The Golden Rule || Sanders Sides AU

Paranoia

Hey guys! Here comes another Part to this fic! I'm working on another one right now too, and It's nearly done so I'm really excited to start posting! I need to work out a schedule for this, and I promise I will eventually. My life is just a horrid mess right now, but I'll figure it out. So yeah. lemme see...

Trigger Warnings(?): Arguments, Toxic relationships, mentions of abusive relationships, Panic attacks, Stalking, and kidnapping. That sure gives you hope for the chapter, doesn't it?

Virgil returned after midnight, and Patton had since moved to sit at the table with a glass of now cold hot cocoa. As soon as Virgil stepped inside, Patton hurried over.

"Virgil, you okay Kiddo? I know that must have been stressful, but-"

"Not now, Patt." Virgil dodged around him and Patton bit his lip.

"Virge, I didn't mean to make things worse, I-"

"It wasn't... your fault." Virgil said, rubbing his eyes. "D... he's just really... intense."

"Like camping!" Patton suggested, trying to lighten to mood. To his relief, Virgil managed a small smile.

"Both give me high anxiety, so yeah," he said, and Patton frowned.

"Virge, you don't..." this was going to sound horrible. "You don't have to stay with him if he hurts you like that." Virgil shook his head tiredly.

"You don't understand, Patton." He said, going to get a glass of water from the kitchen. Patton followed at a distance, confused.

"What don't I understand, Kiddo?" he asked. "He was yelling at you, he made you cry." Virgil didn't respond, just drained his cup and started refilling it. "I could tell you were gonna have a panic attack."

"Yeah.. well, that's my problem," Virgil said, staring at his water. "You're the only person who tries to help with that, and I'm grateful, but-"

"You mean your own boyfriend doesn't help you with your anxiety?" Patton blurted out, shocked. Virgil shrugged, dumping the glass into the sink and rinsing it out.

"I mean, not really. I think it annoys him."

"Kiddo, that's-"

"Listen, Patt," Virgil looked at him. "D and I... we have reasons for our relationship. It may not make sense, but trust me. It'll be fine." Patton didn't know what to say, he just stared back at his friend before gasping. Virgil blinked. "What?"

"He- he hit you!" Patton reached over and stroked Virgil's cheek, where a large bruise poked out from under his intense eyeshadow. "Virge, what-?"

"It's nothing!" Virgil said, pushing Patton away. "And he didn't... hit me! I.. tripped."

"Virgil, please let me help you!" Patton begged, feeling tears well up in his eyes. "This relationship is unhealthy, trust me!"

"Why should I?" Virgil snapped, shoving Patton away. Patton tripped, hitting his shoulder on the corner.

"Virge, I'm just trying to-"

"I don't need help," Virgil said, voice tight. "And I don't need you, or anyone else! I know you think the world is full of sunshine and rainbows, but it's not! Okay?"

"I don't-"

"Sometimes your situation sucks, but it's your situation so deal with it!" Virgil ranted. Patton rubbed his shoulder gently, trying not to cry. "You're the reason D was mad at me in the first place! If you want to help, maybe you should just stay away from me!" and then Virgil was gone, slamming the door to his bedroom.