Virgil’s Guide to Avoid Accidentally Falling In Love With Your Boss’ Boss
Virgil’s just trying to fake his way through life, but when he finds it hard to shake his hot boss’ boss’s attention- on account of their adopted sons being twins- things get complicated.
~~~~
Step One: Totally Do Not Find Him Attractive
“Handouts. Poster. PowerPoint. Lunch money. Lunch box. Lunch. Snack. School supplies. Roman... I think I have everything, so why do I feel like I’m missing something?”
“Dad? You’ve said that four times, but we haven’t left yet.”
“Fine,” Virgil sighed starting the car. “We’re leaving. We’re leaving... So, are you nervous for your first day Ro?”
Virgil watched as the seven year old shook his head in the rearview.
“Some of my friends from camp will be there.”
Virgil nodded, “True, it’s good that you’ll already have some friends. Not that you’d ever have a problem making them.”
Roman beamed a smile at him, “Of course. Everyone wants to be my friend.”
“Is that right?”
“Yup. But are you nervous?”
“Very. I have a presentation at work.”
“You always have a presentation.”
“True, but this one is for my boss’ boss. So this one is very important.”
Roman rolled his eyes, “You say all of them are important.”
“They are.”
“You worry too much.”
“I don’t- coffee! That’s what I was forgetting!”
Two months had passed since Virgil had picked up his and Roman’s life for his new job. It had been difficult, leaving to go somewhere he had never been with a child by side, but this job offered more money and he could get Roman in a better school system so he had to.
And for two months things had been alright. Roman had made fast friends at summer camp, even if Virgil hadn’t really made any, and things were going so smoothly. So of course a presentation which threatened his whole career had to come up.
It was supposed to be a simple one. Just a collection of everything going on in his department to be shown to higher ups. It was something that his boss was supposed to present to her bosses. And his boss would’ve- had she not have sent Virgil a text at three am saying she was sick and that since he had made the presentation he should do it in her place.
Two months since he started and he was finally going to meet his boss’ boss. The man in charge of this place. The man whose tongue was apparently so sharp that he made interns cry and employees quit.
Virgil wanted to puke.
He took a deep breath in and out as he stared in the bathroom mirror to attempt to calm himself. He was about to do so again when his phone dinged with a text.
ROMAN’S EMERGENCY PHONE
Already made a friend I think! I’ll tell you all about him! Good luck with the presentation!
Virgil couldn’t stop the small smile on his face as he responded to remind Roman the definition of the word “emergency”, but regardless his son’s words were enough to calm him. He nodded at his own reflection satisfied and headed for the conference room.
He arrived seven minutes early (early enough not to look insane, but early) the room was already filling with people he recognized and didn’t, but each introduced themselves and settled themselves as they trickled in.
And for a moment Virgil real thought he could do this. For a moment. Because as soon as that thought crossed his mind the door opened and everyone silenced.
Virgil looked up from where he was hooking up his computer to the projector to see a man walk in. While Virgil had never seen him or even a picture of him before, the different colored eyes and scar of the stories gave him away to be Dante Ekans.
The stories Virgil had heard of Dante Ekans spoke of a man with one brown eye and one that looked almost yellow in the light, and a scar that covered half his face (none of the stories however could agree on how he got said scar). The stories spoke of a man who was short tempered, cruel, and stiff.
The stories seemed to say everything about the man, other than the fact that he was hot in a suit.
The suit fit him perfectly- but then again the thing was probably tailor made to do so. And everything about it perfectly complimented his face.
Virgil had assumed that the scar spoken of would make anyone look terrible, so why did he look even more rugged, and serious, and attractive?
“So you’re Storm?” Dante Ekans asked running his gaze up and down Virgil’s form in way which must’ve been unimpressed.
Virgil forced himself not to pick apart everything that sounded beautiful about that voice and instead nodded, “Yes sir.”
“Then get on with it.”
Virgil gave a hard swallow, “Yes sir.”
The presentation... went.
It didn’t go badly, and it didn’t go well. But Virgil couldn’t blame anyone else but himself for that. He had started strong, been on a roll for about half of it. But that’s when Dante Ekans had looked up from his phone for the first time since the presentation started, and that’s when the two locked eyes, and that’s when Virgil forgot how to function like a normal human being. He liked to think he recovered towards the end as he was able to answer any and all questions perfectly as if he had practiced them (because he had). So yeah, it went.
Virgil was just happy to retreat to his desk afterwards, also known as a safe place where hot bosses don’t exist (according to his coworkers his own boss was hot, but that wasn’t Virgil’s area of expertise). He was just content to drown himself at the work he had, because if he could make it through the day he wouldn’t have to think Dante Ekans again for a while. Just gotta make it through the day.
Simple enough.
~~~~
Virgil was texting his boss about the meeting when the back car door opened suddenly. He jolted and dropped the phone and holding back a curse bent down to pick up.
“Dad!”
“Hey Ro,” Virgil greeted looking around for the device on his floor. “How was your first day?”
“Amazing! You’ll never guess what happened!”
Virgil found his phone and sat up to look at his son in the rearview and froze noticing the presence of a second child in his car.
Even scarier, the child looked just like Roman.
Virgil turned around in his seat and blinked a few times, “What?”
“Tada!” The two shouted at once.
Virgil’s mouth opened and closed twice before he was able to speak. He focused on the one he knew was his, “Roman? What’s going on?”
“This is Remus!” Roman smiled happily. “We gotta be twins!”
Virgil nodded with a forced smile, “Alright. Um, nice to meet you Remus.”
“Nice to meet you Mr. Virgil!” Remus smiled.
Virgil nodded again, “Um boys? Why don’t you hop out a sec? Okay?”
The two boys seemed confused, but did so and Virgil walked around to the sidewalk as they climbed out, waving over a teacher as he did.
“Remus!” The man said hurrying over. “You cannot go home with Roman!”
The two boys grabbed each other in a hug, “He's my brother!” Remus declared.
Roman nodded, “Dad! Remember Mrs. Julie always said I had a brother who adopted? It’s gotta be Remus! Our names even go together!”
“Remus you need to go home with your dad, and Roman his,” the teacher tried with a slight sigh (Virgil had met him when dropping off Roman in morning, what was his name? Mr. Hart? That sounded right). “I’m sorry Mr. Storm,” he apologized.
“Not your fault,” Virgil told him turning his attention back to the duo- who were giving him identical pouting faces. “Roman, you’ll see Remus tomorrow.”
Roman shook his head, “No, I don’t want to be separated again!”
Virgil opened his mouth to comment that the two didn’t know they were brothers yet, but looking at the two it was obvious. “It’s just until tomorrow,” he tried.
“But Dad.” Roman’s eyes welled with tears.
“I’m sorry Roman. Another day I can talk to Remus’ parents and then we can get a playdate or something okay?”
Apparently his response wasn’t good enough because that’s when both boys started crying.
Virgil held in a curse, “Roman come on, you’ll see him tomorrow. You have school everyday.”
This only seemed to make the two cry more.
“Oh there’s your Dad, Remus!” Mr. Hart smiled suddenly. “Let’s get this figured out.”
“Daddy!” Remus cried letting go of Roman- but he still held Roman’s hand as he moved past Virgil to go to a man who bent down to hug him.
“Daddy he’s mean!” Remus cried pointing to Virgil.
His father picked up his head enough to acknowledge Virgil- and Virgil died right then and there. “Did you make my son cry, Storm?”
Virgil swallowed and took a step backwards at the man’s piercing glare, “Not exactly sir...”
Needless to say, Virgil didn’t make it through the rest of the day without thinking about Dante Ekans.
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“Let's go already,” Roman groaned moving to lay on the floor.
“We’re waiting for Henry and his little sister to get here,” Dee reminded him.
“Daddy!” Patton called coming in the room, his eyes on the brink of tears. “I made Virgil cry!”
Dee gave a slight shrug as he listened to the sound of Virgil’s cries from upstairs, “He didn’t get a nap. I’m sure he’s just upset about you and Logan trying to put his costume on.”
Patton shook his head furiously, “I don’t think he likes zombies! I made him cry!”
“Duh!” Remus chimed in. “Roman and I did awesome, so you look like a real zombie! Everyone should be super scared!”
“I don’t wanna scare Virgil...”
“Don’t cry!” Roman shouted getting up. “You’ll mess up your makeup!”
