#tspatton

so it all starts with Virgil moving to a new town (specifically his parents old hometown)

Virgil is nervous but Is greeted with a lot of excitement from the rest of the kids at school

A few weeks in one day at lunch as a initiation ritual he gets dared to go into the school basement

V is confused because he didn’t see a basement door on his tour of the school or in the days since it

The kids don’t explain at all and hands him off to the kid with a key to the basement

Enter Remy! He’s big tall and kinda intimidating and Virgil is thoroughly unsettled

And it definitely doesn’t help that after Remy tosses him the keys they threaten that if V loses them he’ll be skinned alive

Virgil is very uncomfortable but feels like he can’t back out now so he goes inside

He fumbles around in the dark for a while before finally finding a light switch

He flicks it on and is immediately greeted by a very dusty and gross basement storage room

He pokes around for a bit, passively notices that it smells weird in there and starts moving to the door to leave

Then BOOM all the lights go out and the door back out slams shut

Virgil startles backwards and bumps his head on the wall on the way down

Virgil scrambles for the flashlight attached to his key chain and when he turns it on he’s in for one heck of a jumpscare

Virgil jumps back, hits his head yet again and passes out

He wakes up to a kid he’s never seen before panicking to himself

Virgil tries to help the kid calm down but they’re demeanor immediately changes once’s Virgil addresses him

The kid then perks up and starts talking very excitedly about something Virgil couldn’t quite understand

Once Virgil’s head clears a bit he starts piecing together what the kid is saying when a specific section catches his attention

“ -I mean I didn’t even think it was possible for people to see me and-“

“ hold on, why wouldn’t I be able to see you?”

“Cause I’m a ghost duh!”

The kid proceeded to roll their eyes as if it was obvious

And honestly it was, Virgil just wasn’t paying attention to the very obvious blood marks, bruises, and uncomfortably yellow skin tone

The kid notices Virgil’s obviously fear and chimes in “ oh where are my manners, it’s lovely to meet you! I’m -“

Then they pause “ huh that’s funny…”

“Whats funny?”

“I don’t actually remember my name…”

“Oh-” Virgil Isn’t totally sure how to respond “that’s a bummer I guess ?”

“ yeah I guess it is…. We’ll anyway! What’s your name?” The ghost perks back up immediately

Virgil introduces himself

Then the two engage in small talk before Virgil mentions he should probably go back up to class

“WAIT!” The ghost says

….

“Before you leave can you please let me out? I’m kinda trapped here?”

“Why?”

“Dunno! I just know I can only leave this room if someone lets me out!”

“ I don’t know that sounds like a pretty good way to get cursed.”

“Oh please please please???”

“Nope not taking that risk”

“But it’s so lonely down here! If you let me out I’ll be your friend for forever and ever and help you with school and-and- uhhh”

“Okay okay!” Virgil just wants this weirdo to leave him alone so he can pretend it was all a dream

So against his better judgment Virgil let’s him out

And The ghost true to his word follows him through school all day, giving him solutions to hard math problems and being really encouraging when they can’t help

And then they follow Virgil home, and things start getting weirder

The ghost will not go away, and they keep bumping into stuff and he has to keep explaining away the mess to his parents

Finally Virgil snaps and asks the ghost why he won’t leave

“ I can’t “

“What do you mean you can’t???”

“I can’t leave if I have unfinished business!”

“So then finish your business? “

“ I can’t because I don’t know what it is? “

“ oh, that’s rough I guess …”

“ yeah :(“

“ what if we figured out who you were? Would that tell you what your unfinished business is?”

