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ifeellikeameowster · 4 years

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E.V.O.L Chapter 2 - On No!

Chapter Summary: Logan is finally done with his workday and can now retire to his living quarter upstairs. He starts reviewing his notes for the day only to find a few inconsistencies and a startling conclusion...

Warnings: Beginnings of Yandere like behavior, mentions of stalking, emotional breakdown, breaking of objects.

Pairings: One-sided analogical.

Word Count: 4k+

Chapter followed by Author’s Note then Tag List under the read more:

One track mind, one track heart.

If I fail, I'll fall apart.

Maybe it is all a test.

'Cause I feel like I'm the worst,

So I always act like I'm the best.

Logan Sumner, self proclaimed magical child prodigy and warlock extraordinaire, always had three cups of coffee throughout his typical work day. One cup before breakfast, one in the middle of lunch, and finally one after his dinner. Dr Sumner was well known in the magical community as a stickler for his routine and the outbursts that were sure to follow if anything trivial ever dared to interrupt said routine. Though the particular interruptions that had occurred earlier that day hadn’t bothered him nearly as much as they should have. Almost as if-

He tightened his lips and jerkily shook his head to rid himself of that train of thought before it could even leave the station. Instead, he steered ever sturdily and steadily forward and into his quaint dining room table’s only occupying chair. It was time for dinner, after all. He whistled out into the air of the sparsely decorated apartment atop his shop for his two wonderful and trustworthy Familiars.

Moriariy, punctual as per usual, was the first to join him. Flying in from the direction of his bedroom and landing at the other end of the table, where a small plate of little seeds and several lush fruits awaited him. His other Familiar, however, followed along at his typical slower pace. Slinking in from the direction of the stairwell and stopping beside him at the foot of the table, where a larger plate of tenderly cooked meats awaited him.

“Did you have a good run, Sheppard?” Logan asks the Valravn as he runs a gentle hand along the canine’s back.

Sheppard, who was slightly more wild in nature than the Yatagarasu, would occasionally leave the shop for the later half of their work day in order to have a refreshing romp in the nearest forest- the one just outside of Painic Park. Logan never once worried over his return, for his Familiars had never failed him before. Which is one of the many reasons he got along better with them than with his other, more humanoid peers.

The handsome pitch black wolf with scattered feathers along his form, bird’s talons as front legs, and a sharp beak perched at the end of his snout gave a tired out, low swooping nod at the query. His warlock gave him a quick pat on the head for his reply and turned away to focus on his own meal.

It was a hearty and well balanced dinner of steak and salad, yet Logan could not help but feel as though he was craving something else entirely different. Perhaps it was the usual pull towards his work he so often felt? Nodding along to the notion, he picked up his cutlery in order to dig in. One cannot think well on an empty stomach, as the saying goes. Once he began eating, his polite and surprisingly patient Familiars began to eat their own meals as well.

After dinner he immediately washes the small amount of dishes used during the day. It was best not to let them pile up too much, as he was a man that loathed disorder and messiness.

Moriarty swooped in to help place the assorted plates and glasses back on the shelves while Sheppard strode his way over to the living room to lay between Logan’s grey loveseat and the small brick fireplace. Knowing full well that that seat was where Logan would be spending the next couple of hours as he casually went over the day’s work.

Moriarty, on the other hand, would spend the time flitting between nesting on the cushion beside him, perching on the back of the loveseat, and resting himself upon Logan’s shoulder. His movements were easily predictable for Logan, who hardly ever got startled by the bird. Well, with the exception of…

The warlock pinched the bridge of his nose as he made his own way into the living room while holding his last cup of coffee of the day, sending Moriarty a look that somehow managed to be questioning, exasperated, and fond all rolled into one as he passed by him.

Why had the bird practically launched himself towards their newest client? Normally, if his Familiars invaded a strangers personal space so abruptly upon first meeting them then that meant that they saw them as a threat and were acting fast to protect their warlock. But that had apparently not been the case at all! Moriarity had....had proceeded to cuddle the darkly dressed man in an overly affectionate and quite frankly rude manner. His Familiars, as he had mentioned to the fellow, usually did not like anyone other than Logan. Only finding exception in long time acquaintances that he held a particular camaraderie with. Especially Moriarty because he was Logan’s first and therefore most bonded. The client in question, however...Had seemed to not mind at all...And had just happily soaked up the bird’s affection towards him. He had taken it all in with an alarmingly charming smile and softened voice that almost made his knees-

He falls into the loveseat, gripping the edge of the cushions with one hand and trying not to spill his fresh coffee with the other as he sits down. Anchoring his thoughts before he lets them set sail into some illusionary sunset. He needed to forget about that odd incident. He needed to start thinking straight again. He needed to get some more work done.

Don't do love, don't do friends.

I'm only after success.

Don't need a relationship.

I'll never soften my grip.

With a resolved sigh the warlock reached over to the end table beside the loveseat, placed the just barely saved cup atop it’s coaster, scooped up the couple of notebooks that were there, and began looking through his notes on all of his meetings for the day. As he read through them, however, he began to feel unnaturally antsy. He chewed on his bottom lip. He tapped his nails against the cover. He hopped his foot continuously up and down. Sensing his uneasiness, Moriarty lets out a questioning caw soon followed by Sheppard’s concerned woof.

“I’m fine.” He rasps out, “It’s just…” His eyes flicker towards the second notebook, the one now laying right beside his thigh. The one he would read second. Because he always read everything in chronological order and he would never skip around. Not for anything. Because it was very important that he remained well organized and timely in his work. So he would leave that one for later, for only after he had finished this one first. He would leave it there and he would-

Proceed to snatch it up immediately, entirely disregarding the previous notebook, which promptly and tragically fell onto the floor. Poor first notebook. Your fate belongs with the pen now.

“It’s this.” He hisses out as he flips on over to page thirty two. The beginning of his notes on his noon appointment, who had actually arrived an overwhelmingly terrible amount of one and a half hours late. Which had set him further on edge than he already was after dealing with Misses Stockbean around ten o’clock that morning, who had demanded more Ozian Poppy seeds than the original agreed amount for half the usual price. So understandably, he might have been a tad snappy towards the bloke at first but he had tried to soften at least a little bit after seeing how anxious the poor guy really was. But then, oh then, Moriarty had preceded to act entirely too strange for him which set Logan right back on edge again. After he had calmed his Familiar down with promises of extra fruits at dinner that night if he stayed quietly upstairs for the remainder of the appointment, he had finally been able to start to interview him.

Monday, September 23rd. Virgil Spurling. Age 26. Self Employed. Lives with his three adoptive parents, Thomas Proudfoot, Talyn Banes, and Joan Vivas. Only spends time with either the three of them, or his two honorary cousins Remington Sexton and Otto Toby Haggard. No living friends outside of the family. No current romantic or sexual partners. Has dark brown hair with light brown highlights. Has long bangs that fall over his eyes, sometimes almost covering them completely. Has rather stormy hazel blue eyes that almost appear violet depending on the lighting he is in. Has pronounced dark circles under his eyes- which are concerning. Has a lovely onyx teardrop piercing on his left cheek and a pair of matching dahlia piercings besides his lips. Has rounded, soft pink lips with a thinner upper lip and a thicker, more bitable lower lip and-

Wait a minute, just what kind of notes had he been taking the entire time he was conducting this interview?! He skips ahead two pages and he’s still just on the physical description section. His physical descriptions had always been more concise and to the point before now. He didn’t quite understand what had happened this time in order to change that. He skims ahead more to try and pinpoint any change or clue anywhere in all of this absurdity.

