Logan nodded. "Do you mind making sure he's comfortable?" Logan asked Roman. Roman nodded and the two carefully moved Patton who readjusted to Roman's lap.

Logan made sure he was okay and then walked into the room. The beds were empty with a few students in them. They all had curtains separating them but they were all sleeping. Logan found Virgil who was sitting upright in the bed. His cloak from last night was folded in the corner.

Virgil looked up and saw him, the nurse nodded and left. "Are you talking or sign? I know this isn't exactly private but people are sleeping and it's close to two in the morning."

Sign, I feel more comfortable that way. Logan nodded and sat down in the chair beside the bed. Is Patton okay?

"Yes, he's just a little spooked. Roman is taking care of him right now and was when I came down." Virgil was playing with the oil bottle but stopped.

Roman is here? Logan nodded. Why?

"I do not have the answer to that question. I assume he heard a commotion of some kind, but I do not have that information."

That explains why Janus was on edge.

"One of the reasons." Logan said. Virgil rolled his eyes.

I know, trust me. I didn't pass out because of anything medical but they won't let me out unless I give them a reason. With my history, I am not surprised. Logan nodded.

"Why did you pass out?" Logan asked.

I started to a headache at dinner, it was due to a lot of spirits coming and trying to get my attention. I was getting visited but I didn't make it to my room in time. I was drained because of the ritual and an easy target to influence. Can you tell them it was a fatigue thing?

"Sure." Logan went to get up but Virgil stopped him. "Yes?"

I need to tell you about the visitation.

"What? Why? I don't play any part in anything you do, I just teach you what you ask."

Logan, you are my best friend. Please?

"Fine, but why me? Why not Patton or Janus? Even your uncle would be better for this than I." Logan responded.

Because, you are the one who was told by Zelena that something was going to happen. And you headed the argument for me not channeling as well.

"Look where that got us." Logan mumbled. Virgil looked at him. "Sorry, sorry. What happened?"

So, I blacked out and for a few minutes I could hear the stuff happening around me. Patton screaming, Janus catching me. But before we made it into the building, I went into a dream like state. There I met with my grandfather, my dad's dad. He said that he was glad that he could contact me this year, that he was grateful for me to leave my dad's house. He wasn't happy with how he was treating me but was more glad that I found a good place. He said my dad shouldn't have cared who I came from that he should've just loved me for me. I have no doubt that my dad loves me, he just didn't love my mother. I was a reminder that he had fucked up I guess. But now isn't the time for that. He said that this year I had to focus on acceptance.

"Okay, so your grandfather comes to you and tells you he's happy you are with your uncle but you need to accept something? What was he talking about?" Logan asked.

I wasn't sure, then it shifted. I was in a field of flowers. Very nice and pretty. Then I heard a waterfall and saw lilies everywhere. Persephone was trying to guide to something. So I walked the river, past willows and other trees until I came to a table. On the table there were three things. One was a cup that had opals and angelite on it, second was a notebook with the phrase 'dicam iterum' on it and below that the name Romulus, and third was a rose. The cup seemed to have pomegranate juice but I smelled the citrus instead.

"If I may interrupt. You know what the phrase said?" Logan asked.

No, I think it's Latin.

"It is. Latin for 'speak again.' If your goddess is giving you a message, it seems to be very clear." Logan said.

Clearly. The rose I know is a symbol of something to do with love. Virgil didn't look happy.

"What color was the rose?" Logan asked.

What?

"What color was the rose? It has come to my attention while researching different plant meanings that color can mean a big thing in the floral design industry. Of course Patton was more into the greenery and other spiritual means of said plants but I kept studying the colors. Floral design is like a language. Every flower has a meaning. Roses can mean many things based on color alone. Not to mention other spiritual meanings as well."

Spiritual meanings?

