Virgil's p.o.v

Monday

First period was boring, per usual. We just sat and talked about pointless math problems that I'll never need to understand. Halfway through I began doodling around the corners of my notebook. The usual stuff. Trees with "vines" hanging down, skulls, eyes, shadows; I even just shaded half of my page. Of course, with my luck, the teacher noticed I wasn't paying attention.

"Virgil. Can you answer number 18 for the class?"

I stopped doodling and looked up from my notebook in a panic.

"I-er...uh...."

Most of the class snickered and gawked at me. The teacher just gave me a disappointed look.

"Eyes on the board, Virgil."

One of the cool kids, Remus, said loudly. "Expect nothing less from Virgil the virgin."

Oh great, another nickname.

"Remus, that's enough."

Still seeming quite satisfied with himself, he fist bumps his best friend Deceit. Weird name for a kid, I know. But people think it's cool, and nobody makes fun of the most popular guy in school.

Only one person wasn't laughing, and that was Roman. I didn't want his pity. I didn't need it.

"Now if you're all done," The teacher said. "I'd like to finish teaching."

The period went by faster than I'd hoped. The bell rang soon after my humiliation. I put my stuff away and got up, swinging my backpack onto my shoulder.

"Virgil, can I see you a moment, please?" Mr. Cyber called from his desk. I sigh and nod my head, walking over.

"Yeah?"

"I'm a bit worried about you, Virgil."

"Why?"

"You've been paying less attention, you're soaking wet, you're getting picked on, your grades are slipping. Do you need to talk about anything?"

I just looked at him. Sure, he says he's worried, but it's his job. If he didn't get paid he wouldn't give to f's about me or any other damned kid at this school.

Rolling my eyes I said, "I'm fine."

"Virgil, I don't like the attitude. I'm trying to help you."

"Like hell you are. You just wanna feel good about yourself."

I didn't know why I was actually telling him this. I was on edge, and the words were just spilling out of my mouth like a waterfall.

"Virgil-"

"Oh, my day's been pretty boring so far. Why don't I just try to cheer up the school loser to make me feel like I'm actually important at this school. Because we all know I'm not!-"

"Virgil! I understand your a bit off today, but this kind of behavior is absolutely unacceptable under any circumstance. I'm afraid your going to detention today, young man."

"Whatever." I said as I stormed out of the classroom.

I can't believe I actually just did that. Mr. Cyber called after me, but I just kept walking. It sounded like he was underwater. Like everything was. People looked at me as I stormed past. Not able to deal with the attention, I made a run to the bathroom, locking myself in a stall.

---

I walked angrily out out of math class. I was sick and tired of Remus and Deceit picking on anyone who was remotely different. I know I'll be apologizing and begging them to forgive me tomorrow, but today I was going to stand up to them. Or at least Remus.

I walked up to Remus, who turned around to face me.

"Brother! That freak totally had a fit. Hilarious ri-"

Blinded by rage, I clenched my fist and punched him on the side of his head. He went slamming into the lockers.

Holding his now bloody nose, he turned to me smiling angrily. "You're going to regret that."

He tried to throw a punch at me, but I blocked it. Before he could try swinging again, I upercutted him as hard as I could. He stumbled back, hitting Deceit, who now looked quite angry. He glared at me.

"Have fun in detention, genius."

Finally, Mr. Cyber broke through the crowd, grabbing me by the arm.

"Roman. Office. Now."

My hand ached from hitting my brothers thick skull. I looked around at the crowd muttering and staring at me. Knowing I had no other choice, I followed Mr. Cyber to the office.

--

After getting lectured by the principal on how I was a good kid who just needed to get their act together, I left the office with only a detention. As the school's golden boy, they couldn't punish me too much. All it meant was that I'd be fortunate enough to miss football practice today. Coach'll kill me, but I'll let myself worry about it later.

It was around lunch now, and I sat alone under a tree on the lawn. Usually I'd sit with Remus and Deceit or the football players, but I needed silence.

