Why Him?

Chapter 4: Oh Dear

(Warning for swearing, nightmare, gaslighting, manipulation, abusive relationship, discussion of an R rated movie)

     Patton entered the bathroom, feeling strange as he did. There was something familiar about this feeling, but he tried to ignore it as he walked over to the sink. He shaped both his hands into Ls, trying to remember which was left and which was right. His right hand was the bandaged one, so he couldn't use it to brush his teeth. He turned on the tap and ran his brush under the water. He then carefully placed his right hand on the sink so he could keep balanced while brushing.

     Once he was done, he spit out the toothpaste and rinsed with water. "Oh dear, I forgot to pack mouthwash and floss..." Patton muttered after spitting the water out. Then again, he didn't like using them, but... He knew he was supposed to. He sighed, deciding he would have to buy some tomorrow. He put his toothbrush into the holder and his toothpaste into the mirror cabinet. Then he carefully began to change into his pyjamas.

Meanwhile, Remus finished cleaning the floor and placed the trash bags next to the door. He would take them out in the morning. For now, he changed into his pyjamas, subconsciously taking his time. Part of him hoped Patton would walk in on him changing, even if another part of him knew that would be terribly awkward. Patton did sort of walk in on him, but only in the process of pulling on his shirt. He was basically completely covered before Patton saw him.

Patton wore a grey t-shirt and matching pants covered in cartoon daisies. He yawned as he took off his glasses and walked over to his bed, placed his glasses down on the night stand, and carefully climbed onto his mattress. "Good night, Re..." Patton murmured, closing his eyes. "Guess we don't have to turn off the light, huh?" Remus chuckled, causing Patton to laugh. "You're silly." Patton murmured tiredly as he pulled his blanket over him. "Night Pat." Remus replied, smiling fondly as he climbed into his own bed. He watched Patton from across the room, debating whether his luck was incredible or terrible.

Remus closed his eyes, deciding to try and get some sleep. He was going to have to actually try and do well in school now, since his grades were no longer just a tool to spite his parents. He had goals now, things he'd have to work towards. Which meant he really had to get his shit together... No more breaking lights, that's for sure.

While Remus drifted into a peaceful sleep, which was rare for him, Patton drifted into a more distressing one. He kicked and turned in his sleep, muttering to himself as he clutched one of his stuffed animals.

"Dalton!" Patton called, feeling giddy as he entered his boyfriend's room. "What do you want?" The boy asked, his voice more robotic and monstrous than Dalton would realistically sound. The bedroom was blurrier and didn't quite feel real. Patton could soon tell this was a dream, a dream he had often. Not a dream he was fond of, but he didn't have much control over it. "I passed my math test!" Patton cheered excitedly, holding up his B- proudly. "That's great, honey." Dalton said, his voice monotonous as he cupped one of Patton's cheeks with his hand and kissed the other.

Patton giggled happily, his heart leaping at the praise. "I was wondering if we could go on a date to celebrate? We haven't been on one in awhile, I was hoping I could talk to you about the new book I'm reading. I think you'd really like it." Patton suggested, rocking back and forth on his feet. It was a book he knew Dalton already read and loved, but he planned to pretend to have read it by coincidence in order to gain Dalton's approval. "Later. I'm busy." Dalton replied, sitting at his desk and returning to his homework. "Well, yeah, I mean... I didn't mean right this second..." Patton began awkwardly. "I said I'm busy." Dalton growled. "Okay." Patton squeaked quietly before slipping out of the room.

"Patty, wait." Dalton called, sighing in frustration as he rubbed his face. Patton walked cautiously back into the room, bringing his head down and his shoulders up. "Yeah?" He replied softly. "Come here." Dalton ordered, turning to Patton and opening his arms. Patton obeyed, walking over and sliding into his boyfriend's arms, sitting on his lap. Dalton wrapped his arms around Patton and kissed his cheek. "I love you. I just have more important things to do. I promise we'll have another date soon." Dalton assured Patton. "Okay." Patton replied sheepishly, trying his best to smile.