Has brushed his bangs aside and placed them beside his ear to allow me to see that he has a tattoo behind his ear, on the side of his neck, comprised of a complicated swirl of black roses and thorns. It looks like it would have been painful to get but compliments the structure of the junction between his neck and shoulder nicely. It makes one wonder if he would appreciate someone’s equally difficult yet proudly designed tattoos of assorted constellations across one’s rib cages-

Okay, just why had he started talking about his own tattoos? These notebooks weren’t for some diary-esque documentation of himself. They were for taking professional notes so that he made sure he remembered the most important details of, and information for, all of his assorted clientele. Skip ahead further!

He is surprisingly smart. He is as quick witted as he is sharp-tongued. Metaphorically, of course. Physically, his actual tongue is baby pink and soft, if the few times it has darted out to lick nervously over his lips and teeth are of any indication. He hates pick up lines. Understandable. I find them pointless as well. He. Him. He too has memorized the entire periodic table of elements and is actually fluent in using their abbreviated symbols to make multiple words. Impressive. Breathtaking-

Well at least he seemed to be finally past the physical description now. Yet those strange sentences kept popping up and intertwining themselves where they had no right to be. Even if that had been rather breathtaking at the time it still...It still didn’t explain...Skip ahead! Skip ahead!

He lost his only friend at much too young of an age. I couldn't even begin to imagine how he must feel. How I would have felt were I in his place. He deserves to be comforted and well looked after. He needs a hug. A nice long, extended hug. Perhaps, seeing as I am the only one here with him as of the moment and thusly the only person currently available to do so I could-

Woah, woah, woah. Slow down there past Logan! One should never initiate physical contact with their client without their express consent. He knew that, of course. He knew that and yet he had written...He had written far too much about himself, is what he had done. Wasn’t he supposed to be finding Virgil a suitable romantic and/or sexual partner? How could he do that if he was too busy writing about himself and what...what he wanted? And wait, he wanted? He...yearned? And just for what, exactly? Skip-

He likes poetry. Specifically gothic poetry. That is one of my many favorites as well. I have a rather extensive collection in my shop that I could share with him-

Oh Merlin.

He prefers Astronomy as well. Rather surprising, actually, given his darker appearance and habit of speaking- I had wrongly pegged him for someone much more superstitious. A nice surprise. A welcome one. He seems hyper fixated on the plethora of bird-associated constellations which is highly endearing. There is a new large telescope being currently housed in the recently opened observatory section of the Morph Museum, which is not that far of a walk from my shop. Perhaps I could take him-

Oh Merryweather.

He likes bath bombs and the hand soap that foams. He likes collecting seashells and storing little hidden trinkets in them. He likes feeling the gentler tides lap across his feet but dislikes ever actually going any further into the water unless someone he trusts is there with him. Meanwhile, I personally haven’t been out metal detecting in a while maybe I could go with-

Oh Mages of Both Old and New!

I know exactly what I want and who I want to be.

I know exactly why I walk and talk like a machine.

I'm now becoming my own self-fulfilled prophecy.

Oh, oh no, oh no, oh no, oh!

Logan tosses the notebook back down onto the couch, a notably much safer place than the floor, and lets out a choked, broken sob. Using his hands to haphazardly tug on his hair, he somehow hopes to numb his ever spiraling thoughts like a brain freeze might do so after drinking a cold beverage too fast but it’s not working. Nothing’s working and-

And there’s a lick on one of his hands. He blinks aside a few tears he hadn’t even realized had fallen in the first place and sees that Sheppard had risen to his height by standing on his hind paws and was now trying to gently get his warlock to stop abusing his own scalp. Meanwhile, Moriarty was darting back and forth across the room, obviously trying to locate the source of Logan’s clear distress. He manages a breathy chuckle at that despite his current haggard condition and decides to wrap his arms gently around Sheppard’s feathered scuff instead.

“Really,” he praises, “What would I do without you two?”

Sheppard huffs back at him, which roughly translated to Nothing, obviously. And causes Logan to break out into a more genuine laugh this time before sinking to his knees and bringing the pup softly down with him. He evens his breathing out as Shep licks consolingly at his hands and arms. “What am I going to do, boy?” he mumbles as he uses his dress shirt’s pocket handkerchief to dab at the stray tears with one arm as he still clings to the wolf with his other. “This can’t be happening, right? It just can’t.” He gets no response at that, however, probably since the poor canine can’t entirely grasp the emotional severity of the situation.

Deciding to just toss the handkerchief into the nearest bin instead of sending it through the wash as per usual whenever he dirtied it, he finally lets go of Sheppard, stands back up, and brushes off his pants legs. Upon glancing towards the looming form of the notebook where it still lay tauntingly on the couch’s cushions, he guffaws a more strained and panicked laugh as his thought train not only takes off down the tracks but also entirely derails off course.

If you are not very careful,

Your possessions will possess you.

TV taught me how to feel,

Now real life has no appeal.

“What have I always told myself, hm?” He gestures wildy, causing Moriarty to stop his frantic searching in order to look towards him and for Sheppard to perk back up into attention as well. “What have I always told myself even way back in school? Even though other more hormonal mages always disagreed with me, what were the words I always stuck by, huh?” The two Familiars shared a brief confused look between the two of them.

Logan stops to run a hand through his hair in hopes of straightening it up a bit from it’s tousled state. “What words not only got me through school but also allowed me to reach my full potential and achieve the placement of top student?” He allows himself to take a moment to stroke a hand over each of the surfaces of all the awards aligning the top shelf of his smallest bookcase, located on the other side of the loveseat than the end table was. These were the backups of the awards he kept in his shop downstairs, just in case a particularly rowdy customer ever managed to break one. After his fingers left the “Best Little Potion Maker’s” one, he pushed himself away from the area entirely and headed swiftly towards the hallway in front of the staircase.

It has no appeal.

It has no appeal!

His ever attentive Familiars followed worriedly behind him until they stop just before the steps. He flourishes a harsh, pointed finger at the few portraits hanging on the wall there. “What words were going to eventually get me all the way to the top of Heartwish City’s very own magical community? But are now just...Just dead pipe dreams!” His two most trusted creature companions, still ever so confused by his current trail of logic, made hushed little questioning noises.

Ripping the topmost portrait off of the wall, he began to hiss his next words at it as if the object itself had managed to personally offend him. “Focus on your work. Never fall prey to your feelings. You need to be successful in life more than you need to personally engage in any inane romantic or sexual endeavors.” Merlin’s painted facade stared blankly and unchangingly back at him. In utter retaliation at the silence, he tosses it frame and all down the stairs. Upon remembering Logan’s aversion to untidiness, Sheppard slinks slowly down them to go collect the scattered remains.

Don't want cash, don't want card.

Want it fast, want it hard.

Don't need money, don't need fame.

I just want to make a change.

“Lot of good that did me, boys!” He continues to deliriously shout out, “All these years and not even so much of an inkling of said feelings and yet over the course of one idiotically ineffable day I’ve managed to gain what is essentially a childish schoolyard crush!” He managed to breathe out all in one go before slumping tiredly against the side of the stairwell.

In a Eureka! moment Moriarty begins to excitedly flit to and fro while hurriedly chirping at his warlock. Almost too fast for him to be able to sense the meaning of. “Wait, slow down a bit Mori. What are you-” More hard to decipher chirps, “Hold on, move in? What on earth gave you that idea? No, he’s not going to-” More persistent caws this time, “Well, of course we both like him, I’ve literally just now established that already and- And wait just a moment.”

He scoops the bird gently into his palms. “You liked him first, didn’t you?” One short caw confirmed a resounding Yes. for him. “Did you know, then? Could you have possibly sensed that he’s perfect for me? For us?” He stutters out a breathy laugh, “That’s what that whole debacle was about, wasn’t it?” The crow coos soothingly back up at him and gives him a love bite on the bridge of his nose. Logan releases Moriarty back into the air, along with the emotions connected to his previous outburst, and leans back to place his hands firmly on his hips while he stood proudly back up on his own two feet.

