Patton tried to stay up for the boys to come home, but he ended up falling asleep on the couch while waiting. Logic woke him in the morning, asking if he wanted to go grocery shopping with him. He agreed and stumbled through his morning routine. Once he was ready, he went to Virgil's room, just to check on him. He peeked inside and saw a covered lump in the bed.
"Virgey?" Patton called.
"Mrrw?" Shadow the Hedgehog the Cat poked her head out from under the cover, pressed close to the lump.
"Oh, hi Shadow." Patton said softly, not wanting to wake Virgil up. "We're going to be out for a bit. You're in charge. Is Virge under there with you?"
"Mew."
"Haha okay then, I'll let you guys get back to sleep." Patton said as he shut the door again. Patton moved to the stairs, glancing over at the other side of the hall. Roman's door was wide open, looking like a tornado went through his room. Clothes were thrown everywhere, and the bed had the remains of a make-up bag splayed across it. But there was no Roman in sight. Patton bit his lip, forcing himself to not investigate past Janus' closed door. He knew he wouldn't like what he saw. He pushed down icky thoughts and turned away.
Patton made his way downstairs. Logic was waiting by the door; he smiled at Patton as he approached. Patton smiled back, remembering he was about to spend time with Logic! Alone!
It would be the first time they really hung out together without the others. Patton felt his tummy tumble. Logic was so sweet. He didn't show it in the same obvious ways that Roman and Patton did, or even in the subtle ways that Virgil did. But Logic was so thoughtful with everything in his own way. Patton shouldn't be surprised; he was a Thinking Side.
"Are you ready?" Logic asked.
Patton nodded his affirmative and they headed outside. The bright sun was the perfect start to their day. Logic led the way to his car. Patton glanced around their small driveway.
"I don't see Virgil's car?" He said.
Logic looked up and frowned. "I suppose they took a taxi home."
"Oh, I hope they didn't do anything reckless." Patton sighed as he climbed into the passenger seat.
"I'm afraid that's what Virgil's presence was for - to prevent recklessness." Logic said as he started the car and began to back out.
Patton looked out the window as they left their neighborhood. "I don't like it. Janus should've had more self-control, instead of forcing someone else to supervise him."
"It wasn't just Janus; Roman was there as well." Logic said. Before Patton could respond to that he continued. "Besides, the level of self-control a Side has only goes so far." He adjusted his glasses. "Let's assume Roman's diagnosis is Partier. It's not, this isn't a real trait, only Fusions ever call themselves that. But, if he were Partier, it would be almost impossible for him to know when to leave a party. Or when to not go in the first place."
"But he's not Partier." Patton said, not really getting what he was saying.
"No, but he only has the perspective of a Creative-Emotional Side." Logic glanced over at Patton and said, "They're not us. They won't always be smart or considerate. And some scientists suggest, it's simply because they can't. Does that make sense?"
Patton nodded, finally understanding what Logic was saying. He had learned similar lessons from his parents and their church. Some people were just born Bad. That's why we labeled them as such.
So Patton shouldn't be surprised when they act without morals - bullying Virgil into going to a bar, having intercourse before Establishment, and who knew what else. They couldn't help it, they had no Morality.
"They still shouldn't have made Virgil go if he didn't want to." Patton said, picking at his nails.
"I agree, but it's very likely Roman and Janus saw nothing wrong with their tactics, as it got results. They had sober supervision and transportation." Logic shrugged. "It's a different mindset."
Patton shook his head, saying quietly. "We'll fix that before we become Established."
Logic only hummed in response.
The grocery store was fairly empty this early in the morning. Patton liked shopping, it was a relaxing way to start his weekend and prepare for the upcoming week. He would take his time in each aisle, looking at every option. Logic was a little more prepared than him; organizing their grocery list by the location of the items. This had them skipping aisles that weren't on his list.
"You're very efficient." Patton told him as Logic found the olives easily. Patton could never remember where they were.
Logic smiled and adjusted his glasses. "Oh! Thank you."
"Do you go this fast because you don't like grocery shopping?" Patton asked as they were already off to the next item.
"No, I love shopping." Logic sounded surprised, "Do I seem like I'm not enjoying myself?"
Patton giggled. He could never tell when Logic was having fun or not. He didn't really smile, or make a lot of small talk. "No, no. You're fine. I was just-"
Patton's gaze slid past Logic and to a pair of ladies further down the aisle. They leaned together and with a bright flash, became a new fusion. Patton squeaked and covered his eyes. He didn't mean to see that!
"What happened?" Logic asked.
Patton peaked between his fingers to see Logic turn to see the Fusion. The woman reached up and grabbed something from the top shelf and put it in her cart. Then, she unfused and the two ladies giggled and continued walking.
"Are you okay?"
