Logic was pleased to meet another possible Side, but the timing was not ideal. He wanted nothing more than to make amends with Roman. He had realized that his methods and attempts at engaging in friendship were only driving Roman further away.
Perhaps a new topic will help settle his restless mind. He shook Patton's gloved hand and asked, "Would you like to come home with me?"
Patton cupped one of his own cheeks in his hand, fanning himself with the other. He said with a smirk, "How forward of you!"
Logic took a small step back to give him more personal space. He tried to sound reassuring as he said, "I promise, I have no intention of touching you in any way, or discussing anything which may cause you distress, as a Moral Side."
The smile shifted slightly, he smoothed his hands down his suit and said, "What a gentleman. Lead the way; I'll drive."
Logic watched as Patton inspected his thought web on the wall. He read each sticky note silently, taking in all the information before he turned to Logic with a small frown.
He pointed to the web, "Does this help?"
Logic shifted his glasses on his nose and nodded, "I find it easier to work through this puzzle if I can visualize it."
Patton turned back to the web, looking at Roman's photo. He wasn't sure what, but something about Patton caused him unease. Perhaps it was due to his persistence with Roman - the other Side was sure to view it as crossing some social boundary Logic doesn't understand.
He felt the need to explain, "I know this may seem unethical on some level, but I'm simply gathering information. If Roman ends up not being my Side, I will leave him be and cause no harm."
Patton smiled, his scars rising slightly, causing his eye to squint more. "I believe you."
Logic felt himself exhale out his nose, pleased with the approval. He had a hunch Patton was one of his Sides; he felt a familiar clearity standing near him that he only felt around Roman.
It would be wise to keep peace between them. Logic sat down on his bed and Patton climbed up next to him. They sat a respectable distance away, to ensure they wouldn't touch and accidentally fuse.
Logic awkwardly gestured to his new guest, "I would like to spend this time learning more about you; to see if we're true Sides."
"Ask me anything, I'm an open book." Patton said, leaning back casually.
"Excellent. How did you receive your scar?" Logic asked.
Patton blinked in surprise, slowly shifting away from him. He glanced away, "Uh-"
Logic leaned closer to inspect it; situating his glasses better on his nose. "Yes, from the color and shape of it, it appears to be a fission burn-"
"Haha, yeah…" Patton touched his cheek, right below his scar. He cleared his throat and said, "You're very observant."
"Yes, thank you. It looks to be a fresh wound, has it just recently healed?" Logic asked, gently taking Patton's wrist and pulling his hand away from the scar. He peered at it, then glanced in Patton's eyes when he didn't speak up.
"Yeah, it's- uh, it's new." Patton pulled his arm free from Logic's grasp. He shrugged and said, "I had met a Side. It didn't go well."
Logic leaned back, shrugging. "I understand. I've had my own troubles managing interSide relations." He gestured to the thought web on the wall, filled with facts about Roman. "I don't have the best track record, it appears."
Patton smiled and put a hand on his knee. "No worries, me neither."
"But you've already fused with one of your Sides." Logic said, "Although it may have ended negatively, you've succeeded in more than me."
"It was only once." Patton smiled sadly, "I don't think he wants a second date."
Logic hesitated, forcing his tone to sound more sympathetic as he asked, "So the fission burn, it was on purpose?"
Patton sighed and took his hat off. He set it down in his lap and ran a hand through his hair. He's blond, Logic confirmed, glancing at the small curls. Patton sadly looked at him, "Yeah, I think so. The Side I was fused with was … distasteful."
"How so?" Logic prompted.
"Well, while fused, we were at a bar. And the bartender started flirting with us; which made me upset. The other Side then punched the bartender, to get him to leave us alone." Patton said, waving his hand vaguely, "I totally freaked out and ran out of there. We unfused and the other Side scratched the shit out of me."
"He seems violent." Logic said, frowning to himself. "Are you okay?"
"Wha- yeah, but he was just trying to get the bartender to leave us alone." Patton was squinting at him, clearly wanting a specific response, "Wasn't it unfair of me to immediately villianize him?"
Ah. Logic nodded to himself in understanding. It was a moral dilemma that Patton was struggling with. Logic was happy to help shed some light. "Not at all; as an Ethical Side, your trait will react intensely to things you view as unfair. And while the bartender was disregarding your fusion's comfort, violence tends to be seen as a worse crime. It's completely understandable that you would react that way."
Patton smiled tightly, and said through gritted teeth, "Thanks."
Logic tilted his head in thought, asking, "What was his trait? Perhaps you two weren't the most compatible fusion."
