After Patton and Logan leave the living room to head to the kitchen the room falls into silence. Virgil hovers near the doorway. Even though he is glaring daggers into Roman, Roman wonders if he is staying by the door in case he needs to make a run for it. Virgil reminded Roman of a frightened wild animal. Ready to run away as fast as his legs could carry him, or to strike out with his claws in defense. Roman decides that it might make Virgil feel more at ease if he was on a lower level. So he slowly moves to the couch and takes a seat.

Roman needs to figure out a way to help his Ward and fast. So he starts with what he knows best. He starts talking. “So… You and Patton seem close.”

Virgil shifts uneasily, his unsure eyes holding firm. “Yeah.” He says curtly.

Roman not giving up presses forward. “How long have you two been together?”

“We are not dating,” Virgil says adamantly “He is my best friend.”

Roman startles not realising how he posed the question. “Oh, I didn't mean it like that. I was just wondering how long you two have been living together.”  

Virgil’s face reddens. “Oh… Awhile I guess.”

“Awhile?”

“Yes, awhile, but I fail to see how me and Pat’s lives are any of your damn business.”  Virgil responds his voice getting louder clearly getting mad. The curious look he had given Roman a few minutes ago was gone replaced again with a glare.

“Sorry, sorry.” Roman says quickly putting his hands up in defense.

Virgil, however, had just gotten his courage built up and he was not stopping now. “And another thing. Who the hell goes home with a random stranger? It seems more than suspicious if you ask me. Hell, for all we know, you and your buddy might have planned it so that you guys got hit with the shopping cart so that my naive friend would invite you guys over.” Virgil practically spits the words at Roman. However, the hurt look on Roman’s face makes him almost regret his harsh words. Almost.

Roman was at a loss for words. Witch was very rare indeed, but to be confronted so openly and so angrily. Roman kinda felt like curling up in a ball and telling Virgil everything. In all the time he had been watching Virgil as his Guardian he had never seen Virgil this aggressive. He wondered to himself if this had anything to do with the Gatherer. “Why of all people did you guys have to run into Patton?” Virgil said losing a bit of his courage. No, It didn’t have anything to do with the Gatherer. Roman looked into Virgil’s eyes and his heart almost broke. Behind the glare he saw fear. He was scared of what Logan and Roman wanted, and the worst of it was he wasn’t scared for himself at all. He was just scared for Patton.

Virgl watched as Roman’s eyes squinted in confusion. He tilted his head slightly like Virgil was a puzzle he was trying to solve. “Do you worry about yourself at all?” Virgil balked at the question. What the hell was this man on about?

“No, I don’t. What is there worth worrying about?” Virgil mumbled forgetting who he was talking to in his confusion about the strange question. He just stared at the floor beneath his feet. Then remembering himself Virgil growled. He looked up feeling like he wanted to punch this prying man who had made him say more than he wanted to, but stop short when he saw Roman’s face.

Roman’s mouth had dropped slightly, his face had gone kinda pale, and there were silent tears streaming down his face. He looked absolutely crushed.

How can Virgil not see any worth in himself? He knew Virgil was unhappy, but to see him not worrying about his safety because he didn’t feel he was worth being safe absolutely broke Roman’s heart.

“Whoa man… um… please stop crying… I don’t know what I did… but… um… I am sorry” Virgil said frantically trying to comfort the crying man. How could Virgil possibly think he needs to apologize to him? He did absolutely nothing worth apologizing for. If anything Roman feels he should be apologizing for being such a crappy Guardian. He is supposed to be the one protecting him and he is failing, and he can’t do anything. This realization turns his silent tears into loud sobs that rack through his whole body.      

Virgil who had stayed near the doorway this whole time now quickly walked across the room towards the couch. He sat down right next to the crying man unsure of what to do. Roman had folded in on himself, his hands covering his face as he sobbed.

