction, eyes fierce as they readied to defend him.

    “Tell them to drop their weapons.”

    The wind seemed to disappear from Virgil’s lungs as he started to turn his head over his shoulder.

    “Re—”

    “Stay where you are and get your buddies to stand down.”

    The deep voice growled behind Virgil as clear as when he was a kid. His mouth hung open as he dropped his hands, unable to will himself out of the shock long enough to turn around.

    “There are two of us.” Logan’s tone dropped into a warning as he pointed his dagger to the stranger. “The odds are not in your favor. You would be wise to surrender your weapon before anyone gets hurt.”

    “I'm afraid I can't do that,” The stranger huffed dispassionately. “and if you try anything I’ll put a bullet in you faster than you cou—”

    “If you even think about pulling that trigger, I’ll rearrange your organs into a bloody masterpiece—”

    “Remus, wait—”

    Virgil held up a hand as he moved to step between Remus and his assailant. His shock started to fade as his body tensed and he turned on his heel to stare down the barrel of the man’s gun.

    “Remy, you’re hurt.”

     Shock quickly turned to fear as Virgil stared at the man’s hand, his fingers stained red as he pressed his hand into his abdomen. Remy’s face paled with the strain of keeping his gun pointed at them and his charred, dirty clothes brought a worried quiver into Virgil’s voice as he moved to take a step towards Remy.

    “Let me help—”

    “Take another step closer and I'll shoot you too, Virge.” Remy growled. His glare flitted between the three of them suspiciously as if challenging them to approach. “I don’t know what game you’re playing at, but you really don't want to test me right now.”

    “Rem—” Virgil pleaded. His voice breaking at the pain in Remy’s eyes. “You know me.”

    “No, I knew you.” Remy lashed back. “The Virgil I knew would never join ranks with looters and thieves.”

    Virgil blinked in confusion. “Looters?”

    “Don’t—I'm not an idiot.” Remy sneered as his face twisted into a grimace. “There is no other reason for you to be snooping around a campsite that just got blown halfway to hell.”

    “We came to help!”

    Remy’s gaze hardened as he gestured to Remus and Logan. “You don't bring a blade unless you’re planning on doing damage, babes. I’m calling bullshit."

    “Virgil, dearest.” Logan’s voice drew his attention back to his soulmates. For the first time, he could see the tension growing in the selkies’ eyes as the situation escalated. “Please, step out of the way.”

    Virgil’s heart skipped a beat as he noticed Remus adjust the grip on his cutlass, preparing to use the sharp blade.

    “No—You can’t hurt—”

    A yelp escaped Virgil’s lips as Remy’s arm closed around his throat. Remy pulled Virgil to his chest and his breath caught in his throat as the barrel of the old pistol pressed against his temple.

    “Drop your weapons and leave,” Remy growl, tightening his grip on Virgil’s shoulders. “or I pull the trigger.”

    “He won’t—”

    “Not another word, Virge. You have no idea what I’m capable of right now. ” Remy hissed the threat in his ear, his voice resolute as he addressed Logan and Remus. “Now, drop you w—”

    “Wait!” Virgil’s heart dropped as the realization hit him. He squirmed in Remy’s grip, glancing around the clearing as he ignored the gun to his head. “They’re here. Aren’t they? Why would you—”

    “Shut. Up.”

    Virgil felt Remy’s feet shift as though he was unsteady on his feet. Tough as Remy was on a good day, Virgil knew he was fading fast. He needed act now, which meant if Remy wasn’t already ready to kill him, he was about to be.

    “He has kids with him.”

    “Don't you dare drag them into thi—”

    Virgil ignored Remy's weak protests as he locked eyes with Remus and Logan. “He's just protecting them. Just do what he—”

    Logan raised his dagger as Remy’s grip tightened around Virgil’s neck. An uneasy glance from Remus stilled his movements but he couldn’t bring himself to leave Virgil exposed.

    “Virgil, we cannot risk your life on a—”

    “You can—Please, Lo.” Virgil wheezed as Remy swayed back. “Trust me.”

    “Lolo.”

    Logan remained hesitant. His knuckles whitened with strain as he stared at the gun against Virgil’s temple. Virgil held his breath as Remus lowered his sword to the ground, holding a hand up in surrender as he moved next to Logan. Remus eyes locked on Virgil, his gaze never faltering as he slipped the dagger from Logan’s fingers and tossed it down into the sand between them.