“Just look at me, behaving so ridiculously over the top for such a trivial matter. Throwing a temper tantrum even! Just what would my old professors say, if they saw me now?” He shuffles over to the other side of the hallway where a small cabinet is and opens one of the drawers. “After all, I am more than perfectly capable of handling more than one problem at a time, am I not?” There was both a cheerfully agreeable caw and howl at that, which caused him to finally smile happily again. “And besides, it might not even last all that long. Crushes and mere infatutations are usually short lived!” He rifles through the drawer’s contents until he finds another portrait that was dusty and slightly cracked in one of the upper hand corners. Shutting the drawer and striding back over to the stairwell he holds it up to see if it’ll fit in the arrangement. “Yes, this’ll do perfectly.”

I just wanna change.

I just wanna change!

“And well, if it does last longer or just so happens to escalate further, then...” He concludes as he places the portrait on the spot with a short spell to fix the hook he had broken earlier and steps back to admire the new set up, “His parents never specified that I couldn't be the one I chose for his match, now did they?” Morgan Le Fey, now sitting atop the others as if on a throne made up of the mages, gives him a subtly wicked and tilted smile in response.

He mirrors her expression for the briefest of moments before spinning on his heel and heading towards the only window on the top floor of his building. The warlock steps into his bedroom, pushes the curtains aside, and undoes the latches in the center. As he thrusts the two panes wide open, Moriarty joins his side once more.

“Ah, perfectly punctual as always, Moriarty.” he praises as the bird lands on the back of his hand before leaning in to whisper conspiratorially to him, “Before any new endeavor one embarks on in their life, they should always research properly first, yes?” After his Familiar nods in agreement he continues onwards, “And I’m sure you want to see him again soon yourself, right?” Upon realizing who his warlock was talking about, the bird fluffs up his feathers in anticipation. “Exactly, so this all makes perfect sense.” He waves away any other possible negative notions with a sweep of his hand and turns swiftly back towards the open window.

The sun was setting now. The doctor briefly recalled a time, as a kid, where he had stayed up long past his bedtime not only to see the sunset but to also test out his newest telescope. Back then, before he had properly entered into his magical schooling, he had been far more into scientific pursuits at the time. Though he still held a liking towards them now that he was older, what really currently consumed him was his work with all things magical and mythical. Though now, after today, a new beast of a subject was rounding the corner to have it’s turn eating away at his soul. Maybe, just maybe, if he was lucky enough, he could manage to take a bite out of it first.

“Alright, Moriarity, you know what you must do.” He interrupted the nostalgic scene and swung the arm the Yatagarasu was perched upon out the window and into the open picturesque evening air. His voice took on a booming echo, “Go forth and gather all that we must know, Though never your own cover you must blow.”

All three of his Familiar’s eyes flashed with the royal blue color of Logan’s magic before the third eye disappeared into the feathers of his forehead and his third leg was tucked away into the feathers of his tail. They both breathed a collective sigh of relief at another spell well cast, despite the roller coaster of emotions that they had all been through that day. Moriarty gave him one final nod in reassurance of their plan and took off into the ever changing dusk sky.

The warlock stayed by the window long enough to watch until his Familiar’s form disappeared over the horizon then set about closing and locking it back up. His other Familiar trudged upwards from the stairs, through the small apartment, and into his bedroom. Giving him a huff to announce his presence.

“Oh, you cleaned it up?” he asked the Valravn, who butted his head against his thigh, “Thank you, though I could have gotten it myself later.” A grunt followed that and he chuckled as he scratched behind the canine’s ears, “Yes, yes you're a good boy. Now let’s head to bed, shall we?” Sheppard pulled away from the affection to howl at the window. “Moriarty? He’s...running an errand. He’ll be a while.” To which he received the most pointed look a dog’s face could ever muster. He shivered as he felt the intrinsically implied Can’t hide things from me, we’re bonded. and cleared his throat to correct himself, “He’s watching over our dear new acquaintance, Virgil. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to meet him yourself soon.”

Much more satisfied by that answer, Shep hopped up onto his rightful spot at the foot of the bed. Where he settled down to wait as Logan went through his nightly routine of partially getting ready for the next work day, cleaning himself up, and changing into his pajamas.

Meanwhile, the coffee mug in the living room on the dark wooden end table still sat forgotten and untouched. Where it would no doubt remain throughout the entire night.

I'm gonna live, I'm gonna fly.

I'm gonna fail, I'm gonna die.

I'm gonna live, I'm gonna fly.

I'm gonna fail, gonna die, die, die, die.

A/N: So I’m still a dirty rotten no good procrastinator. But! Hopefully it’ll help make up for the wait just a little bit that I’ll be posting both chapters 2 and 3 in quick secession. Along with a short, one-off Creativitwins fanfic (coming soon) based off of the latest episode (SVS Part 2). Hope you’ll enjoy! ^ . ^ “”” Also, I’ll no longer be going through the original post for reblogs to add to the taglist. So if anyone wants to be added to it please dm or ask me and let me know! ;3

Tag List:

@accidental-sanders

@ren-allen

@noneed4thistbh

@virgil-the-void-kitten

@totalwhovian

@bandgeek82002-love

@allycat31415

@notalwaysthevillian

@cloudchaser7

@iamredxd

@lacrimosathedark

@idon-kno

@darkhumourandfandoms

@phangirlandkilljoy

@nikova-eve

@rebelrewriter

@chaoticpanpastelle

@simreaper98

@adroolingmaw

@corrupt-ink-denials

@all-of-them-sanders

@6-daughter-of-a-witch-6

@angelicakaiba

@blobdad

@bi-sappy

@clara-oswald-333

@friendly-neighborhood-murderer

@randomcrew

@demon-of-sparkles

@transdimentionalapocolypse

@maybe-one-day-i-will-be-okay

@dxlphmax

@aikitty

@comicsimpson

@agatheringofbees

@mediocrity-at-best

@babybunnyquake

@sanders-sides-uncorrect-quotes

@screechingflapbiscuitpeach

@hunter-shyreen

@randomfactscenteral

@charlineedstea

@bee-a-queen

@thatonepersonwhoshippeople

@virgil-is-baby-boi

@chocococo16

@softboisnek

@forbiddensender

@tinylightthingtrash

@andreaissy

@girl-from-pluto

@loveyousweets

@im-a-space-gay

@kai-the-person

#sanders sides #sanders sides au #sanders sides e.v.o.l au #e.v.o.l au #my fics #virgil sanders #logan sanders #character talyn #character!talyn #Analogical #one sided analogical #yandere #stalker #familiar moriarty #familiar sheppard #I love logan's familiars sm y'all have no idea #this chapter is the epitemy of that boy that escalated quickly meme #and it's only gonna get crazier from here #rubs hands together evilly

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talyn-the-warlock · 4 years

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I stand before a tree of silver wings, and I wonder...

This is a marvel. Beautiful beyond my expression. Otherworldly, thrumming, vibrating the very air with tension and strangeness and worry. It is not of the Light. It can be. But if this one was, things would be far too simple. Too fair. Too much as they used to be, when all the lines weren't so blurry and I knew I was on the right side.

No, this tree of silver wings befits all prior telling. The leaves are ruin. The bark calamity. Of the seeds, I wish I could not speak. But now I hold one, flat in my palm as it occilates and writhes and drinks the hated Dark like a sponge. The fact this was a barely-whispered mystery before now...it scares me. Such things haven't been seen since the last Collapse. Such deeds not enacted. I quail to see history repeat itself, as shadows grow silent above me.

I stand before a tree of silver wings, and I begin to feel the noose tighten anew.

-Talyn

#destiny 2 #destiny shadowkeep #season of arrivals #the darkness #tree of silver wings #im fucking nervous yall okay

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miguel-manbemel · 5 years

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Aspects & Fanfics Ep. 6: The Moment of Truth and the Moment of Wrath

Sixth entry of the Aspects & Fanfics blog, based on the “Sanders Sides” series by Thomas Sanders and Joan. References are made to previous entries so if you want to read them, you can click right here. In this entry I introduce anoher new original Side. I hope it’s okay. Other characters are going to do something surprising. And some plots that have been seeded in previous entries are going to start blooming right now. As always, thank you to anyone who reads, follows or reblogs, and I hope I can make justice.