Forgetting that he didn’t trust this man in the slightest, Virgil set a tentative hand on the man’s shoulder. When Virgil's hand made contact he was overcome with the strangest feeling. He felt warm and like he was floating. It was hard for Virgil’s mind to put into words what he was feeling, but one thing he was sure of was he felt good. He felt safe and he felt protected. The only thing that he could think of that felt close to this was his occasional hugs him and Patton shared.

At the touch Roman's eyes widened and he looked at Virgil. Roman could feel it too. At that moment he wanted nothing more than to lean himself into Virgil and for them to blend together. Through his tears he could see the corners of  Virgil’s lips tilting up. Roman could feel himself smiling widely at the wonderful feeling. Roman felt strong and powerful. Like he could stop a meteor from hitting the earth.

Virgil really didn’t want to move, but he suddenly remembered that he had no clue who this man was and the fact that he felt so safe made him really scared. HE COULD JUST BE TRYING TO GET YOU TO LOWER YOUR GUARD SO HE CAN HURT PATTON. DO YOU WANT THAT TO HAPPEN? Virgil suddenly pulled back his hand and cradled it with his other hand like he had just been burned. As soon as he was no longer touching Roman, his shoulders visibly sagged, his eyes clouded over slightly, and it felt like a flood gate opened wide and voices poured through his head. YOU ARE STUPID! HOW COULD YOU LET YOUR GUARD DOWN? PATHETIC! He seems nice. So what if he seems nice. That’s all the more reasons not to put your trust in him . Do you really want to burden someone else with your filth.  Virgil listens as the voice in his head warps and begins to not even sound like his own thoughts anymore. You only cause problems for others. You really should just stay away from everyone. “What should I do?” Virgil says out loud. Roman looks at him confused. Just do as I say, I will make everything better. I promise. You can trust me. The words sound kind and wrap themselves around Virgil’s heart like a blanket with the promise of keeping him safe, but he doesn’t feel protected like he did when he was touching Roman. Don’t worry I can help make it so no one will be burdened by you again. You just have to follow my directions.  “Okay I will do what you want.” Virgil says in a trance.

“Virgil what are you talking about?” Roman was very unsure of what he should do. Virgil just sat on the couch clearly not hearing Roman. Other than the two loud outburst Virgil had reverted to mumbling to himself. Roman couldn’t quite understand what he was saying. He has seen Virgil go through panic attacks before. That is not what is
happening. This is so much different. He looks like he is in some sort of trance. “Virgil! Snap out of it! Virgil what’s going on?”

Virgil still not hearing Roman, says something else. “Please… Please help me. Keep my friend safe from me. I don’t want to be a burden anymore.” Virgil’s eyes are fogged over and distant but tears are streaming down his cheeks. Roman starts to really panic. How can he help this man? Roman wants to take him in his arms and rock him and tell him everything will be alright. He doesn’t dare to though. Virgil looks so fragile that he might break at the slightest touch. But Roman has to do something.

___________

Patton and Logan have been having quite the pleasant conversation. In order to learn more about the objects in the home Logan asked about the different antiques he had spotted around the house, and was questioning how Patton acquired them. Patton, who loved to talk about his nick-nacks, more than willingly answered all of his questions.

Logan knew he shouldn’t be conversing so openly with his Ward. It was against the rules. If Roman and him got caught the repercussions were unimaginable. Despite the risk Logan was enjoying himself. He had grown weary of Roman’s constant complaining, and Patton’s company was a welcome reprieve. Although there was always down sides to every good thing. Patton seemed to greatly enjoy puns. And even though Logan wanted to groan every time one was said he couldn’t help but be enthralled in the conversation.

Patton eventually changed the topic from the antiques to other topics, but oddly enough Logan didn’t even notice the change. Patton excitedly started talking about the dinner they were making, then transferring to what they should make for dessert. He gushed over the topic.

“We could make cherry pie, apple pie, or we could… Oh, I am sorry Logan, I should probably ask what you want first. If I get going will have a whole bakery going before I  stop. It’s good to have someone else pick one thing for me to make. So, what do you want?” Patton says sheepishly.

