"Pat, I keep slipping a stitch!" Virgil moaned in frustration. "Wouldn't it be easier to just summon a scarf?" He whined and dropped his knitting to his lap. He was working on a simple black scarf in the living room with Patton. Pat was sitting right next to him working on the fluffy blue blanket project he was working on the other day and looked over compassionately. Patton was trying to teach Virgil how to knit with questionable success on Virgil's part. They had been sitting working on crafting projects together for a little while now and his patience for pieces of yarn not doing what he wanted it to do was wearing very thin.

"It wouldn't be a hobby anymore if you just summoned one, kiddo! Plus, you get the satisfaction of making it yourself every time you see it!" Patton explained cheerily, not looking up from his crochet. "You're the one who wanted to try, champ," He reminded Virgil patiently.

"You made it look easy," Virgil mumbled, still feeling ready to give up. Patton always looked so happy when he was crocheting, so it seemed fun. It turned out it was actually pretty frustrating and Pat's just good at it. Virgil just wasn't good enough for this. Not built for this and didn't have the temperament. Plus, he was a general failure. Virgil slumped against the couch and crossed his arms in disgust with himself, dropping his project on the couch.

"Bud, I made crochet look easy. You wanted to play with needles instead of hooks! I'm much better at hooking than I am at needling," Patton explained with an enormous smile. Oh, god, why did he have to word it like that?

"Don't call it that," Virgil groaned. He wasn't sure it was worth telling him what hooking meant and just dropped it along with his arms as he melted into the couch with frustration.

"Here, let me help you fix that," Patton said, reaching over to the project dropped on the couch and pulling the yarn gently back to a state where Virgil could fix it. Virgil watched fearfully as his last rows of work were undone. The last few minutes were a complete waste of time. He should just give up. This was a waste of time. "Why don't you try counting every stitch on every row? It'll be like your calming exercises, but you get a scarf at the end!" Patton suggested and handed back his scarf. Virgil groaned again. Pat was here helping him, and he was being really patient even though Virgil kept fucking up. Virgil normally would have lashed out and run by now, like the ass he was, somehow kept it reigned in. He was incredibly annoyed, of course, but not at Pat. He was mad at his just own lack of ability. Why did he bother trying anything new? He wasn't good at any of this creating stuff. He wasn't really good at anything.

"You're doing very good for a beginner, kiddo, don't worry about making a perfect scarf, okay? Even if it's not straight or even, it's still a scarf and it'll still be soft and keep you warm," Pat reminded him gently with one of his bright reassuring smiles. Virgil sighed and took a nice deep breath to steady himself. Pat was working with him, and he wanted to try. He couldn't just give up because it scared him or he could never do it perfectly. Then he'd never know, and he would have wasted even more time trying. He didn't want Logan to call him a defeatist again, either. If he couldn't try for himself, he could do it out of spite. He felt a little better and picked up his project off the couch.

"Thanks, Pat," Virgil muttered quietly, feeling silly that he was so close to giving up before Patton reassured him. Pat looked up from his crochet and beamed at him. Virgil focused back on his knitting and counted every stitch he cast. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…

—

"-ge? Kiddo?" Patton said, tapping Virgil's needle. Virgil blinked and looked around. It was significantly darker than when he started and he was feeling very stiff.

"Yeah, Pat?" Virgil said, a little dazed as he looked around the living room, catching his bearings again.

"I just thought you might be done with your scarf, pal. It's pretty long!" Patton said and pointed down. Virgil followed his finger and saw roughly 4 feet of slightly lumpy, but otherwise even, black scarf. He flushed. How much time was he out of it? "It's very Doctor Who if you want to keep going! But I think for your first knit that's plenty," Patton said enthusiastically.

"Um, yeah. I think I'm done. I'm sorry, Pat, I think I sort of spaced out? I hope you weren't saying anything," Virgil mumbled. Crap, he wasn't aware of anything, he may as well have been asleep. Nothing seemed to be wrong, though.

"It's all right kiddo, I didn't say anything. I was focused, too. Let me show you how to finish your row," Patton said and lithely took the needles, showing him the motions for a few of the stitches before handing it back. Virgil started trying to replicate it while Patton watched. When he got one, he looked up to Patton to make sure he did it right. Patton nodded and sat back down next to him.

