Only Human | Sander Sides

Shedding~Loceit

INFO
-slightly unsympathetic virgil, patton, and roman
-i did research for this about snakes shedding, but if it's wrong lemme know!
-i love my bois

TRIGGER WARNINGS
-slightly unsympathetic virgil, patton, and roman

***

Logan watches Deceit over the top of his book. He's happy that Deceit finally feels comfortable to be with him outside of the Subconscious, even with Roman still a bit skittish, Patton a little disapproving, and Virgil being downright rude. But Logan still worries and wants to help if he feels uncomfortable or wants to leave. He's noticed Deceit is absentmindedly scratching his snake half more than usual, as he watches TV, but he seems okay. Logan watches for a bit longer. Eventually, Deceit pulls his hand away from his face and stares at it. He quickly gets up and runs out of the "light sides'" living room. Roman gives a confused look after him. Logan puts his book down and looks at where Deceit was sitting, noticing something. He picks up what seems to be a patch of dull green scales. Logan turns to Roman, "Please tell the others I will be gone for about a week. Virgil should know why." Roman raises an eyebrow but nods, and Logan follows Deceit. 

After a bit of walking through the Subconscious, Logan comes across Deceit's room. He knocks gently, "Deceit? You're shedding, correct? Do you need help?" The door opens and one of Deceit's un-gloved, clawed hands pulls Logan inside. "I take that as a yes. I was not aware you could shed, but I have the knowledge needed to help." Logan looks at Deceit, who is sitting on his yellow bed sheets and scratching at his face. "It would be nice to have help." Deceit winces as he accidentally scratches himself with his claws. Logan stares at the claws, wondering. Why would Deceit have them? Snakes don't have hands, let alone claws. But Deceit also has six arms, so he brushes it off. "We should move to a more humid environment. It will help." Deceit walks to the bathroom, Logan following. "A shower will make it humid but you also need to partially submerge yourself." Deceit nods and starts the shower, making sure it's not too hot, and puts in a plug once it's warm enough. 

Logan offers to turn while Deceit undresses, even though they're dating, but Deceit says it's okay. "I trust you, and I love you." He sinks into the bath and lets out a happy hiss, Logan smiling at the cute sound. "Since you are only half snake, it shouldn't take as long as an actual snake for you to shed. Is that correct?" Deceit says yes, scratching more at his face, but this time it's definitely easier to peel the skin. "It usually takes five or so days." Logan sits on the edge of the tub and cards his hand through Deceit's hair, putting his glasses on the counter as they fog up from the steam. 

Back in the Consciousness, Roman gathers the others and relays what had happened. "Should we be worried?" Virgil rolls his eyes, "No, Deceit's just shedding. Logan probably went to help him since they're dating. It takes around five days, maybe four now that he has smart help." "How will shedding affect Thomas?" Patton asks. Virgil shrugs, "Deceit shuts himself off so Thomas might not lie as much as he did. Like what happened when I ducked out. But is that really a downside?" Roman is the next to speak, "Of course it is! I know this sounds like something Logan would say, but lying is needed! Thomas tells white lies all the time, like 'Does this shirt look good on me?' Thomas would say yes to spare his friend's feelings." Virgil and Patton both grumble, seeing Roman's point.

The next four days are rough but eventually, Logan and Deceit both show up again in the Consciousness. Deceit's new scales are much brighter green, and his gloves are on once again, one hand in Logan's. "So it went well then?" Virgil asks, surprisingly with no bite. Deceit nods and sits with Logan on the couch to watch tv as he reads. The others go about their day, trying not to third wheel as Deceit smiles about his scales and Logan showers him with compliments.