Patton looked up to see Logic watching him. He laughed off his reaction, saying, "Yeah, sorry. I was just surprised."
"Is it the physical intimacy that bothers you?" Logic asked. He scratched his chin and muttered to himself, "What's it called? PDA?"
"I guess." But that wasn't really it. Patton loved seeing couples in public. He loved love. But Fusions, they felt different. "I never really saw public fusion until I came here."
"Your family didn't have any Sides within it?" Logic sounded surprised. "It's such a big family."
Patton shrugged. "My aunt told me one time she had two Sides that were cousins. But the rules- they wouldn't have fused around the rest of us."
Logic watched him for a moment. It made Patton squirm. He was proud of his upbringing; he was a Morality and had the best education his family could give him. He went to church services and charity events all the time as a kid. When he first left his parent's house, he thought he knew everything about the world. But Orlando was an entirely different beast.
He remembered seeing a public fusion for the first time. How he practically ran in the opposite direction. He felt his cheeks flush with shame at the memory. Now he was more considerate about … people who chose to do that in front of others.
"So it's not the Fusions themselves, it's the act of fusing?" Logic asked.
Patton tilted his head, considering that. "Maybe? It's like. When you never fuse, it only happens by accident. And then you have to ask, 'well, what were they doing that made them so close?' And typically the answer is-" Patton blushed and looked away. "Physical intimacy."
Logic made a noise of understanding. "Which is also frowned upon until Establishment. So Fusion is neurologically connected with the sin of fornication."
"I don't know. I didn't think about it much until I went to visit with Janus." It felt weird saying his name, but Patton was trying to do it more often. He should've just not gone to the reunion. Maybe he could've gotten hurt and then he wouldn't be able to make it. At least then he wouldn't have such confusing thoughts.
"Would you like assistance in finding a local therapist?" Logic asked.
Patton frowned. "For what?"
Logic made a face, but then his expression flattened out again. He shook his head shortly and continued down the aisle. "I hope the idea of fusing with me and Roman for my studies isn't upsetting to you."
"Of course not, we're always in our own home." Patton said, accidentally making eye contact with another Fusion as they passed. This one was elderly, and Patton stared a little too long. He rarely ever saw Fusions older than forty. "And I trust you."
Logic looked at him and smiled, surprise once again dancing in his eyes. Patton loved that expression, he wanted to make Logic make it over and over again. A giggle slipped past his lips and he wrapped his hand around Logic's bicep, sliding closer to him. He could feel the heat under his fingers, and see pink gather in Logic's cheeks.
"You do?"
"Why wouldn't I?" Patton asked, bumping their shoulders together. "You're a Logic."
Logic huffed out a small laugh, looking away. "Yes, of course."
They shopped along for a minute, walking side by side with Patton holding onto Logic. They made little comments about what they knew of their roommates' dietary habits as they walked.
"Are strawberries on the list? Roman loves them."
"Virgil mentioned he was craving queso recently."
"I love this brand."
"Oh, so does Janus."
They turned the corner into a new aisle, almost running into an old lady. She apologized for standing in the way, to which Logic and Patton both apologized for walking. The lady smiled and said, "You two are such a lovely couple."
"Oh, we're not-" Patton flushed, his heart doing a little dance.
Logic simply smiled, moving around the lady to continue their adventure. He told her politely, "Thank you."
Patton wanted to hide his face, he was grateful when Logic walked them all the way to the other end of the aisle. He muttered, "Sorry."
"What for?" Logic asked.
"She only thought we were together because I'm hanging all over you." Patton muttered, but he still didn't let go of Logic's arm. It was too warm, felt too nice, to let it go.
Logic's eyebrows danced downward before settling again. "I don't mind being seen with you. Furthermore, my mothers taught me to not mind what strangers assume of you - especially elderly folks at the grocery store."
Patton latched onto his wording, finding his lifeline out of his embarrassment. He gasped, "You have two moms? Are your parents divorced, like Roman's?"
"No, they're lesbians." Logic said, calmly.
"Oh. But. They're Established?" Patton asked.
"Yes." Logic was looking at him now. Patton's throat felt dry.
He forced a smile and said, "That's nice."
"It certainly was growing up. They've always been supportive. I suspect they think I'm asexual aromantic, but don't want to ask me." Logic was looking down at his hands on the cart's handle. He had a small pout, as he said, "That assumption would come from my lack of partners or crushes growing up. But I was simply focused on my education."
"And now?" Patton asked.
He knew Logic, Roman, and Janus had a different relationship than he and Virgil. Sometimes they would flirt in front of Patton, which always took Patton's breath away, as if they had been flirting with himself instead. They would cuddle on the couch together, that part wasn't much different than him and Virgey. And sometimes he'd see them kiss- he shouldn't be thinking about that right now.
