"Morning babe," Janus sat up, clearly not registering what Roman said. He turned to stand up and winced through his teeth. "Shit!"

Roman walked over, putting down the plate and bowl and helping Janus reposition himself. "No way am I letting you get up how you are, my darling. I brought you some food, so eat it before the smell kills me," he laughed.

"Okay, you spice wuss." Janus looked over to the nightstand, laughing. "That is a shit ton of food."

Not even noticing the adoring look on Janus' face, Roman defended, "Yeah, well I figured that you might want a little of everything, and of course there's the rame-Don't get up! You gotta stay down, you're hurt!"

Janus rolled his eyes, "If you won't let me get up there, then get your ass down here."

Roman huffed and kneeled down, surprised when Janus took his face and kissed him. "Thanks for the food, Princey. But I can't stay here all day, I have things to do."

Ignoring his own blushing, Roman answered, "Exactly. And the 'things' you have to do is heal. I will personally stay here to make sure you don't get out of bed. And that is a threat." He quieted, "I tried to just graze you but… you looked pretty hurt." He stared hard at the ground, before suddenly shaking his head and smiling. "It never said in the job description that I'd be shooting at my boyfriend." He loved using that word, 'boyfriend.' It rarely failed to fluster Janus. "Now can you let me take a look at that wound?"

"I have a doctor you know. And he did a perfectly fine job."

"Well, in case he didn't tell you; no amount of wrappings is still stopping the bleeding after you decided to move that much."

"Then I'll just go see him again today. You're not a doctor, and I'm not letting you pretend to be one. Besides, I wouldn't be surprised if you fainted at the sight of blood."

"Fine then," Roman said, grabbing the huge meal he prepared. "None of this food for you. Guess you'll just get oatmeal."

Janus groaned, wordlessly moving the blanket off of his leg to let Roman look at it. He set back down the food and looked horrified at the blood-soaked bandages. He wasn't new to gunshot wounds of course, but seeing this damage on someone he cared so much for scared him. 

"Wh-where's that doctor you keep talking about? Cause you need this to be taken care of."

Roman draped Janus' arm over his shoulder and helped him downstairs.

"You know you're going to have to stop babying me and let me walk so we're not seen, Ro."

Roman paused. He knew Janus really should not be walking, especially not without help. But he had a point.

"I have a cane, and it's not far," Janus explained in an effort to ease Roman's worry. "Go on to the car and I'll follow in a minute."

"If we're going separately, you're going first so you can rest in the car."

"That can be our compromise, I suppose. Fine, I'll go first."

After Janus stumbled out the door, much to Roman's protest, Roman waited a few minutes before going out the opposite direction. He paused, hearing a crinkling beneath his steps. He backed up and picked up the offending piece of paper. 

It was folded up, so he put it in his pocket for now. He didn't have time right now. He had to get Janus help.

Roman drove them wherever Janus told him to go, helping him out of the car once they arrived. He went to knock on the door, interrupted by Janus simply pushing through.

"Patton?" He called out into the dimly lit room. Something straight out of a horror movie. Roman ducked behind the door, not wanting to be seen here, before being tugged back in by Janus. "It's okay, Patton won't do anything." That didn't help Roman to feel any more comfortable. He didn't trust anyone to see them together.

A man's face popped out from behind a wall. "Oh! Janus! You actually came for your return checkup?"

"Not my choice. Roman dragged me here after he saw the bleeding."

Patton turned on a light, smiling brightly. He seemed like a very homely, kind person, even though his very pastel punk style showed a bit differently. His t-shirt’s rainbow text said, “Destroy POWER not PEOPLE.” Maybe Roman could understand why him and Janus knew each other.

"Who's Roman? Oh, wait, that's probably you, huh?" Roman nodded, and Patton held out his hand to be shaken. "Well nice to meet you! The name's Patton."

Shaking his hand, Roman muttered, "Nice to meet you too, sir."

"Oh, yeah I should let ya know," Patton said, kneeling to look at Janus' wrappings. "They/them pronouns if ya don't mind." Before Roman got a chance to reply, they shook their head and said, "Jeez, did you walk home?" They laughed, probably knowing he did. "You clearly didn't keep it still like I told you." 

Patton stood up. "Let's get you sitting down so I can wrap that up again. Can you help me get him back to the table, Roman?"

Roman helped and Patton grabbed some things they'd need. "I hope you don't mind if I talk while I do this. It makes things feel less… grim, I guess." They paused in case of protest, then continued, smirking. "So. How do you two know each other?"

Roman froze, not knowing how to reply. "Uh, we just-"

"He's my boyfriend," Janus hissed through his teeth.

