Meals were less tense after Remus and Janus talked. Everyone was grateful for that. Janus and Roman were no longer ready to jump at each other and actually started to get along past being civil, but there was some weird tension around him and Patton. Patton knew, Virgil knew, Roman knew...anyone with eyes knew.

Roman was sure Virgil had given him the third degree after Roman told him about the event in the library but he didn't hear anything about it after. All he got was Patton bringing Virgil cookies after a week of him basically pouting, and Virgil signing something and they were good. Roman did not know what to make of it but Logan said to leave it be.

The Sanders Cousins were a weird duo but they worked.

As for Roman and Virgil, things got awkward every once and awhile. If one of them held eye contact for too long or accidentally let something slip that they hadn't said before, they would both blush and look away. But Virgil still used Roman as his pillow during lunches if he was tired.

Right now, Roman was at the ticket booth. The school's rink let students in for free but they needed tickets. Roman had his and Virgil's student ID card. Roman was proud of himself, he convinced Virgil to come to a hockey game with him. This was one of the last home games that Westward was having and it was against Roman's hometown.

Pure coincidence was Remus was coming down to watch the game. Seems both him and Janus had been talking over the past few weeks. It was now the end of March and the playoffs for the hockey season were starting soon. The fact that these two teams played each other was great.

Note the big amount of sarcasm there. It was a Thursday night and depending on who won, Roman might not have school tomorrow.

Westward was a huge hockey school, and even though Thomas wasn't a fan, the Headmaster before him was and he was there for almost thirty years, so not holding to the tradition that was decided when he was barely in high school. Not to mention, Thomas actually liked the day off.

But Roman totally didn't hear that from the Headmaster himself.

"I need a ticket for me and my friend, he's in the bathroom." Roman said to the guy in the booth.

"I am sure he is, can I see both your ID cards then?" The guy asked, Roman nodded and handed them to him. He took Roman's first and then Virgil's. "How'd you convince Virgil Cyrus to come to a hockey game?" Roman shrugged and took the two tickets.

"I am just persuasive, also it wasn't me who convinced him to come. Thank you!" Roman walked off and went to wait for Virgil by the bathroom. He wanted to make sure he was okay.

Virgil came from the bathroom and was surprised to see Roman there. "You needed your ticket." He handed him the ticket. Virgil nodded. Roman chuckled as he saw Virgil pull his coat closer to him.

"We aren't even in the rink yet." He told him. Virgil just flipped him off. Roman took Virgil's hand that he used to flip him off and dragged him into the rink. Virgil had his backpack that had blankets which he was going to put on the seat and Roman promised him dinner after.

Together they chose a row for them and Roman's friends. The hockey game was for the girls team, but they were the better one if Roman was honest. Although he never really liked the game of hockey, he did enjoy free skate.

Virgil had wrapped himself in a blanket and to anyone else it looked like him trying to be edgy. Roman saw him pouting, and called him out on it.

"Would you stop? We are supporting our friend, plus I promised her I would come to the first home game and missed it due to rehearsal. Now I am doing it." Roman told him.

Why'd you have to drag me into it? Virgil asked him. Roman smiled.

"We both know you would've come anyway, now help me look for Michael and the rest of them." Virgil frowned but got up anyway. He kept the blanket. Virgil saw them first and waved them over.

The row went: Alex at the end, then Victoria, Ian (Kayleigh's boyfriend), Michael, Virgil and Roman. They all talked a little while they waited. Ian found Virgil very funny and decided that he was adopting Virgil as his Emo Child. Virgil was quite alright with that considering Kayleigh did the same thing one game night.

The announcer got everyone's attention. "Ladies, Gents, and everyone in between, Welcome to Westward Arena. Today we are hosting the Girls hockey game. Westward Eagles and the Silver Oak Knights, go head to head for the spot to the final tournament of the season. Please welcome to the ice, your Westward Eagles!"

The crowd erupted into cheers and screams. Roman joined in with his friends yelling encouragement to Kayleigh and her team, Roman made sure to include that Virgil was there too. The other team entered the ice at the same time but didn't get an announcement. The team circle around their half of the ice like they just weren't on it a few hours ago for practice.