SYNOPSIS: Joan comes to Thomas’ house. They and Talyn have suffered a queerphobic verbal attack and Joan needs to vent on Thomas. Thomas’ reaction surprises everyone and he goes on a rampage of anger and wrath that is only stopped when Virgil, on Deceit’s demand, puts Thomas into a panic attack. When he recovers, a new Dark Side, Wrath, shows up, and he’s up to no good. It will be the time for everyone to let the cat out of the bag and uncover the evil force that threatens Thomas’ very existence.

WARNINGS: Some scenes are intensely dark, even horrifying, including references to spiders, though these moments are brief. There are also mentions to queerphobia incidents that may be hurting to someone. The new Side I’m introducing is perhaps the darkest character you’d see from here at moments. He’s gonna be truly threatening at times, so be warned if that’s a trigger to you. I tried to balance the dark moments with cute, funny and heartwarming moments too, but these moments are there and I had to warn. I hope I’m not forgetting anything else. If I did, now or in previous entries, I’m sorry and I’ll try better next time.

EPISODE INDEX

THOMAS: What is up, everybody? Okay, time for another video. You know that I enjoy chemistry a lot, so I’m gonna share my passion with you all and we’re gonna talk about the unique properties of… [happy yelling opening arms] actinoids! You know what elements are actinoids? They’re…

[someone knocks at the door]

THOMAS: Oh, the door… Just when this was getting fun…

[intro sequence]

[they knock at the door again]

THOMAS: [yelling to the door] Okay, I’m coming, I’m coming! [low voice] I’ll turn this off…

[Thomas makes the gesture of turning the camera off, although the video keeps rolling without him noticing. Then he goes off-screen to open the door]

THOMAS: [voice] Oh, Joan, what’s up? I didn’t expect you to… [worried] Are you okay?

JOAN: [sad voice] No, I’m not, Thomas… May I come in?

THOMAS: Of course you can.

JOAN: Thanks, dude.

[Joan enters the living-room, they notice the camera]

JOAN: Oh, you were doing a video?

THOMAS: Yes, but that can wait. Now, what’s the problem, Joan?

PATTON: [rising up] Yes, kiddo, tell us. If we can help, count on us, too.

JOAN: [startled] Oh! I had forgotten… Hello, Patton. I don’t know if I’ll ever get accustomed to…

THOMAS: It’s okay, Joan. You can talk to them as freely as you would talk to me. They’re me, after all, and when you talk to me, you’re talking to them anyway through me…

JOAN: I got a little lost but I think I got you… Okay, Thomas… But shouldn’t they all be here, then? I don’t have courage to tell the story several times…

THOMAS: If you want, I’ll bring them all here. [calling] Logan, Roman, Virgil, Honesty!

[They all rise up, except Virgil who appears suddenly. Virgil appears with his hair disheveled, wearing a purple pajama and he’s holding a stuffed spider. He has sleepy eyes, has the old light eye-shadow under his eyes and looks grumpy.]

THOMAS: Whoa, Virgil, did we get you out of bed? It’s four pm.

VIRGIL: Four pm!? It’s too early, I’ve only been sleeping for two hours!

THOMAS: You’ll go to bed later, Virgil, we have an important issue ahead of us and we need all of… By the way, do you sleep with your eye-shadow on? That’s not good for the skin.

VIRGIL: Huh? [he pulls out a mirror and looks at himself, then throws it to a side, with a crashing sound and frowns at Thomas, offended] Rude… This is not eye-shadow… These are my natural eye-bags.

THOMAS: Whoops, I’m so sorry.

PATTON: [scared] Virgil, why did you break that mirror? It’s seven years of bad luck!

VIRGIL: I like to live my life wildly… [he yawns]

THOMAS: Insomnia?

VIRGIL: Just different sleeping patterns. I’m a panther, remember? I’m a nocturnal feline, and you always have to bring up your issues in the middle of the afternoon when I’m in the middle of my REM phase. That’s why I always have to cover my eye-bags with make-up.

ROMAN: If that’s the reason, why don’t you use proper makeup to hide them instead of heightening them? I could give you some tips in beauty makeup if you want…

VIRGIL: I don’t cover them to hide them, Roman. My eye-bags are just not dark enough and I want to deliver only the best in edginess.

ROMAN: Fair enough…

VIRGIL: [suddenly changed to his usual outfit with the proper dark eye-shadow and the hair properly combed as usual on him, he pulls out a glass of iced coffee and drinks from it] Okay, I’m ready. Sup, Joan.

ROMAN: Oh, greetings Joan.

LOGAN: Salutations, friend.

HONESTY: Good afternoon, gentle-person.

PATTON: [over the top cuteness] Hello, my most wonderful child!

THOMAS: Patton, you had already greeted them.

PATTON: [still over the top loving face] I know, but I hadn’t put effort the first time!

JOAN: [bittersweet chuckle] Hello, everyone…

LOGAN: Now, what’s the issue that is upsetting you?

JOAN: [sighs] This morning, I was going with Talyn to buy some clothes. I had seen a neat black skirt that you should have seen, it was really cool. I showed Talyn, saying “How would I look?” They were saying “awesome”, of course, when I heard mumbling from a couple of guys next to me saying “What a weirdo he is, trying a skirt. Does he think he’s like a girl or something?”

PATTON: Wow! Rude much?

JOAN: Before I could say anything, Talyn jumped in my defense, saying “They look much better than how you will ever look with whatever rags you’d decide to wear with your bad taste, you morons!”

ROMAN: Good for Talyn! They know how to fight!

JOAN: These guys answered “You’re not exactly the most indicated to give lessons about taste in dressing, little midget!” I answered “Leave them alone, you motherf… [bleep]!” “Them?”, they said mockingly. “There’s only her, you and us. Is your brain nonfunctional enough so that you think there are two women in here? Or are you two of those freaks that don’t accept the genitals they were born with?”

LOGAN: Wow, talk about nasty…

JOAN: Talyn, then, surprising even me, shouted “Genitals like these?” and kicked him in the… you know where, making him bend in pain. Then Talyn whispered with an angry voice, “I may be a midget and I may be a freak, but I know how to shut up a tall idiot like you. Get out of our sight now before I call the security guards.”

HONESTY: Violence should never be the answer, but I can’t do anything other than applaud Talyn. These yobs were calling for it.

JOAN: When they were leaving, the other one said “You think you’re better than us for choosing to be called and dress different than us, but you’re only a bunch of freaks, and no one other than freaks like you is ever gonna take you seriously! You f… [bleep] freaks!” I had to hold Talyn because they made a gesture of running after them. When one of the security guards approached us, they ran away. He asked if we were okay, and I said that everything was fine… I wasn’t okay, of course, but what else could I say?

THOMAS: [horrified] My goodness gracious… I’m so sorry you two had to go through this…

JOAN: I haven’t stopped feeling bad ever since that incident.

VIRGIL: No wonder…

JOAN: Talyn kicked these jerks physically, but then they kicked us verbally, right in our souls. And that hurts more than anything. I… I felt invalidated. I know these two are a couple of idiots, and normally I would have just ignored them, but what I thought was: Is this going to be forever? Is this going to happen every time I meet disrespectful people? Will I have to justify my feelings and my self-identity all the time till I’m gone? I felt so f… [bleep] …d up. I haven’t stopped feeling like that all day. Talyn has told me to let it go, but I needed to share it with you too.

LOGAN: Joan, you said it yourself, these two were a couple of idiots, and you shouldn’t let their nasty manners affect you. Not everybody is like them. There are more people like them, of course, but there are also plenty of people who would respect you and accept you as you are. I haven’t had time to count them or to create statistics, but I’d dare to say that nice people are the majority. It’s just that mean people are louder about it.