Despite the fact that Logan had been hanging of Patton’s every word the sudden question caught him off guard. Being around Roman so long he hadn’t been asked what he wanted in a while. Roman always was whining about what he wanted. Logan had become accustomed to this dynamic.

“Well... um… d-do you have the required ingredients to prepare... uh… brownies?”  Logan stuttered out. What the hell was wrong with him. He never stuttered. Logan prided himself on his eloquent speech pattern. He couldn’t fathom what is causing him to lose his cool.  

“Oooo brownies those are Virgil’s favorite,” Patton chirped happily “ I always keep ingredients on hand in case he is…” Patton trailed off, and the room fell into a uncomfortable silence. Suddenly realising that the room had fallen into awkward silence he picked up the conversation the best he could, “So, we have the ingredients to make some yummy brownies.” Patton chirped happily.

Logan’s constantly furrowed brow softened. Despite the fact that his Ward didn’t actually say what he was thinking Logan knew what it was. He thought it was admirable that his Ward wouldn’t reveal his friends weakness. However, although, he tried to hide it his Ward didn’t have the same pep in his step that he had before the statement. It made Logan’s stomach churn in a way that he had never felt before. Despite the fact it was none of his business he couldn’t help being displeased with Roman’s Ward. He didn’t like the fact he was worrying his Ward this much.

Wait a minute! What was he thinking! His Wards mental state was none of his concern. The only thing he should concern himself with is whether his Ward is in any physical harm. That’s all that matters. Nothing else.

“Hey, kiddo are you doing okay there?”

“Huh?” Logan said startled.   

“Well you were just staring off into space with a very serious expression on his face.” Patton said with concern. “What were you thinking about?” Patton asked innocently.

“Well, I…”

“Logan! Patton! There is something wrong with Virgil!” Roman interrupted breathlessly his eyes red with tears. Logan turned his head to look at his Ward, but he had already dashed out of the room. Leaving everything on the stove unattended. If Logan had not known better he would have thought he had super speed. Even Roman was still standing there when Patton rushed by, but quickly followed behind. Logan stood up and turned off the stove (It wouldn’t help if the house burned down) and quickly followed behind.

_______
“What can I do to keep Patton from being burdened by me?” I will help you, but it will have to be later. “Why not now?” Who is it you want to help? “Patton.” You are not ready for my help, but I promise that I will. You just have to do what I say. “I will do anything.” That’s is exactly what I wanted to hear.

________

“Virgil! Can you hear me?”

Virgil gasped. His vision clearing to see Patton grabbing his shoulders. His face inches from his own etched with concern. “Patton? What’s going on? What happened to me? I-I don’t remember again. Did I hurt myself again?”

“Again?” Patton asked in shock. “Have you hurt yourself before?”

Virgil would have normally denied this but he was too shaken by what is happening to him. So instead he grabbed Patton and pulled him close. “Pat I am scared. I don’t like this at all. I don’t want to be scared anymore, and I don’t want to worry you.” He sobbed into Patton’s shoulder. Patton rubbed calming circles on Virgil’s back.

“Shhh, I got you, it’s gonna be okay.” Patton wasn’t sure how true his words were but he willed his voice to sound reassuring and make them true. Slowly Virgil started to calm down. Patton stayed in the embrace until Virgil was ready to pull away. When he did he froze. Patton followed his gaze until his eyes landed on the two men standing behind him.

Virgil shifted uncomfortably looking at Roman and Logan with fear instead of the venomous glare he had looked at them with before. “Pat, who are they?” Virgil said in a whispered. Patton looked quickly at him. How much did he not remember. He thought he would at least remember what was going on before he went into the trance Patton had found him in.

Patton was at a loss for words and so Roman stepped up to respond, “ We are some friends, and we are going to help you Virgil.” Patton smiled at the offer, and how sure Roman seemed he could help.

Virgil eyed the two men were unsure, but then looked at his best friend. He seemed to trust these two men. If Patton trusted them, then Virgil will too

“Ok”.... “Ok”