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He’d stumbled upon the holy grail. Logan had been organizing within the mind palace and had found a fairly new box within the pile of nonsense that frequently manifested through neglect. Of course, out of curiosity and a need to know where it fit into his system, he had to open it.
Inside, he’d found pictures.
But they were no ordinary pictures, no. No, these pictures had him panickedly reaching out a mental summons for Virgil. Or maybe several smaller ones, he didn’t know. Either way, it had Virgil popping up already in a panic as well, looking around to figure out what the emergency was,
“Logan, what? What’s so urgent?!?”
“The twins have been modeling again.” One of the few activities the two could actually stand each other long enough to do. And they were good at it, too.
Virgil immediately stooped down to his level, peeking into the box, “These are new?”
Logan nodded vigorously, “I’ve never seen these before, or this box, and there was no dust on the top. It’s new.”
They glanced at each other for a moment before diving into the box, quickly setting to work sorting red and white on one side and green and black on the other. It was a practiced thing, the rhythm they worked in, one of their favorite activities when the brothers got into this hobby. Every so often, one of them would pause, all red in the face, at a specific photo. Then they’d focus in again.
Once the box was sorted, Logan stood, “Living room? Or should we use my room?”
Virgil stood as well, grabbing the box, “The living room should be fine. They’re going to be out for a while if they’re doing this again.”
They moved quickly and efficiently, settling on the couch and immediately going for their respective pile of photos. Quickly, they started laying out each photo, stacking any duplicates.
“Is…” Virgil hesitated for a moment, staring down at a clearly botched shot of Roman laughing, setting it aside with his pile of favorites. “Is this weird? Us going through these without telling them?”
“Perhaps,” Logan hummed, still focused on sorting through all the photos, “But consider, our relationships are a little ‘weird’ as you said. I would say especially mine, because Remus is Remus.”
Virgil nodded silently; it was a fair point.
“But,” Logan continued, looking satisfied as he stacked a final duplicate, “Imagine for a moment they walked in at this moment. What would their reaction be?”
Virgil flustered, but his eyeshadow lightened considerably into a dusty purple, shining with glitter, “Princey would probably be ecstatic about it, he likes being the center of attention.”
Logan nodded encouragingly, “I would expect a similar reaction from Remus. He enjoys his ego being stroked, they both do.”
Virgil relaxed a little, satisfied for the moment.
“It’s normal,” Logan patted his shoulder, “To enjoy things like this in a relationship. Trust me, I researched a lot.”
Virgil nodded back, chuckling a little, “Well, if I can trust anyone’s research, it’s yours.”
Logan straightened a little in surprise, smiling softly, “Now, let’s get back to it. I like the theme this time around.”
They chatted for a while more, finding their favorites, pointing out the objectively best photos. Shockingly, there were even a couple of duo photos that came out surprisingly well. Perhaps the twins were capable of working together, so long as their interests aligned.
They discussed the framing, the lighting, and perhaps a little objectification of their partners. The brothers were unsurprisingly similar, but for practiced eyes, the differences were glaring when they stood beside each other.
Roman, of course, was more muscularly built. He could be a bit of a gym rat, enjoying pushing himself and keeping in shape for his many ‘quests’. It made him a little broader in comparison.
Remus, on the other hand, wasn’t as bulky. He stayed in shape as well, but wasn’t nearly as regular with any actual routine, instead preferring to work out whenever the mood struck him. It resulted in a more lithe build, more for flexibility and movement than strength alone.
Neither Virgil nor Logan was complaining either way.
They’d just started to put things away, tucking their chosen photos into their pockets and putting the rest back in the box, when the door slammed open, making both of them jump a little.
“I didn’t forget, you mustachioed mudbug! I stored them away! It’s fi-“
“And I’m telling you, they’re not safe! Specs said he was going to be organizing today and-“
The twins, back in the same outfits that were featured in the pictures. Roman in flowing white, that red lace veil tucked into his shirt for safekeeping. Remus in all black, those iridescent glasses pushed up on his head.
Virgil’s eyes flicked to Logan in panic, finding him more resigned than anything else. Unhelpful.
