9:23pm

I am sixteen bitches and g o s h do I need to pee

Somethings never change

Au
—

Patton laid awake late into the night, staring up at his white ceiling while counting sheep in his mind. He desperately wanted to get at least some shuteye before having to go to work at seven am, but it seemed whatever he tried to do just wouldn't work. He tried everything that had worked in the past, and even resorted to the second page of Google, but nothing seemed to help.

Sighing out irritably, he debated whether or not to text his friend - Roman - who was currently in Britain shooting for a new movie, as he would be awake right now, but thought against it as he was probably quite busy. His other friend, Logan, lived by a tight schedule on most days, and would've gone to sleep at exactly eleven pm sharp, which was four hours ago now.

Rubbing his eyeballs, he went to stand and make more hot chocolate when a small whimper stopped him abruptly. He didn't know if he heard right, and stayed deathly silent, straining his hearing and gazing across the room. He heard it again. A slight whine. Sitting up, he removed himself from bed and padded across the room, wondering if somehow a small animal had gotten in. When he reached the opposite wall to his bed, he paused, the whimpering coming from between his closet and desk. That was when he realised it was from the room over.

Now, Patton lived in a block of flats, meaning the room next to his was one he didn't own. He knows many of his neighbours, but these ones specifically? Not much. All he did know was they kept to themselves and had a son. One he admittedly hasn't met. He didn't really know the parents, either, but did have an encounter with an older lady who lived a few flats away from Patton.

They were standing beside the bins, Patton helping her throw them over the top. "You're a good lad" she commented, patting his shoulder. Patton beamed and closed the lid of the large black bin. "It's no trouble, Ma'am" he waved off, glancing over his shoulder when he heard something shatter. The two rose their eyes to see the balcony on the third floor - the floor they both lived on - populated by the parents Patton lived next door to. The dad was knelt on the ground, cleaning something up while the mom stood over him, every so often glancing through the window back into her flat, slowly sipping from her wine glass.

"They're an odd two" the old lady murmured. Patton turned back to her and quirked an eyebrow curiously. She smiled, amused. "You haven't lived here long enough, my boy" she sighed, bringing her cardigan closer to her body. "They're very quiet. Too quiet if you ask me. They don't speak to anyone, and ignore whoever tries to. I feel for their boy" she shook her head, staring at the concrete ground she stood on in her woolly slippers. Patton cocked his head, even more questions springing up in his mind.

"Their son" she clarified, "young kid, three or four? Haven't seen him much. He should be starting school soon but..." she drifted, eying the parents who were still on the balcony. "Something's telling me he won't" Patton wanted to ask what she meant but she excused herself, explaining how her daughter was coming to town and she needed to get ready.

After that Patton didn't really ask much more about them to the old lady; she always seemed to get uncomfortable and grumpy when they were brought up. However, he did ask other residents after that conversation, and each said similar things. It seemed like the parents didn't like anyone, and no one liked them. Because of this Patton didn't get involved; plus after his two friends advised him to stay clear, he had no reason to talk to them.

But now that might change. He was always protective over kids. Growing up with three younger siblings did that to him. He couldn't stand leaving a child in need, and always wanted to help no matter what. Which was why he was a school student counsellor but that's besides the point. For whatever reason this child was whimpering for he wanted to know why and he desired to help. Course, it could be because of a nightmare, but something tells Patton these parents aren't going to help.

Grabbing a cardigan, he threw it on over his pyjamas and stepped out onto the balcony. These weren't the most high-end flats, and had enough space for two bedrooms, a single bathroom, and an open spaces kitchen and living room. But, every flat had their own balcony. Well, technically they had two on either side. On one side it was the shared balcony which had a metal staircase attached leading to other floors, and the other balcony was a personal one, with enough space for two medium sized potted plants.

Leaving the glass door open behind him, he grabbed a small pebble from the pot the plant lived in and gently threw it into the door on the balcony across him from, knowing that was the child's bedroom. He did this twice and waited only a few minutes before he heard the glass door open and a small head peak out into the cold nights air.

Said small child had longish, matted black hair that fell across his eyes, and pale skin, telling Patton he doesn't get out in the sun much. Leaning on the railing, Patton smiled kindly and waved.

"Hey, Kiddo" he spoke quietly. The small boy inched his way out, revealing to Patton his dark purple pyjamas and a small teddy in his left hand. "Are you okay?" Patton continued his whispers, not wanting to awaken anyone else, especially the child's parents. The small boy hesitated but shook his head, gesturing to himself meekly.

It was dark out, but from the moons glow Patton could see a darker patch against his pyjamas. He had an accident. That's why he was upset. "Oh, Kiddo" Patton whispered, wondering what he could do. He assumed he would need new blankets and sheets, so he told the small child to wait a moment and quickly hurried around his small flat to find some spares. After that, he returned to the balcony, finding the child now wrapped up in a blanket.

