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Chapter Text

Once upon a time there as young prince by the name of Virgil. He hated the life he was born into. It wasn’t that he was ungrateful for all the privileges that he had in his life. It was just that this life was all work and no freedom. Day after day, Virgil would be drowned in responsibilities and work. Constantly, people would tell how he had to be an amazing and wise king. Just like his father.

He couldn’t do it. He knew he couldn’t do it.

It didn’t help that he didn’t have anyone to talk to. He hardly knew his parents. They never made an effort to know him. Only to be a constant reminder of who he needs to live up to. He didn’t cry at their funeral.

Prince Virgil was able became friends with the cook’s son Patton and the head butler’s son Logan. They did help to lighten the darkness that was his life. Patton was so kind to him and would make him treats. Logan would read with him and help him with his studies. It helped, but it wasn’t enough. They weren’t allowed to spend every day with Virgil. Virgil had to become king after all. He couldn’t be distracted by frivolous things like commoners.

As he grew, he became more and more isolated. Only this time, it was his doing. He spent most of his days in his room, drowning himself in work. He watched Logan and Patton develop their loving relationship through the shared sorrow of losing a close friend to sadness and hostility. He was happy for them.

It seemed to be the only joy he felt in years.

Now, everything frightens him. A sudden sound, shadows, his own thoughts. It was why he was so willing to stay in his room. Only coming out if he absolutely had to. Patton and Logan tried their best to be there for him but nothing worked. A gift left for him would always be returned, knocks at the door would go ignored. Though, Patton was sure he could hear a yelp each time.

It seemed like nothing was going to change.

Until one fateful night.

Virgil was lying awake, counting the seconds until morning. He hasted the dark, he hated night, he hated that he hated it. His thoughts ran wild, his eyes were bloodshot from the lack of sleep. Yet, he was dreading the next day. Another day meant more work and more reminds that he will never be good enough as king.

Suddenly, the baloney door flew open, terrifying the young prince. He screamed and jumped out of his bed. An old beggar woman appeared on his balcony, and he froze in fear. He knew all of the tales of witches that lived in the forest that surrounded his castle. She looked exactly how he imagines a witch would.

Virgil began to shake violently. He was sure he was going to be killed. At least he wouldn’t be king.

The old woman pulled her arm out from under her coat and Virgil flinched. He shut his eyes, ready to blasted or stabbed. After a few tense moments of silence, Virgil reopened his eyes. The old woman held out a beautiful red rose.

She spoke softly “Would you allow me to stay inside your castle? Just for the night? I will give you this rose as payment.”

Virgil snapped out of his shock, and shook his head. He figured she was a vampire. Yes, that must be it. She was still on the balcony and needed his invitation in.

She watched him shake for a moment before straightening up “Don’t be afraid. I just want shelter from the bitter cold.”

“N-No…! I w-won’t allow it…!” His voice dripped with fear.

She closed her eyes and inhaled. Her body began to glow as she transformed into a beautiful enchantress.

Virgil fell to the ground and began to hug himself. The words “I’m going to die” played over and over in his mind.

Her voice boomed throughout the room “You are afraid. Afraid of the future, afraid of me, and afraid of life. You have nothing but fear in your heart yet you barely know it.” She pulled out a glowing wand and floated over to him. He curled up into a ball as she touched him with it. “I will teach you what fear looks like.

Virgil screamed in pain as horns formed in the side of his head. Both Logan and Patton awoke and ran to it, wanting to desperately help their friend.

Virgil stared at himself in the mirror. He now had sharp pointed teeth, a tail, horns…He punched the mirror before he could see more. He hated how he looked. He began to sob in spite of himself.

The enchantress “You must learn not to fear, to let someone truly in. Love them. And they must do the same. It must be before your twenty-first birthday or you are doomed to remain a beast for all time.”

Virgil snapped his head at her angrily “And how am I supposed to do that looking like this?! No one will ever want to be near me!” his voice was dark and deep, he couldn’t stand it.

She elected to ignore him and handed him a mirror “A magic mirror, so that you may see anything you would like.”

The door blasted open. Two guards point their spears at them, looking for the young prince. Logan and Patton were behind them.

Virgil let out a growl, wanting them to run. The guards moved closer to them, intending to attack. She waved the wand once again and transformed them into two chairs. The moved around, still aware and very much alive.

Virgil called out to Patton and Logan “RUN!”

Patton gasped in shock “VIRGIL?!”

Logan grabbed Patton’s hand and ran out with his beloved. The enchantress spoke untranslatable words and the whole castle, with everyone in it, transformed into everyday objects.

Patton and Logan watched in horror as everyone and everything seemed to change. Slowly, they turned to each other, knowing it was too late to run.

“I love you, Logan.”

“I love you, Patton”

They shared one last kiss as humans.

~
Once the inhabitants of the castle were able to comprehend what had happened. They made their way over to the prince. They needed his leadership, and he was the only turned into anything that could be close to human.

He ordered the castle to be locked forever and to let no one in. He knew there was no point in trying.

For who could ever learn to love a beast?

Chapter Text

Chapter 1
Roman Beltrius Sanders woke up to the sound of the birds chirping. He stretches and smiles at the birds flying outside his window. It was so peaceful in the morning.

But, like every morning, the sound of a hunting rifle going off disturbed his peace and quiet.

Roman sighed and shut his window. He really needed to stop going to sleep with it open. Especially since winter was just around the corner.

Roman got up, went to his closet and pulled out his outfit. He decided on his white shirt, a red vest and black pants. He headed down the stairs to collect his black boots.

“Dad?” Roman called out once he entered the living room. He got no vocal response, only a tap coming from under his feet. Roman smiled, his father was already hard at work.

Roman grabbed his boots and headed to the kitchen. On the table, there were two plates, one with food and one without. There was a note next to the full plate that read: I ate already so don’t worry about me, go out and have some fun! -Dad

Roman chuckled at the note and sat down to eat his breakfast slowly. He ponders over what he will do today, deciding to return the book he borrowed from the library then get another one to read.

He sighed and mumbled to himself “I don’t even know why I pretend like I’m going to do anything else. There’s nothing remotely interesting about this town.”

Roman finished his breakfast and headed to the door. He paused to pick up his basket and put on a fake smile before heading out.

He hummed as he headed down the path from his secluded home to the “busy” town. “Busy” because it was the exact same amount of people, every day, doing the exact same things.

It wasn’t that Roman necessarily hated the town, he just found it to be boring. Very boring.

Roman walked to the corner and began to count down from five. Once he hit one, he pointed as the baker turned the corner. Roman smiled, it was like clockwork “Bonjour Sean!”

The baker named Sean smiled back “Bonjour Roman! What are you up to today?”

“Oh! I’m going to the book shop to return this book I borrowed. It was an amazing read, you should--”

Sean waved him off “That’s nice. MARK! WHERE ARE THE BAGUETTES?!”

Roman sighed. The same conversation from the day before, ending at the exact same point. He continued his walk. Every time he counted down from five, someone would walk out of their shop and greet him. First Sean the baker, then Justine the merchant, next Ethan the farmer.

Then it was the twins Gabby and Lilly, who not-so-subtly whispered about him which Roman did not react to, only kept walking. Roman was used to this. It happened every day, from everyone in the town.

It was no secret the town did not like Roman. For as long as he could remember, they thought he was different, odd, a freak. When he was young and naive, it would bother him to no end. He tried his best to fit in, to be popular. He decided to do what most of the young boys in town did, and picked up a sword. There were also guns but his father strictly forbids him from ever touching one.

He trained day and night to become the best fighter in all the town. He was close to even rival Decarus, the most popular guy in the town. He was the best hunter, the most athletic, and the most handsome.

Roman didn’t see the appeal.

One day, Decarus and Nat invited him to join them on a hunt. Nat was Decarus right-hand man. He followed him around like a lost puppy. They took Roman to their favorite spot.

That’s when Roman learned the truth.

Decarus was ruthless, a conman, and an overall jerk. He killed the animals he hunted mercilessly, he extorted money and every other word he spoke was a filthy lie. Even the story behind his scar was a gigantic lie. Everyone in town would tell the story that Decarus fought valiantly to protect the town from bandits. The truth was Decarus was trying to rob a pirate ship and was caught in the act.

The whole day would forever scare Roman. It scared him so much that he went to his father, put down his sword in front of his father and state he will never pick it up again.

It was the best decision he had ever made.

He should really thank Decarus. Putting the sword down took a giant weight off of Roman’s shoulder. He stopped caring what people thought about him, he was happier and he could discover new things. He took up reading to past the time that he wasn’t using to train. He was able to escape this horrid town through his books.
It also had another side effect.

Roman’s beauty began to evolve. He didn’t notice but the town did. Since everyone else was running around and trying to fit in, Roman easily became the most beautiful person in the town.

But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.

Decarus did not enjoy the new attention on Roman and loathed that the man did not care about said attention. So he did what he did best, he lied.

He told everyone that Roman had given up the blade and took up studies, very advanced studies that no one truly needed in life. That he didn’t care for the people of the town.

What? Don’t you know the best way to lie is to tell the truth?

So the rumors began. People would stare and whisper more cruelly when Roman walked past and people stared for longer. Some even came up to Roman and asked him questions such as “How’s your training going?”, “Where’s your sword?”, “Don’t you miss it? You were so happy when you had it!”

However, it didn’t affect Roman in the slightest. He’d answer their questions with a simple “no” or a shrug. It bothered the ones who asked, but once again Roman did not care.

The people who asked were older and small-minded while the people his age just found him beautiful.

No one dared approach him, his looks and his attitude gave him the title of unattainable. All except two people.

Well, three but that’s not until later in our story.

The first was a young girl about two years after Roman’s transformation. Most of the girls and a good amount of guys admired him from afar but no one dared touch lest they damage the living piece of art in front of them.

But one girl, ONE, decide that a man like that could not be single forever. So, she walked up to Roman, with a significant amount of their fellow peers around, and asked him to go to the town’s festival with her. It was a very important festival, celebrating the beginning of the summer season.

Roman flashed his gorgeous smile “I’m sorry, but I am going to the festival with my father, although you are free to join us if you want to.”

Roman didn’t miss the quick scowl that crossed her face. As much as people hated Roman, they hated his father Thomas more.

Thomas moved to the town when Roman was still a newborn. Like always, the town is accepting at first. The older women cooed over the baby and Thomas was given so much “Welcome!” food that he didn’t have to cook for a month. 

Then one nosey lady asked where Roman’s mother was.

Thomas simply replied that Roman did not have one.

Thus the rumors about Thomas began, but now we are getting off-topic. We will get back to Thomas later.

The girl began to twirl her hair and spoke with an obvious flirty voice “Oh well I was hoping for us to have some alone time.”

Roman continued to smile, the whole conversation was going over his head “My father will probably not want to do any of the physical activities like dancing and the ring toss so he would be all alone. I can't do that to him”

The girl sighed, dropping her cutesy demeanor permanently “I’m trying to ask you out.”

Roman’s eyes widen in shock and he found his feet involuntarily moving back and away from her. “Oh, I’m sorry but I’m not interested.”

The girl and the people around him all gasped in unison. Roman looked around, more confused than nervous. “What?! You’re not interested in me?! Everyone’s interested in me!”

Technically it was a true fact, she was the most popular girl to attend their schoolhouse.

“What is there not to like?!”

“It’s nothing personal against you, I’m not attracted to women.” She stared at him blankly “I am a homosexual.”

Again, the group gasps. Whispers of “I should have known”, “Just like his father”, “Such a shame” circulated the room. Roman only turned around and headed back to his home.
~
Roman shook his head of the memory as he arrived at his destination, the bookstore. It was his sanctuary. No one in the town came there unless they needed something for school. It was quiet and Roman claimed a spot by the window where he could read. People would still look in but he could simply pull the drapes shut.