"Uh-" Patton said, suddenly tense. He shrugged and said, "I don't really remember, honestly. We didn't get to know each other that well before fusion."
"Oh." Logic blinked in surprise. He chewed his lip in thought. After fission, Sides should have a good idea of who the other is. When sharing a body through fusion, it's difficult to hide aspects of yourself. Even if they never discussed their traits before fusion, they should become clear once unfused. At least, that's what Logic's research suggested. He makes a mental note to look into the concept of selective amnesia after a traumatic fission. He asked, "Well, what was your fusion's name?"
"Daniel." He supplied helpfully. Before Logic could ask another question, Patton gestured to the wall beside them. "So how long until you add my name to this web?"
Logic smiled to himself, climbing off the bed and stepping up to his desk. "Yes, of course."
He grabbed a post-it note from his neat pile and scrawled Patton Morality across it. Then he climbed back onto the bed next to Patton and stuck it on the wall a foot away from Roman's web. He wrote another note, this one saying 'Fission burn - previous Side encounter'. After he finished, he looked up at Patton.
For some reason, his expression was forlorn. He stared at his name on the wall, a small frown on his face. Logic glanced between him and the note silently. Eventually, he asked, "Did I misspell it?"
Patton jumped, startled out of his mood. Quickly, he shook his head and smiled. "No, no, I was just thinking about something sad! Like, uh, puppies in the pound who don't get adopted." He glanced away and muttered, "Or whatever."
"I see." Logic said slowly, glancing down at the note he wrote. He decided he would add that one after Patton had left. He wouldn't want to upset a potential Side unnecessarily. He set his notepad on the bed beside him, face down. "So then, was that the only Side you've met?"
Patton nodded, his mismatched eyes watching him carefully. "Aside from Princey and you."
"Well, we haven't confirmed that we're compatible Sides," Logic said, taking his glasses off to clean them. He couldn't help but smile slightly to himself as he thought about fusing with his Sides. He glanced up at Patton, "If you're comfortable with it, we could attempt fusion."
Patton laughed nervously, glancing at his name on the wall again, "I would, but, uh, that other Side kind of ruined fusion for me, you know?" He gestured to his scar, "I wouldn't want a repeat occurrence."
"Yes, of course." Logic said, putting his glasses back on. He tried to not feel disappointed at that. He understood the importance of working through trauma, and how it could affect interSide relationships. He would give Patton as much time as he needed. "We could investigate in other ways. When is your birthday?"
"Oh, um, April 22nd."
Logic nodded, "Okay, that's good. Mine is April 24th, so the date of our conception was likely the same."
"Aren't Sides supposed to be twins?" Patton asked. "Uh, five twins?"
"Quintuplets are very common, however due to different pregnancy terms or the health of the mother, birthdays can vary by a week or so." Logic said, "How old are you?"
"Twenty-one." Patton said.
Logic smiled, "Yes, me too. Based on our birth, age, and appearance; it's very likely we're Sides."
"Hallelujah." Patton glanced over Logic's shoulder, raising an eyebrow. "Can we help you?"
Logic turned to see Sandra standing in the doorway. She had her hand on the door, like she was going to knock, but the door was open anyway. She looked between Logic and Patton.
Logic stood up and gestured to Sandra, "Patton, this is my roommate, Sandra Logic Side. She's a biology major." He then gestured to Patton and said, "Sandra, this is Patton Morality Side. He's-"
"I'm his Side." Patton said, holding out his hand. "It's such a pleasure to meet you."
Sandra shook his hand, but was frowning at him. "You're a Moral Side? I apologize, I wouldn't have assumed that for you."
"Oh?" Patton tilted his head and gave Sandra that too-tight smile. "How so?"
"Based on your appearance alone, you don't seem to fit the typical aesthetic of Ethical traits." Sandra said, tapping her chin, "I believe the term I'm thinking of is 'vibrations'."
"Oh, I know this one." Logic said, explaining to Sandra, "The term is actually 'vibes', it's a way to explain how you perceive something."
"Yes, thank you." Sandra turned from Logic to Patton and shook her head, "You don't have Ethical 'vibes' to me."
Logic inspected Patton, taking Sandra's words into consideration. He didn't think a Side's wardrobe had much to do with their trait. He decided Patton may just like the color black. They were at a (fairly) formal event; many people enjoy dressing up for the theater. And a black suit isn't uncommon. He decided to disregard Sandra's assessment. She may need more help studying the concept of 'vibes'.
Patton smiled at her and gave a small bow, "Thank you for that."
