Chapter Text
Virgil sat on his couch wearing the only suit he owned. It was black with a purple button up underneath, and he decided against a tie despite Logan telling him to wear one. They were too constricting anyway. The only thing Virgil could focus on was his phone that laid on the coffee table.
He had been ready for the past thirty minutes and there was still ten until it was time for Roman to pick him up. Logan typed away on his computer, sitting at the counter. “Virgil, I can feel your urge to pace from here, just get up already.” He called from the kitchen.
Virgil immediately jumped up and paced around the living room, occasionally detouring to the bathroom to recheck his hair and makeup. On his fifth loop, Logan closed his laptop with a sigh. “Virgil, you look fine. It’s unlikely that Roman will be late considering he was the one who made the plans with you.”
Virgil wanted to collapse on the couch, but didn’t want to wrinkle his suit. He groaned, checking the time again. “I hate waiting!”
Logan gave him a look. “Well, maybe you shouldn’t have gotten ready that early.”
Virgil pouted. “Logan, you’re supposed to be sympathizing with me right now!”
“You two were making out in an alleyway a few hours ago.” Logan stated, making Virgil blush. “He’ll show. And if by some infinitesimal chance he doesn’t, I have a bat with his name on it.”
Virgil chuckled. Logan didn’t make threats like that as often anymore so when he did, Virgil knew he meant it. “Thanks, Pocket Watch.”
Logan glared halfheartedly. “You and your ridiculous nicknames.” He grumbled.
A buzz from Virgil’s phone caught his attention. He snatched it up so quickly, he accidentally jammed his fingers into the coffee table. Pushing through the pain, Virgil opened the text.
I’m here! :p
Virgil barely held back a squeal of excitement as he grabbed his wallet and apartment key on his way out the door. He faintly heard Logan call. “Call me if you need anything!”
Virgil, in all his giddiness, decided he couldn’t wait for the elevator and dashed down the stairs. He regretted it immediately when he hit the ground floor, his chest heaving, but it forced him to catch his breath and calm his hyperactive nerves. He exited his apartment building and looked around for a motorcycle, but he couldn’t see any that looked to be Roman’s. There was, however, a bright red Ferrari parked slightly down the street.
Its door opened and out stepped Roman, sunglasses reflecting the beginning sunset. He pushed them into his auburn curls as he spotted Virgil. Roman wore a red suit with a white button and had also ditched the tie. He’d lost a bit of the James Dean edge, but Virgil didn’t mind.
Roman grinned the dashing way he always did. He slid over the top of the sports car to get to Virgil’s side, opening the door with a dramatic flourish. “For you, my fair prince.”
Virgil rolled his eyes, but got into the Ferrari. “Where do you get all these vehicles? You're not some prolific car thief, are you?” He joked once Roman got back in the driver’s side.
Roman scoffed in mock offense. “Of course not! I’m here taking you to one of the nicest restaurants in the city and you are accusing me of being a criminal!”
Virgil laughed, but didn’t miss the way Roman’s hands tightened on the wheel. He wondered what that was about though he didn’t want to pry too hard as this was their first date. “How much money are you planning to spend on me? You’ve already paid for my groceries.”
Roman smirked. “I guess we’ll find out.” He said, pulling onto the road. Roman drove one-handed and left his other arm on the center console.
Virgil’s hand itched. Would it be too soon to hold hands? Logan’s blunt words echoed through his mind. He had a point. They had been making out in an alleyway a couple hours ago. As they steadily drove towards the richer parts of the city, Virgil took a deep breath and interlaced their fingers. Roman’s hands were warm and strong, and Virgil could tell that he used them a lot, presumably for fixing up his many vehicles. Virgil glanced at Roman’s profile to gauge his reaction. A soft smile said that Virgil had made the right call which made him relax.
Roman gasped as a new song came up from the playlist he was listening to. “Oh, I love this song!”
Virgil listened contently as Roman began humming along. Roman’s music taste was all over the place, but Virgil noticed that most of the songs had a positive meaning or at least sounded upbeat. Total opposite to Virgil’s music preferences yet he couldn’t bring himself to hate the songs. They were just so Roman.
They soon got to the restaurant without running a single red light or anything remotely illegal. Roman found a decently close place to park and swiftly ran around to Virigl’s side to open the door. Virgil scoffed lightly, not upset, just not used to this level of attention. “Oh c’mon, I’m not that special Princey. There’s no need to open all my doors for me.” He said, missing the warmth of Roman’s hand in his.