Too late.
“I don’t wanna be a scary zombie!”
Dee gave a sigh and glanced at the clock. They had fifteen minutes.
Fifteen minutes...
“How about a uh- uh mummy?”
“But then who’s gonna give out candy?”
“Ms. Miranda is gonna stay here and watch the house and give out candy while I take Ashley with us trick or treating.”
“But then who's gonna give out candy at her house?”
“Her husband.”
“So she won’t get to go trick or treating?”
Dee glanced over to where the woman had made herself comfortable in front of his TV, wine and candy in hand. “I think she’ll be fine.”
“I thought you said your costumes matched?” Remus asked Logan and Henry. “You’re both not Frankenstein.”
“I’m Frankenstein’s monster , and he’s Dr. Frankenstein . They’re different,” Logan explained.
Remus didn’t look convinced, “Is this a trick?”
“No! Look it up!”
Dee looked over the large mass of children in front of him and did a quick headcount. Three that weren’t his, and five that were. He gave a nod, “Alright everyone, let’s head out!”
“Wait Dad, Where’s your costume?” Roman asked.
Dee paused, “How many jump ropes do we own?”
~~(And now for some snippets)~~
“Dad! Patton’s toilet paper got caught on a bush again!”
Dee gave a sigh as he stopped to go untangle Patton who gave him a wide smile back, “Did you bring the extras?”
Dee nodded and grabbed the extra toilet paper from the stroller, “Alright Pat, give me a spin.”
~~~~
“I think people only get my costume ‘cause we’re a pair,” Henry commented.
“Is that a bad thing?” Logan asked in return.
Henry shook his head, “Nope. But you’re being the harder to guess one next year.”
~~~~
“And what’s your costume?” Another parent asked amused.
Dee held up his number of jump ropes- tugging the kids slightly as he did so- “I’m a dog walker.”
~~~~
“Oh my what a dashing Prince! Do you slay dragons to save kingdoms too?”
Roman shook his head, “I tame dragons.” He reached over to poke Virgil’s nose. “He even knows tricks watch! Virgil, say Dada!”
Virgil clapped his hands and repeated the word happily, “Dada!”
~~~~
“Remus, stop stealing Ashley’s candy.”
“But I’m a pirate! I have to steal candy!”
“At least he’s not robbing banks yet,” Logan shrugged.
“Logan you- yet?”
“It’s gonna happen one day Dad. Don’t be surprised when it does.”
Virgil’s Guide to Avoid Accidentally Falling In Love With Your Boss’ Boss: Step Two
Virgil’s just trying to fake his way through life, but when he finds it hard to shake his hot boss’ boss’s attention- on account of their adopted sons being twins- things get complicated.
~~~~
“Why do we have to have homework on the first day?”
“Because that’s how school works,” Dante Ekans chuckled. “Here, why don’t you do work on your story? Mr. Hart said you can write about anything you did this summer right?”
“I don’t want to though, I want to play with Roman.”
“Roman is writing his story too... So can you write for me while I talk to Roman’s daddy?”
Virgil must have stepped into a parallel world.
Gone was the boss who glared at him and clearly thought he was a waste of time,space, breath and more, and here was some soft man trying to encourage his kid do homework.
“Can I go to the bathroom?” his other son asked from his other side.
Dante Ekans nodded and looked around the small cafe before pointing out where it was. His other son- Logan apparently- rose from his seat and walked over as his father watched him the entire time.
“Sorry, what was I saying?” Dante Ekans asked.
Virgil gave a shrug, to be honest he was confused by the majority of this conversation- or well he had been confused since the moment he had arrived to pick Roman up from school. First a sudden twin, and then crying children, and then an angry boss, and then his boss inviting them to get coffee.
None of it made sense.
“I can’t remember,” he frowned drumming his fingers on his coffee cup. “Regardless, it’s clear that two are going to be attached to the hip now.”
Virgil nodded in agreement as he looked at Roman. His son was busy writing his story, but he kept glancing up at Remus as if worried the boy would disappear while he was distracted.
“I should get your number, we can properly schedule a playdate that way.”
Virgil nodded in agreement and tried his best not to think about the fact that the hot boss’ number would soon be his. “That sounds good, but particularly I’m more worried about leaving afterwards.”
“We’re staying together,” Roman interrupted to further Virgil’s point.
Dante Ekans gave a chuckle, “We’ll have to figure it out.”
“You did well by the way,” Dante Ekans commented as he held his crying son in his arms.
Virgil looked up from where he was attempting to hold Roman back, “What?”
“Your presentation,” he said casually. “You did well. You seem to know what you’re doing and do it well. You could use some confidence though.”
Virgil did his best not to blush, “Uh thank you... thank you sir.”
“Dee,” he corrected. “I go by Dee.”
Virgil nodded quickly, “Thank you... Dee. I- ow! Roman! Kicking me will only end in you not getting dessert tonight.”
“They’re stupid,” Logan commented adjusting his glasses.
“We don’t use that word,” Dante chided. “Come on you two.”
“I hate you,” Roman declared as they left.
Virgil sighed and took his son by the hand, “You’ll see him tomorrow.”
~~~~
“Storm?”
Virgil looked away from his computer as his boss poked her head in his cubicle. The woman gave him a sorrowful look, “Ekans wants you in his office.”
Virgil’s heart skipped a beat as he forced himself to nod. It had been about a week since the two had and their children had parted from the cafe. They had texted a few times purely so Roman and Remus could keep in contact, but they hadn’t really spoken themselves. And now he was being called to the hot boss’ office.
Dante Ekans was on the phone when Virgil entered the room.
The office was large and mostly empty aside from the sitting area and the desk. Dante Ekans himself sat at his desk on the phone, but as Virgil entered he hurriedly hung up.
“You can close the door,” he announced.
Virgil did so and tried not to flinch at the echoing sound it made as it clicked shut. “Did you need something Mr. Ekans?”
He leaned forward and leaned his elbows on his desk and fixed Virgil with an expression that wasn’t able to deciphered, “Dee.”
“...Dee.”
“How is Roman doing?”
“He’s- he’s good. Being attached to Remus is certainly helping him adjust to a new school.”
“Good, good. I- you don’t need to stand in the doorway, I don’t bite.” He stood. “Here, why don’t we sit on the couches?”
They sat on opposite couches, a coffee table between them. Dee looked casual- as he should in his own office- as he sat with his laptop on his lap typing away. “Sorry, someone just emailed me... But I called you here to talk about the boys. I had my people look into the adoption records. It just confirms the obvious, the two are twins. After their mother’s death they were put in the system and then two were seperated due to overcrowding.”
“Agreed,” Dee closed his laptop and set it beside him with a tired sigh. “Shit, I didn’t even ask how you were. Let me pretend I have manners. How are you doing today?”
Virgil couldn’t stop himself from smiling slightly, “I’m fine. You?”
“Tired as hell, but I guess that’s what I get for running this place at my age, and raising two kids.”
“Do you want me to go so you can nap or something?”
Dee shook his head, “Nah, you being here is a break. So you’re fine.” He paused, “That shirt is a nice color on you.”
Virgil blinked and looked down at his shirt- purple- before he nodded, “Um, thanks.”
Dee said nothing for a moment his eyes running over Virgil in a way Virgil found himself unable to interpret.
“So um,” Virgil said awkwardly looking away. “Out of curiosity, how long ago did you adopt Remus? Roman said it was a while ago, but I don't remember.”
“He was two,” Dee recalled. “You adopted Roman a few years ago right?”
Virgil nodded with a slight smile at the memory, “Something in me was crazy and decided I wanted a kid. It's been crazy, but I love Roman.”
“I understand that,” he nodded. “My boys are my everything.”
“How old is Logan?”
“Nine going on twenty,” Dee chuckled. “He’s serious as hell, but I can’t tell if its nature or nurture... Oh, I meant to ask you what your weekend plans are?”
Virgil blinked, “Um, nothing?
“Perfect. I was thinking you and Roman could come by my place and the two boys can hang out like they so desperately have been craving.”
“Sounds good,” Virgil nodded. “Which day is better for-” Virgil was cut off as the door opened and Dee’s secretary entered.
Dee frowned at her, “Did you need something?”
“He called again,” she said awkwardly. “Another new number.”
