~ Wings ~ Sanders Sides ~

~ Chapter Six ~ Virgil ~

A week after Thomas's introduction to Remy, I notice that Patton has fallen into a bit of a downward spiral. He's been more withdrawn lately and doesn't eat or bake as much. After a lot of thinking, I decide to check on him. "Can I come in?" I ask after knocking on Patton's door.

"One second, kiddo!" Patton replies quickly, and I immediately know that something is up.

"Patton, is everything ok?" I ask again, more of an edge to my voice.

"I'm fine, Virge!" I know he's lying. If there was one thing Deceit taught me while I was a darkside, it was how to spot lies, even in the most honest of people.

"Patton, I'm going to ask you again, and I would prefer that you don't lie to me this time. Are. You. Okay."

There is a pause, then Patton replies, "No, Virgil. I'm not ok... I promise."

I hold my hand over the door handle, stunned into silence. Patton, the fatherly and usually cheerful, happy-go-lucky side, just admitted that he isn't alright. I want to laugh at the MCR dad joke but at the same time cry at the openness Patton just showed.

"Pat.." I say instead, tears threatening to start welling up. "Can I come in? Please?" There is silence on the other side of the door, which I take as a yes. I walk in and sit next to my father figure. "You wanna talk?" Patton shakes his head and leans into me, resting his head on my shoulder. I notice a few tears slide down his cheeks.

"I'm so sorry, Virgil," Patton says quietly after a few minutes of silence.

"For what?" I ask in reply, equally quiet.

"For always lying and saying I'm fine when I'm obviously not." Patton closes his eyes and a few more tears fall down his face. "It's a habit that I need to break, I know it is, but for some reason I just can't."

I sigh and wrap a comforting arm around Patton. "Pat, that's nothing you need to apologize for. You're protecting us in your own way." Patton smiles softly, but his face immediately falls again.

"You know, I've been off lately because of everyone's wings," he admits, not looking me in the eyes. "I just feel left out since I can't summon my wings. That's why Hailey always hides hers when I'm around."

I think for a moment. What Patton just said makes sense, but I don't know why. I decide to think more about it later.

"Alright, Pat," I tell him instead. "Just don't try to deal with this on your own, ok?" Was it my imagination, or did Patton stiffen at that? "We're all here for you if you need to talk. It's better than hurting yourself. Trust me, I know." I add the last part under my breath. Patton either doesn't hear or doesn't react.

~*——__——*~

I stay with Pat for a little bit before he falls asleep. With a small smile, I place him on his bed, then pull the covers over him. Patton hums softly as I run a hand through his hair. I smile again and lay down next to him, staying on top of the covers. Despite my best efforts, I fall asleep.