PATTON: And you and Talyn are both wonderful people just the way you are. There’s no need for you to justify yourself over anyone. That’s something to be done by criminals or bad doers, and you haven’t done anything bad at all. You are what you are, and you are great.

JOAN: Thank you, guys.

HONESTY: Don’t mention.

[Thomas then hugs Joan and squeezes them for a few seconds. When he finally releases them, he’s frowning with an expression of huge upset]

THOMAS: I’m so mad, you guys. If there’s one thing that can make me angry is someone doing something mean to my friends. It’s my weak spot. [suddenly yells angry] I could break anything!

JOAN: [concerned] Okay, buddy, calm down. Don’t worry because of me, please.

THOMAS: [he starts showing an agitated breathing due to his anger] I can’t, Joan! I just can’t! If I had been there… If only I had been there…!

LOGAN: [worried] Thomas, calm down!

THOMAS: [angry yell that scares everyone in the room, even Joan] I DON’T WANT TO CALM DOWN!

HONESTY: [scared] Thomas, please!

DECEIT: [suddenly speaking through Honesty’s body] Uh-oh! This is not good! It’s starting!

HONESTY: You mean…?

DECEIT: Yes. Thomas must calm down. Right now, before it’s too late.

[Suddenly all of the Sides except Virgil start getting an agitated breathing]

HONESTY: [struggling to speak] What is going on with us?

VIRGIL: Guys, are you okay?

DECEIT: I’m coming out, Honesty, relax, Dark Sides are not affected by him.

HONESTY: Okay…

[The orange cloud quickly covers Honesty, then turns to yellow and Deceit emerges from it. He’s breathing normal]

DECEIT: Virgil, the Sides and Thomas need us.

VIRGIL: Why? What is happening?

DECEIT: Listen, the only thing that can calm Thomas’ uncontrollable anger is a strong panic attack that can counter his evil influence.

VIRGIL: Whose influence? Why are you talking in riddles!?

DECEIT: [yelling] There’s no time! Do it now or we will lose Thomas forever!

VIRGIL: Okay, I hope you know what you’re doing…

[Virgil changes to his panther form, rises his arms towards Thomas and shows a terrifying threatening face. Then Thomas’ face of anger little by little turns into a full expression of horror.]

THOMAS: [screeching in horror] AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

[Thomas faints. All the Sides, including Deceit and Virgil, faint with him too, but, unlike Thomas, they stay still, only with their heads dropped forward. Joan looks at them all with the most scared expression]

JOAN: [kneeling towards Thomas] Thomas! Thomas, are you okay!? Can you hear me? Thomas, wake up, please! Thomas! Oh, my gosh! [looking at the Sides] Guys, you too? Should I call an ambulance? Thomas! Anyone! Wake up, please!

[Then, Thomas starts showing signs of recovering consciousness. As he wakes up, the Sides slowly get back to life too]

JOAN: [relieved] Thomas, thank God! Are you okay?

THOMAS: [a little disorientated] What… What has happened?

JOAN: You scared me to death, that’s what happened! Can you get up?

THOMAS: I think so…

JOAN: And all of you, are you okay?

LOGAN: Yes… I think so. We need Thomas to stay awake. When he lost consciousness, we lost contact with him and fainted because of that.

THOMAS: I don’t remember much… The last memory I have is that I was hugging you… then everything turned blurry. I only remember agitated breathing and a sensation of horror. Then… nothing till I woke up now.

VIRGIL: [after shifting back to his emo form] That last sensation was my fault, Thomas. I induced you into one of your worst horrors, I made you think that you were chained in a bathtub full of tarantulas all over your body and that they were biting every inch of your skin…

PATTON: [horrified] Aaagggh!

THOMAS: [also horrified] Why would you do that!?

VIRGIL: Deceit told me that it was the only way of getting you out of your state of anger.

THOMAS: Oh… I remember now. I was furious… But it was a strange fury. It was as if someone else was injecting that fury into me, and I couldn’t control it.

DECEIT: So, it has started.

ROMAN: What has started?

VOICE: [happy and dangerously sweet voice] What do you think it started? I have started, of course!

THOMAS: Who is it?

[Suddenly, in the place between Logan and Thomas, a new Side appears. A half of his face is human and the other half is of a grizzly bear. He’s wearing a green camouflage uniform. He speaks with a voice that sounds happy and sweet but where everyone could feel evil and danger behind]

SIDE: I’m here.

THOMAS: [startled, he yelps] Ah! Who are you?

DECEIT: [serious and frowning] Wrath…

THOMAS: Wrath?

WRATH: I would say nice to meet you, [looking at Deceit] but I don’t want to be like that traitor over there.

DECEIT: I was hoping I could buy some time… I didn’t expect you to find an open tear hole to escape the Dark Realm so soon.

WRATH: [to Deceit, with his dangerously happy voice] You know that the Dark Master is going to know about this, right?

THOMAS: The Dark Master? What Dark Master?

DECEIT: Well, you can tell the Dark Master to eat my…

PATTON: [gasps] Language, kiddo!

DECEIT: ...venom.

PATTON: You scared me…

WRATH: [tuts] Decey, Decey, Decey, I wouldn’t be so lippy if I were you.

DECEIT: And what are you, or your Dark Master, going to do about it? He has no power over me in the Light Realm. Besides, he needs me, so you can’t do anything to me anyway.

WRATH: Oh, yes, the Dark Master said he needs you. No one said, however, that you were needed… [with a threatening evil smile] in one piece.

[Suddenly, the yellow cloud covers Deceit and he transforms into Honesty]

HONESTY: Too bad for you that you’re not going to be able to reach him anymore. I’m protecting him and he’s staying with me right now.

WRATH: [shows a brief spark of anger but quickly returns to his dangerously sweet melodious voice] Wow… Life is full of surprises, isn’t it? Don’t worry. I’m sure the Dark Master will have… methods… to make you return when he needs you. But as I said, don’t worry for now. For the time being, he’s got a great victory. I got out of the Dark Realm, and now you can’t do anything about it, I can return whenever I want. [starts giggling like a child] We’re all gonna have so much fun together, you’ll see…

ROMAN: [pulling out his samurai sword] Hey! Who do you think you are, entering this place uninvited and unwelcome, disturbing Thomas and threatening all of us!?

WRATH: [suddenly yelling in anger with a demonic voice] SHUT UP, YOU SHODDY POMPOUS PRINCE! DO YOU THINK YOUR STUPID RUSTY KNIFE CAN DO ANYTHING TO ME!? GO BACK TO THE OPERETTA YOU RAN AWAY FROM!

[Everyone, scared by Wrath’s sudden yelling, stays in silence, looking at him with fear. Suddenly, Patton reacts. He shows an angry face, stretches his arm and loudly slaps Wrath in the human cheek. He gets stunned holding his cheek, looking at Patton]

PATTON: [yelling with an angry and ferocious voice never before heard from him] How dare you? How dare you to talk to my children like that!?

[Wrath then roars angrily at Patton as if he was a bear. Surprisingly, Patton growls as if he was a huge dog and starts barking so loud that he drowns out Wrath’s roaring. Wrath stops and looks at Patton, too shocked to say a word, and for the first time with a dash of fear]

PATTON: [low threatening voice] Listen well, intruder! This is my family! And if you want to touch my family you’ll have to go over me! And I wouldn’t advice you to do that. When I’m good, I’m very good, but when I’m bad, I’m your worst nightmare, mister! Now, get back to your room before I bite you for real!

WRATH: I’ll go for now. This was only the initial contact after all. But as I told you, you’re gonna see me again. And you will pay for this. [sinks down, yelling angry] All of you!

[Everyone stays in silence looking at Wrath’s empty spot]

PATTON: [yelling with an angry squealing] … And stay in your room, you’re grounded!