"Oh! Good for you! I didn't expect that, what with your professions and all."

Roman immediately panicked. "What? How do you-?"

"Ah, I'm sorry! That probably sounds worrying to you. Don’t worry, I'm not gonna say anything." Their tone of voice shifted almost like they were talking to a baby or a dog, "Just ‘cause you're an important law official doesn't mean you can't fall in love with our little Basilisk here." They smiled, talking normally again. "It's just a bit surprising."

"It certainly does mean that, but," Janus turned to Roman. "Told you they were cool."

"I-you're not gonna tell anyone?"

"No… they'd probably hurt you both if I did. I don't agree with either of you, don't get me wrong, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna throw you under the bus. Besides," they laughed, "if you don't mind my saying, you two seem kinda cute."

"I just told him you were okay!" Janus protested.

Patton laughed heartily. "I know, I won't say it again."

After a moment, Roman said hesitantly, "So, Patton? How did you already know who I am?"

They paused, looking downwards. "When there are this many conflicting opinions, and people fighting, it's good to keep an idea of whos-who. Gotta know who to avoid and who to stand with when things fall down."

"And what about me?"

"Well… before you came here at least, there was no way I would've sided with you. I guess I can't necessarily blame you, but there's a lot of cruel biases you guys have. Now? Maybe you're not so bad… you don't seem like you agree with those things at least. But you can't just stand by while people get hurt!” Patton slammed their fist on the table. “You already have the power to do something about it, so do it already." Patton sighed, relaxing. "Sorry, I didn't mean to get all political on you. This stuff just gets me so mad sometimes."

Roman just nodded in agreement. Patton had a point, that he couldn't deny. He knew there were some vast problems.

The conversation felt over, and Roman remembered the paper he found. He took it out of his pocket and unfolded it, reading the sloppy handwriting.

Roman could've sworn his heart stopped.

I know your secret. Isn't it odd that the chief of the stupidly corrupt NPD and the Basilisk would be trying to settle down in a shitty, rotting house? To get straight to the point, I'm going to send a couple of simple instructions to you both. If you don't follow them in a timely manner, don't count on your secret being a secret for long.

Roman's hands shook, dropping the message to the floor and struggling to catch his breath. Oh god. They knew. How did they know? He and Janus had been more than careful! All of the worst possible outcomes played through his mind vividly. Janus. This person could trade in the info, they knew everything. Roman would at least be fired, probably imprisoned. He could deal with that. But Janus… he was tough, but without Roman keeping him safe he'd be caught eventually. He'd gotten more relaxed, he didn't care that every legal official in town wanted him dead. He'd get caught. And he would die. Janus would die. Roman couldn't stop repeating that thought through his head, even through the swirling thoughts and vision. Janus would die. Janus would die. Janus would be caught and he would die.

