Janus was nervous, who wouldn't be? He was bringing in a person who's life was way worse than his own and for what? So he could got a couple sessions per week rather than having a period each day where he left?

That was selfish and he wasn't happy with it, but Virgil was his best bet. After Picani went, Janus was sure that the judge really didn't care about his account. Picani had been trying for the last three hearings to reduce his therapy that was court ordered. The judge said bring a character witness. And his best one.

Was that Vrigil? Picani seemed to think so. Who didn't love classic enemies to friends dynamic. And especially one that was so drastic as the one the pair had. Janus still thought Patton would have been better. He was a little ball of happiness. Who didn't love Patton?

Janus rolled his shoulders and tried to look presentable rather than indifferent. He was also nervous for Virgil. Was this going to be too much? What if he had a panic attack? Did Janus really want that on his conscience? He turned his attention back to Virgil and his lawyer, remembering that Virgil would pick up his anxiety if he didn't pay attention.

Was the fact that he looked nervous helping? OR that he was uncomfortable? Did it show he was trying? He just wanted to be better. He wanted to help kids like him. Be a lawyer and fix things for people who had it rough. Help people like himself and Virgil. He tuned the questioning back in after overthinking for a few minutes.

"A year? Hasn't he been attending Westward for two years?" The lawyer asked. Again the interpreter spoke for Virgil.

"He has but we didn't really get along until a year ago."

"That was when one of his friends had an issue and ended up in the hospital right?" The lawyer asked. Virgil took a deep breath and tried to stop his hands from shaking. Janus could tell. It was the only way he could communicate with them right now.

"That was me, I had a suicide attempt. Janus was the one who found me and called the ambulance." The interpreter repeated. "Without him, I wouldn't be here."

"Did he bully you?" The lawyer asked.

"He did for a small amount of time in our freshman year but my attempt wasn't due to him. I have anxiety and grew up with a pretty opinionated person." The interpreter repeated. Virgil had to remember to sign slow enough that he wouldn't miss anything. It was actually helping him calm down. He could stay in the moment and do something. Janus was glad he had that. Virgil no doubt could feel the energy shifting each time Janus seemed to move slightly. Or maybe Virgil was too nervous to tap into the world around him right now.

"What do you mean by that?"

"My dad was always yelling in the house, telling me things they really shouldn't tell a kid. My mom did the best she could while I was there. The best thing she did was give me to my uncle. Janus didn't know and when he did say something mean to me, I knew it wasn't him." The lawyer looked confused. Virgil could see that even the prosecutor was confused.

"Why do you say that?" He asked.

"Because I know the look in someone's eyes when they mean something." The interpreter said, even he was hooked. Virgil found it kind of amusing and Janus could tell. A courtroom drama in real life, something that reminds them both of Roman. "Janus never had that, he was always trying to get away from something. I am glad my instincts were correct."

The lawyer nodded. "You two are close?"

"Almost like best friends." The interpreter said.

"No more questions."

"Prosecution?" Mrs. Swanson stood up and walked over.

"You are mute?" Virgil signed yes. "Are your vocal cords somehow broken?"

Virgil signed no. "So you have the ability to talk then?"

"Objection. Relevance?"

"It's relevant because we don't know if he's faking it." Mrs. Swanson said.

"I am going to have to disagree with you Mrs. Swanson. Tread carefully, there is also a lot of documentation talking about selective mutism that the defense did provide. You need to prepare better, laziness has no place in a courtroom." The judge says. Mrs. Swanson gritted her teeth and continued.

"So your history with Janus Brazen. He was your bully, correct?" Virgil signed yes. "Was he ever violent?" She asked.

Virgil was visibly confused, he was going to play the card he had and the sympathy that went with it despite him hating it. Picani did warn the lawyer not to bring it up but he did anyway, Virgil was sure to do whatever it took to help his friend. He started to sign.

"Physically or verbally?" The interpreter paraphrased.

"Why do you ask that?" The lawyer asked. Virgil had to resist his urge to roll his eyes, did this chick really think he was stupid? Even Janus knew not to underestimate Virgil.

Well he did now.

"Simple, it seems you were implying that he would do something like that. I was just clarifying because your question was vague, which I believe is the opposite of what you are supposed to do when questioning a witness on the stand. It could be a smart move on your part but it just hurts your case. But we aren't getting into what I know about court proceedings." Janus' lawyer covered his mouth to try to stop his smile.

"Why do you say that?" Mrs. Swanson clearly had a script she had been following but Virgil had thrown her off course.

"Is that really relevant what I mean? I simply take pride that I am educated on the judicial system. I thought this was about my friendship and what I know about Janus?" The interpreter was clearly having a good time. Virgil could tell by his eyes.

"Fine, back to what I meant to say. Are you afraid that Janus would hurt you in anyway if you mad him angry?"

