2:19am

THATS ^^ the new book cover

Yes it's early pls i cannot slep

I thought that this trigger list would be easier to read?

Trigger warning: ⚠️
- Remus being Remus
- mentions of sex (no actual sex scenes written)
- sexual assault
- sexual harassment
- stalking (kinda)
- one of the characters is an absolute creep
- mentions of bullying
- mentions of physical fights (and the injuries afterwards)
- bad parents
- manipulation
- disguised homophobia/outright homophobia

Au
—

"Look at them" Patton whined, lazily thrusting his arm across the field, dropping his head against the other. "They're both so... pretty" his voice muffled against the fabric pressed to his mouth, around him his three closest friends all rolled their eyes.

"Not as pretty as me" one of them cooed, Patton lifted his head up to gaze at him. "You are the prettiest boy ever, Remus, but.... look at them!" He wailed, burying his face back into his arms. Remus' boyfriend, Virgil, plucked out his earphones which were originally placed as a defence against Patton's consistent complaining, but he's so loud and irritating his music wasn't doing jackshit.

"Go make a shrine for them or something" he grumbled, half-assedly wrapping the wire around his phone. "I have! But my momma made me take it down" he replied, Virgil cocked an eyebrow - shocked at Patton and himself for not realising that of course his best friend would've made a shrine for the people he was in love with.

"Oh, he can make a shrine about that slimy snake and my stinky brother- but when I make a shrine about Jeffrey-"

"Stop romanticising murderers, babe, please" Virgil sighed, it was only their first lunch break and he was already completely done with everything.

"I don't think Janus would appreciate someone making a shrine for him" their third friend commented, in their hand a fidget-cube which he continuously messed with, focusing on the switch that not only felt satisfying to click, but the noise somewhat relaxed him.

"I know, Lo, but-"

"Roman wouldn't either- I made one and told him it was from a secret admirer, then burned it in front of him!" Remus threw his head back to cackle while Virgil held his head in his hands.

"Do you think they'll ever like me?" Patton looked up at Logan who laid his hands against his lap, cocking his head to the side curiously. "You're asking me? I'm the only one here who's aromantic, I... should be the last person you would come to" he replied with genuine confusion, Patton giggled softly and bumped their shoulders together. "I know Kiddo, but Virgie seems to be having a bad time, and Remus..." the two stared at the teenager who twisted his back uncomfortably and bent down to pick up a bug he saw crawling in the grass.

"Is Remus" he finished, Logan nodded in understanding.

"Why don't you ask your mom? Isn't she like... a couples therapist?" Virgil suggested after yanking Remus back up to sit straight, knowing for a fact he's broken his back and does not need that sort of strain on it. To keep his attention he laid his hand before him on the picnic bench and wriggled his fingers. Like a bird Remus gazed at them closely, entranced by the way they moved.

"Yea but whenever I try and talk to her about romantic stuff she says she never has time! Maybe she's uncomfortable knowing her son has... those feelings" he tried to suggest but it was meek at best. Virgil lifted one shoulder into a shrug, "I wouldn't know, never had the chance" Patton sent him a sympathetic smile, "how's the current foster parents working out?"

He pulled a face, half grimacing, half pitying. "They're... fine, I guess. I mean- pretty out of tune with their emotions, so whenever I have a panic attack or, y'know, get triggered by something they don't know what to do. They are nice but I don't want to be in the care of people who don't know how to help... in case it's bad" he admitted, comfortable sharing this with his friends and Remus who snapped his gaze to him, sticking out his bottom lip.

Virgil chuckled fondly, leaning up to press a soft kiss to his lips. "It's alright, 'Mus"

Remus was quite useless when it came to comforting his friends, or anyone. When he tries he's awkward and often makes the situation worse - since he started dating Virgil he's gotten better, they both have their cues and silent looks. Virgil doesn't love him any less because of it, which Remus is utterly grateful for. He's only had two boyfriends before Virgil, and they both broke up with him because of this exact reason. But Virgil's different, he's patient and understanding, and genuinely makes Remus happy.

They're a great match.

"I'm sorry Virge, I hope you find someone, or a couple, suitable for you soon though!" His unrelenting, bright enthusiasm and positivity is why Virgil saw Patton as his best friend, "thanks, Pat" he murmured, letting Remus intertwine their hands and lean his head on his shoulder. Even if he was much taller (six foot to Virgil's five-five) he often stole the roll of little spoon. And Virgil? Loved it every time.

"Maybe one day I'll have the guts to speak to them" Patton giggled gently, "you've spoken to Roman, have you not?" Logan reminded, after all they had spent time over Remus' house plenty of times, Patton's shared conversations with his brother most of those visits.

"Yea but it's different!" Patton insisted, "they're just... awkward guest-to-house owner conversations, we don't talk about anything" he sighed forlornly, drumming his fingers against the birch wooden table. "Maybe if you suggested going on a date some time?" Logan offered his advice, Patton shook his head yet again.

"He's dating Janus, and if he'd willingly cheat I wouldn't want to be with him"

"No, I mean-" Logan sighed, turning to face his friend more. "Polyamory relationships. If they would be comfortable with it then I cannot see why it wouldn't work. Me and Remus have been in one"

The mere remembrance made a shudder run down Remus' spine, "ew! Ugh! Don't remind me of that poopy stain!" He complained like a child, "he was mean an' he broke up with me! I wanted to break up with him!" Virgil laughed and wrapped an arm around his torso, helping Remus lay down further against him. "Will you ever get over that?"

"No" he grumbled stubbornly.

Logan rolled his eyes, "our past relationship isn't a great example. Although I'm glad it happened, it made me realise romance wasn't for me. Besides he is irrelevant to us now after moving to Nebraska" with a dismissal wave of his hand Logan picked up his fidget cube again and clicked a few buttons. "But my point still stands, you should ask. You'll regret it if you don't, plus Roman is known for loving love, he might be more up for it than you think"

"That's the problem, I'm... I love both of them" Patton murmured, looking across the field at the boys he was infatuated with since the start of high school. They were both beautiful. Roman's soft hair styled perfectly across his head every day; a honey-glowing blond that danced whenever he moved. To Patton, his amber eyes shone brighter than the sun on a hot summers day, a burst of gold around his ochre skin. He lacked any sort of blemish across his subtly toned body; and his singing, oh! Patton could swoon thinking about it. It was angelic. Everything about Roman was angelic.

Then Janus- Patton felt the exact same way. His hair almost always hidden underneath his collection of hats, but those brief instances it wasn't Patton gazed at the jet black sheen, each strand a perfect curl messily splayed across his head. His eyes were dark, nothing like Patton's ever seen. Sometimes he's convinced they're two black orbs that glow with mischief and mystery. Only a few inches shorter than Roman's six foot build he walks with grace and poise, never hiding his olive skin marked with vitiligo. Peach splotches covering his face, arms and neck. Patton was sure there were more, but he's never had the luxury of seeing it.

He could talk for hours about them both in such detailed description, each of his friends had sat through it previously. Remus was particularly disgusted whenever Patton fawned and cooed over his brother, he didn't need to hear his sibling described in such a way.

But Patton was smitten. Has been for four years. He didn't know what to do about it.

"I'm sorry, Pat" Virgil settled on, reaching over to squeeze his arm. "You'll either get over them or... maybe get lucky. Either way, I'm rooting for you"

Patton managed a half smile in return for his reassurance, choosing not to respond after the bell echoed through the school building and out across the field. Students began making their way back inside, much like Patton and his trio.

"There's a new student today, right Lo?" Virgil asked as they grabbed their bags. "Yes, but I haven't met him. I've been told his name his Devin" he supplied, Remus grinned. "I heard he moved from Alabama, do you think he fucks his-?!"

"Okay!" Virgil slapped a hand across Remus' mouth, "another word from you and we're not having sex later" that made Remus zip his mouth closed in an instant, Logan scoffed while Patton giggled.

"He's so easy" Virgil teased, laughing at Remus' pout, but the boy couldn't help and laugh too, for Virgil was absolutely correct.

"Looks like it's me and you, nerd!" Remus called, swinging his arm across his friends shoulder. "Can we work together!? I love biology!"

"You always tell me you love biology, and yes we can work..." their voices drifted the further they headed down the hallway, Patton turned to Virgil and held out his hand which the darkly dressed boy took. "You think I'd ever get lucky with them?" He asked quietly, Virgil squeezed his hand.

"I don't want to get your hopes up, Pat but... you never know. Life can be really fucking weird sometimes"

Patton forced a small chuckle, "yea, you're right. Maybe I will"

But most likely; he won't.

Later that day Patton sat in class, chewing the end of his pen. Unfortunately he was alone from his friends, fortunately he had some eye candy. Across the room from him sat Janus, the boy was much more introverted compared to his boyfriend Roman. Everyone left him alone; not because Roman would rain Hell on them (he would) but because he was quite... scary. His way with words, silent glares- the power he had to always see through lies.

He outed one of the popular girl's to the whole school as a cheater, because she was. She messed with him and he returned the favour, humiliated she ended up moving to another school, leaving everyone behind. Although they weren't really friends with each other, and hung out for the sake of their popularity.

No one messed with Janus, and he preferred it that way.

But Patton didn't see him as scary, he's seen the way his face softens around Roman, he's heard their sweet words of love whenever (accidentally) eavesdropping on their conversations. He could see through Janus' cold exterior and wishes he could kiss those soft lips, whisper sweet nothings and watch his face twist in embarrassment.

Patton quickly snapped his eyes back down to his work, he cannot get so easily distracted like that. Especially in class.

While writing notes down the door opened rather harshly, everyone paused conversations to see who it was. Patton had never seen him before and instantly put two and two together; this was Devin, the new boy.

The teacher smiled uneasily, waving the class to be silent. "Everyone this is Devin, he's new here so please be kind. Devin choose where you want to sit" she gestured before turning back to a table of girls, continuing to help with what they were stuck on. Devin's eyes roamed the classroom, eying Janus for no longer than a second, he wasn't interested.

Then his eyes locked with Patton's, the boy was unsure if he noticed a subtle smirk edge his features.

Crossing the classroom Devin kicked the chair beside him, "this taken?"

Patton shook his head, "no, no.. go ahead" and shuffled further along the desk to give him space.

Devin's hair was cropped short to his head, eyes an icy blue. Patton didn't like looking into them. His jawline and upper-lip were lined with a subtle hair growth, skin tanned naturally under the sun. He wore denim trousers and a black jacket over a grey shirt, nothing special, but Patton didn't like him at all. It was extremely out of character for him - he always saw the good in people. Always, but Devin? He felt uncomfortable. He could feel his stare against the back of his head, making him hunch further over his work.

He hated this.

Throughout the entire lesson Patton barely breathed, he feared one wrong move and Devin might do something. He didn't know what the reason he kept staring at him was, but Patton despised it. If only he had the courage to turn and ask what he wanted or what was he doing; but alas.

"Okay everyone, start packing away!"

The teacher's voice was relief to Patton's ears, he quickly stood up and moved to the side of the desk, putting his stuff in his bag. Devin leaned forward, chin resting on his knuckles. "Nice skirt" he finally spoke after being silent for so long. Patton's eyes barely flickered up to him, subconsciously pulling at the end of the blue fabric.

He wore feminine clothing frequently, sometimes he got looks but being friends with Remus came with its benefits. For example, Patton was bullied once and once only; Remus gave the kid two black eyes and a sprained wrist. No one bothered with Patton again.

"Um- thanks" Patton replied, hoping Devin was actually not that bad, and simply gave off an uncomfortable atmosphere. He hummed and stood up, stalking out the classroom with his hands stuffed in his pockets. Patton pulled his bag onto his back, still tugging down his skirt. Whenever someone compliments his outfits he's ecstatic; why was it different now?

Looking up he froze in place, not expecting to see two dark eyes gazing at him, flickering down to his hands that gripped the baby blue fabric.

Janus looked back up to his face for a moment before he left the room, vanishing amongst the crowd.

Patton let out a long breath; first encountering a creepy new kid, now being stared at by Janus? Today was absolutely insane, and only two things happened!

—

"I didn't get to see the new kid once" Remus pouted as the four of them left the school grounds. "I think I saw him briefly in the halls, he looks like any other bully who isn't a jock" Virgil scoffed, quick to sense whether or not someone is a dick simply by their outward appearance and how they held themselves.

"I met him in the student body office, he was brought in by the vice principal and requested Carmen to give him a tour. I can't say I'm jealous of her position; he left once the vice was out of sight, having not said a word. I hope Carmen isn't held accountable for it" Logan winced at the thought, pinning Devin as another kid who slacks off and hated the education system too much to care for it.

"What about you, Pat?"

The boy looked up at his best friend, then shrugged. "Oh he's- no. No, I didn't meet him"

Logan and Remus continued on conversing about other topics, but Virgil gave Patton the side eye. He's never once heard Patton lie about something before, so why didn't he believe him?

They walked down a few blocks together like usual. Virgil lived the closest, him and Remus sharing a long kiss before slowly patting away. "You'll see each other later" Logan exasperated, Patton giggled and nudged against him. "Don't disturb young love, Logie!" He whispered/yelled, Virgil cracked a smile.