Roman’s smile held a bit of mischief. “I know. I want to, my dark and stormy knight. You deserve to feel special even if you don’t think you are.” He said earnestly, holding out his elbow for Virgil to take.
Virgil felt his heart swell. No man Virgil had ever made him feel so seen and cared for. As he looped his arm with Roman, panic seized him. He was going to fuck this up. Roman was one-of-a-kind, a sparkling diamond among fool’s gold. How could Virgil ever hope to match that? He wasn’t worth this. Any of this. At best, he’d embarrass himself, but at worst, he’d have his heart crushed so completely he’d never be the same again.
“-gil? Virgil! Did you hear me? Are you okay?”
Virgil harshly snapped out of his panic spiral. “Huh, sorry?” He mumbled, looking up at Roman’s soft concerned eyes. Virgil felt guilt heat his face.
“Are you okay? You look a little paler than usual, Vi.” Roman worried, putting a hand to Virgil’s forehead.
Virgil shook himself, shoving away the remnants of the spiral towards the back of his mind. “Yeah, yeah, I’m good…I just got a little anxious, that’s all.” Virgil said, forcing himself to through his explanation.
They stood in front of the restaurant—adequately named The Royal Crown— which had warm, romantic light outside and presumably inside too. Roman grabbed both of Virgil’s hands and held them between them. “We don’t have to go in if you don’t want to or don’t feel like it. I would be perfectly fine going somewhere else or I could take you back to my place or-”
Virgil cut Roman off with a kiss. “I’m good, Princey. I promise. Now let's go in.”
Roman scanned over Virgil’s face. “Okay, if you’re sure.”
Virgil nodded, relieved at the concern leaving Roman’s eyes. Roman kept holding Virgil’s hand as they entered The Royal Crown. The restaurant was fairly busy with most groups being other couples who were on a date too. Roman approached the host who then led them to their table which sat somewhat in the corner.
Virgil fiddled with the cuff of his suit jacket, wishing it were more like his hoodie jacket. He wondered if Logan was actually right about a tie and if the waiter was going to judge him because he wasn’t wearing one. Roman gave his hand a small squeeze. The small pressure reminded Virgil to breathe and that Roman was there with him.
When they sat down and opened their menus, Virgil’s eyes nearly fell out of his skull. “Holy shit, this place is so expensive.” He whispered in shock. Virgil hadn’t expected The Royal Crown to be cheap per se, but there were some items that were over a hundred dollars.
“Price isn’t a problem for me, sunshine. Order whatever you like.”
Virgil bit his lip. He didn’t want Roman to think he was some kind of gold digger. When the waiter approached and asked for their drink order, Virgil’s mouth went dry. Roman, with his infinite charm, grinned. “We’ll have a bottle of sauvignon blanc.”
The waiter scribbled it down into his notepad and scurried away. Roman turned sheepishly back to Virgil. “Sorry for just ordering for you, but this place has the best sauvignon blanc I’ve ever had and you need to try it.”
Virgil smiled. “It’s all right. I had no idea what I wanted to drink anyway. I’m still trying to find something to eat.”
Roman’s face brightened. “Oh! I think you would really like the steak or the fettucini alfredo. Both are the best things I’ve ever tasted in my life.”
Virgil found both items and checked their prices. “I…I don’t know…” He muttered before sighing. “Are you sure you’re okay with paying for everything?”
Roman’s face softened and he grabbed Virgil’s hand. “Virgil, I’m a man of my word and I am more than okay with paying for dinner. Let me spoil you tonight.”
Virgil flushed and scoffed softly. “That’s not exactly something I’m used to.” He said, but with the look in Roman’s eyes, he couldn’t say no. Whenever Virgil had gone out with Asher, he’d always end up paying for everything or, if he was lucky, only his share.
The waiter came back with their bottle of white wine and poured them their first glass. They ordered, both settling on steak.
“So, dear pale one, I have to ask. You said your family were all mechanics right? Why aren’t you working for your family?” Roman asked. Honestly, Virgil asked himself the same question almost every week. It wasn’t like his parents didn’t offer him a job. They had several times, but Virgil wanted to make his own way.
