4:03am

Aha this one is gonna be DEPRESSING
Also don't mind the title I'm just TRYING things out alright

Bare in mind! I've never worked/been into a nursing home/old people's home/etc before ('cus there's mentions of them later in the story) so if anything's wrong blame it on my ineptitude

I'm sure my boyfriend will correct me - she manages to snag all my inaccuracies. Looking at you, Den

Trigger warning: mentions of suicide, description of death by train, indications of murder

Au
—

"And this is your room" Virgil displayed, sweeping his arm around with as much enthusiasm as a relative at a funeral. "Hope you like it, etcetera" he shrugged, leaning on the door to allow his new roommate to step in and leave his light blue suitcase beside the bed. "You don't seem so happy that I'm here" he commented gently, pulling off the heavy bag from his shoulders, rolling small circles with them in relief.

Virgil sighed, scratching the back of his neck. "S'not that. Company is nice. It's just... I've given this speech like, a hundred times" he tried to laugh it off as a joke but his chuckle came out weak and hoarse. The roommate, Patton, turned to him with a confused expression. "You have? Oh... do people not like it here?" He worried, wondering if he had chosen the right space to live in (for awhile, at least) after all. But he didn't want to offend his new roommate either, he was so sweet (if a little lacklustre) Patton couldn't think for a moment everyone would leave because of him.

"They.." he hesitated, then sighed. "It's a touchy subject. I'll let you unpack and shit- I'll make some tea, 'cus you said you liked that, right? And we can talk more then" he suggested, already starting to leave the room. "Oh, yes! That sounds great. And yes, I love tea" Patton smiled softly, "good, uh-cool, yeah" as the door shut and feet padded down the hallway, Patton could hear him quietly cursing himself for his terrible conversation skills. Patton simply giggled softly, he thought Virgil was fine.

Not letting procrastination get in his way, he dragged his suitcase onto the neatly made bed, with fresh white sheets and cute, purple cushions. Patton adored them, they were in the shape of clouds! While humming a tune, he hung up his clothes inside the wardrobe, then folded socks, underwear, and any other miscellaneous clothing object inside the set of draws underneath.

Inside his bag were small knickknacks and other decorations he brought from his parents home that he simply couldn't let be put into storage for years and ruined by time. First he walked over to the desk, eyes instantly landing on the photo frame propping itself up on the left side. Placing down his two snow globes, pop figures and cute, small plastic dogs (collected over his childhood) he picked up the frame, staring at the two people pictured.

It was Virgil, dressed in dark clothing (like he was today - Patton assumed it was his style), a half smile adorning his features. Patton thought it to be cute. Beside him stood a slightly taller man, with black-rimmed glasses and a tie wrapped neatly around his neck, hanging down his chest. Curiously, he flipped it over, surprised to see a folded piece of paper wedged into the frame. He stood there for a few minutes mulling over if he should read it or not. If it was something Virgil didn't want anyone to see, he wouldn't leave it in Patton's bedroom, would he? It could be something non-important, maybe even simply the date the photo was taken!

He placed down the frame, albeit slowly, before continuing to decorate. He must've taken two hours before everything was set up in a way he was pretty proud of; hanging from the walls were posters, photos of him and his friends, fairy lights that either sparkled or changed colour. Plus collected items from his past, countless snow globes, cute animal figurines and... that photo.

The photo that wasn't his.

He was standing before it again, slowly flipping it over to look at the paper, still wedged in the same spot. He rationalised it couldn't be anything serious before finally taking it out, and hesitantly unfolding it.

Logan Atlas.
N/A

'N/A'? No answer? No answer to what? What question? Patton quickly returned the paper, he didn't want to intrude or pry to Virgil about what this might be. He assumed he was a friend and left it at that; but he couldn't help but wonder what the 'no answer' was referring to.