"Ro? Roman!" He felt himself fall to the ground.

~~~~~~~~~~

Eventually, Roman opened his eyes, finding himself on the same metal table Janus had been lying on.

“There ya go. I knew you wouldn’t be asleep for long.”

Who was that? “Patton?”

“Yep. You uh… passed out after reading that lil’ paper there. How are you feel-”

“Shit!” Roman shot up, falling back down from the following head rush. 

“Hey! You can’t sit up yet, you have to let yourself wake up properly. There must be something really wrong with that paper to stress you out enough to faint.” They looked… really concerned. Roman felt a little bad.

“Yeah, I guess you could say that.” Roman sat up a bit slower this time, satisfied with how he felt and staying upright. “I-I have to go. Where’s Janus?”

“He’s outside, but you can’t go yet." Patton gave a very firm look of determination. "This may not be a proper hospital, but I’m still a doctor and there is no way I’m letting you leave before I know you’re gonna be okay.”

Roman answered some questions, refusing to answer anything about the letter, and they deemed that the stress from yesterday and the lack of sleep were the causes of his little ‘episode’ and sent him off. Roman thanked them and left, finding Janus just outside the door, clutching the paper in a tight fist.

“Oh good, our sleeping beauty has awoken.”

“... Yeah. I’m okay.”

“Good, so is my leg. Let’s head home.” Roman stuttered in place, surprised at Janus' blunt statement.

“What? What about the…” He eluded to the note.

“What about it? We’re going home.” Janus’ voice was devoid of emotion. He stared straight ahead, limping into the car without any clear reaction to what had happened. Roman followed, sitting in the driver’s seat, admittedly scared.

“Janus?”

“What is it?”

“Are you okay? I mean, of course probably not, but you’re acting strange.” Roman couldn’t look at him.

“I’m fine, and this is fine. I’m going to take care of it, but for now, I simply want to go home.”

Roman didn’t have anything else to say, silenced by his own fear, so he drove. Janus was scared too. He could tell. He was never short and quiet like this. When he was mad, he showed you, when he was sad, he'd sigh and look away. But instead his eyes were wide and his voice so monotonous from the effort to keep it steady. Janus was scared, no doubt about it.

They got home and entered their usual way, just because one person knew didn’t mean the rest of the world could. Roman entered first, opting to just sit on the couch and stare at the blank television. 

A few minutes later, he felt Janus’ gloved hands wipe a tear off of his cheek, and he opened his eyes. Janus was kneeled in front of him, looking sympathetic now. Roman let out a short sob, catching himself and trying to stop as many tears as he could from falling. He wanted to keep Janus safe, crying in front of him made it feel clear that he couldn’t.

“It’ll be okay, Roman. It’s one person, that’s all. We can take care of it.” He had realized that Roman was afraid too, and he needed to stop playing cold and help him.

Like with Jonathon? Roman bit back his response, but Janus must’ve guessed what he was going to say from the glare that escaped him.

“We’ll… talk them out of it. Don’t worry.” He brought Roman’s forehead to his lips and hugged him close. “We’ll be okay.”

Roman clutched Janus’ clothes, refusing to let go. It felt like if he did, he would lose him forever. It hurt Janus to see him like this, and it was only worsened by him feeling the same way, even if he refused to show his worry. He could take care of this. He knew this city and damn near everyone in it, and he wasn’t going to let one of them hurt Roman like this. He just had to figure out who it was. This is impossible, a nagging thought told him. You’re going to die, and Roman will never be the same.

Roman felt the shoulder of his shirt slowly get soaked with tears, ones that Janus would never admit to.

Virgil smirked and rolled his eyes. Grabbing one of Roman’s hands, Virgil tugged him closer and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I’m excited for you,” he said, “our favorite Prince, getting to step foot in Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom.”

Roman’s face went red, as it tended to when his last name was used as any sort of affectionate nickname. “I’ve seen plenty of videos,” he began, but Patton cut him off by flinging their arms around his neck.

“That is not the same!” Patton shouted and Roman flinched, given their closeness, and how loud their exclamation was in his ear. Patton pulled back, grinning. “Oh, I cannot wait for today. You are absolutely going to cry.”

Logan smiled at the trio fondly. “If we’re done causing a commotion in the parking lot?” He suggested, gesturing towards the line of shuttles waiting to pick up guests.

The group headed for the busses and after only a short wait, were on their way to Disneyland. Roman couldn’t believe this was happening. It was thanks to the internet that he’d found the friends sitting with him. He never imagined he’d meet them in real life nor did he think they’d ever make their way to California all at once so that they could go together to the Happiest Place on Earth. Sure, meeting Patton first was a given, since they lived closer than Virgil or Logan did, but Roman thought that’d be as lucky as he got. Yet, here he was, surrounded by some of the most important people in his life, on his way to a theme park centered around one of the most important things in his life.

While there may have been opportunities for Patton and Roman to go, the timing had never been right, or they realized it wouldn’t have been the same without Logan and Virgil. Still, it was a true blessing, having Patton so close. The four hour drive (with good traffic) couldn’t keep them apart and they’d met up on multiple occasions over the years. Roman knew they were soulmates, someway or somehow, and that even if everything came crashing down around him, he’d still have Patton. The same could have been said for Virgil or Logan, sure, but sometimes you just clicked better with certain people. And Patton was one of them.