Logic's cheeks were pink again. He was staring at Patton, and his gaze darted down a little, then back up. Patton shuffled his feet, turning to face him further. Logic licked his lips and looked away.
"I still have studies." He said quietly.
A part of Patton liked that answer. It felt safe, comforting, to know that at least Logic wouldn't be weird. He wanted to keep the conversation going, so he asked, "How did your mothers come to you?"
"I was adopted as a baby." Logic said, clearing his throat.
"Aww, that's so sweet." Patton cooed. He placed a hand on his own cheek and imagined his future. "I'd love to save all the orphan babies."
Logic did another huff-laugh. He said, his voice neutral, "Yes, most people would. That's why there's massive waiting lists for infants and young children, and teenagers stuck in an endless system."
Patton's mind took a second to catch up. It sounded like… Logic didn't want him to adopt babies? "Oh."
"I'm sorry." Logic said, shaking his head. He grabbed something off the shelf they were standing by. Patton wasn't paying attention to their shopping trip anymore; he didn't even realize Logic was still locating items as they talked. Logic continued, "I shouldn't complain to you. Moralities do plenty to help adoptees. It's just- a tad more complicated than you all assume it to be."
Patton frowned. He didn't like the implications Logic wasn't saying. He asked, "How so? No, really - how can adoption be bad?"
Logic sighed. "I don't want to debate you. But, for example, I don't know any of my medical history. Because the information for my birth parents has been locked away somewhere. So I will - and have - to do many medical tests to ensure I'm healthy. More than is necessary, if I only had my information. And such tests are expensive. I'm lucky my mothers were willing to pay for all of that bloodwork."
"Okay, but…" Patton could see that was hard. But wasn't it better than being orphaned?
"Patton." Logic warned. "I don't want to debate you."
"Sorry, um." Patton bit his lip. "Thank you for your opinion."
Logic gave him a small, tight smile. It didn't feel like his prettier smiles, and Patton felt like he messed up somehow. They shopped in silence for a few more minutes.
Patton was learning so much about Logic. He never knew he had lesbian adopted moms. It felt odd. Connecting the dots to his family tree. Because that would mean, when they're Established, Patton would have lesbian adopted moms, too. He didn't know what to think about that.
"Are you hungry?" Logic asked as he put the last item - a tub of ice cream - in the basket. "We could get take out somewhere."
"I could go for a breakfast sandwich." Patton said, thankful that Logic didn't seem upset anymore.
"Alright."
They paid for their groceries and carried the bags out to Logic's car. When they got in the car, it was like the awkward air and odd conversations had vanished entirely. They settled into the cozy space and let the soft music of the radio ease their nerves. Patton watched Logic as he drove. He really liked being around Logic, he had a calming presence. It was nice to know he could let someone else be in charge for a while.
Patton felt heat spread to his cheeks. He slowly reached across the gap in their seats and placed his hand on Logic's knee. Logic jumped in surprise and glanced down at his hand, then to Patton. He pulled his hand away like it burned.
"Sorry." Patton muttered.
"It's quite alright." Logic's voice sounded strained. He didn't look away from the road as he placed his own hand on Patton's thigh. He licked his lips and muttered, "You just surprised me."
Patton's cheeks grew hotter as he delicately placed his fingers over Logic's hand. The hand rolled over and caught his fingers within its own. Patton swallowed, simply watching their intertwined fingers.
They stayed like that until they received their food in a drive thru. Patton welcomed the hot food, but missed Logic's touch. He decided to not unpack that, and instead unwrap his bacon and egg sandwich.
Arriving back at the house, Patton was feeling rather sleepy from the rumble of the car and his full belly. He and Logic were having a simple conversation about the invention of cupcakes. Patton liked listening to Logic's low voice recalling history.
"...Which is when decorative cupcakes became a popular trend." Logic said.
Patton sat up straight. He was looking out the window as he listened to Logic. So he saw something odd about their house before they got to the driveway. He asked as Logic pulled in, "Is the door open?"
Logic frowned and turned off the car. He said, "It most certainly is."
Patton got out, not caring about the groceries. He approached slowly, and Logic arrived by his side a second later.
"Were we robbed?" He whispered.
Logic didn't respond, stepping in front of him and leading up to the door cautiously. It wasn't just open, it was busted open. In the center of the door was now a massive hole, surrounded by split wood and chipped paint. Logic brushed his fingers against the edge of the hole.
He said quietly, "Whatever did this was big. Doors don't break apart like this from any Side or Establish-"
He cut himself off as a look of realization crossed his face. He stepped over the doorway and looked around the clearing. He gestured to Patton to follow and whispered, "Stay behind me."