“ it probably would!!! “

“ then let’s do that so I can get you out of my hair “

And this is where the mystery would start! Here’s a few highlights of things that I think would happen

They do a bit of research on the jacket the ghost is wearing and figure out that from The years 1982-1984 the school colors changed to red and white, then back again to Green and purple after backlash from parents, that means that Roman probably died around that time, but it could also just have been passed down to him

Virgil’s parents started high school around 1984 so he thought he might be able to find his ghost in the older grades

He doesn’t expect it to be that easy tho and is shocked to find that a boy with an exact resemblance to his ghost not only was at the school in their same freshman class

Turns out his ghost is Roman Marigold, A boy who mysteriously disappeared in his second to last year of high school

And with a little more digging through his basement he finds a small shoe box shoved in a corner

Inside he finds yet another twist, his Parents, (Patton and Janus) didn’t just know Roman, they were best friends with him ( they find all the other yearbooks, with pictures of the three of them, and two other kids, hanging out together, and the final memorial spread for Roman, which mentions an older brother that he needs to look into)

Now things are starting to fall into place, but Virgil isn’t quite sure he like where this mystery is going….

*Virgil/Anxiety's pov*

I hate my fucking room. Well, I actually love it up until I have to sleep, then I hate it. See the thing is, my room just happens to have this really amazing feature that causes horrible nightmares. Every. Single. Night. You can't escape it. I mean, you can just not sleep ever but that's pretty much impossible.

See, my room back with the dark sides didn't do this, but it did some other really bad things that I'm thankful I don't have to experience anymore. I would rather just have nightmares than all that other stuff. Ugh, it gives me shivers just thinking about it.

Now, after I first moved in I believed that my room had changed. Once I started getting nightmares every night I brushed it off as them just occurring because I'm Anxiety, but that changed when I fell asleep in the commons one night.

-Flashback-

I'd gotten woken up by Patton at around 7:30 am. "Hey kiddo, don't you think it would be better if you slept in your room?" He questioned, sitting beside me as I sat up and started to wake up.

"U-uh yeah I g-guess so," I stuttered out, rubbing the back of my neck in embarrassment that I'd accidentally fallen asleep on the couch. "It was an accident, I swear I didn't mean to. I was on my phone and I must've fallen asleep, sorry. I'll go up to my room," I stood up, grabbing my phone from the floor where it must've fallen, and walked over to the stairs.

"It's alright kiddo!" Patton flashed a smile at me that wasn't completely honest, but I sent him a small one back in return so he didn't get angry or sad or anything. I can tell they all don't like it when I'm down there so of course, they wouldn't like me sleeping down there.

Once in my room, I realized that I hadn't had a nightmare, making me very confused. Every other night I had one so why didn't I last night? Then I connected the dots. Every time I fell asleep in my room I get a nightmare. I fell asleep on the couch last night and didn't have one, meaning, my room makes you have nightmares. Great.

-Present time-

Since I figured out about my room I've attempted to fall asleep in the commons multiple times. Sometimes I was successful about sleeping down there the whole night until someone woke me up and gave me shit about being down there.

-Yet another flashback around the same time period as the other-

One night I decided that I'd try to sleep in the common room. I'd carefully waited until I was sure that everyone else had gone to their rooms and fallen asleep. After I was sure of that I grabbed a blanket from my bed and quietly snuck downstairs, trying to make as little noise as possible. I laid down on the couch, snuggling up in the blanket, and fell asleep shortly thereafter.

—

I was rudely woken up by Roman standing over me and shaking me back and forth. I slapped his hands away and stretched.

"What?" I asked, morning delusion clear.

Roman scoffed, "What do you mean what? You were asleep on the couch when we came down this morning!" I looked at him, confusion clear on my face, not quite picking up on the memo that he didn't want me downstairs.

"So what?" I asked, wanting to know what his issue was. He scoffed yet again, putting his hand on his hip dramatically.

"You sleep in your room. That's why it's there. You don't sleep down here on the couch! Plus, I'm sure your room is way more comfortable than this couch," Roman motioned to the couch and he wasn't even trying to cover up the annoyance in his voice. If only he knew.

Logan looked up from his book where he was sat on one of the chairs and stated, "Roman's right. Your room would be a much more comfortable resting place than the couch. Sleeping in your room would also decrease the amount that you influence Thomas."