"Yeah, you're more than welcome to come watch later if you want, Lolo" Remus winked towards the boy who shuddered, closing his eyes in disgust.

"Alright you horny shit- I'll be over later" Virgil gave him one last kiss before leaving his friends to his current foster home. Remus watched him go with a sigh, swiftly turning to Logan and Patton. "I can't wait to fuck his brains out" Remus giggled fondly, wrapping his arms around both of his friends shoulders.

"Hush, Remus, we don't need to know" Patton scolded lightly while Logan pinched his nose.

"I know, which is why it's funnier to say" he cackled, tormenting his friends was his favourite part of the day.

Thankfully he calmed down and ten minutes later he was next to leave, Patton and Logan lived on the same street so happily walked with each other the way there.

"I am sorry about your affliction with Roman and Janus" Logan brought up after some seconds of silence, Patton wilting a bit at the memory, although they never truly escape his mind. "Will you be alright?"

Forcing a smile Patton nodded, he hated how easy it was to trick Logan to thinking he was okay, but the poor boy was useless when it came to detecting emotions. "Of course! It's just a silly crush"

A silly crush that's lasted four years, a silly crush that sometimes makes him sob at night because it hurts so much-

"I'll be okay" Patton added, reassuring him by squeezing his hand.

Logan nodded, sending a comforting smile back. "You can talk to any of us if you need us"

Patton knew that, he always knew that, yet wished he actually did that. "I know, I will, I promise"

Behind his back he crossed his fingers, never able to make a real promise knowing he'd break it.

They soon split off, Patton walking up his driveway while Logan crossed the street and carried on a few houses down. Patton waited until he was safely inside before entering his own home, able to hear his mother having a therapy session with her clients. Not wanting to overhear any confidential information he hurried to his bedroom and closed the door, dropping his bag by the end of his bed and laying down on the soft blankets, instantly drawing a teddy to his chest to snuggle.

I'll be okay.

He didn't know what hurt more; lying to his friends or lying so much he starts to believe it... only to be crushed the same night he cries himself to sleep.

—

"But I watched a murder documentary on it! And I think-"

"Remus, for the last time, you cannot murder the fucking drama teacher" Virgil hissed, tugging Remus aside from the table of props. Patton was standing across the room hanging up costumes in certain places to match the performances they were used on. Able to overhear the conversation he giggled shortly.

"But he insulted my brother" Remus whined, stomping his foot against the stone ground. His boyfriend sighed, planting his face against Remus' chest. "You can't hurt everyone who upsets your loved ones, criminal"

That made Remus scoff, "I don't love Roman, he's stinky"

Patton walked over to them with a teasing grin, "sure you don't, Rere"

"I don't! I'll stab him just to prove it" Remus insisted, haphazardly grabbing a fake knife from the prop table. Virgil rolled his eyes in exasperation while Patton laughed fondly and hopped up to sit on a free table.

Patton jumped aboard the roll in helping behind the scenes work for the drama club, it's quite the hassle during performances - but he gets to be so close to Roman he couldn't pass the opportunity.

Besides, his heart told him to get into his crushes hobbies.

Eventually he got Remus and Virgil to help out when the tidying became quite overwhelming, Logan would've joined in but he's student body president (plus a member of the chess team) so he had a lot on his plate already, Patton would hate to cause him more stress. 

All his friends knew why he did it, but never teased him for it. Sometimes it hits the wrong nerve, and hurting Patton destroys each of them, even if it's accidental.

"So- are we done here?" Virgil questioned, awkwardly bobbing on his feet. "Yep!" Patton agreed, taking a sweep of the room with his eyes. "Ordering the props and costumes were all you were asked to do!" He reassured, grabbing Virgil's bag and handing it to him, Remus already had his on his back.

"We should wait a few more minutes" Remus commented before they started heading towards the exit stairwell, "what do you mean?" Patton cocked his head, Virgil narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "What did you do?" He then asked in a voice ready to scold a child, Remus cackled under his breath, not needing to answer when footsteps echoed across the floorboards above them.

In silent confusion, Virgil and Patton stared at the stairwell, but his voice was recognised before they saw him.

"Remus! What ever do you want?" Roman's exasperated tone bounced off the walls, Patton yelped and stood straighter, in a moment of fear he ducked behind a row of costumes, covering his face that burned beat red.

Roman appeared in view seconds later, adorned in white skinny jeans, a red shirt with an embroidered yellow sunflower and a bomber jacket over top. Patton peeked through the clothes and almost swooned, he looked so attractive. And the smooth mellow of his voice made his knees weak.

Virgil shot Remus a look, silently demanding him he doesn't mention Patton - but Remus was never able to read the room.

"Patton was just here" he commented idly, gazing at his nails lined with dirt. "He wanted to say hi"

Roman drew his eyebrows together, subconsciously looking over the room but only seeing an agitated Virgil. "Oh.. tell him I said hi back" he replied a little awkwardly, then scoffed when he saw Remus' hands. "Disney, brother! Don't you ever take care of yourself?" He muttered, grabbing his bag and pulling out his nail tool kit, cleaning away the dirt. While distracted Virgil looked to where Patton was hidden, giving him a concerned look.

Patton didn't notice, too entranced by the way Roman's forehead creased in concentration, his pink tongue poking out the corner of his mouth. Patton bit his bottom lip, shoot... he was in love love.

"There, now, is there anything else?" Roman jutted out his hip, Remus hummed for a stupid amount of time before grinning, "nope!" He clasped his hands, "we don't need you here, shoo!" He waved off, Roman rolled his eyes and said his goodbyes to Virgil before disappearing up the stairs.

"I swear to god I'll have your head-"

"It's fine!" Patton quickly cut Virgil off from destroying his boyfriend, "Remus is just trying to help... I appreciate it" Virgil signed but relented, he honestly didn't know what to do about Patton's feelings, and didn't want to involve himself either. He wouldn't want to be known as the home wrecker for Roman's and Janus' relationship, which had lasted a little over five years.

It wasn't serious in the beginning, after all they were only in sixth grade -  neither thought it was going to last. But it did. Year after year they grew closer and closer, fell more and more in love each day. It was true and pure - not just a high school fling. They've had their arguments but either make up on the same day or the next, nothing had gotten between them and nothing ever would.

While Janus personally didn't like the title, many called them soulmates.

"You two should... get to first period" Patton chuckled gently and the two boys didn't hesitate to agree.

"You alright?" Virgil murmured softly, Patton managed a small smile in return. "I will be" he replied back quietly. Virgil nodded slowly but decided he should keep a closer eye on him, just in case.

As they left up the stairwell Patton plugged in his earphones and continued to dote around the room. It was quite large and went all the way under the stage, it hadn't been cleaned in what seems like forever and Patton was able to get out of his first class to help around. Especially if it meant he could see Roman... again.

Not in the way Remus did it. That was awkward, it was only the four of them and felt way too close. Roman often came down with his theatre buddies which distracted him from Patton's longing gazes, and.. well, Patton's existence in general. He didn't mind much, at least that's what he tried to tell himself, it was better this way after all. He'd never have a chance with the two boys he fell in love with.

It took nearly the entire hour to clean one half of the room, all the costumes were straightened, cleaned and hung up in their respected places. Certain props were placed into the boxes labelled with the show they were used in while others placed in 'miscellaneous'. Many production companies reused props on different shows; their school wouldn't be any different.

He stacked larger props against the walls in clear view and access for whenever they were needed (which would be later in the year), and swept the floors, corners, maybe screamed a few times when a spider got too close. Thankfully he was alone.

Once the hour was up his current song slowly came to an end the audio quietened down enough for him to hear shuffling from behind. Tugging out his earphones and wrapping the wire around his phone he turned on the spot and gasped in surprise. Across the room sitting on a table was Devin. Staring at him silently for who knows how long, Patton's gaze had been blocked from that specific area by a railing of clothes, so he had no idea.

"Oh, ...h-hey Devin" his voice shook with nerves, quickly grabbing his bag which was left close to the stairwell. "I-um.. you're not supposed to be down here" he added, inching towards the exit, keeping his eyes glued to the boy who's smirk grew by tenfold, legs swinging back and forth like the act of an innocent child.

"You should go" Patton added but he held no authority, only following rules told to him by the drama teacher.

Devin pressed his elbow against his knee, resting his chin atop his palm.

"It's funny" he murmured, voice gravely. "How easy it is to make you scared"

Patton's stomach twisted into uncomfortable knots, lips parted to talk but all that left was a strangled gasp. He hated this. Deciding against replying he twirled around and bolted up the stairs, past the heavy curtains and across the stage. He's never been so terrified like that in the presence of someone before which made it all the more horrifying. He assumes he feels the same way as a character in a movie who realises they're in the same room as the killer, which was a drastic comparison as Patton barely knows Devin or what he's done, what he's capable of. But he couldn't help shake the feeling of pure fear whenever around him.

How long was Devin watching him? Did he want to know?

He should tell his friends- scrap that he needed to. But spotting them down the hallway, waiting by his locker to take him to second period (the only class they all shared) he noticed how happy they all were. Virgil laughing brightly at something Remus said, which never fails to make the teenager glow in glee; Logan who watched on with a soft smile, obviously not amused by whatever Remus said, more so content seeing his friends alive with amusement.

Patton glanced behind his shoulder; Devin was no where to be found.

Out of sight... out of mind, right?

Swallowing he quickly hurried to his friends, feeling safer in their company already.

"Hey guys!" He greeted, shuffling close to Logan. "What took you so long? C'mon we're gonna be late" Virgil insisted, shoving up from the locker he leaned on to start the short walk to class.

"Sorry" he apologised quick, grasping Logan's hand tight. "I got caught up with organising something"

"It's fine" Virgil shot him a reassuring smile, "next time we might carry you out of there though" he joked, which made Patton's shoulders slump in relief.

"Patton?"

"Yes, Lolo?"

"You're holding my hand a bit too tight"

The boy gasped and let go, he didn't even realise. "Sorry! Goodness, I'm apologising a lot already, aren't I?" He worried, Logan quickly held his hand again. "It's fine, Patton. You know I'm comfortable with holding hands. Is something the matter? You seem on edge" he worried, eyebrows creased. Patton wanted to tell him, he really wanted to, but... he didn't want Logan to get involved and possibly be hurt by Devin, nor did he want the same to happen to Virgil or Remus. It would destroy him. He's never been in this situation before.

The one time he was bullied he barely knew what was happening before Remus was beating him up; he didn't really get a choice of who to tell in the matter. This was different, this was a secret. Patton just hoped someone would notice.

"I'm fine" Patton giggled, "it's just- earlier Roman came into the prop room and I- nearly made a fool of myself" he lied easily, Logan nodded in understanding, trusting his every word because... why wouldn't he?

"I see. I hope you start to feel better once we've all sat down" Logan comforted as best he could, Patton smiled appreciatively. "Thank you, Lo, I will with you guys, I'm sure"

He was sure, and halfway through the lesson he was back to his bubbly, righteous self. Devin is just a blip; telling himself he can handle it alone made him feel better about the whole problem, so that's what he did. What harm could that do, right?

...He didn't want to think about that.

—

The remainder of the day passed by smoothly, Patton spent his lunch break in the library wedged in the corner, discreetly watching Janus above the rim of his book. He often spent his free time in the library reading and studying law for when he plans to take a degree in college. Patton admires that incredibly and wishes he had his future as planned out as he did.

Janus didn't participate in clubs so Patton had to resort to being majorly creepy, not that joining a club solely to be closer to someone isn't creepy either, but this feels worse. But he can't help his heart sometimes, it simply longs to gaze at Janus' face and account every detail to memory.

If only he were normal, if only his crush was a silly thing that lasted a few months like everyone else's crush. Why was it still here four years later? What did he do to deserve this?

Nevertheless, he tried to forget about it as he walked inside his home, grateful his mother didn't have any clients over. Appearing in the kitchen he walked up to the island counter, smiling at his mom from behind.

"Hey, momma"

The woman hummed, chopping up some fruit for her salad. "Hey, Patton" she replied softly, patting the countertop beside her as an invitation for Patton to stand closer. The boy smiled wider and did so, happily accepting a raspberry placed before him.

"The skirt is pretty" she commented idly, barely glancing down at the fabric wrapped around Patton's waist, brushing past his knees.

"Really? Thank you, momma!" He grinned, his mother smiled back but only slight. "You'd look perfect in jeans though, wouldn't you agree? Being able to pull of everything is a skill only you have" she booped his nose gently, "but you do manage to look so much cuter in jeans. The ones I bought you last week? It took so long to find them, and they match your favourite t-shirt" she rambled a bit, giving Patton a small frown.

"At least try it on tomorrow? I could return it if you don't like it-"

"No, no! I do like it" Patton insisted, reaching over to hold her hand. "I do" he reassured, watching her smile again. Long, swishy black hair framing her face perfectly. Her skin was on the paler side, although under the sun she never tanned, only burned. Her eyes were a delicate green that somehow always made Patton feel better after gazing into. She was taller than Patton by half a foot, and quite skinny.

"I'll wear it tomorrow, promise"

"Wonderful!" She beamed, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "Gosh, you know how much I love you when you wear those clothes. It just suits you so much better, and makes me so happy!"

Patton laughed, nuzzling against her contently. "I like making you happy" he replied, splitting from the hug seconds later.