    “It's gonna be fine.”

    Logan let out a defeated sigh as Remus pulled him close. Remus wrapped an arm around Logan’s waist as he gave a quick nod to Virgil.

    “Your move, Stormy.”

    “Remy, listen to me.” Virgil pleaded, feeling the gun falter away from his temple. “They’re good people. Whatever you’re mixed up in, we can help—”

    “Virgil?”

     A small voice broke through the chaos, drawing all of their attention to the small, trembling boy poking out of the trees. Virgil sucked in a breath, staring at the scared kid.

    “Emile—”

     “I thought I told you to hide.”

    Remy’s panicked growl startled the kid and Virgil’s heart dropped as tears appeared in his eyes.

    “I tried. T—Thom—”

    “Get out of here! Now!”

    “Stop!” Logan’s voice caught in his throat as he turned to Emile. “There is no need to be afraid—”

    “You don’t need to say a word to him.”

    “There is no excuse for terrifying a child.” Logan spat back as he started to take a step forward.

    “I’m not interested in hearing what you've got to say.” Remy's grip tightened on Virgil as he turned the pistol to Logan, stopping the selkie in his tracks. “Stay away from him.”

    “For fuck's sake, Remy.” Virgil squealed, suddenly panicked as the barrel of the gun lined up with the pair of selkies. “Don’t point that at them—”

    “I'm not taking any risks, Vir—"

    “And you think I would?” Virgil yelled, casting a glance at the wide-eyed kid. “You really think I'd ever do anything I thought might get those kids hurt?”

    Remy paused at the urgency in Virgil’s voice. He shifted on his feet, glancing up at the terrified looks in the pair of selkies' eyes before letting out a reluctant sigh.

    “No, you wouldn’t."

    “They've got a kid too, Rem.” Virgil pleaded as the heat in Remy's eyes started to dull. “His name's Patton and he's sweet like Emile. You'd like him.”

    Remy clenched his jaw, glancing up at the pair across from them. “Virgil, please.”

    “Just drop the gun. I promise it’ll be okay.” Virgil begged as Remy’s finger lingered on the trigger. “No one needs to get hurt.”

    Remy considered for a moment before leaning back off of Virgil. He dropped up his hand, easing down before letting the gun drop harmlessly down into the sand. The moonlight glistened in his eyes as the tension eased.

    “Wasn’t loaded anyway.”

    Virgil didn’t waste a breath before rushing to drop to his knees in front of the kid, wiping the tears from his eyes before pulling him into a tight embrace.

    “Don't cry—Please don’t cry. You’re okay, Em.”

    “Virgil?”

    “That's right.” Virgil replied in a gentle, reassuring tone. “You didn’t think I forgot about you. Did you?”

    “No, I—I wouldn’t think—”

    “Hey, it's okay. You’re safe now.” Virgil hushed the kid as his words devolved into incoherent babbling. “Where's your brother, kiddo?”

    “I'm not ‘sposed to tell—”

    “It's okay, Em.” Remy interrupted, his voice softer as he addressed the child. His eyes flitted suspiciously to Remus and Logan before continuing. “It's just Virgil.”

    Virgil found himself staring as Remy staggered, looking like he might be sick as he leaned against the tree for support. “Remy, are you—"

    Remy huffed as he slumped back against the tree behind him, still glaring at Logan and Remus. “Make sure the kid’s safe first."

    “Remus, are you guys—?”

    Virgil turned to the quiet selkie as Logan curled into his chest. Logan continued to return Remy's glare with an intense fury, but Remus held him close, carefully containing the storm in Logan’s eyes.

    “It's okay, Stormy.” Remus’ lips curled into a reassuring smirk. “We're all adults here. I think we can handle a little self-restraint.”

    “Okay.” Virgil whispered. He cast a cautious glance around the tense situation before reluctantly turning his attention back to the kid. “Show me, Em. Where’s Thomas?”

---

    “Where is he, Em?” Virgil asked, frantic as Emile stopped in front of him.

    The kid moved slowly to glance around the clearing as he retraced his steps, pausing before taking off toward a gathering of tall bushes.

    “This way.”

    They were nearly out of earshot of the others by now, and Virgil’s heart pounded with the anxiety of leaving them, but Thomas was out here alone. He couldn’t turn back now.