"Yes, sir." Patton mumbled. Logic paused, but simply shook his head and made his way through the front room. The front room and livingroom were one open room, and this morning it was a very orderly and nice living space. Now, Patton worried he'd get a cut on his feet if he walked through it barefoot.
The picture of his family was on the floor, on the opposite side of the room from where he had hung it. The frame had shattered, glass gathered around it in a pile. The wall above it had a small mark, where the picture must have made contact. The couch was ripped in several places, with fuzzy cotton sticking out of it. Sitting on the couch, completely unbothered, was Shadow, who kneaded one of the tears rhymically. Patton thought she was purring. He shuffled over and scooped her up. She blinked slowly at him, but thankfully didn't make a noise. If they had to escape, he wanted to keep her safe.
Along with the trash and broken belongings, the floor was also covered in muddy footprints. One was a boot, while the other clearly had toes and left the imprint of a bare foot. The footprints were everywhere, going in circles, back and forth, even on the walls and furniture. Worse than that: the red handprints on the ceiling.
"What happened?" Patton whispered, staring at a handprint directly above him.
"Shh." Logic hissed back. He was creeping towards the opening to the kitchen. Patton followed, not wanting to be left alone. They peered around the corner and gasped in unison.
The kitchen was in better shape than the living room, with only a few plates shattered on the floor, and a cabinet door broken off its hinges. It was also covered in muddy feet and - well, red handprints. Patton didn't want to think about what made them red.
But the shocking part was the absolutely massive beast that slept on top of their cabinets. It stretched almost across the entire wall, the tips of its feet brushing against the fridge. Patton could count four arms from his perspective, but if it was symmetrical there were more hidden somewhere. Its face was turned away from them, propped up against its arms. Its snores filled the room; a cartoonish sound as it literally mumbled, 'memememe' after each inhale.
"Is it a STRESS?" Patton whispered.
Logic shook his head slowly, "It can't be. It's too relaxed."
"It looks like a STRESS." Patton said.
Logic cocked his head. "Maybe."
"Look at what it did." Patton gestured around them. "It has to be a STRESS."
"Well, then where did it come from? There were no STRESS alerts." Logic said, slowly stepping into the kitchen.
Patton clutched Shadow closer. "What are you doing?"
"I just want a closer look. Stay there." Logic said, making his way across the kitchen. He got way too close, and it was making Patton feel like Virgil. He chewed his lip as Logic tilted his head back and forth, examining the sleeping monster.
And then, Logic did the unthinkable. He touched it. Reached up and tapped the back of its hand, which a few were hanging over the side of the cabinet as it slept. In a blink, the beast's hand jerked out and grabbed Logic's wrist.
Patton screamed, Logic tried to pull himself free, but instead his feet left the floor as the creature pulled Logic up to look at. The head turned and examined its catch. A wide, crooked smile spread across his face.
"You fell into my mousetrap." The sleepy beast said.
"It's not a STRESS!" Logic called over his shoulder.
"You thought I was a STRESS?" The Fusion smiled wider, "That's so kind of you, babygirl."
He sat up, letting his spine extend and his legs hang over the edge of the cabinets. He lifted Logic easily by his wrist so he could keep looking at him. Logic kicked in the air, but he couldn't do anything to free himself. With the new angle, Patton could see the Fusion in all its glory.
He was wearing a familiar red top and dark pants. His hair was a wild mix of purple and red, with one strand of blonde in the front - so light it could almost be white. But the final nail in the coffin was the obvious scar across his face.
Patton gasped. "Janus." He whispered. Then, louder, he said, "It's Janus! And the others! They- they must've fused last night!"
"I gathered that!" Logic practically screamed as the Fusion swung him back and forth.
Shadow made a grumpy 'mrrw' noise and squirmed out of Patton's grip. He let her go, too focused on the scene in front of them.
"What do we do?!" Patton asked.
"They have to unfuse!" Logic twisted to glare at the Fusion's face. He said, "Let me go!"
"Okay." The Fusion said, dropping Logic.
Patton screamed. For a few split seconds, Logic was falling through the air. Their ceilings were high, but Logic fell maybe only seven feet. He landed on his feet, but the force caused him to stumble and land on his back. He stayed still on the floor, and Patton's heart was in his throat.
"Logic!" He ran to Logic's side, kneeling beside him. He grabbed Logic's hand and rubbed it frantically. "Are you okay?"
Logic nodded, his eyes wide. His gaze was still focused on the Fusion above them. He said softly, "He dropped me."
The Fusion laughed, and Patton twisted around to glare up at him. He stood and pointed a finger at him, "That was not okay! You get down here right now!"
The Fusion stuck out his tongue at him and kicked his feet. His face was normal; practically an exact copy of his own - minus the scar. The only adaptation he had was the six arms sprouting out of his torso. Right now, two hands were resting on his knees, two more holding onto the cabinets, and the final two were crossed over his chest. And he was grinning. Patton hated that grin.
