The game night was fun, but far too draining. Virgil excused himself to his room as soon as their friends left. He closed the door tightly behind him and immediately began searching for his headphones. If the walls could stop closing in on him, that'd be great.

He wasn't finished unpacking yet, with two stacks of boxes still sitting in his corner. But he knew he already had his headphones out somewhere. He looked through his desk and then his dresser before he found them on the floor under his bed.

The lights were buzzing, and if he focused enough he could hear the other's talking downstairs. The kitchen was somewhere below his room, which meant he always knew when the others were up in the morning. Virgil put the headphones on and connected them to his phone. He picked a song at random; not really caring what it was, only needing noise. He closed his eyes with a sigh and focused on his feet on the ground. He knelt down until his knees and forearms were pressed against the carpet. His almost-fetal position comforted him as he thought about his chest pressed against his thighs, and the soft fabric under his fingers. Virgil exhaled slowly, the excitement from the day washing off of him. As the song ended and a new song began, Virge gently sat up. He rested his hands on his knees and felt the warmth they provided. He was safe, he was alone. He successfully survived game night. Nothing bad happened.

The door swung open suddenly, causing Virge to jump. His heart rate raced to the beat of the song in his ears. Damn it! All his effort to calm down flew out the window.

Patton stormed into the room. He was pulling on his shirt, his face twisted into a frown. His face was red in a way Virge hadn't seen before. He was talking. Virgil lowered his headphones to hear his rant.

"Mama wouldn't want to meet Deceit, but she'd be really upset if I didn't bring someone and no one else can come!" Patton kept shaking his head, pacing back and forth. "Jonny would be able to see through any of Deceit's lies! He can not lie to my family! I can't- I- I-"

Virgil stood up on wobbly knees. He reached out and stopped Patton gently, placing his hands on his chest.

He looked into Patton's eyes and said firmly, "Hey, it's okay."

Patton let out a deep, shuddering breath. He closed his eyes and rested his head on Virgil's shoulder. He pulled Patton into a hug and tried to think of better things to say. What even was the problem? Ah, yes, a Morality Side is taking his Deceitful Side to a super religious family gathering. Yeah, he saw a couple snags in there somewhere.

"I don't think Deceit will fuck it up on purpose." Virgil said, staring at his Nightmare Before Christmas poster on the wall. He ignored Pat's mumble of 'language'. Mostly talking to himself, he said, "There's nothing to gain from that. If he made you upset, you could just leave him on the side of the road somewhere."

"What?!" Patton jerked back in surprise. "I'd never! I mean, I don't agree with Deceit's life choices, but-"

"I know, Pat," Virgil tried to sound serious. Patton wouldn't appreciate being laughed at right now. "I was just sayin'. Um, anyway, just try not to immediately assume he's only going to make your mother cry. Cuz, like… no one would want to watch a grown woman cry. Not even a Deceit Side."

"But then why would he come?" Patton shook his head. "It doesn't make sense."
This time, Virgil did laugh. He couldn't stop the sputter in his voice, "Maybe he just wants to be nice?"

Patton didn't look up. He chewed his nails and shook his head. He didn't sound convinced. "Maybe."

Virgil crossed his arms and asked, "What's the worst that could happen?"

"He impulsively tells a lie and we get caught and my parents disown me in front of our entire family. OR I bring him to my parents up front and say 'this is my Negative Side, the Lair!' and they disown BOTH of us in front of my entire family!" Patton was pressing his hands against his eyes as he spoke. His voice rose as he went, and Virge could feel the anxious energy in the air around them.

He clicked his tongue. "Okay. Um. So that probably won't happen…"

But even as he said that, he felt the doubt growing in his chest. Maybe Patton had a point. He could see the scene playing out before his eyes. Janus lets something slip that contradicts an earlier lie. Or maybe he snaps at a preachy uncle without thinking. Patton wouldn't be able to save face and would end up confessing. Virgil's blood ran cold. Could Janus be in danger, just for revealing his identity?

Virge didn't know the full extent of Patton's childhood, but they've shared somber memories with each other. Late night talks, pressed close together. Patton didn't speak much about his more upsetting thoughts, but it was enough to set Virgil on edge. He knew he'd be worried all weekend. They both would.

Patton shook his head again. "I don't know what to do!"

Virgil scratched his neck and said, "Well, we don't have to think about it now."

"We don't?" Patton asked as his phone vibrated again. Virgil held out his hand, and Patton hesitantly gave it to him. Virge smiled and turned the device off.

