I feel like writing a lot today even though I feel like garbage and everything I write turns out to be garbage lol

STORYTIME!

Fire. That's what everyone used to describe Virgil as. Just s girl who had way too much soitfire. They never accepted that he was a boy. They'd say it was his tomboy phase or just say he's a closet lesbian. No. He's a boy. Screw you Mom, you don't love him for who he isn't then you don't deserve him. But he never disliked becing called a fire. In fact, being called fire made him feel like a powerful force to be reckoned with. 

So this little fire likes to work out, go to the gym, and show everyone how strong of a guy he is. Sure, he can't really take testosterone shots or get the surgery he needs to really be comfortable in his body. He just got out of Highschool and needs money to do that, and he doesn't want to go to college until he can be the person he is on the inside, outside too. His height ain't gonna change, but he might as well be a muscle man who is strong and can outdo any cis guy.

But he still likes other things too like reading a cool novel and eating fro-yo at the place at the front of his neighborhood. In fact, he does biking routes and running right outed where he stops at that fro-yo place or stop by the book store at the neighborhood center to pick out a new book. Of course, people would mock him and catcall him but whatever. He normally has headphones on and blares on some lit music.

So the little fire boy, with new orange dyed fringe in his hair done by an old Highschool friend trying to own a hair shop, walked into the place and happily greeted his friend whose family owns the place: Patton. He was serving another customer at the counter around their age, but Virgil didn't know them so he didn't bother them. He handed Patton two dollars and Patton net to get his normal. Virgil heard the person clear their throat so he turned to them.... wow they're super tall.

"You must be Virgil, Patton's close friend. My name is Logan, it's a pleasure."

Wow they're super cool too. Virgil felt his fsce heat up. It's been forever since someone has gotten him flustered. Patton talks about a guy named Logan a lot. If Virgil remembered correctly Logan was a childhood friend of his who graduated Highschool three years early and is currently going for a professional degree in physics. A very impressive smart guy. Virgil was instantly super jealous.

"Yeah, I'm Virgil. My friends call me Virge, Haters call me Fire. I'm good either way, just don't call me late for dinner."

Virgil tried to go for s joke, making an awkward finger gun snap afterwards. Logan jus feels blankly stared at Virgil, confused. Virgil isn't going to explain the joke. Virgil sighed and looked over. Patton had just put the sprinkles on the strawberry and cookies m cream swirled fro-yo. Nice. Real nice. Virgil grabbed the cup and the tiny spoon and licked his lips. Oh man this is gonna be so good!

Virgil sat down at the counter and dug in. Logan sat down one seat away from him, opening a book he had next to the bag he had lying on the counter. A little bell on the door rang and a girl walked through. A really annoying upperclassmen from Virgil's Highschool days. He rolled his eyes and continued enjoying his time. However this girl saw him and decided to be annoying. Cue deadnameing!

"Oh my gosh is that you Veronica? Heyyyy! Wassup girl? Have you finally grown up past the tomboy bull crap or do you still go by that fake name? Was it Viktor or something?"

Virgil cringed really hard, not even responding. She walked up next to him and waited for him to respond, starting to get annoyed. Virgil didn't even look up. He doesn't deserve this sort of treatment or ignorance. Virgil side glanced at Patton and Logan, trying to see what they were doing. To his surprise, Logan closed his book and stood up, walking towards the girl. Is something about to go down?

"His name is Virgil, and I will have to ask you to leave him alone if you cannot not accept his idenity."

Logan stood in between Virgil and this girl that Virgil can't even bother to remember the name of. Woah. Someone he just met today  was sticking up for him? That's very new. Virgil felt his face grow very hot again as he started at Logan. He was so calm, so professional, it was amazing. Maybe there's another reason why he should be called fire. 

"Jeez, lame. I was just trying to say hello. Whatever."

She rolled her eyes and walked past the two, going over to the cash register to order. Patton groaned without letting her hear before putting on his happy work self to take her order. Logan let out an exhale and turned around. His expression was stoic, confusing Virgil. Why would Logan do that for a stranger? Was Logan not straight? That would be hella awesome because Virgil is feeling some serious dokis. 

"Hey, uh, Logan... Thanks for sticking up for me. It really does mean a lot."

For the first time today, Virgil watched this stranger smile. He didn't think it was a big deal, but behind the counter Patton gasped and started fanboy screaming some words that were too close together that they couldn't be distinguished. The girl was super confused too, but she was keeping her distance like a good little ignorant person.

"Of course. Anything for someone that Patton speaks so highly of. I must take my leave, but until we meet again. Auf Wiedersehen."

Logan slung his bag over his shoulder and left without another word. Virgil was really confused, but couldn't help but stare as he left. Virgil noticed the book on the counter and now picked it up, about to go after him.

"Wait! Your... book..."

He's too far gone. Virgil sighs and looks over at Patton. He has a Cheshire grin. Virgil rose an eyebrow and Patton points down to the book. Virgil examines the book and looks at the book mark. Oh that's sly. That's really clever. Was this planned? Was it all a set up? Virgil felt like his feelings were toyed with and his face went red in anger. He felt like he was going to explode. This place was about to realize the temper side of why Virgil is called Fire. Virgil has a short fuse sometimes. Luckily Patton managed to calm him down and make him feel fluffy and wholesome again. Oh, and that girl left.

"Oh my goodness!!! Logan NEVER smiles! Like, EVER! He must have thought you were super special! Logan always uses that book as a prompt. He doesn't know how dating works so I'm surprised if actuslly works but I HAVE NEVER SEEN HIM SMILE LIKE THST FOR ANYONE ELSE BUT ME AND HIS OTHER FRIENDS!!! He must really like you or something! I told you that you're easily lovable!"

Virgil looked at the cover of the book: Anna and the French Kiss. Virgil has never read it, never really interested in stuff like that. Virgil likes mysteries and thriller. Maybe he'll read this one. Who knows? Soft boys exist. Virgil plucked out the phone number and sat everything down on the counter. Since he just worked out, his phone was in his fanny pack with his earbuds. He put them in before he walked in. He entered the phone number and sat back down, grinning from ear to ear as he entered the phone number into his contacts as 💙Cute Logan💙

Patton made himself a cup of fro-yo, watching everything unravel. There's a hidden side to this story! See, Virgil has been so wrapped up in becoming strong and everything that he has no time for anyone! He has never ever been in a date ever! So Patton ranted to Logan about Virgil. Logan got interested and Patton convinced Logan to set this up. The girl was an unpleasant surprise though. Angelo it doesn't matter! Logan was like a block of ice, cold and solitary. He needs some friends in his life. If his best friends get together, they'll be happy! Besides, it doesn't hurt if you try!

Patton is best matchmaker lol.

1425 Words

Y'all have the right to be whoever you are and nobody can say what your identity is. If you're a fire, then burn bright baby! Live your best life, be who you are, and don't let anyone force you otherwise.

Internet hugs and blow kisses!

~Eva