"No, I don't think I will." The Fusion pushed hair out of his face, which fell back into place almost immediately. He snapped and pointed at Patton's roaming gaze. "Hey, sweetcheeks, my eyes are up here. Or were you checking to see if I have two dicks?" He looked at Logic and whispered loudly, "I do."
Patton huffed and moved to the pantry.
"If you're getting snacks, I'll take three. I'm starving."
He ignored the Fusion and grabbed the broom they kept there. He turned back to the Fusion and held the broom out like a weapon. He said again, "Guys, get down. This isn't funny."
The Fusion rolled onto his tummy and propped his chin up with his fists. He kicked his feet back and forth. "Really? Cuz I think this is fuckin' hilarious."
Patton gasped, offended. Then he smacked the broom as hard as he could on the cabinet, managing to hit a hand.
"Ooh, do it harder." The Fusion practically giggled, pulling his hands together to make a bigger target.
Patton scoffed and aimed again for his face. The Fusion kept laughing at his attempts. Logic stood slowly, using the counters to help pull himself up. He rubbed his head and pouted. Patton handed him the broom, breathing heavily from his efforts. Logic took it, but simply held it, not attempting to attack the intruder.
"Who are you?" Logic asked simply. The Fusion looked over his shoulder to see Logic. He moved once again, appearing far too graceful for being on top of cabinets.
"I can be whoever you want, sugar. What's your kink? Cops? Cowboys?" He raised an eyebrow, "Maids?"
Patton glanced at Logic, confused. Logic's jaw tightened. "What's your name?"
The Fusion gasped, then waved at them with four hands, tapping his chin with another. "Hold on, hold on, I have to pick something funny, wait wait wait."
They waited. The Fusion kicked his feet, as if he was one of Patton's kiddos on a swing. Finally, the Fusion grinned and said. "Oh, I know."
Logic raised an eyebrow. "Well?"
The Fusion placed a hand on his chest, two on his knees, and another to reach down at them for a handshake (which neither of them accepted). He smiled wide and said, "Remus."
"Remus?" Logic frowned harder. "As in, Roman's ex-boyfriend?"
Remus let out an icky moan as he shuddered. "Oh yeah, that's the one. Uncomfy, isn't it?" He didn't look uncomfy at all, though. He seemed absolutely delighted at the awkwardness in the air. "He caused all of this, anyway."
"Remus." Logic said slowly. "Get down. Please."
"Hmmm, no." Remus patted the wall behind him. "I like it up here. And you guys made a big ol' mess down there."
Patton gasped, reaching for the broom again. "What?! Us?!"
Logic did not give him the broom. "What is your Fusion?"
Remus stuck his tongue out again and spit at them.
"How did you fuse?" Logic asked, irritation obvious in his voice.
Remus shrugged and made a vague gesture with one hand - a loose circle waved back and forth. "When three Sides love each other very much they get hot and heavy in an alleyway-"
"Oh my God." Patton covered his mouth. He couldn't believe it. "No. No, you didn't."
"Give you all the gorey details? Well, I'd be happy to, you little perv." Remus crossed his legs and said, "First, Roman pushes Virgil against the wall, and he loves it. Then Janus is all-" He made kissing noises and rubbed his hands all over his body. "And then they get out the golf balls-"
"Remus, stop it." Logic interrupted. "Answer me. How did you fuse?"
"What, like scientifically?" Remus sounded bored, "I don't know, isn't that your department, hot stuff?"
Patton shook his head, "I thought Virgey didn't want to fuse."
"He doesn't want to be picked apart like a dissected lab rat." Remus said, clearly irritated. He added, "And he hates when you call him 'Virgey', it sounds like Virgin. And he's not, Virgil fucks."
Patton felt his heart grow a little colder. He blinked slowly, "He doesn't like Virgey? Why didn't he tell me?"
"Ugh, because you suck?" Remus shrugged.
"Remus!" Logic shouted.
"Yes, Daddy?" Remus gave him attention again, and Patton tried to not get lost in his own thoughts. He had to remember, this was a Fusion. It didn't mean that Virgil secretly hated him. Janus was in there; maybe he was lying.
"Why is the place a wreck?" He asked.
"Oh, that. I was hungover, I dunno what to tell ya." Remus picked at his teeth. "Get less breakable stuff."
He was awful. Patton felt a deep horror creep into his skin and settle itself there. He would share a body with this, this butthole when they're Established. Remus was a part of him. Patton felt sick.
"Are you Arrogant?" Logic asked.
Remus shook his head once, "Can't spell it."
"Are you Ruthless?" Logic asked.
"Are you Mean?" Patton shouted.