"Now, I'll make dinner later. Our favourite, you finish any homework you might've forgotten" she cooed, waving him off. Patton agreed and hurried to his room, ecstatic about dinner.

He looked in the mirror, picking at the edges of his skirt. Wearing jeans wasn't such a big deal, he just felt... better wearing skirts. They made him happy. Nevertheless, his mothers happiness meant a whole lot to him, so he'd wear jeans more frequently if it meant to see her smile.

Taking out work and laying it on his desk he sat down, played some soft music and spent the next two hours finishing his homework.

His thoughts finally settled for awhile, leaving behind a warm spread of relaxed happiness in his system.

Not all evenings were like this; but when they were he made sure to cherish them.

—

"Logan!" Patton called happily, knocking on his front door with enthusiasm. Only a few seconds later it was opening, revealing the neatly dressed teenager on the other side. Daily he wore black trousers, a dark coloured shirt and a tie round his neck. He always made sure to stay professional in an educational environment, he assumed he'd be bulled or teased for it - slammed into lockers and called a 'nerd' but he received the opposite of that.

He received people thirsting after him.

The memory sometimes made him shrivel up, he was glad it didn't happen as frequently anymore. Any sort of romantic or sexual attraction was off the table for him, now and always.

"Good morning, Patton" Logan replied, stepping aside to grab his bag but pausing afterwards. "You're wearing jeans" he stated bluntly, the boy before him nervously fidgeted with the sleeve of his cardigan. "Yea, is... is that a bad thing?"

Logan blinked, "no, why would it be? I was simply pointing it out because you don't wear them often, especially in spring" awkwardly the two stared at each other in silence, Patton wanted to tell him the reasoning but it made his mother seem bad, which she wasn't. As a single mother with a full time job (senior VP of a company) she had a lot on her plate, and often didn't get much time to be happy. Patton wanted to do everything he could to make her happy, and wearing jeans wasn't so difficult.

"I know... I just wanted a change" he shrugged, bitting his lip. Logan nodded slowly, "shall we start walking to school?" He suggested and Patton jumped on it instantly, agreeing hurriedly to change the subject.

"We have had more trouble with Devin recently" Logan sighed wistfully as they walked together hand in hand, neither minded - Logan always offered knowing it made Patton happy. "He barely does any work in class and skips a lot of them. He was nowhere to be find first period yesterday" he explained further, Patton grew paler as he finished. He knew where Devin was yesterday.

"Why did he move here..?" Patton dared to ask, Logan shrugged. "I wasn't told specifically, none of us were. Apparently - though don't spread this, I hate rumours - he moved because of some legal issues in his home state. Which was Mississippi. Although it is probably false"

Patton hummed softly, watching the ground as they walked. "Yea, probably"

Logan carried on rambling about topics to do with his work as student body president, Patton tuned in and out of the conversation without meaning too, but sometimes he gets so distracted with his thoughts. Thoughts that made him uncomfortable. He didn't want to assume anything that might happen in the future, as he was sure it never would, but it was hard to control sometimes.

They arrived at school not too long later, they would walk with Virgil and Remus but the two barely wake up in time for school anyway and Logan was a stickler for being early, Patton never wanted to be late so decided to fix his schedule, wake up and be ready a similar time Logan was. It was much more fun to walk with him than alone.

"I have a meeting later today with the principle" Logan stated as they walked into the office for the student body council, it wasn't in use for anything else and perfect to keep their important paperwork inside if ever needed.

"Oh! What about?" Patton questioned, sitting on the round table in the centre. "Nothing important. It's simply mandatory once a week - I think I will bring up Devin however, we need to prevent his bad behaviour as soon as possible" Patton nodded in agreement, dragging the pads of his fingers against the jeans. It was quite a hot day, he wished he could wear a skirt.

"I told you, Atlas, only members can come in here" a voice came from the doorway, both boys looked to see it was Allen. He was stricter than Logan and quite frankly the bossiest student in the entire school. He addresses the members by their last names, no matter when or where, and never associates with anyone else. Patton didn't like him much because of how rude he was, Logan respected his work ethic but nothing else. He was infuriating to talk to, never changed his mind even if given factual information, and made many student's lives Hell.

"And I told you, Allen. I don't care"

The tall, scrawny boy clenched his fists, cheeks already twinging red with fire. Patton sighed, unable to deal with his frustrations today. "Want me to bring some ink cartilages from the basement?" He suggested, recalling Logan complaining about the printer earlier in conversation.

"Oh, would you? That would be a great help"

Patton nodded and jumped from the table, giving Logan's cheek a sweet kiss before skipping to the doorway. "Finally wearing proper attire" Allen commented, Patton gripped the door handle and shot him a dazzling smile. "Keep your opinions to yourself, Kiddo" he gritted out - even if Patton was on the smaller side (five-four) he could take Allen's five-nine in a second.

Not that he ever fights people being a pacifist after all. But if Allen continued belittling him and Logan because of their labels and preferences, he might not be able to hold himself back forever.

The hallways were pretty empty so early in the morning which gave him a clear walk to the main flight of stairs in the block. Dragging his hand across the banister he jumped down two flights of stairs into the basement, crossing a wide hallway that split off into three directions. The two either side of him led to staff bathrooms while the one directly ahead opened up into the long corridor under ground. There were few rooms due to how big each of them were and accounted for most of the storage space.

In the room right at the end was a printer, it was always restocked 'just in case' but as it's never, ever used Patton never felt bad for taking the ink from it. The janitor never refills the printer in the student council's office out of spite. Allen, the meanie, has argued with the janitor countless times which is why he never cleans the room.

Patton understands, Allen can be abhorrent most of the time.

The lights above him gave off an ugly yellow glow, Patton never liked it down here due to the general creepy vibe - but the colours were even worse. The walls were a sludge green (painted that way purposefully) the floor tiled black and white checkers (similar to what one might see in an old fashioned kitchen) but it was laid poorly, all the white practically dark grey.

He didn't know how this was allowed, and resents the fact it was agreed to.

Pushing open the door he stepped inside the old classroom, it was cold and pretty dark due to some wiring breaking over time. But he could see the printer and quickly hurried across the carpet to get to it.

"Sorry, Mr. Printer" Patton whispered, admittedly he always felt a bit guilty doing this, but the ink would go to waste otherwise. Opening the slot where the cartilages were placed he grabbed them both and shut it afterwards. Technically he shouldn't be down here, students are told off whenever found, but teachers rarely visited and couldn't care unless they actually saw teenagers going down the staircase, so he should be fine.

Nevertheless, he wanted to make a quick escape.

Ready to turn around he froze in absolute fear when two hands were placed on the table either side of him. His eyes widened and gazed at the wall in front of him, breath cutting off sharply.

He could feel hot air hitting the back of his neck, each strand of hair on his body straightened like a ramrod. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

The person behind him hummed, barely audible in any other circumstance - but everything here was dead silent, Patton could hear all moves he made.

"Why aren't you wearing your skirt, hm?" The gravely voice whispered beside his left ear, unwillingly a small whimper escaped Patton's lips, his eyes, hands and mouth clenching shut.

Devin chuckled deeply, one of his hands lifting off the table to place on the outer side of his thigh. "Wear it tomorrow, you look so... cute" he complimented, squeezing his flesh which rose horrified goosebumps.

"Patton?"

Before his world crumbled around him a distant voice saved his life. Devin grunted angrily and swept away to the corner of the room where the lights were broken completely. In the shadows, only visible if one knew he was there.

"Patton?" The same voice called, closer this time.

Patton still couldn't move, his thigh burned, eyes glossing over with tears. Devin touched him. Devin touched him. He felt gross and icky to his core, everything in his mind screamed run but his feet were planted to the ground. He needed to go; what if the voice never appears? He'd be trapped alone with Devin again... why won't he move!?

"Patton?" A hand on his shoulder ripped a gasp from Patton's throat. He whirled around and faced Roman in shock, surprise but utter relief.

The taller boy stared at him in concern, "what's ever the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost!" He pointed out, Patton simply shook his head, hands quivering against his sides. "I-I'm scared of the dark" he excused, Roman put an arm across his shoulders and quickly led him to the hallway flooded with light.

"Oh, why did you come here alone? Don't be scared! Your Prince is here to save you now, I'll protect you from any horrid beasts which may hurt you" he put on the act of a saviour, making Patton from feeling much, much safer. Although- 'your Prince' sort of stung. He'd never be his Prince.

"Thanks, Ro" Patton managed a shaky chuckle, holding the ink way too hard.

"It's my pleasure! Anyway, I have a proposal for you!" Roman clasped his hands excitedly, twirling around to stand before him. "Would you like to join me and my brother on a camping trip this weekend? Remus gets to bring his boyfriend and I'd hate to be alone, so my first thoughts went to you!" He explained with a happy grin, in his chest Patton's heart soured and pounded heavily against his rib cage.

He wished he could be happier, this was huge! Roman was inviting him camping with his family! That meant they must be close friends, right? He sure hoped so. But with what happened mere moments ago, he felt close to vomiting up his breakfast.

"Really! I'd love you! Will-um, will Janus be there?" Patton pondered, trying to keep the hope out of his voice. Roman frowned sorrowfully, "unfortunately not. My dear Serpiente hates camping with all his might"

Oh, Patton thought dull-fully, that's why he was asked. Still! There were many other people Roman could've invited, he was very honoured. "Oh right! Okay, yea, I'd love to join you"

Roman beamed excitedly, "wonderful! Just come home with Remus on Friday- oh and your friend Logan can come too if he wants!" Roman suggested, turning around and rushing up the staircase in a fit of excitement. Patton stood between the three doorways with a bright smile on his face, however suddenly recalling why he wanted to throw up he all but stayed there and sprinted up the stairs, manoeuvring past groups of students all the way to the student councils office.

Bursting through the door he stared up at the members who twirled around in fright, calming down when it was just Logan's friend. "I uh-I have the ink" he stammered, swallowing the lump in his throat and holding his shaking arms in Logan's direction.

"You can't be in here" Allen commented fiercely, "shut it, stoner" Brittney, one of the two female members hissed, knowing Allen hated being referenced to any sort of drug. The insulting nickname got under his skin every time.

"Thank you, Patton" Logan rushed to take them, placing them on the table to turn to his friends aid again. "Are you alright? You look awfully pale"

Patton sniffled, stuttering and stumbling on his words. "I-I-... I- sick, I-I'm gonna be sick" He spluttered, Carmen (the second girl) jumped to action and yanked the plastic trash can up from the corner, falling to her knees beside Patton who had bent over, gagging up his breakfast inside the bin bag.

The other members watched on sympathetically while Allen hissed some insults and left the room in a flurry, something to do with the bad smell that coincidentally didn't affect anyone else.

Logan stayed by his side until he finished, rubbing smooth circles across his back. "Do you feel better?" He whispered, pushing some of his light blonde hair behind his ear. Patton graciously took a tissue Brittney offered to him and cleaned his mouth. "I'm-yea... I do" his voice shook.

"Let's get you some fresh air, huh?" Carmen suggested, with Logan they helped him stand to his feet and escorted him out the building, sitting him down on the closest picnic bench.

"What happened back there? Stomach bug?" Carmen clued for an answer, Patton shook his head to everything. He couldn't ever admit the real reason he was sick, to nobody. Who knows what Devin might do if he did. All he had to do was wear a skirt; he'd simply just stare at him rather than touch.

"It-it-..must be food pois-" unable to finish his sentence he choked on unsuspected sobs, quickly covering his mouth and bawling, Logan flinched and jumped up to sit closer to him, holding him to his side rather awkwardly.

"Shit, Patton, oh honey" Carmen soothed, "I'll go get Virgil, he's your-he's his best friend, right?" She directed the question at Logan instead who nodded, "wait by the school entrance, he should be here soon" Carmen nodded and rushed off in the direction, leaving Patton to clutch at Logan like he was a lifeline and cry his heart out.

He didn't know how he'd explain this to his friends. He really wished he didn't have to. How simple would it be if they simply comforted him then forgot to ask? He supposed that wouldn't make them very good friends if that were the case though.

Five minutes later he heard a pair of rushed footsteps and the voice of his best friend. "Patton? Patton, Pat, c'mere" in that moment Virgil's deep, smooth voice was music to his ears. Parting from Logan Patton wrapped his arms around Virgil's neck, hid his face in his chest and continued to cry his poor heart out while Logan and Remus watched on in concern mixed with fear.

"What the fuck happened?" Virgil whispered/yelled, combing his fingers through Patton's hair. "Who the fuck did this to him?"

"No one, at least to my knowledge" Logan supplied, adjusting his glasses nervously. "He went to get some ink cartilages for the printer - when he returned he was ghastly pale and could barely speak. He said he felt sick and threw up in our trash can. Then he started to cry when I took him out here. Beforehand I think he mentioned food poisoning"

Virgil nodded to his response, pressing a gentle kiss to the crown of his best friend's head. "Tell our homeroom teacher we'll be awhile" Virgil dismissed the two, they went off without another word. The most they could do was leave the them alone.

"Let it out, Pat, let it out, I'm right here popstar, I won't leave you, that's it... good, keep it coming" Virgil whispered delicately, one arm wrapped strongly against his waist, the other pressed to his back, bent up so he could continue playing with his hair. An action he knew helped calm Patton down.