Patton smiled kindly and threw the sheets onto his balcony, the child grabbing them and holding them tight. Patton looked over the railing and swallowed, finding the large gap between him and the hard ground daunting, but he would do anything for a child. Swinging his legs over the railing, he held onto them tightly and reached his leg over the gap, landing it on the child's balcony. Said child was covering his eyes, not wanting to look.

But, before he knew it, a hand was ruffling his hair, and the stranger was knelt before him. "I'm Patton" the man introduced, "what's your name?"

"Virgil" the child whispered, "but...but don't tell anyone" he added. Patton smiled and brushed his hair from his eyes, finding them a beautiful brown shade. "I won't. Promise" Patton agreed and stood up, walking into the child's room. It was quite barren, which was a little weird. He had a single bed pressed up to the corner of the room, a drawer full of what Patton presumed to be his clothes, an open toy box filled with four or five teddies, and a single poster on the wall opposite the door, it was a picture of a tree with a cat laying comfortably on a branch.

"I...I didn't mean to" Virgil whispered as Patton began to strip the bed. "Oh, Virgie, no" Patton bent down and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "It's okay, we all make mistakes. I actually wet my own bed recently" he added, a little embarrassed. Virgil silently asked how with a small tilt of his head. Patton blushed.

"I guess I went to bed with a quite full bladder and...had a dream of me using the bathroom" Patton sighed and shook his head, still smiling. "It happens to everyone" Patton reassured, again ruffling the boys hair before standing up and finishing with the bed. "I'll wash these and give them to you tomorrow" Patton gestured to the dirty sheets.

"As for you.." he whispered, staring at the boy for a moment. "Will your parents bathe you tomorrow morning?" Patton questioned. Virgil shook his head. "I only wash on Sunday's" and today was that Sunday. Patton nodded and helped him change into a new pair of pyjamas. "I have an idea" Patton spoke up while tucking the boy into bed. "Do your parents get a babysitter for you on the weekdays?"

Virgil nodded. "I don't like her" He then added.

"Aw, sweetheart" Patton murmured, "what times does she stay?"

"Nine till eight..." he responded a little tiredly, yawning cutely. "Well, you tell her you need to have a bath. I'm sure she'll give you one"

Virgil shook his head. "She's mean"

Patton frowned, feeling more and more concerned for this poor boy. "How about you tell your parents I'll be up for babysitting any time from five onwards...for free" Patton added, hoping that would seal the deal. He could give the boy a quick bath when he came home from work tomorrow-or, today, as checking the time it was nearing four am. He was going to be quite sluggish in school.

Virgil nodded and rolled onto his side, all cuddled up to his teddy. "Goodnight, Kiddo" Patton whispered, pressing another kiss to his head. "Night night..." Virgil whispered, quietly falling asleep. Patton brushed his hair back - he must be exhausted. Standing up, he grabbed his sheets and pyjamas and threw them back onto his balcony, closing Virgil's glass door and reentering his flat.

Leaving the items in the washing machine, he collapsed on his bed, yawned and fell asleep only to be awoken by his alarm clock two hours and a half later.

The day in school proved to be quite difficult with not much sleep. He managed to get some paper work done and speak to a few students who were worried about exams and home life, but apart from that he had a very hard time holding up his own head. Arriving home that day was a major relief until he realised he couldn't nap as soon as he dropped his bag.

Someone rang his doorbell, and he quickly remembered his agreement with Virgil last night. Running a hand through his hair, he opened his front door to be met with a lady he had never met before holding Virgil by his hand. In her other hand she held a bag full of who-knows-what.

"I'm Virgil's babysitter" she introduced with a bored drawl. "His parents said I needed to bring him to you at five or whatever. Something about having to pay less so thanks" she added, viciously sarcastic before shoving Virgil's bag into his chest, Virgil along with it, storming away across the metal balcony and down the stairs, out of sight. Patton stared in bewilderment, holding the bag and Virgil's hand.

He couldn't believe they'd willingly let their son be cared for by a stranger so they didn't have to pay as much.

"Hey, Kiddo, good day?" Patton started up conversation while leading Virgil inside. The boy held onto his teddy while gazing around the living room in silent awe. He hadn't seen a room so clean before. "Uh-huh" he replied, moving across the room and climbing onto the couch. Patton smiled and watched as he dragged his hand across the fluffy cushion, mouth in the shape of an 'o'.

Giggling, Patton wandered into the kitchen and turned on the washer to clean the sheets and pyjamas. While doing so, he started up dinner, asking if Virgil would be okay with pasta. "I ate" he replied instead, chewing the ear of his teddy.

"Oh, when?" Patton asked, pouring water into the pot. "Earlier" he mumbled around the fabric, gazing at the television that was turned off. Patton chuckled. "When was earlier?"