The twins froze, taking in the scene. Roman immediately started pouting, while Remus seemed both excited and smug about the situation.
“Aw, boo, those were going to be a surprise!” Roman whined.
“I told youuuuu.” Remus sang, shoving past Roman to get to Logan, wrapping an arm around his shoulders, “Lo-lo notices everything.”
“Oh, shut up!” Roman huffed, “How was I supposed to know?! You didn’t tell me he was cleaning today til we were on our way back!!”
Remus was already ignoring him, wiggling his eyebrows at Logan instead, “Lemme see which ones you picked, I wanna seeeeeee!”
Virgil watched in horror as Logan didn’t even try to deny it, instead sighing in resignation before pulling his little stack of photos from his pocket, handing them over to Remus, only to pull them back when Remus actually reached for them. Remus grinned, giving him a quick kiss, which seemed to be what Logan had wanted, allowing Remus to take the pictures this time.
Gross.
Movement to his side made him turn back, Roman now standing much closer with a little pout on his lips. Virgil hated how cute he could be even in one of his mopey moods.
“Can I see too?” Roman asked quietly, taking Virgil’s hand in his, “I’d like to see the ones you picked out. I want to know what you liked.”
Virgil was overwhelmed, face red from shirt collar to forehead. He did like the photos, and Roman really seemed just curious, and a glance over at the other pair in the room reassured him that they weren’t going to interrupt, Remus hanging off Logan while they discussed each photo.
“Fine,” he muttered, sinking further into his hoodie, “But you can’t make fun of me for this. Ever.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it, hot topic.” Roman kissed his knuckles, barely trying and quickly failing to hide his excitement. Virgil slowly pulled out the photos he’d taken, pausing for a second before taking a breath and holding them out to Roman to take.
Roman took them carefully, glancing up at Virgil, who’d immediately pulled his hood up. The selection was good, even from Roman’s perspective. A few of his own favorites were in the mix, and a few options that surprised him. He wanted to ask more, to understand the reasons Virgil picked each one, but a glance towards Logan and Remus told him he wouldn’t get that here.
“Perhaps a more… private consultation?” Roman hummed, leaning in closer. Virgil fell for the bait, nodding quickly, just wanting not to be in the living room like this anymore. Roman didn’t hesitate to scoop him up, sinking out quickly.
If Logan and Remus noticed, they didn’t comment on it, Remus enjoying Logan’s tirade about the minimal light in his pictures framing his face just right.
“This one is my personal favorite,” Logan finally paused, flipping to the last photo in the collection. Remus sat on a concrete fence pillar under a streetlight, the evening just setting in. His eyes were closed, face tilted up to the sky. “You just look so at peace.”
Remus grinned, flicking the corner of the picture. He remembered this one; Roman had been trying desperately to get him to sit still.
“I was thinking about you.” He admitted easily, pressing a kiss against Logan’s neck, “I was all excited and antsy. Roman was so sick of my shit and asked when the last time I was actually calm was. The first thing that came to mind was the other day, when it rained, and you just wanted to stay in and read. I asked you to read to me, and I don’t remember how long it was, but it felt like hours. It was so relaxing.”
Logan had gone all red in the face, staring down at the photo. That peace on Remus’ face was because of him?!
“You okay, tea-MMPH!” Any worry Remus might have felt was quickly erased, Logan kissing him soundly in that way he did when Remus had unknowingly said or done something Logan found romantic.
“My room, now,” Logan said firmly, grabbing the box off the table quickly, grabbing Remus by the shirt, and sinking out of the living room.
—
In Roman’s room, Virgil had been lovingly deposited on one of the dramatic lounge couches that the prince favored. Said prince didn’t join him on the couch, instead sitting on the floor beside it, folding his arms on the edge and resting his chin on them. The picture of innocence and adoration, if he hadn’t still been wearing that sleeveless shirt that turned Virgil’s brain into a fuzzy mess.
“Would you tell me your favorites, love? And maybe why?” He pleaded, batting those pretty green eyes up at Virgil in a totally unfair way.
He hid within his jacket, hood pulled down over his eyes. It was embarrassing when Roman pleaded like that, even though Virgil knew just asking him wouldn’t get Roman what he wanted.