    He followed Emile as the kid dodged through the underbrush. The kid may have been a year or two older than Patton but he was just a nimble and quick-footed. Virgil barely managed to clumsily climb along below the boy, heaving as a space opened up between the bushes.

    “Thomas?”

    The wheezing sent chills creeping across Virgil’s skin as he reached down to the kid curled on the ground between him and Emile.

    “Hang in there, kid.” Virgil murmurs as he curled Thomas upright. “You’re going to be okay.”

    Virgil’s stomach lurched at how light the kid was as he reach down to help maneuver him. Despite being the same age, Thomas had always been smaller than Emile but the stark difference now felt dangerous as he lay weak and wheezing in Virgil’s arms.

    “Vee?”

    “Save your breath, kiddo. I’m here.” Virgil’s heart dropped at the strain in the kid's breathless voice, but he didn’t have time to dwell on that now. “I'm going to hold you upright and I want you to try to take deep breaths.”

    “I'm trying.”

    “I know, kid.” Virgil reassured the kid as he grew irritable against his chest. “I know this is fucking awful for you.”

    Virgil smiled as Thomas’ eyes flitted to him in surprise. The panic in the kid's eyes seemed to falter for a moment as he shot a confused look at Emile.

    “It's okay, Thomas." Virgil smirked, eyeing the shy expression on Emile’s face. “Sometimes when things suck, it’s good to let it out."

    “I won’t—” Thomas wheezed, looking exhausted but curious. “—get—in trouble?”

    “Nope,” Virgil grinned, encouraging him as the panic faded from his eyes. “We can all be cool. Right, Em?”

    Emile startled when Virgil addressed him. The poor kid looked pale as he stared at his brother. “What?”

    “We’re all good here. Right, Em?”

    “Y-yeah—I think so.”

    “Come here."

    Emile gave a stiff nod as he reluctantly took Virgil’s hand and dropped down next to him. The shock of seeing his struggling brother still held its grip on the kid, but Virgil was glad to see him tuck into his side and relax a bit.

    “See, Tommy boy?” Virgil prompted with a smirk. His wheezing had slowed as the panic dissipated, but the exhausted kid still looked like he needed a distraction. “I'll give you a one free shot to say whatever you want.”

    Thomas blinked nervously at Emile, flushing red as he nodded. Still wheezing, he slowly sat up straighter as he gathered himself.

    “Fuck!”

    Virgil smirked as the kid squeaked out the curse word. His tired eyes were full of pride. Even Emile couldn’t hide his smile as Thomas relaxed.

    “You feel better now?”

    Thomas swayed and his eyes fluttered as though he was fighting to stay awake. His breathing was still unsteady but the color had started to return to his cheeks as he relaxed.

    “M'fine.”

    Virgil smiled as he reached a hand toward the kid’s head to straighten out his hair. “Let’s give it a moment before we head out. I don't want to make your breathing worse. Okay?”

    “M'hmm.” Thomas mumbled as he leaned into Virgil’s chest.

    Virgil’s chest ached as he slid Thomas into his lap, letting the scared kid start to doze as he finally relaxed.

    “I missed you guys.”

    “Where did you go?”

    Emile’s voice was small as he leaned into Virgil’s side. The kid was tired, as exhausted as he stared at his brother, his worry starting to fade away.

    “I've been here, kiddo.”

    “But why?”

    Tears welled in his eyes at sadness in Emile’s tone as the kid’s arms wrapped around his elbow.  “Some bad things happened, and I had to leave.”

    “Why didn’t you come back?”

    “I couldn’t, Em.” Virgil muttered as he rubbed the kids’ hand with his thumb. “I got hurt and I—I almost—”

    “Vee?”

    Virgil’s lip twitched and he quickly wiped the tears from his eyes to smile at the kids. “I met some new friends who helped me get better.”

    “Are you going to come back now?”

    “I don’t know, kiddo.” Virgil whispered. His stomach felt heavy as both boys cuddled into his sides. “We'll talk about it, but for now, let’s just get you back to your brother before he gets himself in more trouble. Okay?”

    “M’kay, Vee.” Thomas whispered as Virgil reached down to scoop him into his arms.

   A smile spread across Virgil’s lips as he felt Thomas relax as he scooped him up into his arms. He rose to his feet and turned to Emile, shocked to see tears in the boy's eyes. “Em, are you—Hey, don’t cry. What's going on, kiddo?”