The bookstore owner was one of the only two people in the town that Roman actually liked. The bookstore owner’s name is Jon and Roman is pretty sure his father and he are more than just friends but neither would confirm or deny those claims.

Jon smiled as Roman entered “Roman! My favorite customer!” He stretched out his arms for a hug.

Roman smiled and graciously hugged him. “Good morning!”

Jon gave him a quick squeeze before pulling away “What brings you here?”

“Oh nothing, just returning the book I borrowed.”

Jon laughed “I should be surprised that you are done already, but it is you.”

Roman chuckled “Then I guess that also means that you don’t have anything new for me?”

Jon backed up and pointed to the “Newest” section of the bookstore. To any other person, it was filled and they wouldn’t know where to start. To Roman, it was a been there, done that situation. Jon kept books in the “Newest” section up to three months due to the lack of casual readers, but by the time the three months were up, Roman would have read each and every book.

Jon found it impressive, Thomas chalked it up to no impulse control.

“Nothing new came in yesterday, sorry.”

Roman’s smile didn’t waver “Don’t worry, I know just the book to past the time until they do.” Roman placed the book he was returning back on the shelf he took it from. He walked towards the back of the bookstore and pulled a very specific book. It had a light blue cover, but no words on it. Roman traced his fingers over it and smiled.
Jon smiled “How could I forget about that one? It’s your favorite. I just started a pot of coffee. I could bring you a cup.”

“Thanks but I have to get back home.” Roman placed the book in his basket “If I’m not there to make him, he won’t move from his desk all day.”

Jon gave him a knowing glance as he dusted the bookshelf “New story idea?”

“Worse, deadline coming up.”

“Then you better get a move on.”

“I will.”

“Oh and don’t worry about returning the book.”

Roman turned around and raised an eyebrow “Wait, why?”

Jon smiled “I know it's your favorite.”

Roman smiled “Of course! Far off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, a prince in disguise! It’s the whole package!”

“Which is why you should keep it.”

Roman gave Jon another hug, repeatedly saying thank you. After he determined he had said thank you enough, he headed out the shop. He didn’t miss the people who abruptly turned from the large shop window as he saw them watching him from the window. Roman opened his book and read as he walked to avoid making eye contact with anyone.

Smirking to himself, Roman decided to mess with the people watching him. Pulling the book up to block his face, he walked through the busiest street with ease. Dodging children running past, easily walking over obstacles in the road, even dodging water from being thrown on his head. The people followed him, completely in awe.
~
A group of geese fly peacefully over the town...before one was suddenly shot down. A young man, known as Nat, chased after it and attempted to catch in a ball. Though he overestimated how far he needed to be underneath it and the dead geese flopped onto the floor. Quickly stuffing it inside the bag, he ran back over to Decarus.

“Wow, that was a perfect shot, Dee! Like always, of course! You’re the greatest hunter in the world!” Nat made sure to compliment Decarus any chance he got to make sure he stayed on Decarus’ good side.

Decarus turned towards his weapon and tuned out Nat as he wiped down his gun. He had heard it every day anyway.

Decarus loved his life. He got everything he wanted without any effort. Every lie that exited his mouth meant a new thing to serve him. Large scars on your face are not attractive? Now they are. Being into guys is bad? Not anymore. Do you need to work to make a living? Not for Decarus, he needs to hunt and protect the town from all the dangers of the outside world. He had the town wrapped around his finger.

All except one.

Nat’s voice faded back “...And I bet you could get anyone you wanted!”

Decarus smirked and spoke loud enough for anyone close to hear, “You bet I can, and I want that one.” He pointed his rifle at Roman who only walked past. Roman was aware of the distance between him and the gun was short but he didn’t even look up from his book. Decarus was the second person who tried to romance Roman and continued to do so. Thus Roman was used to this kind of behavior on a daily basis.

Nat raised an eyebrow “The writer’s son?” It was an unspoken rule to not speak the last name of Roman and Thomas, that meant respect.

“Yup, because he’s totally the most beautiful person in town which is the only reason I want him.” Roman was the only person in the town that wasn’t madly in love with Decarus. Even Roman’s recluse of a father admires the young hunter. That made Roman a prize to be won. A toy he wanted for him to play with. That was the real reason.
Decarus was very aware that he could have any man he wanted. While people stared at Roman with judgment, they looked like Decarus with love and admiration. Some invited him into their homes or go hunting with. Still, he followed Roman, because that’s what he wanted.

Roman knew Decarus was following him, he did it every day. After ignoring Roman for days after the girl incident, Decarus went from ignoring Roman to coming up to him every day to try to romance him. Thus making him the aforementioned second person. Roman headed down the most crowded road in all the town, the main road. It was busy with people doing their morning shopping. Once again, Roman easily dodged them without looking up from his book.

Decarus smirked “Playing snake and mouse, are we? Well then. Run, little mouse, run.” Decarus took off, down an alley with Nat attempting to keep up with him.

Roman almost made it to his house on the hill when Decarus jumped in front of him.

Decarus straight his jacket out and leaned against the side of a building casually, as if to make it look like he hadn’t chased down Roman. “Hello, Roman~”

Roman didn’t bother to look up from his book. He pondered his options. He could ignore Decarus as always but he knew that the whispers would only get louder and he had a big enough headache already.

With a sigh, Roman answered, “Good morning Decarus.” With a smirk, Roman added, “Up to your usual stalking and general assholeness?”

The people around them gasped, in shock that Roman would dare disrespect such a great man. Decarus’ smirk didn’t waver, only grew “Oh yes, that’s exactly what I’m up to.”

He snatched Roman’s book out of his hands and held it just out of reach “I see you’re still being a stuck-up bookworm prick.” Behind Decarus, Nate let out an “Ooohhh!” between his pants as he just caught up to the two.

See, there was yet another big lie Decarus told, this one was a lie of omission. What is the secret? He hates Roman as much as Roman hates him, even with Roman’s good looks.

He found Roman to be an annoying know-it-all that never gave Decarus the attention he so deserved. But that only made Roman more desirable. Decarus wanted to fix Roman, make him exactly like everyone in the town. Then he would everyone wrapped around his finger for Thomas would do anything for his son. Plus, he always wanted a trophy husband.

Decarus flipped through Roman’s book, rather disgusted “Why do you subject yourself to such unnecessary boredom when you could be doing more important things, and important people.” He wiggled his eyebrows, only earning an eye roll from Roman.

“Some people like to expand their minds.”

Decarus and Nat shared a look then began to laugh at Roman. Roman tried to get his book back as they were momentarily distracted but Decarus had a fast reaction time and moved it out of Roman’s way, satisfied with the growl of frustration that escapes Roman’s mouth.

“I and the entire town despise that you do such a thing. It’s not right. You’re going come up with...new ideas.”

Roman raised an eyebrow “And that’s bad?”

“Extremely bad.”

“Goodbye.” Roman snatched the book away and headed over to his house, more annoyed than he thought was possible.

Decarus did not move from his spot but stretched out his arms “Come on, don’t be like that. Why don’t you join me and look at all my trophies and the other stuff I was given for being such an amazing hunter and the town’s golden boy.”

That should be a joke. That should offend the people around them. But no, Decarus was serious and no one cared. Roman should scream, should tell him off, but it wasn’t worth it.

So instead, he says, very nonchalantly as he looked over his shoulder “I can’t, I have to help my father, like a good son.”

Decarus let out a growl at that comment. Like everyone else in town, he has his parents under his thumb. Only he and Roman were aware that their adornment of him did not equal love. Just another lie.

Nate could feel the hatred emulating off of both men, so he intervened with a laugh. “Yeah, your crazy father needs help alright, mental--”

Roman spun around and shouted angrily “HOW DARE YOU?!” Everyone around him froze, Roman barely spoke up, much less yelled “HOW DARE YOU TALK ABOUT MY FATHER SO POORLY IN FRONT OF ME?! MY FATHER IS NOT CRAZY OR ANYTHING YOU PEOPLE CALL HIM! HE IS A GENIUS OUTSIDE OF HIS TIME! You don’t get to talk about him that way.”

Decarus couldn’t bite back his smirk “Yeah Nat, what were you thinking? How rude.”

Roman rolled his eyes and stomped home, ignoring Decarus’ catcalls. As soon as he was inside his house, he slammed the door shut and leaned against it, holding his face in his hand to cool down. He heard his father begin to sing and he couldn’t help but smile. Thomas’ voice was always a calming presence throughout his life and even inspired his love of singing.

Putting his basket on the table, he heads down to the basement book in hand, to his father hunched over his desk. He scribbled away, letting his greatest passion take control of his hands.

Thomas suddenly frowned and threw down his pencil in anger, making Roman laugh “Woah dad, what did that pencil do to you?”

Thomas turned and smiled at his son “It’s what it hasn’t done, it hasn’t finished the play for me.”

Roman laughed and gave his father a hug

Thomas sighed and he gently patted Roman’s arm “I think I’m just going to give up on this one.”

Roman stood up and shook his head “Nope! You are going to finish this play, take it to the production company, they’ll say yes, we become rich and leave this place forever.”
Thomas smiled and looked around the room. Around his office are pictures Roman has drawn. Pictures of them living in mansions, castles, visiting different countries along with all the things they could buy. “You never give up on me, do you buddy?”

Roman smiled “Sorry, it’s just how I am.”

“Then hand me a pencil! I’m finally going to finish this play!” Roman happily handed over the pencil and sat down in his chair. This was the only part of the daily routine Roman enjoyed. Thomas would write and Roman would read. They would escape their horrid world and go into ones only they could imagine. Plus, they were in the basement so if anyone came to the door, they would assume the two were not home. It was peace.

“How’s your day been so far, Ro?”

“Oh, it was amazing! I love being stalked, harassed, and whispered about every time I leave the house.” Roman rolled his eyes once he finished, adding effect to his statement.

“Oh and Jon says hi.”

Thomas looked at him sympathetically, knowing there wasn’t much he could do for the son he loved so dearly. As he wrote, Thomas remembered how they got to this dreadful town.

Thomas was walking alone on a cold Christmas night, heading back to his empty apartment to spend his Christmas writing for the small newspaper company he worked for.

Suddenly, a woman ran past him and knocked him to the ground. He got up and, just a few buildings ahead, he saw the woman put a small basket in front of the local city orphanage. He sighed as felt sympathy for the woman. Then the panic-struck, the orphans and the caretakers were away to go ice skating across town. He knew this as he told stories to the orphan children who lived there every week.

As soon as the woman put the baby down, he began to cry as the warmth of his mother left him and the cold of the snow touched his face. Thomas called out to the woman but she only ran kept running. He tried to open the door to the orphanage but it was locked. He looked down at the screeching baby and felt his heart tugged. He gently scooped up the newborn and he immediately stops crying. Thomas smiles at the child, he has made up his mind.

He named him Roman.

As months passed, Thomas decided a small cramped apartment was not a good place to raise a child. So Thomas quit his job, sold his apartment, and moved to the very town they were in now.

In the beginning, it was amazing. As Roman recounted, the townspeople were very kind to them at first. Thomas worked at the bookstore with Jon part-time while spending his time writing his plays. The children would come to his door and he would tell them stories, like the children at the orphanage. When the adults found out, he made the mistake of inviting them to listen. They felt his stories were mad, unrealistic, and, of course, crazy. They told him to stay away from their kids and that he wouldn’t let them be corrupted. He should have known Roman would be next on their hate list.

Thomas smiled fondly at his son “Don’t worry son. It’s like you said, this play will be the start of the new life for us!”

Roman jumped up so quickly that his book went flying to the floor “You’re finished?!”