Remus rolled his eyes, "This is the worst Twenty Questions ever. You're supposed to ask, like, 'who do you want to fuck?' or 'Have you ever fucked?'. Shit like that."
Logic looked to Patton. "Maybe something similar to Crude."
Remus' face lit up. "Crude! Oh, thank you sugarcube, that's a great idea. That's why they gave you the brains." He said as he patted his pockets. Finally he pulled out Janus' phone and began typing, "Crude would love to fuck up all this."
"No! No, no Crude! Do not invite another Negative here!" Patton said.
Remus whistled, long and low. "That was racist. And I'm the bad guy?"
"Remus." Logic said in that funny tone of voice again. All firm and low. When he spoke that like, commanding, it made Patton shiver a little. He didn't understand why; but Remus seemed to want to listen to it too. Logic spoke slowly. "If you get down, and not message your friend, I'll reward you."
Remus sat up straight, eyes widening slightly. He repeated, "Reward?"
"Only if you get down and give me your phones." Logic said. Patton held his breath, glancing between them. Remus seemed to consider it. Then he jumped, landing easily in between Logic and Patton. He placed two hands on his hips and two more on Logic's shoulders.
"What do I get?" Remus asked, "A quickie? Is it a quickie?"
Logic held out his hand, "Phones."
Remus' two remaining hands retrieved the three cell phones and gave them to Logic. He looked down at him expectantly.
Logic put the phones in his own pockets and said, "Your reward is I'm not going to kill you for destroying my house."
Remus' expression dropped. He pouted and crossed his arms. Then, to Patton's dismay, his grin re-appeared. "And how would you kill me? Go into detail, I'd love to know."
"You're odd." Logic stated, watching Remus' expression carefully.
"Okay, okay, I'll go first." Remus said, practically ignoring them. "First, obviously, there can't be any waste, so we should eat all of the pieces."
Patton's gaze darted to his face. "What?"
"Bones can be used for broth. But the real question is," Remus said seriously, now looking directly at him. "What to do with the hands. There's hella bones in your hands, and not a lot of meat. But here's what you do-"
"Remus. Stop it." Logic interrupted.
"First, you boil them. Then, you peel the nails off, and that soft underbed is going to be," He kisses his fingers, "chef's kiss, if you add a little salt and-"
"You're upsetting Patton!" Logic hissed.
That made Remus laugh. He grabbed Patton and pulled him close to his side. Pat gasped and struggled to free himself, but he had three hands on him. Remus pressed close and said, mockingly, "I'd hate to upset Patty Daddy!"
"Logic, Logic help- I don't want to fuse with him." Patton could feel panic rising in his chest. He was too close to the beast. He could feel Remus' grime infecting him where they touched, like a tiny army of germs marching up his arm.
"It's okay, you won't." Logic said slowly, holding out his hands to him in a calming matter. "He can't force you like this: you're in distress. You won't make a STRESS. Just focus on me."
"Aw, pity." Remus pouted, his grip loosened on Patton and he broke free. He ran to stand behind the kitchen table, on the other side of the room. Logic still stood a foot away from Remus, glancing at him over his shoulder.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
Patton nodded, holding his hands close to his beating heart. "I want him gone."
"I know." Logic grit his teeth.
"Well that's not going to happen." Remus crossed his arms. He pointed to himself. "Say goodbye to your boytoys because it's all me now."
"What? No!" Patton shook his head. His breathing was shallow.
"Oh, yeah. You think Empathy is the only one that can stick around?" Remus scoffed. "I can outlast him all night. I have stamina for days."
Logic asked, "What's your purpose?"
"Maybe I just want to entertain you." Remus said, brushing his fingers under Logic's chin. He swatted the hand away, but Patton could see him blush. He hated how every word Remus said was dripping with sexual implications. Remus got closer to Logic, his voice dropping lower. "I know about you, baby. It's okay to be a horny little slut."
"Stop it." Logic sounded furious. His face was red.
"I love when you tell me no." Remus laughed. "It's so funny."
He reached for Logic again, but this time Logic grabbed his wrist and stopped him. He looked down at the hand and his irritated expression dropped to one of horror.
"Remus." Logic said, almost too quiet for Patton to hear from across the room. "Why is there blood?"
Remus waved him off, but Logic still held his one wrist still. "Don't worry, it's not ours."
"Remus, why is there blood?" He repeated louder.
Patton covered his mouth again, this time to stop the nausea. He couldn't stop staring at the scar on his face. "You hurt someone."
Remus looked over to him, and smiled. Not his wicked grin, but a pleasant, genuine smile. He said, "And I'll do it again."
"Remus!" They both shouted.
Logic grabbed another wrist and said firmly, "Unfuse. Now."
"I love when you hold me down and tell me what to do." Remus said in a sultry voice. His half-lidded eyes on Logic's pink face.