Dee sighed and ran a hand through his hair, “I’ll text you Storm, I need to deal with something.”
Virgil nodded and stood, “It’s... it’s Virgil.”
His boss’ lip quirked in a slight smile, “I’ll text you, Virgil.”
~~~~
“This place is huge!” Roman marveled as they pulled up. Virgil was inclined to agree.
The house was huge, nice looking from the outside, and probably cost an amount that Virgil could only dream of. He climbed out of his small beat up car and grabbed the bag he had brought before setting off for the front door.
Roman hurried ahead of him and run the doorbell. It was adorable to see him bounce on the balls of his feet with barely contained excitement, and it was something Virgil would savor while he could.
A moment later the door opened and Virgil nearly dropped everything his holding at the sight of Dee- shirtless Dee- shirtless and toned Dee- shirtless, toned, and hot Dee... (Just to be specific).
“Welcome!” He smiled casually.
“Where’s Remus?” Roman asked him.
Virgil couldn’t even force words to work in time to chide his son for not greeting Dee properly. Thankfully Dee only laughed as they stepped in the house, “He and Logan are in the pool. Come on.” He led the way through the house and Virgil pulled his eyes from his boss long enough to admire the place.
“It’s beautiful.”
“Thanks,” Dee nodded. “What’s in the bag?”
Virgil paused before he remembered the bag he was carrying, “I know you said I didn’t need to bring anything, but I figured who could turn down homemade cookies?”
“What kind?”
“The best kind, extra mixed chocolate chip!” Roman answered for him. “Dad and I made them last night! It uses different kinds of chocolate chips and we put a ton in.”
Virgil chuckled, “He’s my baker in training.”
“Dad said our next project is lemonade cupcakes.”
“Oh?” Dee asked as he led the way out into the back by the pool. “Well if you ever need someone to try any sweets I will happily oblige... And I guess the boys would too.”
“Roman!” Remus cheered from where he hung out in the pool, but beside him Logan rolled his eyes.
“We brought cookies!” Roman cheered taking off his shoes.
“For after lunch,” Dee tossed in.
“Are you gonna swim at all?” Dee asked swimming over to him a while later.
Virgil shook his head, “I don’t own a swimsuit right now. I swore I had one before we moved but it vanished, and I’ve never gotten around to getting a new one.”
“Moving makes somethings vanish and others reappear,” Dee shrugged.
“You can swim with the boys without me,” Virgil told him kicking his legs lazily in the water. “I’m fine, just here sitting on the edge.”
The other man paused before he moved to the edge and hoisted himself out of the pool (giving Virgil a decent view) before sitting beside Virgil. “I’ll join you for a bit. Have a conversation that’s above a sixth grade level... I hope you’re above the six grade level.”
“Well I’m 80% sure I passed sixth grade.”
“Why are you missing 20%?”
“Well if I said 100 it would be too suspicious no?”
“Touche.”
“Can- can I ask you something?” Virgil asked after a bit of hesitation.
“Sure.”
“Well um, there’s so many rumors around you at work. But you seem like an entirely different person than what they say? I guess that’s not question... or proper grammar.”
“It’s that last 20% kicking in, but as for your not question. I turn work me on and off. Right know I’m Dee Ekans, a dad hanging out having a good time. At work I’m Dante Ekans, and I need order and things done when I say.”
“Doesn’t that get... tiring?”
“Not so much as trying to stick to work mode. I’ve tried to stop bringing work home with me, and it’s made things a million times easier on me- on all of us.”
“Dad can we get lunch now?” Logan asked swimming over.
Dee nodded and stood, “Sounds good.”
“Do you need help with anything?” Virgil offered.
“Um, why don’t you help Logan carry everything out here? I’ll take the twins?”
Dee had managed to get the two seated at a table, by the time Virgil and Logan returned from their horribly silent trip to the kitchen.
“-That’s what my other dad said,” Remus was telling Roman.
“Other Dad?” Roman echoed.
Remus nodded, “I have two dads.”
“Really w-”
“Alright boys, what do you want to eat?” Dee interrupted. “I’ve got corn, hot dogs, and chicken, and more. Take your pick. Oh, and of course we have the cookies afterwards.”
Of course there was another parent.
A house this large? Super demanding day job? Two kids? Dee has to have someone else to help him out. That was logical. So why did Virgil feel a tad, disappointed?
He chose to ignore the feeling and on top of that he would need to stop gawking over a taken man.
But with the sound of the man’s laughing ringing beautifully in his ear? It would be easier said than done.
Virgil’s Guide to Avoid Accidentally Falling In Love With Your Boss’ Boss: Step Three
Virgil’s just trying to fake his way through life, but when he finds it hard to shake his hot boss’ boss’s attention- on account of their adopted sons being twins- things get complicated.
~~~~
Step Three: Do Not Let Him Know Your Car Broke Down
The silence which echoed around the office gave Dee away before Virgil could see him. So when Virgil got to his cubicle, and was horribly unsurprised to find the man sitting at his desk.
“You don’t have enough decorations in here,” he commented.
Virgil raised an eyebrow amused, “Your office is pretty bare.”
“We have different roles, and I’m surprised drawings aren’t covering this whole thing.”
“I used to hang up Roman’s stuff, but then he claimed only the best ones were allowed to be in my office. And given that his opinion on his best drawing changes daily it turned into a lot of putting up and taking down. So I leave them at home.”
“That’s adorable.”
“Did you need something?” Virgil asked him.
He looked at Virgil like he was stupid, “You promised me cupcakes, so I am here to collect.”
Virgil rolled his eyes and moved towards his desk and reached into the bottom drawer before pulling out a container. “There you go.”
“You are wonderful human Virgil.”
“And you’re crazy.”
If Dee heard him, he paid the words no mind as he stood and exited the cubicle examining the cupcakes through the plastic as he did.
“Those are for your sons too. Not just you,” Virgil called as he did.
“Same thing.”
“Goodbye Dee!”
When he was gone Virgil sunk into chair and clicked on his computer to resume his work when suddenly peering eyes appeared over his cubicle.
“Yes?”
“You call the boss by a nickname?” Sharie asked in surprise.
Virgil nodded, “He asked me to.”
“And you bake for him?” John asked.
Another nod, “I had a lot.”
“You didn’t offer us any sweets,” Liam threw in.
“You never asked. Would you like some next time?”
“Definitely.”
“Can I go back to what I was doing now? Or...?”
There was a pause before the eyes met one another before each of them sunk back behind a cubicle wall.
~~~~
It had taken a while- a long while- but after all that time Virgil was finally feeling not freaked out and amazed by everything Dee did (now it was only most things and that was an improvement). But still there were things about Dee which came as a complete surprise.
“No no no! Come on baby, come back to me... You can’t give up on me now.”
“Does talking to the car make it start?” Roman chimed in.
Virgil gave a groan and kicked his tire, “Let me call someone and see if someone can drop you at school. I’ll have to take the bus to work. For now let’s go back in the house.”
Virgil was in the midst of calling his third person to ask to drive Roman, when his doorbell rang.
“Hold on Sarah,” he told her going to answer it. And he froze in surprise at Dee and the boys standing outside his door.
He gave a slight wave, “Ready to go?”
“What?” Virgil asked in surprise.
“Roman texted me saying you guys needed rides.”
Virgil’s eyebrows knit as he tried to process, “Nevermind Sarah... uh thanks anyway.”
With that Virgil stepped inside and after a moment, the family followed.
“You guys came!” Roman cheered.
“Of course!” Remus responded. “We get to go together!”
Virgil gave a sigh, “Roman, the emergency phone is for emergencies.”
“It was an emergency.”
Virgil turned to Dee to thank him, and found the man’s eyes scanning his home. He tried to ignore the embarrassment he felt as the man looked at Virgil’s “modest” home. It was clearly small, with a small kitchen and living room connected. Down the hall was the two bedrooms, the bathroom and that was it.
It was nothing in comparison to Dee’s.
“Thank you,” Virgil forced out.
Dee nodded, “We’re going to the same place and this isn’t really out of shall way, I just had to switch my bigger car. But shall we get going?”
“Please.”
“I can drive you back too,” Dee told Virgil later as they stood in the elevator. “Picking up the kids is included in that.”
“I appreciate it, but I’d feel bad.”
“Don’t. Consider it me repaying you for all the cooking and baking I get out of you.”