“Well, I wanted to go into the invention and design part of mechanical engineering.” Virgil answered, fiddling with his cuff button. “It’s been a bit of a dream of mine to invent or design something new for automobiles. I really don’t want to be a server at a shitty bar the rest of my life.” Virgil tapped nervously at his wine glass and avoided looking at Roman. It felt embarrassing to say his dream aloud when he was nowhere close to achieving it.
Virgil looked back to Roman and found him intently listening. “That’s so cool! I don’t really have a knack for invention or design, so it’s so fascinating to me how that all works.”
Virgil took a sip of his wine. “I wouldn’t count yourself out entirely, Princey. That motorcycle you brought to the race was well built. And not to mention sick as hell.”
Roman smirked. “I’ll have to take you for a ride sometime. She goes much faster than the one we rode today.”
God, Virgil wanted that more than anything. He missed the nights where he’d take his own self-built motorcycle for hour-long drives around the city. It stung to remember the day he sold it. Virgil wished there had been a better way, but with how his parents auto-shop was going through a rough patch and the coffee shop’s shitty hours, there simply wasn’t. He’d never admit the amount of times he cried over that bike.
“You there, stormcloud?” Roman asked tentatively, a somewhat amused expression on his face.
Virgil snapped back to the present, heat rising to his face. What kind of moron spaces out on a date? “Yeah,” He squeaked out, quickly sipping his wine. Unfortunately for Virgil, he accidentally drank too much and choked when he tried to swallow it all. White wine spat out in a cough, getting all over Virgil’s suit.
Nearby tables glanced over at their small commotion. Virgil wished desperately for the floor to open up and drag him into a dirt hole where he’d rest for eternity. Among all these rich people, who was Virgil to think he belonged? Virgil snatched the cloth napkin and patted himself off, the urge to cough itching at the back of his throat.
Roman moved to get up, but Virgil held his hand out to stop him. “I’m fine. I’m fine. Just…give me a second.” Virgil said, coughing afterward. He avoided meeting Roman’s eyes. He didn’t want to see the disgust at Virgil’s stupidity.
Their waiter came over to the table, concern evident on his face. “Is everything all right?”
Mortified, Virgil nodded. “Could I maybe get some water?”
“And if possible, put our orders to go.” Roman added.
“Of course. Right away.” The waiter said, rushing back to the kitchen.
Virgil froze. Of course Roman wanted to get his meal and leave. Virgil had embarrassed him in front of a bunch of people. Now he was going to have to awkwardly explain everything to Janus and potentially ruin that friendship. Shame burned through Virgil as he stared at his lap.
Suddenly, a warm hand landed on Virgil’s arm and soft brown eyes came into view. Roman had knelt down next to Virgil’s chair. “What are you doing?” Virgil whispered, quickly looking away from the eyes he could get lost in.
“Making sure you’re alright.” Roman said plainly, like he wasn’t on his knees in this high-end restaurant.
“You didn’t have to leave your seat.” Virgil muttered, shoulders shrinking in. “People are staring.”
Roman shrugged. “Let them. I’m not ashamed to show I care about someone.”
That made Virgil look. He needed to see if Roman was actually sincere. “You barely know me.”
“True, but you are someone I want to get to know better.” Roman said, standing up and nodding towards the door. “So, let’s get out of here. It doesn’t seem to be your style anyway.”
Virgil smiled at that. It was true. Virgil was not used to the rich and fancy lifestyle the rest of the patrons of The Royal Crown clearly were. Roman handed Virgil the keys to his car, his touch lingering ever so slightly. “You can go wait in the car if you want.”
Virgil hastily agreed, practically running out the door. By the time Virgil got back to Roman’s car, he had to force himself through a breathing exercise. How Roman wasn’t running for the hill was beyond him. Virgil bit at his nails. This rollercoaster of a day was terrible for Virgil’s nervous system.
When Roman got to the car, the smell of their steaks hit the second Roman opened the door. He started the car and for a second, Virgil was worried he was going to take Virgil back to his apartment. Roman smiled softly and once again, offered an open hand on the center console for Virgil to grab. “Would you like to come back to my place?”
“Yeah,” Virgil said, lacing their fingers together again. “I would.”
Roman squeezed his hand as he single-handedly pulled out of the parking spot. “Are we gonna talk about what happened back there?” He asked tentatively.
Virgil watched people on the street walk by. “I- I’m sorry…it sounds really stupid, but talking about that bike brings back a lot of sad memories. God, I really didn’t mean to get all that emotional.”
