No Strings Attached - Sanders Sides

Part Five - Patton

I got up early this morning, the discomfort in my chest not letting me so soundly. I don't know why Logan's words from yesterday got to me so much. I know he said it was probably nothing, but the control panel has never lied before. I guess the Dark Sides just unsettle me. I mean, Deceit has poked his head around here before. He kept targeting me. Trying to get me to believe his untruthful words.

It was super scary. It took the help of Roman and Logan to remind me of his lies. We were able to fight him back, sending back to the Dark Mind Palace. We haven't seen him or Remus sense.

I sat up in bed, turning off my alarm before it would have the chance to go off later. The time on my phone read 2:01 am. I sighed, knowing I was far to awake to go back to sleep. I slid my feet into my slippers, trudging over to my bathroom.

Turning on my bathroom light, I was instantly blinded. I chuckled to myself, blocking the light with my hand. After brushing my hair to a neater style and washing my face, I went back into my room to put my glasses on. I noticed I was still in my favorite cat onesie. I decided to keep it on, feeling the need for a cozy day.

Scuttling out of my room, I quietly went down stairs, hearing the soft snores of Roman from his room. I saw Logan had a small amount of light coming from his room. I frowned; I hope he's not pulling another all night working session again. He knows how bad they are for him.

I opened his door, peeking in. At his desk, his small work lamp was on along with having many open books laid out in front of him. Logan, however, was face down in the book in front of him. He chest was slowly rising and falling, telling me he was deep in some sort of dreamland.

I smile melted onto my face. I quietly shut the door, letting the tired kiddo get some more sleep. Moving down the stairs, I couldn't decide if I wanted to indulge in some midnight baking or watching baby animal compilations.

I was taken from my thoughts went I heard a sound coming from the control room. It was a sound I had never heard before. It didn't sound like an inner thought or a decision change. Timidly, I wandered into the control room under the stairs.

There, the control panel was brightly glowing. The screen was alive too, a message upon it.

Hello? It simply read.

Pure interest pulled me forward while fear tugged me away. It seemed to be coming from somewhere deep in the mind. Their text was purple, one I didn't recognize. Well, it couldn't have come from nothing.

My panel came to life as I came closer. The keypad rose up to my finger tips, pushing me further to response to the stranger on the other side. My stomach was twisting. What if Logan found out about this? He could think I'm betraying them. Or that another side is trying to break us again. I won't let that happen. I can't let that happen.

So I won't.

Hello yourself. I sent back. My heart skipped a couple beats as it went through. I felt like I was breaking the trust of my friends. But this is just chat. Small chat with someone in the mind. No biggie.

Who are you? Came back to me.

I'm Morality! Although, I'm known as Patton. What about you, kiddo? I said. I was happy to have another side to talk to. Even if this isn't a face to face conversation.

I...I don't think I want to say yet. Sorry but, I don't really know you. He replied. I gave a small frown. I wonder if I came on too strong? Or friendly? Is it impossible to be too friendly?

Well, let's get to know each other then! I suggested.

Why? He asked in return. I sat on it for a second. Why did I want to be this person's friend? I mean, I know making friends is easy for me. But what do I get out of being friends with someone I don't even know?

I don't really know why. But give me a chance. I want to be your friend! I pleaded.

I doubt that, but okay. I quietly squealed with glee. I was glad I got through to him. I had so many questions run to my head that I wanted to ask him. I was excited to talk. I was about to write back to him when I heard footsteps come down the stairs. Panic shot through me. I check the clock on the wall. 3:00 am. Logan must be up early.

I exited the control room, shutting the door and running into the kitchen, trying to beat Logan there. Fortunately, I did. I ran over to the coffee pot, quickly searching for the grinds to make to seem as if I was making coffee.

Logan came around the corner, rubbing his tired eyes. His body stopped when he saw me. "Hiya kiddo. How'd ya sleep tonight?" I asked, not noticing I was overflowing the coffee maker with grinds.

"You're up early." Logan mumbled, taking a seat on the couch.

"Yeah, well, you know me. Just wanting to make breakfast for my favorite kiddos to wake up too." I laughed, cleaning up the grinds.

"Patton, it's three in the morning. Roman won't be up for another five hours. And you know I don't mind waiting for breakfast." He told me, coming over to help me clean.

"Oh, it is? I didn't even notice." I replied, biting my tongue.

"Are you alright, Patt?" Logan finally asked. I just nodded. I didn't understand why I was so nervous. I mean, I am kind of afraid of Logan. He can get scary when he's mad. It doesn't like it when we talk to people outside the Mind Palace. Some of the secret sides and traits aren't trustworthy. And I know that.

But this other side is different.

I can tell.

"I'm good." I responded after a while. Logan just nodded, starting the coffee maker. We didn't say anything after that. I just went over to a cabinet and got out the bowls I'd need to make everyone omelettes.