Virgil started signing. And what he said was surprisingly helpful. "Why would I? Everyone deserves a second chance, he gave me a second chance at life so I gave him the same treatment. I gave him a chance to show me who he really was, someone who is caring and compassionate. He took the fact my cousin and friend weren't fans of him in stride and stayed around because I asked him to be my friend. He makes it better for me, he makes sure people don't judge about my mutism. He's a protector and he's not bad. Janus is like a brother to me, and I am sure he sees me that way. He would never hurt me for the sake of hurting me."

And with that, Janus was in tears. Virgil really thought that highly of him after everything he was put through? That Janus made him go through? The judge called a recess so he could think about his ruling and excused Virgil who nodded then ran over to Janus.

Virgil hugged Janus who hugged back and just held on.

"How long?" He asked. Virgil couldn't answer but he tapped on his shoulder ten times. "Ten minutes?" Virgil nodded yes. "Okay."

Janus sat back down and took a deep breath. Virgil was sitting on the bar that separated him from his family with his hands on Janus' shoulders. Janus knew what he was doing.

Virgil, despite the fact he couldn't do it for himself, was great at grounding in stressful situations. And Janus was glad that he could now, he felt a warm feeling wash over him. He took a deep breath.

"I am sorry." Janus said.

"Don't be, he said what he needed and you have shown you have actively gotten better." His lawyer said. "The questioning is through and all that is left is for the judge to rule, and I think we will succeed. Virgil here tripped up the prosecution, which was great. I have been wanting to do that for a while now, no one really likes her." The lawyer whispered the last part.

The group laughed and they just waited. Virgil swung his legs back over to the bar and sat down next to his uncle. Janus was still calming down but the tears had dried enough but he was still worried. They had told him not to wear his foundation, his parents weren't too happy but he was hoping that once they reduced the therapy then they would be alright with him not wearing it.

"All rise." The bailiff said. Janus snapped back into reality as they all stood and the judge was announced.

"You may be seated." The judge said and he took a deep breath. "I have thought about it and I think that Mr. Brazen has shown that he has benefited from the heavy therapy." Janus could see the prosecution's smirk and wanted to slap it off of her. "However, seeing as he has great reports from his therapist and it's very clear that he has gotten back into Mr. Cyrus' good graces so it seems to me that a therapy session every single day is a little much. I am reducing the court ordered therapy sessions to whatever amount that Dr. Emilie Picani says what it would be best."

"Your honor-" Mrs. Swanson tried, the judge turned his attention to her.

"Mrs. Swanson, I sincerely don't know what is your problem with this teenager but it's very clear he had grown up a lot since he was first brought in here. I am tempted to even get rid of the mandatory therapy alltogther. We will wait for next time for that however. I have made my choice here, Mr. Brazen?"

Janus looked at the judge and stood. He had to keep his calm. "Yes sir?" He asked respectfully.

"Don't make me regret this, you are a capable person. Adjourned." The judge said. Janus was hugged by his parents and looked at Virgil. Virgil had tears in his eyes. Janus was just proud of him, not sure why but he was.

He didn't care if Virgil thought of him as a best friend because he had Logan and Roman, but Janus firmly believed that Virgil was his best friend.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Roman was sitting with Logan for a period of time before he got bored. He was doing homework with him while he waited for Virgil to get back from whatever he had today. Virgil said they would go over all he missed, and Roman was looking forward to it.

He just liked hanging out with Virgil, and he hoped to finally figure out that message. Virgil implied it had to do with feelings so why shouldn't he try to figure it out.

"Hey Logan?" Roman asked. Logan glanced up from his work.

"Yes?"

"You are like best friends with Virgil, right? Or at least with his cousin." Roman asked leaning forward. He had a pencil in his hand and was leaning on some reading he had to do for a class he was assigned to. Logan scoffed.

"Roman, you know full well I am dating Patton." Logan stated. Roman snapped and nodded.

"Right, right. So you know him pretty well then?" Roman asked. Logan sighed.

"Listen, I do not know why you are taking so long to get to your point but can you do it at some point today?" Logan said. "I do have work to do."

"Of course, I am just asking because he gave me flowers. You know for preformace, but like he seemed so, I don't know the right word for it.." Roma trailed off and pretended like he was thinking. "Bashful I guess? Or like something was to be said by them." Roman said.

"Well flowers are a common thing to give to someone who preformed. However they can hold meanings that we don't first see. Maybe he was trying to tell you something." Logan said. Roman felt like it was vague but he said it like it wasn't.

"But what?" Roman said.

"Do you wish me to be of assistance?" Logan asked.

"Yes." Roman answered.

"Maybe you should ask Patton, out of all of us he's the most knowledgeable about plants. Now can I get back to work?" Logan asked. Roman nodded.

"I have somewhere to be anyway. I'll see you in English." Roman said. He packed up and walked toward the libarian's desk. "Exuse me, could you tell me where I could find Patton?"

The girl working there nodded and pointed toward the sicence section of the libary. Roman thanked her and left. He walked through trying to find the plant and botany section. When he did he pretended like he was browsing.