JOAN: [to Thomas] Um… Do your reunions always look like this or you prepared this “Supernatural” live show just for me?

THOMAS: Who the heck was that guy?

LOGAN: He is the embodiment of your anger.

THOMAS: Do you know him, Logan?

LOGAN: Not in person, this is the first time I’ve ever seen him in the flesh, but anger is an aspect of your personality, so I knew he had to be in there somewhere. I didn’t expect him to be so nasty, to be honest.

THOMAS: And Deceit, you knew him too?

DECEIT: [speaking through Honesty’s body] Unfortunately yes. I’ve known him for a long time from the Dark Realm.

VIRGIL: I knew him too, but I never spoke about him. Since he was trapped there like all non heightened Dark Sides, I never thought he would be a problem and I didn’t want to make you anxious about nothing.

THOMAS: Anyway, I should have known. And why has he appeared right now? Why not earlier?

LOGAN: Thomas, as I told you, Dark Sides cannot get out of the Dark Realm. They are repressed aspects of your subconscious and they’re confined there until something happens to you that heightens them to a level strong enough to break their chains and let them out. And once they’re out, they’re free to come and go between realms and the living room.

THOMAS: And what could…?

JOAN: I guess this is my fault. It is because I told you what happened to me this morning. It must have made you feel so angry that it heightened that Side, Wrath, and it let him get away. I’m terribly sorry for that. If I had known I would have never told you.

THOMAS: Joan, it’s not your fault. And please, never stop telling me the things that worry you and the things that you wish to share with me. You are my best friend and I want to be able to help you whenever you need me.

JOAN: Thanks, dude. But now Wrath will have power over you because of me.

LOGAN: Don’t feel guilty about that, Joan. Wrath has always existed inside of Thomas. He has always had and will always have power over Thomas to some extent. The only difference is that now he can appear in person and interact with us, that’s all.

JOAN: I see…

THOMAS: And what was that Master thing? Who’s the Dark Master?

[Honesty transforms into Deceit]

DECEIT: This time, I’m gonna tell you in person. It’s time to face my mistakes and I’m ready to respond for them. I was hoping that I would never have to tell you, as it is a really hurtful truth, and my mission is to hide all such things from you.

THOMAS: But who is he?

DECEIT: Have you never questioned yourself why the Light Realm and the Dark Realm are named like that?

THOMAS: Because the first one is a world of light and good and the second one is a world of darkness and evil. Isn’t it so?

DECEIT: Yes, but why “realms”?

THOMAS: I don’t know.

LOGAN: Well, “realm” is roughly a synonym for “kingdom”, only that instead of being ruled by a king, it is ruled by another similar authority figure, like a prince, a duke, etcetera. So that means…

DECEIT: Exactly, each realm has a supreme figure, a ruler, who is all-powerful and all-mighty in that realm. You could say that he’s, in a way, almost like a god.

THOMAS: I’m catching you…

DECEIT: The Dark Master is the ruler of the Dark Realm. All the Dark Sides are, or were, at his service, forced to follow him and fulfill his orders.

ROMAN: When you say “were”, you mean…?

DECEIT: I mean Virgil… and me.

ROMAN: You’re no longer working for him? Why not?

DECEIT: [bashful] I… I don’t know…

HONESTY: [speaking through Deceit’s body] Oh, come on, Deceit. The cards are on the table. If we’re opening up and telling the truth, let’s go to the very end. You guys, Deceit has changed. When you helped us getting rid of our blockings and you offered him to be a friend, he really wanted it…

DECEIT [angry] …shut up…

HONESTY: … but he thought he was putting you in danger because of the Dark Master and his evil plot against you. So, he sacrificed his wishes in order to keep you safe.

VIRGIL: I knew he was hiding something. I told you, Thomas.

THOMAS: [scared] What… evil plot?

DECEIT: [sarcastic and angry] Great job, you truth hooligan, I’m sure that you know very well the meaning of the word “tact” when saying things.

THOMAS: No, as I said, I want to know. I demand to know.

DECEIT: Well, there’s one thing that the Dark Master wants above all else, and that’s to get out of the Dark Realm.

ROMAN: He can’t get out?

DECEIT: No, he can’t. And unlike us, Dark Sides, there’s no way for him to break the chains and be free. To be free, the only way for him is to use all of the Dark Sides to help him… get control over you.

THOMAS: [scared] What?

DECEIT: Don’t be afraid. As I said, he needs all of the Dark Sides, and that includes Virgil and me. As long as we never return to the Dark Realm, he won’t be able to do that.

THOMAS: What would happen to me if he succeeded?

DECEIT: There’s no point in telling…

THOMAS: [firm voice] I command you to tell me everything!

DECEIT: In the remote case that he succeeded, you’d disappear as you are, Thomas, and he would replace you in your mind. What are now the Dark Sides would become Light Sides and what are Light Sides would become Dark Sides, and you’d be repressed in the Dark Realm in the same place where he is now, while he uses your body as it pleases him.

THOMAS: Like a… possession?

DECEIT: Not exactly. He would still be Thomas Sanders. He would be the same you, with the same memories and background, only that it would be an “evil version” of you. For example, he would be mean and rude, envious, selfish, delight in injustice, be one of those repressed gays that behave like homophobes, hate dogs…

PATTON: [horrified squealing] No, not the dogs, anything but that!

LOGAN: [sighs] You need to sort out your priorities…

DECEIT: But as I said, it is a very remote possibility. It will never happen while we stay out of his control. So don’t be afraid and don’t worry about it. You’re safe, and you’ll remain being safe.

HONESTY: [speaking through Deceit’s body] He’s telling the truth, Thomas. I can check his memories. You can trust him on this.

THOMAS: Why did you change, Deceit?

DECEIT: What?

THOMAS: I already know that you changed and you wanted to be friends with us. But in the beginning you were working for him, and you almost took Virgil with you. If I hadn’t intervened, you would have been triumphant, and now I’d be gone. So why that change now, Deceit? What can make someone change his mind, from almost sending me to my doom, to suddenly wanting to get me away from it?

DECEIT: Well…

THOMAS: Well?

DECEIT: It was you, Thomas.

THOMAS: Me?

DECEIT: Up until before that nasty episode, how many times did I interact with you or the other Sides? Just a couple, and for very short amounts of time. And all these times you expelled me or treated me like trash. I’m not complaining, I know it was my fault and I deserved it, but anyway I was angry and resented. But in the last few weeks, I started interacting with you more, and I started knowing you more… And… when Honesty’s memories were unlocked from me, I finally realized something about you, Thomas, from which up until then I had only seen brief hints.

THOMAS: What do you mean?

DECEIT: You are a being of light, Thomas. You have a natural warmth that emanates from yourself and that makes us all feel warm and nice, and what’s more important, that inspires us to improve ourselves and be better than we are. You have that effect, not only on people you interact with, both in person or through your videos. You have that same effect on us, Sides. Virgil has also felt that, I’m sure. Just compare him with the Virgil he was long ago and see the positive influence you’ve had on him.

THOMAS: I… I don’t know what to say…

DECEIT: I realized that what I was trying to do in the name of my “Master”, was not only wrong, it was an unforgivable crime against the world, so hungry of light in these dark days we’re living. I didn’t want to do that, so I decided to try and foil the Dark Master’s plan instead. Unfortunately, that idea has gone to waste now that I’m uncovered.

THOMAS: I mean… I’m flattered, and honored that you think so high about me, Deceit… But I’m not so special. I don’t consider myself so enlightening as you say I am…

JOAN: And that’s exactly why you are so enlightening, Thomas. I agree with Deceit. The positive impact you have on anyone who gets to know you is undeniable, including myself, for the record.

THOMAS: But Deceit said it himself. There’s a darkness inside of me. How can a “being of light” have something dark inside?