A good half an hour had passed till Patton was comfortable to sit up. He stopped crying ten minutes ago, reduced to sniffles and hiccups. A headache practically bruising his skull but the numb throbbing in his body helped balance out the pain.

"Feeling better?" Virgil asked softly, one hand squeezing his shoulder.

Patton nodded, "I.." he breathed in deeply, "I must've gotten food poisoning from last night... I don't like being sick"

Virgil nodded, it was true, Patton hated throwing up, so he believed him. "Any reason you cried for so long? Or just... needed to let out some pent up emotions?"

Patton grasped the excuse, "yea.."

Virgil smiled sympathetically, "mixture of being sick and just- bottled up feelings, huh?" While speaking he used his sleeve to clean Patton's red cheeks. "You can talk to me whenever you need to, popstar, I'm right here for you"

Patton managed a small, weak smile. "Thanks, Kiddo. Do you um- do you think I could go home today?"

"Yes, yeah, of course" he agreed in an instant, "I'll speak to the desk for you, tell them you were sick, I'll get the damn proof if they don't believe me" that made Patton giggle quietly, holding Virgil's hand that was offered to him tight.

"Thanks, Kiddo. I love you"

Virgil smiled back, "I love you too Pat"

Inside Virgil spoke to the receptionist, he agreed that Patton could go home and while calling his mother the two sat down in the waiting area. "Guess what?" Patton murmured to start conversation, Virgil turned to him and listened intently.

"What?"

"Roman... he um- invited me camping this weekend"

Virgil's eyes grew with happiness, "he asked already? I was over his yesterday evening, told me he wanted to invite you 'cus you were his favourite friend next to Janus"

"What? He said that!?" Patton nearly yelled, shaking Virgil's arm in excitement. The boy laughed, "yeah, dude! He just spends all his time with Janus being gross and affectionate- he wants to spend more time with you"

Patton's whole outward appearance changed and now he was a glowing boy, jumping in his seat with the energy rush of a puppy. "Oh! My goodness! I can't believe-! Oh!" He squealed, covering his face and shaking his feet rapidly. "Favourite friend! I'm his favourite friend! Holy crap! Shoot! My goodness! Gosh!" He sprouted randomly, unable to contain himself at all.

Virgil watched on in glee, Patton's happiness always brought him a feeling of euphoria.

"Gosh- do you think we'll share a tent!? Do you..." Patton gasped, eyes going wide as his whole body stilled. "Do you think we'll cuddle?" His voice fell hushed, Virgil rolled his eyes fondly. "If you ask nice enough sure, and yes you'll be sharing a tent. I'm with Remus while their two moms are sharing their own" he explained, making Patton squeal once again.

All thoughts from before were quickly forgotten, the time between being allowed to go home and now were filled with Patton freaking out about sharing a tent with one of his crushes. Unfortunately Virgil had to return to lesson and couldn't go home with him, leaving Patton signing out and leaving the building alone.

He managed to carry the bubbling enthusiasm all the way until he reached the front door. A wind blew against the nape of his neck and he spun around, breathing hard.

He... he was fine, he was alone, he was safe.

Shaking himself out of his frozen state, he entered his home and looked around the quiet foyer.

He wasn't sick again and had a relaxing day in his room. Watching videos of cute animals was a nice distraction, laying under the covers in his Winnie The Pooh pyjamas made him feel extra comforted too.

He hoped tomorrow would be a better day.

—

"I can still smell it"

"Stop pretending your a dog and shut up" Brittney hissed dangerously, sitting across from Allen (a choice not made purposefully, she'd give anything to not hear his impossibly annoying voice).

"I don't understand why he came in if he was ill" Allen justified, writing down points he wanted to bring up to the principle later today. "He wasn't ill" Logan responded, seated between Brittney and Carmen. "At the very least showed no signs. Only after he came up from the basement"

"You think he actually saw something down there? Like a ghost?" Carmen suggested with a curious twinkle in her eye, Logan shook his head immediately. "Ghosts do not exist"

"So that means he saw something else" one of the four boys suggested, wriggling his eyebrows suggestively. "We should go check it out"

"We'll do no such thing! Stop being so childish" Allen shot down their idea, everyone in the room simultaneously rolled their eyes. Allen always acted like he was in charge, it infuriated Logan the most due to the fact he was in charge. "Maybe he got poisoned by the mould" another boy brought up, Brittney scoffed.

"Surprise surprise our janitor does a good job cleaning up, even if there was mould down there he'd need to breathe it in for awhile for it to actually negatively affect him. Dumbass" the boy muttered under his breath but didn't mess with her, everyone knew not to mess with Carmen or Brittney.

"You really think it was food poisoning?" Logan sighed at the question directed towards him, finally shutting his note book to give them his undivided attention. "Whatever it was isn't anyone's business but Patton's, my own and our friends"

"Speaking of" the boy right at the end of the table jutted his thumb towards the doorway, it was pushed open, Virgil leaning on the frame with crossed arms. "Lo? Can we talk?" He asked awkwardly, forcing his voice to be loud enough for him to hear - he hated walking in the student body council office when it was full, everyone there was so intimidating. Apart from Logan. Virgil knew him to be a giant nerd.

"Of course" he agreed, flipping off Allen after he sneered in Virgil's way.

"So uh- I'm gonna go see what the fuck happened in the basement" Virgil explained as soon as Logan stepped out and closed the door. "But I don't want to go alone and I don't know where the fuck Remus is so... come with me?" He pulled his sleeves over his hands, hoping he didn't sound too demanding. Logan contemplated the idea for a moment, he believes Patton's food poisoning excuse as it always doesn't settle in right away, and part of him didn't want to worry over something that might've happened.

Then again now he couldn't help his curiosity, besides as Virgil's friend it was the most he could do. "Yes, I will. Although I am sure it was nothing"

"I know but it's just something in my gut. When me and Pat were in the waiting room he seemed fine, like- wasn't sick at all. I just... wanna make sure"

Logan nodded in understanding and the two walked through the school, it was first break so they weren't missing class. Easily avoiding teachers they hurried down the staircase and through the double doors, few students were lingering about either smoking or eating their food, both boys easily ignored them and stood outside of the last room.

"In here, right?" Virgil made sure, he's never gotten ink from here before. Just remembers Patton telling him about it before. "Yes, here" Virgil opened the door and stepped inside, not wanting to go any further where the light didn't shine. "It's fucking creepy, that's for sure" Virgil commented, following Logan who took the lead to the printer.

"It appears relatively normal however" Logan replied, looking down at the table, pressing his finger against one of the two hand prints made against the dust. "Who's are these?"

Virgil looked down, "way too big for Patton's hands"

Logan slowly glanced at Virgil, "I unfortunately have more questions than I did prior"

An odd feeling settled in Virgil's heart, "yeah, same"

They didn't get many other clues from the room, it was completely empty of human life and after asking around they quickly realised no one else would've been down here to witness Patton and what happened.

"Wait" Virgil spun to face Logan, "did Roman talk to Patton when he was with you?"

Logan shook his head, "I haven't seen Roman all day"

"And Patton only left you to get the printer ink, right?"

Logan agreed, "are you suggesting Roman did something to him?"

"What? No!" Virgil waved his hands around quickly, Roman would never, ever hurt any of his friends - only people who deserved it. Like bullies. "Roman invited Patton to the camping trip this weekend and- oh, d'you wanna go? Me, Pat, Remus and Roman are"

"I have a chess tournament this weekend, remember?"

"Oh! Shit! Fuck, you've gotta be kidding me I thought that was next week!" Virgil pushed his hair back, "sorry, dude"

Logan, not offended at all, dismissed the issue. Besides he didn't invite his friends anyway, it was a six hour trip and he wanted some alone time with his parents to bond. Maybe he'd invite them to another tournament but he knew they'd all be bored out of their minds.

"As you were saying?" Logan prompted, the two slowly heading back towards the stairs.

"Yeah, uh, Roman must've found Patton between the time he left you and came back. He'll know more of what happened than we did" Logan rubbed his chin in thought, "if he hasn't told us straight away it cannot be so serious. Still, we should go find him"

Virgil agreed and they set off to the field where Roman and Janus always hung out, most the time sitting under their favourite tree, practically in each other's lap, sharing sweet nothings and small kisses.

Virgil walked faster than usual, Logan with his long legs easily kept up, but didn't blame his friend. He was a little worried too, nothing compared to Virgil's anxious waves rolling over him. He didn't want to think Patton would lie to them, but it wouldn't be a new occurrence. He's known for not telling the full truth about how he feels and where his emotions were, if he was hiding something Virgil wanted to know before it hurt him even more.

"Hey, love-birds" Virgil broke Roman and Janus from their conversation. They looked up curiously, Janus letting a smirk slip onto his features. "Where ever is your gremlin of a boyfriend, hmm?"

Virgil rolled his eyes, "fucking your mom"

"Your mom jokes? How mature" he drawled, Roman batted his hand in Virgil's way. "Don't be rude, emo nightmare- where's Patton?" He changed the subject, smiling in Logan's direction as an acknowledgment to his existence.

"He went home after throwing up" Logan replied, Roman sat up a little in concern while Janus tilted his head, silently listening on. "He threw up? Why?"

"That's why we're here, you saw Patton in the basement, right?"

Roman nodded, "I did! He didn't seem ill, just very pale. He told me he was scared of the dark"

Virgil furrowed his eyebrows, glancing at Logan. "He's scared of the dark?" He mumbled, Logan slowly shaking his head. "Not that I am aware. He's never been affected by darkness before"

"He lied...?" Roman supplied, feeling a little hurt. Between their silence Janus spoke up, "trying to figure out someone's life like you were the 'Scooby-Doo' gang isn't patronising at all" he commented with a quirk in his eyebrow.

"What can we do then? If we ask he'll just lie!" Virgil replied, throwing his hands around.

"If you were his best friend he wouldn't lie to you"

Virgil's eyes hardened, Roman quickly shuffled to sit between them. "Now, now, darling, friends can lie to each other - it doesn't mean Virgil's a bad friend because of it!"

"Roman's right. But Virgil is right as well. If we ask and ask he'll avoid us and only become more upset. We need to give him some room but also let him know we're a safe space for him to talk about anything that may be happening in his life" Logan spoke to all of them, holding out his hands in the air too.

"Alright, fine. We'll just keep an eye out the rest of the week- talk to him on the trip" Virgil shrugged, both Roman and Janus agreed to the idea.

"Perfect! You know what late-night talks bring out in people, I'll be subtle don't worry" Virgil rolled his eyes, "Roman and subtle in the same sentence doesn't make sense"

While Roman gasped in mock offence and tried to defend himself everyone smiled in amusement, although Virgil's was half put on. His anxiety ate away at him like he was in a piranhas nest.

He'd do anything to know what Patton was going through right now.

—

"You know I'm here for you if you need it right?"

Patton pulled himself from his day dreaming, turning to face his friend who sat beside him in the car. A smile grew on his lips, "of course I do Kiddo, and I'm here for you too!" He replied enthusiastically, pressing their shoulders together. "Yeah, I-..I know, Pat" Virgil smiled back briefly, turning his gaze back to the front, tuning into Roman's parent's conversation. They were both very bubbly, excitedly jittering about their camping trip which they went on many times during the year. Camping was their absolute favourite.

Beside Virgil sat Roman, currently singing a song under his breath. Remus lay fast asleep on the two seats in the trunk, no matter what he always manages to fall asleep during drives, if they're long or short. Virgil was often rather envious, what he'd do to sleep for the two hours it took to get to their destination, but since childhood he's never, ever been able to sleep in cars. Apparently due to trauma he's repressed and forgotten.

Patton's head drifted towards the window again, eyes half focused on the passing scenery, mostly stuck in his thoughts. He did wear a skirt again, every day for the rest of the week. But that wouldn't appease his mother at all, so he left the house wearing jeans and changed in the bathroom stall. Logan commented on it the first time he did it, but Patton gave a simple explanation; the morning walk was just too cold.

Logan bought it, after all he trusts Patton. That only breaks his heart with guilt, but again if Patton told anyone the real reason they'd make the wrong assumptions against his mother. She just wants to be happy, Patton could easily give her that.

"Okay, toilet break!" Roman's and Remus' mother called, pulling up into a gas station. Everyone dragged themselves out the car, stretching their legs and meandering towards the bathrooms while in conversation. Remus still asleep but he wouldn't awaken until they arrived, so everyone left him there.

"How was your week after you were sick, Patton?" Roman began, walking beside the smaller teenager.

Patton's mouth went dry, "it-it was fine! Really, the- the sick, sickness, it didn't last long" he reassured a little too quickly, Roman pushed his lips to the side. He'd definitely talk to him later on that evening when everyone was going to sleep. He couldn't allow Patton to keep hiding things from them any longer, especially if it was hurting him.

Inside of the stall, Patton quickly did his business and stood before the sink, unable to gaze at himself in the mirror.

"You're wearing your skirt. Good boy"

"Shut up" Patton hissed, slamming his hand against the porcelain without any real force, he didn't want to hurt it. "Shut up" he repeated, letting whispers of memories fade to the back of his mind.