Thomas grinned and nodded, showing his creation to his son. Roman practically snatched the play and read it as quickly as he could.

Roman should be a biased critic since Thomas is his father. But Roman has read plenty of books to know what was good and what was bad. And he let his father know it.

“Dad...this is the most amazing play I have ever read! And the simple title of ‘Ultimate Storytime’ is just genius! You did it! You really did it! This is going to be the greatest play of all time.”

Thomas smiled shyly “You really think so?”

“I KNOW SO!”

“Then hitch up Foster! I have to get going!”
~
They spent the next hour getting all of Thomas’ things together for the trip. Food, a map, plenty of clothes, water, and his story tucked away in a secure briefcase.
Roman hugged his father goodbye “Good luck, and stay safe please.”

Thomas lovingly hugged back “Of course Ro. Now, remember to take care of yourself just as well as you take care of me. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

“I love you, dad.”

“I love you too, son.” Thomas jumped onto his carriage and rode off with Foster. Roman waved until he couldn’t see them anymore before going inside to make some tea.

Thus the events that start our tale were set in motion.
~

Chapter Text

~

Two days. Thomas was only gone for two days.

Roman had just gotten comfortable living alone. He spent more of his time inside, just reading. He had really no reason to go out. He had plenty of food, he had the book that he now owned and Thomas’ rough drafts, plus he really did not want to run into Decarus.

Today, he chose to read outside since the weather was one of those rare fall days where the air was crisp but not cold. Roman was so relaxed that butterflies began to rest on him, almost as if they were reading along with him.

So you can only imagine his reaction when he heard someone scream “RUNAWAY HORSE!” and saw Foster running to him with no Thomas.

Roman held Foster’s harness gently as he looked the horse in the eyes, as well as a person could do with a horse “What happened?! Where’s my father?!”

The horse let out a whimper and looked down, almost as if he was ashamed of himself.

Roman’s panic only grew at Foster’s reaction “We have to find him! You have to take me to him! Please!”

The horse nodded, making Roman sigh of relief. Roman ran to the back of the horse and unhooked the wagon attached to Foster. Roman placed his hands on Foster to push himself up and onto his back when he feels the horse’s coat is wet and cold. “Oh, what happened…? Stay here boy, I’m going to get my cloak.” Roman scooped up his book and ran into the house.

Throwing the book down and onto, Roman ran to the coat hanger and practically ripped his red cloak off of it. He ran into the kitchen and began to place some bread and cheese in a large cloth, Thomas would be angry with him if he left without any sort of preparations.

Just then, a loud banging could be heard at the door. Roman smiled and ran over to it joyfully. He was ready to laugh with his father about falling off of Foster and having walk back to tell him the great news of how his play was greenlighted and they could move immediately.

Instead, when Roman opened the door, he saw Decarus in a yellow and black suit with a small box in his hand.

Roman was beyond frustrated at this point, he had no idea where his father was and Decarus was here to no doubt bother him.

His words reflected this “What do you want?!”

Decarus smirked, “Looks like someone is a great mood.”

Roman sighed “I don’t have time for this.” Roman attempted to close the door on Decarus but he pushed his way through, nearly knocking Roman over in the process.

“Whatever important business you have to attend to, it can wait. I’m here to make a…proposition.” Decarus straighten out his jacket and slowly walked towards Roman. “I want you to picture this. A beautiful and large cabin.” He was attempting to pin Roman to the back wall. “A fire roasting my latest kill–”

Roman rolled his eyes and raised his hand to silence the man in front of him. “Look Decarus, no one’s here right now to watch you be ‘perfect and smooth’, so just cut the crap and tell me what you want.” Roman crossed his arms and tapped his foot impatiently. Every second Roman put up with this meant less time to find his father.

Decarus stopped walking and frowned at Roman “You’re no fun.”

Roman huffed and pushed past him, opening the door “I don’t have time for this, just say whatever you want to say and get out.”

Decarus looked out the door and saw the crowd that followed him here, watching in anticipation for what’s to come. He put on his signature grin and turned to Roman “Roman Beltrius Sanders! I have come to propose to you!”

Roman turned around in horror to see people surrounding the house, his jaw nearly hit the floor. No one was interested in the pacing horse in the backyard.

Decarus leaned down and whispered, “In front of the whole town I might add. I wonder what the people will think if you, little mouse, reject their favorite son.”

Roman growled at that nickname. Decarus had called him that ever since the hunting trip. It was Decarus’ way of calling Roman a coward for giving up fighting, “as weak as a little mouse” to quote him exactly. The worst part was that he never used it in front of anyone else, or said it loud enough for them to hear because then Roman would have a reason tell the real story of the hunting trip. It taunted Roman, the town would forever be under the snake’s spell and there was nothing Roman could do or say to change that.

Decarus smirk grew, “Come on, it’ll be great, we’ll eat what I kill, have a nice fancy cottage, I’ll even let you adopt as many kids as your heart desires. Better than being run right out of town with your poor old father. Choose wisely my little mouse”

Decarus took great pleasure in watching Roman clutch his fist. His knuckles turned white, his nails dug into his palm and his jaw tightens. Decarus had Roman trapped, and yet he still didn’t answer. Once he got his fill of the scene in front of him, Decarus whispered again with more malice, his venomous grin morphing into a dark frown “I said choose, mouse. The people are waiting for an answer.”

Roman suddenly relaxed and smiled “Alright then.” He turned to Decarus and subtly took a step back inside. Roman slid his hand up Decarus’ arm, leaving his hand on Decarus’ shoulder. “Decarus. I’m absolutely speechless. I don’t know what to say!”

The people gasped. Nat raised an eyebrow, his proud grin quivering for he didn’t actually think this would work. He felt pride for his best friend. Decarus proved how great he really was.

With the sweetest smile on his face, Roman continued “Oh wait, now I remember!” Roman smiled dropped and he said seriously “I will never marry you.” With a hard shove, Roman was able to get a shocked Decarus out of his house and he slammed the door shut.

Decarus fell into Nat, who attempted to catch him, and the entire town stilled. The sound of the tiny ring box hitting the ground was deafening.

Nat helped Decarus back up and took a step back before speaking “Dee…are you okay…?”

Decarus caught a glimpse of his reflection in a small metal bucket that was on the porch. He looked shocked, his suit was a bit wrinkled and his hair had flipped to reveal more of the scar that went down his face. He immediately put his hair back into place, which allowed his smug smile to return.

“Of course I am! Why wouldn’t I be?” No one dared to answer him, not even Nat who opened his mouth then immediately shut it. After a beat of silence, he continued “Just one moment.” Decarus turned to the door and ever so gently knocked “Roman, open the door.” A moment’s pause. “Little mouse, I said open the door.”

Roman did not answer, he didn’t even hear him. As soon as the door shut, he ran out the back door without hesitation, even forgetting the food he had been packing. In an instant, he was on Foster’s back and riding off to find Thomas.

Decarus was slamming on the door at this point, loudly demanding for the door to open. The crowd began to dissipate, muttering to each other about what they just witnessed. Abruptly, Decarus stopped and choose to rest his hands on the wooden door.

Nat gulped and took a step forward. “Dee, I know it sucks that you failed but” He placed his hand on Decarus’ shoulder “how about we go get a drink and–”

He was cut off when Decarus whirled around and grabbed his shirt aggressively “I don’t fail. I never have, and I never will. I will make Roman my husband, and that’s a promise.” With that, he threw Nat to the side and marched back to his house.

“Game on, little mouse, game on.”

~

Roman rode swiftly through the forest, a mix of emotions swirling through his mind.

“He proposed to me! Decarus actually proposed to me. He treats me like shit any chance he gets and then just expects me to want to say yes to him? Can you believe the nerve of that man?!” Roman ranted aloud.

Foster huffed and bobbed his head up and down, proving that he was listening as they traveled on.

“And even if he wasn’t the worst human being alive, I still wouldn’t date him, much less marry him. I mean could you imagine me as his husband? No thank you.” Roman was so lost in his aggravation that he didn’t realize Foster was slowing down. He only stopped ranting when Foster came to a halt. Looking up, Roman could see that the path in front of them was dark, foggy and looming with the promise of danger. Foster turned to look at Roman, he was not very keen on bringing his other master down this path.

Roman gave him a soft smile, “It’s alright Foster, just go down the same path you went with Dad and we are sure to find him.”

Foster hesitated for a moment before galloping down the path.

Roman gulped and thought, “Oh dad…what went wrong?”

~

Two Days Earlier

Thomas sang as he rode on. He had never been more proud of himself. He was sure this play was going to be a smash hit. “Can you believe it, Foster? The future is almost in our grasp. All thanks to our boy and his encouragement.”

Foster happily trotted through the forest in response.

Thomas smiled softly “You know what I’m going to do with my first paycheck? I’m going to buy Roman a giant bookshelf and a bunch of books as a thank you. Then I’ll use the money I have saved to get us a new house, far away from that town. And then I’ll save up to give Roman a carefree life.”

Thomas then did something bad, very bad, something he was told multiple times not to do by his son. He started to daydream. He imagined putting on his first show, audiences leaping to their feet, winning award after award.

It was nightfall before he realized that he was very, very lost.

Thomas looked around, attempting to recognize anything on the path. There was nothing but dense trees and the occasional owl.

Thomas’ breath became uneasy “Oh my, It appears we went the wrong way, Foster.” Thomas pulled out his map and attempted to try to figure out where they were going.

Squinting at the map, he spoke softly “I think…I think we have to go this way.” Thomas gently pulled Foster to the right but the horse did not move. Foster tugged his head towards the opposite direction, the path Thomas wanted to go down was even darker and foggier than the one they were already on.

Thomas nodded sympathetically “I know, boy, I don’t want to go down the super creepy and possible death trap path either but the map seems to say we have to.” Thomas tugged once more and this time, Foster listened.

They made their way down the path cautiously. Thomas flinched at every sound and nearly broke his neck from how quickly he turned his head. Thomas’ skin went pale when he heard the howl of wolves.

Sweat fell down his face and his hands began to shake as he spoke: “Welp, we are never going to get there so might as well just turn around and go home where it’s nice and warm and not scary whatsoever.”

Thomas could feel Foster getting nervous, the horse was making the cart Thomas was sitting on bump back and forth. Thomas spoke words of reassurance to Foster in an attempt to calm him.

It did not work.

Bats and small birds flew past the horse, frightening it even more. It caused him to nearly run off a cliff, and Thomas to start to freak out. The final straw for Foster was when he made eye contact with a wolf.

He reared, sending Thomas and his briefcase flying to the ground and Foster took off into the night, two wolves hot on his tail.

Thomas slowly sat up for he hit his head when he fell to the ground. He scanned the forest for Foster, too terrified to call out for the horse in the event he alerts the wolves to his location.

He slowly stood up, briefcase in hand, and sighed at the site of the shattered pieces of metal near him. They once formed his only lantern. Foster had trampled it when he made his escape.

Thomas gulped and took a small step forward, intending to sneak away. In a cruel twist of fate, Thomas stepped on a small branch. He cringed at the sound and slowly turned his head towards the hill to his right, ready to meet his fate. There were several wolves staring him down and for a moment, they only made their presence known to him. Thomas took a second step and the wolves moved forward an inch.

Thomas knew there was only one way out of this situation alive so he took a deep breath and said a small prayer before running as fast he could.

Thomas felt his heart leap into his throat, the wolves were in hot pursuit of him. His lungs burned as he forced himself to keep going. He looked over his shoulder and nearly screamed as he saw there was only a short distance between him and the wolves.

He forced himself over a large tree root and slid, rather ungracefully, down the hill. Ahead he sees a large gate and bolts to it. To his relief, the gate swung open. He slammed it shut with breakneck speed, creating a solid barrier from and the wolves. His sudden moment of relief was cut off by a wolf biting his cloak and attempting to pull him through the gate.