"Should I call the police?" Patton asked.
"No!" Remus actually seemed worried about that option, he held up his four remaining hands; two more of which had bloodstains. "I'll be a good boy."
Logic tilted his head at that.
Remus stage-whispered to them, "I'm allergic to pork."
"Maybe he thinks he's a Comedian." Logic said, ignoring Remus's little huff of offense.
"I think we should keep this party going." Remus said, grabbing Logic's hips. "I had such a fun night. We could carry on together, maybe cause a little STRESS along the way."
"Remus." Logic hissed.
But Remus didn't stop, he simply picked Logic up and said, "Can you just imagine it? You and me, pressed against the floor, writhing in pain."
"That does not sound enjoyable to me." Logic said bluntly. "Unhand me."
"'Unhand'? Well, if you insist." Remus said, turning and gently plucking a steak knife from its holder on the counter. He held the knife up to the light, observing it as he twisted it around. Patton froze up, his stomach in his throat. He couldn't move, couldn't blink, couldn't think, as Remus held the knife in the air.
Logic let go of Remus' wrists, but Remus grabbed his own before he could move. Remus held his wrists with two hands each, leaving space in between his grips for the knife. He had a serious, focused expression as he tapped the knife against Logic's skin, aiming where he would chop.
"Ready?" Remus said with a wild grin.
Logic blinked down at his wrists, then up to Remus' face. He spoke clearly. "Do it."
"Logic, no!" Patton shouted.
"Do it." Logic shrugged, unbothered by the knife about to slash through his skin. "If you even can."
Remus blinked, then frowned. "Wha- of course I can."
"Then do it." Logic said. "Chop off my hands. I want you to cut me."
Remus glanced at Patton, his eyebrows furrowed downwards. He let out a small scoff. "No, no you don't."
"I do." Logic said, pushing his wrists closer to Remus. "Please, carry on. Fulfill the Impulse."
Remus glanced down at their hands, then back to Logic's expression. He regarded Logic carefully. "You're joking."
"I'm very serious." Logic said. "I'm a Logic."
Remus sighed and threw the knife on the counter. It slid and stopped against the wall, safely out of the way. "You're no fun."
Remus let go of his wrists and stepped away. He opened the fridge and pulled out a juice box. Logic let out a heavy exhale, slumping against the counter behind him. Logic looked over to Patton, his expression one of pure disbelief. He mouthed 'that worked?'. Patton couldn't believe it. Logic was a genius. He was an idiot. A genius idiot.
Remus broke the silence, sounded bored again. "Can we have pasghetti for dinner?"
"Only if you unfuse." Logic said, still sounding a little out of breath.
Remus snorted. "Right, like that would work- oh fuck!"
The juice box dropped to the floor; thin, red liquid seeped out of the straw. Remus grabbed his head, his fingers digging into his red and purple hair. He made a noise like he was drowning and he stumbled to his knees.
"No, fuck off! Fuck you!" Remus muttered shakily. Two arms wrapped around his middle, tightly gripping his sides. "I won't-"
"Remus?" Logic stepped closer, worry on his face.
Light began to glow from under Remus' clothing. He shook his head over and over, still tugging on his hair. He fell forward and his last pair of hands caught him. He gagged and sounded like he was going to throw up, while on his hands and knees in the middle of the kitchen floor.
"Fuck you fuck you fuck you-" He kept repeating. Patton saw tears roll down Remus' cheeks. The tear tracks glowed with fusion light. "No!"
He gave one last shout of pain, then there was a big flash of light. Patton rubbed his eyes, seeing dots. When his vision cleared, his three Sides were laying in a heap before him.
"Guys!" Patton ran forward. He met Roman first. He was on his knees, looking down at his hands. His cheeks were red and had dried tear tracks on them. Patton rubbed his cheeks to sooth him, and Roman finally looked up at him.
"Oops." He said. His voice cracked on the one word.
"Shh, it's okay, baby." Patton whispered, pulling Roman close to his chest. Roman gripped his shirt and hid his face against Patton's neck. He could feel him begin to shake. "It's okay, he's gone. He's gone."
There was a groan to his left. He looked over to see Logic next to Janus. The Negative had his hand over his mouth. He wasn't crying, but he clung to Logic's hand in his lap. His mismatched eyes were closed tightly. Logic was looking at something on Janus' shoulder.
"Did something happen?" Patton asked. Logic didn't look up from what he was doing. Janus opened his eyes and glanced at him. Patton felt his heart stop at the sight of unshed tears. Jan's hand dropped, moving to join his other one, gripping Logic tightly. A tear fell past his eyelid, and Janus looked away.
"A burn." Logic said.
"A-a burn?" Patton looked from them down to Roman. "A Fission burn?"
