The Sanders Sides

3 - Waking Up

Logan stood outside Patton's door, the silence stretching between them. He took a deep breath, then knocked gently.

"Patton?" he called out.

"Yeah, come in," came Patton's muffled voice from within.

Logan pushed open the door a crack. Steam billowed out, carrying with it the scent of lavender soap. Patton stood barely visible behind a curtain of cascading water, his voice strained.

"Hey, just wanted to see if you were alright," Logan said, his voice soft.

"Taking a shower," Patton replied. "Always good to feel clean, even if the world feels filthy sometimes."

"True enough," Logan agreed. "Just tell me next time, alright? I almost knocked the door down yesterday."

Patton chuckled, a hollow sound. "Sorry, Logan. Just... needed some time."

Logan hesitated. "What were you... researching just now?"

The sound of the shower faltered for a moment. "Oh, uh, just... what the doctor said yesterday about Virgil. About the infection... if left untreated, it can be..." Patton's voice trailed off.

"Fatal," Logan finished the sentence for him, his voice somber.

"Yeah," Patton mumbled. "But they're in the hospital, so..." His voice trailed off again, the uncertainty hanging heavy in the air.

Patton shifted on his feet. "Patton, I just wanted to say thanks for yesterday. You... you went a little nuts."

Logan snorted, a weak attempt at humor. "A little?"

"But hey," Logan continued, "given the circumstances, I'd say it was a valid reaction. Just... try not to catch me off guard again, alright?"

"No more surprises," Patton sighed, a hint of his usual cheer returning to his voice.

Logan offered a small smile. "No more surprises. Now, how about we order some takeout after you get dressed? We haven't eaten anything decent in days."

Patton considered this for a moment. "Pizza? Extra cheese?"

"Always," Logan chuckled, turning to leave. As he reached the door, he paused and looked back at Patton. "We'll get through this, Patton. Together."

Patton stood in silence for a moment, the sound of the shower filling the room. Finally, a single word escaped his lips, barely audible. "...Thanks, Logan."

Logan nodded and closed the door softly, a flicker of hope warming the cold knot of worry in his stomach. The path ahead was still uncertain, but at least they wouldn't have to face it alone.

Deceit, ever the picture of composure, opened the door a crack. "Can I help you?" he asked, a polite smile plastered on his face. Before he could finish, a wave of pain washed over him as the police officer he'd assaulted earlier slammed his fist into Deceit's jaw.

"Sir, you will have to come with us," the other officer barked, flashing a badge in Deceit's face.

Patton, who had been heading downstairs for a glass of water, froze on the landing. The sight of Deceit, face contorted in pain and surprise, being roughly shoved into handcuffs sent a jolt of confusion and anger through him.

"I have said it..." he began, his voice tight with frustration, "no more surprises! WHAT IS THIS?!" he roared, gesturing wildly at the scene unfolding before him.

Remus, who had been lounging on the couch oblivious to the commotion, finally glanced up. "He basically punched a cop in the face," he said with a nonchalant shrug.