"Yes. For example, roses can be associated with numerology. In the Renaissance era, eight petal roses symbolize rebirth. In art, seven petaled roses symbolize order and understanding. In the spiritual sense, mythology mostly, roses are associated with the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite. Five petaled roses in Christian texts were said to symbolize the five wounds of Christ. Also there is an associate with Saint Valentinus which is the patron saint for Valentine's Day, a time for love. In the tarot, a divination method you commonly use and are familiar with, roses are considered symbols of balance. It's thorns represent defense and loss. Rose symbolism is also commonly found on the cards Magician, Strength, Death, and Fool." Logan said.

Okay. Virgil looked amused. You said you weren't into what me and Patton practice but here you are explaining mythological meanings and symbolism in Tarot. Is it growing on you?

"No, the way you and Patton practice Wicca is in the sense of a lifestyle like religion is meant to be. Therefore, when you and Patton ask questions and ask me to research for you to learn I do my best to bring a thorough explanation." Logan explained. He wasn't going to tell Virgil that he just really was looking up common ways to show love and affection other than physical forms of it. Logan wasn't a big fan of touching and he wanted to find his love language.

And the colors?

"From what I gathered, flowers have a language much like our own. The meaning is conveyed through colors and the flowers associations to what. So the colors mean different things." Logan loved explaining things but he was tired and it was late. He would love to debate with Virgil all night but Patton shouldn't be getting a night's rest on a cease to floor.

Interesting.

"Color, Virgil. What was the rose's color?"

Sorry. Virgil hesitated slightly. What if you tell me some colors then after I tell you? Logan gave him a look.

"Virgil, I love you like a brother but it is late. Your uncle is out there with your cousin, a friend of yours is trying not to kill the person he seems to hate and that same person he's trying not to kill is a romantic interest of yours. They all love you, but for the love of any higher power will you please stop stalling? I will tell you flower colors and educate you on them if you are interested later but for now I need you to work with me. What. Was. The. Rose. Color."

For the last time, I don't like Roman romantically!

"Falsehood. Rose color. Now."

Virgil knew better than to push the buttons further. I don't see why it matters. The second part was more dream like anyway. I don't think Persephone was that big of an influencer. Avoidance. That was what Virgil was doing, common for him when he is feeling anxious. Logan registered it but didn't really soften his words.

"Virgil, seriously? You are Wiccan, you out of everyone should know the importance of dreams and they mean things." Logan sternly said.

Well what does a rose mean in dream then? Virgil signed and crossed his arms.

"They have meanings there too- wait we are getting side tracked." Logan sighed. "Virgil, you are stalling for a reason. Are you scared of the answer?" Virgil nodded. "No rose meanings are negative. Yellow rose used to but now they are more representative of friendship. It's nothing bad." Depending on if it was living or not in the dream.

Fine, the rose was red. Beautiful, like it was just cut and put on the table.

"Oh."

What?

"Like a deep red? Or more of a-" Logan tried to maneuver his way out of the question.

Now, who is avoiding it? Virgil had a point. So, what does it mean?

"The rose was living and red. Living roses are good. Red roses are assorted with beauty, perfection. They convey passion, a strong romantic love, longing for a person."

Virgil sighed. Okay, so romantic love for someone great. Virgil looked away.

"Is there something else?" Logan asked. Virgil shook his head.

Not that I can remember. Logan nodded and then left to find the nurse to tell her that Virgil was just a bit tired from the excitement. He was overwhelmed and his body needed rest. But Logan knew he was lying, but about what he couldn't tell.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Now it was Sunday, but this time it was daylight. After being released from the med wing late last night, he was doted on by Patton until he got to their dorms. Then Patton insisted they keep the doors open while they slept. Virgil really didn't care either way. He was just glad that he didn't have to interact with Roman. Virgil really didn't want to face those questions.

Janus had also told him that Roman had asked if he was alright and got antsy when Logan seemed to be in the room for a while. Roman was also looking at him with what Virgil hoped to be concern for a friend.