"Thanks, Pat. It's really relaxing. I didn't realize how much time had passed," Virgil admitted and finished the rest of the scarf. It was sloppy in some parts, but Patton had assured him before they started that everybody's first knit was. It gave him time to mentally prepare for it not being perfect. He didn't as much of a failure as was actually just a beginner. He could live with being a beginner.

Virgil put down his new scarf and stretched out on the couch with a yawn. He was bent over those needles for a while with how stiff he felt. He stretched out so hard his arms and back with a slight tremble from the effort and exhaled deeply. Virgil pivoted on the couch and laid back, throwing his legs over Pat's lap and summoned a pillow for his head. He laid on the couch like a wet noodle, limbs falling everywhere. He wasn't sure how long he was hunched up, but laying back was a relief. After a moment, Virgil flexed his sore fingers and angled up on his elbows to look at Patton. Patton looked like he was trying to contain… something. Virgil had no idea what he was emoting, but whatever was happening in Pat's head wasn't currently obvious.

"You want to do something else with me, pops?" Virgil asked, sort of hoping Patton wasn't busy. He wasn't ready to go back to his room yet. He felt like he needed the company lately, even though he would have scampered off to his room hours ago before normally. Maybe a little lonely? Probably just annoying and clingy. "Like read or listen to something? I bet your fingers are sore now, too," Virgil suggested, his volume slightly dropping with every word. This was stupid. Patton didn't want to waste any more time with him. He was annoying Patton.

"Sure kiddo!" Patton grinned over to him and leaned back on the couch again. Virgil sighed with relief. "Do you have something in mind?" Patton asked cheerily. Virgil yawned and sat up, wanting to stretch again. He stretched out his arms another time and curled his toes in his shoes.

"No, whatever you want to do," Virgil said, the relief was pitifully obvious in his voice. He reached out and hugged Patton and rested his head on his shoulder. "I'm not picky or anything," He was just glad Patton took pity on him. Virgil could feel Patton trembling in his arms and looked up in alarm. "Pat?" he asked with panic in his voice. He let go right away and held his arms up away from Patton. What the fuck happened? What did he do?

"I'm sorry, Kiddo, I didn't mean to scare you! You never hugged me before!" Patton sniffled and his voice was teary. Fuck-shit-fuck-

"Sh-" He caught himself quickly. "I'm sorry, Patton! I didn't realize you didn't like being touched!" Virgil said and swung his legs off Patton. Virgil backed away from him, pulling himself into a ball on the couch and giving him as much clearance as he needed. He really fucked up. He hoped he didn't hurt Patton. He probably did, he didn't know his own strength sometimes and-

"No, Virge, no! I like hugs!" Patton said and angled over to reach out to Virgil. "I thought you didn't like being touched!" Patton explained quickly, smiling softly and looking concerned. "Other than you and Roman attacking each other, anyway," Patton said with humor in his voice. Patton placed his hand on Virgil's arm, carefully pulling him out of his ball. Virgil let his arm be taken but didn't move otherwise. "I'm happy you hugged me! I loved the hug!" Patton reassured him vehemently. Virgil looked up at Patton through his hair.

"Really? I didn't hurt you or bother you?" Virgil asked timidly, slightly loosening up.

"No, kiddo, I'd take another almost any time," Patton said soothingly. "I'd like another right now, even," Virgil slowly came out of his ball and scooted back next to Patton. Patton waited patiently and didn't push him while he took some deep breaths to steady himself. He had nearly spiraled there. Things nearly got out of hand and he could have hurt Patton for real, instead of worrying he did. Virgil sighed and held himself carefully as he calmed back down.

Patton reached out and grabbed Virgil's newly made scarf and draped it around Virgil's shoulders. Virgil felt the plush yarn Patton summoned for him and settled down further, recalling how relaxed he was a moment ago while knitting, and it was soothing. It was okay. He didn't just fuck up and Patton's not going to leave and he's not mad. Virgil tentatively moved closer to Patton. He angled slowly to hug him again. There weren't many good angles to hug on a couch. He wrapped his arms back around Patton and sighed.

"Can I hug you back, Virge?" Patton asked softly. Virge nodded into Patton's shoulder. Patton angled himself towards Virgil and his arms came up behind him to hug him back. Virgil shuttered with a relieved sigh and melted into the hug. "There are not many good angles to hug back on a couch, huh," Patton mused. Virgil tittered at the sharing the same thought with Patton. Virgil pulled Patton down with him as he laid backward on the couch, not ready to let go.