Leaving his room, he walked down the flight of stairs and into the living room where Virgil sprawled on the couch, eyes glued to his phone. "Oh, hey" he greeted, voice low. "I bought some tea bags earlier, I don't drink it myself so don't expect this to be groundbreaking" he explained while hauling himself up, but before he could even rise from the couch Patton was waving his hands dismissively. "I can make it, don't worry Kiddo!"

"You sure? I mean, it's- you just moved in"

"Really" Patton assured, "I appreciate it though! You're very sweet to even buy the teabags for me" he added appreciatively. "Eh, it's... it's the least I can do" Virgil shrugged, then leaned back into the couch. "We can talk after you make it?" He offered and Patton nodded happily, entering the kitchen which was connected to start boiling water and receiving everything he'd need for his drink - which he has been dying for the entire day.

Absentmindedly he began to hum again, a faint tune from childhood - he couldn't recall where he heard it, what it was from, but he knew it was a good memory. It stuck with him so long, after all. To him it was a comfort, and often made him feel better when he wasn't doing so well. Not that those moments came often.

Finished making his drink, he brought it into the living room, sipping the hot, delightful liquid down his throat. Virgil put his phone down after Patton took the seat on the armchair opposite, wanting to give him his full attention and not seem rude. He is the first roommate he's had since December last year, three months ago, even if he enjoyed being alone it got horrid after awhile, he really didn't want Patton to move out any time soon. Plus, first impressions were always important, and having a rough friendship with a roommate is exceptionally worse than living alone.

"Can I ask a question?" Patton queried, both hands wrapped around the warm mug. Virgil sat himself up and nodded, silently prompting him to continue. "Who's in the photo? In my room"

Virgil had to think for a moment, cheeks flushing pink when he remembered he had forgotten to remove that before Patton arrived. He had kept it in there to avoid that painful reminder. "Ah, uh, that... that was my old roommate. He moved out a few days after Christmas. Neither of us celebrated it though, so it wasn't sad or anything. His name was Logan" he shrugged awkwardly - why was he so terrible at talking.

"Oh- why did he move out?" Patton tilted his head to the side, "you don't have to answer if it's... not my place" he then added, smiling reassuringly.

Virgil shook his head, "no it's fine. He moved out because..." slowly Virgil's eyes lifted to gaze out the window that showed the front garden. Although his vision was focused on something much further in the distance. "This place wasn't good for him. He had to go" Patton was tempted to ask more, he didn't entirely understand, but he could hear the pain in Virgil's voice and see the way his eyes glossed over at the mere memory, so he smiled lightly and nodded. "Well, I hope he's doing okay, wherever he is"

Virgil nodded slowly, eyes falling to the ground, "yeah... so do I"

Patton hurriedly changed the subject; "so! What's there to do around here?"

Virgil, grateful to talk about something else, responded quick; "eh.. nothing much. It's a boring town, not many families live here so there isn't even a park. It's sort of like... a place to stay for a short while to get your bearings, before moving elsewhere. Although there's a big uh-place.." he hesitated, eyebrows furrowing. "The nursing home?" Patton prompted and Virgil clicked his fingers in recognition, "yeah! Fuck- that place"

Patton giggled against the rim of his mug, "yes, I'm volunteering there. I told you earlier"

Virgil's eyes widened and face somehow became paler, "shit, you did... god, I'm so sorry I-"

"No, hey! It's okay" Patton waved his hand around, "it's fine, I'm not upset! I'm forgetful too" he brushed off and Virgil, still overly apologetic, relaxed into the cushions of the couch. "Why're you volunteering? You said you went to a-uh, vet school, right?"

Patton nodded, "I did! It was wonderful! But I don't have much experience with people and how to properly communicate! There's a wonderful vet in the town over which I plan to work in. It homes so many animals, plenty of them exotic too! But they said it would be best if I work or volunteer to get to know people, how to talk and act, and stuff" he explained, Virgil cocked an eyebrow.