“Absolutely no teasing, Princey. I mean it.” He huffed, voice leaning into that double timbre it occasionally got when the anxiety got too strong within him.
Roman nodded eagerly, “Cross my heart! I swear on Liza Minnelli! No teasing, I promise! I really do just want to understand. Feedback is important, and Remus is never any help! In general and with this.”
Virgil was slightly mollified, tugging his hood back a little, but not all the way off. He held a hand out, and Roman quickly handed him the stack of photos, grinning eagerly.
“These two,” Virgil said quietly, pulling them out of the stack to hand back to Roman, “They’re my favorites.”
Roman studied the two photos. One was his favorite of the set, a dramatic, fluid pose with the red veil held aloft. He had to give his brother props for the framing, shadows falling across his face and chest in a sheet that highlighted the white lace glove along his hand and the vibrant red of both the veil and his shoe. He nodded, “This one is my favorite too.”
He looked to the other and was a little confused. It was a good picture, for sure. He didn’t take bad pictures. But not really one of the better ones, in his opinion. He stood still, facing forward, veil swept back, arms folded across his chest. The white was sharper, clearer in this one, and a fence in front of him broke the framing in an interesting but unnecessary way.
“Why this one?”
Virgil went bright red, looking away from him. He mumbled something completely inaudible, confusing Roman more. He glanced down at the photo again, wondering if he was missing something obvious.
Virgil huffed, clearly annoyed he’d have to repeat himself, “I… ilikethewayyourarmslook!”
A beat passed, and you could almost see the loading wheel spinning over Roman’s head as he looked down at the photo again. Now that it had been pointed out, he had to agree. The sleeveless shirt made his shoulders look broader, and his folded arms really made his biceps and forearms noticeable.
A grin broke over his face, looking back up at Virgil with a face like the cat that caught the canary, “You know you can always just say you think I’m hot~.”
Virgil grabbed a pillow so quickly Roman barely had time to shield his face, whacking the laughing prince upside the head several times while repeating, “Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!”
—
A few days later found Virgil and Logan in the kitchen, fresh coffee poured into two mugs.
“Virgil, I have a proposition for you.” Logan had been acting off all morning, seemingly consumed by a thought that Virgil had a sneaking suspicion he was about to find out.
“Lay it on me,” he said with a huff, bracing himself.
“I propose we do our own photoshoot.”
What?!
“Why?!”
Logan’s eyes held a mischievous light in them that Virgil was still getting used to. The brainiac was spending entirely too much time with the dark sides; it was starting to form habits.
“An eye for an eye. They get entirely too much enjoyment out of our reactions to their photos. I think we deserve to turn the tables at least once.”
Virgil paused. That… that was an excellent point. And he was still a little mad he’d had to admit to Roman being attractive out loud to his face. He hadn’t stopped peacocking around since, occasionally flexing just for Virgil’s benefit. It was insufferable, mostly because Virgil couldn’t help but enjoy it more than a little.
“Okay, but I’m not doing all that dramatic nonsense they do.”
Logan shook his head, “I don’t think that would work for your style anyway. I already have a plan in mind, I just need you to be willing to trust me with this.”
Of course, he had a plan. When did Logan ever not have a plan? And his plans were usually good. Especially when he was determined.
“Fine.” Virgil finally gave in, “I trust you. But we’re only doing this once to get back at them.”
Logan nodded, a smug look crossing his face, “Oh, I guarantee this will figuratively put them both on their asses. And perhaps literally.”
Virgil couldn’t help but return the grin. Maybe this would be fun after all.
—
“This was a terrible idea,” Virgil grumbled, fighting admirably against a blush. He was clad in a black short-sleeve hoodie, unzipped with a plain white shirt underneath. That part wasn’t so bad, though he missed the full sleeves. At least there was a hood.
The embarrassing part was the purple plaid skirt and black and white striped tights he wore underneath. Though the studded belt was a nice touch, slightly loose around his hips.
