Pencil Sharpener

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Trigger warning(s): panic attack, swearing

Virgil yawned, barely paying attention to the lesson being taught. He doodled absently on his notebook as the teacher explained something about cube roots or something. He sat at the very back of the class in the far right corner, away from everyone else. Despite his best attempts to be ignored, someone to his left was trying desperately to get his attention.
He glanced over to the source, rolling his eyes as a small smirk formed. Oh great. It turned out the one who wanted his attention just so happened to be Patton, the bubbly blonde boy who everyone loved. Virgil shot him an annoyed glance, nodding towards the teacher. Patton smiled in response and pointed to his pencil, which was very dull. The other shook his head, stifling a smile as he handed the taller boy a sharpener.
Virgil gave him a look that said you owe me before turning back to his notes.
"Sorryyyy!" Patton whispered, struggling with the small pencil sharpener. Virgil couldn't help but smile as he watched the other fumble around, snapping the pencil lead multiple times. Heat crept up his neck and settled in his cheeks. Why did he feel sick? Probably just his anxiety being dumb. He glanced at the clock above the door to the classroom. 3:09. Ten more minutes.
Most of the students began packing their books already, much to the teacher's dismay. Virgil was one of them, already stuffing his bag with his notebook and binder. He glanced up at Patton, who was still trying to sharpen his pencil. Before he could stop himself he snorted. Loudly. Shit- thank god only Patton noticed as his whole face flushed with colour, all the way up to his ears. Patton shot him a look of what the heck was that while Virgil studied his shoes. Soon the bell rang and Virgil bolted out the door, his heart racing as he flew down the hall and locked himself in the bathroom.

Patton blinked in confusion. What was up with him? He started packing up his books, abandoning his pencil, which now sat next to the borrowed sharpener. He stood up, unable to take his mind off of that strange boy. He wore mostly black, which Patton could never understand. But he seemed nice enough, he'd only heard his voice a few times. It was so soft, and deep down he could tell the boy was caring, even if he did his best not to show it. He thought back to his laugh. It sounded so genuine. He'd never heard him sound so happy. He bounced down the hall, waving to people and smiling. He had a bit of time before the clubs started, so he decided to use the bathroom.
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Virgil slid down against the wall, hiding his completely red face behind his knees. Fuckfuckfuck! His heart raced faster still, barely contained by his rib cage. Blood rushed in his ears clouding his senses. His shaking hands grasped at his hair, desperately trying to pull himself back to reality.

Patton stepped into the bathroom and immediately noticed the strange boy from earlier, only now he was curled up on the floor...crying? He rushed to his side, unsure of what to do.
"H-hey," he stammered, reaching out to touch the other. "Why are you crying?" He placed an unsure hand on the boy's shoulder, only for him to jerk away instantly. "Sorry..." Patton muttered, reluctantly standing up. He felt himself being pulled back down by his shirt.

Virgil was unsure why he wanted Patton to stay. He just needed someone. And Patton just happened to be that someone. He tried his best to focus on his breathing. Four seconds in. Six seconds out. Four seconds in. Six seconds out. He felt his nerves relax slightly, his heart rate slowed to a rhythmic beat. He felt the other staring at him. Oh god letting him stay was a mistake- No. focus on breathing. Four seconds in. Six seconds out. He did that for a few more minutes, his knees still pulled tightly to his chest.
"Hey, a-are you okay?" Virgil finally looked up at the other boy. Oh god he's so close. His chocolate brown eyes held so much emotion, his light freckles dusted across his soft looking skin. What the fuck are you doing SAY SOMETHING- But all he could do was nod. Just thinking about talking made his stomach do flips inside of him. Patton sat down beside him, stretching his legs out at looking at him with a curious smile. "You don't say much do you?" Virgil shook his head, wiping his wet cheeks on his sleeve. Patton held out his hand to him. "I'm Patton by the way, but you probably knew that." He stared at the others hand, shaking his head slightly. Patton giggled a bit. "Right, no touching." He felt a smile creep onto his own face, the heat returning. His laugh is too cute- He cleared his throat, avoiding the other's gaze.

Patton giggled more at the boy's reaction. Was he blushing? He'd never made anyone blush before, let alone a boy. Not to mention a cute boy. Even with his red, puffy eyes and blotchy cheeks, Patton couldn't deny how cute he really was. He pulled out his phone to check the time. "Oh shoot! I gotta go!" He moved to stand up but stopped. "Before I go," he opened the notes app on his phone and handed it to him. "Can you at least tell me your name," he nodded, taking the phone and typing for a moment. He handed it back, a small smile on his face. Patton turned to leave, giving the boy one last smile before he closed the door.
Now out in the hall he headed for the staircase, glancing down at his phone. He read and reread the message written on the screen.

I'm Virgil :) Thank you for staying with me!

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