"Yes, well." Sandra turned to Logic, "I have cleared my schedule for tomorrow. I assume we're walking to the theater?"
"Correct. Is it alright if Patton comes with us?" Logic gestured to him, "We both are trying to speak with Roman."
Sandra shrugged, "That is acceptable to me. Now, if I may, it is time for my nightly routine. Please keep your noise to a minimum."
"Of course. Good night." Logic watched as she walked away. He turned back to Patton, who was frowning. "What's wrong?"
Patton blinked at him, then smiled, "Nothing! I was just wondering what it was like living with another Logic."
Logic closed the door before he sat back on his bed. "It's acceptable. I had a Hyper trait as a roommate my freshman year and it was … not ideal. Sandra and I have an excellent system to help make our living arrangements uncomplicated."
He could hear the shower start in Sandra's bathroom. He had to admit, at first he wasn't sure two Logics could live together successfully; but it had ended up being the best decision he could've made. They rarely fought; and were almost never embarrassed to discuss personal topics with each other. They had similar sleeping schedules and routines; they both enjoyed studying and reading quietly. Their apartment was always spotless, and the two switched off who cooked meals. Sandra was, by all means, a perfect roommate.
He looked at his watch, then glanced up at Patton, "Do you require to go home soon? It's getting late."
Patton glanced out the window, they could see the night sky through it. He shrugged, "Yeah, I could go home."
"You're also welcome to stay here." Logic said, gesturing to his room. "You could sleep on the couch, or you could take my bed."
Patton smiled and took his hand, "You're too kind. I just adore spending time with you. It would be delightful to wake up to you in the morning."
Logic felt his cheeks heat at the implication. He forced these thoughts away, reminding himself that he was talking to a Moral Side. Patton wouldn't make an innuendo. He didn't think Moral Sides knew how.
"Very well." Logic said, standing up. He moved to his closet and pulled out a spare blanket. "Would you like the bed?"
"I don't see why we can't share." Patton said, and Logic could hear the smile in his voice. "We are Sides after all."
Logic couldn't argue with that. He figured, if Patton was alright with it, there was no harm in sharing a sleeping space. He returned to the bed and handed Patton the blanket. With a small smile and a hint of amusement in his voice, Logic said, "Very well, but if we fuse while asleep, it's not my fault."
"Agreed."
They ended up talking for another thirty minutes before they got changed into pajamas. Logic let Patton borrow some of his; they were the same size (obviously), so there were no issues. After that, they slid under the blankets and laid next to each other. Patton was on his side, his head propped up by his hand, as they continued to talk.
It was interesting talking to Patton; he was clearly smart, and enjoyed debating him. They argued over unimportant things quietly, adding small jokes in between their points. Eventually, they turned Logic's bedside lamp off, but even the darkness didn't stop their conversation.
While in the dark, their voices lowered to whispers, as if they were trying to not wake the lights. It was a silly concept, but Logic didn't mind.
Something about Patton giggling and whispering in his ear, "No, you listen to me, ranch is the worst condiment of all time-", felt so natural. Logic didn't remember falling asleep. He doesn't know if Patton stayed up later than him, or if he had also passed out with a new debate topic on the tip of his tongue.
In the morning, Logic woke soundlessly. He felt a weight on his chest, warm and pleasant. It was sliding up and down in a smooth motion. He turned his head, and remembered that he was sharing a bed.
"Good morning." Patton said, his hand stilling over Logic's heart. "We didn't fuse."
It took Logic a moment to connect the comment with their joke last night. He huffed a small laugh and said, "You're welcome."
Patton smiled and said, "Did you sleep good?"
"It's 'did you sleep well'." Logic turned and reached for his glasses on the bedside table. He put them on and looked at Patton's rested face. "I did, actually. It was surprisingly pleasant."
"You're really cute when you sleep." Patton said, a small smirk on his lips.
Logic laughed, ignoring how his cheeks started to burn. What was with these Sides and complimenting him on his appearance? Roman had called him handsome while he was drunk, and now this. He accepted the comments, but he didn't understand why they felt the need to share them. It wasn't like he had sculpted his own face; he was born looking the way he did. If anything, they should complement his biological parents on their genes.
"Would you like breakfast?"
"God, yes."
The trio arrived at the school theater ten minutes before the show was going to start. Sandra was uninterested in the show itself and was only coming to see Pop Culture. And Patton had confirmed he saw it yesterday, so none of them were particularly worried about being late.
As the lights dimmed, and the audience quieted down, Patton took Logic's hand and whispered in his ear, "Here comes our man."