“You and I both know Roman loves playing with gender expression.” Logan tutted, adjusting settings on his camera. They were just standing in a hallway of Thomas’ house, the open door to the bedroom behind Virgil lit with a dark purple light that he had to admit was definitely his aesthetic. “He’ll enjoy you doing the same. Just a few pictures, and you’ll be done. I’m not going to drag this out, I promise.”
Virgil nodded once. He did trust Logan. As a baseline, probably more than the rest of the sides. So he just flipped the hood of his jacket up and waited, hands bunched into the jacket pockets. Logan shuffled around a little, positioning Virgil more toward the center of the hallway.
“Okay, take your hood off, please.” Logan requested, and Virgil followed the instruction, confused when he heard the camera shutter click when the hood was barely half off.
“What was that?”
Logan shrugged, “For you, I think natural poses will fare the best. Overthinking will make you stiff. So I’m simply going to give you a few instructions and take some candids without warning. If they’re bad, we’ll delete them. As long as we end up with two or three you approve of, it will be sufficient.”
Virgil nodded slowly, letting the hood drop all the way. It was a good plan, and with the reassurance they’d delete the bad ones before they even got printed, he was content to let Logan do as he wished. Logan smiled back, appreciating the silent vote of confidence.
Logan gave him a few more instructions: lean against the wall, pull the hood back up, now off again, and finally, “Okay, imagine Janus said something stupid, trying to mock you.”
Virgil laughed a little; that was something he could imagine all too easily. He didn’t take his hands out of his pockets, but he leaned forward and sneered, sticking his tongue out. Childish, perhaps, but it always shut Deceit up.
Logan smiled proudly, commenting with conviction, “That’s going to be his favorite.”
Virgil scurried over, and Logan turned the camera towards him. It was a really good picture; somehow, he didn’t look silly, he looked… good.
“You’re a wizard with that camera, Logan.” He complimented, smiling a little, “Can we go through the others?”
Logan nodded, thumbing through the other photos, pausing at each one and waiting for Virgil to nod or shake his head. The process took a few minutes, and Virgil felt bad for declining so many, but Logan didn’t seem surprised, even agreeing with a few of the decisions.
In the end, they settled on three for Virgil, and he was content with them. The first one with the hood coming off, a casual leaning against the wall pose, and that final one where he was making that sneering face. He couldn’t help but agree with Logan; it was definitely going to be Princey’s favorite.
“Your turn now? I’m not sure I’ll be as good with the camera…” Virgil huffed, looking away.
“Nonsense. I’ll show you. It’s not nearly as difficult as you’re thinking. I’ve got it preset. You just have to point and click.” Logan hummed, “But yes, my turn. I’ve got some things set up in my room, but I need to change. If you’d like, you can change back to your normal clothes and meet back at my room.”
Virgil nodded, suddenly uncomfortable again. He missed his familiar hoodie-and-sweats combo. And he’d die if someone else saw him in this getup. Without another word, he sank out to his room, Logan following suit to his own room to get ready.
—
When Virgil did finally rise up in Logan’s room, he barely recognized it. The room had shifted dramatically, set up like a high-end library, complete with those rolling ladders, desks to study at, and artful maps and diagrams all over the walls. The lighting was dim but still clear.
“Jeez, Lo, this is quite the setup.” He muttered, looking around for the logical side.
“I’m going to assume that was intended as a compliment.” Logan rounded a corner, and Virgil’s eyes went wide.
He was almost unrecognizable. His usual polo and tie were gone. Instead, he was wrapped from the neck down in a dark blue lace, a sapphire blue vest over the top half, and a navy pencil skirt all but glued to him on the bottom. Matching sapphire pumps brought the whole look together, along with a pair of blue cat-eye frames rather than his usual black square glasses.
“You’re really not fucking around, huh?” Virgil finally put a sentence together. Who knew Logan could clean up so nicely?
Logan preened a little, satisfied with the reaction, “Well, I’m not one for half measures. And I know how well this will get under Remus’ skin.”
“I don’t want to be anywhere in his vicinity when he finds these pictures.” Virgil shook the mental image out of his head, “Please double your room’s soundproofing. For our sanity.”