"One pm"

Patton stopped. "Kiddo, that was lunch, we're having dinner now"

"But I'm only allowed one meal a day" Virgil responded like Patton was the dumb one here. Drawing his eyebrows together in high concern, he slowly sat down beside Virgil and moved his hair to one side. "Kiddo...that's not right. Everyone should have three meals per-day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, sometimes even a snack later on" Virgil stared at him in confusion as he explained this - his entire life he has eaten only one meal. That's how he thought it went.

"Are you hungry?"

Virgil nodded. Patton smiled slightly. "Wanna help me cook?"

Virgil nodded again. "Wanna help" he agreed, allowing Patton to scoop him up and place him on the counter. Virgil happily swung his legs back and forth, watching Patton drop the twirled pasta into the water, sprinkling in some salt afterwards. While that cooked, he started on the sauce and allowed Virgil a cookie as a snack.

"How old are you, Virgie?"

"Four!"

Patton smiled and stroked his cheek. "Exciting age. You'll be starting school soon"

Virgil nodded. "Mommy says I'll catch the bus"

Patton's stirring came to a stop. "The bus? But the school bus doesn't come here"

"Public bus" Virgil added. Patton shook his head defiantly. "That's not right" he sighed, staring at Virgil for awhile. "I'll see what I can do" Patton eventually spoke up, supposing he could just give Virgil a lift to his school everyday, he was sure the parents would allow it if it meant they didn't have to pay for the bus.

Patton grabbed two bowls and placed them on the counter beside Virgil, then he drained the pasta once it was ready and mixed it into the sauce before sharing it evenly between them. Patton noticed Virgil wouldn't stop breathing in deeply through his nose, and asked him if he was okay while grabbing two spoons.

"Smells good" he responded and Patton grinned. Picking the boy up, Patton led him to the living room and sat him down on a cushion in front of the coffee table. He unfortunately didn't have a dining table, seeing as the flat didn't really have the space, and usually he didn't ever have any guests for dinner.

"Fluffy pillow?" Virgil asked, making a grabby-hand towards it. Patton cooed and swapped the pillows so Virgil could have the fluffy one. He seemed to really like it. Placing the two bowls before them, Patton clicked on the television and surfed through children's T.V to find something Virgil might like. All the while the boy scooped food into his mouth hurriedly, getting sauce all around his mouth but he didn't seem to care.

Patton finally noticed and chuckled, rubbing the boys back. "Kiddo, slow down" Patton advised, "chew" he added on, and Virgil listened to him, slowing himself down but still shovelling quite a lot into his mouth. Patton frowned, unable to imagine why they'd only allow him one meal. He started on his own meal, entranced by Spongebob and Patrick who went around doing stupid but humorous things.

Virgil seemed to enjoy it, too, for he couldn't remove his eyes from the television screen, mouth left hanging open so the rest of him could do all the work with the food. Patton finished before him and kissed the crown of his head, bringing his bowl into the kitchen and leaving it in the sink in favour of wetting a small rag and returning to Virgil, using it to clean his mouth as now he had finished.

Now Virgil was preoccupied, Patton knelt down before the bag he was given and searched through it. There was another small teddy, a spare change of clothes, what seemed to be small snacks, and right at the bottom, buried under everything else was a...belt.

Patton gripped it tightly, eyes narrowing as he stared at it. He instantly knew this belt wasn't in here to keep up a pair of trousers. When hearing a slight whimper behind him, he turned his head and noticed the fact that Virgil was hidden behind the fluffy cushion, eyes unmoving from the belt in Patton's hand.

Quickly, he buried it back into the bag and hurried over. "Hey, hey, Kiddo, calm down" Patton soothed, sitting beside him. "I'm not gonna hurt you, just breathe for me, breathe" Patton encouraged, wanting his sporadic breathing to return back to normal. Virgil slowly moved the pillow and gripped onto Patton's hand tightly, eyes wide and glossy. "Won't hurt me?" He questioned quietly.

"I won't, ever, I promise"

Virgil held up his pinky and Patton looped his around it, bobbing their hands up and down. "Pinky promise" Virgil slowly smiled and nestled into Patton's side. The man had no quarrels with hugging him tightly and rubbing his arm gently, unable to imagine what he must go through in his flat. Thinking about that reminded him of the accident, and allowed Virgil to return to Spongebob while he ran a bath.

Deeming the water warm enough, he waited a few minutes until it was full enough, spreading a decent amount of soap across the water so soap spuds would appear in mountains. Turning off the water, Patton ran his hand through it one more time and stood up, calling Virgil's name.

He could hear the sound of feet patting against the floor before his head peered around the corner of the doorframe, still holding his teddy to his chest tight. "Ready for your bath?" Virgil nodded and walked closer to Patton, placing his teddy on the rim of the bathtub before holding his arms up in the air.

Patton giggled at the sight, finding this boy to be extraordinary adorable. Pulling off his clothes, Patton lowered him into the bath, allowing him to play with the bubbles for awhile before he began to wash his hair. Now he noticed how long it actually was, and wondered when the last time he got a haircut was.