"You alright, Pat?"

Virgil's voice helped Patton take in a hot breath of air, "I'm fine, Kiddo!" He replied, quickly washing his hands under the tap.

No sooner than they stopped they were on the road again, switching positions like agreed. Now Roman sat in the middle, Patton on the left, Virgil on the right.

"Your favourite colour is blue, right?" Roman asked, turning his head halfway towards Patton. The boy sat up, heart thrumming in his chest because his and Roman's legs were touching. "Yea!" He replied with a soft giggle on his tongue, Roman remembered his favourite colour! He doesn't even recall telling him.

"Wonderful! I have a surprise for you" Roman cooed, Patton then and there nearly swooned but he knew that would be the most embarrassing moment of his life, so caught himself, laughing breathlessly. "Really? Oh! I'm excited" he replied, genuinely buzzing in his seat.

Roman giggled along with him and heck Patton adored his laugh, it was so delicate! And smooth, while Janus' laugh rumbled in his chest and sent vibrations coursing through Patton's body. F...fork, fork he was in love. Recently Patton felt it getting stronger by the day, especially since he spent more time with both Roman and Janus after Virgil suggested they sit with them at lunch.

Patton was told it was due to his giant crushes, but really they all wanted to keep a close eye on their vulnerable friend.

"Only ten more minutes!" Roman's mom called from the passenger seat, legs crossed under her. She never legally earned her drivers license because of a few faults in her test, and by nature she easily gave up on things she didn't ace first try. Although she could drive in emergency situations, and as her wife didn't mind to drive at all (she actually had a fascination for cars) their dynamic worked out well.

"Oh, finally! I must set up my tent before nightfall, otherwise-"

"Nightfall?" Virgil repeated, eyebrow quirked. "Dude- just say 'before it gets dark'".

"Trust me, Virge" mother called from upfront, "I've been trying to make him speak normally for years"

"I think it's cute!" Mom butted in, twirling around and reaching over to pinch her sons cheek, giggling. "You never change for anyone, okay ruby?" She spoke gently, using her favourite pet name for her son. She never called her children by her names, Roman being ruby and Remus emerald. Roman outwardly adored it, Remus internally, but whenever Remus and his mom was alone they shared sweet, tender moments.

Either cuddling or talking quietly to each other in the comfort of the conservatory, usually when Roman and their mother were doing something he couldn't really focus on - especially when his intrusive thoughts riled up. His mom was always there to cradle him under the safety of blankets and warm hot chocolate.

Roman huffed, crossing his arms stubbornly. "I am forever attacked for the way I speak! I'll have you know, JD-elightful, the way you speak is boring!"

Virgil rolled his eyes, "whatever dude... why don't you ask Patton what he thinks?"

The boy froze in his seat, then looked behind Roman to pout at Virgil. "Yes! What do you think, Patton?"

"I-uh, I.. like the way you speak, you have a nice voice and- yea! You're perfect just the way you are, Roman" he blurted out without thinking much, blushing brightly after realising what he had said. Ducking his head to avoid Roman's reaction and any potential embarrassment. Roman wasn't in a better situation, his cheeks were a dusty pink, hearing such a compliment coming from anyone he'd be eating it up, smirking pridefully and all- but Patton? His heart bumped weirdly in his chest, and.. those were butterflies in his stomach.

Virgil watched on with a grin, luckily Roman's parents were too caught up in their own conversation to notice and ruin the wholesomeness of the moment. Virgil knew they needed that silent moment to tumble through their thoughts, especially Roman.

Turning to the window Virgil settled in his seat, his work here was done.

"Okay, we're here!" Mother called from the front seat once parking in the lot. It was a large area covered in gravel, but made so long ago big sections of the ground was overtaken by nature.

"Wh- dicks! Wha'?" Remus stumbled, pushing himself up to gaze out the window blearily. "We're here!" He then cheered, jumping up and over the seats, landing in Roman's and Virgil's laps. "Oh- fuck, Jesus Christ-!" Virgil grunted while Roman wailed and slapped Remus repeatedly, like he was a bug on his clothes.

"Ew! Get off me! You smell!" Roman whined, opening Virgil's door and shoving Remus out onto the dusty ground.

"Behave, boys! We just got here" their mother scolded, while their mom giggled and jumped out, rushing round to help Remus to his feet.

"I'll show you smell, Ceaser" Remus sneered, not bothering to clean his clothes off. Roman mimicked him childishly, climbing out the car from Patton's side.

"Come on! Let's find the perfect place for our tent" Roman insisted, grabbing his and Patton's bags from the trunk. "We'll meet you there!" Roman called to his parents who had to get a ticket to put into their car, proving they were camping in the local area. Grabbing Patton's hand the two hurried across the lot over towards the wooden fence that took them to the forest.

"This is going to be wonderful" Roman boasted, throwing their bags over and leaping the fence like it was nothing. Patton watched in awe, resting his hands on the thick strips of wood. "Woah! Does it not open?" He worried, testing it for himself but with no luck.

"Unfortunately not, and we don't know who to call to fix it. Here" he held out his hand, Patton blushed heavily but took it, slowly climbing up and over. "I've got you" Roman reassured, his other hand resting on Patton's waist.

"Oh-oh gosh" Patton whispered, his waist tingling. If only Roman knew the affect he had on the poor boy, maybe then he'd... consider asking him out. With Janus, of course. Though Patton crushingly accepted the fact that was nothing more than a dream.

"There you go! See? Told you I had you!" Roman grinned once Patton landed on the other side. They both gathered their stuff and continued to walk. "We camp in the same spot every time we come here! For some reason no one else ever does. I suppose this isn't the most popular camp sight but I think it's wonderful!" He complimented breezily, taking a long inhale of the fresh air.

"It's nice, thanks for inviting me" Patton replied, unable to take his gaze from Roman. The taller waved it off, "oh, it was my pleasure Patton, after all I.." he cleared his throat, "I want to get to know you better" he admitted gently, nervously glancing Patton's way. The boy blushed, eyes widening. He knew he heard it from Virgil, but Roman confirming it was a whole new ball game.

"Oh-.. aw, that's so sweet Ro. I want to get to know you better too!"

That made Roman's shoulders sag a little with relief, "perfect! We can talk for hours once everyone goes to sleep" he replied, leading Patton through a small gap between some bushes before they were walking through an open area, above them the trees bent over and loomed across them, casting a nice shade, blocking out the blistering heat.

"I put my tent over here" Roman gestured, "it's the best spot! In my personal opinion" he added, swiftly dropping all his stuff between an archway of trees. "Once we get this set up we can watch Virgil and my stinky brother battle with their tent for hours until they eventually ask for help" he amusingly commented, obviously taking great pleasure in his brother's downfall.

Patton just chuckled fondly, putting his stuff to the side. "What was the surprise?" He started conversation, opening the tent bag.

"Oh! Here" Roman grabbed one of the two sleeping bags, rolling it in his direction. "I found it in the store yesterday, it matches you perfectly"

Patton curiously loosened the opening, gazing at the rolled up baby blue sleeping bag inside. His heart melted. "Awh! This is so sweet, Ro! I love it" he happily pulled it out, noticing there were small hearts dotted around made from thread sewn into the fabric. He squealed when noticing them, clasping his hands together. "Oh my goodness! Roro! I love it so much" he added, rubbing his face against the smooth fabric.

"Roro?"

Every muscle in Patton's body tensed, "I- yea, do you not like it?"

An eased smile washed over Roman's features, "don't ever stop calling me it" he replied, in Patton's stomach a burst of butterflies flipped and twisted. He was quite shocked the trip was going so well already, but not at all complaining. It all felt unreal.

Putting the gift to one side, both boys stood up and began building their tent. Not five minutes later the others were walking into the clearing, Virgil and Remus bickering about who was sleeping on which side in the tent.

The parents ignored them completely (their petty arguments were painfully common) to instead hold each other's hand and point out the different birds flying from tree to tree.

Easily Roman managed to build his tent, with Patton helping out as much as he could but admittedly he's only put down pop-up tents before, so he was out of his depth. After the two nailed down the pegs they both beamed in joy.

"Bested you again, dear brother!" Roman called teasingly while shoving his bedding inside. Remus rolled his eyes, across the large open area where he puts his tent usually. "Suck my juicy toes!" He hollered back, glowing in happiness when he saw Roman's face twist up with disgust.

"He is gross" Roman stated like it were a fact, helping Patton put his stuff on his side too. "The blow up bed is for you" Roman explained, taking it out of the box. "I think I have the electric pump in my bag" he hummed, searching through it.

"What about you? Where's your bed?" Patton worried.

Roman looked up, his cheeks colouring in embarrassment. "Oh-well" he brushed his hair back, Patton found the action to be adorable. "I uh- broke the spare bed, but! I have lovely bedding to sleep on, it's not a problem"

Patton furrowed his eyebrows, "we can share the bed"

He spoke with such certainty and a lack of hesitance Roman nearly choked on air, floundering for words. "I-Patton it-I-.. well I- I wouldn't be opposed but it would be a tight fit" he replied a little unsure, not wanting Patton to feel pressured or forced into anything.

Patton faltered and Roman noticed, Disney! He didn't want to make him feel bad for suggesting it. "It.. yea you're right, it's fine" he murmured, fumbling to play with the sleeves of his cardigan resting on his shoulders.

"No, no" Roman waved his hands, "I want to share with you! I simply don't want you to be uncomfortable" he clarified, Patton slowly smiled again, shuffling closer. "I wouldn't be comfortable silly! I suggested it after all" he giggled, petting the bed. "If we unzip our sleeping bags completely and use them as blankets, we'll have more room" He suggested, Roman agreed and Patton got too it while he set to work with the automatic pump, plugging it into the air bed and turning it on.

It was a little loud but nothing to be a nuisance, Roman sat on the grass, ready to watch his brother struggle and scream in frustration but he... didn't. Instead he watched Patton. The teen was currently making their tent more homely, putting their things to the side to give room for the air bed and getting the sleeping bags ready.

He was.. cute, his soft humming, the gentle smile on his face - his relaxed expression. A smile slipped onto Roman's features, he couldn't wait to cuddle him later.

"Ugh! Fuck! Fuck you!" A familiar scream brought everyone's attention over to Remus' tent, Virgil sat on the floor covering his mouth to laugh while Remus kicked and punched at his tent. "My time to shine" Roman grinned, parting from Patton to rush over and help before Remus destroyed it beyond repair.

Patton chuckled softly, catching Virgil's attention and waving him over. The darkly dressed teenager didn't hesitate to agree, smiling lazily at his friend. "So, you two dating yet or?" He started up jokingly, Patton rolled his eyes fondly, patting the spot beside him as an invitation.

"No, silly. We're not. But!" He covered his mouth in glee, "we're sharing the same bed" he whispered, full of excitement.

Virgil snorted, watching the two brothers bicker about the tent. "I think" he started, reaching over to hold his hand. "You, Janus and Ro are gonna be together in no time"

Patton beamed at the thought, resting his head on Virgil's shoulder.

That brief moment in time, it didn't feel so impossible anymore.

—

The moon was beginning to ascend when everyone decided to go to sleep. The afternoon was filled with joy and laughter, especially watching Roman and Remus fail to work together to set up the tent. Eventually Virgil dragged his boyfriend away to 'hang out' in the woods, (aka give each other blow jobs, mostly to calm Remus down) while Roman built the tent with Patton's help.

Now everyone sat around the campfire, cuddled to their significant other. In Roman's and Patton's case, their friend.

"And then they all died! The end!" Remus cackled loudly, his parents rolled their eyes fondly. "I think that's enough stories for tonight, bed?" She suggested, everyone was in agreement. Remus did whine a bit but with the promise of cuddles from his boyfriend he was instantly on board.

"And no sex! We can hear you!" Their mother called, causing an eruption of laughter from the teenagers.

"No fair! I wanna fuck my boytoy" Remus whined, Virgil sneered his way then made a beeline for the tent, Remus smirked and rushed after him.

Roman sighed while watching them go, "I wish I brought earplugs" he noted wistfully, Patton laughed, "they'll be quiet. C'mon, let's go in" he encouraged, unzipping their tent and clambering inside, kicking off his shoes and leaving them in the corner. Laying on top of the air bed was a bit of a struggle, they're rather hard to move on after all.

"You positive you're comfortable with this?" Roman asked one more time, halfway to laying beside him. Patton nodded, "yup! Promise" he reassured. Roman smiled and laid down, shuffling onto his side to face Patton who already shared the same position.

"So" Roman hummed, wedging his hand between the pillow and his cheek. "Tell me, dear Patton, what has ailed you this week? I can tell it hasn't been great for you"

Patton frowned at the memory, wobbling his bottom lip. "I... I've just had some trouble" he admitted, "with my school work? It's gotten really stressful and I needed a break. This camping trip will really help" he lied, looking up at Roman through the hair strands that had fallen across his eyes.

Roman's face softened, so that was the problem. "Oh, I understand perfectly! School work is such a bore, but me and my darling Janus are very intelligent - if you need help with anything just find us, we'll drop anything for you"

Patton blushed heavily, wetting his lips. "Really...?"

