Prinxiety xox

Part 4 Chptr 3

Trigger warning I think? Mentions of alcohol addiction and abuse, sorry if that's not your thing, :/

Virgil filled Patton in quickly, and Patton was tactful enough not to ask too many questions.
"How often does this happen?"
"I dunno, like once or twice a month."
"And where does she usually go?"
"Anywhere."
"Well, where did she go last time?"
"I found her at a bus stop."
"Then lets go there."
Virgil led the way to the bus stop. He was very aware that Patton was taking in everything, from the state of his house to the vague, lurking smell of drink in the air.
There was no one, apart from a mangy cat, at the bus stop.
Patton seemed unfazed.
"Ok, where else?"
Virgil shrugged, growing aware of the rising sense of panic building in his stomach. His heart was thundering, his throat closed up and the world seemed to start spinning. His breath came in uneven, ragged gasps, he heard Patton calling his name but it was too late, he stumbled backwards, shaking uncontrollably, tears forming in his eyes.
"Virgil!"
He was sweating, his head was pounding, he couldn't think.
"Virgil!"
The panic engulfed him, he felt like he could throw up, he fell to his knees, shivering.
"Virgil!"
He couldn't shut out the voice anymore.
"THIS IS YOUR FAULT. YOU SHOULD HAVE LOOKED AFTER HER BETTER. IF SHE'S LYING SOMEWHERE, DEAD, YOU'D BE TO BLAME. SHE LOVED YOU. SHE TOOK CARE OF YOU. SHE DID HER BEST, AND YOU THROW IT BACK IN HER FACE. YOU'RE UNGRATEFUL, UNDESERVING, INADEQUATE-"
"Virgil!"
A sharp pain shocked Virgil back to his senses.
Patton materialised in front of him, looking concerned.
"Sorry for hitting you, I-I got scared. Are you ok?" The caring boy gazed at Virgil worriedly.
"I'm-fine," muttered Virgil, embarrassed. "You really pack a punch, huh?" He regretted the feeble attempt at humour as a look of shame took over Patton's face.
"I'm so sorry, I panicked and you weren't responding so I just-I don't know. I'm sorry."
"S'okay. 'M fine." Virgil rubbed the back of his neck self consciously. "Let's check-" He racked his brains. "Let's check the park. She used to bring me there all the time." He didn't realise how much the words would hurt until he said them.
Patton nodded and squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "It'll be ok, Virge."
They got half way to the park when Patton whipped around, pointing to a figure sitting on a rickety looking bench.
"Is that her?"
Virgil sucked in his breath. "Yeah." Patton started hastening towards her, but Virgil caught his shoulder. "Patton, maybe you should stay here."
"Why, kiddo? Are you ok?" "I'm fine, I'm just-" Virgil caught himself just before the word "ashamed" could slip off of his tongue. "I just want to talk to her privately first, ok?"
Patton nodded understandingly, but it was clear he didn't understand. "Ok buddy. I'm right here if you need me."
Virgil smiled, except it was more like a grimace and he started walking towards his mother.
She didn't acknowledge her son as he sat down beside her. She was humming tunelessly, a dazed smile on her face.
"Mom." Virgil's voice was quiet, calm, but inside he was shaking. "Come on home now, ok? Come on home."
She gave no signal that she had heard him. Virgil looked at Patton, who gave him a reassuring thumbs up.  Virgil nodded and took his moms hand. It was cold and Virgil noticed that she was shaking. He pulled her up slowly and for the first time, turned to look at him. "I'm sorry," she whispered desperately. "I got scared on my own, I had to get out. I found the spare key under your mattress. I'm so s-sorry." She started sobbing and Virgil just nodded. He had become numb to the apologies and the tears that came after an escape. He just led her away, beckoning Patton to follow him. Patton, who seemed to realise the weight of the situation, said nothing, stayed a few paces behind them and offered Virgil a comforting smile now and again.
They continued walking in silence, apart from moms dry, racking sobs. When they arrived home, Virgil muttered quietly to Patton. "You don't have to stay. You can go home now, if you want." Patton shook his head resolutely. "I'm staying with you kiddo." Virgil smiled, it took all of his strength not to start crying. He brought Mom up to her room and tucked her in gently. He cringed at the state of the place, embarrassed that Patton had to see it.
He made sure to lock the front door, and he slipped the keys into his pocket, just to be safe.
He and Patton headed up to his room, and it was only then, when the door was shut, that Virgil broke down. Huge, heavy sobs, he leaned into Pattons chest as the latter rubbed his back and whispered consolingly.
"It's ok."
"You're gonna be ok."
"Just get it all out, Virge."
Eventually his sobs slowed and he drew back from Patton. "I'm s-so sorry. I don't want to be a b-burden but I need to t-talk about it-"
"Of course!" cried Patton. "You're not a burden at all! I'm your friend, Virgil."
Virgil nodded, and in a cracked voice, started talking.
"She was never as bad as this, she used to only drink when Dad was out, but he-he used to really mad when she drank. After she-I mean-when Dad-left, she got so much worse. I think-" Virgil's voice broke, and he continued with his face in his hands. "I think she really did love him. And he loved her. But it-they weren't-it wasn't healthy. For anyone. So when he left it was-it was for the best." Virgil seemed to be telling this to himself more than to Patton. Patton was silent, and Virgil continued, his voice slightly stronger.
"But she got a lot worse, so I kept her in her room. I was scared for her, scared that something would happen to her. But she got mad when I didn't let her go out, and she always found the key. And she would disappear, sometimes for days, and I never knew what to do. And when I found her, she always did that thing, the crying and apologising-it just became meaningless after a while."
He paused, rubbing his eyes furiously. "I'm sorry, I'm making her sound like a horrible person, she loves me and she cares for me, I know she does, but she's just a bit-broken."
Patton nodded. "I know buddy. It's hard, but you'll get through this." Virgil gave him a watery smile. "Do you want me to stay here tonight," Patton asked gently. "No, it's fine, I'll be ok," said Virgil hastily. "It's late, you should probably get going." "Yeah, said Patton, a little sadly. "See you tomorrow Virge."
"See you later Pat."
Virgil saw Patton to the door. As Patton made to step out into the evening light, Virgil took him by the shoulder.
"Hey Patton?"
He cleared his throat.
"Thanks."
Patton turned around and threw his arms around Virgil.
"You'll be ok, Virgil. I promise," said Patton, squeezing him fiercely. Virgil froze for a moment, then hugged his friend back.
"I know."

Thanks for reading! I know it's not great, sorry, I'm going in about four hours of sleep currently (blame Steven Universe, not me) but I hope you enjoyed it anyhow.
Next chapter up soon! xoxo