"No, we don't. Because it's the middle of the night. And the only thing we have to worry about now is sleeping." Virgil told him as he led them to his bed. He ignored the heat in his cheeks as they stripped to their undershirts and boxers. Patton didn't speak again. He looked tired, and… sad. Virgil didn't like what he saw.

He climbed into bed first, pulling back the blanket for them. Once he settled, Patton crawled on, snuggling up against his side. Virgil wrapped his arm around Pat's shoulder and squeezed him close. Patton let out a soft noise, then a slow sigh. He relaxed against Virgil's grip.

Virge didn't know how Patton fell asleep so quickly. He stared at the ceiling, wondering how someone so small could hold so many expectations for the world.

The next morning, Virgil woke up with Patton curled against his side. He felt exhausted from falling asleep after Pat and waking up before him. Virgil thought about just laying here and enjoying Patton's company, but if he didn't get up now, he'd be restless all day. He slowly slid out of bed, careful to not wake Patton.

Despite it being a weekend, Logic was already up. He nodded to Virgil from his spot at the kitchen table. He already had a mug of coffee for himself, which filled the room with a pleasant smell, and he was reading a newspaper. Virgil didn't even know they got a newspaper.

Virgil filled a glass of ice water and made himself toast. He sat down next to Logic. He glanced at him and took a sip of his water.

"Any plans for today?" Logic asked, looking up from the article he was reading. Virgil skimmed the title upside-down. Some Activist Sides and fusions were protesting a new Arizona law that gave Negatives more jail time based on their diagnosis. Virgil tried to not think about being in that crowd. He wasn't there. He was sitting in a kitchen in Florida, with Logic. Logic, who asked him a question.

"Just work." Virgil said. Then added after a beat, "I'm meeting with a customer to discuss a design. What about you?"

Logic turned the page. The picture of the activists disappeared and Virgil felt himself recenter. His jaw was still clenched tight. He forced himself to take a sip of water.

Logic answered, "Roman and I are-"

"We have a date!" Roman announced, sliding into the kitchen in bare socks. He slid too aggressively and fell, earning a snort from Virgil. Logic sat up enough to look at the pile of Roman on the floor.

"Yes." Logic said slowly. "We're going out to eat and discuss Side traits."

"Oh, for your diagnosis?" Virgil turned to Roman and watched him stand. Roman gave him a weird look, like he was trying to dissect him. Virgil stared back blankly.

"Technically, yeah." Roman said, still cautious. Virgil could feel it in the air, the weird tension around the topic.

He tried for a joke, smirking. "Fifth time's the charm."

Roman's expression hardened. Joke did not land. Repeat: joke did not land. Virgil dropped his smirk and glanced at Logic. He was studying them, as always. Why did living here feel like being part of one big social experiment? Roman cleared his throat and adjusted the collar of his jacket.

"We're not there yet." He barely looked at Virgil as he brushed a hand through his hair. "Perfection takes time, you know. Not all of us are that obvious."

"What do you mean 'obvious'?" Virgil asked, squinting at Roman.

He glanced at Logic like 'did you hear that?' Logic was frowning. His glasses always skewed sideways a bit when he frowned. Virgil's gaze lingered on them, because it was easier to stare at his glasses than look in his eyes.

Roman huffed and gestured to them, "Well, look at you two! You practically came out of the womb screaming your traits."

"Impossible." Logic stated, twitching slightly. Virgil scoffed and sat back in his seat.

"You think a toddler can be diagnosed as," Virgil pointed to himself, "This?"

"So you weren't always all panic no disco?" Roman crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Look, I'm just saying, anyone could take a peek at both of you and know your Sides instantly."

Virgil rolled his eyes. "Oh, is that so?"

Roman pointed to Logic. "Nerd. Smart. Logic." He pointed to Virgil. "Goth. Scary. Anxiety."

Virgil scoffed. His awesome aesthetic had nothing to do with his diagnosis. Probably. ...Wait.

Logic spoke, "That sounds like a correlation, not a causation."

"Yeah, you judgmental prick." Virgil said, pulling himself out of an identity crisis. "Way to stereotype."

"Every Logic Side has those glasses!" Roman said, pointing to Logic. Virgil shook his head tightly. His glasses were sleek, black, and square. Most Logic's he sees have circular glasses. "And I could name a thousand Negatives that look like you!"

Virgil froze. His throat felt dry. The air was sucked out of the room and all Virgil could hear was the static of the lights. Even Roman and Logic seemed like statues for a few seconds, eyes on him. Virge stood to face Roman fully, looking into his wide eyes. It was then Roman knew, he fucked up.