“Ro,” Virgil whispered, pulling him from his thoughts, “we’re here.”

They clambered off the bus, giving the driver their thanks, and headed for bag check. Thankfully, Logan was the only one with a real backpack and Patton had a small purse with them, so it didn’t take too long. In fact, the lines to get in to the park were backed up into the esplanade, but given that it was the holiday season, this wasn’t a big surprise.

Patton bounced on their feet, too much energy trapped inside such a tiny body. “Okay, first things first! As soon as we’re in the park, we’ve got to add MaxPass to your tickets so we can get as many rides done as possible.”

“Just ours?” Logan interrupted.

Patton flashed their annual pass, beaming. “I’ve got the Signature pass! It’s what paid for parking! I also might have already dropped the extra seventy to add MaxPass for the year.”

“I swear,” Virgil said, “what kind of babysitter are you to be making so much bank?”

Patton winked and skipped away as the line moved forward. Roman shrugged when Virgil and Logan looked to him for an explanation.

“I’ve never got an answer out of them either.”

Thanks to a couple rounds of Heads Up on Patton’s phone, the wait went by quickly. Soon enough, the tickets were scanned, and they had officially stepped foot into Disneyland. To absolutely no one’s surprise, tears began welling up in Roman’s eyes.

“Oh, honey!” Patton cooed.

“Babe,” Virgil sighed, endeared. He swiped the tears from Roman’s cheeks, cradling his face in his hands. “You haven’t even seen the castle yet.”

Logan held up his camera. “I am ready for the moment, however, when it happens.”

Virgil and Patton both got a wicked sort of glint in their eyes. The moment passed quickly as Patton ushered them all along and towards a quiet corner so that they could focus. Once each ticket was added to the Disneyland app on Patton’s phone and MaxPass was purchased for them all (“I could’ve bought my own,” Virgil had groused), they eventually settled on lunch reservations at Carnation Café. It was a miracle, according to Patton, that they’d managed it given the time of year and just how last minute they’d done it.

Again, Patton led the way through Town Square, taking them into the nearest (and largest) shop. Unbeknownst to Roman, with Virgil’s help, Patton made sure that Roman couldn’t see down the end of Main Street U.S.A to where Sleeping Beauty castle sat.

“Shopping? Already?” Logan asked. “Would it not be easier to wait until tonight, so that we don’t have to carry the bags with us?”

“Not what we’re here for, Lo, but yes, that’s very smart of you!” Patton chirped, looking around for a cast member that wasn’t busy. “Wait here!”

Before the others could protest, Patton shot off like a rocket, disappearing as they rounded a fixture dedicated to ears. Roman, deciding to spend his time wisely, went looking through the options. There were sequins, fluff, character themes and, of course, the oh so popular rose gold.

“How do I pick just one?” Roman whined, nestling a pair of millennial pink colored ears on his head, and checking in the mirror to see how he looked.

“Don’t say it so loud,” Virgil teased, “or Patton’ll buy all of them for you.”

Eventually, Roman decided on the rainbow ears. By the time Patton returned, he’d purchased them and was tucking the tag underneath the headband so that it wasn’t sticking out.

“I got you some— Oh! I love them!” Patton gasped, fumbling with whatever they were holding so that they could take their phone out and snap a few quick pictures.

After that was done, Patton lead them all back outside to where the light was better. Logan was camera ready and Virgil had stepped aside so Roman could have all the attention.

“Close your eyes,” Patton requested to which Roman immediately did.

There was some fussing with his shirt before the hands pulled away. “Okay, look!”

Roman did so, glancing down to his chest. A bright orange button proclaiming “First Visit” was pinned just over his heart. His name was written on it in the most exquisite cursive. The shutter on Logan’s camera was clicking, no doubt capturing the flurry of emotions dancing across Roman’s face.

“Good?” Roman heard Virgil ask Logan before Patton was looping an arm around his and pulling him away.

“I need you to close your eyes one more time,” Patton said seriously, “and trust me to lead you down Main Street? I promise we won’t bump into anything or anyone!”

“I’d trust you with my life, sunshine, you know that,” Roman answered easily.

“Hush,” Patton giggled.

Walking down Main Street U.S.A without sights to accompany all the sounds wasn’t the experience Roman expected for his first trip. He could hear Virgil and Patton talking, though he wasn’t sure where Logan had gone. Along the way, a handful of people wished him a “happy first visit!” to which he enthusiastically thanked them in return.

They came to a stop, Patton letting go of his arm. “Alright, open your eyes in 3… 2… 1…!”

Roman opened his eyes. He gasped, hands flying to his mouth in surprise, as tears pricked at the corners of his eyes. Patton was squealing somewhere behind him and Roman was vaguely aware of Logan taking more photos but none of that mattered. Sleeping Beauty Castle, decked out in Christmas lights and icicles, was there before him, glittering in the morning sunlight. Virgil came from out of nowhere and threw his arms around Roman, hugging him from behind. He rested his chin on top of Roman’s head.

“Isn’t she gorgeous?”

