The Prince, The Gangster, The Teacher, And The Poet (Sander Sides Fanfic)

Chapter Four-The Poet

TW: Slight panic, someone who's codependent being left alone for the first time.

Patton was still looking out the window as his father continued to rant. He didn't think the trio in the streets had noticed him from his perch at the window, but he couldn't be too careful. Last time someone had seen him, they had gotten so paranoid that they called the guard on his dad. They had to dig up Patton's old birth certificate as proof that Patton hadn't been kidnapped. After that, Patton tended to be more careful with what he did.

"Patton, you have no idea how stressful this is. I don't need you knocking over cookie jars in the middle of an interview. That boy could very well have been the one to take care of you for the next few weeks!" Patton sighed, grateful his dad wasn't looking at his face. He had never been good at concealing his emotions.

"Daddy..." Patton took a second to make sure that he wasn't showing any unwanted feelings, before turning to look at his dad with pleading eyes. 

"Patton cake, you can't be home alone. We've talked about this." His dad sighed, sitting on the couch. Patton ran over, sitting in the spot next to him.

"Daddy, I'm sixteen. I have been for months." Patton put his hands in his lap, not wanting to stress his father any more than he already was. "I cook for you, I know how to clean up after myself, and you have to leave tonight." It wasn't like Patton normally to try to scare people away from their house. It didn't mean it wasn't easy when he had to do it, some of those 'Nannies' were really quick to run away, but he needed to do this for himself. He needed to be able to have at least a week where his father wasn't worried about every movement he made.

"I know. But..." His father sighed. "It started with your mother when she was fifteen."

"I know."

"I don't want to leave you alone for longer then I have to."

"I know."

"You would get lonely, and if something happened, I wouldn't be alerted!"

"I know!"

"You can't just eat cookies, Patton cake. It's not healthy."

"Daddy, I know," Patton didn't whine. He really didn't. His voice just got a little higher pitched.

"You have to promise me," His father sighed, and Patton instantly lit up. Inside his head, he was doing a happy dance. "That you won't go outside or do something destructive. The curse hasn't seemed to affect you yet, and I just want you to be safe." Patton nodded violently, throwing his hands around his father's neck.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, daddy!" His dad laughed, hugging him back. His father smiled into Patton's shoulder, he could feel it, as he enjoyed the feeling of his father's arms wrapping completely around him. 

Even though Patton sometimes needed a break from his father's constant nagging and worrying, his favorite place was in his arms. He loved the feeling of safety when there wasn't anyone trying to make sure that he was safe, which was slightly counterproductive.

"You have to swear to me that you won't just eat cookies the whole time." His dad whispered, and Patton giggled.

"Of course!" Patton lied. His dad seemed to notice, Patton wasn't a very good liar, but shook his head, laughing a little.

"You know I love you, Patton cake." Patton laughed, nodding.

"I love you too." Patton pulled back, grinning. "Now, do you need any more help packing? Do you have everything? A change of clothes too?" His dad laughed.

"You really are anxious to get me out of the house, aren't you?" His dad grinned back at him. "But yes, I remembered everything."

"You're toothbrush too? I know you forget that sometimes." Patton pouted.