Everyone was talking to me, asking me questions about the fight. They needed to get the 'tea.'

"Did it feel good?"

"Why did you punch him?"

"Are you getting expelled?"

"You're so gonna get it from Deceit."

"Dude that was awesome."

"Don't be such an ass."

"Glad someone finally put him in his place."

"Was it worth it?"

"Roman, what happened?"

I snapped out of my thoughts and Patton was looming over me. I looked at him for a moment, deciding if I should tell him anything.

I caved, and began telling him everything that happened with Virgil this morning before school and in math class.

"Just seeing him get made fun of like that..I couldn't stand by and do nothing. His life is already absolute trash without those two idiots making it worse. Besides, they can do anything, and nobody does anything about it 'cause they're afraid of them. I felt it was time they got a taste of their own medicine."

Patton was now sitting down beside me, taking in and processing everything I told him.

"Just curious, but Virgil's always gotten picked on. What made today any different? I mean, obviously this morning, but anything else?"

I thought about it for a moment. Maybe it's just because I feel bad. Or maybe it's because of the way his bangs fall in front of his eyes. Or his chocolate brown eyes that are so intense yet have a softer side that no one's ever seen. Maybe his smile that could make any guy's heart melt. His witty comebacks that make my heart skip a beat-

I look over at Patton, who has the biggest smile on his face.

"You like him!!"

"I do not! Where did you even get such an idea?? And keep your voice down."

He smirked and began mimicking me.

"Or his chocolate brown eyes that are so intense yet have a softer side that no one's ever seen."

My cheeks flushed in embarrassment at the realization that I said all of those things about Virgil out loud.

"Look, I don't like guys like that."

Patton just stared at me, not believing me for a second.

"...And even if I did," I began, "Deceit and Remus would turn me into the scum of the school. You know how homophobic they are."

Patton nodded. "I know, Roman. I see the hateful looks they throw at me when I'm around you guys. But would you rather come out and be proud of who you are, or lie to everyone including yourself?"

I sighed. I knew he was right. I shouldn't be so ashamed to the point where even I'm denying it. By tomorrow I know I'll be kissing Remus's feet, begging for his forgiveness. Then the day after that everything will go back to normal and I'll be denying my crush for Virgil all over again.

"Roman, you in there?"

"Oh. Yeah sorry..just thinking."

"Patton?" a voice called from behind him. Patton turned to the boy whom I'd never seen before. He and Patton had a similar style, but he seemed more serious. Nonetheless, Patton smiled at the boy.

"Hey, Logan! Sorry I didn't come to the library straight away. I had to sort something out.." he said, guilt clear as day on his face.

"It's quite alright. No harm was done. Besides, we still have half of the period left if you'd still like to join me."

Patton looked at me. I gave him an approving nod, smirking a bit. Seems Patton had a little crush of his own. He didn't need to talk out loud for me to get a clue.

"Go run along, Pat. I'll be fine on my own."

He gave me a thankful smile. "Thanks!"

He stood and walked off beside Logan. I watched as Patton talked up a storm while Logan simply nodded. What an odd pairing.

I stood up, deciding I needed to freshen up a bit. I wiped off my pants as I headed off to the bathroom.

--

After washing up, I went to all my other classes. Time went by way too fast. Before I knew it, everyone was leaving for the day while I was stuck in Mr. Cyber's room for detention.

I looked at the door for a bit, waiting for other kids to show up. Somehow, it seemed like I'd be the only one in detention today. Works for me. Don't need anyone seeing me in detention.

I took out my notebook and began writing more of my story. And yes, I am writing my own story. I've been getting bits and pieces of ideas every now and then. Don't judge me.

As I was writing away, the only other sound being Mr. Cyber's typing, I heard the door open. I looked up and to my delight and dismay, Virgil trudged into the classroom with his head down, sitting in a random seat that happened to be in front of mine.