"Shouldn't your animal skills matter more? I mean- you've been great to talk to"

Patton blushed lightly, looking down at his half-drunk tea, "aw Kiddo, thank you. But they told me they've had to fire a few people in the past because they didn't treat the customers so well. I know people can be a handful, so I want to be prepared! Plus, they said they don't mind where I volunteer, as long as I'm working with people. So! Here I am" he giggled gently, "my grandpapa used to live here, I visited a lot when I was young but only to see him. The home liked me and when I contacted them recently they instantly agreed! And I hope to get a job in town too" as he finished, he blushed further, ducking his head sheepishly.

"Sorry, I tend to ramble"

Virgil shook his head, "nah it's cool. I wanted to know more about you so uh- ramble all you want. I'm not the best.. talker? If- if that even makes sense" he stammered, Patton smiled reassuringly his way. "I understand, I'll make sure to tell you my whole life story if you want"

Virgil, for the first time in awhile, managed to chuckle with someone. "If you do, don't be offended if I fall asleep"

Patton gasped softly but couldn't hold back his laughter, eyes gleaming. Virgil watched with his own smile, grateful he wasn't so alone anymore.

The first few weeks living there were great for Patton, he woke up bright and early each day, ate his breakfast, made short conversation with a groggy (yet cute) Virgil before hurrying off to the care home only a ten minute drive away. Luckily he managed to snag a job in a local food store on the first week too (it was a very quiet town, many places had open vacancies for staff) and as rent was low in his apartment, he could pay for other necessities too, but sometimes he would have help from his parents who were more than willing to abide.

The care home was as lovely as he imagined, while sometimes it made him miss his grandfather (whom Patton loved very much) it was just as wholesome to talk to the other residents and learn about their incredible life stories. His favourite people were twins, Agatha and Bethany, who grew up in Germany most of their childhood but moved to America at seventeen - they had both been through so much and while Patton was a little surprised people as outgoing as them decided to stay in a small town on the coast, away from any sort of action, he understood they reached the point where they simply needed to relax and look back upon those memories with smiles, rather than desperately trying to create new ones.

Everyone there liked him, even if a few of the men were grumpy towards his bubbly, giggly personality they'd admit having someone so uplifting in the otherwise down and dreary home was a nice change. One that would be greatly missed when he moved onto becoming a vet - however they all encouraged his life goals, and Patton sometimes teared up at their shared pride for the young man.

"Good morning, Patton" Christie, an older lady he worked with, called with a smile as he entered the building. "Oh, good morning! How're you?" He responded cheerfully, the two walking down the hallway together. "Oh the usual, Mike's gone for a few days on a school trip. It'll be good for him, most his time is spent on that damn computer anyway" she sighed mournfully for her son, a fifteen year old teenager, and a self-proclaimed gamer.

"I'm making sure he goes to summer camp this year with nothing but a flip phone. Although knowing him I'm sure he'd entertain himself playing snake" she sighed again, Patton simply giggled to her complaints, leaving his lunch in the staff room fridge with a little note on the top that read; "please don't eat! Everything else in the fridge isn't vegetarian friendly D: - Patton <3".

No one dared eat his food because one; he was the sweetest boy they had ever met and two; it wasn't that appetising anyway. Salads were the last thing people would steal.

"Anyway- how're you?" Christie turned to him after he placed his bag down in the usual spot.

"I'm wonderful! I met a cat in the parking lot but I couldn't pet them, I'm allergic" he frowned, "but that's okay! I'm sure he was fine bathing in the sun by himself" that's what drew people towards Patton, his ability to see the good in any situation. The two carried on conversing as they made their rounds to wake up the residents, of course they'd pause between to talk to the waking elderly, give them their breakfast and help them change into their day clothes.

"Right- I'll meet you later. I have to lead today's yoga class" Christie smiled, "which will be a nice change from watching the sports, good luck with Annie" Patton called his own goodbyes as she walked down the hallway, leaving Patton alone at the last room. Annie was tough and stubborn, would stay in bed all day if she could, but Patton managed to get her out of bed nine times out of ten, a feat only one other person in the home could manage. Annie blatantly had favourites, and Patton was one of them.

