Prompt: Honestly, I came up with this idea after getting a small concussion of my own trying to step over my dog at 1 am in the morning. Don't worry that was almost a month ago so I'm good, but this was the first creative idea I had after two days in a haze.

Fandom: Thomas Sanders - Sanders Sides

AU: None

TW: None

WC: 3223

Date: October 19, 2019

It took Logan a moment to realize what had happened. A bright white light flashed through the mind palace and Logan now felt disoriented. He should have been more careful helping Thomas down the stairs, but now was not the time to dwell on the past. Quickly, he led Thomas to the bathroom, turning on the light and giving his pupils time to dilate properly.

The pain in the back of their head was obvious, but thankfully no one else seemed to have woken up. That was good, he couldn't deal with Virgil right now. It was his job, Logan was well aware of that fact, but they had to stay focused. Pupil size seemed within normal ranges, no vertigo while standing or moving, the memory of the incident was still intact. If they had a concussion it was minor, nothing to be concerned about but he would still plan accordingly.

Leading Thomas to the freezer, the two of them got an ice pack. It would be best to sleep on the couch for the rest of the night, heading up the stairs could be dangerous. Controlling Thomas, he set an alarm for every two hours. He had caused this problem, he would make sure that Thomas was safe.

Logan prepared himself for a long night, fighting back a yawn as he made his way to Virgil's room. When the first alarm went off he would have to calm Virgil quickly. Sleeping in Virgil's room would be a bad choice considering the effect it had on Logan. So, logically, his best option was to sleep just outside of the room. He sat against the wall, closing his eyes. In just under two hours he would be woken up to check on all of the sides and Thomas. Logan could already feel the stress beginning to weigh on him.

Each time the alarm went off Logan repeated his process; calm Virgil down, making sure he went back to sleep. Then he would check on the others, no visible markings or signs of fading, next was Thomas. Logan would go over the events of the night, check for memory gaps, stand up, slowly have Thomas touch his toes and check for vertigo. Each time, everything checked out. Logan still had a headache and the world was still mildly fuzzy, but Thomas would be fine.

After the last alarm went off and he checked everything again, Logan felt comfortable going to sleep. Thomas was awake for the day and Logan was exhausted. He went to his room, closing and locking the door before collapsing on the bed, his mind finally allowing him to go over all of the things he should have done the night before that would have prevented this. It had been a while since self-loathing ate at him like this.

~*~

Virgil was the first to wake up. He was aware of the memories from last night, but he did not feel his normal anxiety overwhelm him. Somewhere in his mind, he felt like he should be more concerned, but he was mildly nervous at most. Maybe it would be a good idea if they didn't try to go out and drive though. Getting behind a wheel right now could mean a lot of problems. He got up and slipped on his hoodie, the world felt dimmed. It wasn't in a bad way. It was just muted.

Gently he knocked on Patton's door. He could hear the other side slowly shifting. Patton didn't want to wake up. Normally, he was ready to bounce up and make breakfast for everyone, but today he just wanted to sit and do nothing. He wanted to feel nothing. Still, if someone needed him, he had to help. He was their happy pappy Patton.

Slowly rolling out of bed, curling into his onesie, he made his way to the door, opening it. "Hey, Pat," Virgil said quietly.

"Hey, Virge. Is everyone okay?"

"I think so, but maybe we should lay on the couch together today." That was too many words. Thankfully Patton agreed with a gentle nod of his head. Virgil went to get Princey up and Patton went to get Logan.

When Virgil knocked on the door he wasn't greeted by Roman's normal singing voice. He wasn't even greeted with a sleepy hello. Instead, there was silence until the door swung open. "Pat and I are going to chill on the couch and do nothing."

Roman hesitated but then nodded, opening the door and following after Virgil. He had woken up earlier but had been trying to figure out why he couldn't utter a sound. Not a single word or idea was coming out of his mouth. He was just tired. Roman barely made it to the couch before flopping onto it and falling back to sleep.

"Logan is asleep in his room." Patton fell in next to Virgil and Roman. They didn't even bother to put the TV on as they just sat with each other. They all felt numb. Cuddled together they relaxed for the day.

~*~

When Logan made his way down, his hair was tousled and glasses barely sitting on his face. "I'm sorry everyone. This is my fault, had I made sure we stuck to our eating schedule Thomas wouldn't have been hungry and made his way downstairs, or if I had been more thoughtful to grab the banister..."

He was cut off by Patton letting out a whine, holding up his hands and grabbing at Logan lazily. They were all feeling horrible, Logan didn't need to go on one of his long-winded monologues. They just needed rest together.

"No, I think I will go make us all dinner. I'm assuming you all haven't eaten today."

"No," Virgil said weakly.

"Very well, I will begin cooking." He rubbed his head gently. It was hard to form coherent sentences but he could already tell things were going a bit better. As Logic, and the most coherent side at this time, it was his responsibility to make sure they were all taken care of. Not to mention, this had been his fault. He had to take care of everyone until they had all recovered. Logan cooked a perfectly balanced meal, though it was not necessarily tasty like something Patton would have made. Rather than forcing everyone to come to the table, on this rare occasion, he would allow them to eat on the couch.