    The nickname only seemed to upset him more as a stifled sob broke through his façade. “I'm sorry—”

    “Sorry for what?” Virgil interrupted, crouching down to Emile’s level as he wiped a tear from his cheek. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

    “Remy’s mad.” Emile whimpered. “But Thomas was hurt and I—I—"

    “—and you went for help. Just like you should have.” Virgil comforted the babbling child as he started to ramble. “You did everything right.”

    “But Remy yelled and I—”

    “Your brother was scared, Em.” Virgil reassured him firmly. “I promise Remy didn’t mean to yell at you. Bad things happen sometimes, even if you do everything right. ”

    Emile sniffled and shrugged. He seemed to accept Virgil’s words but the guilt in his eyes didn’t fade away.

    “I'm proud of you, Em. Thomas was in trouble.” Virgil whispered, wiping away the last of Emile's tears. “It’s not easy to go against what you've been told to do, but you did so good being brave to get your brother help.”

    Emile lifted his head as Virgil held a hand out for him to take. He seemed uncertain, but soon a hint of pride flickered in Emile’s eyes at the genuine smile on Virgil’s face. He flushed red and took Virgil’s hand, tucking into his side as they made their way back to the shore.

    “T-thank you.”

---

    “You are being unreasonable.”

    “I couldn't care less what you think.”

    “That much is clear.” Logan sighed, massaging his temples to quell the headache starting in the back of his head. “However, without approaching you, I am unable to determine the extent of your injuries.   If I could examine them, I could help—”

    “I'd rather keel over dead.”

    Logan sighed with a pointed glare back at Remy’s snarl. “Well, if that is your preference, you’re well on your way to getting your wish.”

    “Fuck you.”

    “The sentiment is mutual.”

    Remus’ chuckle filled the air as Logan let out drawn out sigh. “Give it up, Lolo. Bastard’s not budging.”

    Logan pursed his lips as he cast an annoyed glance back at his partner. Unlike himself, Remus seemed unconcerned about the stranger bleeding out in the sand. He had made himself at home among the singed campsite, laying back on a pile of crumpled tents while flipping through a journal he'd presumably found among the crew’s belongings.

    “Presumably, Virgil would prefer this gentleman remain alive until he returns.” Logan replied dryly as he locked his gaze on the hostile glimmer in the stranger’s eyes. “Though it does seem like a lot of trouble given his sour disposition.”

    The stranger’s nostrils flared as his heaving breaths continued. He seemed primed to respond when Remus’ cheery tone interrupted  their bickering.

    “If he was bleeding out, his sharp tongue would have dulled.” Remus cooed as he flipped another page. “He'll survive ‘til Virgil gets back.”

    Logan let out a sigh as he rested his chin in his hand, staring at the stranger from the rock on which he'd perched himself. He sat cross-legged and his sandy hair glistened in the moonlight as he tried to make sense of the strange man's behavior.

    “Perhaps, but we came here for a reason.” Logan reluctantly drew his attention back to Remus. “There could be other survivors, not to mention, I find it concerning that there is no indication of what happened to the rest of the crew.”

    “Maybe if you ask your new friend nicely, he'll spill the beans.” Remus chuckled as he rolled to his feet.

    Logan’s shoulders dropped with exhaustion as the stranger’s gaze flashed at him. His stomach twisted with uncertainty as Remus stopped beside him.

    “I find that proposal highly unlikely.”

    “Good thing I happen to have the answer then, huh?” Remus chirped with a cocky smile as he held up the journal for Logan to see.

    “You found something?” Logan perked up as Remus slipped the journal into his hand.

    “What you’re doing is pointless. They—”

    The stranger’s growl interrupted Logan as he flipped open the pages. He lifted his head to stare into the man's distrustful eyes as a pang of sympathy tugged at his heart.

    “They only had me. You won't get anyone else from them.”

    Logan felt his grip loosen on the journal in his hand as the man's hostile façade faltered. A note of fear wavered on his voice as he clung to his wounds, struggling to maintain his sharp awareness. Suddenly concerned, Logan turned back to Remus for an explanation.

    “Was he—”

    “We were right, Lolo.” Remus interrupted Logan. His tone remained intentionally neutral and calm as he nodded at Logan.

    “They were keeping people prisoner on this ship.”