Virgil chuckled as the elevator reached his floor, “Alright, text me when you’re heading out.”
“Will do.”
~~~~
“Hey Virgil? Can I ask you something?”
Virgil paused at the elevator as Jeff called for his attention, quite frankly he was surprised the man even knew his name. “Something wrong?”
He shook his head and moved closer, “Just a question.”
“Okay...”
“You and Mr. Ekans... are pretty close right?”
“I guess?”
“It’s just kind of surprising. He doesn’t usually talk to any of us. Or seem to even notice any of us.”
“Oh. Well, I know he gets very serious about work things.”
“Still... I mean you’ve been here a few months and you’re already cozied up. It’s just... a lot of us have been really vying for that promotion and well it wouldn’t exactly be fair if the needy-new guy got it.”
Virgil nodded and gave a swallow as understanding of the situation sunk in, “I don’t want-”
He was cut off as the elevator dinged open to reveal Dee, “Perfect timing, I was just coming to get you. Let’s go.”
Virgil nodded and gave Jeff a look before stepping into the elevator.
“Was I interrupting something?” Dee asked as they descended. “He looked serious, he hit on you or something?”
Virgil shook his head quickly, “No no no. Just- just asking me about my piece of my project... And I’m pretty sure he’s straight and married... And also not my type.”
“Oh? What is your type?”
You. “Does it matter?”
“I’m curious.”
“Well what’s yours?”
His boss gave him a smirk, “Get me drunk then ask again.”
Virgil shook off all possible meanings of the statement as they’re exited the elevator. “...I’m just gonna assume that it’s whatever your partner looks like.”
Dee raised an eyebrow, his scar stretching as he did, “Partner? I’m single.”
Virgil blinked surprised, “But- but Remus mentioned two dads before?”
Dee nodded, “I’m divorced.”
“Oh...”
“My ex and I... we saw the world very uh- differently and we didn’t end on good terms, so I have the boys.”
“Oh... sorry.”
He shrugged it off, but Virgil could tell there was lingering emotion. “You didn’t know. Now let’s get the kids.”
~~~~
“How was school?”
The boys climbed in the car one by one and Virgil noticed as Remus and Roman immediately began talking excitedly about their days, but he couldn’t help but notice as Logan said nothing staring out the window.
“How was your day Logan?” He asked when the twins had paused for air.
The boy’s eyes left the window momentarily to look at Virgil, before he looked back out. “Fine.”
“Anything fun happen?” Dee asked him.
Logan shook his head, “It was just school.”
“There has to be something interesting?”
“Remus ate a bug!” Roman tossed in. “That’s interesting!”
“That’s disgusting,” Dee disagreed.
Virgil went to comment himself when a text came through from Sharie.
You’re going for the promotion????
Virgil grimaced and hurriedly replied: I’m not
Oh
I heard you were
I’m not
Then why are you trying to get so close to Ekans?
I’m not, it’s just because of our kids
Hmmm I guess
She didn’t seem to believe him.
And as Virgil learned from the coming week, no one else seemed to either. He was well aware of their disapproving glances as he would pass, and he was very aware that those in his group were suddenly forcing more work upon him.
But all his words fell on deaf ears, because Dee had made a new habit of coming to bother Virgil at least twice a day. But Virgil appreciated the distraction from his coworkers even if it meant that he had to listen to Dee drone on about the horrors of something business related that he had no clue what it meant.
“Your work is flawless as usual,” Dee commented handing Virgil back his notes. “I think you’re all set for next week’s presentation.”
Virgil let out a sigh of relief, “Thank you for letting me practice on you. I just needed to say it out loud to someone... Are you sure you won’t be there the day of? You’re pretty calming.”
“I will be gone,” Dee chuckled. “But this reminds me of something.”
“Which is?”
“Can you watch the boys stay for the week? You’re allowed to say no.”
Virgil paused in surprise. “Um, yeah. I can.”
Dee let out a sigh of relief, “You’re a lifesaver. They were supposed to be with someone else, but sickness is floating 'round her house so it’s probably not good to have them stay there. Logan gets sick easily.”
“Um... yeah I can do it.”
“Great! I’ll owe you big time.”
“You’re leaving the day after next right?”
“Correct. And I’ll be gone for five days.”
“Five days,” Virgil echoed.
Five days.
It was going to be a long five days.
~~~~
Virgil frowned at Roman’s bedroom, it was small on its own but it fit Roman well. But now he had two other kids to worry about.
One option was the two slept on the floor- or Logan did while Remus and Roman shared the small bed. Another was that Virgil gave up his own bed and slept on the couch.
Neither seemed ideal for two boys used to having their own large rooms to themselves.
“Where would prefer to sleep Logan?” He sighed finally.
The child gave him a glare, “At home.”
Virgil nodded once, Logan could take the floor.
They had made it through the first day. Or well most of the first day. He had gotten through it, he had managed to drive Dee’s too nice of a car to shuttle the boys to school, head to work, and get them back to his house. All that was left was dinner, baths, and bed.
He could do this.
He could do this.
“I’m allergic to tomatoes.”
He couldn’t do this.
Virgil froze as he stared over the pasta sauce he was cooking before he looked down at Logan beside him. The child bore a serious expression as he crossed his arms and waited.
Virgil wasn’t sure how to respond. He had questioned Dee for thirty minutes about his boys, health concerns, allergies, likes, dislikes, and not once had tomatoes been mentioned.
“Um... do you like something else on your pasta?” Virgil asked awkwardly. “I don’t have any other sauce... but I um... I think I have rice?”
The nine year old gave him a slight glare, “I don’t want rice.”
“Oh, what- what do you want?” Virgil regretted the question as soon as he asked. What if he didn’t have something that Logan liked?
Logan opened his mouth to respond, but he was cut off as Virgil’s phone rang. Virgil reached for it and hurriedly answered when he saw Dee’s name.
“Why didn’t you tell me Logan has an allergy?” He asked hurriedly as he turned back to the stove to stop the now bubbling sauce.
“Uh... because he doesn’t?” Came Dee’s voice.
“He just said he’s allergic tomatoes.”
“What? Are you sure he wasn’t just joking?”
“I’m in the middle of making pasta and he comes up and says he’s allergic with a serious expression. So I didn’t think he was...”
He heard as the man gave a sigh, “Put him on.”
Virgil turned, but Logan was gone.
The boys had talked to Dee before dinner, and with that Logan ate all his pasta without complaint, (he actually seemed to enjoy it slightly before he decided to frown for the rest of dinner).
Following dinner, baths were taken while Virgil did the dishes, and then it was time for a board game to wind down. Or well that was the intentions before the twins started arguing over who’s turn it was and Logan had walked out of the room.
“Alright! If you guys aren’t going to share then you can go straight into Roman’s room.”
“But we want to play this,” Remus whined.
Virgil shook his head and began to gather the game pieces. “You can play quietly in Roman’s room for a half hour and then it’s bedtime. Better yet how about a book? I know you both have reading you're supposed to do for school... If you don’t have a book I can pick one?”
The threat of picking a book seemed to be enough to cause them to retreat, but that still left Logan. He found the child in his bedroom sitting on his bed.
“That’s not where you’re sleeping.”
Logan rolled his eyes, “Your house is so small there’s nowhere else to go.”
Virgil pretended it didn’t sting as much as it did, “Those two are unwinding in Roman’s room. If you want we can go back out in the living room and you and I can finish the game?”
“No. I’ll go to bed.”
“Oh, uh okay... goodnight.”
~~~~
“Were you driving the bosses car this morning?”
Virgil looked up as his coworkers sat down across from him at the cafeteria. “Uh yeah... his sons are with me, and even if my car wasn’t at the shop waiting on a part that will never come, Dee’s car is large enough for two car seats and a booster seat. So he gave me the keys while he’s gone.”
“Wow, you both got close fast then.”
“I-I guess...”
“Has he said anything about the promotion?”
“No? I haven’t asked... we mainly talk about the boys...”
They didn’t look convinced.
But it’s not like he expected them to be.
~~~~
The rest of the days seemed to mimic the first, the twins being the twins, and Logan picking and choosing when to be cooperative. But it was alright regardless, and while he enjoyed the company of the extra children he was silently looking forward to having his small home clean for more than an hour at a time, and a tad more quiet.
“Ready to pick up your dad you two?” Virgil asked as they all climbed in the car.