He pushed open the door and left the cart in the doorway, "good morning, Annie!" He called, able to tell when she was awake or asleep, even if she had her eyes closed. "Ready to get out of bed?" He added, pulling open the floral curtains, allowing the sun to pour in and splash across the soft pink carpeted floor.

From the bed, the woman let out a groan, pulling the blanket further over her head. Patton laughed softly, opening up her closet. "What will you like to wear today? Your blue dress? Or how about the ivy-patterned skirt? Or- ooo! Your favourite trousers? They match this blue top so well!" He gushed over her array of outfits, looking over his shoulder at the woman who hadn't moved.

Patton couldn't pick for her knowing she was very specific about what she wore, and wouldn't allow anyone to dress her up. "C'mon, Annie, today is a wonderful day, I-"

"How's that Virgil boy?" She cut him off in a muffled, hoarse voice. Patton paused halfway across the room, eyebrows drawing together. "My roommate? How... how'd you know his name?" Patton wondered, he hadn't told anyone here Virgil's name, and only a few people knew he shared an apartment with someone.

"You live in that apartment complex, don't you? Near the church?" Finally she pushed away the covers and hoisted herself up, even if tasks were getting difficult at her age she still persisted she did most of them herself. She hated getting help from anyone, it made her feel weak, and she certainly wasn't.

"Yeah! But..."

"You wouldn't have moved in any other place. I know you lived with someone and the only person there your age is Virgil" she explained, swinging her legs over the side of the bed, her nightgown pooling around her waist. She was right, of course, Patton knew that - every neighbour he had met was an adult either nearing their sixties, or just over. While Patton thought, she coughed into her handkerchief and sipped the water from her bedside table.

"Well, how is he?" She demanded, Patton quickly snapped to action. "Oh! He's great, I... yeah! It's sweet, just quiet, but it's nice! He doesn't mind that I ramble" she sighed, "that makes one of us"

During the course of his time here he had learnt to ignore comments such as those, he supposed that's really why he needed the work with people, because they can be mean. Then again, Annie was rather old, she's been through a heck of a life - Patton would relent.

"I knew his mother, sweet lady. Died when he was sixteen, terrible accident. Pushed onto the train tracks by a drunk bastard. She didn't have time to move before-"

"I- I get it" Patton cut her off, voice wavering. She rose her eyebrow but didn't continue, instead pushed herself up onto her legs, hunching over as she dragged her feet across the carpet towards the closet. Patton just gazed at the floor, vividly recalling a conversation he had with Virgil recently; he talked about his mother, who he made out to be alive at present time.

"Was he adopted? By a new mom? Or-or... did he have a step-mom?" Patton wondered, Annie filtered through her clothes. "No. His father went silent after what happened, he moved out at eighteen, came back two years later. Hasn't moved since. His father..." she paused, hand tightening on a shirt. "His Father was found at the bottom of Saint Cermond bridge" Patton's eyes widened, he didn't realise Virgil had lost both of his parents. And he lied to him about it? He wasn't offended at all, or upset, moreover he was concerned for his friend.

Patton was glad Annie told him, but also not. He would've been more comfortable if Virgil told him himself, as that's a sure fire sign of trust, still he'd talk to him later.

Leaving the room so she could change, he entered a few minutes later and led her down to the cafeteria where the other residents were, already eating their breakfast. She parted from Patton and sat with her few close friends after grabbing a tray from the counter. Satisfied, Patton turned and left the room to start his cleaning duties, but he couldn't get what Annie told him off of his mind. He really wanted to be there for his roommate who he thinks he's grown rather close to over the weeks.

Even if Patton talks much more than Virgil, the two know the same amount about the other. Patton had a way of speaking for hours yet never letting the person know anything about him, rambling about unnecessary, passing topics with information never retained. He doesn't mean to do it, he just likes to talk.