He spoke clearly, despite the blood running through him. "What did you say?"

"I- I just meant-" Roman glanced at Logic, who stood up as well. "Well, no one would be surprised to learn that you and Janus are the Negatives of the group."

"Roman." Logic tried to interrupt.

"I mean, you guys look like spooky villains all the time-"

"Roman!" Logic grabbed his arm and gave him a look that Virgil read as 'wtf is wrong with you?'

Virgil shoved his hands in his pockets and watched as Roman was lectured. Virgil chewed his lip, thinking about saying something. Thinking about what Roman would say back. Thinking about how much that'd hurt. Thinking about how the two of them were standing in the way. Thinking about how all rooms should have two exits. Thinking about jumping out the window?

He heard snippets of Logic's speech. Something about the mental illnesses being recategorized and how he's not technically a big bad Negative anymore. Virgil shook his head, gathered his courage, and walked past the pair out of the room. The simple act of walking past Roman made his blood run cold, but no one stopped him.

He could feel their eyes on him as he walked out. He wondered how long it would take for them to decide they don't want him anymore. God, was all of this a mistake? He went looking for Shadow the Hedgehog the Cat before he started spiraling. Stupid Roman. Stupid diagnoses. Stupid, stupid, stupid...

Sunday Virge had the day off. He spent most of his time locked in his room. He liked his Sides. Kind of. But he needed time by himself. They always wanted to eat together and talk to each other and breathe the same air. Virgil felt exhausted just thinking about it. The house was quiet, which felt weird. He trusted noise more than silence, especially with this group.

Virge figured the smart thing to do was to stay in bed and enjoy his alone time while he still could. Which was the correct response, because as soon as Patton came home from grocery shopping, he came into Virgil's room. He was freaking out, which made Virgil freak out. He could barely follow Patton's ramble. Something about his parents and Deceit. It was all Patton was talking about lately. He was really worried about this reunion thing. Virgil hated it. This wasn't a problem he could fix. He couldn't take away Patton's worries; he couldn't go in Deceit's place; he couldn't make Patton's parents forget all their biases. There was nothing to run from or fight and that made Virgil useless. He hated being useless.

The best he can do is listen. Patton spoke about how his mother's side of the family would be there. He listed their names and traits; he told little stories about them. Virgil enjoyed the fun stories more than the ones that made Patton get a panicky expression and choke up. Virge tried to keep the conversation in the 'safe family member' area. It sounded like Patton really loved his cousins. He was the oldest, and there were nine kids, not including his siblings. They ranged from twenty to a nine month old. Virgil made sure to ask questions about them the most.

When Patton grew tired of talking, Virgil offered his shoulder. They cuddled together under his blanket and watched Avatar on his laptop.

Patton fell asleep against his chest, his glasses crooked and his mouth hanging open. Virgil hoped his dreams were pleasant. He rarely ever had good dreams. It was like his mind couldn't stop buzzing, even in his sleep. Virgil stayed up far later than Patton, scrolling on his phone.

Vogue was doing more makeup tutorials lately. Virgil liked to watch them when he was doing his eyeliner. Vogue made everything look so easy. He wondered if they ever had issues in their Side group. They haven't announced anything about Kai on their social media. Virgil didn't know if that was good or bad. Kai didn't seem like the type who wanted to be in the spotlight anyway.

Eventually, Virgil sleeps. He doesn't dream, which is his best option.

Monday the parlor was busy. Virge didn't have many clients, but Elliot was slammed all day. Almost every person who came in wanted a piercing. Most of them wanted nose rings, with a few ear piercings scattered about. Elliot only had a short ten minute break during the never-ending rush. Spunk did her best to keep people moving. She told them they had a thirty minute wait time, and suggested good places to grab a bite around here.

Virgil hid in the back the most he could. Thankfully, not too many people wanted tattoos, and he could spend most of his time designing pieces. He'd spend his whole day just doodling if he could.

Spunk finally stopped letting in new people at four thirty, unless they wanted a tattoo, which no one did. Only then was Elliot able to catch up and complete everyone's piercings. When the last customer walked out with a new hole in their head, Elliot collapsed into their chair in the office.

Virgil leaned against their chair and smirked. He asked, "Having fun?"

"Always." Elliot said, running a hand through their hair. "Love a busy shift."

"It makes the time fly." Virgil shrugged. Even if he wasn't swamped, being in the same building as the chaos was enough to make his shift pass quickly. He paused, then asked, "So, how was your weekend?"

