"Ugh, that was such a disaster." Janus grumbled, kicking his shoes off as soon as he stepped in the door.

Logic said, "I didn't think so."

He stepped aside so Roman could shout, "No, Jan, your uncle is great!"

Patton spoke softly, almost sounding shy to Logic, as he said, "I had a lovely time."

Janus swallowed, watching him. Virgil leaned against Janus and whispered something in his ear. Janus' face turned red and he pushed Virgil towards the stairs.

"Shut up and go to bed," Janus muttered, following him up the stairs.

Logic took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. He had a few sips of Frank's wine. Once to try it, and two more because he liked it. Logic had a soft spot for wine, the exact reason why he doesn't keep any in the house. He felt warm and his brain moved a little slow, but otherwise he would survive. Besides, his mild intoxication allowed him to cuddle against Roman. He took Logic into his arms easily, allowing him to close his eyes and stop thinking. For that, he was grateful.

Roman disappeared into the kitchen before Logic could properly thank him.

"Hey, um." Patton said, gaining his attention. He shifted from foot to foot, his gaze on the stairs. "Logic, I was wondering…"

"Do you need assistance with something?" Logic asked, "Because it's rather late and-"

"Can I sleep with you?" Patton interrupted, his cheeks turning a little pink.

"Oh." Logic couldn't hide his surprise.

"It's just, I haven't been able to sleep much this week and I realized it might be because … I'm alone. Since Virgil…" His gaze darted back to the stairs.

Logic slid his hands down his shirt, nodding. "Yes, yeah. That. Would be acceptable."

Patton smiled in relief. "Thank you, I appreciate it."

Logic blinked in surprise as Patton leaned up on his tiptoes and kissed his cheek. Patton gestured to the stairs, "I'll go put on my jammies."

Logic nodded, resisting the urge to touch his cheek. He made his way upstairs at a much slower rate than Patton. He went to his room and quickly changed into his own "jammies". Nerves fluttered in his chest as he straightened out the blankets on his bed. He had to remind himself to settle down. Patton was simply asking for cuddles. He shouldn't get excited, nothing would come out of this more than a good night's rest. It didn't matter that Logic enjoyed Patton's company a tad more than he should.

There was a knock at his door.

"Come in."

Patton stepped through a moment later, wearing soft blue PJ's. He scratched his arm and gave Logic an awkward smile.

"Are you ready for bed?" Logic asked. When Patton nodded, he asked, "Do you have a preference on which side you want to sleep on?"

Patton thought for a second, then said, "The right."

Logic nodded and moved to the left side of the bed. He climbed in and tried to ignore how Patton trotted over to his side. Patton hopped in the bed and slid under the covers. Logic looked down at him and smiled.

"Comfy?" He asked.

"Almost." Patton said, then he threw his arm around Logic's waist and wiggled closer. "That's better."

"Perhaps I can improve it further." Logic said, gently tugging Pat's glasses off. He set them on his bedside table and then added his own. Then he laid down and slid his arm under Patton's pillow. Patton gasped as Logic pulled him closer, wrapping his arm around his back. Patton giggled and nuzzled his face against Logic's shoulder. Logic smiled, "Better?"

Patton nodded, grinning wide. "The best."

"Good." Logic said, resisting the urge to kiss his forehead. Instead, he leaned over and turned off his bedside lamp.

Patton sighed happily, and Logic allowed himself to enjoy the simple physical contact. Still feeling a little odd from the wine, Logic held Patton closer and drifted off.

Logic walked through the library easily, scanning the various study rooms for his friends. He had agreed to meet up with Sandra and Structure to socialize. He found both of them had already arrived and occupied the most secluded of the rooms.

"Greetings." He said as he opened the door.

Sandra smiled up at him. "Greetings!"

"Greetings, dude." Structure said, looking up from their notebook.

"How have you both been?" Logic asked, sitting across from them.

"I have had a lovely week." Sandra said, adjusting her glasses. "My pod has found another Side."

"That's wonderful." Logic said.

Sandra nodded, "We're only missing one more. It was statistically unlikely for us to find this one." Sandra shared a look with Structure. "She's Introvert."

"Oh, wow." Structure let out a short whistle. "And you found her out in the wild?"