"Who cuts your hair, Virgie?"

"Mommy does" Virgil responded, "daddy says it's a woman's job"

Patton frowned and nodded. "Okay, how often do they do it?"

Virgil shrugged, "they said every two months but they haven't done it for three..." he drifted off, meeting Patton's soft gaze. "Can you do it?"

"I don't think I'll be any good" Patton sighed, "how about this; I'll take you to the hairdresser tomorrow"

Virgil cocked his head, "whats that?"

"It's a place where professionals cut your hair"

Virgil nodded in understanding, "can I go there?"

"Of course! Tomorrow, okay? And don't tell anyone, this is our secret" Virgil nodded and continued to splash the water while Patton lathered soap into his hair and washed it out again. Now that he was clean, Patton wrapped him up in a warm towel and used his spare clothes to dress him again.

"T.V?" Virgil asked politely, and who was Patton to say no?

"Go on, Kiddo" with that he grabbed his teddy and rushed back to continue watching Spongebob. Patton dried Virgil's sheets and folded them all the while listening to the sound of Spongebob's strange voice. It was nice, in a way, having a child in the house. It reminded him of his childhood and his own brothers and sister - he adored living with them and helping them out, but they're all older now, and can care for themselves. Only one still lived with their parents.

He returned all of Virgil's items into his bag - including the stuff he washed - and left it by the front door. Checking the time, he assumed the parents would be home soon as Virgil did say his babysitter left at eight. Sitting beside the boy, he brought him into his lap and began braiding his hair. Virgil didn't protest and actually liked the feeling of someone playing with his hair, so he leant into it and continued to watch the show.

"When do your parents come back?"

"Nine"

"Nine?" Patton repeated, confused. "But you said your babysitter left at eight" Virgil nodded, "yeah" he agreed, and that's when Patton realised the parents leave him alone for an hour, another tactic so they could pay the babysitter less. He wouldn't be surprised if some days they didn't even ask the babysitter to come over and just left him alone for hours.

Instead of returning him at eight, he waited another hour, and when the clock struck nine, there was a knock at Patton's door. He assumed it was the parents. Forcing on a polite smile, he picked Virgil up along with his bag and pulled open the door. Before him stood Virgil's mother. She looked bored out of her mind, tapping away on her phone screen.

"Hello" Patton greeted, in a less-than-friendly tone, but he couldn't help it. He felt a lot of resentment for these parents right now. "Hi" she replied, then held out her hand. Patton gave her the bag, and continued to hold her son.

Finally, she lifted her eyes, "gonna give me my son or what?"

Patton was tempted to slam the door in her face, but instead he sighed and turned to Virgil, knowing he would have to give him over. "You okay, Kiddo?" He nodded and wrapped his arms around Patton's neck, giving him a long hug. Patton didn't lean back until he did.

"Gonna miss you" he whispered, and Patton smiled. "I'll miss you, too, but you can come over again tomorrow, remember?"

Virgil nodded happily. "He will be coming over tomorrow, right?" Patton then asked the mom who sighed and rolled her eyes, obviously wanting this to be over. "Yeah, yeah, whatever, come on" she held out an arm towards Virgil who frowned and stared at Patton with big, wide eyes. The man wanted to keep him, but couldn't, so with one more kiss to his forehead, Patton handed the boy over.

"Bye, bye, Patton" Virgil called. "Goodbye, Kiddo! See you tomorrow!" Patton managed to get in before his mom slammed shut her door. Leaning on his doorframe, he finally noticed a few other residents who go out onto the balcony to smoke staring over at him. He gave them all a little wave and returned inside, closing his door and locking it.

The next day Patton felt much better, he managed to get a full eight hours sleep before arriving to school. Like usual, he waved at the few students he passed, entering his office and sitting at his desk. Picking up his phone, he managed to book an appointment at the closest hairdresser to the building he lived in for six thirty. Afterwards, he did his work and talked to any student who came into his office, or ones he passed by that looked rather lonely.

Throughout the day he kept thinking of Virgil and hoping the boy was okay.

Finally arriving home, he placed some paperwork onto his coffee table and threw his bag into his room, pausing momentarily when his doorbell rang throughout the flat. Then, in a dash he swung open the door and grinned at Virgil who rushed into his legs, hugging them. "Thank you" he spoke to the babysitter without even looking up at her, grabbing the bag and closing the door.

"How're you, Kiddo?" Patton asked, all the while picking him up and brushing away his hair. "Good!" He responded, "pasta?" He then asked for, and Patton grinned, booping his nose. "We can't have pasta every night, Virgie. Plus, we need to get your haircut before we can eat"

"Oh...that's fine" Virgil agreed, smiling again, something he reserved for Patton only. No one else was allowed to see it. "Wanna watch Spongebob?" Virgil nodded and clambered onto the couch, waiting until Patton sat beside him before shuffling onto his lap, his back pressed up to Patton's chest, eyes instantly glued to the television screen where his yellow square friend appeared.