Logan laughed a little. “Noted. Here’s the camera,” he handed Virgil the same camera from earlier, pointing out the viewfinder and the shutter button, “Just point and click, the settings should be fine.”
This shoot took longer, Logan posing in several different ways and positions, sitting, standing, climbing up the ladder on the wall, even shushing the camera like someone was being loud in a library. Each time Virgil would snap several shots, and each time, Logan would come over and give a few pointers, explaining which ones he liked and why, praising Virgil for the ones they didn’t have to reshoot. Logan ended up with quite a few more pictures than Virgil, including a few with a tie he manifested loose around his neck, the usual pattern in place but green replacing the blue he always favored. It was a glaring, clashing color, but it worked somehow.
Once Logan was satisfied with his shots, he snapped, and the room shifted back to its usual simplicity, along with his usual outfit. “Let me print these off real fast. Here,” he handed Virgil a purple pen and an envelope, “Write his name. We’re going to leave these where they’ll find them.”
“We’re not just handing them over in person?” Virgil looked relieved, the stress of that part building the closer it came.
“I didn’t think you’d want to do that. This way we won’t have to be there for the initial reaction, but we already know what it’s going to be.” Logan nodded, connecting the camera to his laptop, a printer in the wall coming to life quickly and printing off little Polaroid-style photos. He scrawled Remus’ name on an identical envelope in blue, and Virgil quickly scribbled Roman’s name down, handing the pen back.
They tucked the finished photos into their respective envelopes, Logan instructing Virgil to just seal the envelope at the center so they’d be easy to open. He considered his own envelope for a moment, eyes lighting up with an idea.
“You don’t have to participate in this part if you don’t want to, Virgil,” Logan prefaced, “But I think there’s a finishing touch that will really get the point across.”
Without more explanation, Logan snapped again, and a deep blue lipstick was applied perfectly along his lips. He pressed a kiss over the sealed edge of the envelope, leaving a perfect print behind.
Virgil hesitated. It was something he knew Roman would be head over heels for, but it wasn’t something he’d usually do. None of this was, to be fair, and with that thought to anchor him, he snapped, a deep purple lipstick appearing as Logan’s had. Before he could second-guess himself, he pressed a quick kiss to the paper and snapped the lipstick away again.
“And now?” Virgil asked, blushing a little as he flipped the envelope so he didn’t have to look at the mark he left behind. Embarrassing.
“Now we leave them somewhere the twins will find them. If you’d like, I can distract Roman for a while. You could leave it in his room.”
Virgil shook his head, “I’m not risking it, but we can just snap them into their rooms. Like we deliver notes sometimes.”
Logan nodded, “A fair point, I can’t really predict Remus too much, so that approach seems like it would be better.”
They both sat with the envelopes in hand before Logan nodded, and they both sent them off, envelopes popping out of their hands and into existence in the twins' rooms.
“And now we wait,” Logan hummed, “Perhaps we should move to the living room, make it easier for them to find us.”
Virgil flushed, shaking his head, “Nope, if it’s all the same to you, I don’t want Patton or that snake to find out about this.”
Logan nodded, about to say something else, when Roman simply appeared in his room, not even rising up with a dramatic flourish.
“I should have known you had a hand in this, Logan.” He accused, eyes snapping over to Virgil, “You’ll have my thanks later, right now we have business to discuss, don’t we, Virge?”
There was a dangerous edge to his voice, one that Logan was hardly familiar with. Like he was trying his best to hold his fraying patience together with his bare hands. Virgil barely had time to stand before Roman pulled him close, disappearing instantly.
Logan could only grin, congratulating himself on a job well done. All that was left now was to wait on Remus. By the way the shadows in the room were thickening, he wouldn’t have much longer to wait.
As if reading his mind, Remus rose from the shadows, eyes already locked on Logan.
“You’re a terrible tease, you know that?” He growled, and Logan fought to repress the shiver that crawled up his spine.
“Learned from the best,” he hummed, leaning back a little as Remus advanced on him.
“You should put that cute little outfit back on,” Remus hummed, nipping playfully at Logan’s lip, “I wanna tear it off with my teeth.”
Logan couldn’t help but grin in satisfaction.
He’d won.