Chemistry - A Sander's Sides Fanfiction

- 29 -

Unofficial title for this chapter: "Logan Freaks Out."

Logan is actually one of my favorites to write as because he never really understands himself -- plus I get to use all of my three-syllable words ha.

Also, Southern California is still kinda in flames, so that's a thing. Luckily I'm fine but it's been chaos these last couple of days.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

Logan found himself feeling pretty satisfied after finally discussing his project plan with the group. He departed directly after school to Patton's house, where he would partake in yet another daily tutoring session.

Patton smiled at him widely as soon as he opened the door. Months ago, Logan would have been unsettled by the amount of concentrated optimism and enthusiasm that Patton exerted while performing such a mundane task as opening the door for him. However, now it only amused him, for it was so purely Patton.

Patton's house was warm as always, though Logan doubted all of the warmth he felt was from the heater. Logan took his seat in his usual rigid dining chair and waited for Patton to take out his homework. However, before they began, Patton turned to Logan and spoke.

"So I have a request of you," Patton began drawlingly. Logan perked up at being addressed and gave the boy his full attention, noticing how visibly nervous Patton looked. "Roman brought up the fact the other day that the winter dance is coming up," he said, playing with the hem of his polo, "and I know it's not exactly your thing but I was wondering if you'd like to go with me?" Patton hesitantly raised his gaze up to Logan's, meeting his eyes from under the rim of his glasses with a tentative smile.

Logan could not explain the feeling that Patton's hopeful look -- or the request it was paired with -- gave him. It was a feeling similar to the one Logan had experienced upon receiving his near perfect score on the SAT -- but somehow so much better and so much less predictable; it was like a fire had suddenly ignited in his rib cage and was attempting to jump into his throat. It took Logan a couple of moments to compose himself and his thoughts enough to reply.

"I..." he began, not quite sure how to word things. It wasn't very often that Logan was at a loss for words. "I would be happy to accompany you to said dance if you so desire."

Patton let a small smile slip onto his face. "Would you enjoy yourself?" Patton questioned. "I wouldn't want to go if you wouldn't have fun."

Logan hummed. "I'm sure I will enjoy myself with you there," he said without thinking. Though the statement was in no way planned out, it was definitely true.

Patton giggled, his nose scrunching up. Logan smiled instinctively. "Awesome," Patton squeaked.

The two then turned their attention to Patton's math homework, which Patton was slowly getting better at. All throughout that time, however, Logan had a sort of warm anxiety in his chest as his thoughts kept going back to the invitation he had accepted.

Logan really wasn't a dancer, but upon impulse, he had agreed to go with Patton to the winter dance. Whatever makes him happy, Logan reasoned. He knew Patton didn't have many friends, so Logan felt somewhat obligated to look after Patton and make sure he was feeling okay. The concern also likely stemmed from Logan's memory of the mental breakdown Patton had experienced months before. Logan didn't ever want to see his friend like that ever again.

Logan found himself touching Patton's shoulder often throughout the session as well. Normally he didn't like physical contact, but for some reason, he wasn't exactly feeling like himself today.