"You mean it, Kiddo? You don't just feel bad?" Patton asked, starry-eyed. Virgil nodded and yanked Patton onto himself quickly. Patton gasped as Virgil pulled him up but tittered after a moment, slowly settling down on Virgil's chest. Patton wrapped his arms loosely wrapped around Virgil and exhaled, sounding relaxed. Virgil rested his arms on Patton and smiled slightly at Patton. "You're so cold!" Patton exclaimed, almost like he was in awe.

"Good thing you're here then," Virgil smirked and closed his eyes. He listened to Patton's even breathing on his chest and gave a soft squeeze, which Patton returned. He could feel the chill receding from Pat's surprisingly toasty warmth already. He didn't feel as tired today, despite all the apparently intense knitting. He had no idea it could be that engrossing when he had asked Patton to teach him. He just wanted to spend time with Patton and trying something new with him seemed like a good excuse to hang out for an extended period. He laid still and enjoyed the warmth of the other side for a while. A pleased humming sound came from his throat. Patton was so damn warm.

"You want to watch TV or something, Pat?" Virgil offered after a while of quietly enjoying each other's presence, making no motion to move. "I'm in the mood for something funny."

"Parks & Rec!" Patton supplied right away. Also not surprising. Virgil reached up with one arm and flailed it towards the remote on the coffee table, hitting it enough with his fingertips that he knocked it on the floor. He just barely managed to get it into reach and put on Parks & Rec after a minute of struggle. Patton tittered, but it didn't seem malicious.

"You think anybody else wants to watch?" Patton asked as the intro started playing. Virgil shrugged and shifted back to lie flat on to the couch.

"Text them and ask, I guess," Virgil suggested, listening to the upbeat music with his eyes closed. Patton let go from hugging him and held himself up on the other arm while the other shuffled to get his phone from his pocket. He succeeded and laid back down on Virgil's chest, holding his phone and texting sideways. Virgil summoned a soft blanket and lazily threw it over their legs while Patton texted the other sides. Virgil closed his eyes again, just basking in how cozy and warm he felt. He could feel Patton adjust the blanket and put his phone on Virgil's chest to go back to watching TV. Virgil let his other arm fall off the couch and lay limply on the floor and continued to hold on to Patton.

Patton was engrossed in watching the show while Virgil settled on just listening. The weight on his chest was nice, and he wasn't sure he ever felt so warm in his life. He didn't want to angle his head towards the TV and shift a single thing. Virgil knew the show well enough to not have to watch, anyway. He heard a shuffling noise that was probably someone else entering.

"Had to finish up what I was doing. Pleased to partake in Parks & Rec with you, padre," He heard Roman say. "Are you tired? You're-" Roman paused. "Are you cuddling Virgil?" He said, sounding annoyed, and a little astonished.

"If you're jealous, champ, we could move to the floor and you could join!" Patton offered excitedly and Virgil chuckled with amusement. He wasn't surprised Patton would be interested in a cuddle puddle. Maybe the other sides already did that.

"Yeah, Ro, are you jealous?" Virgil goaded Roman on with sardonic humor in his voice.

"Of course I'm not jealous!" Roman huffed. "It's just weird! I've never seen him do that before! I didn't think you even did that at all!" Roman supplied with frustration rising in his voice. Virgil's head bounced, and he looked up to see Roman sitting next to his head.

"Princey, you sat on top of me for a while the other day," Virgil offered, closing his eyes again. Patton was so warm he didn't feel like he had much fight in him.

"After wrestling you into submission!" Roman responded bitterly. It was more like Virgil gave up fighting, but whatever makes princey happy.

"How do you know Pat here didn't wrestle me into submission?" Virgil asked with challenge in his voice. He looked back up at Roman, who had a mild flush on his cheeks.

"I didn't fight you," Patton chuckled. "You started it, you silly billy," It was a weird sensation to feel someone else's laughing in your chest, but it was still nice. Princey summoned his regular bucket of popcorn and watched the show without responding further. They watched silently for a little while and Virgil closed his eyes again to just enjoy the companionship. But eventually the buttered popcorn smell tempted Virgil.