Everyone quieted down once the team lined up on the ice. Victoria was mumbling how the team she was on for the school didn't get a performance spot for this game. Roman really didn't pay that much attention. Virgil smiled at her response.

"We welcome Silver Oak High to our ice and our rink today, would everyone please stand for Westward's Choir singing the national anthem." The announcer said. Everyone faced the flag and listened to the choir sing. Virgil was leaning on Roman during it, Roman didn't mind at all. He had his arm around Virgil's waist and was holding on protectively. He thought about finding out more about the choir at school and might join it next year.

If he was going to come back of course.

He still had a month and a few weeks to decide if he was going to and there was a break coming up.

"If you need anything, let me know. Okay?" Roman whispered. Virgil rolled his eyes and took out his notepad.

You're a dork. Virgil wrote, Roman smiled at him.

"Yup." Once the song was over they announced the starting line up. Kayleigh was playing defense. They settled in and waited for the game to start. The players got into place and waited for the whistle.

Then they were off. The girls were rougher than the boys and Roman was surprised by that. He didn't expect them to be as aggressive. Soon, Kayleigh needed to play harder than she was. She checked someone into the wall and passed the puck across the ice. The section for the school screamed loudly and stood up as Westward scored. The entire school was into it, but Roman was pretty sure they were just here to see if they could get a day off.

The better the girls played, the more the students hyped them up, which gave them a goal to work towards. Not to mention it might freak out the other team, which helped them play better.

The entire time that was going on, Virgil had a firm grip on Roman's hand. After the third goal of the first period, Virgil was getting restless. Roman knew that Virgil never liked sports, but if Kayleigh was going to play Virgil would watch. Virgil and Kayleigh had a friendship that could rival the one Virgil had with Roman.

Roman didn't need to worry about it too much, but he did. Kayleigh was more of a school mom if anything. Roman knew she was worried about him, they all still were. Expect for a select few, no one knew why he disappeared for a week before the winter break. All they knew was that he wasn't in classes and barely went to meals, and that meant that Roman was bringing him his meals two times a day.

Virgil was just as clingy, but Roman was too. They had noticed that he would just randomly lean in and whisper to Virgil who would respond. No one ever knew what was happening.

Around a minute left in the period, Virgil turned to Roman and signed cuddle. Roman nodded and Virgil smiled and got up. He sat across on Roman's lap, he put his head on Roman's shoulder and sighed contently. Roman had his arms around Virgil's waist to keep him in place.

The plastic seats weren't the most comfortable thing, but Roman didn't care. Roman knew there was no one sitting in front of him so he put his feet up on the back of the seat so Virgil wouldn't fall off his lap. Roman smiled and lightly blushed when Virgil wrapped his arms around his waist.

When the alarm went off for the second period, Roman and Virgil stayed behind while their friends went to wait in line. Virgil moved from Roman's neck to get his notepad.

Where's Remus? I haven't seen him or Janus lately. They were supposed to come with us? Virgil asked.

Roman shrugged. "Remus was supposed to come and meet us before the game even started. I usually let him do what he wants so I guess I didn't notice he wasn't here." Virgil nodded.

Suddenly, Remus plopped down in Virgil's seat. "Hey, guys. Listen I only have like two minutes before they realize I am gone. Have you seen Janus?" He asked.

Roman looked at Virgil who shook his head. "Nope. Who do you mean?" Roman asked.

"The boys decided they were going to tag along today. I think they thought I was coming just to see you. They might want to say hi, I am sure Matt would love to see Virgil again." Remus said with a smile. Roman rolled his eyes.

"I don't think so." Roman said. Virgil elbowed him. Roman looked at him. "What?" He asked.

They are still your friends, you don't need to be a jerk. Virgil wrote.

"Virgil-" Roman started.

"Is everything alright?" Remus asked. Roman went to answer but Virgil signed instead. Remus sighed. "I get it, Virge. He doesn't have to go if he doesn't want to, but they might find you after."

