"I love you."

"No, you're not a monster."

"I've waited ten long years just to see you again."

"You're a human being, we all make mistakes."

"You're all I have."

"Patrick, you are not a monster! How many times do I have to tell you?"

"Baby, don't talk like that."

"You mean the world to me."

"It's not your fault, I don't blame you for anything."

"Stop it! Stop saying that!"

"You're...you're not a monster, baby. W-why won't you believe me?"

Words like these were said during an argument, or maybe not quiet an argument. More like bits and pieces that Patrick picked up over time, things that Pete said most. Well, not all of those things have been repeated over and over again like a broken record. It was the last two that really struck a chord in Patrick's chest. Pete was never really one to yell at the one he loved, or anyone for that matter. It just wasn't something he did, not in his nature. But when Patrick heard Pete yell at him for the very first time, he realized that Pete hated hearing the man he loved say such hurtful things about himself. He hated the negativity that always hung over Patrick's head, hated that Patrick always thought of himself as a worthless nutcase. But Patrick hated the constant reminder that he's the one who pulled Pete away from his life and career, the reason Pete has lost everything.

Pete lost everything because of him.

Patrick brought it up before countless times, but this time Pete screamed once the words left his mouth. Then he broke down, a mix of anger, disappointment, and sadness, whispering out the final statement through the tears that had welled in his eyes.

"I just wish you could see what I see." He says immediately after, stalking off to the kitchen and opening the fridge claiming he needed a drink. Which was another thing he never really did.

Pete didn't drink.

And to Patrick it's just another sign that he should just leave and let Pete start again without him weighing him down. He's causing Pete to change so much, asked for Pete's help all those years ago and this is the outcome; a worsening mental condition and a lover who lost everything but won't give up on Patrick.

"I wish I could see what you see, too. Then maybe I'll understand why you're so hell bent on sticking by my side. I'm a fucking psycho, there's nothing special about me."

Pete would always say that Patrick is wrong, that he's the best thing to ever happen to him but Patrick just didn't see it that way. He loved Pete, he did, but he feels that he's been nothing but a burden on someone who could've had the good life. A home, kids, someone normal by his side to love him always. He'd go through Hell and back for Pete but he will gladly stay in Hell alone if it meant that Pete could have a chance at a normal, cliche life.

"I love you for you, okay, just-"

"Why?! Why do you love me so much?! I'm crazy, I kill people, I see a person that doesn't really exist, this world isn't meant for me to be in! So tell me, Pete! Tell me why the fuck you love me so goddamn much!"

"Because you're everything I want and more."

Pete shuts him up with a hard kiss before he could say another word on the matter. It makes them both forget about their exchanged words almost immediately, fading into nothing but a warm embrace and lips moving against each other. So much could be interpreted from it, it held much more meaning than any word could muster. Promises that are guaranteed but not needing to be mentioned, 'I love you's that are expressed just by the press of their lips, even memories they've shared such as the first time their lips touched. In a way, it's the most perfect thing they've ever experienced.

"You don't have to believe me." Pete says once they part, more tears rolling down his cheeks without realizing. "But just believe me when I say I love you. Because I love you so fucking much, Patrick."

Patrick sniffles as his own tears cloud his vision, hands gently cupping Pete's face. He swipes his thumbs over his cheeks to wipe the tears away. "I do, I believe you. I love you, too, Pete. With every bone in my body."

They press their foreheads together and simply exist for a few moments, embracing this second of normalcy.

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A/N: Okay first off, holy shit I updated this (if anyone still reads this thing). But I didn't want to leave it unfinished cuz it'll just be looking at me like 'wtf bro' and then I'd feel bad. Second, I do believe I will end this soon. Like, next chapter soon, because I get the feeling I will leave this thing dangling in the wind if I don't finish it soon. Sorry guys. But to whoever still reads this, thanks for sticking with me.

❤xo na-na-na-nana