"Hey Princey, give me some popcorn," Virgil requested, opening his mouth widely. He heard Roman make huffy princey noises, and he dropped a handful of popcorn all over his face. Virgil chuckled again and chewed the few pieces that fell into his mouth. "Thanks,"

They continued to watch together, slightly more amicably on Roman's part after a little while. Roman did eventually start giving Virgil little bites of popcorn now and then without dumping it all over his face. Virgil didn't realize how stiffly Roman sat until he felt him shift and relax on the couch just above his head. Virgil wasn't sure what that was about, but he was glad he was relaxed now. The sound of another side entering eventually disrupted the sounds of the show.

"Again, Patton? How many times does someone need to watch this inane show?" He heard Logan ask and a foot-tapping in frustration. Patton and Virgil chuckled at the same time.

"But have you seen-" Patton started.

"Yes, I have Patton!" Logan interjected. "Oh, Virgil, I didn't see you there. What are you also doing watching that again? It's not productive in the least. I understand Roman slacking off," Logan didn't stop for a variety of upset noises from Roman. "I would think you would comprehend that fact better than Patton or Roman seems to," Logan stated with bitterness in his tone.

"Lilly Singh said to watch a light-hearted show to alleviate anxiety," Virgil said dismissively, slightly waving the hand that was hanging off the couch.

"Are you feeling significantly anxious?" Logan asked impatiently.

"Not at the moment. Have you tried cuddling Patton? He's like a giant warm puppy. I can't find the will to be upset about much," Virgil asked back. "You could probably use a break. You want to tag in?" Both Logan and Roman huffed.

"I came out here when I saw Patton's text saying he was wasting time watching this show again, not because I wanted to join in watching it," Logan replied shortly.

"I didn't hear you object to the cuddles, though," Virgil responded with amusement in his voice. "Patton, Go! Use tackle!" Virgil pointed to Logan with his free arm. Patton shot up and tackled Logan with a hug. They both fell unceremoniously to the floor and Logan groaned. Virgil lazily pulled himself up and leaned against Roman, then stole some of his popcorn. Roman stiffened for a moment.

"Uh, is this okay, princey? I mean, I didn't punch you first," Virgil chuckled nervously and shifted off Roman, feeling bad. He shouldn't have assumed. He was a prick. Roman's arm shot out and pulled him back in and he rested his head on Roman's shoulder crook and ate more popcorn with Roman's arm still holding him in. Never mind, then. They were watching Logan and Patton clamber up off the floor and chuckling at them.

"You should really try it sometime, Lo. I mean Patton just lost his cuddle buddy, and he's devastated, right, Pat?" Virgil suggested playfully.

"I did? Logan!" Patton cried and made his puppy dog pout. Oh, it was all over. Virgil felt Roman snicker next to him. He must have thought the same thing.

"Fine! I will try it out of scientific curiosity! I don't need a break. I need to keep at peak capacity. We will watch a documentary instead of Parks & Rec all over again!" Logan said, his face somewhat red and very frustrated.

"A documentary? I'm out." Roman said with disgust and put down his bucket of popcorn next to him.

"You want to watch something else in your room, Ro? Or maybe a rematch?" Virgil asked and reached across him for the bucket.

"Rematch? Over what? What are you talking about?" Roman stumbled awkwardly, trying to hide his secret 'shame'.

"I mean you did pin me last time," Virgil said rolling his eyes and throwing some popcorn in his mouth. Virgil was fine with keeping up princey's charade. He really thought the others wouldn't care though. Before he joined them, sometimes he would catch Logan playing in the common area. Pat convinced Thomas to play games all the time. Roman's whole 'I like it for the stories' shtick was kind of funny. Video games left the 'nerds-only' territory long ago, even if Thomas wasn't a giant dork. Of course, the fantasy-having fanciful side wants to save the world in an epic adventure. Anyone could put that together. Princey could still be prejudiced about odd things, but he was getting better.

"Oh, right, that! Yes! Indeed!" Roman laughed awkwardly and sunk out of the living room, probably before anyone else caught his pink ears. Virgil got up and tossed the blanket that had dropped to the floor over Logan and Patton at the end of the couch. Logan was only half-heartedly cuddling while sitting up and Patton had his arms wrapped completely around him.

"It's really only a cuddle if you lay back a bit, Lo, and hold him back," Virgil supplied and Patton's eyes shined at Logan.

"I want to talk to you, Virg-" Logan tried to start. That sentence never meant anything good. Nope-ing the fuck out of here!

"Yeah, later dad and daddio," Virgil interrupted Logan and left to Roman's room with a quick salute.