"Virgil. You're late." Mr. Cyber said, stopping his typing to look at him.

Virgil said nothing, but Mr. Cyber kept talking.

"Mind telling me where you were?"

Virgil was quiet for a moment, before he quietly said, "The bathroom.."

He had a defeated and exhausted tone in his voice. One quite different from the quick and witty Virgil I'd seen prior. It broke my heart....just a bit.

It seemed to break Mr. Cyber's heart too, as he sighed. "..Alright, just keep quiet and do as you're told."

Virgil nodded and opened his notebook. He began doodling quite horrid and sad pictures. Yet they were somehow beautiful and very realistic. It was like I was looking at a real tree and a..wait. Is that a noose hanging from the tree?? Jeez, he's dark.

After about a half hour, the phone rang. Mr Cyber got up to answer it. After a few "mhm"s and head nods, My. Cyber hung up the phone.

"Unfortunately, I have to leave school early. Personal emergency. Another teacher will be over soon to watch you two." He said as he gathered his belongings quickly.

Before either of us could say goodbye or wish him luck, he was out the door.

A bit of silence went by before I decided to say something.

"You come here often?"

Virgil whirled around to face me, apparently unaware that I was here.

"Nope. Usually the jocks and bullies wind up here. Not somewhere I'd want to be."

I nodded. A bit more silence went by.

"So why are you here, pretty boy? Got caught kissing a girl in the janitor's closet?"

I laughed a bit, shaking my head. "Nah, I just..well, I beat up my brother."

"Holy hell. Why?"

"For that jerk move he pulled in math today."

"For calling me a virgin? I've been called worse."

"Didn't exactly make it ok to humiliate you like that."

"Tell me, princy. What makes this time any different?"

He looked at me through his bangs, challenging me to answer honestly. Was this it? Was this the moment I was go if to confess that I lov-like him? Maybe I shouldn't say anything. I could just kiss him right here, right now.

No.

This isn't some fairy-tail. I'm not the hero that'll sweep Virgil off his feet. He'd never let me, and I'm too big of a coward to try in the first place.

"I-I..." I began, "I just thought, cause of this morning, you needed a break. Didn't know your life was that rough."

He looked at me, confused. "If you mean the me almost being abducted thing, that's never really happened before."

"Nono, I know that, it's just your brui..."

My voice trailed off as I tried to get that last part out of me. He just kept looking at me, waiting for me to finish.

"What's wrong, princy? Cat got your tongue?"

"It's nothing, never mind.."

The new teacher walked in, taking a seat at the desk. Virgil quickly turned around and returned to doodling on his notebook. I also returned to what I was doing before.

--

Detention was honestly not that bad. I got to talk a bit more with Virgil, which I'd never complain about. The teacher let us go and he himself left before we did. Virgil ripped a page out of his notebook and put the notebook in his backpack. We both got up and headed out to the curb.

We stood next to each other in silence. Virgil had his headphones on, and his music was so loud even I could hear it. He was listening to a song I'd never heard before. I assumed it was an Emo band like My Chemical Romance or Evanescence.

Don't try to fix me I'm not broken..

Hello

I'm the lie, living for you so you can't hide.

Don't cry...

He looked over at me, seeing that I was watching him. He sheepishly paused his music and put his headphones around his neck.

Eventually, the late bus and my mom's car appeared on the curb.

Before we went our seperate ways, Virgil turned to me.

"You didn't have to fight for me.."

I smiled a bit. "I'd gladly fight for you anytime."

This earned me his beautiful yet sheepish smile I love so much.

"See ya, I guess.." He said, making his way onto the bus.

I watched as the bus drove away. I could see his head leaning against the window, his eyes never leaving mine until the bus turned, and he was out of sight.

I got into my mom's car and put my backpack down beside me. The ride home was supposed to be my mom lecturing me about how I needed to be better and how I shouldn't hurt Rmeus and yada yada. All I could think about was his beautiful smile.

Him.

He's beautiful...