As the clock struck one Patton called his goodbyes to the residents and staff members he was closer too before leaving the building and hurrying to his car. His shift at the store started at half past but he always liked to arrive earlier to let the other person working start their break sooner. The town wasn't at all busy, and since starting he hasn't come across one bad customer, which was wonderful, but he knew what to prepare for when he became a vet in the bigger town not too far away. Many more arrays of people lived there, families, individuals of young and old, plus much more diversity.

Patton couldn't tell which town he liked more, they both had their quirks, pros and cons, he couldn't really choose a favourite for he's liked every place he's ever lived in. But this town had something extra. This town had Virgil. Patton didn't know what it was but he's never had a friend like Virgil before, someone he's genuinely wanted to spend hours upon hours with, hugging, cuddling, chatting about everything or nothing at all. Some nights they share a bed, especially if the other was having a rough time, and he adored it.

He hoped Virgil felt the same.

Arriving at the shop, he sent a smile at the girl behind the counter who lit up upon seeing him. "Patton! You're here! Hey!" She giggled happily, rounding the counter to run up and give him a tight squeeze. Patton laughed and hugged her back, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head. "I am! Hey! You can go home now Kiddo if you like, but drive safely for me!" He wagged a finger in her direction, she held a hand over her mouth to laugh.

"I will! Promise! Thanks Patton!" She quickly collected her things before leaving the shop, Patton sighed happily before changing into his work uniform and taking the spot behind the counter. It was a small store and typically had only two people there during the day, the other person was an older, quieter man who had a heart of gold but was introverted.

His name was Kevin and he was an incredible artist, half his wages were earned by doing online commissions and selling his work to local buyers. Some even in the small museum in town! Patton had bought two pieces of his work, one a field of beautiful lavenders, the other a serene moment at an empty beach. He hung them up in the apartment and Virgil admittedly liked them too - the place needed some art on the walls anyway.

"Hey, Kev! You doing alright, Kiddo?" Patton spoke warmly to the man stocking the shelves. He managed a small smile back, instinctively messing with his long sleeves. "I'm okay" he replied, his natural voice soft and quiet. "How're you?"

"I'm good! You're doing a great job, call me if you need anything, okay?" Patton sent him a reassuring grin before returning to his place behind the counter, he'd never make Kevin do this job. The last time he did the poor guy had a panic attack. Luckily Patton arrived just in time to help while Alyssa, the girl, worried herself half to death.

In the end, everyone was okay, and their boss allowed Kevin the rest of the day off. Alyssa, feeling guilty, stuck around until Patton's shift ended and the store was closed for the evening.

Time passed at an easy pace, Patton entertaining himself with his colouring books or talking to Kevin if he ever were to pass by the counter. Customers came in and out, all happy to see Patton and his enthusiastic self. His puns, although cheesy, always managed to make their day.

Kevin clocked out at four pm, leaving Patton alone for the next hour until he closed up, but typically only one or two customers came in at that time, so he was fine by himself.

On the drive home Patton mulled over how he would talk to Virgil about what he had found out, knowing keeping it from him wasn't exactly a good idea. He didn't want both of them to be lying, besides Virgil's lie was justifiable; maybe he wasn't comfortable Patton knowing his parents were dead (which Patton was fine with), but withholding the fact he knew what happened wasn't fair on Virgil's behalf.

Parking his car in the private lot for the residents of the apartment building, he looked up at it through the window and sighed. How would he break the news? Although, the town was small and quaint, barely anything of interest happened here; the death of Virgil's mother and subsequently his father would've reached all corners and as it happened in recent-ish years it still would be talked about, however infrequently.

Maybe Virgil knew Patton would find out eventually. Maybe he wouldn't care. Maybe he did have a woman in his life who cared for him like a mother; Patton does have "kids" of his own (friends who he had playfully adopted when their fathers weren't that great), so maybe it was a slip of the tongue calling her mother, and simply forgetting to clarify. No matter the reasoning he made up in his head, he wouldn't know for sure until he spoke to his friend.

