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Through a series of careful observations and trial and error, Logan concludes that Virgil's way of expressing his love language is very different than the way he needs to receive it.
From the moment Logan expressed a desire to be in a romantic relationship with him, Virgil has not left him wanting for touch. He lazily rubs at Logan's arm, or he leans against his back. He holds his hand while they read, or he puts Logan's feet in his lap. And Logan does not have the words to fully describe how much he relishes it. Humans are pack animals by nature. The reassurance of physical contact is a fundamental need. It is, when given softly for comfort, a way to show appreciation and care and want without the possibility of misunderstanding. And Virgil has seen how Logan takes to it, so he gives it to him in spades.
But while this is how Virgil shows his affection, when Logan attempts to reciprocate, he is always left feeling like Virgil misunderstands him anyways. Because when Logan cups his cheek or kisses his knuckles, Virgil seems to come to the conclusion that he cannot sit idle and receive. He believes that Logan is seeking his affection for his own need, and while sometimes true, Logan wants to show him just how much he appreciates him. How special he is to him.
Logan presses into Virgil's space, rests his forehead to his, and lingers there to show Virgil he is savoring his presence.
But Virgil immediately runs a hand down his back and asks sweetly, "You okay, L?"
It would be frustrating if it wasn't so endearing.
"Why do you do that?" Logan asks. He has not been beating around metaphorical bushes. He has tested his hypothesis, discovered he is correct, and is ready to present his findings.
"Rub your back?" Virgil asks in bemusement.
Logan nearly shakes his head but doesn't want to dislodge himself from where they hover so close together. "No Virgil, that's not what I meant. I have found that whenever I initiate physical affection with you, you act as though something is concerning me. Perhaps I simply want to make you feel good."
"You...already do?" Virgil chuckles but it's more confused. "Where is this coming from?"
"I have been researching love languages recently. You excel at physical touch. Which is my preferred method."
"Thanks, I think."
"You're very welcome. It's not an issue, so much as an observation. It may be my love language, but I do not think that it is yours."
Virgil stares at him consideringly. His hand had paused in its rubbing but now it continues up his spine, almost lost in thought.
"Okay," he finally says, "I'll bite. What do you think my language is? Cuz if I know you, you've already got a guess."
Logans lips twitch upwards. "Yes, I do. Are you familiar with words of affirmation?"
"Affirmative."
"Then I would like to try that with you. It's not something we often indulge in. You've mentioned before how the feelings between us are an understood thing, and that is true and often more comfortable for us. But I think it leaves nuances to be desired."
"You gonna start talking about how much you love me?"
"Yes," Logan answers seriously to Virgil's teasing, which quiets him. Logan brings a hand up to trail down the side of Virgil's face. "I love you completely and ardently. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and wish to be in your presence. You captivate me with your style, your kindness, your biting wit. I adore you."
Virgil swallows hard. His says somewhat shaky, a little breathless, "Okay, I think you made your point."
"Oh, I'm just getting started. I watch the way you walk like a man possessed. Your mouth renders me speechless in many ways." Here, Virgil practically squeaks in protest, face going red, but Logan soldiers on. "You pick up on things that I can't see, and you know me better than I know myself, which is something that I never could believe possible. But you do, because even when you say you don't care about things, you care deeply, and it's something that comes across in how you move, how you act. I know you have a bad habit of self-deprecation, but Virgil– you are mesmerizing."
"Logan..." Virgil sighs, and it's a soft vulnerable thing. Logan clings to him more, nuzzling the bridge of their noses together.
"Is that it, my love? Can you not believe how high in my affections I hold you? Do you not believe that you deserve it? Because I would tell you every day that you do. You deserve this. You deserve to be cherished."
Logan moves into that fraction of space left and kisses his lips. He doesn't stop there. He kisses at the corners, his cheeks and chin, where his eyelashes flutter, over his brow and then some.
"You deserve this. You are brilliant, and you are mine, and you deserve all that I can give you."
To both of their astonishment, Virgil starts crying.
"Virgil?" Logan asks, taken aback. This is the exact opposite affect that he intended!
Virgil covers his face with his hands and sits there for a minute, shuddering silently. From his hidden position, he musters out, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry– it's just– it's not been the best day, and my anxiety's been all over the place and–"
"I made you stress," Logan realizes in horror. "I should be the one apologizing. I didn't notice that you were distressed. Virgil, I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?"
"It's not like I try to advertise it," Virgil mutters, smothering a small sob. He leans forward back into Logan's space and cuddles into his collar to more effectively hide his face. "And you're not stressing me out. Idiot."
"Then...what?"
"You can't just say things like that point blank and not KO a dude."
"So, to be clear, I should not apologize?"
"No, because you're being..."
"I'm being what?"
Virgil retracts his hands from where they are wedged, but doesn't move his face where it's pressed. He circles his arms around Logan's waist and holds him tightly.
"You're being really sweet," Virgil mumbles finally. "And I can't handle it. It's unfair."
"I feel as though I'm receiving mixed signals."
"Don't make me say it."
Logan ponders and eventually threads his fingers through purple tinged locks of hair. Virgil relaxes slowly.
"...you don't have to say anything. If you would like, I could say more about how much you deserve to be treated sweetly." Logan knows he's testing just a bit too much, but he thinks he understands what Virgil means, and if he's right...
Virgil whines into his chest and grips him harder.
Logan smiles and kisses the top of his head. "Another time then."