"Oh, Patton. Lovely to see you." Roman was better about seeing Logan and Patton since after break. He was sure Virgil had something to do with it. Patton looked over and smiled.

"Oh, hey Roman." He said while trying to balance the books he had. "Can I help you find anything?" Of course Patton would do his job first.

Roman sighed and looked at the books. "I was thinking of looking at plant means, but I wasn't sure where to start. Logan said you were probably my best bet." Roman said. Patton smiled and put the books he had on the cart.

"Oh, goody. Are you taking a class? I probably took it, I can help you if you want. I am very good with that kind of stuff. You probably want a few different books. Which kind of plants? Trees? Shrubs? Maybe small houseplants?" Patton rambled while he pulled Roman through the section.

"Flowers?" Roman asked. Patton froze.

"I didn't know you were taking floral design." He said.

"I am not, it's something I am picking up on my own." Roman said. Patton nodded.

"Well they would be up on the tenth shelf. I'll go get a ladder." Patton scampered off and came back. He climbed up. Then yelled back down at Roman. "What kind of flowers?"

"Roses?" Roman asked. Patton nodded then seemed to frown. He chose one and came back down.

"Here, no rose specific but there are some with just beginner meanings. I don't think there is any color meaning there but that's what we got to start." Patton said.

"Couldn't I just ask you?" Roman asked.

"I don't do flowers or their meanings with colors, sorry. Maybe ask Virgil, he's good at it. Logan's just helped him find good things to read and research on, I am not sure he likes it though." Patton said. Roman shook his head.

"I am trying to surprise him, that's why I am doing research rather than asking him. Thank you very much!" Roman said. Patton nodded.

"If you are looking for him, he should be back by now." Patton said. Roman thanked him and checked the book out. He slipped it into his bag as he walked back to his dorm room.

Suddenly, he was tackled from behind. Roman jumped and heard a laugh behind him.

"Virgil, you are going to give the poor guy a heart attack." Janus said. Roman turned to see Janus looking happier than normal and Virgil latched on to his waist. Both Janus and Virgil wore a suit. Janus with a blue tie and a while under shirt. Virgil's was a purple tie with a white undershirt. Janus was holding what he assumed was Virgil's suit jacket since he was wearing one and Virgil wore a sweatshirt. This one was black with grey patterns on it that made it look like a grid.

How many sweatshirts does this kid own?

Roman knew the answer, he had seen his back door.

"Thanks, Janus but it's all right. I do scare him often enough for him to get me back." Roman said, he turned his attention to Virgil. "What cha doin there?" He asked softly. Virgil squeezed tighter. "I am aware it's a hug, but why are you so touchy today. You would punch me before hugging most days."

Janus chuckled. "He's just happy. He wanted to come see you before he went back to his room." Roman nodded.

"I was just going back to my own, how about I meet you at yours?" Roman said. Virgil thought about it and shrugged. "That means you do have to let go."

Janus rolled his eyes. "This would be a lot easier if we had Logan, Patton, or Remus." Roman nodded.

"True, do you have your notepad?" Roman asked. Virgil shook his head.

"Don't think he expected to have to have a conversation with you and he's been using his phone to talk since we left the building." Janus responded.

Roman chuckled, Virgil shrugged. "You do have to get changed before dinner." Virgil looked up and then started to pull Roman down the hallway. Roman shook his head. "No, I gotta change too. I'll meet you in your room?"

Virgil pouted but nodded. Roman sighed. It was only Wednesday so they had school tomorrow but Roman was willing to make it up but he would ask later and not in front of someone who seemed to hate him.

He saw Janus roll his eyes and follow Virgil away, probably to get his snake back. He smiled. He was going to read the book if they had any information about colors and then figure it out. He also noticed that Virgil was wearing makeup differently today, it wasn't under his eyes but dusted his eyelids with a color that was close to the tie and eyeliner.

He wasn't going to let Virgil get away with not telling him what the flowers mean, not to mention they both had been more clingy lately. Roman frowned, if he didn't return to Westward then he wouldn't see Virgil everyday and miss him a lot. If he did, he could ask Virgil to be roommates if he wanted too, and they could live together. Or he could room with Micheal and stay over at Virgil's more.

He had to admit that he liked this school better than the one he went to. The freedom he had to choose exactly which subject to follow was great, and since he already met a lot of the graduation requirements he didn't have much to catch up on. Next year he would have a math, English, and then three electives if he wanted to take a religion course rather than study hall.

Maybe he would return.

Once he thought that, it was like the school's colors got brighter and clearer. He didn't even realize that they were dull. Everything got sharper and he was hit with a wave of cold air. What he heard chilled him.

Welcome Roman.

Roman whipped around to see if maybe someone was talking to him. But the hallway was empty except for him. He felt panic but turned and almost ran back to his dorm. He didn't see a flash of a white dress behind a pillar. She smiled.

He was coming around...she just had to keep patience. The two were stubborn but they always had been in the past, why wouldn't they be now?