Thomas slapped the wolf with his briefcase, startling the wolf enough for it and its companion to run off. Thomas’ knees nearly buckled in relief. “At last…” he panted out “It’s over now.”

He should have known the universe wouldn’t let him off the hook that easily.

As if it was waiting for its cue, the sky turned from clear and empty to dark and full of clouds. The rain from them pours on Thomas as if they had a personal vendetta against him. Thomas sighed and turned to try to figure out where he was now.

Thomas suddenly stiffened and he lost his grip on his briefcase, not that he noticed. In front of him was a monstrous castle. It was built from black stone, dripping with dark energy. It had tower after tower, each topped with dark purple turrets. The gargoyles were also black and almost looked life-like. The grand door was also purple with dog-like faces on the door knockers. The windows were blocked with wood, making it hard for Thomas to see if anyone was inside.

Thomas was so enchanted by it that it took him sneezing to snap him out of it. He felt a chill fill his body and knew if he stayed in the rain anymore, he’d surely catch a cold (if he didn’t already have one).

He ran to the castle door and rapidly knocked on it. When he got no answer, he reached for the door knocker. All of a sudden, the door opened on its own.

Peering inside, he saw a candlelit hallway. It had a velvet carpet that contrasted with the dark blue walls. Thomas gulped before slowly walking in.

“H-Hello…?” He managed to stutter out, receiving no response. Taking in some deep breaths, he tried again, a bit loud this time “Hello?” He wiped his clothes down and ran his fingers through his wet hair.

Out of nowhere, Thomas could hear a voice, causing Thomas to jump in fear “Hey look! It’s some dude, he looks lost” Thomas looked left and right, trying to find the source of the voice.

Another sharp whisper replied to the first “Silence Joan, the stranger will leave if he believes there is no one here.”

The voice dubbed Joan contested “He could be the one we’re waiting for.”

The second voice scoffed “Falsehood. This man has grey hair and looks twice the master’s age. Therefore there is more of a reason for him to leave.”

Thomas pleaded with the voices, “I’m sorry to barge in but…please I need a place to stay…just for tonight!”

On the table next to Thomas, there was a clock and a candlestick. The candlestick moved their head ever so slightly to look at Thomas’ pained and exhausted expression. They turned their head back to the clock, with puppy dog eyes.

The clock’s natural expression was unchanged and he replied coolly “I said no Joan and that’s final.”

Thomas felt as though he was going to cry “Please! My horse ran off! I’ll even leave before dawn!”

“Come on Logan, don’t be such an asshole”

“I AM NOT–OWW! DID YOU JUST BURN ME?!”

Joan let out a chuckle before turning their body fully towards Thomas “Of course you can stay the night!”

Thomas turned in a full circle but again, he saw no other human “Uh thank you! I don’t mean to be rude but where are you?”

Joan waved their left candle “Right here!”

Thomas once again missed it, he was still looking for a human. He reached down and unintentionally grabbed Joan.

Joan wiggled in his hand “Woah! Get to know me first before you try to pick me up!” Joan laughed at Thomas’ surprised expression but he quickly regretted it as it caused Thomas to drop him.

Thomas’ eye widens into saucers “You talked…” Thomas pointed his finger, his whole body shaking. Joan pushed themself up and Thomas jumped back “You moved!”

Logan rolled his eyes and jumped off the table “I hope you are happy with your decision, Joan.”

Thomas gasped “You move and talk too!” Thomas looked around the hallway to see if any of the other objects in the room would move. His fear was replaced by fascination. Thomas bent down and began to poke Logan. He couldn’t believe what was in front of him. A candlestick with its wax formed into a face and candle snuffer on their head like a hat. They had a sweet grin and tapping their smaller candles together like they had real hands. They were gold and they hoped to get closer to Thomas. Next to them was a very angry clock. He too had a face and the hands on the clock looked more like they were there to hold up the mini glasses on the clock rather than something to help tell the time. The clock had metal arms and stubs for legs. Thomas then observed that the clock had a small door on his chest and he tried to open it.

Logan slapped his hand away “Do not touch me! That is extremely rude!”

Thomas pulled his hand so quickly that he fell over. He stammered out “I-I’m sorry, it’s just…I’m just…and you’re just…” Thomas then let out a plethora of sneezes.

Joan hopped to his side and frowned “Oh shit dude, you need to get warm quick. Follow me.” Joan hopped down the hall. Thomas’ eyes followed him and saw that a door open to reveal a fireplace. Thomas leaped to his feet and walked behind Joan to the next room.

Logan facepalmed so hard that it was surprising that the glass that made up his face did not shatter, “They never listen to me. Never. And now everything is just going to go bad and I’m going to get blamed for it.”

Logan followed them as a mysterious figure stalk them from the top of the stairs. The shadow growled before quietly heading down the stairs.

Joan led Thomas to a room that was mostly empty except for a large chair in the middle of the room. Thomas graciously sat down while Logan rubbed his face in frustration “You’re letting him sit…in the master’s chair?!”

A barking footstool ran over to Thomas and sniffed him. Thomas chuckled, quite enjoying being in the presence of the living objects. He gently tickled the stool under a tassel he assumed was the stool’s ear. When he heard the happy barks, Thomas smiled that he got it right.

As a reward, the footstool crawled under Thomas’ feet and laid down to take a nap.

Joan waved at a coat hanger and said coat hanger put a blanket over Thomas.

Thomas smiled softly “Thank you.”

Logan raised his arms in frustration “What is wrong with all of you?!’ He placed his hands on his face and groaned “He cannot stay here!”

Logan’s lecture was interrupted by a happy squeal which made drop his arms with a long sigh. It was short lived though, as he had to jump out of the way of a speeding food cart. It barely missed him and Logan fell flat on his face.

Logan picked his head up from the ground and shouted angrily “PATTON!”

The food cart paused. It held a white teapot with a blue cover and base and a matching teacup. The teapot jumped up and down in excitement “Sorry Lo-Lo but I can’t help it! We have a guest!”

Logan blushed at the nickname, losing focus on the situation at hand.

Patton grinned and offered “Here! Have some tea that will get rid of that cold, 100%”

Logan waddled over to the cart “Patton, dear, no. He can’t”

Patton huffed and poured the tea, that he was holding inside him, into a small teacup. Thomas gently picked it up and took a sip.

The teacup giggled at the feeling “Papa! It tickles!” Patton smiled at his son as the little teacup began to strike up a conversation with the man holding him. “Hi! I’m Emile!”

Logan began to rub his temples in distress “And how he’s drinking out of my son. I don’t see how this could possibly get any worse!”

The door abruptly swung open, letting in such a big window that it doused out the fire in the fireplace and on Joan.

Someone whispered “Master Virgil…”

Thomas looked around confused. Logan instantly climbed up the side of the food cart as quickly as he could. Emile hopped out of Thomas’ hands and hid before Patton. Patton hid behind Logan who extended his small arms to block his family. Thomas began to shake in fear as Joan backed away, their arms raised as if it was pleading with someone. A large shadow began to cast over Thomas, causing his heart to beat rapidly.

A dark, deep voice spoke, “There’s someone here.” It wasn’t a question, emphasized by the fact the speaker seemed to be holding himself back.

Joan blabbed “He got lost in the woods! And we just wanted to–” A roar instantly silenced Joan, even dousing their flames.

The figured turned his head towards Logan who only gestured to a sheepish Joan. The monster let out another growl.

Thomas turned his head to find the source of the frightening growling. Unfortunately, that caused him to come face to face with the beast in question.

Even in the dark, Thomas could see the ghastly figure. He had sharp horns, pointed ears, and a long, threatening tail. He wore a dark purple mask that covered everything but his dark eyes.

The beast moved closer, causing Thomas to jump out of the seat and drop the blanket.

The beast demanded, “WHO ARE YOU?! WHAT DO YOU WANT?!”

Thomas was shaking more violently than before as he backed away from the beast “I-I-I got lost in the w-woods and…”

Virgil scoffed but continued to walk menacingly towards Thomas “Of course! And I bet you wanted shelter from the ‘bitter’ cold too?!”

“I-I-I do but…”

Virgil snarled “SHUT UP! I’m not getting fooled again!”

Thomas raised his hand to keep a distance between him and the monster “W-What…? I-I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Thomas ran backward, attempting to escape from the front door. “Please! I was just trying…”

Thomas yelped when Virgil grabbed his arm “Trying to get some shelter right?! Well, I’ll give it to you!” Virgil dragged Thomas away, ignoring his cries to be let go.

The door slammed shut, leaving the servants in quiet shock over what had just happened.

If this is how Virgil reacted to an old man, how would he react to the one who was destined to break the spell?

~

Present

Roman stared at the castle in front of him in horror. He could not believe that he had never even heard of this grand place before. Foster began to rear back and nearly knocked Roman over as he did with Thomas.

Roman gasped “Foster! Calm down!” Roman hopped off the horse and pet him desperately “Steady Foster, steady. It’s going to be okay.” Roman gently kissed the horse’s head and turned to the castle.

He was apprehensive, no doubt about it. This place gave off a dark aura that sent a shiver up Roman’s spine. Roman would never imagine his father staying here, even if it was to take refuge from the cold. It was simply improbable. Thomas was most likely not there.

Then he saw it.

The familiar black briefcase. Roman ran to it and picked it up with shaking hands. He could hear the manuscript move around as the case was being moved, there was no doubt that this was Thomas’ briefcase. He hugged the briefcase desperately, fighting back his tears.

“Oh, dad…” Roman looked up to the castle and a determined look formed on his face. “Hold on, I’m coming to get you.”

~

Chapter Text

~

Roman flinches as the door of the castle seemed to open on its own. He turns back to Foster one last time, and the horse seems to give him a look of encouragement. Roman’s eyes fall towards the case now sitting on Foster’s back, giving him the determination to walk inside. 

“H-Hello?” Roman called out, hating how his voice shook. He turned and looked at Foster. Foster seemed to be staring at him, a terrified look in his eyes reflected back at Roman.

Roman takes a deep breath, he has to do this. He has to be brave so he can save his father and bring him home. He puffs out his chest and heads in. 

The first thing Roman noticed from the look of the entrance room is that whoever lived there was wealthy but sad. They had to be. The walls were royal purple with very nice detailing but it was outshined by the scary-looking gargoyles and falcons status, covered in what seemed to be layers of dust.

“Hello? Is anyone home?” Roman calls out, “Dad? Are you here?” Roman frowns when he got absolutely no response. 

In front of him is a long set of stairs covered in a gorgeous red carpet. Seeing as there was no other way to go, Roman went up the stairs. “Dad?” he called out as he went up the stairs, wishing he would get something other than silence.

He has a very bad feeling.

~

Meanwhile, Logan is thoroughly reprimanding Joan for what they had done. 

“What were you thinking Joan?! Allowing yourself to be seen by a human! And then! And then, you not only do that but, you let him sit in the master’s chair. Do I have to really remind you that that is his favorite spot that he does not let anyone sit in? And then, you get my husband involved by making him give this man tea!” Logan shouted, his face would have been red if he was human.

Joan only sigh and quietly let it happen. They knew that the only reason Logan was this mad was because of Patton and Emile’s involvement. Logan is very protective of them.

But Joan isn’t just going to take it. At least, they aren’t planning to. As they go to reply with a joke, as they do best, they’re cut off by the door suddenly opening. A cloaked figure walks in and they both instinctively freeze.

“Hello? I’m sorry to interrupt but…” Roman trails off as he pulls his hood off, very confused. He was sure he heard a voice but looking around the room, he sees no one. Roman sighs, “I must be going crazy…:”

Roman shakes his head and leaves the room. Once he is gone, Joan gasps, “Did you just see what I saw?!”