Sure enough, the curtains opened and Roman was centerstage, ready to belt the first lyric. The opening number is impressive, to say the least. Even the third time, Logic finds his breath taken away when Roman and Pop Culture sing in harmony.
Logic squeezed Patton's hand and quietly whispered, "He never fails to be charming, doesn't he?"
Patton giggled and replied, "He certainly tries."
During the intermission, Logic asked Sandra, "So, do you think Pop Culture is your fusion?"
"Possibly. She sounds and looks similar to me." Sandra nodded to herself, telling Logic, "Thank you for bringing me, I see now what you mean. This does require further investigation."
"We can meet the actors after the show." Logic informed her.
"Ugh, that's forever from now. There's no time like the present, follow me." Patton said, taking Logic's hand and leading him down the side hall. Sandra followed after them, silent and curious.
At the side door to the auditorium, they could see three people standing about. One of them was a woman with short brown hair; the other had his back to them, but also had brown hair and appeared to be a man. The last Side was Kai, who was laughing at whatever the others said.
Kai saw them approaching, and his smile dropped. He said something to the other Sides, then quickly walked up to them.
Logic tried to sound pleasant as he said, "Greetings, Kai."
"What are you doing over here? The show's going to start again soon." Kai pushed on Logic's belly, making him back up slightly, "Go back to your seats."
"Is that Roman?" Patton asked, his eyes on the Sides Kai left. The man had turned around, but he was wearing sunglasses, so they couldn't get the best look at his face. But the woman had remarkably familiar features, it made Logic's stomach churn at the sight of them.
"Why isn't he in costume?" Sandra asked.
"Mind your own business." Kai told her, "The show is going-"
"Oh." Logic said in realization. He took a step forward, pointing at the Sides, "Is that Rem-"
"No, I said fuck off." Kai said, although he was staring at Sandra. It was clear he saw the similarities between her and Pop Culture. However, his suspicion never waivered.
Patton put his hands on his knees, bending down to be eye-to-eye with Kai. He said in a mocking tone, "Aw, is the baby's trait Bodyguard? Is the little Side trying to be big and scary?"
"Oh, okay," Kai said, clearly getting mad. He stepped into Patton's space, his fists clenched, "Is that how you're gonna be? You wanna fight?"
"No, no." Logic said, stepping in between the two. He took one last glance at (who he assumed was) Remy and Missy. They were watching the argument from their spot by the door. He made a note to seek them out after the show. They may have all five of their Sides in the same building right now. The thought sent a thrill down his spine. He wouldn't let a little disagreement get in the way of their chances. He told Kai, "I apologize on his behalf. We'll return to our seats. There's no need for confrontation."
Kai's shoulders untensed, but he crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Then do it."
A little annoyed at his tone, Logic sighed and turned to his friends, "Shall we?"
Sandra turned and led the way back, entirely unbothered by the whole ordeal. Logic looked to Patton, who was frowning at the ground. Gently, he turned Patton around and gave his back a little pat. A second later, he started to follow Sandra. Logic gave a final apology to Kai and went with his friends.
The rest of act two was a blur. Logic noticed that Patton didn't hold his hand again; instead tapping his fingers against the armrest irritably. Sandra also seemed to notice this behavior, and the two shared a look.
After the show, Logic and Sandra both bought a small bouquet from the sellers at the front of the auditorium. Then they waited until the actors came out into the hall. Patton stayed silent through this, following a few steps after them.
Logic did see Remy and Missy once more, they were with Kai again, who kept glaring over at him. He understood the message: do not interact.
When Pop Culture stepped out into the hall, chatting with a cast member, Sandra held her breath. Logic gave her a reassuring smile and said, "The worst that can happen is that she's not your Sides."
"Right." Sandra nodded to herself once, before determinedly walking up to Pop. They watched in silence as Pop held a hand up to her mouth in surprise. Two more of her hands took the flowers offered to her, and the last hand shook Sandra's in greeting.
They spoke for a few moments, and then Pop unfused in front of them. Harry laughed when Theo pulled Sandra into a tight, excited hug.
Logic smiled to himself, fondly watching his friend interact with the Sides. His gaze redirected to movement by the side door. Upon hearing the commotion of Theo's squeals, Roman poked his head out into the hall. He smiled when he saw Sandra.
Logic took Patton's hand and dragged him to Roman, determined. Roman didn't notice them until it was too late. He tried to duck back into the theater, but Logic grabbed the door before it could close. "Roman!"
