Chapter Text
Roman and Remus Prince had always been close with their mother, which was why it was no surprise when they went with her once she divorced their father. There was one downside though, they had to go to a new school.
Remus was not thrilled at all. He struggled with making friends often, so Magnolia Hills High would be hell for him. It’s not like Remus was quiet, quite the opposite in fact. He was just.. special. Many didn’t see what he saw. He had his own view of humor that only some could find funny. That’s why, as annoying as he was, Roman was someone he was extremely grateful for.
As for Roman, he couldn’t wait for this opportunity. At his old school, he was popular, so why would he struggle here? He knew what he would get involved with. Choir, show choir, theater, cheer, all the things he did before. He wouldn’t have any issues with friendships. It also helped he was considered attractive. He had a muscular build, but one that complimented his height. His brunette hair was dyed slightly red on the tips, and he always made sure to wear things that complimented his skin tone and whatnot.
As the twins stepped outside of Remus’ car they were immediately overwhelmed with all sorts of sights. They could see the cliche cliques here. The hipsters, popular girls, theater geeks, debate kids, jocks, etc. However, there was one small group of three sitting at a picnic table outside. One of them, a boy with light brown hair and circle rimmed glasses, seemed very excited once the twins stepped out of the car. He had on a light blue crewneck that had a grey cat in the corner, as well as tan pants.
“It’s so good to meet you!” The random boy had snuck up on Roman before he could even realize, making him yelp in response. He looked at him up and down, eventually regaining his state of being cool and collected.
“Sorry, but can we help you?” Roman asked, holding out a hand and keeping another on his hip. He wasn’t about to let some weirdo mess with them. When the boy was about to reply, a figure appeared behind him. He was taller than all three of them, seeming very lanky. He also had glasses, but they were more mature looking. He wore a black button up shirt and a blue hoodie over it, as well as a pair of dark blue jeans.
“Apologies about him. He’s simply excited to show you two around the school. We are your tour guides. My name is Logan Berry, and this is Patton Herz. This one behind us is Janus Dodd.”
The boy still sitting at the table wore a black turtleneck with a yellow scarf around it. Remus immediately noticed a pair of yellow gloves covering his hands. His pants were similar to Logans. He wore a black beanie, similar to his turtleneck. This one did not seem nearly as excited as the other two, but he was clearly comfortable enough to be speaking with them.
“Well, my name is Roman. This is my brother, Remus.” Roman stated, looking up and down the three boys in front of them.
“I can introduce myself, dork.”
“Whatever, jerk.” They turned away from each other, crossing their arms. The three couldn’t help but take account of their similar mannerisms.
“Sooo… how about we start the tour? Follow me!” Patton grabbed Remus’ hand, running off. That left Roman with Logan and Janus, who seemed very different from him.
“Are you two my guides? Or are we going with them?”
“I suppose we could give you a good bearing of the grounds on our own. Are you ready, Janus?” Logan stated, adjusting his glasses as the other stood up. There was one thing that Roman didn’t notice before on him. A giant birthmark covering the right side of his face.
Roman decided he wouldn’t comment.
“Yes. I am so excited to give these new students a tour.” The other said sarcastically. So he was one of those kids.
Logan simply sighed, and the three began to walk around. They made small talk, and were starting to warm up to each other more. There was something that they didn’t like about Roman though. Maybe it was his upfront personality and blunt statements. He was not afraid to state the obvious.
“So, does this school have a drama department?” Roman questioned, seeming very excited.
“Yes. Janus and I are actually tech. Patton helps out too, but he’s more like support for people in the club.” He adjusted his glasses again, and Roman couldn’t help but giggle. “Is something funny?”
“What? Oh, no. I just, keep seeing how you’re adjusting your glasses. Remus does that when he wears his, but that’s rare. Don’t tell him I told you about that. He’d literally kill me.”
Roman noticed Janus giggle at the comment, and he couldn’t help but feel proud of himself. It just boosted his ego even more.
“Do you think you two are gonna do any clubs? The debate team could always use more members. Me, Logan, and Patton are the captains. Other than us there’s only six more kids.” Janus stated, clearly desperate for another member.
“I dunno. Debate isn’t really mine or Remus’ thing unless it’s with each other.” Roman cleared his throat when he noticed neither of them laughed at his comment. “As for other clubs, I can’t speak for Remus. He was talking about doing football, but I think that’s just because he wants to tackle people. I’ll probably do drama, choir, show choir, art club, dance team if your school has it, orchestra, and cheer. Maybe some other stuff. I dunno yet.”
The two students walking next to him were shocked. They were overachievers, but not like Roman. They overachieved with their academics, but Roman just wanted validation. He’d never admit that though.
“You really think you’ll be able to handle all that as well as schoolwork?” Janus asked, seeming concerned. The closer he looked at Roman, the more tired he could see he was. He wasn’t one to feel empathy, but this kid was trying too hard. He couldn’t help but feel bad.
“Of course I can! I’m Roman Prince. I can do anything. At my old school, I got put in the yearbook as “most involved.” I’m just that great at balancing my schedule.”
They continued the tour for a while, before Logan needed to use the bathroom. That just left Janus and Roman. They stood next to the bathroom, awkwardly fidgeting. It was silent. At least, until Roman pointed something, or someone, out.
“Who’s that?” He pointed at a boy sitting alone in the lunch room.
“Oh, that’s Virgil Kyland. He’s quiet. I don’t think he really even has any friends. I know him and Logan sometimes hang out, but that’s the only person I’ve ever seen him talk to.” The other replied, playing on his phone.
“Really? Maybe I could be his friend. After all, I’m a hero. And who wouldn’t wanna be friends with someone like me?” Roman stood up straighter, proud of himself. But, when he noticed he was being ignored, he hunched over. His arms were now crossed and he huffed.
“What? Is the prince not receiving any attention and is now upset?”
“Hey! What did I do to you? We just
met!”
Janus giggled, looking at him. “Relax. I’m just joking. So, tell me about your brother. Is he as.. dickhead-ish as you?”
“Okay first off, rude. Second, I dunno. He’s very.. um.. he’s a character. I’m used to him since I’ve known him my whole life, but it’s hard to get to know him.”
“Oh? Why would that be?” Janus said, now clearly interested.
“He’s just, weird. I know that sounds bad but his humor is very dark. And I’m not talking about racist, homophobic humor, but more.. gore. If you ask where he put something he says it’s with human excrements. He just doesn’t know when to shut up. No offense to him, but he needs a filter.” Roman sighed, looking down. “But I love Remus. He’s my brother. As strange as he is, he’s always been there for me.”
“He sounds interesting. I’ll have to get to know him better.” Janus said, turning back to his phone.
After the two returned to their awkward silence, Logan stepped out of the bathroom. “Well Roman, I suppose you may want to get to your current class. And don’t worry. Your teachers know you were being given this tour.”
Roman sighed, staring at the schedule. He was confused. There were all sorts of wings and three different floors here! But when he looked at the current period, he saw he had.. Honors English.
“Oh, Patton has that right now. I’d assume he’s currently done with Remus. Would you like help finding it?” Logan asked, adjusting the backpack he wore.
“Yes please.” Roman replied.
He was delighted to have met Logan, Janus, and Patton, and could see a possible friendship. Just one more step to becoming popular again. But there was one thing he couldn’t get off of his mind.
Virgil.