Getting out the car, he took a brisk glance at the sky, a beautiful array of colours from the setting sun unfortunately hidden by the tall building. Unlocking the door he stepped inside and made sure it was closed before taking the elevator to his floor. It was peacefully quiet, the few other residents never really made much of a sound, in fact no one else lived on their floor.

Virgil was sitting on the couch when Patton walked in, the two shared soft smiles as Patton put down his stuff and pushed off his cardigan to wrap around his shoulders. "Hey, Virge" he waved sweetly, Virgil nodded his head in response. "Good day?"

"Uh.." his expression turned awkward, Virgil instantly picked up on it. "What happened? I'm not afraid to fight a senior citizen" Patton managed to laugh softly at that, taking the spot on the couch beside his friend who sat up and twisted to face him, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "There's a lady there, called Annie? She.. she told me something that happened, and I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Virgil" he didn't think he would, but as he spoke he began to tear up, over how terrible the whole thing was. He couldn't imagine losing his parents. Virgil knew what he meant, of course he knew, it's the only thing Patton would become so emotional over that happened in his life. The tragic loss of his parents.

"Pat, it's fine-"

"And I-I feel terrible because I know you didn't want me to know, 'cus you-you said- you told me about your mom recently and-and-"

"Patton" Virgil placed both hands on his shoulders, "breathe" he commanded softly, "deep breaths, c'mon" he urged, drawing circles into his skin with his thumb to ground him as they both took deep breaths. Patton's did stutter quite a few times but he managed to get ahold of himself, wiping away his tears shyly.

"I didn't tell you because..." Virgil sighed, slowly pulling his hands away to fiddle with them in his lap. "Because whenever I do tell people they get so concerned, and sometimes give me that look of pity. I hate it. Losing my father wasn't that upsetting, he wasn't in my life and only really loved my mother. Her loss hurt but it's been nine years, I'm better, I.. it's..." he shrugged awkwardly, "it's nothing" he settled on, eyes reaching back up to Patton's, he looked conflicted but stayed quiet.

"I'm fine" Virgil reassured firmly, Patton wobbled his bottom lip between his teeth before slowly stretching out his arms. "Hug?" He whispered and Virgil agreed, the two sharing a warm embrace. Patton pressed his face into his shoulder, rubbing his back softly.

"I love you, Virge"

His heart swelled, "I love you too"

That pure moment between them only brought them closer, by the time two months had passed they were practically inseparable. Every day Patton returned from work the two would spend the entire afternoon together doing many different things; either playing video games (which wasn't entirely Patton's style), or watching movies, or something more physical like baking or creating arts-and-crafts.

Or simply having a talkative, take-away night. Peaceful yet full of bonding.

One Saturday morning Virgil was out on a walk, after Patton realised how little time he spent outside he demanded Virgil took a walk every Saturday and Sunday, at least two hours long. Each. At first Virgil was repulsed by the idea, and Patton had to physically drag him out the apartment and lock him out, but after a few weeks Virgil started to enjoy them. He could listen to music, let his mind free, feel the soft breeze on his cheeks and remind himself how beautiful nature was.

During those times Patton spent time cleaning the apartment, Virgil would chastise him for it as he wanted to help too - but he would admit coming back home to it being clean was nice.

Patton hummed his favourite tune while neatly folding towels into the storage closet on their second floor in the apartment, he reached up to flick off the light when his eyes caught sight of the hatch to the attic. They lived on the top floor of the building, meaning they had access to the attic if they so wished. But it just had the boiler, and nothing else. However Patton noticed something, the door was out of place. It wasn't shut all the way. Curious, he climbed the shelves of the storage cupboard (which was actually pretty easy, they were made with skates of wood, so he could firmly grip them to pull himself up).