Roman nodded, slowly reaching over to tuck his hair behind his ear. "Really" he confirmed. Patton's whole body felt like a searing fire, especially the side of his face Roman's fingers brushed against.

"O-okay, thank you, Roro"

"Anything for you. Now, you must be tired, I know I am, time to sleep?"

Anything for you. Patton's heart grew in size. "Yea, I-I am, lets sleep" he agreed. Roman smiled and turned off the small light they had, now in the pitch black Patton felt extremely awkward, not knowing what to do.

An involuntary gasp left his lips when a hand was placed onto his waist. It quickly withdrew, "I'm so sorry, I should've asked-" Roman's worries whispers filled his ears, "it's okay!" Patton replied just as quietly, "we can cuddle..." he then added.

Roman let out a small breath, loosely placing his arm around Patton's waist. "Goodnight, dear"

Patton shuffled closer, his nose inches from Roman's chest. "Night night, Roro"

—

A spray of water hit Patton's hands rather suddenly, he blinked a few times, gazing down at the sink below him blankly. His hands seemed to move on their own, scrubbing the soap between his fingers and under his nails, soaking the palm and the top before washing it all off.

He shook his hands, the hand dryer had been broken for so long everyone gave up trying it.

Slowly his eyes travelled up to the mirror stuck to the wall, a few cracks in the corners, overall very stained but he could still see. He could see his face- at least, he thinks it's his face, it's sort of... blurry, yet when he reached up to touch his face, the pads of his fingers felt the ridge of the blue framed glasses.

All too suddenly Patton felt the weight of a hand on his waist, then another. Soft breath tickled his neck, chapped lips barely brushing the sensitive skin.

No one else stood in the reflection.

"You're so pretty in a skirt"

The delicate whisper floated around the room, it echoed against the walls like they were in a tunnel - but they were in a bathroom. A dimly lit bathroom. But Patton couldn't tell much of his surroundings, everything was blurry apart from his eyes... his round, blue eyes blown out in horror, coated with a sheen of tears.

"I wonder what you'd look like with it off"

The whisper rattled in his ears, fingers that didn't belong to him dragging across his bare skin, leaving behind trails of fire.

Patton wanted to move but he couldn't, not in the way he wanted to. His mind screamed no yet his body turned around, arms lifting to curl around the person's neck. Patton tilted his head, closing his eyes to lean in and kiss-

"Roman!" He cried, jumping up in bed with a wretched gasp. The teenager beside him jolted awake suddenly, blearily gazing around the pitch black tent. "Patton? What is it?" He whispered urgently, flicking on the small lamp.

From the utter silence outside the two boys knew they didn't awaken anyone. Roman fretted intensely, was someone outside? Did someone try to get in? They've never had trouble with strangers before- what if today was the day?

"I..." Patton's voice quivered, knuckles turned white, gripping the blanket pooled around his thighs. "I..had a nightmare" he whispered barely audibly, Roman's expression softened, easing Patton into his arms, allowing him to rest his head into the crook of his neck.

"Oh, my dear Patton" Roman murmured, stroking his hair. "I'm so sorry, you're safe now, with me. I'll protect you. It wasn't real"

Patton's breath hitched. It was real. It wasn't a nightmare, it was a memory, altered in such a disgusting way Patton wanted to throw up. He never would've turned around and... and kissed that horrible beast! He- he wouldn't!

"Please don't let go" Patton begged, Roman crooned, slowly pulling him down against the bed again, allowing him to cuddle up close and entangle their legs. "Never. I'll never let go" Roman promised, his words, quiet yet powerful floated inside of Patton, calming his breath and his wild array of thoughts.

Roman's touch didn't burn. His touch tingled, it rose goosebumps across his body. It made Patton want to melt into putty, relax in his grip - become completely vulnerable to the man he loved so much.

"Ro-man" Patton croaked.

Roman hushed him, "I'm right here my dear, you sleep now, I won't let anything hurt you"

Patton cried quietly into his chest, Roman didn't protest, he didn't mind a single bit. He stayed up with Patton for the next two hours, by the time the smaller was settled enough to sleep again the tent glowed from the early morning sky.

"I'm- I'm sorry" Patton sniffled, swallowing thickly.

"For what, my dear? You've done nothing wrong" Roman replied firmly, "now rest, we don't have to wake up for another few hours" Roman's smile was impossible to frown at, Patton felt he had no choice but to smile back; it was genuine, sincere.

Roman made him... smile.

—

"Thanks for the lift!" Patton smiled at Roman's mother. "Oh it was nothing! My pleasure" she waved off, allowing Roman to get out and say goodbye to his friend. He waltzed round the car, right up to Patton with a sad smile on his face. "The weekend flew by in a flash! Truly not enough time, we must hang out together again soon, with... with Janus next time" he suggested, swallowing nervously.

Patton shuffled on his feet, giggling softly. "I'd love to spend time with you two"

That calmed Roman down from the fear of rejection, "wonderful! Let's talk about it tomorrow? You know where me and Janus spend our time!" He called while heading back to the car, slipping into the front seat. Remus and Virgil laid together on the back, Virgil exhausted but only half asleep, unfortunately.

"Yep! Drive safely! Stay safe! See you! Love you all!" He yelled back, waving until the car had driven away out of sight.

Letting out a happy sigh, Patton twirled around and hurried up to his house, unlocking and stepping inside. The weekend had been everything he dreamed of and more! Mostly... the nightmare thankfully didn't occur the second night, he being huddled in Roman's arms with a genuine sense of protection made a shiver run down his spine every time he thought of it.

His thoughts often wondered, filling his mind with ideas. Of seeing him wedged between Roman and Janus, cuddled up in their arms, the only light coming from the moon streaming into the window. He could feel their breath, their heartbeats, their frequent shifts as they slept comfortably - he could feel...their love, radiating off them just for him. For him to soak up, to be encased by a warm blanket of security.

He'd give anything to have that.

"You're back"

Patton, grateful he wore jeans on the drive back, gazed timidly up at his mom who stood in the doorway to the living room, watching with an unimpressed stare. "Hey, momma" he replied softly, "I had a nice trip"

"Good for you" she quipped, "I didn't say you could go"

Patton faltered, "you said you didn't mind..."

"I said I didn't care" she corrected sharply, taking firm steps over to him. Patton ducked his head, holding the strap of his backpack tight. "I wasn't giving permission. Go directly against my rules again and you'll be on the streets. Hear me?"

Patton clenched his eyes shut, nodding his head quickly.

Then a soft palm pressed against his cheek, urging his head up to meet her gaze. It wasn't so scary anymore. "I'm only doing this because I love you" she reminded, brushing his cheek bone.

"I know" Patton murmured.

His mother smiled and went off to her office, leaving Patton standing in the foyer alone, heart thumping with fear. He hated when his momma got upset at him; often he wished she did kick him out so he didn't have to live with her.

In his room he dropped down onto his comforting bed, it felt nice to not lay on such an uncomfortable makeshift blowup. Although it was... cold. Lonely.

He missed being cuddled.

—

The next week of school sort of passed by... hazily, for Patton. He wasn't acting any different and kept up his routine of wearing skirts every day, thankfully it appeared to keep Devin at bay, while he didn't like being stared at with his hawk eyes, it was better than being touched again.

He didn't like to think about it.

His friends didn't notice any difference in his behaviour, they all agreed to the idea of spending time with Roman and Janus. Unfortunately Patton thinks that was the problem. The reason his memories were not really there. Because being with them, spending time with them, made him feel worse. A worse he hasn't felt before. Every moment was a harsh reminder he was single, watching Janus and Roman all coddled up cutely.

Every agonising second Patton found himself repressing the moments in the same time they were playing out. It was unbearable, maybe even the worst week of his life.

Especially Friday.

It did start off like any other day. He walked to school with Logan, listened to him talk about his chess club meeting later day, forcing a smile to keep his worry at bay. That's been the hardest part, preventing his friends from seeming so concerned. While he greatly appreciated it he didn't want them to get involved for their own protection against Devin, as for his mother... he just didn't want to be a bother.

None of them liked seeing him upset because it annoyed them, that's how he saw it. He was a much better person when he was happy. He wanted to be that better friend for them, it was a struggle though.

First period was okay, he shared the class with Virgil and the two talked mindlessly until it was over, Virgil appeared sated after Patton non-stop rambled about the birds he had seen pecking for food.

That's one thing Patton was great at, rambling. As long as he kept a somewhat upbeat tone in his words he could get away with being okay. He hated lying to his friends, but was it lying or not telling them the full truth? Was it bad if he was keeping them safe?... He didn't have a clear answer to that.

Second period he was alone, but he wasn't complaining either. It allowed him a rest bite, he could focus on work rather than the smile on his face. The teacher didn't notice, and even if he did he didn't seem to care - no one else in the class really knew him well enough to check in on him, blissfully he was left to his own devices.

First break was spent under the tree. Janus invited him to sit beside himself and Roman, his heart agreeing before he could even register. But it wasn't like they leaned on each other, rather Patton sat with his back to the tree, right beside him the two men he loved yet still so... far away.

It was great in other aspects though, he could turn his head, gaze out to the field and have his face completely hidden.

Third period... third period finally came. And Patton didn't think he'd ever forget it.

The only class he shared with Devin.

As per usual across the classroom sat Janus minding his own business. In fact everyone was so caught up in conversations and work no one noticed, not even the teacher.

Devin's hand was on his thigh after an excruciating twenty minutes of his mischievous glare. Somewhere, in his gut Patton knew Devin would try something but... nothing to his calibre.

The hand slowly shifted up. Further and further. Patton's breathing became laboured, the pen in his hand close to snapping it was gripped so hard. All colour left his face, the only emotions he could feel were fear... and disgust. Disgust with Devin for doing such a thing, disgust with himself for... not even trying to stop it.

He didn't want it, heck he'd do anything to make it stop but he was frozen to his chair, limbs seized up.

Devin's hand stopped, instead allowing his fingers to gently graze the smooth skin of his inner thigh. Patton swallowed thickly, tears springing to his eyes. He didn't want to cause a scene... what if Janus noticed? He'd surely tell his friends- then what!? They'd hate him for lying! And.. might leave him in the clutches of Devin.

No, they wouldn't do that. But they'd be mad at him and he couldn't live through that, not right now. Not in the state he's been the past week.

A soft hum rumbled in Devin's throat, it seemed to move his hand further, inch by inch... until he felt it. The gentle touch to his crotch covered with the fabric of his briefs.

The chair he sat on flung back with more velocity than he expected, everyone in the class whipping to face him. He needed a moment to realise he moved, still stuck in silent horror.

"Patton? Are you alright?" The teacher queried, taking a small step closer. "Bath-bathroom" he stuttered out, already running to the doorway. "Oh, okay! Um- stay safe, go to the nurse if you need her!" The teacher called behind him, not stopping him from going after noticing how deathly pale he was.

Patton burst into the bathrooms, tears blurring his vision. He practically fell against the counter of sinks, sobbing his poor heart out, knees buckling under him. He let Devin touch him. He didn't say yes but he didn't prevent it either! He didn't grab his hand and rip it away, or- or even just tell him to stop!

He was so weak... how could he be so stupid!?

Devin probably thought he was asking for it...

The door opened. The painful creek of the hinges echoing louder than Patton's muffled cries.

He spun around, back pressed to the wall. "Plea-please!" He wailed, holding out his hands, unable to see exactly who it was. "Leave me alone!" He begged, slipping to the ground in a heap.

The figure kept moving closer, slowly, kneeling a few feet away.

"Patton?" Janus' voice broke through his fear, like a hand reaching down to him, saving him from the pit he had fallen into.

"Jan-..Janus" he whispered, then began to cry heavier. He really, really didn't want anyone seeing him like this - especially his friends.

"Patton. Can I sit next to you?"

The boy needed a moment, gulping in air to try and form words. Instead he nodded, weakly reaching out to the teenager as he neared, shuffling right beside him and allowing him to basically fall into his lap, resting his head on his shoulder and grabbing the fabric of his clothes.

"Patton, if it isn't too much trouble... can you tell me five things you can see?"

Janus' voice was soothing, a low rumble in his chest. Patton felt it travel throughout his body, steadying his nerves that slight bit. He nodded to the question, taking a tissue Janus offered to wipe his eyes, finally getting a good look of the bathroom.

"The- the stalls... a d-door, the um- the lights-" his breath hitched, Janus drew circles into his back. "Take your time" he soothed, Patton grasped the small rest bite he had before continuing.

"The sinks, and... and the mirrors"

"Good" Janus murmured, "four things you can hear?"

Patton sniffled, "I-I hear the um- the lights, they uhm, they're humming-" he gasped a breath, clutching Janus /tighter/. "And-you, you're breath, and you're.." he paused for a moment, pressing his ear closer to Janus' chest. "Your heart beat..." he whispered, "I-I can't hear anything else-"

"That's perfectly okay" Janus cut him off before that could cause any strife, continuing the repetitive yet calming tracing on Patton's back. "Three things you can touch?"

Patton, feeling a little calmer, started to relax in his hold. "I-I can feel your clothes, and... the- the circles, on my back. And the floor..."

"You're doing so well" Janus voiced, the constant reassurances helped Patton more than he thinks Janus realised. Or maybe he did, either way the vulnerable boy was incredibly grateful.