They could only watch for awhile, however, as it was nearing six and Patton didn't want to be late. "Do you have a car seat?" Patton asked while he and Virgil left his flat and walked across the balcony together. Virgil shook his head, holding his hand and teddy. "Nu-uh" Patton sighed but he guessed it would be alright. Setting him in the back seat, he strapped him up and began the short drive to the salon.

"Can I keep these?" Virgil asked. Patton looked through the rear view mirror to see him holding his bangs. Patton smiled, "of course, they'll just shorten them slightly, okay?" Virgil nodded and hugged his teddy, gazing out the window at the passing scenery. Truth be told he rarely ever leaves his flat, and when he does it's usually just the balcony. He hadn't been to town in at least two years, even so he couldn't really remember it.

They arrived at the hairdresser and both sat down in the waiting area, Patton watching him play with one of the toys they left out for children.

"Virgil?" The hairdresser called. They both lifted their heads, Patton standing and smiling at the hairdresser. "Hey, yes, this is Virgil" Patton gestured to the boy who shyly hid behind his teddy, gazing at Patton.

"Isn't he the sweetest" the hairdresser smiled, "is he yours?"

Patton hesitated, "I'm a...family friend" he finally managed, and the hairdresser nodded, holding out her hand to Virgil. "Come on, then, let's sit you down"

Virgil waited until Patton reassured him it would be okay before following the hairdresser to the seat before a mirror. "Now, how much do we want off?" She asked Patton, raising up Virgil's chair. "He wants to keep his bangs, but everything else can be a normal, short length"

The hairdresser nodded and the two started conversation while she chopped at Virgil's hair, the boy unable to stop watching, holding onto his teddy underneath the sheet covering his body so none of his hair would end up on his clothes. A little while later it was done, and Virgil loved it. He swung his head left and right, giggling as his bangs swayed in the air.

"Like it, Kiddo?"

He nodded and touched the shorter parts of it, finding he preferred when his hair was above his ears, and not covering them completely. "Thank you" he murmured to the hairdresser who smiled and pinched his permanently rosy-red cheeks. "My pleasure" she responded, and Patton paid her before holding Virgil's hand and leaving the salon.

"Now we're here" Patton spoke in a sing-song voice, grinning at Virgil who stared at him curiously. "Do you want some ice-cream?"

Virgil cocked his head. "What's that?"

"Only the best thing ever invented! Come on" Patton tugged him gently down the street and he had no quarrels with following along, mesmerised by everything they passed by. It was a very colourful town, and Virgil had never seen anything like it before. However, he didn't really like the many humans populating the sidewalks, and would press into Patton's legs when passing them, but other than that he was okay. He was happy. Gripping tightly onto Patton's safe hand.

They crossed the street and entered a new shop. Virgil looked at the many tubs of different coloured ice-creams, not knowing which one he wanted.

"Do you like chocolate?" Patton asked, bending down to be closer to his height. Virgil scrunched us his face, whenever he thought about chocolate he would think of his parents sitting on the couch, stuffing their faces with the stuff. He didn't like it. Shaking his head as a response, Patton nodded his own and hummed.

"What about strawberry? Or vanilla? Or cookies and cream?"

"Can I have what you have?" Virgil asked instead, and Patton smiled, agreeing. So, he asked for two cookies and creams, giving Virgil the tub as that was what he asked for, while he had a cone. The two sat down in a booth and ate, Virgil placing his teddy beside him.

"Do you like it?" Patton grinned at the boy who nodded hurriedly, unable to respond with ice-cream melting in his mouth. He seemed to love it, probably more than the pasta. Patton sighed happily and continued to watch, licking at his own ice-cream.

"Holy shit, hoe! I didn't know you had a child!" A voice interrupted the serenity. Patton looked up to see a friend of his rushing over to him. It was Remy. Patton had met them through Roman, as they were childhood friends. They were nice, but had quite the sailors mouth. "Remy! Hey!" Patton smiled and stood up, giving them a quick hug.

"And I don't have a child" he laughed, "I'm just babysitting"

Remy looked at Virgil who watched curiously, holding his now empty pot of ice-cream. "Riiiiiight" they dragged out, not believing it at all. "What's the cuties name?"

Patton smile brightened, and Remy noticed. "His names Virgil! And he lives next to me in the block of flats?" Patton prompted Remy's memory. They rose an eyebrow in disbelief, "girl, you still live there? Fuck! Get your ass somewhere else! I know you have enough money!" Remy encouraged with a shake of their head. Patton laughed.

"I know, but it's hard work, and I already have so much to do. I promise I'll look for new houses this weekend" Patton reassured, he had meant to do that for quite some time, but he found himself comfortable where he was now, even if it was sometimes unbearably small. But, he did agree with Remy's persistence, and would definitely be moving soon. However, when he glanced towards Virgil, he suddenly didn't think it was such a good idea. He could still look after the boy - but what if he needed something in the night?

