Chapter Text
“On your left.”
“Watch it.”
“I told you I was here.”
“Bitch you’re still in the way.”
“Language.”
The early morning hustle was comforting as the smell of pancakes and vanilla filled the home. The friendly bickering easing his anxiety.
It was a warming feeling. Having the familiarity of the daily routine. Watching the outside world from the cushioned nook on the bay window.
A slow breath was pushed out. Head resting against the cool glass.
“Good morning.”
“Morning. Thank you.”
He said softly, sitting up and accepting the mug being handed to him. Nodding in appreciation as the blanket edge was slid back over his shoulder.
“How’re you feeling?”
“Fine.”
He stared down at the the tea, absorbing the warmth filling both his hands before taking a sip.
“Tired.”
“Are you sleeping any better?”
Virgil ignored the question. Lifting the mug to his lips. Casting his gaze to the glass again. Another night of nightmares. Another night without rest.
“It’s okay.”
“It’s been six months. I..when is it going to get better?”
“There’s no timeframe for these things. Especially for someone who’s been through the amount of trauma you have.“
Doubt filled his mind. They both knew. He felt guilty for how long it was taking to get over what had happened six months ago. He shivered at the thoughts, grip tightening on the ceramic.
“You rest. There’s no pressure for you to do anything else.”
“..Thanks Steph.”
The woman returned the smile, reflecting the one she had been given. Leaning over and kissing the boys head.
“Looks like you have a visitor.”
She said fondly, as Milo ran over, climbing onto the nook, and settling next to Virgil again. The little boy had been a huge help in this process.
There was something special about the pure intentions of a child. Something healing about the unconditional love the little boy had for him.
Her smile faltered as she walked into the kitchen though. Greeted by their housemates.
“Still depressed?”
“Poor thing. What can we do?”
“Cookies would be a start. Lyd, maybe you can make that vegetarian dish he likes?”
“Can I take off work?”
“Not today Riley.”
“But he-“
“Will be fine until you get home. Besides, Thomas is coming by later. It might be best if we let them have their space.”
“Yeah okay..”
But she felt bad for him. They’d become extremely close these past months. She wasn’t sure what they were in Virgil’s eyes, but to her they were siblings.
“Is he leaving? Because I’m not going to be okay with not being able to say goodbye.”
“He won’t be leaving without goodbyes. Now go, you’re going to be late for work.”
“Yeah yeah.”
Of course on her way out she had to walk over and ruffle his hair. Giving him that playful smirk of hers.
“I’m off to slave for the man. Bring you home anything?”
“No..thanks..”
“Okay. You change your mind you tell Steph and she’ll let me know.”
“Okay..”
She almost said something else but deciding against it. Bidding the boys farewell as she left.
One by one the women he’d grown close to left for the day. Along with Melanie and Milo. She’d gotten a stable job and was able to feel safe enough for her boy to go to kindergarten.
Leaving Stephane and Virgil to wait for Thomas.
“Maybe we wait.”
“You want to push it back again?”
“I don’t think I can do this.”
“It’ll go just fine.”
Virgil hugged himself. Curling up smaller against the window. His favorite spot in the house.
“What if it doesn’t?”
“But what if it does?”
He didn’t have an answer for that. Pulling the blanket tighter around him. Closing his eyes.
“And if I wanna stay..?”
“Then that’s up to you.”
His body tensed as the knocks filled the silence. Saying not a word nor making a movement as Thomas was welcomed into the home.
“He’s nervous.“
Stephanie whispered. Glancing towards Virgil in the window.
“He’s not the only one. Can we be alone?”
“I’ll be in the other room.”
Thomas slowly walked over. Sitting on the couch half way closing the distance between him and Virgil.
The silence between them was so loud. As he figured, Thomas was the one to break it.
“You look good Virgil.”
Lie.
“Thanks..”
“We’ve missed having you at the house. Pattons already planning what to bake for you when you come back.”
“Come back?”
“If that’s what you choose, I mean. There’s obviously no pressure. I know you’ve been happier here..”
Thomas fiddled his thumbs. Virgil took a deep breath, slowly turning his head to face the older man. Who had eyes down. Looking as nervous as Virgil felt.
Yes he felt more at ease here. It was hard not to being surrounded by the women who are soft and understanding.
But..the other house had started to feel comfortable. He’d gotten used to everyone.
Another round of silence. Thomas took a deep breath and slowly let it out.
“Look, I understand if you would prefer to stay here. I know I let you down. I made promise after promise that you would be safe. That he couldn’t get to you. Then I just..I let him take you. Just like that. I’m sorry Virgil.”
The cracking in Thomas voice shocked Virgil. The raw emotion coming the older was a surprise.
Thomas didn’t take the elongated silence well. Rubbing the back of his neck as he continued.
“So I get it if you don’t trust us, me, anymore. If you never want to come back then I understand. We all do. We talked and..if you decide to stay here permanently then we’ll support that.”
“Wait..what?“
“You’re mad at us, right? That’s why you left.”
“That not why I left..”
Virgil replied softly. Understanding why Thomas was so nervous now.
“Then why did you?”
Truthfully Thomas had been thrown through a loop when Virgil had approached that night. Head down, tired eyes locked on the floor. Hugging himself as if afraid of backlash as he’d requested to move houses.
“I just..I needed something different. It’s hard to want to get high with a kid in the house. You know?”
That had been part of it at least. Because after he’d come out of his medically induced coma his cravings to relapse had been stronger than ever.
But he wouldn’t ever risk trying what he had at the guys’ house. Not with Milo around. Refusing to dare expose the kid to that type of thing.
“Oh. That makes a lot of sense Virgil. Thank you for explaining.”
“I don’t hate you. Any of you. Not anymore.”
“That’s a great relief. Thank you.”
“I’m sorry. For..everything.”
Fuck he choked on his words. Quickly turning his head to the window again.
He was not about to cry. Not again. Virgil closed his eyes, blocking the tears from forming. Trying to get his thoughts away from the past.
Virgil was trying to get over this. Over what had happened.
“You’re okay.”
“I know.”
Deep breaths were taken. His eyes opened but he couldn’t bring himself to look at Thomas again.
“After everything I did. Why do want me there?”
“Because you’re one of us. Have you made mistakes? Yes. But we all have. Wether you believe or not we like you despite everything.”
Virgil was quiet for a moment. Thinking hard.
“Okay.”
“Okay?“
“I’ll come back. Just not tonight.”
“You don’t know how happy I am to hear that. You just let us know okay? Logan will be happy I know. He’s got all these things ready that he wants to teach you.”
That gave him a little jolt of happiness. It would be nice, really it would.
He was willing to try this again. If only this time he could avoid screwing anything up.