DECEIT: Thomas, I never said you were perfect. You are human, and Patton said it earlier, humans are imperfect and flawed without exception. We are the living proof of your flaws. But that has nothing to do with what I said. You can have flaws and still be enlightening to anyone, because you don’t let your flaws overcome you and dominate you. And that’s one of the biggest virtues in itself that a human can have.

LOGAN: And Thomas, every human is part light and part darkness. Everyone is part good and part evil, only the proportions vary between individuals. Haven’t you seen the classic scene where a little angel and a little demon try to tempt some character into doing something good or something bad? That’s a representation of what lies within you and any other human being. There’s that dark entity and there’s a light entity, fighting to control you all the time.

THOMAS: Oh, yes… that Pluto cartoon was so good…

PATTON: And in your case, Thomas, look where the dark entity is, trapped, locked and repressed deep within you. That’s the proof that, in your case, you are a good person.

THOMAS: Thank you, guys… By the way… If the Dark Realm has that ruler… the Light Realm must also have a ruler. Who’s the ruler of the Light Realm? Do you guys know him?

ROMAN: Thomas, I think you should have guessed already.

VIRGIL: The ruler of the Light Realm… is you, of course.

THOMAS: What?

VIRGIL: I told you once already. You are the boss, Thomas. When I said it, I really meant it. You have control over all of us and you could, if you wanted, rule us and force us to do your will. Instead, you make a positive influence on us so that we change for the better on our own free will. You are in fact the only one that can counter the Dark Master’s influence. I’d say that you are even stronger than him, as you were able to manipulate the Mind Palace even on the Dark Realm, while he’s not even able to get out of his own realm.

THOMAS: This is a lot to process…

VIRGIL: Thomas, don’t let all of this overwhelm you. You’re still the same guy…

PATTON: [impersonating Timon from “The Lion King”] ...but with power!

VIRGIL: [frowns at Patton, then keeps talking] …and you must keep up being yourself. You have been doing great up until now, so keep up the good work. We will remain here to assist you, should you need us for anything. You are our Light Master, after all…

THOMAS: Please, don’t call me like that. I’m nobody’s Master. I just want to be Thomas, that’s all.

VIRGIL: [smiling] I knew you were going to say that. That’s why we love you, Thomas.

PATTON: Now the question is… what comes next?

ROMAN: Yes, what are we going to do to protect ourselves against them? I’ve always wanted to participate in a battle, but now that I see it in front of me… I don’t know if I’m ready to fight… Heck, I wasn’t even able to react to Wrath yelling at me and Patton had to save the show. In what position does that leave me as a knight? I feel like a fraud, like an operetta prince as Wrath called me…

THOMAS: Roman, please. If Wrath thinks that way about you, it’s because he doesn’t know you. He just caught you off-guard, like the rest of us. You shouldn’t feel ashamed of anything. You stood up and tried to defend us, and that’s what really counts. I’m still proud of you and you’re still my hero, Roman.

ROMAN: [moved] Thank you, Thomas.

THOMAS: And I’m also proud of you, Patton. Where did that nerve come from?

PATTON: Nobody talks about my children like that. When he became so nasty, I felt I had to teach him a lesson.

LOGAN: Where did you learn how to impersonate dogs that way?

PATTON: Um… It was no impersonation, Logan. It just came out of me. I felt my house threatened and it just came out naturally. Perhaps I’m part dog, just like Virgil is part panther and Deceit is part snake, who knows. I’ve never physically had that shape, except when I dressed as Pawton, but I wouldn’t mind being half a puppy.

ROMAN: It really would suit you, and that would just make you like ten times more adorable, right guys?

LOGAN: Right. I just hope you don’t overdo it and start calling us “puppies” instead of “kiddos”.

VIRGIL: He has called us so many things already, I wouldn’t care at all if he called us puppies, to be honest.

ROMAN: I really loved the shock in Wrath’s face when Patton slapped him.

PATTON: [smiling in anticipation] I guess he took out the… furry out of me.

[Logan cringes in disgust while the others laugh, including Deceit, for the first time with a non evil laugh]

LOGAN: I think I’m leaving, guys. Before Patton gets too overexcited. I don’t think I could handle too many of his puns today. [sinks down] Bye, guys. And best wishes, Joan.

JOAN: Bye!

PATTON: I’m gonna go rehearse my barking. Perhaps I can sound like a little puppy too, wouldn’t I be cute? [sinks down] Bye, kiddos!

THOMAS: Bye, Patton!

ROMAN: As for me, I’ll go practice some fencing. Next time, Wrath will know who’s the real knight in this castle. [sinks down] Bye!

THOMAS: Of course you will, Roman, see ya!

VIRGIL: Deceit, you can stay in my room if you want.

DECEIT: It’s okay, I can stay in Honesty’s room for the time being. After all, that’s my room too. But I wouldn’t mind coming over with you so we can talk about the old times. May I, old friend?

VIRGIL: Of course, old friend. [sinks down] Bye, Thomas.

THOMAS: Before you go, Deceit…

DECEIT: Yes?

THOMAS: I want to thank you for your help today. I don’t know if I’m good enough to deserve all the blessings that I’m receiving, but if you think so high of me, I’ll try to live it up to your expectations. And I’m happy to be able to call you a friend, at last.

DECEIT: [moved] Thank you, Thomas… [suddenly cold] But please, don’t act so sappy about me, okay?

HONESTY: [through Deceit’s body] He’s acting all tough, but he thinks he loves you too, Thomas.

DECEIT: [frowns] Don’t you ever sleep or something?

HONESTY: [giggling] Nope!

[Deceit groans and sinks down, but he smiles before disappearing off-screen]

JOAN: Well, I think I gotta go too, Thomas. I’ve got some things to write, and with all this commotion, I’ve lost a lot of time. Will you be okay?

THOMAS: I should be the one asking that question, Joan. Will Talyn and you be okay?

JOAN: Yes, I think so. I’m not gonna let two idiots ruin the rest of my day. They’re not worth it. Thank you for being such a good friend, Thomas.

THOMAS: [hugs Joan] Good friendship is repaid with good friendship Joan. Bye!

JOAN: Bye, Thomas!

[Joan goes off-screen and we hear the door opening and closing. Thomas approaches the camera]

THOMAS: Okay, time to get back to work. I was talking about the actinoids…

[realizes the camera was recording all of the time]

THOMAS: Oh, is this still recording? Oh… Well, in that case I think I’ve already got the video done… So, guys… um… life for LGBTQ people will unfortunately not be like a bed of roses all the time by no means, at least for the moment. There’s a lot of people who still don’t respect us. Luckily, we’re conquering more respect from people as time goes on, but there’s a lot to work on yet. If you ever feel endangered, or bullied for your gender or sexuality, ask for help. Find people you can trust, let them know about your problem and put yourselves safe as soon as you can. And don’t let them make you feel less than. Being LGBTQ is nothing bad or wrong, despite some ignorant opinions, so you don’t have to apologize for being who you are and living your life as you are. It’s them who are mistaken, not you, and you deserve to be happy and live your life in freedom. Until next time, take it easy, guys, gals and non-binary pals. Peace out!

[end card]

[Deceit and Virgil are in Virgil’s room, watching TV, eating some Cheetos and drinking some soda. They’re happily laughing]

VIRGIL: Oh, and you remember when Thomas crashed on that tree with his sled that day in the snow? Man, that was the fastest order of anxiety I had to deliver!

DECEIT: Yeah, poor Thomas, he couldn’t sit down for a week!

[They both laugh mischievously]

VIRGIL: [Suddenly smiling calmly] I really missed all of this. One of the only things I missed from the old days in the Dark Realm was having you as a friend. I missed you.

DECEIT: Me too, Virgil. You were my only friend.

VIRGIL: And you were my only friend too, Deceit. I’m so happy that you can get to know the rest of the Sides now.

DECEIT: I’d be glad…

[Deceit and Virgil smile at each other in silence for a couple of seconds]

WRATH: [off-screen] Now kiss!