"You better, bitch, I swear to god" Remy shook their head, "anywhore! My fuck-ass of a boyfriend wants me to meet him in town square or whatever, something about having a picnic or whatever" Patton smiled coyly, raising an eyebrow at Remy's failed attempts at making it seem like they didn't want to do that.

"Go enjoy your date, kiddo" Patton encouraged. Remy rolled their eyes, "don't tell anyone, hoe" they threatened, giving Patton one last hug before twirling on their feet and calling out goodbyes to them.

"Who's that?" Virgil asked once Patton sat back down and finished his ice-cream. "Oh, they're a friend" Virgil nodded. "He said naughty words" Patton chuckled and reached over, ruffling his hair. "Don't repeat them, okay? And don't call them he or him, either" Virgil cocked his head in confusion. "She...?" He drifted, and Patton shook his head.

"No, no, I know it's confusing, but they're...not a boy or a girl"

Virgil frowned for awhile, staring at his teddy in thought. "What're they?"

"Non-binary"

Virgil went back to thinking. "What do I call...um...?"

"They or them"

Virgil nodded again. "Okay...they cool" he managed a small smile and Patton beamed in response, "awh, Kiddo, they would love you"

They arrived home awhile later after they had a short walk around the park. Patton cooked up some fish and chips, and Virgil loved it just as much as the pasta, sitting on his fluffy cushion while watching television. The time of Virgil's departure soon came, which was unfortunate because Patton really enjoyed his company, and doesn't like it when Virgil is around his parents.

Before someone could collect him, however, he took Virgil's bag to his bedroom and pulled out the belt, throwing it in the trash can before zipping the bag close and returning to the living room. The doorbell rang, and Patton returned Virgil to his mom.

The next day he and Virgil were playing a board game when someone rang on Patton's doorbell. Virgil tensed, not wanting it to be his parents so soon. Standing, Patton hurried over and opened the door, smiling in delight when he saw who it was.

"Logan!" He cheered, dragging the nerd-like man into a tight hug. "Salutations, Patton" Logan responded, "are you well?"

"Yep! Come in, how're you?" Patton responded, allowing him inside and closing the door. "I am adequate" He went to say more when his eyes landed on Virgil who half-his behind the coffee table, clutching onto his teddy tightly.

"Who is this?"

Patton beamed, "this is Virgil! I'm babysitting him for next door" he explained while gesturing Virgil to come over. Hesitantly, the boy shuffled closer to Patton, allowing the man to pick him up and balance him on his hip.

"Say hi to Logan, kiddo"

Virgil wrapped his arms around Patton's neck. "H..hi.." he whispered, not daring to meet his gaze. "Hello, Virgil" Logan nodded slightly then turned to Patton, "I do apologise, if I knew you had company I would have arranged to meet up another time" Patton quickly waved it off dismissively, saying they could both stay for dinner.

"We can order pizza! How does that sound?" Patton directed the question more to Virgil who smiled slightly and nodded. "I like pizza" he whispered, and Patton beamed, pecking his cheek. "Why don't you show Logan how to play?" Patton gestured to the board game set out on the coffee table.

"I know how to play mono-" Patton held up a finger to Logan's lips, shutting him up. "I mean, yes, please show me" Logan corrected, sitting opposite Virgil, allowing the boy to silently show him what to do. Patton watched from the kitchen, ordering their pizzas over the phone.

Afterwards, he returned to Virgil's side and they restarted the same so Logan could join in, both pulling small tactics so they would lose more money and Virgil would end up winning. Awhile later the doorbell rang and their pizzas had arrived - Patton insisted he paid and they all forgot about the game in favour of watching a movie.

"Have you ever seen a Disney movie before, Virgie?"

The little boy shook his head, chewing his pizza. Patton hummed and held up Wall-E. "What about this?" He suggested, knowing Logan liked this one. Virgil nodded and watched Patton slide the disc in and start the movie, sitting beside Virgil so he was in between Logan and him. They all ate their pizzas, fully focused on the screen as the small, adorable robot rolled around, collecting trash into square blocks.

Towards the end, Patton heard a small sniffle. He looked down at Virgil and felt his heart break at the sight - the sad but happy ending made Virgil tear up. "Awh, Kiddo" Patton cooed, bringing him onto his lap, letting Virgil spill a few tears before wiping them away with a clean napkin. Logan watched the exchange silently, a few assumptions creating themselves in his mind.

One of them bring Patton must really care about this boy.

After the movie and they had all cleaned up, the doorbell rang and Logan answered it. "Hello, Ma'am" he greeted the lady who sighed and rolled her eyes irritability. "Just give me my son" she demanded, holding out her hand as if he was an object.