Elliot looked up at him and sighed. "Good."

"That didn't sound good."

"Well," Elliot shook their head again. "I've been thinking a lot."

"That's challenging for you." Virgil crossed his arms and watched as Spunk locked the front door.

"I know." Elliot chewed their lip, then said, "I'm just worried- Prankster is clearly my Side."

Virgil nodded slowly. Crude was, uh, interesting. And Logic's buddy acted just like him, with the added bonus of cussing. And all of them being nonbinary wasn't a coincidence. Virgil would be shocked if they weren't able to fuse with Prankster. He stayed quiet as Elliot continued.

"And what if they want to move in with me and Spunk? Or have me move in with them? I can't do that." Elliot's gaze fell to the cash register, the only thing they could see upfront. Spunk had walked out of Virgil's sight, so he stared at the cash register, too. "What if they change everything?"

"Oh, they will." Virgil said, more to himself. "One way or another."

Patton stayed the night with him again. He didn't talk about his problems this time, and Virgil wasn't going to bring it up. They stayed in bed, wrapped in each other's arms. Patton fell asleep two episodes into Avatar. When he heard soft snores, Virgil switched the show to easy background noise. He didn't want to watch any of Book 3 without Patton.

Virgil felt sleepy shortly after the white noise started. He let himself get comfortable against the pillows. Patton's warm body was pressed firmly against him, with an arm wrapped around his middle. Anytime Virgil moved he worried he'd wake Pat.

He still risked it enough to press a tiny kiss to Patton's forehead. Patton exhaled softly and snuggled closer to him. Virgil smiled, closed his eyes, and dreamt.

Kyler wasn't surprised to open his eyes in the morning. His second arms were already wrapped around his middle, warm and solid. He rubbed his eyes and sat up. Virgil's thick quilt was black, and his bedsheets were purple. Kyler liked the bed, but it could be a little bigger. It wasn't made for a fusion.

It took him longer than he expected for him to get out of bed. He spent over twenty minutes scrolling through Virgil's phone first, and then Patton's. He finally got up when he saw a sad post about endangered animals. The internet was a dangerous place for an Empathy fusion, he was starting to learn.

Kyler made his way downstairs slowly. His bare feet touched the cold tile floor of the kitchen. Although he was silent, the two in the kitchen jumped when he appeared. He was greeted with staring. He stared back. Logic recovered first, he usually does.

"Oh, Kyler! We weren't expecting you!" Logic said, gesturing for him to come further into the room. Roman returned to eating, trying to not look like he was staring. Deceit wasn't present, thankfully. Kyler didn't think he was ready to see him.

"Good morning!" Kyler said, going for a water. Virgil's made a habit, and Kyler's happy to continue it. They'd never drink water otherwise.

"Doesn't Virgil work today?" Logic asked, picking up his phone. He tapped the screen a few times before he looked up for an answer.

"Yeah, uh, I'll have to reschedule." Kyler said as he grabbed a banana and sat down across from Roman.

Roman was frowning, glancing between Logic and the phone. "Do you have all of our schedules?"

"Yes, well, except for Janus. He doesn't have a reliable pattern or routine…" Logic said, tapping his phone more.

Roman frowned more, but before he could say anything else, Kyler said, "We need a family calendar!"

Logic brightened at the idea, "That's an excellent suggestion, Kyler. I may have a white board big enough."

"You have another white board?" Roman asked with a mouthful of cereal.

"I have three." Logic said proudly. "You never know when you may need an extra dry erase board."

Roman rolled his eyes fondly and told his cereal, "You're such a nerd."

Kyler quietly ate his banana, listening to his Sides plan the calendar. Roman would draw the actual boxes, while Logic would ensure everything was correct. He liked watching the conversation. Roman had a dimple, but only one, and it showed most when he smirked at Logic. His voice was smoother than Logic's, who had a deeper tone. Logic also spoke slower than Roman; even when he was talking quickly, it was nothing compared to Roman's rapid-fire jabber.

"We can work on it while Patton and Janus are at their parent's." Logic said.

He didn't mean anything bad by it, but just reminding Kyler of the upcoming reunion put him on edge. Kyler set the rest of his banana down as his stomach rolled. He didn't feel very hungry anymore. His arms tightened around him, and he felt sick.

Quietly, he excused himself from the table. Roman gave him a little wave, but otherwise was focused on their discussion. Logic glanced at Kyler, then down to his meager unfinished breakfast, then back up to his face. He didn't stop talking about what colors they should use as he gave Kyler a slight frown.

