A True Prince: Sanders Sides AU

Chapter 8: Father and Son

"Here you go, Patton." Virgil produced a decent sack of money from within his jacket. With the shock of seeing Roman again, he'd almost forgotten to give it to Patton. Patton took the money, but eyed Virgil suspiciously.

"Let me see, kiddo."

Virgil was caught off guard, instinctively shoving his hands into his pockets. One look at Patton, however, and he reluctantly rolled up his sleeves, revealing various cuts, bruises, and welts all along his arms.

"Virgil...."

"It doesn't hurt. I just got banged up during today's job, that's all. I'm fine, Patton."

It wasn't a total lie, and maybe Patton could sense that, so he didn't press the matter any further. Still, even stretching the truth to Patton made Virgil feel...icky.

The two of them made their way back inside, keeping their voices hushed as to not wake the orphans. As Virgil collapsed onto the floor, Patton sat beside him, a small melancholy smile on his face.

"You've grown up so much," Patton said. "I still have to remind myself that you're not a kid anymore."

"Hey, c'mon. I'll always be your kiddo, Patton. You pretty much are my dad." Virgil's smirk faded as he thought about his life before the orphanage. Patton reached out to comfort him, but Virge instinctively tensed up.

Patton sighed. "Did I ever tell you about the day I met you?"

Virgil looked up. It was a part of his life he wanted to forget, so Patton had never brought it up before. Still, he had always been a little curious about Patton's first impression of him.

"I remember it like it was yesterday. I was coming back here after finding some toys at the market. I decided to take a different route that day, and I stumbled along you. And I was stunned. You were so small, but you had, and I can still remember this, the most defiant look in your eyes. You had your hair swept in front of your face, but I could still see that look. As I came up to you, you were so scared, it broke my heart. "

"I told you to go away, didn't I?"

"Yes, you did." Patton chuckled. "It took me a little off guard, honestly, but I understood. I took a little stuffed toy and offered it to you, and you hesitated at first, but you took it. I wanted to take your hand, to show you some affection, but you were afraid. So I motioned for you to follow me, and thank goodness you did. And I could just tell, from that one little moment, that you were going to be somebody incredible."

Virgil looked away. He didn't want Patton to see the tears forming in his eyes, but he couldn't stop them from forming.

"Patton...My own parents didn't even want me. They kicked me out of the house, called me a freak, and I can't help but wonder...what if I am? What if I screw up? What if I hurt somebody? I don't...I don't want you to hate me."

Patton got as close to Virgil as he could without making him uncomfortable. "Virgil, I could never hate you. I know you're scared..." Virgil stuffed his hands into his pockets, proving Patton's point. "But, you're also the strongest little kiddo I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I'm so proud of you."

Slowly, Virgil removed his hands from his pockets. He didn't want to hurt Patton, but nothing had gone wrong...yet. Whatever. He just had to do it. Despite his arms shaking, he reached over and gave Patton a small hug.

Patton was almost caught off guard, but he returned the hug, giving Virgil a small comfort in this crazy world he was trapped in.

"I love you, Patton." Virgil croaked out, trying to hold back the tears.

"I know, kiddo." Patton smoothed back Virgil's hair. "I love you, too."