"Virgil!" Roman said. Virgil shrugged. "Fine, I'll make you a deal. If Westward loses, I will talk to them for as long as they want. But If Westward does win, fifteen minutes and that's it." Remus smiled and Virgil rolled his eyes.

"Deal!" Remus said. The brothers shook on it.

"Have you seen Janus?" Roman asked. Remus shook his head.

"Hockey really isn't his thing, I might see him later though. If you guys are going to be talking then I might be able to sneak away. So, go Knights!" With that Remus bounced off and Roman watched him until he lost him. He had no idea where the other student section was or if they could see Roman.

Virgil went back to his neck before his friends did come back, Roman closed his eyes and rested his head on Virgil's.

Introducing Remus and Virgil to each other was not a good idea because now they teamed up to get what they wanted. What was Virgil doing to him?

It was the third period and Virgil needed a break from the loud crowd and the cold air. He wanted to live in Florida for a reason. So, he decided to drag Roman around with him. He really didn't care if Roman was getting into it, he wanted something to drink and he wasn't anywhere close to talking to strangers yet so he needed help.

Roman was more than glad to help him, but Virgil was being pouty about having to spend a few hours on a Thursday night in an ice rink. Even if he got the day off tomorrow, he still was going to pout.

He was cold, tired, and almost all socialed out for the day. So he was standing with Roman in the short line holding his hand while looking around. Roman moved forward and Virgil jumped a little.

"If you are tired we can leave, I just need to keep track of the score to see if I need to go see my friends." Roman told him. "I am sure Kayleigh won't mind."

Virgil rubbed his eyes and shook his head. He was tried, yes, but Roman had also promised him dinner.

Do you really think that Virgil was going to pass up free food?

Come on.

"Alright, what do you want?"

Coffee. Virgil wrote.

"Won't that make your anxiety worse?" Roman asked. Virgil was impressed he had done some research or he talked to Logan, so Virgil glared at him.

Are you willing to risk me not drinking coffee? Besides I can have it but just in small amounts. The amount they give you here isn't going to send me into a panic attack. Virgil explained. Virgil knew it was only a ton of coffee with a huge amount of stress that caused him to have an anxiety spike, but he appreciated Roman thinking about that.

"Alright, how do you take it?" Roman asked.

Cream and two sugars. Roman nodded and then ordered. The worker made their order and gave it to them. Virgil sighed and was preparing to walk back into the rink when Roman stopped him.

Virgil was thinking the entire time they were waiting, Roman just assumed that he was too cold to write again or something. Virgil didn't know and wasn't focusing on that at the moment. He was thinking of why it didn't seem to bother him when Roman would look out for him but it did when Logan or Patton did.

Was it because Roman was scared of freaking him out still? That happened over a month ago and Virgil was obviously fine. Was it because Patton was his cousin and Logan knew him longer than Roman did so Virgil expected Logan to know that he was fine and didn't need constant help? Or were they protective in other ways?

Or was it because Roman would let him make decisions and choices that he could learn from? Roman was not afraid to let him live in some way, he was protective but was it because Virgil might have a tiny crush on him?

Virgil couldn't figure it out, but he was snapped back into reality when Roman spoke.

"We can sit out here for a little bit while you warm up." Roman told him, Virgil gave him a confused look. "Don't pretend like you weren't cold, I could feel you shaking when we were in there. Besides, it's almost over. We can head in soon." Roman told him. Virgil nodded and took a sip of his coffee. He smiled and shifted side to side on his feet.

Roman looked at him and smiled. Virgil looked at him confused. "What? You got really happy and it was cute."

Virgil blushed and hid behind his coffee cup. Roman chuckled and rolled his eyes. "We should get back in there though." Virgil scrunched up his nose. "But...." Roman trailed off and swiftly took Virgil's coffee from his hands and hugged him.

Virgil squirmed when he did but gave in. "I wanted a hug first, shall we?" Roman asked. Virgil grabbed his coffee and stayed close to Roman. They got situated and watched the game again. The score was close, with Westward having four goals and Silver Oak having three.