The two boys nodded eagerly, “I’m glad this trip was short,” Remus commented. “Oh what souvenirs do you think he got, Logan?”
“I want another snow globe,” Logan put in.
“Does he go on trips often then?” Virgil asked.
Remus nodded, “He goes lots of times. Sometimes we can even go with him!”
“That’s only in the summers,” Logan clarified. “Our other Dad would take us to the beach while Dad was in meetings.”
“Then we’d stay longer and have vacations! My favorite was Hawaii.”
“Italy was better,” Logan disagreed. “Or maybe Paris.”
“I wanna go somewhere cool,” Roman complained. “Dad, can we go somewhere cool?”
Virgil grimaced, “One day Ro.”
“Have you not gone any trips?” Logan asked. It was an innocent child’s question, so Virgil wasn’t sure why he could hear a smugness to the boys voice.
“Dad and I only go to amusement parks,” Roman replied albeit sheepishly.
“You would like Paris,” Remus told him. “It was super cool! Oh and in London there were a ton of castles and stuff!”
“You like princes right?” Logan asked him. “Then I say London.”
Roman nodded mutely in response, and Virgil gave a sigh.
Virgil was more than thankful when Dee walked out of the airport doors and hurriedly pulled his sons in hugs. He climbed into the driver's seat, and Virgil moved to the passenger before they pulled off.
“In the bag I gave you are souvenirs,” he commented with a smile.
Virgil glanced back to watch as Remus dove for the bag and bag hurrying through it eagerly.
“They didn’t drive you insane?” Dee asked redirecting Virgil’s attention.
Virgil chuckled and looked at his boss’ defined face, he seemed a bit more tanned than when he had left. “Still just as sane.”
“Good-”
“Thanks for the snowglobe!” Logan called.
“Thanks for the shirt and bear,” Remus put in there was the sound of him digging around. “And mini cup?”
“Oh those are for Virgil and Roman,” Dee explained. “I got Roman the bear, the shirt is yours.”
“Me too?” Roman asked surprised taking the toy.
“You didn’t need to get me anything,” Virgil told him quickly.
Dee shrugged, “It’s just-”
“I wanted a magnet,” Remus complained.
Dee shook his head, “I’m not going to the hospital for you trying to eat one again.”
Virgil had many questions and opened his mouth to ask, but Dee continued.
“It’s just a shot glass,” he started again. “...I always buy one on trips. I have no one to give it to, so as they smallest of thank you for watching my kids? A shot glass. Let me know when you think of a way I can really repay you.”
Virgil could tell there was more to it, but he smiled and thanked the man regardless. “You let me use your car for days, and you’ve been driving me around. I think that’s thanks enough.”
“Did you get any update on your car?” He asked.
“The part was supposed to come today, so hopefully only a week more.”
~~~~
“You’ve been pretty quiet,” Virgil observed as he and Roman sat down for dinner. “Missing Remus and Logan already?”
Roman shook his head and poked a bit at his chicken.
“Everything okay?” Virgil asked hesitantly.
“I'm fine Virgil.”
Any possible words died in Virgil’s throat. It had been months, possibly an entire year, since Roman had called him by his name. It was something he had grown out of as he had become more comfortable with Virgil. Mr. Storm had become Mr. Virgil, which became Virgil, which had turned into Dad.
Virgil still clearly remembered the day, Roman had come to him looking nervous and scared and had asked him to call him Dad. He had pulled the boy into a tight hug and held him as he had cried tears of joy (he had been so shocked and happy that he had forgotten he was cooking and had terribly burned their dinner).
Roman now only called him Virgil as a joke, in those moments when he recalled that day.
Or when he was truly upset.
Truly upset with Virgil himself.
Virgil decided to give him a bit of a time and space. They ate their dinner in silence and only exchanged a few words as he got Roman ready for bed. But he chose to say something before Roman went to sleep.
The two had discovered early on that reading a book before bed wasn’t what worked best for them. Instead Roman would climb into his bed and the two would either take turns to make up a story or simply talk about their days. The past few nights with the other two sleeping over he had left the boys alone and they all had seemed grateful, but tonight was back to the not-routine.
“Should we do a story? Or do you wanna talk?” Virgil asked carefully as Roman sat down on his bed.
“I dunno.”
“Would you mind telling me what’s wrong, Ro?” Virgil tried. “Did... did I do something wrong?”
“You didn’t do anything wrong!” Roman shouted suddenly surprising Virgil.
“Then... what's up?” Roman sat silently and Virgil gave him a small smile, “Why don't we do a story instead?”
“It’s just not fair,” Roman said quietly.
“What isn't?”
Small tears came to Roman’s eyes, but he hurriedly wipes them away. “Remus... Remus and Mr. Dee.”
“What about them?”
“It’s not fair!” Roman shouted. “Remus was adopted when he was two! He was two and he gets a rich dad! I had to stay with different people! He left the country while I was stuck with people who hated me!”
Virgil tried not to let his heart break with each word, with each tear his son shed.
He tried.
And he failed.
“I’m sorry,” he replied softly.
Roman shook his head and moved closer to wrap his arms around Virgil’s torso and pulled him into a hug. “It’s just not fair,” he cried. “It’s not fair that they separated us!”
Virgil hugged Roman back and pressed a kiss into his hair, “I know... and you’re right, It’s not fair.”
“I’m sorry,” Roman said after a short silence as he wiped at his eyes. “I love you Dad... It’s just not fair.”
Virgil nodded and held Roman close as the boy cried, trying not to let the words hurt as much as they did. He knew what had happened to the two wasn’t fair. Remus has grown up with a loving family getting anything he could possibly want, and Roman had nothing.
He had Virgil.
But that was only official for two years of his life.
Dee entered his bedroom and smiled softly to himself as he noticed the sizable lump in his bed. “Wow, did I mess up in making the bed?” He mused aloud. “Or is something wrong with my mattress.”
He gave a loud “Hmmm” as he approached and he couldn’t help but smile at the giggle he earned. “Maybe I should push it?”
He paused before he began to push down on the lump, “No that didn’t work.”
The sound of footsteps drew his ear and he looked up to see as Logan entered, “Hey Lo, do you have any ideas on how to get lumps out of mattresses?”
The preteen considered him for a moment before he crossed his arms, “Even you should know this Dad.”
“I should?”
“You just need to lay on top of it.”
Dee nodded and did so, “Like this?”
“Exactly, the giggles are how you know it’s working. But might I suggest rolling on it? Or who knows even tickling could work.”
“Truly brilliant Logan.”
It didn’t take long until Patton emerged from under the blanket glasses askew and giggling loudly.
“Patton! What are you doing? Are you gonna help me get out the lum- oh it’s gone.”
“I was the lump Daddy!” Patton proclaimed.
Dee gave him a surprised look, “You’re not a lump, you’re a Patton!”
“I’m both!”
Dee could only hug and smile at his son in response.
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“Is there a reason you’ve been staring at that card Dad?”
Dee blinked and set the card down before he looked toward Roman who had spoken. “Um, your Nana invited us to Thanksgiving... it’s weird...”
“Why? We go every year.”
Dee nodded, “That’s true.” It was true, it was a fact, but it that was before he had divorced the woman’s son.
Damien,
I know things are a bit strange with you and my son at the moment. But despite your relationship with him, I still want to be close to my grandchildren. It’s been way too long since I held that baby of yours.
I understand if it’s too awkward for you to come, but all of us would love it if you do (I can lock my son in his room don’t worry).
Also if you do come it would be wonderful if you made those famous brownies of yours.
No pressure,
T
It should feel nice to still be wanted by Tina and that family. But it would be more than awkward. So awkward.
But it’s not like he had other options for the holiday. He had no family other than the boys, and he didn’t want to impose on his friends. He had been putting off the thought of it as long as possible. But if Tina was inviting them... wouldn’t it be rude to not go?
~~~~
“He’s not here,” was the greeting his ex sister in -law gave when she opened the door.
Dee let out a sigh of relief he didn’t know he was holding as she hugged her nephews who had rushed forward.
“Is he coming at all?”
“I’m not sure. And no, he doesn’t know you’re here.”
Inside the rest of the family had gathered and each gave him a smile and a hug and thanked him for coming despite everything. It was nice. It was uplifting.