"Heritage found her by accident. They were both regulars at a small coffee shop near here." Sandra smiled slightly, her lip quirkiness up. "They just happened to be there at the same time."

Logic smiled, "I'm surprised the baristas didn't mention anything."

"Harry said she was called the wrong name a few times, but she never thought about it." Sandra shared a small laugh with them. "I know. The absurdity of 'never thinking' about anything."

"Have you been able to spend much time with Introvert?" Logic asked.

Sandra shook her head. "I've met her once, but she's hesitant to spend excessive time around us. My next step is to ask if we could visit her at her apartment."

Structure nodded, "She may be more comfortable in a familiar environment."

"Precisely."

"And you, Structure?" Logic asked. "How have you been?"

"Satisfactory." Structure said, then adjusted their hat. They said with a small smile, "I have been spending more time with my Sides. And Spunk."

Logic tilted his head, "One of Vogue's components?"

"Yeah. Elliot doesn't go anywhere without her, really." Structure said, although they didn't sound upset by that.

Sandra asked, "Is she there to supervise?"

"I think it's more that she's there to defend Elliot, if need be. She tries to be quiet during our 'dates'." They used finger quotes around the word, a light blush rising to their cheeks. "But Elliot feels more comfortable being around her."

Sandra thought for a moment. She decided, "That's sweet. Do you mind having another person there during your dates?"

"No." Structure shrugged. "Spunk is interesting. Very interesting."

Sandra grinned. "Oh, I see."

"No you don't. You're blind." Structure said, flicking her glasses.

Sandra rested her chin in her palm and said, "Tell me more about Spunk. Do you hang out with Vogue as well?"

"Sometimes." Structure rolled their eyes, still smiling. "They're interesting, too. I haven't spent much time with Kai, but he seems nice."

Logic smiled at their amusement, but something within his chest grew cold. He looked down at his hands, resting on the table before him. His mind provided phantom touches of large fingers wrapping around his wrists. The smell of alcohol invaded his mouth. For a brief moment, he was back in the kitchen, being pressed against the counter. Pressed against the counter; held down; being whispered to, flirted with.

"Are you feeling alright, Logan?" Sandra asked. "Your face is red."

"Yes, fine. Certainly." Logic said, straightening his shirt out. "Um. Would you two like to help me with a hypothetical scenario?"

"Absolutely." Sandra said, leaning across the table. "Tell me everything."

"It's for… homework." Logic said. Structure raised an eyebrow, but Logic continued, "Hypothetically, a Side has just met a new Fusion in their pod. And this Fusion is just the worst. Hypothetically."

"Right." Structure said.

Logic shook his head as he spoke, "And the pod has agreed to not make the Fusion again. But." Logic licked his lips. "This Side is interested in the Fusion. In how he acts and thinks and- well, you get it."

"I see." Sandra said, nodding. "How does a Side handle a dangerous Fusion that they're in love with."

Logic shook his head, "I- I did not say that-"

"Was that not what was implied by the Side being 'interested'?" Sandra asked, tilting her head.

"Yeah, Logan." Structure grinned, holding their chin in their hand. "Define interesting."

Logic sighed, looking heavenward for strength. He said, "I merely want to know how you would handle having a Fusion in your pod that causes conflicting emotions."

"Get a therapist?" Structure suggested.

"I would just talk it out with the Fusion. They're behavior can be corrected." Sandra said, adjusting her glasses.

"I'm not sure it can, in this case." Logic chewed his lip. He added, belatedly, "Hypothetically."

"Well, if the pod agreed to not make the Fusion again, it doesn't really matter, does it?" Structure sat back in their seat, crossing their arms. "I mean, if this Fusion stuck around, that'd be different. But if he never comes back, you'll- er this hypothetical Side, will never have to deal with him again."

"So the feelings this Side is experiencing," Logic said slowly, "Should just be ignored?"

"That's what I do." Structure shrugged and turned to Sandra, "Have you read the assigned chapter for history?"

"Yes, it was very exciting. Have you?" She asked.

Logic sat back, clearly dismissed. He supposed Structure had a point. If there was no Remus to fret over, the fretting was unneeded. So why couldn't he get the Fusion out of his head?

Perhaps Remus' Impulsiveness made Logic's trait tick. Maybe that was all, his mind enjoyed attempting to understand Remus and his thought process. If he even had one.