"Thanks, Lo." Patton took the food, as did Virgil. Roman required a bit more coaxing.

"It's fine, I thought this might happen. Since creativity is a higher brain function and requires more thought, I assumed Roman might be the most affected." Logan began to slur his words near the end. "Roman, focus on me."

Virgil and Patton looked at each other a bit confused before watching Logan feed Roman. Had it not been for the circumstances, it would have been very cute. He was careful with each movement, helping to make sure the tired side ate all of his dinner.

"I suggest we put on a movie and continue to relax for the night." There was a silent agreement as Logan stood up, collecting the empty plates and putting on Aladdin. He would eat during the movie. Right now it was important to care for those who weren't feeling well. Roman would appreciate the choice of movie, and it might even make him feel a little bit better. No, he had to focus on all of the sides, not just Roman.

For the past few months, Logan had begun to realize that his thoughts regarding the fanciful side were shifting. He was beginning to see more of Roman's redeeming qualities and something deep inside of him wanted to see those qualities come out even stronger.

Logan was still logic, he wanted to balance out Roman's dreams and desires, but only so he could see Roman achieve them. The smile on his face when he had achieved what he wanted was intoxicating. Logan stopped. He had been thinking about Roman again, what was he supposed to be doing? Looking down at his hands Logan noticed there was a dish in it. Right, he had been cleaning the dishes. There was a movie on in the background. He should also return to that.

"I'm going to check on Thomas." Shouldn't he finish the dishes? He could do that after he checked on Thomas. Roman wouldn't approve if he were feeling well, mostly because Roman didn't like getting stuck with the dishes. Why was it so difficult to get his mind off Roman. Was this also a side effect?

Logan assured himself it had to be, despite the obvious signs. This was not the first time he had been lost in thought about Roman and it had been occurring more frequently in the past month.

~*~

As the week continued, Logan's thoughts still resided on Roman. He assumed Roman's inability to talk was a large part of it. Even after Virgil and Patton has returned to normal, Roman still hadn't. He didn't sing, didn't speak. His smile had come back, that was a start.

"Roman, I have made you soup. I decided a broth-based soup instead of a cream-based soup will be easier on your stomach." Logan brought over the bowl and Roman gave Logan a smile.

'How can one smile such sweet smiles,

When one is so saddened by sorrows for miles,'

Logan shook his head. This was not the time for the poetic stylings of Lendl Ian Servillon. "Is there anything else I can do for you Roman? Water? A blanket? Maybe assist with your next creative project."

Roman tapped the seat next to him before making a notepad and pen appear. 'Why don't you tell me a story?'

Logan frowned, sitting down next to Roman. "You know that is not my forte."

'Then a poem, you said you appreciated poetry.'

Logan looked over the note and nodded. "If that is what you require of me." Adjusting his glasses he began to recite the poem that had just been on his mind.

"How can one smile such sweet smiles,

When one is so saddened by sorrows for miles,

How can I smile the same smiles,

When life brings me nothing but tears,

I wondered for so long,

What reason you had to smile that long,

To keep smiling though troubles come,

And still remain sweet and silently overcome,

It's such a mystery to me,

Your smiles from heaven with glee,

I adore and yet envy thee,

But I'd rather you smile those at me,

I feel happy when I see you smile,

Even if I'm sad and lonely,

Your smiles bring me somewhere,

I don't even know where, "

He cut himself off before getting to the next verse. Logan adjusted his tie and turned his head to not show Roman his blush. "That is enough of that. Until you are able to speak again you need to get your rest. Allow me to escort you back to your bedroom. I will read to you until you fall asleep."

A guilty smile crossed Roman's face. He couldn't help but stare as the light dusting of crimson over Logan's cheeks. Listening to him recite poetry, it was all worth it. He would allow Logan to lead him back to his room despite it barely being lunchtime. He would be compliant because he secretly loved receiving all of Logan's care and affection.

~*~

As Logan was returning to his room to further research concussions, he overheard Patton speaking with someone. It was not his nature to pry, but it seemed he was speaking to Roman. "You can't keep lying to Logan like this," Patton said softly. "He deserves to know the truth."

"I know," Roman spoke in his deep and regal tone. His voice was the first light after a week in darkness. It was the first breath of fresh air after being set free. For days now he had been worried that Roman would never recover. He was scared that Roman would forever be without his beautiful voice, all because Logan had failed to take logical precautions. He slowly sank to the floor, relief flooding his body. In that same instant, he was mad at why he had been lied to, it mixed with his relief in the same sickening bubbling way vinegar mixed with baking soda. There was something else too, fear. It surged through him like lightning, seizing him to the spot.

Was Roman hiding his voice to punish Logan? Did the creative facate hate him that much? Logan deserves it as he had put them all in danger, but how long was Roman planning on punishing him for an accident? Logan covered his face as he tried to sort through everything mixing in his heart. Emotions truly were the bane of his existence.