Virgil was getting used to seeing that look. Little Logic was concerned. Kyler didn't want to worry him, so he mumbled, "I'll be sure to eat more at the daycare."

Logic paused, surprised. He smiled and nodded, before turning his full attention back to Roman. "Black can be for events involving everyone."

Roman nodded, "I want to be red!"

"That's acceptable. We'll have to pick colors that are easily viewed on white boards."

Kyler left, trying to push away thoughts of this weekend. It would be okay, nothing to worry about. Just focus on the kiddos you get to see soon!

The kids were the perfect distraction for Empathy. They always were a delight, even if they were too reckless. Kyler almost had a heart attack watching them run around. He just knew one of them was going to hurt themselves, and sure enough, they didn't get through the day without Rowdy getting a scraped knee.

"The thing about kids," Kyler told Expression after they got Rowdy to stop wailing. "Is that every injury they have is the worst they've ever felt. They have no concept of comparison. All pain is the end of the world, because they've never known anything worse."

"Probably a good thing." Expression said, arms crossed. "We wouldn't want them to know there's worse shit than a bruised knee."

"Yeah." Kyler said, watching as Rowdy ran around again. He would stop sometimes and stand on one leg, like he needed to give his injury a rest. It was adorable. Kyler looked to Expression and asked, "Do you think you've experienced your worst pain yet?"

"Hey, what the fuck?" Expression said, a half-smile on their face.

Kyler paused, feeling his brain lag for a second. Then he laughed awkwardly and said, "Sorry, that was a little too intense, huh, kiddo?!"

He ran a hand through his hair and avoided eye contact. Expression just shook their head and chuckled.

"No, I don't think I have." They said quietly. "I'm young, and there's still plenty of shit in the world to hurt me."

Kyler thought about that answer for a second, then he said, "Stop cursing, we're literally surrounded by baby parrots."

The last thing Patton needed to worry about right now was an angry parent who wanted to know why their toddler kept saying "bitchin'".

"Sorry, Crude was over yesterday-"

"Deceit's friend?" Kyler interrupted, and that was very rude of him.

"Yeah, Elliot's Side," Expression continued like nothing was wrong. "Well, not confirmed, but y'know they're basically together. Anygay, they came over for dinner. Vogue made pasta. We burnt the garlic bread."

Kyler stopped listening. He knew he should be paying attention, and it was mean to ignore his friends, but his mind didn't care. He thought about his friends, and Deceit, and Deceit's friends, and what it all means.

That night Logic asked Kyler more questions. Roman sat on the couch and watched. Well, more like lounged like a regal king. He laid across the couch, one hand propping his head up. The other hand held a soda that he sipped slowly. Kyler felt like he was the show. Roman's eyes followed his every move.

But his attention was nothing compared to Logic's. Logic paced around him, asking never ending questions.

Kyler answered them all the best he could, but nothing seemed to appease Logic. He was chewing the end of his pen, his brows settled low.

Finally, Logic sighed, "Okay, I don't get it."

"What's wrong?" Kyler was frowning now, too. "You're frustrated."

"Yes, I don't understand where-" Logic stopped in place. His gaze fell to Kyler's jacket. He was wearing one of Virgil's gray hoodies with the zipper to his neck. Logic stepped forward and silently tugged the zipper down. Kyler relaxed when Logic smiled.

"Oh, yes, that makes sense." Logic said, all traces of frustration gone.

"What?" Roman pushed himself up enough to see around Logic. "Does he have three nipples?"

"No, although-"

"I don't want to know nipple facts." Roman said, his voice filled with instant regret.

Logic rolled his eyes and stepped aside so Kyler was on display again. His arms wrapped tighter. Logic gestured to them, pleased.

"He has four arms. As far as fusions go, that's a very common body type." Logic said, adjusting his glasses. "I was getting concerned, fusions without obvious extra features are at a higher risk to have more organs, which can cause extreme health complications."

"Oh." Kyler bit back his fear. He hadn't even considered- does he need to go to the doctor? Should fusions get check ups?

Logic assured him he looked healthy enough, but recommended a practitioner if he was that worried. Kyler liked that Logic always had a solution. His confidence helped put Kyler's worries at ease, if only for a little bit.

Logic tugged at one of his crossed arms, and his upper left hand slapped him. Kyler felt the pain on his own wrist, startling him into realizing what he just did.