    Logan’s mouth felt dry as their fears were confirmed. His stomach twisted as he snuck a glance at the stranger. “But—It's just him?”

    “No doubt, the crew’s somewhere on the island,” Remus’ grip tightened on Logan’s waist as he continued. “but it seems like they didn't have a lot of cargo on board. Just him—and the kid, I’d presume.”

    Logan’s heart dropped as the stranger’s breathing picked up as he listened to their conversation. His attention slowly turned back to the man. His fear was almost palpable in the air as Logan stared down at him.

    “We have no intention of harming you.”

    “Yeah, right.” The stranger huffed, rolling his head back against the tree where he leaned. “I've heard that before.”

    Logan bit his lip, starting to push himself to his feet. Sympathy ached in his as the man tensed, stalling his movements as Logan realized he didn’t actually know how to help.

    “Don’t push him, Lolo.” Remus hushed him as his arms circled Logan’s waist, holding him steady as he pulled Logan back to sit with him. “Let Virgil handle the convincing bit.”

    “You’re right. I apologize.” Logan whispered after a moment,   sounding defeated as Remy continued to avoid his gaze. “I should know better.”

    “You’re doing just fine.” Remus pressed a gentle kiss to Logan’s shoulder as his partner leaned back against his chest.

    Logan felt the tension in the air start to fade as the man's suspicious gaze dropped away from them to focus on his own injuries. Remus was right. The man's breathing sounded labored, but still remained steady as he curled up against the tree behind him. His focus remained sharp as he eyed the edge of the trees, equally anxious for Virgil’s return as Remus and himself.

    He was fine.

    For now.

    “Virgil called you Remy.”

    “Yeah—” The strain was apparent in the man's voice as he growled back a response to Remus' breaking of the silence. “What's it to you?”

    Logan stared in shock as Remy answered. Despite his brusque tone, his voice seemed less volatile as he spoke to Remus. His fears seemed to quell as his eyes flitted up and down Remus holding Logan close to keep him calm.

    A suddenly sound of voices from the trees interrupted Remus as he opened his mouth to speak again. Their attention turned to the dark shadow of Virgil stepping out on the beach, holding one child in his arm as he led another by the hand.

    “Remy!”

    The shrill voice of the larger boy jolted Logan back to reality as he watched the kid drop Virgil’s hand and dart across the dark beach to drop to Remy's side.

    “It’s okay, Em.” Remy pushed himself up straight. His eyes flitted up to Remus and Logan as if challenging them to contradict him before turning back to reassure the child. “It was just a little magic trick.”

    “Bullshit.”

    “Virge—” Remy’s breath stalled at the sudden hostility in Virgil’s voice. “—I had to get rid of the crew. They were going to—”

    “What did you do, Rem?!”

    Logan flinched at the anger in Virgil’s tone. This new fury was a far cry from the timid man that Remus and himself had come to know.

    “They turned tail into the forest. Didn’t they?” Remy growled back as the fire in his eyes grew defensive. “What’s it matter?”

    “It matters because you’re bleeding and burned—”

    “Hardly.”

    “You were playing with gunpowder again.” Virgil growled as the child in his arms buried his head in his shoulder.

    “A little sleight of hand convinced those good for nothing, superstitious bastards I was a devil come from hell to collect their souls.” Remy retorted with an angry huff as he moved to push himself upright. “I didn’t have a choice.”

    “You told me you quit messing with that shit.”

    “I did.”

    “Clearly not.” Virgil interrupted. Anger quivered in his voice as he continued to yell, oblivious to the selkies’ wide-eyed stare as he lost his temper. “What if Emile had been caught  in the blast?

    “I made sure he was gone. I’m not an idiot.”

    “You are an idiot.” Virgil spat back. “What would you have done if I hadn’t been around to help Thomas?”

    “We would have been fine.”

    “You can’t know that.”

    “Fine, I couldn’t. Is that what you wanted to hear?”

    Remy pushed himself to his feet, still staggering as he held his hand pressed to his wound. Emile’s arms wrapped around Remy’s leg as his glare landed on Virgil.

    “But you were gone, so you don't get to waltz back in and act high and mighty with me.”

    The air disappeared from Virgil’s lungs as though Remy had struck him. “That's not fair, Rem.”

