~ Wings ~ Sanders Sides ~

~ Chapter Twenty-eight ~ Patton ~

Whatcha working on?" I ask once Virgil leaves.

"The effects of neurology on side development," Logan replies, not looking up.

"Still? You've been working on that for a month, have you not found anything?" I realize the question may be harsh the moment it's out of my mouth, but Logan doesn't seem offended.

"I have not found a definitive answer, no," he clarifies. I take a seat on the edge of his bed and think for a moment.

"Maybe because it's different for everyone?" I suggest. The scratch of pencil on paper pauses and Logan looks at me.

"Would you mind clarifying?" He sounds genuinely curious.

"Well, a lot of things differ from person to person," I start. "It would only make sense that neurology, even the same disorder, would be that way as well." Logan nods. "And then, since the neurology would be different, so would the sides. Right? And then maybe that means there's no true neurotypical set!" I'm really on a roll now. Logan holds up a hand to tell me to stop, but I ignore it. "Actually, maybe there's no such thing as neurotypical at all!"

"Patton, science has proven that—"

"So then wait. If there's no neurotypical, then does that mean I'm not special!?" Unable to hold my energy, I leap up off the bed and start pacing.

"Patton..?"

"Because what makes me special is that I'm part of the neurotypical set so oh my god that would mean I'm not special wouldn't it!" I start to tear up.

"Patton."

"I knew it! I'm not special and never have been!"

"PATTON." I pause and glance at Logan out of the corner of my eye. I watch him stand up, keeping my back to him.

"You're just going to agree with me, aren't you?" I mutter, closing my eyes. I hear footfalls, and then Logan's hand is on my shoulder.

"Of course not," he replies, his voice tender. "Patton, look at me." I open one eye, tears threatening to spill out. "You are special, if not to anyone else, then to me. To me, you are so much more than you will ever realize." He lays his head on mine. "I don't care what you may tell yourself, you are worth every multiverse and more."

I start to tear up again, but this time they're happy tears. "Lo.." I whisper, then reach up to hold the hand on my shoulder. The only sounds are our breaths and heartbeats, both of which soon synchronize. I slowly let myself relax until I fall asleep.