WARNING: Feelings were hurt in the making of this chapter. Like.... really hurt

Logan looked up as the brig door. "Patton, what happened? Are you-?" The words died in his throat.

Patton was anything but alright. His were downcast, something in them had died. He looked like he was just holding back tears.

"Patton, what happened?"

"My friend..." Patton mumbled. It was just two words and not a full sentence but what had happened was clear in Patton's voice.

"Patton, I'm so sorry." Logan said, his voice hushed. Patton looked at him.

"No you're not." Patton wiped away a tear that had slipped down his cheek. "Why would you be? You hated Janus."

Logan opened his mouth to protest. "I didn't know him." He said quietly. "I couldn't form any strong opinions on him but that does not mean I can't still be sorry for what you have lost."

"It's not just that, Logan." The tone wasn't sharp but it might as well have been. "You said it yourself, you don't have a soul. You can't feel anything." Patton looked down at his shoes. He was trying so hard to not get angry at Logan. "Did you know?"

"No." Logan said immediately. "How could I?"

"Can you at least explain it?" Patton asked.

"Patton, I understand this as much as you do. My guess is as good as yours." Logan crossed his arms over his chest. "No. I can't. This isn't like Remus. He's never been this savage before."

"What do you-?"

"Remus has always been a particularly vicious merman but never savage. This savagery is a whole new level for him." Logan looked down, speaking to himself more than Patton. "I guess captivity does desperate things to some."

"Why are you defending him?" Not getting angry wasn't working.

"I'm sorry?"

"Why are you defending him?!" Patton repeated louder. "Why are you defending a murderer?!"

"I'm not defending-"

"Yes you are!" Patton ran a hand through his hair, looking like he was just about to cry or scream or both. "Why? I thought he wasn't your soulmate."

"He may not be my soulmate but I still rather care about his well-being!"

"Well-being?! He killed someone!"

"He was just trying to escape!" Logan yelled back. "And maybe Janus fucking deserved it!"

Patton took a step back, breathing heavily as tears spilled over the edge of his eyes. Logan stared back at him, his eyes wide.

"I-"

Patton shook his head. "Janus did not deserve to die." He said shakily.

"I didn't mean to-"

"You did! You did mean to!" Patton snapped. "And you wanted to say it and you said it and I hope you're happy now, you soulless... beast!" Patton swallowed and wiped his hands along the tear-tracks in his face. "Stay away from me, Logan." He turned and ran back up the brig steps, slamming the door behind him.

Virgil looked up as he heard the brig door slam. He lept down from the rigging and ran over to Patton.

"Hey, Pat, hey. Hey, breathe." He made sure to keep his distance, he wasn't sure whether contact would make it worse or better. "Hey, breathe with me, okay? Breathe in," Virgil took a deep breath and Patton tried to take a similar one, "and breathe out, okay?" Patton let out a breath in one shaky go. "Okay, breathe in again. And out."

Patton's breaths slowly started slowing down. Virgil reached half-way for his hand, just to check if it was okay. Patton didn't move away and Virgil took his hand and squeezed it tightly.

"Pat, what happened?"

Sorry this chapter's so late! Focus decided to go out the window today
Bye,
Blaize