After that dream and visitation, he really needed to reboot. When he got to his room and he was sure that Patton was asleep, he pulled out his notebook. This was also part of a book of shadows, he kept a record of everything he had learned. This was a dream journal/divination record. He knew it was better to write things down rather than remember them. So he did.

He wrote everything down. Symbols, colors, and words. He included a section about rose symbolism as well. He also made a note to research flower colors and meanings. They could be proven useful if he needed to use them. The language of flowers was one that was universal and didn't need spoken word. Maybe he would take Logan up on his offer for researching and learning flower colors. He also wrote down the name Romulus. He knew the name was associated with someone he knew or was going to meet. And if the flowers of a red rose was any indicator of romantic love, then maybe this person was to be one of a lover.

Virgil shook his head at the thought of that. Romantic love was overrated and brought about more trouble, he really didn't see a point. Didn't mean he didn't feel it. He still did, he had crushes on guys before. He had come to the acceptance he was gay when he realized that every person he liked was male. It was something he found comfort in and wasn't afraid of showing. His family wasn't homophobic in the slightest, hell Patton was gay along with his uncle.

He closed his textbook he was reading and groaned in frustration. He was trying to do homework. He liked to be a little ahead so he had time to prepare for things that he didn't know yet. Maybe he had a quiz on Friday the teacher wouldn't announce until Wednesday, and if that happened he didn't have time to study as much as he would like to on top of all his other homework. But today wasn't the day for booksmarts.

"Fine." He whispered to himself. He had found that since he started talking to Patton and Logan, he was using self speech a lot more. He pushed his chair bag and got his notebook out. He reread the notes again and again. Romulus was the name of one of the twins who founded Rome. The other brother was named Remus, he would put that down.

Could the name Remus be important? Virgil wrote down 'sibling' next to the name and then heard a knock on the door. He sighed and closed the notebook. He opened the door and saw Roman.

"I know what you said and I know I might be intruding but can I come in?" Roman asked. He was nervous. Virgil nodded and moved past the door. Virgil ruffed his hair slightly.

What's up? Virgil wrote and gave Roman. He then went to get something from the fridge he had. When he did, he looked over at Roman and held out a bottle of iced tea. Roman nodded and Virgil sat down with him.

"What happened early this morning?" Virgil knew that was coming.

Nothing much, just a bit too tired. Too much, I should've remembered to not go more than a few hours at a time. Virgil wrote.

"Are you sure? Because it took you out for an hour or so, and you looked white as a sheet when Janus brought you in." Roman rambled and he kept going on and on about proper nutrition and other things. Virgil rolled his eyes and grabbed Roman's hands. Roman looked up at Virgil. When he did Virgil made a motion with his hand. He was asking Roman to take a deep breath.

Breathe, I am almost seventeen. I am good and can take care of myself. Stop worrying so much, that Patton's job and even that is too much. Virgil wrote and then gave Roman. Roman was upset and Virgil couldn't figure out why.

"I...just don't want anything to happen." Virgil smiled and shook his head. Roman seemed to get the message. "I know what your friends say and I know what you say. I get attached easily, I am sorry."

Virgil couldn't lie, Roman was sweet. He was kind and caring but when they were in public he held back. The dance was one thing, he was playing a character that Virgil had asked him to play. He did it well, but it was an act right?

I have gone through hell, and I would walk through it again. That's not going to stop me in life, and with you a friend or maybe more I think I can do anything. Virgil signed. He didn't write it down because he didn't want Roman to know what he was feeling.

Roman looked at Virgil. "You know I don't know sign." Roman whispered. Virgil nodded. "Why are you like this?" Virgil shrugged, Roman took a sip of the iced tea and Virgil watched him. Being mute sucked sometimes.

Roman, do you know about flower colors? Virgil wrote. Roman was confused.

"No, why?" Virgil shrugged again.

Logan mentioned something and it interested me. Did you think about what I told you before? Virgil wrote. Roman looked at him.