Roman glanced over at him. “Hey, there’s nothing to apologize about. I understand that completely. There are memories I don’t want to think about either. Don’t feel like you have to tell me everything right away.” He said softly.
Virgil gave a half smile and brought the back of Roman’s hand to his lips. “Thanks Princey.”
The drive was short and Roman’s thumb massaged circles into Virgil’s hand the whole time. Roman pulled into a parking garage and went up a couple floors while looking for a parking spot. While walking to the elevator, Virgil noticed that there were multiple other expensive cars parked in this parking garage. “Please don’t tell me you live in a penthouse.” Virgil said, partially expecting that to be the case.
Roman laughed. “No, not the penthouse, but…well you’ll see.”
Virgil looked at him skeptically. “If this is a ploy to kill me, I’m letting you know that Logan will come after you with a bat.”
Roman’s face turned mischievous as he pulled Virgil into the elevator. Virgil stumbled into Roman’s chest with an ‘umpf’. He felt the vibrations of Roman’s laugh as Roman wrapped his arms around him. “Falling for me already, Surly Temple?”
Virgil blushed. “Shut up! You made me trip!” He complained, snaking his arms around Roman’s neck.
Roman leaned in. “And what are you gonna do about it?”
Virgil smashed their lips together, tangling his hand in Roman’s auburn curls. Sparks flew and Virgil’s restaurant embarrassment swiftly flew out his mind. They moved as one. Roman pushed as Virgil pulled and vice versa. All Virgil could breathe was Roman.
The elevator dinged and Virgil jumped away, hoping whoever was behind the door hadn’t seen them passionately making out. But instead of an elevator waiting area, there was a luxury apartment living room and kitchen. Virgil looked back at Roman, who motioned for him to go in.
“Welcome to my humble abode, emo.”
The apartment had a theme of red, white and gold throughout. Virgil slipped his shoes off and made his way over to the round red couch. Roman put their boxes on the counter before joining Virgil. The TV that was mounted in front of the couch was twice the size of the one Virgil and Logan had and seemed a lot nicer too.
“So if you aren’t a master criminal, what do you do?” Virgil asked, curiosity over how Roman could afford this extravagant lifestyle took over. “I can’t imagine street racing covering all of this.”
Roman looked away sheepishly. “Well, I, uh, run an auto shop with my brother and we have a few locations.”
Virgil gave him a look. While running an auto shop can earn good money, there was no way it was enough to afford even half of this apartment.
Roman sighed and the rest of the story stumbled out. “My parents are also filthy rich, but my brother and I don’t talk to them anymore. They weren’t the best parents." He said, shoulders tensing at their mention. “Every month they send me and Remus a bunch of money in hopes that we’ll start talking to them again.”
Virgil frowned. “That’s shitty.”
Roman shrugged. “Nothing like a two thousand bottle of champagne on their dime to drown it out.” He said with a half smile. Roman reached for the remote. “Anyway, enough about my terrible parents, what movie do you wanna watch?”
“The Black Cauldron.” Virgil answered.
“You would like The Black Cauldron.” Roman commented, clicking on Disney+.
Virgil gently kicked Roman’s shin. “Oh, don’t act like your favorite movie isn’t Beauty and the Beast or Frozen.”
Roman gaped. “It’s Frozen…How the fuck did you guess that?!”
“You’re just so easy to read Princey.” Virgil said with a smug grin.
Pouting, Roman went to Frozen instead of The Black Cauldron. “This is payback.”
“Oh, no! How horrible.” Virgil deadpanned.
The movie began with its chanting song about ice, and for the first couple of minutes, the two actually paid attention to the movie. Then Virgil gently laid his head on Roman’s shoulder causing Roman to wrap his arm around him. Virgil curled into Roman’s side, glancing up at him every so often. Occasionally, Roman met his eyes and they shared a kiss. Each time their kiss grew longer and longer until neither was paying attention to the TV in favor of lips smashing against lips. Virgil hummed with content. All he could smell was Roman’s cologne and all he could feel was Roman’s toned muscles.
Roman pulled away slightly before pressing kisses down Virgil’s neck. Virgil's heart thumped passionately in his chest as he carded his hands through Roman’s hair. “Shall we take this somewhere private?” Roman propositioned in a velvety smooth voice.
Breathless and giddy, Virgil nodded. He gasped as Roman scooped him up bridal style and carried him to his bedroom.