Slowly pushing up the door, he turned on the light from the switch placed next to the hatch. It lit up the space of the attic they had, walled off from the other sections. He looked all around, entire body relived to not see anybody up there. However it wasn't completely empty (other than the boiler) there was a box in the far corner, a simple, medium sized cardboard box. Closed but not cello-taped shut.

Curiously piqued, he climbed up into the attic and crossed the wooden floorboards, footsteps loud in his ears. Kneeling on the dusty floor, he pulled open the flaps, gazing at a paper sheet covering the contexts of the box. So entranced, he didn't even think for a moment what sort of invasion of privacy this would be before he took it away, face to face with a bunch of photo frames. Each filled with a single photo; all very similar.

The one right at the top was the one he saw on his first day here; Logan Atlas. He had wondered where that had gotten to, one day it was in his room, the next gone. He knew Virgil took it but he never saw it again, until now. Putting it to the side, he picked up the next one, a girl with her arm looped across Virgil's shoulders, her smile wide, eyes bright. Virgil looked similar to the one with Logan, half smile, dark clothes.

He flipped it over and pulled out the note, it read;

Cassidy Williams
1995 - 2019

He paled; did she die? What other date could this be referring to? Putting it down, he pulled out a third. It was another girl, not smiling so wide, her eyes sort of.. dull.

Evelyn Marie
1997 - 2019

How were all these people dying? The box was stacked with these! Becoming more and more panicked, he pulled out photo after photo, each reading different names, each reading different dates.

Matthew Carlyle
1991 - 2016

Benji Waters
1996 - 2017

Charlie Wood
1992 - 2015

Lily Ann
1998 - 2018

He stopped looking, there were a bunch more but he physically couldn't breathe. With shaky hands he scooped them back up and hurriedly put them back into the box, being as careful with them as he possibly could. Haphazardly putting the paper sheet over them, he flipped closed the lid and scurried over to the entrance of the attic. He didn't know what to think, what to do, how to breathe. If all those people were dead, all of them, how did Virgil know so many? Why did they all die? How? What happened to them?

...did Patton want to know?

He practically flung himself out the room, pulled the lid back over and jumped down to the ground, shutting the door without turning off the light and sprinting down the staircase. He didn't know where he was going but he wanted out. Unfortunately as he pulled open the front door his eyes met with Virgil's and he gasped in shock, taking a few steps back. Virgil noticed the horror on his face and he whirled around, expecting there to be a crazed guy with a weapon, but the hallway was empty.

"Pat? What's up?" Virgil asked, voice calm, trying not to escalate his panic. Patton didn't say a word, simply slipped into the kitchen. Worried for him, Virgil shut the door and followed after him, freezing in the doorframe when he spotted a knife in Patton's hands, directed at him.

"Just-... just..stay back, Virgil" he demanded, trying to stay strong but his voice- his whole body shook like a leaf in a strong breeze.

"Patton? What the fuck!?" Virgil didn't dare take a step forward or back, gazing at his friend ludicrously. What had gotten into him?

"You-I..." Patton swallowed, eyes filling up with tears. "What did you do to those people!? The... the ones in the box? The photos? In the attic?"

Virgil's face dropped with realisation, his jaw slacked, then instinctively he began to shake his head. "Patton, it's not what you think-"

"Then what is it!?" He cried, still gripping the knife tight.

"They took their own lives, Pat. Off the bridge, Saint Cermond bridge, right there" he pointed behind him through the window in the living room, in the far distance they had clear view of the bridge hovering over rough waters and jagged rocks. "I didn't- I fucking promise I didn't kill them, christ have you met me!? I get anxious to leave the house! I couldn't kill a fucking rodent! I swear Pat, I didn't do anything to them. I-I tried to help them but it's not always so easy" he explained, his own voice beginning to quiver.