"Well, I was thinking about it but I am not sure..." Roman trailed off, Virgil jumped on that train. He was going to push the theater thing until Roman actually did it. Virgil perked up and Roman looked over at him. "Whoa there, someone is excited."

I gave you very little to work with on Friday and you made it come to life. You should really do it. Virgil handed him the note.

"I don't know..." Roman said.

Roman please? I will help you run lines, I'll even do the makeup this year even though I said I wouldn't. Roman was confused.

"You weren't going to do the makeup?" Roman asked. Virgil nodded. "Why? You are extremely talented, Virgil you could do this as a job!" Virgil rolled his eyes. He picked up the notepad that he had been writing on.

Fine. I'll do the make up and even ask the teacher to be the head of that department if you try out for the musical this week. Virgil handed the notepad to Roman and leaned back. He watched Roman process it and fight with himself.

"No backing down last minute?" Roman asked, Virgil shook his head.

I'll keep mine end of the deal if you keep yours.

"Deal. What musical are they doing this year?" Roman asked and Virgil shrugged. He held up a finger and then disappeared through the bathroom. Roman followed him in and he opened Patton's end and stepped in.

Virgil opened the door and knocked on it to get Patton's attention. Patton looked up and saw Virgil and Roman. What musical did you choose this year? Virgil signed. Thomas and Patton liked musical theater so they would choose the musicals each year.

"Ummm, Beauty and the Beast." Patton responded. Virgil nodded and looked to Roman.

"Fine." Roman said and Virgil smiled.

Thank you. Virgil signed and dragged Roman back into his room.

You are going to do great! Now, do you know what to do for an audition? Virgil asked.

"I've watched High School Musical, I think I know." Roman responded. Virgil shook his head.

Auditions are not like High School Musical. Do you know a song you are going to sing? Virgil sat down on his couch. Roman read the note and then sat down next to Virgil.

"I have to sing?" Roman asked. Virgil gave him a look. "Sorry, sorry. It was a joke. But I don't know what to sing, I haven't in a while." Virgil nodded.

What's your favorite song? Virgil asked.

"Umm, I don't really have one." Virgil knew that was a lie, he was protecting his reputation.

Do you like Broadway?

"Jumping around a bit, but I like a few shows." Roman said. Virgil knew he was lying, Virgil had seen his room. "Why do you ask?" Virgil pulled his computer out from the bottom of the coffee table. "Virgil?"

Virgil opened a web browser and pulled up Youtube. He knew songs that any theater fan wouldn't be able to avoid singing. He opened Defying Gravity. He opened a document and made the font big.

SING. He wrote. Then pressed play and left Roman on the couch.

"No." Roman said. Virgil nodded. "Virgil..." He pleaded.

Virgil turned and looked at him. Roman was taken by surprise, Virgil had a way of looking scary even if he didn't mean to. Virgil also influenced the energy in the room to make Roman calmer and comfortable. So Roman sang, and Virgil pretended he wasn't listening on request of Roman, so he pretended to read.

But he did. And Roman had a great voice, Virgil smiled and then a faint scent of roses floated through the room. He looked at his notebook. It was open on the desk. He had closed the notebook when Roman knocked on the door. He went over to it, the page was on the most recent entry.

Events were never consequential for Virgil. And so he picked up his pen and wrote a new entry. One about the smell of roses and Roman singing. He looked at Roman who had gotten into a groove with singing.

"Can I do another one?" Roman was excited. Like he hadn't done this before. Virgil chuckled and nodded. Virgil had found Roman's kryptonite. What he didn't know was that he misidentified it. Virgil figured it was show tunes and performing, Roman had other thoughts.

Then there was a familiar song that floated through the computer's speakers, Virgil looked up at Roman. Roman smiled and then he started to sing 'SING' by My Chemical Romance. Virgil just wanted to hear Roman sing different things than what he looked like he could sing, not that he just wanted to hear him sing one of his favorite bands. Not that at all.