“Yes, another intruder,” Logan replies curtly.

Joan sighs “No, you dipshit! He’s the chosen one! The one we have been waiting for! He’s the one who is going to break the spell!”

Logan gives him a skeptical look so Joan persists, “Come on! He looks about the master’s age, unlike the other guy, he looks pretty from the two-seconds I got to see him! He has to be the one! It’s not like young attractive guys come to our door every day!”

Logan sighs, trying to not admit that Joan is absolutely right. This person’s cloak color even matches the rose. It was as if the universe was pointing a giant arrow that read “THIS IS THE ONE”.

Joan jumps off the table and hops after the boy, and, after a rather loud groan, Logan follows. Only because he knew Joan was up to something.

Obviously.

~

Roman opens the nearest door on the other side of the hallway and peers in. Just like the other room, this one is also empty of humans, only holding dusty furniture. That gives Logan and Joan enough time to sneak past him. They make their way quietly down the hallway and they listen as Roman calls out for his dad. Then Joan and Logan loudly push open a door behind Roman.

Roman turns at the sound and says, “Is someone there? Hello?” Roman walks towards the door. He peeks in and sees that, unlike the other rooms, this one leads to a small spiral staircase. Nothing too ornate or exciting about it, except for the small light that was at the top of what he could see of the stairs. It looks as if someone is ascending the stairs as the lights seem to get more distance. 

Roman eyes widen in surprise and finally, a glimmer of hope appears in his eyes for the first time this day. As he runs up the stairs after it, he calls out, “Wait! I’m sorry to intrude but I’m looking for my father!”

When Roman reaches the top of the stairs, he notices two things. One, that the light he saw was from a gold, three-pronged candelabra sitting on a small table. Two, he did not like the place that the candle’s light had let him.

It is somehow creepier and drearier than the rest of the castle. The doors are wooden and have metal bars. The stone covering the entire room is gray and looks like it is hardly used, unlike the rest of the castle. Roman shivers from the cold and the frightening aura. He grabs one of the torches on the wall to see and keep warm.

“H-Hello? Is someone up here?” Roman asks, a bit nervously. 

“Roman?!” a far too familiar voice replies.

Roman spins around and gasps. He sees his father trapped in a barred cell. His hair is disheveled and he looks like he has been crying. He is trembling, despite still wearing his cloak, yet also sweating.

Roman runs over and grasps his hand through the bars. “Dad! It’s me!” Roman’s eyes widen in fear, his father’s hands were so cold.

“What are you doing here?! How are you here?!” Thomas asks, petrified knowing his son was in this place. 

“Foster led me here. Don’t worry, I’ll get you out.” Roman looks over the lock “I’m just so happy you’re okay!”

“Roman, you need to go, now ,” Thomas says, panicked.

“Hold on, I’ll find something to break the lock!” Roman says as he searches for something that could unlock the cell. 

“No, Roman, get out of here before he finds you!” Thomas says before going into a coughing fit.

“He?” Roman asks confused before his face suddenly has a look of determination at the sound of Thomas’ coughs, “Who? Who did this to you? Just wait until I get ahold of him…”

“No! No!” Thomas shakes his head, “You need to leave, forget about me!”

“Never! I won’t leave you--” Roman was suddenly cut off by a growl and being forcefully turned around.  The torch was slapped out of his hand and it falls into a puddle which makes it go out, leaving Roman in the dark.

“ROMAN! RUN!” Thomas screamed, panic filling his voice. 

“Who’s there?! What do you want?!” Roman asks as his eyes dart around the room in fear. He hates the dark.

A booming, distorted voice replies, “I am the master of this castle. You shouldn’t be here. Why are you here?”

“I came here looking for my father and I’m not leaving without him. Let him out!” Roman answers, trying not to sound afraid. 

“ I won’t . He has trespassed, and now he must suffer the consequences.”, the angry voice replies.

“He didn’t mean any harm! He’s a good man!”

“A good man wouldn’t invade my home,” the voice growled.

“He didn’t mean to! Please, he’s sick for goodness sake! Don’t you have any sense of compassion? ”

The voice chuckled bitterly, “Compassion? Please. And don’t think you’re going to get any sympathy from me just because he’s sick, he’s nothing but a prisoner.”

Roman growls under his breath. This man was unbearable, but yelling isn’t going to get his father out of here. Roman flinches when his father sneezes multiple times, and peers over his shoulder. His father is so pale and sickly. He has to free him.

Roman turns back to the voice, “Well, instead of having this useless argument, let’s make a deal. What can I do to get him out of here? Name your price.”

“I don’t want your money. I don’t need it. All I want is for him to learn his lesson so just leave . There’s nothing you can do.”

Roman began to panic, there had to be something. What would the heroes in his books do? Think. Heroes are smart, strong, and selfless...

Selfless, willing to do anything to save the day...including sacrificing themselves. He knows what he has to do.

He heard footsteps walking away, the voice was leaving. It is now or never.

“Wait!” Roman yells and the footsteps pause. Roman takes a deep breath to try to stop his trembling, “Take me instead. A life for a life.”

“ Roman! Don’t you dare! Please! ” Thomas shrieks as he shakes the bars of his cell.

There are a tense few seconds where no one did anything. “You...you would take his place?”, the voice replies, clearly shocked.

Roman nods, “Yes. He’s my father. Please , set him free.”

“...You understand that you’d be here. Forever. For the rest of your life”, the voice says, seeming to lose its distortion and sounding more human.

Roman furrowed his brow in confusion. The voice was becoming more tentative by the second, which seems odd to him. Maybe he’s wearing the castle owner down? He wishes he could see the person. He read in a book once that the face gave away what a person is thinking.

Roman looks up and sees a crack in the ceiling that is letting in moonlight, this would just have to do. “Come into the light.” Roman orders.

Another achingly long pause goes by before Roman hears the voice suck in its breath. The person steps forward slowly, almost hesitantly. Foot first before walking into the light with its eyes shut closed. Roman’s eyes widen at the sight before him as the eyes open and come into view.

It was a beast in front of him, plain and simple. The feet were animalistic and sharp, long claws glinting menacingly. The hands were the same. The ears were thin and pointed. It has human black hair but it is overshadowed by the four thick horns. The rest of the body is covered with long clothing and a black cloak. If Roman wasn’t petrified, he probably would have laughed that their outfits are similar. Lastly, the beast is wearing a black mask that covered the mouth. Though, Roman barely paid it any mind because of the beast’s eyes. They were a piercing, deep violet that made Roman shiver. Once he is able to force his eyes away from being locked with the beast’s eyes, he sees that beneath those eyes, pitch-black markings stretched down towards the mask.

Roman backs up and winces when his head hits one of the bars. 

Thomas puts his hands on Roman’s arms, “Roman, please, don’t do this. You’re young, you have your whole life ahead of you. Go back to the village and live your life without me.”

Roman sadly smiles and turns to his father. He grabs his hand, for the last time, holding it tightly to his chest as he whispers. “Go publish that book, live your dream.”

Despite Thomas’ desperate protests, Roman walked forward into the light, a foot away from the beast. The beast can see that Roman is smiling despite tears fall down his face. “I believe we have a deal,” Roman remarks plainly.

The beast is frozen, not sure what to make of the situation. It then shakes its head. “Fine” is all it can say. It marches over to the cell. Roman heard the cell unlock, but he can’t make himself turn around. His body feels frozen in place, trembling as it battles to even stay standing.

Roman hardly registers when Thomas hugs him. Thomas begs for Roman to reconsider, but it goes in one ear and out the other.

Roman opens his mouth to give his final goodbye to his father, but Thomas is forcefully pulled away from him by the beast.

“Wait! Wait a minute--” Roman is shoved into the cell and it is slammed closed. Roman runs up and shakes the bar, “HOLD ON A SECOND YOU FIEND!” Roman’s pleas seemingly fall upon deaf ears, for the beast ignores him and continues to drag his father down the stairs. Roman’s sobs echo through the cold stone halls.
~

Thomas holds onto the beast’s large arm to keep himself steady as he’s dragged out of the castle. “Please, please” he begs “He’s just a boy. Please spare my son, he doesn’t deserve this.”

The beast says nothing, clearing pondering something. Once they were outside, the beast opens the door of an old carriage. It tosses Thomas inside and Thomas can hear the beast say, “Take him back to the village”.

Thomas barely gets a chance to catch his breath before the carriage starts barrelling away. Once Thomas finds his footing, he starts banging on the door, demanding to be let out. He couldn’t lose his son. Roman was all he had. 

Roman, his child. The boy he raised. His little cheerleader, the one who would always smile at every story Thomas wrote. The one who would snuggle with him on the darkest of nights and whose smile could light a whole house. 

His little boy. Now gone forever.

~

Virgil heads back inside, trying to process what had just happened. Years of isolation and suddenly not one, but two people appeared as his doorstep. One of them being a handsome young man who was currently in a cell in one of his towers. He paces, wracking his brain for what to do, thundering back and forth before the very same stairs Roman had climbed when he arrived just moments ago. He doesn’t know what he’s going to do with this stranger who is now going to be living here. Forever . He hadn’t even decided what he was going to do with his father when the other man arrived! Why did he always get himself into trouble ?!

“Master Virgil?” He stops pacing and stiffly turns to face the voice of someone he is currently annoyed with. 

“Yes, what do you want Joan?” Virgil asks, clearly frustrated and panicked.  

“Well this young man is going to be here with us for the foreseeable future so I was thinking that maybe…”

“Maybe what ?”.

“You could give him one of the bedrooms! It’s not like any of us are using it anyway! And he would be so much more comfortable. What do you say?”

Virgil growls and grabs Joan, carrying them up the stairs.

“...You could have just said no.”

~

In the cell Roman was in, there was only one window. He used it to watch his father being tossed and moving farther and farther away from him.

Roman allows himself to cry loudly as he watches. This has to be the dumbest thing he has ever done but he refuses to regret it. He would not stand by and let his dad die. Though, he won’t suppress his tears.

A while later, he hears footsteps again. Roman glares when the beast came into view. They have a bit of a staring contest, neither wanting to make the first move. 

Until that is when Roman yells, “Do you have to be such a brute?! You couldn’t have waited two seconds for me to say goodbye?! That was my father and I’m never going to see him again! Out of all the things you’ve done, you could have at least let me say goodbye! Are you just that cruel?!”

Virgil pulled on his mask uncomfortably, a habit he formed over the years. He started pacing a bit in front of the cell. He runs his fingers through his hair, then looks over at Joan who is looking at him with a face that Virgil has seen one too many times, the one that chastizes Virgil.

Virgil knew Joan was right. It was the least he could do anyway, he could stand to do one nice thing today.

Virgil unlocks the cell and opens the door, “I-I’ll show you to your room.”

Roman looks at him with a bewildered expression, “My…room?” Roman asks tentatively. 

“Yeah...unless, you rather stay here?” Virgil asks, only half-serious.

Roman shakes his head no and quickly runs out of the cell. Virgil motions him to follow and they descend the stairs.

Roman looks around at the different art in each of the halls and other decorations. It’s all eloquent but the castle’s creep aura takes away from it and Roman finds himself doing nothing but staying close to the beast despite not really wanting to be.

Virgil peers over his shoulder and sees Roman quickly wiping away any tears that fall as they walk and he frowns. He feels guilty knowing this stranger is crying because of him, he hates making people cry.

Joan scowls and nudges the side of Virgil’s forehead.

“What?” Virgil whispers to them.

“Talk to him!” Joan whispers back.

“Fine!” he whispers before turning and saying out loud to Roman “Umm...so since you’re staying here now, you can go anywhere you want in the castle. Think of the castle as your home now.”