Logan leaned back and glanced at Patton who smiled sadly and scooped Virgil up along with his bag, giving him a long hug and a kiss to his head before handing him over. Logan watched them go, flinching when the lady slammed shut her front door. "What an ill-mannered woman" he muttered, closing Patton's door and turning to him.

He merely shrugged and turned to the coffee table, grabbing a few of his papers and flicking through them. "Is this why you babysit him?"

Patton paused. "Because of his seemingly bad mother?"

Sighing, Patton put down his work and turned to his best friend, crossing his arms. "They're not good parents, Lo, they only feed him one meal a day, they leave him completely alone for an hour, and gave him to me without even meeting me first! So they could pay the babysitter less - and when he starts school they're planning to send him on a public bus! Do you know his unsafe that is!?" He ranted, running a hand through his hair.

"They don't care for him, at all, and I...don't know what to do" he sighed, ducking his head. Logan was silent for awhile as he contemplated the options. "I would suggest calling child services to have him removed, but I have a feeling you do not want him to be taken away, as you would be unable to babysit him anymore" Patton nodded solemnly in agreement.

"I will think of something" Logan ended the conversation there.

The next day Patton set up two colouring books and a box of colours on his coffee table, just in time for when his doorbell rang, indicating Virgil being dropped off by his babysitter. Smiling happily, he rushed over and didn't give her any attention at all, focusing entirely on Virgil who seemed just as happy to see him.

"Instead of watching television" Patton began, closing the door and walking over to the couch. "I thought we could colour. Have you done this before?" Patton gestured to what he was referring to, kneeling on a cushion beside the boy who sat on his fluffy pillow with his all-famous teddy.

"Nu-uh, what do I do?"

Patton smiled and picked up a random colour; green. "You just...colour in!" He explained with a giggle, showing to Virgil him colouring in the lines of a leaf. Virgil continued to watch him exchange colours for different objects in his pre-made drawing. Feeling more confident, he picked up his own colour and began on his work, trying his hardest to keep in the lines but inevitably failing, still it didn't seem to bother him for he was having such a good time.

In the end, once Patton had finished his, he brought Virgil into his lap and watched as he coloured, running a hand through his hair soothingly. "Patton?" Virgil murmured. "Yeah, Kiddo?"

He put down his pencil and turned to face the caring man. "Why isn't daddy like you?" He asked innocently, tilting his head to the side with a frown resting on his lips. Patton frowned, too, and turned Virgil around completely, arms wrapped around his waist.

"Everyone's different, Kiddo. But your dad..." he drifted, sighing. How could he explain this to a four year old? "He isn't a good person"

"I know"

Oh...

"I don't like him" Virgil continued, resting his head on Patton's shoulder, now laying against his chest comfortably. "I like you" he mumbled, and Patton's chest blossomed with warmth and love. Hugging him tightly, Patton kissed his head and smiled softly.

"I like you, too"

For awhile Patton kept this up; everyday Virgil would be dropped off at his house and would stay until nine o'clock. Patton would make sure to feed him and take him to town more and more frequently. On the weekends Virgil would stay for the entire day, and while Patton did work from school, Virgil would happily watch T.V or colour, or do both!

On their third week in, their schedule changed slightly. That Friday afternoon, while Patton and Virgil made dinner together, someone rang Patton's doorbell. Curious, Patton scooped Virgil up and wandered over, freezing when he came face to face with Virgil's dad. He hasn't met this man before. What could he possibly want? And why was he home early?

He didn't spare a glance at Virgil who wriggled out of Patton's grip and disappeared somewhere in his flat. "You're babysitting him, yeah?" He asked, voice gruff. "Virgil? Your son? Yes, yes I am" Patton replied strongly, not about to let this man know he was actually quite scared. He was a tall, buff man, very intimidating.

"Me and my wife are going out for the night, keep him here or send him home, do whatever. Just know no one will pick him up later" with that the man disappeared back into his flat, and Patton slowly shut his door. He gets to keep Virgil for the night? Oh, how he has longed for this moment! Now he didn't need to worry so much before falling asleep!

"Virgil? Kiddo?" Patton called, hurrying through the flat, searching for the small boy. "Patton?" He heard him call from his bedroom. Entering, he spotted Virgil sliding out from under the bed, rushing over and into his arms. "Is he gone?" He whispered, and Patton creased his eyebrows in worry. Why did this boy fear him so much?

"He is. All gone. And you can stay the night, how does that sound?"

Virgil's face lit up and that's all the confirmation Patton needed. They finished dinner, and while Virgil ate Patton clambered over their balconies into Virgil's bedroom, staying deathly silent as he grabbed a bunch of spare clothes for him to wear to bed and tomorrow. Thankfully it was a Saturday.

Returning, he ruffled Virgil's hair, putting their bowls in the sink. "Patton?"