"What!?" Roman whipped around, glaring at them. It was darker backstage, and completely silent. Everyone else was out in the hall or in the changing rooms. It gave them a false sense of solitude.
Logic felt Patton squeeze his hand, he glanced at his companion, who was watching Roman with wide eyes. He looked back to the actor and said, "We mean you no harm."
"Yeah, you've made that super clear." Roman grumbled, crossing his arms. He glanced around them, but it was clear no one was there for backup.
"Roman-" Patton started.
"Stranger." Roman interrupted.
"We just want to get to know you. As friends. Cross our hearts." He made a crisscross motion over his chest with his free hand.
Logic nodded, speaking calmly, "We don't have to fuse, but you can't deny that you have a connection to both of us."
Roman backed up, but he hit a table holding props. He growled in frustration and told them, "I'm Established."
Logic opened his mouth to argue, but Patton beat him to it, "We know." That made both of them pause, each curious as to what he'd say next. "You're Established, we can tell."
Patton shot Logic a smile, but it did nothing to help his wild thoughts. There was no way Roman was Established, not after almost fusing twice. What was Patton doing?
Regardless, Roman's shoulders relaxed. His gaze shifted between the two of them, hesitant, "So then … what do you want?"
"Companionship." Patton said with a bright smile, "We really did love your performance."
Logic wanted to speak up then, to ask why Roman was so against interacting with them. But the door behind them opened, shining bright light onto Roman's face. His eyes widened, and he shook his head.
Logic turned around, and felt a wave of surprise run through him at who was there. Two individuals, Sides, who shared the same face. One was male, the other female. Logic dropped Patton's hand and held out his own to them, "Remy and Missy, I presume?"
"Are you the one who's been following Ro around?" Remy asked, crossing his arms.
Missy shook his hand, smiling, "Yes, that's us. And you're Logic?"
"Correct. This is Patton Morality Side." Logic said, gesturing to him. "I've been very interested in meeting you."
"Everyone is." Remy said, stepping past them. He took Roman's hand and whispered something to him. Roman nodded, his eyes never leaving Logic's. Remy spoke loudly, "Sorry boys, but I have a date that we won't be late for."
Logic stepped aside, letting them through. He didn't miss the way Patton and Remy glared at each other, the hostility palpable in the air. As they passed, Logic took Roman's wrist, causing them to stop. "Wait, Roman-"
"What now?" His voice sounded so defeated, his eyes tired. He looked at Logic, his shoulders sagged, "What could you possibly want now?"
Logic licked his lips and said quietly, "Just your attention."
Roman was quiet for a long moment, he swallowed and glanced at Missy. She gave him an encouraging smile, which he didn't return. He shifted closer to Remy and said under his breath, "You can text me. The show's over, so I'll have more free time…"
That's- that's good. That means he's open to interacting more. Logic nodded, keeping silent. He wanted to ask more questions, he wanted to talk to Remy and Missy; to see if they were compatible. All five of them, in the same small space. They were so close to Establishment, but there was something missing. Something wasn't right; there was pain in Roman's eyes and anger in Remy's. There was information that Logic didn't have; the puzzle half complete.
But now wasn't the time to finish it; he was aware. He let go of Roman's wrist and said, "Okay."
Roman nodded, not looking at him. Remy led him back out into the hall, leaving them darkness once more. Missy gave him a sympathetic look and took his hand. She gave it a small squeeze and said, "Hang in there."
Logic held out the flowers he bought, "These are for Roman."
Missy took them, smiling down at the bouquet. She spoke with a promise, "He'll adore them."
Then she left without another word.
Patton sighed, crossing his arms, "Well, that was useless."
Logic shook his head, "No, that was progress. He's willing to text us, and I'm sure we could arrange another meeting between the five of us."
"If you say so." Patton had a strange expression on his face. "I don't know about those two, though. They rubbed me the wrong way."
"I didn't get that sensation." Logic said, frowning slightly. "They seemed acceptable enough."
Patton took his phone out of his pocket, looking down at the screen as he spoke, "Maybe I'm just bad at math. Anyway, I have to go. My landlord wants rent and his car back."
"Wha-"
In one smooth motion, Patton stepped closer to him, cupped his jaw with one hand, and kissed his other cheek. His lips were soft on Logic's skin, and made a slight heat rush to his cheeks. The sensation took Logic's breath away.
"Later, Specs." Patton left through the same door the others did, and Logic was alone with his thoughts.
As soon as the door closed, the buzzing in the back of his head returned. Somehow, it didn't irritate him as much anymore.
Tell me what you think!