"Oh, my gosh, I'm so sorry!" Kyler said, covering his mouth. Logic chuckled, shaking the sting off his hand.

"It's alright, I should've asked before just grabbing." Logic hesitated, then said, "Um, may I touch your arms?"

Kyler's face felt hot from the embarrassment of swatting his roommate away like a fly. Virgil's instinctive reactions were hard to repress. He glanced away and nodded.

Logic touched his arm again. Kyler's hand jerked. He felt the urge to swat, and only just barely stopped it. It took all his focus to not pull away from Logic.

Logic pulled slightly, and Kyler's grip tightened. Logic glanced up at him, and said, "Can you relax these muscles?"

"Not right now." Kyler said, his voice tight. "You're right in front of me."

Logic immediately released his arm and took a step back. Roman repositioned on the couch to see better. He looked way too amused. Kyler wanted to hide his face.

"Do you have control of them?" Logic asked, his hands behind his back. Kyler felt his chest flutter a little at the sight. He was so concerned with their comfort. What did Kyler do to deserve a Side like him?

"Well, yes and no." Kyler shrugged. He itched his neck and said, "I can move them but they won't move."

"What does that mean?" Roman asked, sitting up fully.

"They stay like this." Kyler gestured to his torso. "They don't move."

"But you can?" Logic pressed.

Kyler sighed and felt his resolve crumble. It'll be quicker to appease them. Without unwrapping one arm, he awkwardly waved before immediately grabbing himself again. Nothing more than a flick of the wrist; gone and back in a flash. It felt weird. He didn't like it. His grip tightened; firm, strong, and present.

"Excellent. You shouldn't keep them wrapped up like that, your body needs exercise and adequate stretching to stay fit." Logic said, "Maybe you could look into meditative yoga?"

Kyler hesitated, worry pulling at him. It must've been obvious on his face, because Logic's helpful expression quickly shifted.

He smoothed his shirt and glanced away as he added, "In the comfort and solitude of your rooms."

"Okay." Kyler imagined himself doing arm stretches as he watched Avatar. Maybe he could pretend to be a bender? That sounded fun. He smiled as he said, "I'll try to stretch."

Logic smiled back at him. His smile was small, soft and surprised. Did he really not expect to be listened to? Kyler was happy to take advice, if it meant no one would try to touch him again.

Kyler's wrist burned from the small spot they made skin contact. His fingers tingled from when he smacked Logic's hand. Did he feel that too? Or was it just Kyler's overactive mind and over-sensitive nervous system?

The second morning Kyler walked into the kitchen, he was given the same treatment as before. A lot of silence and staring. He awkwardly waved, still rubbing sleep from his eyes.

"Kyler." Logic said, setting his coffee mug down. He and Roman shared a look. His voice sounded strange when he said, "Good morning."

"Good morning." Kuler shuffled into the kitchen, headed to the fridge.

"Why didn't you unfuse?" Roman asked.

Kyler stopped in his tracks, the fog rushing out of his mind. Completely awake now, he turned to Roman and said, "What?"

"You're, you know, still here." Roman said, glancing to Logic for help. "Is that …. Normal?"

Kyler just blinked at him. His mind unhelpfully came up blank. He licked his lips and slowly responded, "I stick around."

"Like Pop Culture?" Logic asked, nodding to Roman.

"Who?" Kyler responded.

Roman shook his head once, tightly, and asked seriously, "Is everything alright? With Patton and Virge?"

Kyler didn't have an answer for that, either. How could he? All he could think about was the reunion tomorrow and stupid Deceit. He was stressed and anxious. All he wanted to do was crawl back into Virgil's bed and lock the door.

But they were staring at him, and he needed to respond. Kyler laughed and waved them off. He turned to the cabinets so they couldn't see his face.

He reached for a glass and said, "So get this, I just read that they're going to make an X-Men with an all fusion cast."

"Really?" Roman sat up in excitement. Kyler could feel the tension in the room dissipate as Roman chattered. "That would be amazing! Disabled fusion rep with Professor X!" He gasped loudly, "Wolverine with four arms!"

Kyler relaxed as he turned around, his glass full of water. Roman was off in his own world, and Kyler was safe for another day. He took a sip of his water and his gaze landed on Logic. Logic, who was staring right at him with that always-calculating gaze. Kyler looked away first, feeling all kinds of icky.

He didn't like worrying them. But there was nothing they could do. No one could fix this; not Roman or Logic, not Virgil or Patton. They were stuck on this ride now. And tomorrow, it was going to crash.

Tell me what you think!