Chapter Text
Virgil still wasn't entirely sure what to make of Remus.
He certainly was one hell of a character. Virgil didn't know how anyone who'd lie down for so long getting a tattoo just so he could talk to the tattoo artist, but Virgil had gone through with it. Money was money after all and the design Remus had asked for was absolutely awesome. Virgil always enjoyed it when he ended up with a design that he was actually excited to tattoo onto someone.
That didn't mean he wasn't a little shocked to find Remus in his store again.
"Here for another tattoo?" Virgil joked as he came back downstairs from his very quick snack run to his apartment. He didn't plan on giving Remus another tattoo, considering he was still bandaged up from the first two, hence the joking tone, but Remus nodded anyway, "Absolutely not, you've just got two tattoos that are nowhere near healed yet, I'm not giving you a third."
"Awee c'mon! It's more business and more time to chat!"
Virgil huffed, "I'm not doing that," He said, "If you really want to chat come back around when I close, maybe you can actually take me somewhere nice, huh?"
Remus' eyes widened, and then he started giggling, and Virgil started to worry what exactly he had signed himself up for.
"When d'you close?" Remus asked, near bouncing with excitement.
"Uh- I have an appointment 'till nine today, so then?" Virgil said, leaning on the counter.
"See you then!" Remus said, saluting him and then bolting out of the shop.
Well. That was weird.
Virgil turned his attention back to his tattoo parlour to prepare for his next client, and wondered what would happen when he closed tonight.
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What happened, it seemed, was having a large bouquet of various unconventional flowers shoved into his arms. red spider lilies, begonias, white roses and borages. Unconventional or not, Remus had made the flowers look beautiful and Virgil didn't have an issue with more decorations for the shop.
He'd invited Remus inside whilst he found somewhere to put them before asking what Remus' plan for the evening.
"Don't really have one," Remus said brightly as Virgil locked up his shop and shoved his hands in his pockets.
"Okay," Virgil shrugged, "Just walk, then?"
"Sure!" Remus said, "You like milkshakes? I think there's a place that stays open late on the highstreet near here."
"Yeah I'm down for a milkshake," Virgil nodded with a grin, "Then what? You didn't really invite me on basically a date with no plan, did you?"
Remus rolled his eyes, "Of course I have a plan! We're gonna get milkshakes and then go walking along the river, obviously."
"Oh yeah, obviously," Virgil laughed, "Is any milkshake place even open this late?"
"I can't believe you're doubting me," Remus huffed, "I know a place, got it?"
"Got it," Virgil grinned, stuffing his hands in his pockets and following Remus along the pavement outside his shop further towards the town centre.
It was about fifteen minutes before they reached their destination - a small milkshake place that was indeed open. Quaint and decorated in various shades of pink, Virgil raised his eyebrow at Remus.
"Look, finding a place open this late that does take out shakes is hard, okay?"
"And you managed to find the most cutesy, adorable one?" Virgil laughed, tilting his head, "It's nice."
"Not exactly our vibe, huh?" Remus grinned at him.
"Oh yeah, we're gonna look like weirdos going in there," Virgil said, a stab of adrenaline making him frown. He'd still sort of been in work mode, which made him more confident and prepared to deal with people in general, but the longer he was away from his shop the more it started to get to him. But Remus grinning at him in that slightly manic way Virgil had almost gotten used to and Virgil found himself smiling back.
"And that makes us awesome!" Remus cheered, "C'mon, lets get our milkshakes!"
Remus took Virgil's hand and squeezed it so tightly his bones protested before pulling him into the shop. Remus ordered the most insane combination of milkshake flavours and toppings, which made Virgil's request for cookies and cream look like nothing in comparison. It was something he was grateful for, since it meant that the staff didn't pay any attention to him at all.
When he glanced at Remus, it was quite clear that he had done such a thing on purpose.
Maybe this wasn't such a terrible idea, he thought to himself as he took his milkshake. He let Remus lead him by the hand out of the shop and down towards the park bathed in darkness.
Maybe he could have nice things after all.
Patton was going to be insufferable about this realisation.