Vices and Maces

Chapter 3: At Least These Two Seem Normal... Right?

Patton unlocked his door and walked into the house with a sigh, the sun just finishing setting behind him. He set down his keys and took off his shoes, pushing them to the side. The small house was dark, except for the dim light coming from the office.

He walked over and saw his fiance sitting at the desk, looking at some papers with an intense frown. And while Patton loved seeing him so focused, his white eyes staring down and contrasting with his black skin, he knew that he was pushing himself.

“Logan, it’s late, why are you still up?” Patton asked, walking over and hugging the half elf from behind, startling him.

“Oh, Patton, I didn’t hear you come in,” Logan admitted, turning to him. Patton gave him a pout, his curly white hair falling into his eyes.

“How long have you been working?”

“Not long enough,” the halfling sighed, staring back at his paper in frustration. “I think I’m in a stump, it feels like I’m overlooking something.”

“Then I think it’s time you take a break.” Patton took Logan’s hand with his own, the white speckled hands pulling him up. His vitiligo always reminded Logan of clouds, much like everything else about Patton. It was fitting, considering he’s an air nymph. “Police work is hard and boring.”

“But it’s well rewarding when I can make this city just a little bit safer.”

“You’ve already done so much work, I mean, no one else was able to figure out that there are two leaders of Bleeding Rose instead of one! Did you get dinner?”

“I haven’t had time to eat.”

“Lo-lo, it’s almost 8! You need food, come on. I can make you something to eat.”

“You just got home, you should rest,” Logan argued.

“Oh no, I’m a secretary for some big shot, so tiring,” Patton said with sarcasm.

“Being a secretary for anyone can be tiring. I don’t know your employer, but whoever he is, he seems to ask a lot from you.”

Patton shrugged. “He’s not that bad, pays well too. I think I can handle making dinner for you. As long as you rest and stop working. You won’t even be paid overtime for this!”

“I need to find out who the leaders of Bleeding Rose and Wolfsbane are, and take them down.”

“You shouldn’t do it by yourself, that’s a lot of work for one man.”

“No one else in the station takes this seriously. And I don’t work well with others there…” Logan had a tired look in his eyes, making Patton deflate.

Because Logan is half elf and half human, some people think he’s weird. But he is also black, which didn’t mix well with police, and he’s openly a panromantic asexual. Not only that, but his fiance, Patton, is a trans man. A nymph out of all creatures.

“I still don’t understand why you work as a police,” Patton sighed.

“Someone has to protect this city! And most police I work with are corrupt, so I doubt they will. And it’s not like I can report them, if I did, I have a feeling that they would all hate me more.”

Patton brought Logan to the kitchen. “Which is why I don’t like you working in the police. I’m scared you’re going to get hurt. Either because of one of the gangs, or from one of your fellow officers.”

“I’ll be careful, I just have to play along with all of their bull-”

“Language,” Patton sang, grabbing a pot and noodles. “How does spaghetti sound?”

“Considering it’s the only thing you can cook, I’m okay with it.”

“Hey!” Patton looked back with an offended look, though a smile played on his lips. “My cooking is amazing! I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Really? Who has said that? I would like to meet them.” Logan gave him a smile.

“You have to admit, I make good pasta. So unless you don’t want spaghetti ever again, I’d quit it if I were you.” Patton grabbed a spoon and pointed it at Logan threateningly.

“What would I do without your spaghetti?”

“Exactly.” Patton set the spoon down and started filling the pot with water. Logan smiled and grabbed the spaghetti sauce and a sauce pan, setting them to the side.

Patton was happy to be able to spend this time with Logan. It’s felt like months since they had time to spend with each other. Logan being one of the only detectives in his station that actually cares about his job has made it hard to find free time. And, well, Patton’s job didn’t make it any easier. He was often needed, but it was only because of this job that he was able to get the care he needed to transition.

They’ve been engaged for over a year now, and have found no time for their wedding. It was starting to worry Patton, he was afraid that they were going to grow apart. But moments like these, no matter how small or rare, reassured Patton. He still knew Logan.

But did Logan know him…?

Patton jumped when his phone went off. He pulled it out of his pocket and saw the photo of a rose. “Oh, I have to take this, hold on,” he told Logan.

“That’s okay, I’ll watch the pot,” the half elf responded. Patton cringed inwardly when he noticed the hint of sadness in his voice. They both knew that Patton will be needed for something, if not now then later tonight.

Patton walked out the back door, making sure to close it before answering. “Hello?” he asked, leaning against the wall of the house.

“Patton, I’m glad you answered,” his boss replied. “There’s going to be a situation later tonight, and we will need your assistance.”

The nymph sighed, looking around to make sure there were no eavesdropping ears. “What do you need me to do?”

“It’ll unfortunately involve relocating some people.” They both knew that he meant kids. “Their caretakers will be… leaving for some place else soon.”

“I understand, when do you need me?”

“I need you at the office in an hour.”

“I’ll be there.”

“We couldn’t do this without you, Iris. It’s appreciated.”

“No problem Roman. Don’t do anything without me, I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Roman hung up. Patton had to use his name, he couldn’t use his nickname Burning Petals while living with Logan. If Logan knew what Patton’s job really was, that he worked for a gang leader… It would break both of their hearts. It was best Logan didn’t know, it’ll keep him out of danger. Not that either of the twins would want to hurt Logan, but Logan didn’t feel the same way.