Logic chewed his lip and tried to push the idea of the large man out of his mind. He was not successful.

When Logic came home after visiting his friends, the house was quiet. He moved slowly to the living room, placing his bag on the coffee table.

A clatter came from inside the kitchen. "Shit!"

Logic walked to the doorway, peering inside. Janus stood by the counters, one hand was raised in an aborted attempt at grabbing something. Logic approached, getting a better look at the other's angry scowl.

"Are you alright?" Logic asked.

Janus jumped, twisting around to glare at him. "Fuck, get a bell or something."

"You cursed. What happened?" He asked.

"Nothing." Janus rolled his eyes. Logic watched him for a moment, taking in his pout. Finally, Janus said, "Can you grab my mug? Someone put it on the top shelf."

Logic looked up to find Janus' favorite mug, a black one with a crab on it. The crab was drawn with one claw raised, and was saying the words 'crushin' it'.

Janus muttered, "I can't raise my arm."

Logic grabbed the mug and gave it to him without a word. He looked down at Janus' shoulder. Before the Remus Incident, Janus was fond of tank tops. Now, his sleeves fell well past his shoulders. Logic wasn't foolish enough to believe it was a coincidence.

"What tea would you like?" Logic asked, staying by his side.

"Earl Grey." Janus said, not looking at him anymore.

Logic noticed this pattern as well. When accepting help, he rarely could do so with dignity. Maybe he acted differently around the others, and it was simply how Janus accepted help from Logic. That would require more observation to determine.

Logic acquired the Earl Grey and handed it to Janus. He moved to the coffee pot and began filling it with water.

"I can do it." Janus said.

"I know, love," Logic saw Janus twitch in his peripheral vision. "But I don't want you to-"

"Burn myself?" Janus challenged. Fighting back when he's verbally cornered, another habit Logic noticed.

Logic looked over his shoulder. Janus was glaring down at his empty mug, fingers gripping the counter. Logic turned off the water and returned the pot to the burner. He turned it on and gave Janus his attention once more.

He placed a hand on Janus' back and spoke quietly. "I was going to say, 'over exert yourself'. Were you in a bad mood before you entered the kitchen?"

"No." Janus said. He groaned and covered his face. His hands dropped and his glare met Logic's gaze. "Yes."

"What upset you?" Logic asked.

"You mean besides my stupid fucking arm?" Janus snapped. He closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. For a moment, the kitchen was silent, save for the continuous brewing from the coffee pot. "Sorry, I-"

"Have you eaten today?" Logic asked.

"Yes. No. Fuck." Janus covered his face again. "Virgil went back to work."

Logic paused to think about that. He took the coffee pot, full of hot water, and poured its contents into Janus' mug. Jan had successfully managed to put the tea bag in by himself. They watched as the liquid slowly turned a pleasant auburn.

"So that means you can stop taking care of yourself?" Logic asked, trying to keep his voice firm-but-gentle. Logic moved towards the pantry as he asked, "What would you like?"

There was a very long pause, and then, "Mac n' cheese?"

Logic smiled at the innocence of his voice. He grabbed a box of cheap macaroni. Personally, Logic would never buy or consume this stuff. But Janus confessed he "grew up on" easy, cheap meals such as boxed Mac n' cheese. Logic realized Janus was searching for some comfort.

He set the box on the counter and began cooking. He grabbed a pot and filled it with water to boil. Janus sipped his tea, avoiding eye contact.

"Virgil's absence has negatively affected you." Logic said slowly. "Do you require company?"

"No, I'm fine." He didn't correct himself after that lie. Logic didn't push him further. Janus licked his lips, clearly struggling with his thoughts. Brows pinched, he said, "There- there is one thing. I can't wash my hair."

Logic tilted his head, watching as the water started boiling. "I've seen you come out of showers."

Janus shifted awkwardly. "I wasn't, uh, showering."

Logic hoped he was simply having more sexual escapades, and not too distressed to do anything more than stand in the water. It could go either way, truly.

"I will wash your hair after we eat." Logic said, pouring the macaroni into the boiling water. Janus didn't respond.

They ate in silence. Janus didn't need further encouragement. After his first two bites, he shoveled spoonfuls of orange pasta into his mouth. Logic ate a small portion, not enjoying the taste as much as Janus seemed to. But he also needed sustenance.