And it reminded him that in terms of his relationship, he had one hundred percent been in the right.
“Damien!”
Dee looked up from where he had been admiring a plate of appetizers as Tina rounded the corner.
“You brought the babies and brownies!” She cheered as she plucked Virgil out of Logan’s arms.
“It’s good to see you, Tina,” he chuckled.
“T!” She corrected quickly. “I’m T.”
“Tina,” he insisted. “If you’re calling me Damien then I’m calling you Tina.”
She pursed her lips, “I’ll win one day. But for now... I need my group hug!”
~~~~
“Where the fuck do you get off going to my mom’s?”
Dee grimaced as he maneuvered himself outside onto the porch. “I thought you were calling to say hi to the boys.”
“Don’t avoid the question. What the fuck are you doing at my mom’s? My cousin texted me asking why you’re there and I’m not.”
“Tina invited me,” Dee said simply. “She wanted to see the boys.”
“They are my family, not yours. You should’ve said no. You shouldn't have gone!”
Dee took a deep breath to steel himself, “They’re the boy’s family.”
“Jesus Christ... I should’ve picked up the boys and brought them myself...”
“We can talk about this when you get here, like adults.”
He gave a scoff, “You think I’d fucking come after you dare show up there?”
“The boys want to-”
“You just fucking ruin everything you know that? I was going to introduce everyone to him tonight...”
“To your boyfriend?” Dee asked slowly the words hurting more than they should.
“Who else?” He snapped. “Why can’t you just keep your ugly ass out of everything?”
“That’s uncalled for,” Dee stated quietly, but his words were ignored.
“Your family already threw you out so don’t go latching onto mine.”
“I just wanted to have a nice holiday with the boys. Please just come and give them a bit of happiness? We don’t have to talk. Just for the boys?”
“Or you can leave them there and head home and sit by yourself and I’ll take them.”
“Can you just be reasonable for once in your life?”
“You piece-”
“Damien?” Tina’s voice asked softly jerking Dee from the conversation. He turned and stared at the woman in surprise listening to the screaming in his ear. The pitiful look on her face caused him to swallow and hang up the phone.
“He’s not coming,” He told her softly.
“He’s not worth crying over,” Tina told him quietly stepping out to join him on the porch. She gave him a slight smile and wiped away tears he didn’t know were forming. “You remember what I told you on your wedding day?”
“Don’t let him drink himself under a table?” Dee chuckled.
“I guess I did say that, but I what I remember saying is that you were my son now. And an asshole and some paperwork aren’t going to change that. If he’s petty enough that he’s going to miss out on so much? Then he’s not worth crying over.”
Dee smiled as she pulled him into a hug, “Thank you Tina.”
“T, and of course Damien... And I’m sorry, I don’t know where I went wrong with that one. The others are fine... I think.”
Dee chuckled, “I don’t think you did anything wrong.”
She pulled back from the hug to give him a smile. “Then I didn’t make a mistake inviting you. Now, come back inside with me. I need more baby time. I’m trying to get a Nana out of him by the end of the night.”
“I wish you luck.”
“He’s got Dada right? Nana shouldn’t be too much harder.”
“Nana can you come play sometime?” Patton asked as they got ready to leave.
Tina glanced at Dee before she smiled, “Of course! Your Dad here is going to teach me how to bake like that.”
“I am?”
“Glad you agree.”
Dee gave the woman a hug. “Thanks again, T... For everything.”
“Of course Damien,” she smiled.
“Oh come on, if I make an effort you need to.”
“I got my Nana from Virgil, I don’t need anything else.”
Dee gave a laugh as they headed outside. Feeling oh so much better than when he had arrived.
He had waited too long to respond to the question.
“I asked Papa, but he told me not to ask questions like that. But I know you like questions,” Virgil responded.
Logan looked away from the large eyes looking up at him to scan the faces of his brothers around them. Roman and Remus had previously been bickering over who was to eat the last pancake, but the two had silenced at the question. Patton said nothing either as he drank from his glass of orange juice, but his eyes watched Logan carefully as he wondered how the question would be answered.
“It’s a long story, and the bus will be here soon,” Logan said finally. “Why don’t we table this talk until you get home from school, okay?”
Virgil didn’t seem pleased by the response, but he nodded nonetheless, “Okay.”
He called his father when they had left for school.
“Yeah?”
Logan set the phone on speaker as he moved to do the dishes. He needed something to focus on, something other than the memory of yellow petals. “You avoided Virgil’s question,” Logan started. “So he asked us.”
The man on the other side of the line gave a curse, “What did you tell him?”
“That it was too long a story and it would need to wait until he got home.”
“...The story is short. He waited too long.”
Logan shook his head as he took a deep breath, “Not the way I tell it.”
“You’re going to make me sound like a villain I take it?”
“I tell the story the way it goes.”
“...It’s not my fault.”
Logan didn’t respond, but the way he hung up said enough.
He took a deep calming breath as he focused on the dishes. Not on the bathroom out the door and down the hall on the right. But as tears came to his eyes he couldn’t stop himself from slipping into the memory.
He had been the first of his brothers to come home.
Six years later he wasn’t entirely sure why he hadn’t picked up Patton from school or if the twins had been at rehearsal or a sport. But he could remember being thankful that he had been one the one to find Dad retching in the bathroom instead of them.
Dad was slumped against the toilet. His face was pale and covered and sweat, his hair was stuck at a weird angle, and he had stared up at Logan with mismatched eyes of pain and fear.
Logan had opened his mouth to ask what he should do to help. To offer to get water, medicine, something else, or all of the above- when Dad’s form convulsed and blood stained yellow petals spilled from his mouth and into the toilet.
The “episode” as Dad had called them lasted for a few minutes longer, before he pulled himself up from the floor and Logan found himself grabbing his father’s arm to stop the man from falling. Dad hadn’t seemed to notice.
He flushed the toilet and leaned over the sink rinsing his mouth and washing his face before his eyes met Logan’s in the mirror.
“You’ve heard of hanahaki?” He asked quietly.
Logan had nodded mutely. It was something which had heard of before, but something had never believed in. A disease so rare that could kill a person who was heartsick, the concept had become a joke in his school. It was something people said not knowing what it really meant, something people laughed about, because they had never seen it.
But now Logan had seen it.
And he regretted all those times he had laughed.
“You need to have it removed,” Were the first words Logan had forced his mouth to stay.
Dad pulled his arm from Logan’s grip and he walked out of the bathroom, “I know.”
“Then why haven’t you done it?”
Dad didn’t reply as he walked towards the front door and grabbed his keys.
“Should you be driving?” Logan asked him.
“I need to get Virgil from daycare.”
“You were puking flowers in the bathroom!” Logan shouted at him, his voice breaking at his barely contained fear. “You need to go to the hospital! Get someone else to get Virgil!”
Dad shook his head as he opened the door, “This isn’t a new thing Logan. I’ve lasted this long, I can last long enough to pick up my kids.”
“How long has it been?” he had asked that night.
Dad looked away from what he had been writing with a frown. “You should be asleep.”
Logan ignored the comment as he repeated his question, “How long has it been?”
Dad’s eyes had been tired as he shrugged, “Long enough.”
Logan took a deep breath as he took a seat across the table from his father who wouldn’t meet his eyes. “You’re not supposed to lie to me.”
“I’m not.”
“You’re not telling me the whole truth, it's a lie of omission.”
“What do you want me to say Logan?” Dad had sounded exasperated as he ran a hand through his hair. “I know I should have gotten them removed, okay? I know. But I also know the chances of someone surviving the surgery. It needs to be caught before the petals start. But I didn’t find out soon enough! So forgive me for picking the slow death where I get to spend time with my kids, over dying on an operating table!” He took a deep breath as tears fell from his eyes. “Dammit... I know Logan... I-”
Logan didn’t remember coming around the table to close the distance with his father, but he remembered the feeling of holding Dad tightly as the man squeezed him back. He didn’t remember what other words had passed between them, or if they had even spoke at all. But he remembered Dad had begun coughing again. And he remembered hating how beautiful the petals looked as they fell.
~~~~
“Mr. Ekans, can you apologize for your actions?”
Logan stared at the principal before him, “I won’t apologize. And if you give me after school detention I will be honest and tell you that I will be skipping it.”