Roman looks at the beast in surprise. Not only about not being locked in another room but also because the beast’s voice seems to change again. It seems...softer, losing that booming bite from before entirely. “Oh, okay…” Roman replies.

“But you cannot, under any circumstances, go into the West Wing” Virgil quickly added, making Joan facepalm.

“Why? What’s there--” 

“I said you couldn’t!” Virgil shouts, stopping. Roman flinches when Virgil turns to face him, the scary voice returning.

“Fine, okay, I get it. Geez…”

They walk the rest of the way in silence, avoiding looking at each other. Joan would have groaned but they kept quiet to keep the illusion that they weren’t a talking candlestick.

Virgil stops in front of a room at the end of the hallway they were walking. He opens the door and ushers Roman in. 

Roman gasps in awe as he enters the room. The room was covered in red, white, and gold. It was bigger than his whole house back at home. The bed was massive and the pillows and blanket were a beautiful shade of red. There was a white armoire with gold trim near a matching vanity. The window has gold drapes and was ten times taller than him. 

“Do you like it?” the beast asks. 

Roman could only turn to it and nod, the look of awe on his face is telling enough.

Virgil gave a stiff nod back, “Great, if you need anything, call for one of my servants. They will come and serve your every need.”

Roman raises an eyebrow at the thought of what kind of servants a beast would have but did not comment. 

Joan whispers to Virgil, “Invite him to dinner!”

Virgil inhales, “And! And you will join me for dinner! That’s an order!” Virgil quickly slams the door, not waiting for a reply.

“What was that?!” Joan asks exacerbated. 

“I don’t know! I panicked! I have to go.” Virgil puts Joan down and runs off to go find in his room. 

Joan finally allows themself to let out that groan.

Meanwhile, Roman had gasped at the sound of that. How dare that beast?! Ordering him to do things! Roman’s face began to heat up in anger and he paces around the room. He didn’t stand for that! No one told him what to do.

Except for his father…

Roman found himself crying again and groans when he touches his wet face. Hadn’t he cried enough?

He flops onto the bed and sighs. He then curls into a ball, not knowing the beast himself in the castle is doing the same thing in a different.

Roman sniffles, accepting that he was going to never get out of here.

This is the end of his story, he’s sure of it, and he lost his chance at happily ever.

Or so he thinks.

~

Chapter Text

~

Thomas had no idea how long he was in the carriage. His head is pounding from his sickness and the fast-moving carriage was not helping it. He feels himself getting sicker and sicker by the minute. 

Suddenly, the carriage stops and sends him flying forward. He falls into a puddle and he glares at the carriage. It quickly moves away from him and by the time he gets back up, it is too far away for him to follow.

Not like he could, his legs are so sore and he can barely stand. He stares at the dark creepy forest as he thinks about how he is even farther away from his son. He turns towards the town, the carriage had dropped him a quarter of a mile from the village. Thomas takes a deep breath and heads towards the village.

He will save his son.

~

Roman has no idea how long he has been crying for. All he knows is he has definitely ruined the nice pillow with his tears. 

He hears a knock at the door, he picks his head up. He stares at the door for a few seconds before saying, “who’s there?”

“It’s Patton, kiddo! May I come in?” a voice from behind the door says. This voice is so much friendlier than the beast’s and he did ask nicely…

“Oh uh.” Roman sits ups, “Sure, just one second.” Roman removes his cloak and tosses it on the chair in front of the vanity. He opens the door and gasps at what he sees.

What he was expecting was a person or maybe another beast but certainly not this. Roman moves back as Patton hops in. The upper half of Patton is human. He is wearing a pair of glasses, a white puffy blouse with a blue apron over it. His lower half is a white teapot. He is so small but the smile on his face is so big and comforting.

“I thought you could use a nice warm cup of tea,” Patton says as he hops closer to Roman. A hopping creamer, a sugar bowl, and a teacup with a face follow Patton into the room.

“What? How are you real…?” Roman asks, backing away. His back hits the white wardrobe with brown doors.

Roman turns just as the wardrobe says, “Oh trust me, girl; this isn’t nearly the weirdest thing you will see. Trust me.” 

Roman looks up and sees that the top of the wardrobe seeing a smile and sunglasses covering the eyes. 

“You’re talking...this can’t be real…” Roman says, putting his hand on his forehead. Was all this a dream? That would make everything easier, he would just have to wake up and be back with his father and his little happy home.

“I know girl, it’s even hard for me to understand. Trust me, I know see myself in the mirror all the time and just go ‘ahh’!” the wardrobe says as it uses its door as hands to exemplify its point. 

Roman nervously laughs and rubs his arms. He sits on the bed and the talking objects move closer to him.

“So I’m Patton like I said before, that’s Remy. Jack, Jill and this is my son Emile.” Patton says. The teacup with a face named Emile hops forward and smiles at Roman,

“N-Nice to meet all of you.” Roman replies, his nervousness leaking into his voice. 

“I thought you could use a nice cup of tea after all that to warm you up,” Patton says softly, using a tone has only heard his father use, warm and caring. Patton tips himself over pours warm tea into Emile. The creamer and sugar bowl put what they both are holding into Emile too. Emile slowly hops over to Roman and Roman picks him up to drink.

Roman sips it and he is surprised at how good the tea tastes. It warms him up and reminds him of the first time he had tea. He and his father had been gifted tea by an old woman who enjoyed one of the stories his father told.

A single tear falls down Roman’s cheek as he remembers these memories are all he has left now.

“Are you okay kiddo?” he asks as he puts his tiny hands on Roman’s leg. 

Roman quickly wipes the tear away before replying, “Oh, it’s nothing…”

“Are you sad?” Emile asks, there is a child-like curiosity is present in his eyes. “I can make you feel better!” Emile began to suck in his breath and make the tea bubble. 

“Emile! No! That’s for him to drink!” Patton reprimands with a finger wag.

Emile blushes bashfully and apologizes softly. Roman lets out a little giggle and the rest turn to him, giving him a soft smile.

“I also wanted to tell you kiddo that we were all so impressed by your bravery,” Patton says with a big grin on his face.

“It was the coolest thing we have ever seen in a long time! The way you stood up to V--our master. Giving yourself up for your dad?! That was so selfless and cool!” Remy adds.

Roman sighs and looks at the ground but making sure that Emile is safely in his hand, “Yeah, such a genius idea. I am now trapped in this castle, away from everyone I know and love. Such a genius I am!” Roman says bitterly.

The room goes silent, the others bowing their heads. They know he has a point and they have no rebuttal. He is absolutely right.

“Don’t worry kiddo, things only seem bad now but they will get better. Do you know what they say? You can’t have a rainbow without a little rain.” Patton replies, he taps the side of Roman’s leg comfortingly.

Roman looks over at him and gives him a soft smile. He finishes his tea and puts Emile next to Patton. Emile nuzzles his father happily, making Roman softly coos at them happily.

After a few beats of silence go by before Patton says: “Well as much as I would love to stay and get to know you but I got to help get dinner. Talk to you later!”

Patton, Emile, Jack, and Jill hop out of the room, and Roman waves goodbye. 

Remy smiles at them as they leave, “So now it’s time for something I have been dying to do! Let me get you dressed up for dinner! I know I have the perfect outfit!”

Remy opens one of his drawers, thankful he had no dust or bugs in him. He pulls out a black suit. “Now I know this is very basic but it’s your first dinner so we start simple. We can get your hair done too.”

Roman shakes his head, “No thank you.”

“You’re gonna wear that? Wouldn’t you rather change?” Remy asks confused, Roman's outfit was more 'running through the forest' than it was 'dinner chic'.

“Not worth it since I’m not going to dinner.” Roman answers blankly.

Remy gasps. This guy is openly defying Virgil, he would be impressed if he didn't think it was a bad idea. 

Logan knocks on the door, “Roman? Are you appropriate? I am here to be your escort to dinner.”

Remy motions to the door, “I’m not going to say anything, it’s all on you. My hands are clean of this” Remy turns his back to emphasize his point. 

Roman nods and turns to the door, his mind made up. 

~

Decarus sits sulking in a very fancy chair in an otherwise normal pub. He has a beer glass in his hand but he is not drinking it.

Nate walks over with two more beers. His steps are small and hesitant. He doesn’t want to upset Decarus more than he was.

He owes him. 

From a young age, Nate was a nobody. He was just an average person who has an average family and average life. Doom to just fade in the background and just be average. Though with how much he procrastinates, it was more he was doomed to fail.

Then one day, he was walking through the village and saw a boy about his age doing sword tricks. A few people were watching in interest so Nate walked over to join them. During the middle of this performance, the boy drops his sword. Nate luckily catches it and the boy is able to complete his show with high praise from his audience.

After the show and once all the people have left, the boy introduces himself and asks Nate to be his sidekick. Nate agrees, figuring it would be more interesting than doing his schoolwork.

It was the best choice he ever made.

Sure, he is basically a slave to Decarus, always following him and carry his stuff but the cons pale in comparison to the pros. Now people respect Nate, girls fawn over him (though it only seems to happen when he is with Decarus) and he gets practically everything he wants just by dropping Dee’s name.

He could take any hit, insult, and request that strain his body for that. Feeding Decarus’ ego meant being fed expensive meals for free. 

He should probably stand up for himself and fight back but that would take so much more effort. He likes his life the way it is. 

He was capable of doing it, but that was for another day. 

“How are you doing Dee?” Nate asks softly.

“How am I doing? HOW AM I DOING?!” Decarus throws his beer on the ground, “I was just rejected and humiliated in front of the entire town! HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL?!”

Nate stays quiet, knowing that the last thing Decarus wants is for him to answer that question. Decarus turns back to the fire he has been watching. He watches the flames dance and burn, trying to keep himself calm. 

“Roman thinks he won...but boy is he wrong. I’ll show him.” Decarus mutters.

Decarus’ relationship with Roman has always interested Nate. He remembers the day Decarus let Roman join them. Roman just walking around the town, inviting people to come to his home to listen to his father’s home. Decarus was quick to pick up that the people who agreed only wanted to see Roman train after. Decarus just can’t stand people stealing his spotlight.  So he invited Roman to come hunt, hoping that it would make Roman join him and all would be right with the world.

Well, that did not happen. In fact, it backfired massively.

Nate will never forget the look of horror and disgust he saw on Roman’s face that day. It was the first time he had seen Roman not smiling. Decarus and he began arguing, so loud that Nate was sure the entire village could hear them. 

Then Roman did the ultimate sin.

“God! Just shut up Decarus!” Roman smirks then said, “Or should I say, Janus?”

Decarus froze and Nate cringed. Only Nate was ever told Decarus’ real name. He hated it, he wanted his name to match the regale status that he made for himself. He had erased all memory of it, even making his parents call him Decarus. 

Decarus grabbed Roman’s arm and shook him, “HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?!”

Roman kept smiling at Decarus, a mischievous and taunting smile, “What’s it to ya? Upset someone is finally calling you out on your lies?”

Decarus clutched his fist and Roman remarked, “What are you going to do? Hit me? Come on, show the world the true you.”

Decarus took a deep breath and unclenched his fist. “Get out of here Roman. Get out of here so you have time to regret what you did.”

Roman rolled his eyes and jumped onto his horse, “Trust me, I am never going to regret this.”

And just like that, Roman took off without a word. Leaving Nate to calm down Decarus.

That is where Decarus came up with his new way to deal with Roman. As Roman’s popularity due to beauty rose, so did Decarus’ backhanded compliments. He made sure to run into Roman every day to do it. Some people would ask him if he was trying to court Roman and he would always tell them yes with the sweetest of smiles. Not only did it make people proud of Decarus trying to fix the town’s oddity, but it also turned some of Roman’s admirers away since they never could compete with the great Decarus.

