~ Wings ~ Sanders Sides ~

~ Chapter Twelve ~ Virgil ~

I'm in the living room, listening to music. Patton's sitting beside me. I'm not sure what he's doing, but as long as he's here, I know he won't do anything stupid.

I feel a spike in stress levels coming from Patton, so I push back my headphones. Remy has his arms around Patton's neck in a hug from behind. "S-sorry, Pat," Remy says. "Wasn't tryna scare ya."

"You're fine, Rem," Patton replies, patting one of his hands. "You just caught me off guard is all!" He chuckles.

"Patton, are you sure you're okay?" I ask. "You've been seriously jumpy these past few days. Heck, probably even jumpier than I am! Are you sure you're alright..?"

"Virge, I would tell you if something was wrong," Patton says, holding my gaze. I know he's lying, but let it slide.

"I'm trusting you to keep your word about that." Patton nods and I put back on my headphones.

The moment I do so, however, Roman comes dashing down the stairs. I scowl and push my headphones back again. "What do you want, Princey?" I ask, annoyance seeping into my tone.

"Wow, Virgil, no need to be so defensive!" Roman replies. "I just wanted to see if you and our beloved father figure wanted to go on a picnic!" I glance at Patton, who is still being hugged by Remy. "And Remy, too, if he wants."

"No need, hun," Remy replies. "Emile and I already have something scheduled."

"What kind of something?" Patton asks, waggling his eyebrows. I chuckle.

"N-nothing like that!" Remy exclaims, his face red. Patton nods unbelievingly—can't say I blame him—and stands up.

"I'm alright with it if you are, kiddo," Patton says, glancing at me. I shrug.

"I mean, as long as you don't invite any of the... others, I'm cool," I reply.

"Awesome!" Roman exclaims, beaming. "I'll go ask Logan!" With that, Princey rushes back upstairs. Remy follows him, probably to go to Emile's room.

"I guess I'll pack some food?" Patton offers. I shrug.

"Chances are, Princey's already got it all set up. But it wouldn't hurt. Cmon, I'll help."

We've already packed a whole basket when Roman comes downstairs, practically dragging Logan behind him. "Roman, I would have agreed to this escapade anyways," Logan says. "There is no need to drag me."

"Sorry, I just didn't want you to miss this!"

"Miss what exactly?"

"Family picnic!" Patton interrupts, holding the picnic basket. Roman looks at it, a little surprised.

"Oh, Pat, you didn't need to—" he starts, but I cut him off.

"Just let him be supportive," I say. Roman sighs, but lets the issue drop.

"Anyways, let's go!"

~*——__——*~

Logan, Roman, and I are sitting on the picnic blanket while Patton sits on the edge of the cliff a few yards away. I disengage myself from the conversation to watch Patton. I don't trust him to not do anything stupid.

"Pat, you ok over there?" I ask, visibly startling Patton.

"Yep!" Patton replies, not turning around.

"Patton, that cliff overhang is fragile," Logan calls. "I suggest that you get down."

"Logan, it's fine!" Patton replies.

"If you insist. However, my opinion still stands."

"Don't worry about me, Logie, I'll be careful!" The moment Patton says that, there is a sharp crack.

"Patton get down!" Roman exclaims. Pat yelps and tries to clamber away, but only succeeds in making the situation worse.

There are visible cracks in the rock now. Patton freezes, calling out for help, but he doesn't need to, as I'm already rushing over to him, my wings threatening to pop out at any second.

Just before I reach the edge, the cliff breaks, sending Patton falling with it. At that moment, I decide that I don't care if I upset him. I need to save him.

Letting my fight-or-flight instinct take over, I back up a few steps before getting a running start and leaping off the edge, my black angel wings unfurling behind me. I drop like a stone, making myself as aerodynamic as possible.

I swoop underneath Patton and hold him against me, making him give an audible gasp. "I've got you, Patton," I assure him.

I tuck my wings in the moment we land, setting Patton down cautiously. "You ok?" I ask. Patton nods, staring at the ground. I put a hand on his shoulder. "That certainly gave me a fright," I joke halfheartedly. Patton doesn't find it funny.

"Patton!!" Roman exclaims, running up to us, Logan behind him. "Oh, thank goodness you're alright! You're not hurt, are you?" Roman cups Patton's face.

"I'm fine, kiddo," Patton replies, his voice downcast. "Virgil caught me before anything bad could happen." I pat his head.

"Well, if no damage has been done," Logan adds, "then I suppose we should head back home."

"Please," Patton whispers.

"Then let's go."

~*——__——*~

Later that night, I'm replaying the events of earlier. I didn't notice it then, but Patton almost seemed like he wanted to fall..? I swear, if you broke your promise...

I can't sleep. Instead, I stay up, thinking of all the different possibilities as to why Patton acted the way he did. Every time, it comes back to one thought: Is he suicidal?