The Strange Case of the Swapped Sides

7

Virgil waved to the strange group amassed in the common room, lowering his headphones. He smiled warmly.
"Hey, Thomas, Deceit, what are you guys doing here?"

Thomas just kinda stared at him, not sure how to respond.
"Virgil?"

The normally gloomy side laughed.
"Who else would I be?"

Thomas shook his head.
"I'm sorry. I'm just very confused. Usually you're all dark and foreboding and giving me anxiety."

Virgil smiled even wider and wrapped Thomas in a hug.
"I know! Oh, it is so good not having anxiety!"

Thomas stiffened at the contact, still confused.
"Can't relate, but I'm happy for you. The problem is that that is literally your job."

Virgil backed away and shrugged.
"Not any more, that's Ro's problem now. I've never felt better."

Thomas could hear the desperation in his voice, like he was trying to convince himself, and by the looks of the others, they heard to same thing. Deceit placed a hand on Thomas' shoulder.
"See what we're dealing with?"

Thomas looked over the sides before him. Patton, looking unnaturally serious, Logan on the verge of tears, and Virgil... happy, actually happy. In a way, it was unnerving. Then he loomed to Deceit.
"Yeah, but how did this happen? And why didn't it happen to you?"

Deceit bit his lip and looked away.
"Well, it may be my fault, and it may involve a dragon witch."

Thomas sighed loudly. He felt a bubble of anger rise up in his chest. He knew Deceit would be the cause of this. But... the snakelike side seemed to be showing truthful remorse.
"Okay, I'll tell you off later, for now, where's Roman?"