"Yeah, Kiddo?" He responded, heading back over to him and kneeling on the spot next to him. Virgil shuffled onto his lap. "I don't like daddy" he began, "but I like you" Patton smiled and cupped his cheek, gently stroking his cheekbone. "I like you too, Virgie"

This made him giggle lightly. "You're a better daddy" he concluded, shyly clutching his teddy bear, peeking up at him through his growing bangs. "Can I...are you..." he murmured, messing up his words. "Stay with you?" He managed shakily, not daring to meet Patton's gaze.

The older man deflated slightly, bringing Virgil's face up to meet his gaze, smiling sadly. "Kiddo, I would want nothing more than for you to stay here" when Virgil's face lit up and he began bobbing up and down in excitement, Patton knew he couldn't let him down now. Kissing his forehead, Patton smiled. "I'll see what I can do"

"Really?" Virgil smiled and hugged him. "Thank you, Patton, m'love you"

The man felt his heart melt. He held Virgil tighter. "I love you, too, Kiddo"

That night, after changing him and brushing his teeth, Patton settled him into his bed. The other bedroom didn't actually have a bed, and seeing as Patton didn't want him staying on the couch, he gave him his bed. "Pat, Pat, sleep here? With me?" Virgil asked, raising the blanket up beside him. It was a double bed, so they could both fit on.

Patton smiled and agreed, "of course, Kiddo" he said while slipping into bed beside him, already ready for bed.

Virgil shuffled across the bed, resting his head on Patton's chest with his teddy tucked securely under his arm. "Patton?" Virgil whispered into the dark of the room. Patton hummed in response, curling both arms around him.

"Are you my new dad?"

Patton didn't know how to respond, but if he was about to do everything it takes to get Virgil into his custody, he guessed he was. "I'm whatever you want me to be"

Virgil was silent for awhile, and Patton assumed he fell asleep, so he closed his eyes and brought Virgil closer. The peaceful silence was broken by Virgil's soft voice;

"I love you, daddy"

Yep, Patton could cry. Chuckling, Patton kissed his head. "I love you too, Virgie"

In the end, Virgil stayed on that Saturday, too, and on Sunday while the two lounged on the couch someone knocked on Patton's front door. Low and behold, it was Logan! Carrying a bag full of papers.

"What's that, Lo?" Patton questioned, watching as he put the bag on the coffee table and flicked through the files. Virgil watched from the couch, holding his teddy and fluffy pillow tightly. He hadn't seen Logan for awhile, so he was kinda shy.

"I have thought about what you said" Logan began, turning to his friend. "And as you have grown attached to this boy, I feel it would be best for you to take him into your custody, correct?" Logan handed over a bunch of papers. "If you manage to make his parents sign these, he is yours"

Patton gasped softly, gazing at the papers for a moment before meeting Logan's gaze with watery eyes. "Really? This...really?" He whispered, Virgil didn't really know what was going on, so he silently continued to watch. Logan nodded and Patton sniffled, smiling widely, "thank you, Lo, I don't know what to say..." when a few tears spilt down his cheeks, Virgil's own eyes widened.

Logan made his dad cry.

Angrily, he threw the pillow to the side and jumped up, standing between Logan and his dad. "Go away!" He demanded, holding onto Patton's leg, "go away!" He repeated, "stop making him cry!" Virgil yelled out, and Logan took a few steps back, looking up at Patton who put down the papers and picked Virgil up.

"Hey, hey, Kiddo" Patton sniffled and wiped away his tears, "I'm okay" he reassured, "they're happy tears, I promise" they hooked pinkies and Virgil relaxed, still he shot Logan a glare and hugged his dad tightly.

Later on in the day, after Logan left, Patton picked up Virgil and they walked back to his parents flat. Virgil was worried he was being sent home, but Patton reassured him that wasn't the case, so he trusted Patton but still hid behind his leg. Knocking on the door, they both had to wait awhile before it opened, revealing Virgil's mom. She sighed.

"Come on, Virgil, get in" she demanded, and Virgil gripped onto Patton's leg desperately.

"No, wait, that's not why I'm here.." Patton drifted and held the papers towards her with a pen. "I was hoping you'd sign these?" He suggested meekly.

She cocked an eyebrow, "why?"

"So I can have Virgil in my custody?"

She stared at him in silence for a moment before snorting, even throwing her head back and laughing. "You mean to tell me you want him?"

Patton's eyes hardened, "I would want nothing more. I love him"

She sighed, rolling her eyes. "Whatever, anything to get him away" she snatched the papers and disappeared inside her flat, presumably to her husband as they both needed to sign them. Picking Virgil up, Patton held him close, booping his nose.

"Can I stay with you?"

Patton nodded and Virgil smiled, "can we leave? I don't like it here.."

"We'll move as soon as we can. Far away from here, and we'll never come back" Patton assured, and Virgil hugged him tightly in pure joy. And when she came back with the papers fully signed, Logan helped Patton out with a few more legal technicalities before Virgil was in his full custody, and a month later, in a new home, far away from the flats and to never return.

—

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