Roman whimpered, wiping frantically at his eyes so that he could see the view in front of him without blurred vision. A few people were aww’ing around them. It took a couple more minutes for Roman to gain his composure, in which Logan never stopped being the photographer, capturing every second. Patton appeared, squeezing Roman in the tightest hug that they could.

“Not that I don’t wanna stay here and watch this forever,” they said, after a round of pictures had been taken by a PhotoPass cast member, “but we have so much to do.”

And so much they did.

From attractions to character meet and greets to stage shows. They rode the ups and downs of roller coasters, took trips to Neverland and Pleasure Island, boarded the happiest cruise that ever sailed (and suffered the ear worm for a solid hour after). They said hello to Mickey, and Rapunzel, and Peter Pan, and the Fairy Godmother. They watched storytelling at the Royal Theater with well enough timing to meet Belle and the Beast afterwards.

By the time their lunch reservations rolled around, they were famished. They shared fried pickles and potato soup as well as letting each other try the meals they ordered. Patton went through four cups of cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate. Their timing couldn't have been better; thanks to their table outside, they were able to watch the A Christmas Fantasy parade while they ate. 

After eating, it was back to business. The lines were dreadful but thanks to Patton insisting on MaxPass, they were able to make the best of their time with booking fast passes in advance. It was important to Patton that Roman tried all of the Disney classics — dole whips, Mickey pretzels with cheese, and churros were snacked on throughout the day. It was while wandering through the store at the exit of Star Tours that they learned something new about Roman.

“I’m just saying, there’s no way I could survive on Hoth,” Roman was telling Logan. “I’ve never seen snow in my life, you think I could live on that planet??”

“You’ve never what?!” An unfamiliar voice cut in.

They turned to find a cast member staring at them, eyes wide. Her name tag read Danielle from Tucson, AZ. Patton, having been distracted by the new merchandise they had for pets, spun around.

“What!!!” They screeched.

Danielle turned to Patton. “Please tell me you’re going to watch Castle Lighting?”

Patton was already nodding. “It was on the agenda but like, now I have to make sure we get the best spot!”

“Hold on, don’t move,” Danielle said, brushing by them and hurrying towards a door marked ‘Cast Members only.’

Virgil took Roman’s hand in his. “Magic’s being made for you, your highness. How’s it feel?”

Roman took Virgil’s cheeky tone as teasing and so when Danielle returned, pulling Patton aside, he wasn’t sure what to expect. Patton’s expression was brightening by each word, though, and Danielle seemed just as excited.

It looked like they were nearly done talking when another cast member approached Danielle and handed her a piece of paper.

“Okay, okay,” she said loudly, shooing Patton back towards their friends. “Have fun! Happy first visit, Roman!”

Roman blinked, a little confused, and waved goodbye.

“Next!” Patton exclaimed, dragging them all out of the store.

The others didn’t get an answer as to what had been done but Virgil certainly had an idea. Spending the next couple hours on the west side of the park, they checked Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion Holiday off the list. They walked on Winnie the Pooh and then went twice more because the line was so short and because it was Patton’s favorite. Towards the end of the night, they stopped again by It’s a Small World to appreciate it all lit up. They got dinner in Frontierland, people watching and allowing themselves time to rest after such a busy day. It was nearing six when Patton insisted they all head back towards the castle.

The castle looked even more beautiful in the dark, with the lights turned on. Roman had been about to ask if they could just take a few minutes to enjoy the sight but Patton was gone, disappearing into the crowd. Roman had no time to panic as Virgil patted his head and pointed to where Patton was talking with a cast member in a red vest. After a few minutes, in which Logan took to snap some pictures of the castle, Patton waved them over.

“Okay, so, remember the girl that helped us in Tomorrowland earlier? Danielle?” Patton asked.

The three nodded.

“Here’s the magic she made for us!” Patton exclaimed. They gestured towards a roped off area with benches all facing the castle. It was half full but seemed delightfully empty compared to the rest of the craziness surrounding the Walt and Mickey statue. Thanking the cast member that Patton had spoke to, they all got cozy on a bench near the front. Patton vanished for a bit and returned with cups of hot cocoa for all of them. Roman couldn’t have imagined this trip going nearly as smoothly without them and he made sure to say as much.

“Aw, kiddo!” Patton gushed. “This is the most fun I’ve ever had. I’m so glad I could be here with y’all!” They tugged the other two in for a group hug.

“Look! Look at the sky! Do you think it could snow?”

Roman startled at the voice, looking up. Another followed and soon a conversation began between the two. It sounded like a child and their mother. Patton was bouncing in their seat, seeming unable to sit still. Virgil had Roman’s hand in his again and Logan must have been on his third memory card by now, Roman swore—

Suddenly, singing begun, and the castle — of which they had a perfectly centered view of — began to light up, in tune to the music. If Roman thought it had looked pretty before, it was truly stunning now.

“Oh!” Patton gasped, though surely they had seen this many times before. “Ro! Look!”

Roman, despite how badly he didn’t want to tear his gaze away from the castle, looked to where Patton was pointing. It…

“Oh my god,” Roman whispered.