Ouch, that last part stung. My eyes widened slightly in the realization of what they were trying to tell me. 'Go away Anxiety, we don't want you around.'

I hesitated on telling them about my room but I knew it wouldn't do any good as they didn't care one bit. I switched my eyes between Roman, Logan, and then Patton who was in the kitchen, looking out and obviously hearing our conversation.

Sighing, I stretched once more before saying, "Sorry, I'll leave," I got up and grabbed my blanket, and made my way to the stairs. All three of them watched me in silence as I trudged up the stairs to my room, holding my head down and the blanket close to my chest the whole time.

-Present time-

*Roman's pov*

I walk downstairs and see the emo sat on the couch, scrolling through something on his phone. Looking around I see that no one else is down here.

"Good evening, Virgil," I say before walking into the kitchen. I hear a muffled reply and I see him flop down on his side, attention still attached to his phone. I get a snack and open it, starting to eat when I get an idea.

Walking back into the living room I state my suggestion, "Hey, V?" He looks up from his phone and shoots me a questioning eyebrow. "Do you wanna watch some Disney movies with me?"

Virgil thinks about it for a second, turning off his phone and sit up, placing his elbows on his knees and resting his head in his hands. "Only if we can watch Tim Burton movies too." I let out a sigh, although giving away that I don't actually care what movie we watch with my smile.

I walk towards Virgil until I'm standing exactly in front of him before pulling him off the couch, and he lets out a squeak in surprise. "W-what are you doing, Princey?" He asks as I drag him upstairs, practically carrying him. I don't answer but instead, open the door to his room and close it with my foot before walking over to where all of his movies are.

Virgil just stands there for a second before going to sit on his bed. "What do we start with?" I ask, turning to face him from where I'm crouched by his shelves holding his movies. He had propped up some pillows behind him, leaning back against them with one leg up and the other lying down. He just shrugs so I decide myself, "Corpse Bride it is then," I state as I grab the movie, put it in the blue-ray player, grab the remote, and lay down next to Virgil on his bed.

We get comfortable, pillows behind us and only one of his bedside lamps on. The movie plays through, and I have to admit, it's really cute watching him get all excited and happy. He's adorable. Virgil lets me pick the next movie, I can only assume because he gave me another shrug as an answer. I picked Brave and didn't hesitate to sing along to some of the songs dramatically, causing Virgil to giggle and I could tell he was trying to hide his blush with his hands.

Next thing I know we've watched four movies and it's inching towards midnight. I can tell that Virgil's getting sleepy by his eyes drooping, and I can't blame him, I'm quite tired myself. I didn't notice that he fell asleep until Cinderella was almost over. He had gone lax against his black comforter, and he just looks so cute when he's sleeping I couldn't help myself from staring with a small smile on my face.

The movie ends a few minutes later and I don't notice until I hear the end credits rolling. I walk back over to his movies and put Cinderella away, turning off his tv and returning his remote in the process. I hesitate as I walk towards the door, turning around to see Virgil still fast asleep on his bed. I sigh, out of tiredness or happiness I couldn't tell you, and I make my way over to his bed.

I delicately pick him up bridal style, pulling back his comforter and purple sheets, arranging the pillow so he's comfortable before lying him down and pulling the covers back over him. I walk over to the other side of his bed, reaching to turn off his bedside lamp before I get an idea. Surely he won't mind if I sleep with him for one night, right?

Snapping my fingers I change into gray sweatpants and a plain red shirt before carefully pulling back the covers and sliding in. I reach over and turn off the lamp, leaving the room in complete darkness. Damn, it sure is creepy in here. I guess it suits him as he is "dark and edgy."

I curl up next to him, slowly wrapping my arms around his waist, encasing him in a hug. I come to a stop when he starts to shift, but he only hugs me back, resting his head in the crook of my neck. I would be so embarrassed right now if the room wasn't pitch black because I'm sure my face is as red as the apple Snow White ate. Gradually, I drift off to sleep with Virgil in my arms.