"If you don't tell him soon he will be devastated when he finds out."

"I know my bespeckled companion, I know, but this is the first time I have been able to hold his attention. You know how desperately I am in love with him, but the only thing he is in love with is his schedules deadlines." There was anger in those words.

Was that really what Roman thought? Did Roman really think he didn't care?

"ROMAN! I'm surprised at you," Patton yelled.

"I know Padre, I know that wasn't acceptable, I'm just..." He sighed dramatically and Logan could hear Roman's bed creak. "I'm at my wit's end. I want to be near him all the time, it feels like this is my only chance. He quoted poetry to me today. You should have seen it, Padre, It was absolutely stunning! He had so much fire and passion, the same way I am when I am fighting a dragonwitch. It was just like when we had our rap battle. I need that look more often. I do think I might die if he doesn't continue to look at me like that. I just don't know what to do to capture his affection. I'm the most handsome prince in the land, why am I not good enough?"

"Oh, kiddo." The sound of the bed shifting again echoed through Logan's thoughts. New emotions crashing through him.

Logan frowned, pushing himself up. He, of course, was frustrated that Roman had lied to him, but he knew that Roman's insecurities outweighed his own. He was elated that Roman liked him back but cautious that it might not be true. How did Patton deal with all of these swelling emotions on a daily basis?

If Roman did truly care for him, then Logan had to formulate a plan. He cleaned the single stray tear off of his face and adjusted his tie. He was torn between wanting to punish Roman for lying and wanting to rejoice hearing Roman shared his affections. He wanted a plan that was perfectly situated somewhere in between. He had an idea, hopefully, his own heart would not betray him.

~*~

When dinner came around, Logan continued his overly worried care of Roman. He was not the best actor and thus it did come out a bit more forced, but Roman did not seem to notice. When the plates were all clean, he walked over to Roman and held out a hand. "I would like to talk to you in your room if that is adequate?"

Roman nodded slowly, taking Logan's hand and walking back to his room with the smartly dressed side.

"It has been almost a week since you were able to speak to us, and I am concerned that there might be permanent damage. I am intending on rearranging Thomas' schedule to fit in a doctor's appointment. Also, I believe you should make time in your schedule from some grueling lessons in American Sign Language so that you will be able to communicate more easily with the others. Lastly, I must insist on no more adventures to the imagination."

"What?!?" Roman just let it slip out and covered his mouth quickly. The imagination was his place of refuge. He didn't want to lose that. "Ah, haha, funny joke, right Lo? I just thought if I pretended to still be silent-"

Logan held up his hand to stop Roman. "I already knew," Upon dropping his hand he rubbed his eyes. Deceit was going to have a field day with as much as the two of them had been lying. "And I lied in regards to my previous statements." Logan sat down on the bed with Roman. "I know that I can often get too involved in my work, however, if you wanted to spend more time with me, you should have just said so."

"What, no, why would-" He was cut off by a look from Logan. "Like looking into medusa's eyes you have me petrified." He whispered under his breath. "Logan, I enjoy spending time with you when you allow me to see the beauty in the structure of the world. However, as Thomas' Logical side you have a lot of work that you need to do."

"I will make the time. Once you have had time to think of a proper date, please let me know so that I can add it to my schedule. I did not, at any point, intend for you to believe I was neglecting our friendship."

"Right, so date as in, on the calendar."

"Well yes, but also as in, a social engagement between two persons that often has a romantic character," Logan stated, watching Roman's face as he began to catch up.

"W... wait?!? You are asking me on a date?"

"Yes, I do believe that was my intention."

"But you are making me plan it?"

"As the romantic side, you are more suited to the planning of events such as this. Additionally, I am a bit upset by the fact that you were lying to me for a few days. This is your punishment for lying, as well as something we both desire. Is that suitable?" He was beginning to get a bit nervous now. What if this had all been planned by Roman? No, he wasn't typically that cunning, and Patton would never play along to hurt someone. What if he didn't actually like Logan that deeply and was just being his dramatic self?

"Yes, by the horn of a unicorn yes! I have wanted this for so long Logan." He threw himself into Logan's lap, kissing him desperately. Logan blushed and after a bit pulled away. His face was almost as red as Roman's sash.

"We will need to take things a little slower for my taste. After our date, you can continue to assault my mouth."

Roman laughed. "Very well, get out of my room so that I can start planning." He jumped off of Logan, holding out a hand to help him up. "Buenas Noches, mi amor."

Logan fought back the blush that was once again attempting to claim his face. "Good Night Roman." As he stepped out of the room a smile began to cross his face. He hid it behind his hand as he adjusted his glasses. "How can one person be so dramatic?" Logan went back to his room, maybe he should find a more fitting outfit for the coming date.

AN: When I started writing this I realized I didn't have any Logince stories and I wanted to make sure I got at least one in. I hope you enjoyed it!