The man sighed and turned his attention to the boy whom Logan had punched. In Logan’s personal opinion he looked better with the bruise Logan had given him. “You are free to return to class, I have already contacted your home room teacher as to why you were not present.”
“Logan,” The principal started when the other boy left, switching to Logan’s first name. “I understand what he said was wrong and that your situation is... delicate, but that does not give you permission to hit other students.”
“And if someone made fun of your father dying?” Logan returned. “What would you do?”
“In school suspension for the rest of the day.”
Logan gave a sigh, “Fine.”
His principal nodded, “Cooperate with your in school suspension and I won't call your father understood?”
“Yeah, but...”
“But?”
“You never answered my question.”
“A long day of suspension awaits you Mr. Ekans.”
“You got into a fight?”
Logan looked away from his homework to where Dad had entered his room, arms crossed. “Why do you know that?”
“I just got a call from a mother who was frantically apologizing for her son’s actions... Do you want to tell me your side?”
Logan had shrugged, “He said something about you and I got mad. That’s the whole story.”
“It’s not.”
“It is.”
“...Roman? Remus? Would you mind letting me speak to Logan alone for a bit?”
Logan had watched as his two brothers begrudgingly left the room, and when they had he kept his eyes on the closed door rather than his father’s face.
“Talk to me Logan,” Dad had urged quietly. “What are you thinking?”
“That he deserved to be punched.”
“Logan. We both know that’s not what I meant.”
Logan opened his mouth to respond when Dad’s hand had suddenly clamped down on his shoulder tightly and petals spewed from his mouth and onto the floor between them. His hand covered his mouth as he convulsed blood seeping from between his fingers as he did. Logan hurriedly maneuvered the man to sit on his bed and hurried for his trash can which Dad grabbed and coughed into.
Logan felt helpless. What could he do besides stand and watch? What could he do besides wipe away the tears which gathered in his own eyes.
“Dad? Are you okay?”
Logan turned sharply to see the twins standing in the doorway confused and worried expressions on their faces.
“Are those flowers?” Remus asked.
Logan gave a hard swallow as he turned his back on Dad’s coughing as he moved to the door and forced a smile on his face, “Why don’t you two come with me to get him some water?”
“But is he okay?” Roman asked. “Isn’t flowers a bad thing? And you’re crying?”
Logan forced himself not to acknowledge the sound of Dad puking as he pushed the duo out of the room. “Come on... I’ll explain as we go.”
~~~~
“Logan? What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be at school.”
“I need to talk to you.”
Papa raised an eyebrow as he took in the expression on Logan’s face before he waved for Logan to follow him. He led the way to an empty conference room and closed the door once the two were alone. “How did you even get here? And why did the front desk let you come here?”
“Well I’ve been here before so she recognized me as your son,” Logan answered. “And I skipped school and took a bus.”
“Damien won't be happy about that,” He sighed pulling out his phone. “I’m calling him and getting him to come get you.”
“No! I need to talk to you about him!”
Papa frowned, but after a moment he gave in with a sigh. “I guess it must be serious if you came to talk to me. What’s going on?”
“Dad... Dad’s dying.”
His eyes had widened slowly and his mouth opened and closed a few times, but at his lack of words Logan continued.
“He has hanahaki... It’s getting worse.”
“Why... why are you telling me this?”
“Why else would he have it? You broke his heart...”
“That was two years ago!” He defended frantically. “It couldn’t be my fault. I-”
Logan didn’t need to hear his excuses. “You need to talk to him.”
“Wouldn’t- wouldn’t that just be worse?”
Logan didn’t have an answer to that question, quite frankly he wasn’t even sure why he felt he needed his dads to talk other than the fact that he felt they should. Less regrets that way. So instead of answering, he asked, “Do you want him to die without ever speaking to him again? Or do you really hate him that much?”
He ran a hand down his face, “Let me tell my boss I’m leaving.”
Logan had never learned what the two had spoken about. He had been sent out of the bedroom while the two spoke and it never seemed right to ask about something so private. He had only heard the tail end as Papa had left.
“If you knew earlier would you have gotten them removed?”
Dad had given a small smile, “At this point I rather think on the present than on the past.”
~~~~
Logan had thought the presence of flowers at the funeral had been offensive, but customs overrode his feelings.
So much so that despite Papa trying to stop him he had risen during the service and walked up to a display of flowers someone had sent beside the closed casket. He was aware of everyone’s eyes on him, but he ignored it as he reached into the flowers and plucked each of the white snapdragons from the display.
When he was finished, he took his seat once more and forced himself to look and listen at the speaker as plucked each petal and let them fall onto his lap. Perhaps whomever had ordered them had thought white ones would be fine as they weren’t yellow. Or perhaps they simply had been ill informed about the details on the petals which haunted Logan’s dreams.
They must’ve been ill informed about the terror of watching someone sob and cough blood mixed with delicate petals. They must’ve been ill informed about the horror of hearing a man screaming as flowers crushed his ribcage and forced their way out of his mouth until he couldn’t scream anymore.
But Logan was informed.
He had sat outside that hospital room covering Remus’ ears, while Remus did the same to Roman, and Roman to Patton. But no one had covered his.
Logan was informed.
And never before had information been so cursed.
~~~~
“When someone loves a person so much, but that person doesn’t love them back it can cause a form of sickness. And sometimes that sickness is so bad that it becomes real. And with this sickness- hanahaki its called- flowers grow inside a person. And if it's not caught and taken care of quickly it can't be reversed. And then the flowers grow so much that it becomes too much for a person... So when Papa and Dad split apart, and Papa didn’t love Dad anymore. Dad got flowers and it was too late... And so to answer your question,” Logan took a deep breath. “Dad died from hanahaki. Does that make sense?”
“Why didn’t Papa love Dad?”
“I don’t know.”
The eight year old didn’t seem pleased by the response, “Why do you think?”
“I don’t know Virgil... and quite frankly I don’t think he knows either. Any other questions?
Virgil was quiet for a moment, “Is that why you hate flowers?”
“...I like flowers.”
“No you don’t.”
“I guess you’re right.” Logan sighed as he leaned back in his seat. He forced himself to look at the ceiling as emotions came in a wave for the second time that day. He took a few deep breaths as the memories threatened to surface again, but as he breathed each out he let them go with the air.
He had spent so much time- he didn’t even know how much anymore- talking to doctors who asked him the same questions so many times he wasn’t sure he knew the answer to them anymore.
On top of big general worry over Virgil’s condition, Patton would sporadically start to cry out of worry (in any other situation Dee would find it adorable), the twins were antsy as they began to rough house with one another, and finally Logan paced insistently as he kept trying to call their father (using Dee’s phone) to no avail.
Virgil was paler than he usually was, and his small chest heaved as he took short shallow breaths. His dark eyes were closed tightly, as if he was pain- and it only pained Dee more.
“Daddy?” Dee looked away from Virgil at the sound of Patton’s voice as he looked up to see the doctor had returned.
Patton climbed out his arms allowing him to stand slowly before he followed the doctor further away from the boys to speak.
“Based on the tests run and what you explained to us we believe he has a virus most likely caught for your other son, which led to an infection.”
Dee nodded digesting the information, “So he’ll be okay?”
“He will, but we will need to stay here for possibly a few days so he can have antibiotics, and monitoring. I’ll have him transferred out of the ER and into a more permanent room in a different part of the hospital.”
Weight fell from Dee’s chest as he gave a sigh of relief. No he didn’t want to be there longer, but long as Virgil was going to be okay that’s what mattered.
~~~~
Dee was thankful for his friends.
Despite his telling them that things were fine Brenda, Miranda, and more had come to offer well wishes. They brought him a change of clothes from the house and activities for the boys to do, and they had even offered to let the boys sleep in their homes as Dee was rooted to the spot.
Everyone was there to offer support.
Everyone but his husband.
“Daddy?” Patton asked pulling on his shirt.
Dee nodded and stood up and after making sure the other boys were fine he headed out the room to the bathroom.
He was gone for less than five minutes.
Less than five minutes.
And yet when he got back what did he find?
Virgil crying, Logan holding back a kicking and screaming Roman, and Remus- Remus had sunk his teeth into the nurses hand.
Dee was frozen and shock for half a moment until he noticed the nurse’s hand rise up to strike. But Dee’s fingers curled around her wrist before she could dare.
At his sudden appearance Remus released the woman and she wrenched her hand back. She tried to move back so Dee let her go.
