L O V E ? - A Sanders Sides Story

P L A S T I C

Point of View: Virgil, Third Person
Timeline: Flashback (cont.)

Virgil yawned, blinking sleepily at his alarm clock.

08:04

So much for sleeping in.

__________

"Patton?" Virgil stared at his friend incredulously, borderline speechless.

Poor Patton was in the kitchen. surrounded by a sea of mugs - most of which were empty.  Patton smiled brightly at him, but it just looked like plastic to Virgil.  It was too strained, like he was trying too hard to convince Virgil that he was happy.

"Hiya Virgil!"  Patton cheered.  "Sorry bout the mess, I just felt a little out of sorts so I made - "

"Patton," Virgil leaned forward looking inside one of the mugs.  "Are... are you drinking coffee?"

"Yup!"

"Patton," Virgil ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.  "Patton, you know you can't have coffee."

"Oh, I'm sure it'll be fine! I just needed a little extra kick, that's all!"

"You know how you get when you have caffeine."

Patton's eye twitched slightly.  "I'm sure it'll be fine!"

Virgil sighed, leaning against the doorway.  "Penny for your thoughts?" He asked, shoving his hands deep in his hoodie pockets.

Patton's plastic smile cracked and faltered.  He didn't say anything, arms coming up and holding himself tightly.  He looked away, avoiding Virgil's eyes.

Virgil, at seeing Patton's borderline pained expression, grew quiet - taking a few steps towards his hurting friend.  "I've had to ask you that quite a bit lately," Virgil noted.  "Please, tell me what I can do to help."

"There's nothing that can be done," Patton shook his head.  "It's stupid, just stupid, stupid feelings."

"There are so stupid feelings," Virgil frowned.  "You've told me that more times than I can count.  This is no exception."

"Virgil, please, I'm begging just drop it -"

"No! I understand if you don't want to talk to me about it, but this," Virgil gestured to the scattered coffee mugs.  "Can't happen.  Did you even sleep at all last night?"

"I know," Patton rubbed his hands on his temples.  "I know, and I'm sorry, really I am, but - "

"And know sharing is difficult, I get it, I promise I do.  But when you stop caring about yourself, I can't just sit and watch."

"I'm sorry, Virgil, I'll try to pull myself together," Patton closed his eyes.  "But trust me, there really is nothing either of us can do.  Please  - "

"There has to be something!"

"No, please, you don't understand - "

"I know, but - "

"I'm in love with Logan!"
____________________