"Two things you can smell?"

Patton took a breath through his nose, not much it was partially clogged. "The um- the bathroom, and... you" he took a moment, "you smell nice"

Janus paused, he hasn't expected the comment but smiled. "Thank you. Now, one thing you can taste?"

Patton couldn't really taste anything other than the mucus he kept swallowing, and it felt a little embarrassing to say. "My tongue" he whispered.

At that point his breathing was steadier, still laboured but better than before. The tears had stopped cascading down his face, instead dripping from his eyes every so often. Though he still felt disgusted and fearful Devin could walk in at any moment...

"I'm taking you home, Patton" Janus told him in a way that brook no argument, not that he would want to. He nodded softly, holding Janus' hand and rising to his feet. Janus stared at him for a moment, then softly brushed Patton's hair from his eyes. "Do you want Roman there?" He offered, voice soft. Patton thought for a moment, really thought, then eventually he shook his head.

Two people would be too much, besides he hasn't had alone time with Janus in a long while, it would be nice.

Janus understood and took him through the empty halls, right back to class. Patton hesitated when he realised and Janus picked up on it. "I'm collecting our stuff" he explained, letting Patton wait outside of the room while Janus walked in and explained to the teacher what was happening.

Patton didn't dare move his eyes from Janus, he couldn't bare to look and see Devin... he didn't want to know what expression he may be wearing, if it be anger or.. delight. A shudder danced across Patton's spine. He didn't want that- he didn't.. he didn't want to know.

Janus appeared seemingly seconds later, carrying both of their bags for him. It was the least he could do.

They headed down the hallway together, Patton sitting in the waiting area while Janus spoke to the receptionist. He managed to text his mother a brief notion of the situation, she cared a lot for anyone she ever came across so it wasn't a surprise she willingly allowed her son to go home with his friend if the friend needed him there.

Once Patton's mother was called and she allowed him to come home under the disguise of an illness the two were walking out the building to the car park where Janus' car sat. "Are you sure? I-I can walk home" Patton suggested, watching him put their stuff in the trunk.

Janus grinned a bit, "of course, you don't know where I live after all"

Patton paused, Janus was... taking him to his house? It wouldn't be a problem, after all his mother wouldn't be home the entire day but- he just wasn't expecting it. Not that he was complaining.

He climbed into the passenger seat and sat in silence the whole drive, listening to the radio but mostly stuck in his thoughts. His body felt numb, often still sniffling and wiping away stray tears. He desperately wanted to take the skirt off and put something else on- like trousers, or anything that would cover him completely. He couldn't shake the feeling everyone was staring even if he knew that wasn't the case.

The car slowed to a stop twenty minutes later, Patton quickly realised they were in the richer portion of their town. With two, or sometimes three story houses lining the perfectly kept streets. Beautiful trees standing tall and proud, neat patches of flowers on the edge of the side walks.

It was... amazing. He didn't know Janus lived here. Not that wherever he lived would've changed his opinion on him.

"Do you need a minute?" Janus offered, now the engine was off the car was silent.

Patton, though thankful, shook his head. "I'm... I'm okay. I wanna get inside" he replied, Janus understood and the two got out, Patton tugging the skirt down as far as he could before following after Janus up to his house.

Pulling out his keys Janus unlocked and opened the front door, allowing Patton inside first who was eager to get away from eyes that didn't exist, yet felt them burning into his bare skin.

"Follow me to my room, Honey" Janus made sure Patton knew where they were going before they began walking, Patton didn't pick up on it yet subconsciously he felt much... safer. Knowing.

Janus' bedroom, just like Patton had expected, was tidy. Neat. Shelves stacked accordingly and organised, the floor spotless of any discarded clothes. The bedsheets, black and gold, spread across the bed as if it were a bed on show in a store. In fact it was better, and looked incredibly enticing.

"I couldn't help but notice you may want these" Janus snapped him from his thoughts, appearing before Patton with a pair of dark grey joggers in his hands.

Patton looked at them, then up to Janus with widened eyes. "Really..?" He whispered, shocked. The boy nodded and Patton couldn't suppress his gratitude, taking them and changing as Janus turned his back. He felt much safer in these, though the thought made his heart drop.

When would be the next time he could wear a skirt comfortably...? The idea now made his skin crawl, stomach churning as if ready to barf.

At least his mother would be happy.

"Thank you, Janus" Patton voiced, clearly comfortable with him turning around. "Don't mention it, Patton. Do you want to lay down on my bed?" He offered, "I can join you. Roman told me how much you enjoyed.. cuddling" he suggested, folding Patton's skirt neatly in his hands - almost by default. Patton didn't even hand them over but didn't mind one bit.

"You... you wanna cuddle me?" Patton stepped closer, hands reaching up to hold each other in caged excitement. Janus noticed the brighter gleam in his eyes and smiled, "of course I do. Go lay down, I won't be a minute"

Patton nodded and practically lunged for the bed, kicking off his shoes and placing them to one side (he'd hate to seem messy) before clambering onto the bed, tugging himself under the thick quilt, genuinely surprised at how the mattress moulded around his body shape, slightly encasing him in a way Patton could only describe with two words: heavenly comfort.

A minute later, like promised, Janus returned and copied Patton's actions, laying beside him and opening his arms as an invitation.

Patton looked from his chest to his face, slowly shifting closer.

"You sure...?"

Janus snorted, "no, in fact this is how I sleep" he replied sarcastically. Patton blushed and giggled, wriggling all the way into his hold, head finding itself under Janus' chin, arms worming around his torso.

"Roman was right" Janus murmured, already beginning to trace his back. "You are very comfortable"

Patton giggled again, did I mention his heart was going wild? Because it was going wild, nearly all thoughts forgotten as Janus' warmth encased him the heat from a fire on a cold winters day. Nothing would make him more happy than to have Roman spooning him from behind, but then... remembered.

Remembered Devin.

He didn't want to be around more than Janus right now.

A comfortable silence passed between the two, listening to each other's soft breaths. Patton knew it wouldn't last forever but relished in the minutes it did. Broken by Janus' voice; "Patton?"

He hummed.

"I need you to tell me what happened"

Patton swallowed, gripping Janus' t-shirt tighter.

"Not now, not right now" he then reassured, "but soon. Today. It will be for the better"

Patton nodded against his chest, he knew that, of course he did, he couldn't hide the obvious truth now. But still he laid in silence, wanting this moment to last as long as it could.

—

Virgil added princey, gross💚, nerd, snake to chat

Virgil » which 1 of u fucks know where pat is

gross💚 » have u tried looking up ur arse 🤠

Virgil » i will torture u to death revive u and kill u again

gross💚 » sounds like a date~

nerd » Remus, Virgil is serious.

princey » he went home with my Serpiente!

Virgil » y? whats wrong? what happened to him?
Virgil » type. faster.

princey » My my! My apologies, I didn't think this was so urgent! Janus told me he was sick and needed to be taken home

Virgil » it js fucking urgent dumbass!
Virgil » sorry
Virgil » i didnt mean that

princey » I know, Virgil, I'd act the same if my darling went missing!

nerd » I usually do not have gut feelings but something is telling me he isn't just ill. He was completely fine during break and even if it were a slight illness, why would Janus go with him? He doesn't skip school unless urgent.

Virgil » fuck. ur right. shit shit shit

nerd » You are with Remus, correct?
nerd » Remus as a reminder; breath in for four seconds, hold for seven, out for eight.

princey » I know my brother fought with that homophobic bully in the past! Maybe he hurt Patton as revenge?

nerd » If that is the case Janus would have told you, correct?
nerd » Right, Roman?
nerd » Roman it's been five minutes.

princey » okay okay I'm sorry! I didn't want to worry you but my serpiente wouldn't exactly tell me that

nerd » What do you mean?

princey » Well! If someone did hurt Patton he wouldn't tell us unless he was there
Princey » Something about "I don't want to you go to prison for murder"

nerd » So we have to consider the likelihood that Patton is in hospital right now?

gross💚 » i think i calmed down virge
gross 💚 » um i dont rlly know tho

nerd » How is his breathing?

gross💚 » better kinda
gross💚 » im holding him

nerd » You're doing great, Remus. Just keep the up breathing technique for him.

princey » How about we all skip school and go to my darlings house? To check up on Patton!

nerd » We can't all skip school, that's four students leaving for no other reason than to check on a friend, while a kind gesture won't work as a viable excuse.

princey » can't you just let us go?? You're student body President!

nerd » That does not mean I can allow four students, including me, to go home with no viable reason.
nerd » And no, we cannot pretend we are ill.

Virgil » okay im fine
Virgil » thanks lo

nerd » Don't mention it, Virgil.

gross💚 » talk talk talk n i dont see any people to kill

princey » Right now there isn't anyone to kill, maybe my Serpiente decided to make sure Patton would be okay! After all his mother isn't home

Virgil » how do u know that

princey » Oh uh, I remembered Patton telling me his mother's job! It takes a lot of time out during the day

Virgil » that was years ago he told u tho?

snake » Devin.
snake » If his face is still recognisable in the next hour I'll come and kill him myself.

No one else sent a message to the group chat. Abruptly Logan, Remus, Roman and Virgil left their classes without telling the teachers why. They didn't chase them down, that wasn't policy, instead they sent an email to the principle so he could deal with them, turning back to class and continuing their lesson.

Devin wasn't hard to find, Logan knew the locations he hung out most when flunking class. Today he was down in the basement. The four met up by the stairs and walked down in complete silence, Virgil at the front but he knew he wouldn't get a word in before Roman and Remus were pinning him down and beating the ever loving shit out of them.

Logan quickly realised he'd have to take Janus' roll as the mediator.

The room right at the end of the hallway was dark, light poured in from the hallway, shining directly towards the printer. It was eerily quiet apart from the click of a lighter, then the soft sound of paper burning.

"We know you're in here, bastard" Roman spat upon entering, Logan tried the switch but alas it didn't work. He knew that but he just needed to try again.

A soft laugh came from their left, further into the room. The only person who wasn't freaked out was Remus, he wasn't scared by anything. In fact he found it a challenge to make sure the fucker never laughed again.

"Come the fuck out, right now" Virgil demanded, but again all Devin did was laugh.

It was creepy. Unsettling.

"He told you? What a shame. And I was having so much fun with him... your friend is so easy to scare. And manipulate. In under two weeks I bet you could get him on his hands and knees, even if he didn't exactly want it"

Everyone's blood boiled beneath their skin as Devin spoke about Patton that way, the twins taking a few steps further into the dark. "Shut the fuck up!" Remus hissed, eyes darting around frantically, desperately for any sign of life but they couldn't even see the cigarette he lit.

Devin didn't speak again, not even laugh. Logan stood by the doorway just in case he tried to slip out, but in his gut it felt wrong. The other three were distracted by their desires to beat the freak half to death but Logan still had some sense - and he knew something was very, very wrong.

Remus was growing impatient, they all were but Remus even more so. Finally, he snapped, let out a growl then stalked further into the room.

"Remus, I don't think that's such a good idea" Logan warned, his heart thumping faster and faster.

"I don't give a shit" Remus spat back, now closer he took in a breath and caught the scent of smoke. It came from the right corner. In a flash he hurried over there, though in a surprise twist of events Devin flicked on a light. The torch from his phone illuminating his face - it wore a sickening grin.

"Hello, Remus"

The twin faltered for a split second but took his chance, lunging for Devin not a moment later.

"Goodbye, Remus"

The sound of a gun shot pierced everyone's eardrums - along with a yell of excruciating pain.

—

Patton stared up at the ceiling idly, beside him Janus laid still, scrolling through his phone to pass the time, in hopes they'd get an update on the situation. Patton eventually told him, it took an hour of soft coaxing but did.

He didn't go into immense detail, though Janus didn't want or expect him to. He knew it would be difficult and Patton would need time to get over the whole ordeal. Hopefully after all this he'll be safer in school, and eventually feel safer too.

But then Janus got a call, it was an hour after he originally mentioned Devin in the newly made group chat. He didn't know what exactly to expect, but not something like this.

Not ever something like this.

He answered and held the device to his ear, on the other end came Logan's wavering voice.

"Janus? We.. we're at the hospital"

Quickly Janus sat up, "what happened?"

"Remus. Um- Devin had a gun, Remus was shot"

Janus stayed deathly quiet for a moment, Patton slowly sitting up too, tilting his head in concern. "I see" Janus murmured, "is he alright?" He asked, voice notably quieter.

Logan took a breath, "he should be. I don't think it hit any vital organs but he bled quite a lot. Devin was nowhere to be found, he left and... I..I-"

"Logan, are you sitting down?" Janus cut him off, Logan made some noise of agreement, shaken up too much to bare. In that moment Janus knew they would need him there, Virgil would be in a terrible state, Roman even more. And if Logan couldn't compose himself it must've been horrifying.

"I'll be there in five" Janus then hung up, turning to Patton with a serious expression.

"Patton, if this hurts your feelings I'm sorry. But right now Roman is my top priority, your feelings matter to me but you need to hold yourself together for a few hours. Can you do that?"

Patton, now worried out of his mind but with enough experience to keep his emotions at bay nodded slowly.

"Good" Janus replied, "Devin had a gun. Remus was shot"

Though nothing could prevent the gasp of shock escaping Patton's lips.