Nate was surprised to find out that Decarus was even willing to marry someone he so desperately despised but Decarus was committed to the con. But now, with the rejection, Decarus was only going to sulk until he came up with his next move.

And it was up to Nate to pick up the pieces of his broken fragile ego.

“No one has ever done that to me before...how dare he…! How dare he make me feel like I am disgraced and all these other yucky feelings.” Decarus said, snapping Nate back to the present.

“Oh, no one could ever make you feel like that. You are much too amazing and wonderful for something like this to ever affect you.” Nate replies, handing over one of the beers to Decarus.

Decarus swirls the beer and sighs, “This must be how you feel all the time, life must be so hard for you.”

Nate did not even flinch, he only smiles and says, “Yes it is, not like you who has the most perfect life. I wish I was you. Everyone loves you and admires you. Which is a surprise to no one since you are the slickest, wittiest, and strong as you!”

Decarus sits up and smiles. He nods, indicating that Nate should definitely keep going. Nate backs away and pulls out a few dollar bills from his back pocket. He slips it to the bartender and nods at him. 

The bartender nods back and says, “You’re everyone’s favorite guy! You’re the best fighter and hunter in our town!”

Nate turns to a woman and man who gladly run over to Decarus. The girl rubs his neck while the guy feels Decarus’ muscles.  

“You’re so burly!” the woman exclaims.

“And brawny!” the man adds.

Soon enough, the entire bar is throwing compliments at Decarus. Complimenting his shooting, his looks, his outfit, anything they could think of.

When they ran out of things to say, they began chanting “DECARUS! DECARUS! DECARUS!”

Decarus let the word bathe him. He soaked up every word, fueling his ego happily. 

Decarus was planning to make them go all night if the door hadn’t suddenly open. 

Thomas comes bursting through the door, panting and coughing. 

“Thomas?” the bartender calls out. The entire bar turns to Thomas. 

“You need to help me!” Thomas shouts.

~

Meanwhile, Virgil is pacing in front of his fireplace in his dining room. On the table near him, you could not see the surface with the amount of food on it. Virgil had the kitchen make as many meals as they could think of since no one knew what Roman would like.  Virgil desperately wants to make a better impression than his previous one but as time passes as he passes, his anxiety is being replaced with the annoyance of being made to wait.

Virgil stops his pacing with a foot stomp and looks up at Joan and Patton who are sitting on the mantel above the fireplace, “Why isn’t he here yet?! How long those it take for one guy to get ready for dinner?!” He was a guy after all and it only took him...35 minutes and one freak out!

“Well, kiddo, you know Remy likes to do his makeover thoroughly,” Patton suggests.

“Or he isn’t coming,” Virgil mutters.

“Of course he is kiddo,” Patton reassures. Virgil only replies with a disbelieving glare.

“By the way Virgil…” Joan says, making Virgil fully face him, “The other servants and I were talking and we really think this guy will be the one to break the spell and we were wondering if you thought that?”

“What? Do you think I’m an idiot?! ... Don’t answer that.” Virgil replies “Of course I have! …But that doesn’t matter…you know what the curse is. He has to fall in love with me and like that is ever going to happen…”

Patton hops down onto a pillow on the ground and hops over to Virgil, “Now do not talk like that kiddo! You have to think positive!”

Virgil scoffs, “ Positive? I’ll tell you what’s positive. He will positively never fall for me. Just look at him, he’s…” Virgil begins blushing, “He’s beautiful and...I'm... well look at me! ” he barks.

Patton pats Virgil’s leg and says, “Don’t be mean to yourself! We’ll help him see that you’re more than what you look like.”

“That’s our job V, to help you,” Joan adds.

“And the first thing, we’re going to do is fix that darn slouch of yours. Come on kiddo, I’ve been telling you for years.” Patton reprimands and Virgil immediately straights up. “And take off the mask. At least for tonight kiddo.”

Virgil touches the mask subconsciously, it always brought him comfort. “But why…?” Virgil asks nervously.

Patton replies, “You want him to trust you, right?” Virgil nods so Patton continues, “Well, you shouldn’t hide something as small as your mouth.”

“Plus, guys love it if you give them a smile,” Joan adds.

Virgil nods and reluctantly takes the mask off. He gives Patton and Joan a big toothy grin, showing off all his sharp and pointy teeth. Patton gives him a big smile back and a thumbs up, but Joan can’t help themself and grimaces. Virgil frowns and quickly puts his mask back on, making Patton glare at Joan who has their hands up in surrender. 

Virgil sighs and rubs his horns. “This is pointless…” Virgil grimaces at how long and pointy they are.

“No, no, V. How about instead of smiling, you tell some jokes, everyone likes to laugh.” Joan offers.

“Jokes, I can do jokes. Probably” Virgil replies, a small bit of confidence returning.

“Yeah but also be gentle, he’s gone through a lot today,” Patton adds.

Virgil nods, knowing he was the cause of most of Roman’s distress. Though he can feel himself getting overwhelmed. 

“Oh! He could compliment him! That would also make him feel better!” Joan exclaims.

“But he can’t do it too much or it won’t be sincere.” Patton quickly says.

Virgil begins to pant, his anxiety is making him more and more overwhelmed. The fear of not doing this perfectly is ever-present in his mind. Because if he doesn’t do this perfectly, then Roman will definitely hate him and the curse will never be broken and the rose is already wilting and they were all doomed to stay like this forever and--

His thoughts are interrupted by both Patton and Joan yelling: “YOU HAVE TO CONTROL YOUR TEMPER!”

If Virgil wasn’t grateful for them helping him escape his thoughts, he would have been annoyed with them. His temper wasn’t THAT bad.

The door handle begins to rattle and Virgil quickly fixes his hair. This is it, no going back. He stands as straight as if he was going into a meeting with his father. 

The door opens and only Logan walks in, making Virgil frown. “Where is he?” he asks annoyed.

Logan takes a deep breath before saying, “Our guest says…” Logan looks over at Patton who motions him to keep going, “He has declined your invitation.”

“WHAT?!”

~

“Please, you all have to help me!” Thomas pleads. “My son! He’s in trouble!”

“Roman, is in trouble? Please tell us more.” Decarus mentions, hoping Thomas can tell how sarcastic he is being.

“He locked in a tower by a Beast! I need people to come with me to save him!” Thomas replies with fear, clearly not hearing Decarus. 

The entire bar stares at him before laughing. 

“Oh, Thomas, your stories get weirder and weirder,” a man remarks, “let me guess, it was a giant, scary, creepy monster who stole your precious little boy and a knight must rescue him?”

“Wait, no, that’s not--” Thomas tries to explain.

The bar begins to laugh, no one paying Thomas any attention. After a minute, Thomas gives up and walks out of the bar.

“Didn’t he tell us something similar?” A woman asks the person sitting next to her. 

“Yeah, for the Fall Festival, I think.” the person says.

“Interesting way to try to drum up business.” A man comments.

“Maybe he finally lost it.” Another man says, “You know, he’s always had a few loose screws. All those imaginative types do”

Decarus, who had been eavesdropping, says to himself, “Losing his mind...interesting…” 

Decarus begins thinking of his plan for revenge.

Meanwhile, Thomas is pacing outside the bar. “Who else can I ask for help...?” Thomas asks himself before having another coughing fit.

Thomas’ migraine begins to throb more, as much as his legs are shaking. 

A hand touches Thomas’ arm, “I’ll help you.” says a very familiar voice. Before Thomas can reply, everything goes black.

~
Back at the castle, Virgil is racing through the hallway, anger radiating off of him. Patton, Logan, and Joan run after him, all yelling at him to calm down. 

Once he gets to Roman’s door, he begins banging on it so hard that the door was shaking. 

Yup, his temper was not THAT bad.

“Who is it?” Roman says sarcastically from behind the door. 

“The queen, who the hell do you think it is?!” Virgil bites back.

“Oh, I am so sorry your majesty, whatever do I owe the pleasure?” Roman replies back.

Ignoring the “your majesty" comment, Virgil replies angrily, “I told you you were joining me for dinner!”

“I’m good, not that hungry!” 

“Well, what if I told you this is your one and only chance to eat?” Virgil asks smugly.

“Well, I’m not hungry. And even if I was, I don’t want to share a meal with a Grumpy Ghoul like you!”

Virgil growls, “Why you--”

Logan clears his throat, “Sir, this arguing back and forth isn’t going to get you anywhere. I think you should speak kindly and gentlemen-like.”

“But he--”

“V, it’s only going to help you,” Joan says, holding their candle hands together.

Virgil sighs, “Fine…”

“And say you’re sorry for yelling,” Patton adds.

“But!”

“No buts, kiddo!” Patton says sternly, leaving no room for argument. “Say it and use the word please.”

Virgil sighs and faces the door, “Look...I’m sorry for all the yelling and I know you’re having a tough time.” Roman scoffs at this, making Virgil flinch, “S-So can you please join me for dinner, please?”

Roman is quiet behind the door for a few seconds before saying, “Let me think...thank you for asking politely but no.”

“Ugh fine! Then just stay in there and starve to death for all I care because the only time you get to eat is if you eat with me! AND THAT'S AN ORDER" he shouts at the door and his servants, "I’m going to my room…” Virgil storms off to his room.

Logan sighs and puts a hand to his forehead. “Joan, watch the door. Update us if he leaves the room. Patton, come with me. We should start to clean up dinner…”

Joan nods and they sit in front of the door, arms crossed. Patton puts his hands on Logan’s arm and squeezes it affectionately. They head down the hallway, all three are very upset about what just went down.

Virgil, meanwhile, slams his door open and mutters to himself. “That jerk! I was polite and everything!” 

Virgil marches up to the beautiful red rose glowing in his room and frowns at its state. A petal falls to the ground, catching up to three others.

Virgil picks up the mirror and says, “Show me the boy…”

The mirror glows and he sees Roman laying starfish on the bed with Remy beside him.

“Come on Roman. I know he seems like a big annoying jerk on the outside but on the inside, he’s a nice soft guy on the inside. You just have to get to know him.” Remy says.

“Well, I don’t want to get to know him. I do not like him and I never will. And that's that!” Roman says firmly.

Virgil flinches and puts the mirror down. “Well that confirms it...he’ll only see me as an evil monster...nothing more…” Virgil says to himself.

He flops onto his bed and curls into a ball. A tear falls down his face and he quickly wipes it away, his dark thoughts taking over his mind again.

~

When Thomas opens his eyes, he almost passed out again. He sees Jon, his beautiful face is very close to Thomas’ face. Thomas then realizes he is laying on a soft fluffy be that is demanding him to go back to sleep.

Thomas blushes madly and says, “J-Jon..?”. Thomas almost flinches at how hoarse his voice is.

Jon smiles at him, “Hey Thomas. Go back to sleep. We’ll talk soon.”

Thomas wants to protest but his eyes drop immediately and he gives in to his tiredness.

~
When Roman heard Virgil stomp away, he smiles to himself with pride that he stood up to the Beast, even if Remy was giving him a look.

Unfortunately, his hunger strike only lasted about two hours when his stomach growls become too much to ignore. He sits up and looks at the door. The Beast did say he could go anywhere he wanted in the castle so Roman isn’t about to break any rules.

He slides off the bed and walks out of the room quietly. Seeing that the hallway is empty, Roman heads down deeper into the hallway, unknowingly walking past Joan.

Joan had been watching the door for the first hour, even pacing in front of it like a soldier. However, by the second hour, they were absolutely bored. Luckily, their best friend and date mate Talyn came strolling down the hallway, looking for Joan.

The two move to the windowsill and have a fun little chat. As Joan leans in to kiss Talyn’s cheek, they notice Roman’s figure walking away from them out of the corner of their eye.  They gasp and jump to the floor.