Patton gazed at his friend for what felt like hours before he suddenly dropped the knife, the clatter against the ground ringing in their ears. "Oh- Virgie... Virgil I-" tears streamed down his cheeks as he covered his mouth, "I-I didn't-I..I'm so sorry I-" Virgil slowly walked over to the man who broke down into tears, he scooped up the knife and put it back in the holder before curling his arms around his shoulders.

"Breathe, Patton. Deep breaths, just follow my lead" he murmured into his ear, Patton clutched the back of his jacket and the two stayed close together as they both took deep breaths, Christ- Virgil needed them too after that fright. After they slowly moved to the living room, taking a seat on the couch but still holding the other tight.

"I should probably tell you what happens here.. you deserve to know" Virgil murmured, Patton sniffled and lifted his head from his shoulder, nodding in agreement. He did want to know. Virgil held his hands, took a deep breath, and began.

"This town isn't as normal as it first appears. And there's a reason not many people stick around, unless they're elderly. It's... um, if you know what you're doing, or know what you want to happen, this is known as a good place to... die" he forced out, squeezing Patton's hands. "Usually people our age, or uh- similar come here to jump off that bridge. The Saint Cermond. It's above shallow, rocky waters. No ones reported to survive the fall. A lot of them move in here, there's a pathway behind the building, through the forest, directly to the bridge. It's hard to get lost in during the night, and.. it's out of use for cars so rarely anyone is saved. Those photos? They're the people. They either move into this apartment or the um- the others, I-I- it's hard to make friends but I do for them. In case they need it, y'know?"

Patton nodded softly.

"And I... I try to help but I..." he paused, eyes rimming with tears, "I can't save them all and it hurts- god does it hurt, but I try" his voice broke to a sorrowful whisper, "not everyone in the box has died, I-I can sometimes talk them out of it, or in the end they just can't do it themselves. The ones I do help uh-stay in contact, a lot, it's nice to see where they are now and how much they've improved. But some don't always survive when they leave town, th-that's why some have 'N/A' writing there. Cus' I-I don't know" he sighed and wiped his nose, but then looked up at Patton.

"It was nice when you moved in, a-at first I thought you'd need help too but... but you didn't. You were fine, you-you told me of your future plans, and you were genuinely excited to just... live. Everyone else who's lived here was nice, and I-I miss all of them, but you..?" Virgil sniffled loudly, "it's nice, it's really helped. 'Cus seeing them go takes such a fucking toll, and after last time. After..." his eyes glossed over, "after Logan I didn't think I could take another. I know you're leaving soon but I-I-I've wanted to tell you for awhile- just... thank you, thank you for being here when I needed someone" as he finished tears were slipping down his cheeks, but they were soaked into Patton's top after he drew him into a hug, the two crying softly against each other.

Patton never would've thought for a moment Virgil had gone through so much, and he feels terrible for him, all this time he's kept it to himself, bottled away where no one could find it. Patton assumed he's become so used to it due to the people he's befriended unable to mentally handle Virgil's problems and emotions along with their own. Patton saw Virgil in a new light, he was the most selfless person he's ever met, pushing aside his own health to help others, not daring to move away in case he'd miss one, miss one person he could've turned around, he could've saved.

As Patton held the shaking boy close, his eyes closed tight and he made a promise. He wouldn't dare return to the other town until he was sure Virgil was okay. He's done it for countless people. It was only fair he was treated the same in return.

That night the two cuddled in Patton's room, Virgil fitting perfectly against him, head hidden in the crook of his neck.

"Virgil?" Patton whispered into the darkness.

He fluttered his tired eyes, "yeah?"

Patton held him closer; "I love you"

In his chest, Virgil's heart melted, and he smiled against Patton's skin.

"I love you, too"

In the end Patton helped, he helped Virgil in every way he could. He brought back his frequent smile, his golden laughter, his happiness for life. For his work. For everything.

And Virgil would be forever grateful.

—
Ehhhh good?
I could make a part two- if you noticed, it didn't specifically say Logan died... 👀

Don't look at the time

4:15am