"The others need us. Do you need to stay here or can you come with me?"

Patton only took a moment to agree, he couldn't leave his friends like that, especially after what they all experienced. Janus nodded and the two didn't say another word, getting into Janus' car and driving as fast as they could to the hospital. During that time Patton finally had enough time to think, he didn't know if Remus was alive or dead but he could wait. He could falsely hope he was fine and focus on the others - Janus would take Roman and he'd be there for Logan and Virgil.

He could shut off his emotions long enough to comfort them.

Janus parked as close as he could to the front doors, the two rushed in as fast as they could, bursting into the waiting room to find the three boys there with Roman and Remus' parents but they weren't in great shape either. Roman was on the floor, hands covering his face, shoulders shaking with sobs.

Logan sat in the corner, softly shuddering but otherwise doing okay, while Virgil was curled up in a ball - desperately trying to catch his breath.

Janus all but dove for Roman, gathering him into his arms and taking him out of the room. Patton headed straight for Logan, then took him closer to Virgil so he could tend to both of them at the same time.

They obviously needed him, as soon as he began to comfort them they broke down further, still in utter shock over what happened. Patton didn't blame them. He felt guilt gnawing away in his stomach but he could deal with that later, his friends needed him more - like Janus said. He needed to stay composed for them.

Time passed. No one really knew how much but it did. In situations like these time is the last thing on peoples minds.

Though it reached a point where Logan could talk. So he and Patton made conversation while Virgil sat beside them, leaning on his best friend, listening to the music through his headphones. It was a suitable distraction.

The doors opened. Although unlike any other time a doctor walked in.

"Is he okay?" Remus' mother asked, standing up from her chair. Roman and Janus looked over too, they had returned after some time. Roman was still in a state but better than before.

"He's fine" the doctor confirmed, "it wasn't near any vital organs, nor will it leave any long lasting affects. He's very lucky. But he'll need to stay here for a week so we can keep track of his progress, in that time you can visit but the best you can do now is go home and return tomorrow-"

"No" Roman stood up from his seat, glare evident on his face. "I want- I need to stay here with him"

"I unfortunately can't allow that. We don't want to cause any accidental stress or strain-"

"But-!"

"Roman" Janus rose, taking his hand and gazing into his eyes. Roman looked back at him, towards the doctor, then let out a sigh- at least, that's what it tried to be. Instead it broke with a mixture of a sob and he fled the room, Janus on his tail.

"Thank you, Doctor" Roman's mom spoke up.

Patton helped take Virgil and Logan home, afterwards he returned home himself, sat on his bed and cried.

He never should have told anyone.

Maybe he shouldn't have left the class in the first place. After all Devin wouldn't have been able to do much.

This is all his fault.

—

Remus was okay. That was the main thing. Being shot, in his words was the; 'best thing that's ever happened to him'. Thankfully he wasn't mentally scarred from the experience, and he'd probably flaunt the physical scar until the day he died. He was allowed home after a week and is spending another two weeks in bed before he could return to school.

Their friends all took a few days off too, eventually everything was relatively back to normal.

Nearly everything.

Patton wasn't. He was worse. In the end he knew no matter what his friends would've gotten hurt by Devin, it was only a matter of time. He supposed he should be grateful Devin didn't cause more damage than he did, because now he's nowhere to be found and it would be highly unlikely he were to return.

That didn't mean he wasn't on edge, but after confirming Remus was okay everyone's attention turned to him. They got him counselling and have even looked into finding a well respected therapist outside of school too - Patton appreciated it greatly and did want to go. The few sessions he's had with the counsellors have been great!

Though Devin wasn't the only thing in his life that was ruining it. Counselling wouldn't get rid of his crush on Roman and Janus, and as for his mother? She... found someone. Found a man, in fact she found him a year ago. Patton had no clue and didn't even know his mother was looking for love.

She's planning to move in with him but apparently the man Patton has never met, fittingly, never wants to meet him. He doesn't like kids and never planned to have any of his own. Patton can't go with her, being seventeen years of age he couldn't protest to the matter either.

The very least she could do was pay for the houses rent until Patton turned eighteen, then she'd sell the house and let Patton live for himself in... any place he could find, really. It was stressful, extremely so. Everything in his life was one thing after another but the only reason why he didn't tell anyone about his home life was because... she was happy.

In the end that's all Patton wanted, to make his mother happy. And she was with her boyfriend who she was planning to marry within the next year. As soon as she finally told Patton she started gushing non-stop, grinning so wide Patton wondered how her cheeks didn't ache.

Her boyfriend brought her happiness Patton couldn't, so of course he wouldn't ask her to stay, or ask to go with her.

He'd hate to be a burden.

Though part of him didn't want to go. He loved his mother but being around her... hurt. He felt this was the best thing for the both of them.

Even if it was painful and stressful and... ruining his life.

Recently he's been going on more and more walks, sometimes through the country, other times simply through town. It was nice to take a break from everyone and everything to get lost in the beauty that was nature.

He'd smile at dog walkers and whistle along to chirping birds. Sometimes he'd even manage to have a skip on his step, depending on how the day had been so far.

But unfortunately something happened. Something not he or anyone would've expected.

He had decided to take the lesser populated walk that day, only because he didn't feel so great to begin with and would hate for his sour mood to possibly affect any stranger he might pass. It was lovely though, the walk, very scenic and often filled with animals living out their life in trees or bushes.

Halfway through the walk he passed by a playground, it was pretty abandoned and barely anyone knew it even existed. The wood was mouldy, the swings were ripped from the chains years ago, and the plastic slide had a giant hole in the middle after it was burnt by a group of teenagers.

Yet there was still someone there. Sitting beside the climbing frame, smoking a cigarette.

Patton didn't recognise them at first. He assumed it was just a teenager finding a recluse place to sit and be alone, but the more he stared the more he realised... they weren't a stranger.

He couldn't believe it, even rubbed his eyes, took off his glasses to clean before gazing at them again.

He squinted, stepped closer, and gasped.

It was him.

It was Devin.

Patton didn't really remember the emotions that swam through him in that moment of realisation, he definitely knew he felt angry at the time, maybe a bit scared but... his anger took place front and centre. Almost blinding his vision red.

Patton was and always would be a pacifist. But that didn't mean he couldn't fight sometimes.

He didn't know how he crossed the field between him and the playground so quickly, he guessed the adrenaline kicked in as soon as his hands clenched by his sides and he made up his mind. Devin didn't notice him at first, too caught up in his own thoughts to even hear his footsteps or laboured breathing.

He only noticed him when a fist collided with his cheek.

Weight was on his back and he felt the same pain erupting in the back of his head repeatedly, over and over and over.

Punch.

Punch.

Punch.

He wasn't weak however and managed to kick Patton off him but that didn't exactly save him either. They fought each other ruthlessly, blood was splattered over the spongy ground they rolled on, houses nearby could hear their yells, grunts and cries of pain.

That was the only thing that saved their lives.

Unable to recall exactly when he passed out the next thing Patton saw after gazing at the bloodied, broken face of Devin was the bright white hospital lights. Then the concerned faces of his friends.

"He's awake!" Remus exploded in joy, "Pat- you killed Devin!"

"Remus!" Virgil hissed, Patton's heart monitor spiked in alarm.

"No, no!" Logan quickly waved his hands, "you didn't kill him. You just seriously injured him"

That relaxed him somewhat but he was still scared. No, terrified. He didn't know what came over him earlier-... that day? Yesterday? He didn't know what day it was or how long ago he lost control and let it out on Devin... it must've been awhile at the very least.

"Patton, you really should leave the fighting to us" Roman commented with a fond chuckle, the familiar friendliness made him feel a bit better, though he was still distraught and.. extremely tired.

"We'll tell him what happened. You all go home" Janus then gestured to three of them, leaving behind himself and Roman.

"Fine.. stay safe, Pat" Virgil gave him a quick hug, kissing his forehead. Logan also hugged him and reminded him to relax and not do anything that could be stressful or involve too much movement. Remus gave him a high five and congratulated him on winning the fight.

Finally the three were alone, Janus sat on his left while Roman took the right.

Patton finally got a good look of himself as they did so. Both his hands were bandaged up, his left arm in a cast and resting on his stomach. His legs appeared fine though his face ached and felt swollen up.

"You fought Devin" Janus brought up like it was unknown to him, Patton nodded softly, worried for just a moment they'd be ashamed of him.. but instead they both smiled.

"And! You won!" Roman grinned, reaching over to place his hand ever so gently on top of Patton's right one.

"Once that gruesome little horror was bandaged and fixed up the police took him away. He'll be facing his trial soon and hopefully be done for attempted murder! If not I'll attempt murder on him, and it will be successful-"

"Roman" Janus glanced at him in warning. The teenager sighed but relented.

Patton managed a small smile.

"Your left arm was broken and your knuckles aren't in great shape either, but you'll heal. Fighting him totally wasn't the most the dumbest thing you could've done but... we're both relieved you weren't hurt more than you were" Janus then lifted his hand, putting it above Romans' where it still laid on Patton's.

"We had a talk with the others" Roman started, Patton could sense the change in conversation, butterflies began their ascent in his stomach.

"And both me and my Serpiente came to the same conclusion that we want to try out a relationship with you. While.. our feelings are still developing for you, you must be patient with us, we do want to be with you. But you've liked us for much, much longer, we'll have to take this slow"

Both boys glanced up at the heart monitor which started to go crazy, Patton's face burnt red and tears pricked his eyes.

"You...I.." he whispered, in complete shock. Even if the butterflies predicated it he didn't think it would actually happen! They.. they both asked him out! To be in a relationship with them! With both of them!

More tears formed and began to slip down his cheeks, lips splitting wide into a grin, giggling in uncontrollable delight.

"Oh.. oh my gosh, oh my gosh!" He squealed, both of the boys grinned themselves, Roman even laughed and shifted closer to him, pressing a gentle kiss against his cheek.

Patton froze, gazing at him in surprise. "Oh.. wow" he whispered, he had dreamt of this moment and yet it was better than he could ever imagined. The dull grey that seemed to hover over him finally lifted, and for the first time in what felt like forever Patton could finally see the bright colours of life.

"You're absolutely adorable" Roman complimented, Patton somehow blushed further, the red reaching the tips of his ears.

"You'll have to get used to him. He doesn't stop with the compliments, no matter what" Janus rolled his eyes, Roman bellowed out a laugh, slowly wrapping one arm around Patton's waist, somewhere in the mess of excitement he had sat up.

Patton's entire body tingled, shots of electricity reaching his very finger tips and toes.

"You can't deny you love it, Serpiente" Roman cooed, Janus shook his head with a light smile.

"I do, though.." Janus eyed Patton, then leaned closer to give his other cheek a kiss. "I think we should focus on complimenting him, don't you think?"

Patton whined, hiding his face against his good arm.

The two boys laughed happily beside him, and that same night Patton was allowed to leave. He stayed with Janus, propped up on pillows and drowsy from the pain medication but he couldn't care less, because on either side of him laid Roman and Janus- sound asleep with their arms wrapped protectively across the boy between them.

The boy who was sorta high on meds and still in slight pain was happy. Happier than he had been in awhile.

He wouldn't return to his normal self because of this, not for awhile at least, but with his two boyfriends by his side... boyfriends! Plus Virgil, Remus and Logan he'd make it. In the end he sorta knew he would.

He was strong, willing and very in love.

And finally he didn't have to repress it.

—

"Cobra?" Patton whispered into the night, hand reaching up to stroke the side of Janus' face. The boy hummed, eyes blearily breaking open, focusing his gaze on Patton. "What's wrong?" He murmured sleepily, Patton smiled wider, reaching forward to press a soft kiss to his lips.

"Happy one month anniversary" he whispered, Janus needed a moment to register before a wide smile encompassed his features. He pulled Patton in for another kiss.

"Happy one month anniversary, Marshmallow"

The pet name still made him giggle.

Then he rolled onto his other side, repeating the same action with Roman.

"Roro?" He cooed, poking and prodding until Roman had awoken, yawning and tugging both his boys closer to him. "Wha..?" He muttered, eyes slipping shut.

"Happy one month anniversary!"

Roman stayed silent for a few minutes, Patton worried he had fallen back asleep but Janus told him to wait, and he did.

He waited, and waited, until...

"Disney!" He suddenly sprung up, eyes alight. "Happy one month anniversary, Cookie!" He cheered, pulling Patton into a long, loving kiss. The boy laughed against his lips joyously, not fighting as he was brought to his chest, then laid against him once Roman returned to the comfort of the mattress.

Janus snuggled up to Roman's side, the two now had a perfect view of Patton who (of course) blushed, burying his face against Roman's chest, reaching out to grasp Janus' hand.

"Isn't he adorable?" Roman asked.

Patton whined louder, embarrassed.

"Exceptionally" Janus agreed. Patton whined again but a small giggle fell out too, eyes crinkling in the corners as he smiled wide and proud.

In that moment he was happy, they all were, and they would be for a very, very long time.

—

Hmmmmmmm................. it's complete

21,983 words... Jesus

T h o u g h t s ?  P l e a s e ?  T h a n k s

L o v e  y o u  g u y s

6:31am