“Shit!” Joan shouts.

“What?” Talyn asks.

“He left the room, we gotta go,” Joan says before taking off after Roman.

Talyn hops down, straightening out their feathers, and follows Joan, though they are very confused.

~

Meanwhile, in the kitchen,  Patton and Logan are walking with Emile over to a small box filled with blankets.

“Time for bed Em,” Patton says softly as he lifts Emile gently into the makeshift bed.

“But I’m not tired dad…” Emile says, only to yawn immediately afterward.

Logan smiles at his son and says, “Yes you are.” Logan blows a kiss to Emile and tucks him. He and Patton watch as Emile closes his eyes and sleeps. As soon as they are sure that he is asleep, they walk away.

They walk past the oven who is sobbing. Logan raises an eyebrow and Patton asks sympathetically, “What’s wrong Oliver?”

“My food is ruined! I made the most amazing meal of my life and it was all for nothing!” Oliver wails as he pats the pot sitting on him. 

“I know you really want to cook for our new guest but I’m sure you’ll get another chance soon.” Patton offers.

“I do not understand why he didn’t just join Master Virgil. He was even polite to him when he didn’t have to.” Logan says.

Patton frowns at Logan, “Yes he had to and still has to. And he needs to watch his temper too if he wants to break you know what.”

Logan nods and goes to jump off the table when the door opens. Everyone in the kitchen looks over and sees Roman slip into the kitchen. Roman notices them and awkwardly waves. Joan and Talyn run in quickly after him.

“Oh!” Logan exclaims before clearing his throat, “Good evening sir. It’s good to know that you are out of your room and walking around.” Logan says, glaring at a sheepish Joan. “I am Logan, the head of the household. Behind you are Joan, they are our candle director, and Talyn, they are in charge of cleaning” Logan says as he motions to them.

Roman turns and flashes a smile at them. Joan blows a kiss dramatically, making Talyn laugh and Roman giggle.

Logan rolls his eyes then says, “Do you need something in particular? We will do everything and anything to help you feel more comfortable.”

“May I have something to eat? I’m quite hungry.” Roman asks, somewhat shy.

“You are?! OH, you poor baby!” Patton says, his face and face filled with concern. “Oliver! Begin heating up the food while I wake up the others. Guys! Guys! It’s time! He’s hungry!” Patton says as he hops back and forth on the kitchen table.

Logan runs over to him and grabs his arm, “Pat, dear, you know what the master said…”

Patton waves him off, “Master, shamster. The kiddo is hungry so I am going to feed him.” Patton says determinedly. 

Logan sighs, knowing better than to argue with Patton, and nods, “Fine, fine. But nothing too big. A glass of water, a crust of bread and--”

“Logan! Logan!” Joan says, jumping up to the table. They put their arm around Logan’s shoulder and say, “He is our guest! He deserves nothing but the best!”

Logan groans, “Fine, fine, but do not be loud. The master will not be happy if he finds out about this.”

Satisfied, Joan and Patton jump down. They lead Roman out of the kitchen. “Do not go overboard!” Logan shouts at them.

“We won’t! But we will definitely have some music playing!” Joan shouts and slams the door.

“Music…? JOAN!” Logan yells but it goes ignored by all.

~

Roman walks into an empty dining room. In the center is a long think wooden table. 

“Welcome mister! It is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we welcome you here tonight! Now just relax and let us pull up a chair!”

A chair actually runs up behind Roman, making him jump. Roman smiles nervously and sits in the chair which is surprisingly comfortable.

“Now, the dining room is proud to present, your dinner!”

Several different-sized cloches and serving dishes jump onto the table behind Joan as they move towards them. Roman smiles, some of the nervousness wash away. “This seems nice.” Roman thinks to himself.

“ Be our guest

Be our guest

Put our service to the test ”

Joan sings as they dance around the table a plate, bowl, cup, fork, spoon, and knife jump onto the table. They lay in front of him and the cloches remove themselves off of the serving dishes, presenting all the delicious food on them.

“ Tie your napkin 'round your neck, Cherie

And we provide the rest

Soup du jour

Hot hors d'oeuvres

Why we only live to serve

Try the grey stuff, it's delicious ”

The chair pulls out a napkin and goes to tie it around Roman’s neck. Roman gently takes it and puts it on his lap. The serving dishes get close and let Roman take a sample. Depending on his reaction, they either put their food on his plate or sadly walk off, as sadly as a plate of food can.

 “ Don't believe me? Ask the dishes

They can sing

They can dance

After all, Miss, this is France

And a dinner here is never second best ”

As if on cue, a group of dishes, along with forks and knife dance around the table behind Joan hopping around and the forks make a mini Eiffel Tower behind Joan. Roman stares in awe as he eats the food on his plate.

“ Go on, unfold your menu

Take a glance and then you'll

Be our guest

Oui, our guest

Be our guest ”

Joan runs up to Roman and shoves a menu in Roman’s face. Roman quickly reads over, surprised how much food they fit onto this one small menu.

“ Beef ragout

Cheese souffle

Pie and pudding "en flambe"

We'll prepare and serve with flair

A culinary cabaret ”

More food march past Roman, this time many desserts. Roman quickly grabs at them and eats them happily. 

Logan, clearly annoyed, marches out of the kitchen. He starts to head to the table but first checks the hallways for any sign of Virgil.

“ You're alone

And you're scared

But the banquet's all prepared

No one's gloomy or complaining

While the flatware's entertaining ”

More flatware and plates continue to dance behind Joan. They jump in the air and land gracefully, making Roman gasp. Joan dances along with them and they make Roman laugh as Joan and the forks do a mock kickline.

“ We tell jokes

I d o tricks

With my fellow candlesticks”

Joan juggles their hands on their head and hands in front of Roman as the table clears itself of the food already tasted to make room for more.

“ And it's all in perfect taste that you can bet

Come on and lift your glass

You've won your own free pass

To be out guest ” sings several cups tossing the drinks in them up in the arm. Roman smiles at them and watches as liquid flies through the air.

“ If you're stressed

It's fine dining we suggest

Be our guest

Be our guest

Be our guest ”

Once he is sure Virgil is not coming, Logan climbs onto the table and marches over to Joan. He shushes any servant dancing and singing but he goes completely ignored. He makes his way over to and goes to grab his shoulder when the lights suddenly go out and a spotlight appears over both of them. He sighs and looks over at Roman who looks extremely curious to see what will happen next.

“ Life is so unnerving

For a servant who's not serving

He's not whole without a soul to wait upon ”

 Joan sings this as they spin around to be behind Logan. He puts their candle hands on Logan’s shoulder who quickly blows out the flames. Logan rolls his eyes as Joan dramatically pretends to sob and two salt shakers above them sprinkle down salt as fake snow.

“ Ah, those good old days when we were useful

Suddenly those good old days are gone ”

Logan rolls his eyes again when Joan sings that line and begins to walk away. Joan grabs his waist to prevent him from walking away.

“ Ten years we've been rusting

Needing so much more than dusting

Needing exercise, a chance to use our skills ”

Joan pats Logan’s stomach when they say that, making Logan scoff in anger. Logan pulls himself out of Joan’s grip and walks away. Joan dramatically throws themself onto the floor and grips onto Logan’s leg. Logan’s only response to this action is to put out the flame on top of Joan’s head. Roman covers his mouth to muffle his giggles.

“ Most days we just lay around the castle

Flabby, fat, and lazy

You walked in and oops-a-daisy! ”

As Logan tries to free his legs from Joan’s grasp, Joan purposefully trips him. Logan falls flat onto his face and both Joan and Roman burst into laughter. Logan jumps up and growls at Joan who is backing away slowly. Logan brings back his arm to smack Joan, only stopping because he hears his husband’s beautiful singing voice. 

“ I t's a guest

It's a guest

Sakes alive, well I'll be blessed ” Patton sings as he comes flying out of the kitchen on a wheeled trolley with Jack, Jill, and a now awake Emile. Logan smiles at his family, all the anger leaving him.

“ Wine's been poured and thank the Lord

I've had the napkins freshly pressed

With dessert

He'll want tea

And my dear that's fine with me ”

Patton hops onto the table and hops in front of Roman, breaking into dance with Emile running around him. Logan walks over to them, his smile growling with each step.

“ While the cups do their soft shoeing

I'll be bubbling, I'll be brewing

I'll get warm

Piping hot !” As Patton sings this, a plate rolls past him, revealing a spot on his pot. Patton stops and quickly stops his dance.

“ Heaven's sakes! Is that a spot?

Clean it up! We want the company impressed ” Jack and Jill hop over to him, each holding the end of a napkin. They wipe the spot off of Patton and nudge him over to Roman.

“ W e've got a lot to do

Is it one lump or two? ” 

Patton pours tea into Emile and Jack pours milk into Emile. Emile stays as still as he can but giggles when Jill tosses sugar into him. Roman gently picks him up and drinks the nice warm tea.

“ For you, our guest

He's our guest

He's our guest

He's our guest! ” 

Patton grabs Logan’s hands and sings this to him. Logan smiles as Patton spins him around and they slow dance across the table. Emile smiles at his parents as they stare at one another with nothing but love in their eyes.

“ Be our guest

Be our guest

Our command is your request

It's ten years since we had anybody here

And we're obsessed! ”

Roman smiles widely and waves his hands happily. This was absolutely amazing! 

“ With your meal

With your ease

Yes, indeed, we aim to please

While the candlelight's still glowing

Let us help you

We'll keep going! ”

Joan takes over singing because Patton is too busy with his husband to sing. Once Roman is finished with his cup of tea, Emile jumps out of Roman’s grip and runs over to his parents who happily embrace him. 

“ Course by course

One by one

'Til you shout, ‘Enough, I'm done!”

Then we'll sing you off to sleep as you digest! ”

Emile takes one hand of each of his parents and they spin around together. After a bit of dancing, Logan and Patton pick up Emile and they both kiss the side of his face. They toss him towards the trolley and Emile lands perfectly. He continues to dance with Jack and Jill happily. Roman can’t help himself and starts dancing in his seat.

“ Tonight you'll prop your feet up

But for now, let's eat up

Be our guest

Be our guest

Be our guest

Please, be our guest !”

Both Joan and Patton sing this final part, throwing their hands in the air as the champagne bottles pop themselves. Logan sighs and thinks, “There goes all the champagne”, but he can’t bring himself to be angry. 

Once the music stops, Roman jumps up and claps for them. “Bravo! Bravo! That was wonderful!” he says happily. 

Joan bows, relighting their flames on their candles. “Thank you! Thank you! It was our pleasure.” Joan says with pride. Patton kisses Logan’s cheek before heading back to the kitchen to get Emile back to bed.

“Now I hate to ask more of you all,” Roman says as he looks around the room, “but I’d love to have a look around if that’s alright?”

Joan gasps, “Would you like a tour?”

“Oh yes please, this is my first time in an enchanted castle,” Roman says while nodding his head enthusiastically.

“Did you say enchanted?” Logan asks before angrily turning to Joan, “YOU TOLD HIM THE CASTLE IS ENCHANTED?!” Logan shouts as he marches closer to Joan.

Joan shakes their head no as they back away and Roman puts his hand in between them, “They didn’t, I figured it out myself.”

Logan blushes nervously and fixes his clock to be closer to midnight when it was only a little past 8, “Oh yes, of course, that makes sense. Though it is quite late...”

“Oh please! Please!” Roman begs, “You said your head of the household right? So you must know everything about the castle.”

Logan smiles and nods, “Of course I do. … Alright, if it’s a tour you want, it’s a tour you get.”

Roman and Joan cheer and head for the door. Logan takes a deep breath and follows them. 

I hope nothing goes wrong.

~