My Knight in Dragon Scales

4. Lonely hearts

A single solitary night can change your life for better or for worse. The time you spend creating bonds is worth it in the end. You never know what that time meant to them. And at the end of the day, you might have just saved a life.

Sometimes a single rood can make the difference. It can serve and turn unexpectedly but at the end of the day, it will take you where you need to be. The destination was fated to be but never forget the journey and those who got you there.

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Glancing over at Virgil, I could see him laying there on his couch, staring at the ceiling lost in thought. I started to wonder... Who was this guy? Why did he live in the mountain? Why chose to live by the great forest? Why live alone? 

"You ok?" I started to blush as he looked back at me. I had forgotten I was staring. "Do you need something? I don't have much but Patton usually keeps the fridge filled."

"Patton?" He nodded as he sat up and smiled.

"Yep, he's sort of... kind of... adopted me." I looked at him in confusion and he laughed. "He's just a very caring friend. It's nice, haven't had that in a while..." I saw him absentmindedly rub his arms and I cringed at the pain in his eyes. "Anyway, he's usually good at keeping things stocked up."

"Do you not leave?" He flinched and I felt guilty over asking. He just shook his head and I felt my heart break for him.

"Sometimes the best option is to remove yourself from the equation." I just couldn't wrap my head around it. Here was this kind man, hurting and hiding away like that's what he meant to do. He looked over at me and his eyes softened. "Things aren't always what they appear to be, Roman. Sometimes the monsters are the ones that look human." 

"I can't except that." He smiled at me sadly and I walked over sitting next to him on the couch. He looked up at me confused and I could see the tears start to form in his eyes. I reached out, seeing his pain, and next thing I knew, we were both just laying there... together. 

"Ro...man..." I smiled as his eyes started to close. I held him close and felt the heat radiating off of him. He as so warm he could've melted the snow outside. I saw that he fell asleep and I brushed the hair out of his face. He's lonely and lost. I saw the peaceful look on his face as he slept and I melted. He was just so bright but broken. I want to help him. I want to see him smile more. I want... Virgil wrapped his arms around me and I just laid there with wide eyes. 

"Good night Virgil..."

"Night, Princey." I looked down at him and smiled. He was just too adorable. I closed my eyes melting into the warm that surrounded me. It didn't take long to fall asleep.

"Virgil, kiddo?"

"Shit."

"Hey, it's ok. The sun isn't up yet."

"I never should have fallen asleep."

"It's ok, but who is this?"

"Don't start, Pat."

"What? You were laying on top of him."

"Patton?!"

"What?"

"Forget it. Thanks for coming."

"Of course, kiddo."

"Hey Pat, do you mind doing me a favor?"

"Whatever you need, you know that."

"Do you mind watching over him till he leaves?"

"You got it, Virge. Go on, the suns coming up."

"Thanks, Pat."

"Love you, kiddo."

"Kiddo... Kiddo!" I groaned and rolled over. I felt cold as I laid there half asleep still. "KIDDO!"

"Ah!!!" I jumped up and socked the guy standing in front of me. He reeled back holding his nose and I freaked out. "Oh my god, I am so sorry."

"It's ok, kiddo. I've been through worse." He said as he took his glasses off and wiped the blood off his face. I winced... and he smiled. "Seriously, I'm good. Anywho, I thought maybe you'd be hungry."

"You woke me up and got sucker punched just so you could offer me breakfast." His eyes lit up as he started nodding happily. I just smiled, laughing at how innocent this guy appeared. "You must be Patton?" He shot me this confused look and I sighed, getting up off the couch and stretching. "Virgil, mentioned you a few times."

"I love my dark strange son." He san as his eyes lit up. I laughed and he pouted. "What? I do..."

"No, it's just... You're sweet."

"Not as sweet as my Pattoncakes, want some?" I sighed at the pun he made, even though it was nice, and nodded.

"Yeah sure, thanks."