"Would you like me to help you acquire a therapist?" Logic asked. Janus glanced over at him. Logic added, "Or a physical therapist."

Janus shook his head. "Fine. Thanks."

They continued to eat.

"Are you full?" Logic asked when Janus set down his fork. Jan nodded, and Logic took their dirty dishes to the sink.

With a little coaxing, he was able to direct Janus to the bathroom. Janus rubbed his face and avoided looking at himself in the mirror.

Logic grabbed a small foldable stool from within a supply closet and placed it in the shower. He turned on the water, and as it began warming up he unbuttoned his shirt. Janus shifted beside him. Logic slid the fabric off his shoulders and reached for the hemline of Janus' shirt.

"I apologize if this makes you uncomfortable, but if you can manage to fuck Roman in the shower, you can let me wash your hair." Logic said as he pulled Janus' shirt over his head.

Janus gave him a small glare.

Logic let out a soft sigh. "Your lack of witty remark concerns me."

Janus looked away and unbuttoned his jeans. Logic continued to undress, trying to ignore the exhausted-ness of Janus. Once they were both naked, Janus looked up at Logic with a raised eyebrow, as if to say 'now what?'

Logic took his hand and led him into the shower. With a small amount of pressure on his shoulder, Janus sat down on the stool. He looked up at Logic as the water began to fall on them. Logic offered a smile, which Janus didn't return. The steam grew around them and with Janus' hair now properly wet, Logic grabbed the shampoo bottle.

Janus had his own shampoo and conditioner. Most of them used the cheap brand, except for Roman, who whined about chemicals and brand names. And, of course, Janus. His specified it was for curly hair, and came in a thin black bottle. Logic found the scent of the shampoo rather pleasant.

He made bubbles in Janus' hair, scrubbing the shampoo into his scalp in soothing circles. Janus hummed in appreciation at his efforts. The water was the perfect temperature, and Janus' body felt close to his own. Before too long, Logic tilted Jan's head up to better rinse his hair out. Once Janus was done, Logic looked up and reached his hands towards the water to wash off the remaining suds.

Logic froze at the warm, gentle sensation of something against his leg. Fingers trailed up his thigh, resting on his hips. A shiver ran down his spine, and a distinct heat pooled in his stomach. Logic's gaze darted down as soft, plush lips traced along his skin. Kissing and nipping, moving closer and closer to-

"Janus. No."

Janus jerked back like he had been slapped. Wide eyes stared up at him from behind wet hair. The water rained down on him, but Janus barely blinked.

"You… don't want to fuck me?" Janus asked, far too quiet for Logic's liking.

He knelt down so they were more level and cupped Janus' face. Jan pressed his cheeks against Logic's palms, closing his eyes tightly.

"Dearest, there is nothing I want more." Logic said. His breathing felt heavy. Janus blinked his eyes back open, turning his face to press his lips against Logic's hand. Logic forced himself to continue, "But you are unwell. And this is not a transaction."

"I don't understand." Janus mumbled. Logic could feel his lips brush against his skin as he spoke. "But- the chair, I'm sitting- I thought-"

"Oh! Oh no, honey," Logic felt his stomach twist in a knot of horror. "No, I was just trying to give your mind and body a break. I read that being able to sit in the shower had benefits and…" He sighed, "I'm sorry."

Janus looked pale, despite the warm water. He glanced down, and quietly muttered, "Oh my God."

'Embarrassed' wasn't the correct term for Janus' tone. 'Mortified' was more like it. Logic took a deep breath, trying to steady his own heart. How long had he wanted to feel a touch like that? But he couldn't enjoy it like this. Not when Janus was so clearly not himself.

"I will wash your hair. And I will take you to my bed." Logic said slowly. He turned Janus' chin so he could look him in the eye again. "But I won't have sex with you until you can look me in the eye and tell me a really good lie."

"I can lie." Janus scoffed, but he didn't push Logic away. If anything, he swayed closer to Logic's chest.

"That one wasn't good enough, I'm afraid." Logic sighed, kissing his temple. Janus didn't say anything, but his lip twitched upwards in what could be called a smile.