“Do everyone a favor and watch your kids,” she snapped.
Dee held back a retort, he wasn’t going to piss off someone watching Virgil. “Remus apologize, now.”
Remus looked smug, but he gave an apology anyways, “Sorry.”
She hurried from the room then leaving Dee alone with his sons. The first thing he did was take a breath before he picked up Virgil and bounced him a few times to get the baby to calm down a bit. When he had quieted slightly he turned the others, “What happened?”
Logan let go of Roman, who then took up post beside Remus before he spoke. “Vee was crying and Remus wanted to help, but she came in and said we couldn’t touch him!”
“He’s our brother not hers!” Remus added in. “I know how to hold him! So she tried to pull me away, so I bit her! And she tried to hit me!”
“So I kicked her! Until Logan became a buzzkill!”
“She didn’t want you to touch him because it’s a matter of being sanitary, not familial ties,” Logan explained.
“So?”
“Yeah so?”
Dee gave a sigh, “You can’t bite people Remus. And I need you guys to listen to what the doctors and nurses say, alright? It’s what’s best for Virgil, okay?”
“Okay...”
“Fine... But if she’s mean to him, I’ll kick her again.”
Dee held back an eye roll (Logan didn’t), “Fine. Whatever, just sit and quiet down.”
“Fine parenting,” Logan muttered.
“Logan, I’m not in the mood.”
“Noted.”
~~~~
It took two nurses, one doctor, and his friend Miranda to pull him away from the hospital room. But the furthest he would go is the first floor to get a coffee.
“So glad I pried you from that room,” Miranda commented as they stepped out of the elevator onto their floor.
Dee sipped at his coffee, “Yeah, the bad coffee is totally worth it.”
She rolled her eyes and was quiet for a moment before she spoke, “Have you heard from...?”
Dee gave a sigh as his fingers involuntarily clenched and unclenched into fists. “No. I left half a million messages and sent twice that in texts... and I got nothing.”
Miranda paused in thought, before she stopped in her walk and turned to face him with a serious look. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but personally I think you’re better off without him.”
“Miranda I-”
“I’m not going to overstep more than that. But if you are still set on trying to contact him, maybe you could try using someone else’s phone? He might have you blocked.”
Dee opened and closed his mouth unsure of how to proceed, but she nodded slowly.
“If you need a phone feel free to use mine.”
He watched as she pulled out the device and held it out to him, but he shook his head and turned. He couldn’t be blocked... right?
“We should head back,” were the only words he could force out as he turned to walk the way they had come.
The walk back was silent, until he slid open the door and was greeted with the scene inside.
“I win!”
The shout came from Roman and Remus playing some game on their iPad in the corner. Apparently Remus had won whatever it was. Beside them Logan was nose deep in a book while Patton lay on the floor with a coloring book. It was a scene so normal he almost wished he could pick the whole thing up and drop it in his house. That Virgil would be healthy and things could be back to normal.
When he entered the room they all looked up at him, but he said nothing making his way back to Virgil.
“When can V come home?” Patton asked him.
Dee gave a sigh as he sat in his seat, “Hopefully soon Patt. Tomorrow or the day after.”
“That’s far away.”
“I know, but it’s to make sure Virgil is feeling his best, alright?”
“He needs to feel better faster then.”
Dee nodded, “I agree.”
~~~~
“Pacific.”
“Pacific. P-A-C-I-F-I-C. Pacific.”
“Paralysis.”
“Paralysis. P-A-R-A-L-Y-S-I-S. Paralysis. Come on give me something harder.”
“Fine, sorry, I thought we starting easy and building up. Um so... exasperation.”
“What’s the point?” Roman interjected. “Logan wins every year. He doesn’t need to practice. He’s the best speller! ...Er...”
“Speller. And why do you go to soccer practice then?” Logan asked him. “You guys won the last three games.”
“We don’t play soccer anymore,” Remus put in. “We’re gonna do karate.”
Dee sighed, “That’s not confirmed yet.”
“We can’t do karate?” Roman asked. God the kid sounded like Dee had done something terrible. He grimaced,
“I’m not saying that either. I need to look into some things first.”
“So that’s a yes?”
“It’s a maybe.”
"Maybes are yeses!"
Dee gave a sigh as Logan frowned, “They are not. Do- do you know the definition of both words?”
“It’s not a yes right now,” Patton threw in. “He has to talk to Dad first!”
Dee felt a pain in his chest as he gave the boy a smile, “E-exactly Patt.”
“What’s the next word again?” Logan asked changing the subject.
Dee nodded thankful for it, “Um... we were on exasperation.”
When the name flashed on his screen Dee swore his heart stopped beating.
His eyes flickered to his sons to find Logan watching him curiously. He gave a hard swallow as he grabbed his phone tightly and walked out into the hallway. The nothingness in his heart was suddenly replaced by a jackhammer as he finally answered the call.
“Hello?” His voice shaky, quiet, and weaker than he wanted it to be.
“You always take forever to pick up,” grunted the voice on the other side.
“Virgil he-”
“Where’s your watch?”
Dee felt himself deflate, “What?”
“Where’s you watch?” He asked again. “The one I gave you on our honeymoon? I need it.”
“What? W-why?”
“Does it matter? Where is it?”
“I don’t know. But why-”
“Of course,” there was a banging and shuffling on the other side. “You fucking lose everything. I already checked your side table and the safe, do you have any ideas on where it could be?”
“Virgil is in the hospital,” Dee stated bluntly. “He has been for two nights now.”
“What does that have to do with a watch?”
Dee gave a laugh of disbelief as his anger began to rise, “Nothing at all. But he’s your son too, so shouldn’t that be where your concern lie? With your son? Or with a fucking watch?”
“...Don’t swear around the kids.”
“Oh now you’re concerned?” Dee shouted. “You hate that I swear, but you can’t fucking come to the hospital see your son? What the hell is wrong with you?”
“Don’t raise your-“
“Don’t! Don't you even try to tell me what to do anymore. I’m done with you and all this bullshit. So listen up, you have two choices. You come here now and be with your children, or you get the fuck out of our lives and never contact us again.”
“You can’t do that.”
“Yes I can! I’m done lying to the boys! I’m done lying to myself! I gave you your choices. Come and be a father or get out of our lives.”
“Damien,” his voice was slow and angry, but Dee couldn’t bring himself to care.
“What?”
“You are aware that I pay for everything right?”
“...I guess you made your choice.”
“That’s not what I said.”
“If your money is more important that your children then you made your choice. So feel free to take your money with you. I’ll keep my kids.”
“Damien I-”
Dee cut him off by hanging up the phone. He stared down at it for a moment before he took a deep breath to stop the tears burning at his eyes.
“Dad?”
The soft call came from behind him and Dee turned to see Logan and the twins standing in the doorway. He opened and closed his mouth, but no words came out. He moved back into the room and sat in his chair before he felt small arms pull him into a hug.
He lost his battle against the tears as he hugged Roman back. There was a short pause before the other three joined and Dee held his children tightly to his chest.
“Daddy’s not coming back?” Patton asked quietly.
Dee forced himself to take a deep breath as he pulled back enough to look them all in the eye. “Our family is going to be a bit different now,” he started slowly. “But it’s okay. There’s many forms of families, and now ours is just us. But it’s okay, we’ll be okay. Can you guys trust me on that?”
Logan nodded and adjusted his glasses, “One hundred percent.”
“Good, I’m gonna need your help Logan.”
“You needed my help even when he was around.”
Dee smiled ignoring the way his tears still fell, “Glad I can count on you.”
“We thought he wasn’t coming back anyway,” Roman admitted.
Remus nodded solemnly, “Dad’s never been gone this long... Does he really not care anymore?”
“I’m sorry,” Dee told them both. “I want to think he does, but I don’t know. But I’ll be here for you guys regardless okay?”
Dee looked to Patton and it pained him to find tears in the young boy’s eyes. He pulled him close mumbling apologies as he was unsure what else to do. But Patton held him back saying that he loved him. And that was good enough.
Because even without him, they were still a family. And while some could try to cause rifts and difficulties to break them up, Dee would always be there for them as their father- as their dad who asked for nothing in return.
~~~~~
Thank you so much for reading!!!!
Part One • Part Two (1/2) • Part Two (2/2) • Part Three