    “Fair's got no place in this conversation, babes.” Remy spat as his vision blurred. “You’re the one that walked out—”

    Remy’s words trailed off as his body lurched forward. His body went limp as his head plummeted to the ground, only to be stopped as Remus stepped forward to catch his waist.

    “Remus—”

    “It's okay, Stormy.  He's out cold.” Remus muttered as he adjusted Remy to scoop him off his feet. “His injuries might have been worse than we'd thought—Or more then likely, that last little outburst used up what strength he had left keepin' him standing.”

    Virgil stared at him for a moment before turning to stare at the confusion and concern in Logan’s expression.

    “I'm sorr—:

    “Leave him alone!”

    Virgil’s heart sunk as Emile reached up for Remy. “Em, it’s okay. He's—”

    “Oh hey, kiddo. I didn’t know you wanted to carry him.” Remus  chuckled as he kneeled to Emile’s height. “Trade me?”

    Tearstains still glistened on Emile's cheeks as he stalled at Remus' offer. His brain seemed stalled by Remus' unexpected response.

    “I—I can't. He's too heavy.”

    “Oh, okay.” Remus smiled, wiggling his mustache as if he was thinking. “Is it okay if I carry him then?”

    Emile blinked, suddenly shy as Remus looked at him with a wide grin. “I—I don’t know.”

    “What if I'm real careful?” Remus prompted with a pout of his lips. “I'll even let you lead the way.”

    “I—I don’t know where to go.” Emile whimpered, rubbing the tears from his eyes.

    “Hey, now.” Remus adjusted his grip on Remy to support his head. “Virgil knows the way. Is that okay?”

    Emile paused as he managed a small nod. He let out a breath as Remus rose back to his feet and gently guided him back to Virgil.

    “Ree,” Virgil chewed him lip nervously at the soft, somber looks on the selkies’ faces as the turned to smile at him. “Where are we—”

    “We are going home, love.” Logan interrupted as Virgil’s eyes flitted between them.

    “It's not safe.”

    “It is a risk we are willing to take, Virgil.” Logan came up beside him, smiling as Emile tucked his head into Virgil’s waist. “We will simply send Patton and Janus deeper into the mountain.”

    “And Roman?”

    “Roman will understand. Regardless of your history with our new guests, we would never leave defenseless people on the shore given that we were unable to locate the crew.” Logan rested a hand on Virgil’s shoulder as he paled with guilt. “They are still at large and dangerous, especially given your friend’s injuries.”

    Virgil shuddered as he turned back to Remus, suddenly remembering Remy. “Is he—"

    “He'll be sorer than a masochist on a bender but he'll survive.” Remus interrupted as he skirted them both to head towards the caves. “Only if we move though.”

    “Right.”

    Virgil’s head started to turn, his head spinning from the new information as he adjusted Thomas under his arm. He reached down to take Emile’s hand and followed Remus quietly. The shock of his old life suddenly colliding with his new family finally started to settle in, making his chest heavy with anticipation as the moved along the beach.

    “They seem like good kids.”

    Remus' voice drew Virgil out of his stupor. He felt his breathing steady as his soulmates took up spots walking alongside him, keeping a respectful distance away from the nervous kids.

    “They are.” Virgil answered, grateful to have Remus and Logan trying to ground him as they walked together. “This is Emile—” Virgil paused to raise Emile hand before turning his head toward the kid wheezing into his shoulder. “—and this is Thomas?”

    “And they’re brothers?” Logan prompted, still watching him carefully.

    “Uh, twins actually.” Virgil muttered as Emile looked up at him. “Thomas has always been a bit smaller, but they were born the same day.”

    “Well, we are glad to meet you both.”

    Logan shared a smile with Remus as they continued to talk softly. Virgil was relieved to feel Emile’s nervous grip loosen on his hand and he hear Thomas' wheezy snores on his shoulder. Even his own energy seemed to be fading, suddenly exhausted but feeling safe with Remus and Logan on either side of him.

    He couldn’t deny the wave of determination radiating from Remus as he rushed Remy towards medical attention, nor could he ignore the way Logan hummed a soft tune beside him to keep Emile calm. His racing mind was slowing. There were dozens of ways this situation could go sideways, but he trusted his soulmates’ intentions. They would help Virgil, no matter what the cost was to themselves.

    Virgil chewed his lip to ease his nerves as they neared the entrance of the caves. Only time would tell if Roman and Janus would grant him the same mercy.

---

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