So far, Roman just had to speak with his friends for a little while after the game. Virgil was hoping he would at least be nice, they were his friend still. Silver Oak had the puck now and Virgil saw Kayleigh chasing the other player.

Virgil was impressed at how fast it moved, he could pay attention and not get bored. That was a reason he really didn't like sports, they were boring to him. However, he felt that he could get into hockey if he needed to.

Kayleigh seemed to cut to the inside of the other player and cut across with her stick, she got the puck and hit towards another teammate. The Silver Oak player who she stole the puck from stuck her stick out and swept her off her feet. The referee blew the whistle and called a foul.

Kayleigh got up and the game continued. Westward scored again, and all they had to do was run the clock down. Virgil felt Roman relax, he only had to talk to them for fifteen minutes. Virgil took his phone out, he also made sure that Roman wasn't paying attention to him. He texted Remus. Remus responded and Virgil smiled.

The period was over and Roman sighed, Virgil knew he was mentally preparing. He turned to Michael and the others.

"It was great watching the game with you guys, but I promised Doom and Gloom over here dinner after the game." Roman said, Michael nodded.

"Well don't stay out too late, we may not have school tomorrow but curfew still exists." Michael said and then winked at Virgil. Virgil flushed slightly and turned away. Virgil grabbed Roman's hand and tugged.

"We have to wait, I promised. You know I don't break my promises." Virgil rolled his eyes, then Janus moved from the crowd.

"Virgil, Roman, just the people I was looking for." Virgil smiled. Of course Remus would get him in on this.

"Oh? Why is that?" Roman asked. Virgil nodded and Janus nodded back.

"Well, it has been brought to my attention that you are going to dinner, Remus is as well. However from what I understand, he doesn't have any room left in the car. Could I catch a ride with you?" Janus asked. Virgil nodded. Roman was confused.

"What? We may not be going to the same place!" Roman said. Janus looked at Roman and smiled.

"Dear, who is driving?" He asked.

"Virgil?" Roman responded.

"And from what I understand Remus is a fan of Virgil, wouldn't it make sense that they discussed where to go for dinner?" Janus said. Roman turned to Virgil.

"You did not." Roman said. Virgil shrugged. Roman would just have to wait and see.

The Toyota pulled into the diner they went to the day after Valentine's Day. Janus rolled his eyes when he saw it.

"Seriously? Do you love this place that much?" Janus asked, Virgil glared at him through the mirror. Janus knew full well why Virgil liked this diner. Janus got out of the car and Roman just sighed.

Virgil wrote him a note and got out of the car. Relax, we are eating by ourselves. Remus made sure to just save a seat for Jan. We are going in after him anyway. Virgil watched as Roman lit up.

Roman smiled and got out of the car. Virgil had waited for him to get out of the car before they made their way inside. Roman had asked for a table for two and they did have a small wait.

While they did wait, Roman had his arm around Virgil's waist. Roman was talking and Virgil was just listening. Virgil always liked to listen better, you can get more of a view of a person that way. The waitress came back over and led them to a booth, they were seated a few tables from Remus and Co.

Roman let Virgil pick which side he wanted to sit on and they looked at the menu in silence. From the table across the way, Virgil heard them talking.

"Rem, I thought you said Roman was going to come talk to us after the game?" Matt said.

"He is. In fact, he should be here." Remus said. Virgil had told them that this was his favorite place to go. It would make sense that he would bring Roman here.

"Whatever, he's taking forever though." Pranks said. "Does he even want to come back?" Virgil knew Janus was going to cut in.

"Actually, the school is going to offer the juniors a duel program with something they want to do for a career next year. Roman will not pass that up." Remus had told both Virgil and Janus what Roman had told them. He had revised what he originally said so he could make it believable.

Why didn't Roman just tell them he liked it there? Virgil didn't understand but wasn't going to push it too far if he really didn't want to get into it. He knew Roman lying about Westward had nothing to do with him.

"So, basically y'all are kidnapping him? What will the school do then?" Pranks asked.