Janus bit his lip and closed his eyes again. Two more tears squeezed through.
"I'm sorry." Roman whispered. Patton rubbed his hair soothingly. Roman hiccuped. "I had- I had to stop him."
"Shh, it's alright." Patton mumbled. He understood. He had also been trapped in the mind of a violent Negative before. "You're safe now."
Roman and Janus made eye contact. Before either could speak, a sob broke through the air. Janus' head snapped to their left. Patton looked over his shoulder at the figure curled in a ball. He let go of Roman and twisted further when he realized what it was.
"Oh my gosh, Virgil." Patton crawled over, but Janus reached him first. He held out a hand, stopping Patton from getting closer.
"Don't touch him." Janus said. Patton was surprised by the hostility in his voice. He thought they were playing nice.
Patton placed a hand on Virgil's hip. "He's my boyfriend."
"He's hurt." Janus said, "Fuck off so I can help him."
"I-"
"Patton." Logic interrupted. "Could you help me with Roman?"
Patton glanced down at Virgil's unmoving body. In the very center of his back, was an angry, red burn, in the clear shape of a hand print. The burn went through his jacket, and some of the fabric was stuck to the burn's edges. Another sob and shudder ran through Virgil.
Even though everything in his body was telling him to stay here, to keep an eye on Virgil and protect him from the Negative that did this to him, he listened to Logic. He slowly stood with shaking knees.
As soon as he had stepped away, Janus moved to kneel near Virgil's face. "Shh, love, it's alright." He whispered. "I know it hurts. I know, shh."
Patton wondered who gave Janus the audacity to think Virgil was his love. But he couldn't focus on that right now. Roman needed help, too.
"He's full of glass." Logic said as Patton approached.
Roman was sitting on the counter now, holding his hands out for Logic to examine. He was staring at Janus and Virgil on the floor. Patton had never seen him look so heartbroken before. Pat glanced over his shoulder. Now that Janus was facing Virgil's other side, Patton could see the fresh burn on his right shoulder. The handprint curled around his bicep, fingers gripping in a controlling hold.
"Hold his hand still while I work." Logic said, and Patton was pulled back to focus. He took Roman's hand in his own, his palm facing upward. Logic stepped away and reappeared with tweezers. He began delicately picking shards of glass out of his palm. Roman winced and jerked away.
"What happened?" Patton asked, trying to distract him. "Remus said…"
Roman sighed. "We went to a bar. It was really fun. Janus and I fused into Jason." He sucked in a breath as Logic worked. Patton rubbed his thumb against his skin soothingly. "And then we saw Virge run out. We found him in an alley."
Patton felt his face grow a little warm. "And you…?"
"We didn't have sex in a dirty alley, if you believed that." Roman sighed, "Sorry to disappoint."
"But you did fuse." Patton was trying to not look down at the mess of his hands.
"Yeah. We really did." Roman was looking at the others again. Patton glanced over, even though he knew he shouldn't.
Virgil was sitting up now, still turned away from them. His shoulders shook minutely, the only evidence he was still crying. Patton wished he could hold him and wipe away his tears. Janus was slowly sliding his ruined jacket off his back, trying to be gentle over the new burn. Virgil let out a low groan as the fabric brushed against him.
"Why did Remus have bloody hands?" Patton asked. He glanced down at Roman's own hands. The glass shards weren't that big, and didn't cut up his skin enough for it to be that red. Roman also looked down.
He exhaled out his nose. "We were defending Virgil. It-" He sighed again. "It felt right at the time."
"Some of this will wash off, it's left over dried blood from Remus's bar fight." Logic said, gesturing with his tweezers. "But these pink parts signify a light Fission burn. It doesn't appear like it will scar, as it's not very deep. But you'll be tender for a few days."
Roman bit his lip again. He closed his eyes as Virgil let out a cry. Patton turned around and watched as Janus helped him stand. He was shirtless now, fully leaning against Janus' side. The handprint was now on full display; bloody and covered in blisters. Virgil's back muscles spasmed at random intervals. He was still shaking. Patton stepped forward.
"Virge-"
Janus looked over at them, his arm wrapped around Virgil's waist. "I'll take care of it. He'll be alright."
Logic looked up from his work and said, "I'll be in to check on you later."
Janus didn't respond as he led Virgil out of the room. Patton watched them go, catching glimpses of their new matching scars. He looked back to Roman as he let out a shuddering breath.
Roman looked down at Logic and whispered, "Tell them I'm sorry."
Patton brushed his fingers through Roman's hair, and wondered what sort of Trait would cause this much trouble. Remus was the worst Fusion Patton had ever seen. He was rude, violent, and scary. Patton hoped he never came into existence again. He had to keep Virgil away from Janus. They couldn't have someone like that come around anymore.
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