--

I jolt awake, fear rushing through my body. Wait, I thought Virgil was the anxious trait? Oh right! I slept in his room last night. Turning in the bed as I hear shuffling only to find Virgil slowly waking up himself.

Maybe I should tell him. Or not, it might freak him out and I would never want to do that.

The strange thing is, I had horrible nightmares last night. And when I say horrible, I mean horrible. They were nothing like I'd ever experienced before. Yes, I've had my fair share of nightmares over the years but they've never been this bad! They were so disturbing and gory it makes me want to cry and puke at the same time just thinking about them.

Virgil turns his body so he's laying on his side facing me before slowly opening his eyes and mumbling out, "Morning, Princey."

"Good morning, princess. How did you sleep?" I asked, trying to see if our dilemmas were the same.

He yawned before answering, "Oh, same as usual." He rubbed his eyes, closing them again and snuggling into the blanket. Holy shit he's adorable!

I nodded my head, not knowing how to respond. I might as well ask him. What harm will it do? "Hey, V?" I ask, getting a hum in response. "Um, I uh had some pretty horrific nightmares last night and I have no clue as to why I did."

Virgil's eyes shot open, looking at me in fear. "Are you okay?" He asked, panicked.

I laughed, "Oh yes I'm quite alright just it was unusual that's all."

He sighed, "Yeah I'm really sorry about that." I shot him a confused look, quirking my eyebrow.

"Why would you be sorry? It isn't your fault, it happens to everyone." I assure him.

"No, Princey, you don't understand," Virgil looked me in the eyes before continuing, "It is my fault. My room does this all the time. You literally could not sleep in here without having nightmares. It's impossible, I've tried. Trust me on this, I've been sleeping in here for a few years."

My eyes widen in realization. Do you mean that all these years he's had to suffer? He's had to deal with nightmares every night and none of us knew? Oh my goodness, my poor baby. That's probably why he refuses to sleep or gets very little of it and why he's always tired! Or- holy shit.

This is why he was always trying to sleep downstairs in the commons. I already feel so guilty about being mean to him for the longest time but now I feel even worse knowing what he had to go through. And we drove him out! Virgil tried sleeping down there multiple times but we always told him not to and to go away and he did. He went back to his room to have nightmares. Oh my god, what have I done?

I look him in the eyes and apologize, "Virgil I'm so sorry! I had no idea and I kept driving you out for years! I always told you to leave and not sleep downstairs not knowing that you'd have to go to your room and suffer if you tried to sleep! I'm so sorry!" Virgil was making hard eye contact with me and I could tell he was searching my face for a lie or sarcasm. "I'm serious, Virge. I truly am sorry. You don't need to forgive me, I understand."

I reach my arms out to give him a hug. He hesitates for a second before giving in and I wrap my arms around him tight. He slides his arms around my chest and squeezes me. "It's alright Ro, you didn't know and you didn't really like me back then. Plus, I should've told you so it's my fault," He said, muffled by my chest.

I pull back from the hug, looking down at him as he looks up at me. "Oh no sweetie, you don't need to be sorry. This isn't your fault at all," I bring him back into the hug and he mumbles out an 'okay.'

We snuggle for a bit before I get an idea and suggest it. "Hey, do you want to talk to Logan about this? I'm sure he can find a way to fix it for you."

Virgil thinks for a minute before nodding, "Yeah, but only if you do it with me."

I let out a light laugh, "Of course, my emo." We snuggle for a while before getting breakfast and continuing on with our day.

--

Virgil and I talk to Logan and he fixes Virgil's room for him so there are no more nightmares. After both he and Patton find out they both apologize immensely for what they did in the past. Virgil forgives us all, Patton bringing us all into a group hug.

I make sure to drill into Virgil's brain that if he ever feels scared or doesn't want to sleep in his room, he's always welcome to sleep in mine. I also just offer my room to him at any other point in the day, making sure he feels loved and safe.

God, if only I knew.