A/N: it's back bitches.
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"Are you going to tell him what you did?"

Patrick shakes his head, hugging his knees closer to his chest. "I can't."

"He's going to find out eventually, Patrick. If you don't tell him, I will."

Patrick looks over at his evil counterpart worriedly. "Please don't, he'll be so upset with me if he finds out. I'll tell him, okay, just...give me some time."

"It better be soon, Patty." Vaughn says, walking off and disappearing down the hall.

Patrick was so afraid of what Pete would think of him if he found out what he did. He hasn't pulled a stunt like that in over ten years, back when his relationship with Pete was barely budding. Though, there were some things he missed about conflicting pain on others. Watching them as they writhe in pain gave him some sort of rush even when he wasn't exactly the one doing it. He could still see what was happening before his eyes while Vaughn took the wheel. All that blood, sticky and red like strawberry syrup. Leaving so many stains behind on his pale skin and soaking his clothes, and the screams... the screams gave him a sense of relief. Like his victim was letting out all the pain that Patrick felt, like channeling his own hurt through them. He believed that it was better than any drug he could ever take.

But he didn't like the thought of Pete hating him for it, he didn't want to disappoint him. Pete was the only one who saw him for what he really was, despite how fucked up his head was--well, is. Patrick needs Pete now more than ever. He's not sure if Vaughn will stay quiet like he did before because Vaughn has become so much stronger since then. If things get any worse, Patrick may have to resort to the coward's way out. Suicide.

Patrick is startled a bit when he hears footsteps descending from the stairs. He's not sure if it's Pete or Vaughn just yet. Although he knows Vaughn isn't a real person, he looks and sounds like one.

He calms a bit when he sees that it's Pete rounding the corner and heading in his direction. Patrick's still hugging his knees to his chest, sitting against the back of the couch.

Pete eyes him worriedly. "Patrick, are you okay?" He asks gently, sliding down to the floor and sitting in front of the younger man.

Patrick nods. "Yeah, just tired."

"Then why don't you go to sleep?"

Patrick shrugs. "Haven't slept in a while."

Pete furrows his brow and studies Patrick's face. "How long is a while, Patrick?" He asks seriously.

"Um," Patrick hesitates. "A few days, maybe?"

"Maybe?"

"I kind of lost track of time."

Pete sighs and scoots a little closer, grabbing one of Patrick's hands and caressing the back if it with his thumb. "That's not healthy, Patrick. You have to sleep sometime. Are you having nightmares again?"

"They never really stopped." Patrick whispers. "They were gone when you were around, but the second you left... they came back." As he speaks he sees Vaughn come into focus, sitting against the wall behind Pete just... watching. Listening to every word they say. Patrick keeps flicking his eyes between Pete and Vaughn, making sure Vaughn stays where he is.

Pete notices Patrick's uneasiness and follows his gaze, looking behind himself and seeing nothing there. He faces Patrick again and quietly asks, "What's going on, Patrick?"

"He's here." Patrick whispers, then ducks down a little more in front of Pete to hide himself from Vaughn's gaze. "He's watching us."

He? Pete nearly asks who Patrick is talking about when a memory flashes through his head. Back when Patrick had broke into his home and kept referring to someone as 'he' before saying it was Vaughn. If this moment was anything like the one he was remembering, then Patrick must be seeing Vaughn somewhere. That's when Pete actually realizes how bad Patrick's been since he left, Patrick needed him and Pete left him alone.

Why did I ever do that, Pete thinks, I should've escaped with him to keep him safe.

"I know he isn't really there," Patrick mutters. "But he looks real to me."

"Look at me." Pete touches Patrick's chin to draw his attention away from the wall. Patrick stares at him intently. "I'm sorry I did this to you, I should've stayed."

"Don't blame yourself, you were just doing what you thought was right. It's my fault for dragging you into this mess in the first place. I just... I got scared, Pete."

"I know, Patrick," Pete reaches out and pulls Patrick into his lap, holding him tightly as Patrick buried his face in the crook of Pete's neck. He always felt safer when Pete held him, his arms secure around his body. "It'll be alright, I'm here now. I'll protect you no matter what."

"Don't leave me, Pete." Patrick's voice is muffled as it vibrates against Pete's neck. "Please."

Pete tightens his grip on the younger man. "Never again."

Patrick peeks up from Pete's shoulder and wraps his arms around Pete's neck, holding on tight. The wall behind Pete is now vacant.