Logic decided to remain crouched in the small space of the shower floor for the remainder of the event. He ran his fingers through Janus' hair, letting the water wash away the rest of the suds.

"Can I still…" Janus licked his lips. "Like. Touch you?"

Logic gave him a sharp look, his hands stilling for a moment. "Janus-"

Janus shook his head, "Not like that. I meant like- like this?"

Janus reached out slowly and placed his hands on either side of Logic's ribs. Logic relaxed at the innocent touch. He nodded, shifting closer as he grabbed the conditioner and began to lather it through his hair. Janus closed his eyes and kept his head down. His hands remained on Logic's sides, a sturdy anchor in the small storm they found themselves in.

Logic washed the conditioner out of his hair. He let his nails scratch at Janus' scalp lightly. Janus whined, nudging his head closer to Logic's hands. Logic let out a soft chuckle.

Once he decided they were clean enough, Logic turned off the water and helped Janus stand up. Janus glanced at him, his cheeks a tad pink.

"I'm sorry-"

"Shush." Logic kissed his lips, quickly. Janus sputtered to a stop and allowed Logic to guide him out of the shower. They dried off and dressed together. Logic made Janus sit on the lid of the toilet as he applied lotion to his shoulder. Janus shivered as Logic gently pressed a new bandage into place. Logic kissed the unbruised skin along Janus' shoulder, careful to avoid the bandage.

"You look tired." Logic said, brushing damp hair out of Janus' face. His fingers traced along rough skin, and Janus shivered.

"I- yeah." Janus mumbled.

"Come along, love." Logic said.

He took Janus' hand and led him to his room. Janus didn't comment as Logic pulled him to his bed. Logic crawled under the blankets and encouraged Janus to settle in next to him. Janus laid down and hesitantly wrapped an arm around Logic's middle.

"That's it," Logic whispered, sliding his arm under Janus' shoulders and bringing him closer. Janus sighed and Logic felt him relax against himself. "There you go."

Janus, from his spot hidden in Logic's chest, asked, "...Why?"

"Because I believe you shouldn't suffer for simply existing." Logic responded. He kissed Janus' temple and said, "Now rest."

Janus closed his eyes and after a long moment, his breathing evened out. Logic carded his fingers through Jan's damp hair, feeling too restless to follow his own advice.

He chewed his thoughts over and over in his head. He will have to monitor Janus closer. Logic thought he was better at taking care of himself, but clearly, Remus' burden was a heavy one to bear.

Logic woke to the front door closing shut. The dull sound jerked him into consciousness. He almost forgot who was in bed with him, if it weren't for the mass of blond curls in his face. Janus had crawled even closer in his sleep, most of his torso fully resting on top of Logic. Logic had one arm wrapped around his waist and another around his shoulders, keeping the slightly smaller Side as close as he could.

Janus' eyelids twitched as he dreamed. Logic checked the time. They had only been asleep for an hour and a half. Janus already appeared to be better; clean and full. Logic would prefer if they could sleep the rest of the day away together, but knowing his Sides, someone would come knocking on his door asking for something-

Knock knock knock

Sometimes Logic hated being right. He pressed a kiss to Janus' head, feeling the other shift in his arms. He spoke as loud as he dared. "Come in."

The door opened to reveal Virgil. He spoke with urgency, "Hey, glad you're here, can you, uh-"

Janus stiffened, then sat up fully. The blanket that previously covered him pooled around his waist. His wide eyes were zeroed in on Virgil.

"Oh. I… didn't see you?" Virgil glanced between Janus and Logic, his cheeks turning pink. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt."

"No, by all means." Janus said, as if he didn't just wake up. His voice and mannerisms returned to his smooth, confident self. Not the shattered version he allowed Logic to see. "What do you need?"

Virgil hesitated a second longer. Then: "My back hurts."

"Here, I can help you." Janus said, already climbing out of Logic's arms. "Let me, love."

Logic sat up and rested his back on the headboard. He watched Janus take Virgil's hand and kiss his knuckles. He sighed. This was going to require a serious conversation.

Janus glanced at him once more before he left. In the briefest moment of their eye contact, Janus appeared thankful.

Logic closed his eyes and tried his hand at imagination. He wondered what it would be like to shower with Janus without having to worry about anyone's mental health.

Tell me what you think!