Typically, Desmond liked the change in classes each time that a new semester started. It was a new set of challenges and a new set of goals to learn but it was the same routine. New classes also meant new people to observe and gather information from. He had to admit, this semester was not starting off as great as he had hoped. His first class of the morning was a group project class, by far Des' least favorite type of work, simply because dealing with people and their expectations was exhausting. Logan seemed to specifically be the type to expect more than was strictly necessary.

His second class of the day was a general education class that he didn't particularly care about, but the professor seemed to be the type who took the subject way too seriously. All in all, Des was happy to be headed home at the end of the day.

"We've had worse days," Virgil said, walking alongside Des, hands shoved into his pockets.

'That's the truth, but that doesn't mean I can't complain.'

Virgil smirked, "Never happy are you?"

'Oh I'm happy plenty, I'm happy when I'm right, I'm happy when people admit to themselves that they are a flawed by-product of their society, and I'm happy when you shut up.'

There was silence between the two of them before Virgil spoke softly. "You don't actually mean that right?"

Des sighed, this was a conversation he had had with himself multiple times. 'Don't ask stupid questions, Virgil, you know I don't mean it. You're my best friend.' Virgil was the only person he could count on to always be there.

"Yeah, I know, but one day you aren't going to need me, and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing."

Des made a dismissive wave and rolled his eyes. 'Oh yes, I totally need you.' He smirked, they both knew the truth. Des still needed Virgil, but he would play it off like sarcasm.

Their conversation fell into a comfortable silence. It really hadn't been that bad of a day, sometimes, Des just liked to complain, but he knew that nothing he faced now was as bad as what he had been through. His mind wandered as he opened the door, but it was forcefully snapped back as he smelt the familiar smell of cumin. He hated cumin, it brought back memories for being betrayed and abandoned. Patton couldn't have known that. He hadn't told anyone about that before.

"He seems to like us well enough, it shouldn't be a problem to adopt him. We just need to get him to say yes."

A smile lit up his face, he had a family, he had someone who wanted him.

"Yep, and once we have adopted him we will have access to his inheritance. Can you believe that someone would leave that little freak so much money?"

The voice was hushed but Desmond heard it as clear as a bell. He should have known. No one would ever love him, care and affection always came home with strings.

"Desmond! Welcome home!" Patton snapped him out of his memories, smiling brightly from the kitchen where he was stirring a pot. "I'm making chili would you like some."

'No,' He was quick to sign his answer and head off to his room, trying to control his emotions. The memory was so vivid when that smell hit him, the betrayal, the hurt. Des tried to pretend it was just anger. He tried to pretend that he wasn't hurt, but he knew. He avoided cumin for this reason. Thankfully his roommates, thus far, hadn't enjoyed using the kitchen, but Patton was something different.

"Hey, D, you okay?" Virgil asked, sitting in front of him.

"Remember to breathe slowly, if you lose your breath you might not be able to catch it." His eyes were watching Des concerned.

'I'm fine,' He shooed Virgil away, 'I'm fine.'

"Desmond?" There was a knock at his door, Patton's soft voice coming through the thin wood. "Is everything okay? One knock on the door for no and two knocks for yes. You just went to your room really quickly so I was kind of worried."

Why was he worried? There was nothing to be worried about, it wasn't like he did this on purpose.

"Are you sure?" Virgil hissed, looking at the door before Des waved him off again, carefully walking to the door and knocking on the door.

His hand only hit the wood once. He wanted someone to help him. He wanted someone to be there for him. He went to knock a second time but the door was already being pushed open and Patton looked at him with panicked eyes.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you, I just got worried. Can I help? What's wrong?"

Des looked over at Virgil, debating in his head what he was going to say. He felt so small with Patton standing over him, but he didn't have the strength to stand up. He could feel Patton growing more and more anxious the longer he didn't respond so finally he signed. 'Smell.'

"Smell? Wait, is it something I'm cooking?"

He nodded, pushing himself up finally, not wanting to give Patton the satisfaction of standing over him like a giant over its prize.

Patton wasn't standing there for long as he quickly went to his room, coming back with a can of air freshener. "Okay, um... spray this in here, and leave the door closed. I'll pack up the food quickly and finish it when you aren't home."

Why? Why did he care so much? Patton closed the door and Des was left with the air freshener. Why did Patton want to help? Most people would just apologize and leave it at that, but Patton went out of his way.

"He... he is weirdly nice," Virgil whispered softly and Des nodded, spraying the air and inhaling the new smell. It helped, more than he wanted to admit.

"And you like it." He didn't answer, he wasn't sure he wanted to, but he did. He liked how caring Patton was, but liking people was never a smart choice. He wasn't going to make friends just to be betrayed again.

AN: Let me know if there are any grammar errors. I was under a bit of stress when I posted this. Hope you all enjoy it!