[Deceit and Virgil get startled and look at where the voice is coming from]

VIRGIL: Wrath! What are you doing in my room!

WRATH: You know what? This place doesn’t look so bad. A little too clean, however, but when the Dark Master claims it in due time, it will be easy to redecorate.

VIRGIL: Dream on, Teddy Bear. You’ll never win.

WRATH: Don’t be so sure of that. You don’t know my Master’s power. It’s only a matter of time.

DECEIT: And you clearly don’t know our Master’s power. Don’t underestimate Thomas, he has what it takes to defeat you, no matter what you try.

VIRGIL: ...or how many times you try.

WRATH: We’ll see about that… [sinking down with a mocking voice] Sleep well, lovebirds…

[Virgil and Deceit look at the empty spot, then look at each other in silence with a serious face]

VIRGIL: [chill voice] Want some lemonade?

DECEIT: [equally chill voice] With a couple of ice cubes, thank you.

#sanders sides #fanfic #thomas sanders #ts fanfic #sanders sides fic #thomas sanders fanfic #sanders sides fanfic #roman sanders #logan sanders #patton sanders #virgil sanders #deceit sanders #aspects and fanfics

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robbie-lee-zombie · 5 years

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Random thing, will be edited and added on when Robbie finds more of the random stuff Robbie has sent to @thetickleeraven

Adding a ‘Keep Reading’ because this will get VERY Long. Might copy/edit/paste this post with every add on so it won’t glitch out too much, and if you’d already seen the first few paragraphs of an idea, just scroll until you see one of the numbers (like #2) that you haven’t seen before!

Hope that helps, anyways enjoy the rambling of HCs and Ideas

Edit/Add-On #1

Taking place in Raven’s recent couple of fics with Prince Roman and the magical Logan (since we can’t spell mid-evil) that AU. HC: Pat is either 1. The king of the place, and Roman’s dad figure still. OR 2. (HC I use more) Patton is the news-reporter-writer-helper-etc guy. He orders the seeds for farms, sets up meetings for Roman and other lands, making sure things work and stay kinda organized. You’d never think of someone so dad-like to have that kind of job, you know? Good HC tbh-

Imagine Patton’s first couple of lessons were a tour and knowing the potions and ingredients around the place. He writes everything down, admitting to Logan that he’d have a bad memory if he didn’t write it down. He was trying, though, and Logan respects that to the fullest. When Logan flips through the beginners spells, the one Roman had used caught Patton, of all people’s, eye. He smiles. “Mirth brought to light? Aw, that sounds adorable! Making people happy is the best spell I’d say! But you don’t need magic for that!” He glances up at Logan. “What do you mean, Pat?” “I have you to make me happy, you dork!” Commence Logan to be slightly flustered as he continues to flip through and explain the spells. Including the Mirth of Light one. “So it just makes people more aware of how ticklish they are? Gosh, that sounds amazing!” “How so?” “Well, it doesn’t hurt anybody, and it could probably be used on thieves or villains instead of slaughtering them, you know? Have them cough up where the money is!” “That’s… rather childish, but pacifistic, I must say.” “Good thing I’m no criminal! I’m insanely ticklish.” Okay, wow, no one probably met someone so blunt and honest with statements like those. “Really? You say that to everyone you meet?” “Hush! It’s not that bad!” “Not that bad? You mean you enjoy the sensation?” “You mean tickling??” “Yes. That.” “Of course!” Logan paused, giving him a puzzled look. “Why wouldn’t I? What’s not to like?” Patton’s eyes lit up. Not like the time he first saw the room of potions, or when Logan drones on, but still lit up with joy. Huh. Never thought this would happen, Logan thought.

~Continuation type deal of the first paragraph of ideas~

Patton is the town/castle news/reporter type deal at first, running around making sure everyone has everything they need (surprising Virge didn’t have that job-) and that’s when Logan saw that sparkle of look in Patton’s eyes when things got done. Patton never showed his whole adoration and appreciation of work and order much, since he felt geeky. Logan took a step up to Pat as the dad took the pencil out from behind his ear to write a few things down in his note-pad, scribbling random messy ideas. “You. Come with me.” Logan orders him to follow. Once they make it to Logan’s specific tower, You can just… tell. Patton looked at every potion with detail, even drawing a few mini sketches of each one to take notes like ‘purple round potion bottle:’ and 'blue triangle bottle’ and etc. Patton’s eyes just… light up! You’d never expect someone so loving and innocent outside the castle to be into such geeky and dorky stuuuuff, clearly Logan thought it wasn’t geeky… much. “You. You’re going to be my assistant from here on out. I will teach you everything I know, and even after that we will continue to work together. What’s your name, sir?” “Sir?? I’m not that old, not even much older than you, but a lot of people think I’m Roman’s father, how funny is that??” Patton giggles, holding out his hand. “I’m Patton, the castle reporter and document-er!” “Big job, huh?” “Eh, I mostly just take care of the village complaints and problems, order stuff like seeds for the farms, plan the meetings, boring stuff-” “It’s not boring, it’s very intriguing. Tell me more.” Patton’s eyes lit up again. No one’s ever wanted to hear him talk this much before.

Edit/Add-On #2

“It Came From The Trees” Gives me so many little t-fic ideas like, Virgil would hang upside down from a branch right when Princey is heading back to the treehouse since “I caught a fish by myself omg Virgil will be so happy-” Virgil’s face is right in front of him popping down. “SUPER-CALA-FRAGI-FUCKER–” And Virgil’s just laughing.

Imagine the life style of him and Roman over the time in the woods!!!!!

“I found these little red berries they look like cherries they can’t be that bad-” ate two Virge is carving a stick with his blade he’s had for years, not looking up. “They’re poisonous, Ro” Roman freaks out and almost faints, tossing them all away and sitting on the ground like “that’s a relief-” “…Dude I was kidding they’re just little red berries, I’ve ate them for years-” “I will destroy you-”

Raven’s fics of Roman being that one Prince and Virgil being his guard, what if WHAT IF HOLY CRAP- What if It Came From The Trees is set like, waaay before Virgil was his guard??? And when Roman came back to the Palace, maybe even 2 years later (He’s wearing whole other clothes Virgil’s taught him how to sew) and Pat (king or intern or whatever he wants to be) Is just like “HOLY CRAP MAN WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN WE THOUGHT YOU DIED-” Logan, ironically, is also freaking out. He’s doing that classic thing in cartoons where they’re at his arms, legs, checking him for bites or scratches and etc, like a mother (ha-) and he’s like “Guys, really- it’s cool-” But Virgil’s still at the Tree House, since Virge thought they’d think 'hOLY CRAP ROMAN WHO’S THAT WE GOTTA KILL HIM-’ so Roman said “I’m just going to go tell them I’m alive, K? I’ll be back. Promise.” A day-ish later, he comes back to Virgil who got jump-scared when he did, not expecting the PRINCE to be so good at sneaking around in the dark, so it was startling. He’s rambling about how he’s told his closest friends about Virgil and that he’s allowed to apply for a position in the village, whichever position he wants! Virge thinks about it for maybe a week and is like 'dude, what if you were my guard? You kind of saved my ass seven times when we first met!’ “It’s not my fault you’re so fancy-” “Excuse me-” “You had NO IDEA what you were doing-” “I’ll have you know–” “You thought the leaves growled in the wind~” “…Okay, yeah, whatever-” Anyways, Virgil works up the courage to jump through the trees, Roman still not the best at it, but able to keep up with Virgil to do so, and they jump to the walls of Roman’s land. “You sure I’m… allowed in? They won’t attack me?” “Of course!” Getting through the gate, of course, Logan and Pat are both there waiting for Roman, and Logan (like with Roman) examines and pokes and prods at Virgil with questions and his eraser/pencil, Virgil’s slightly pink like “YOU SAID THEY WOULDN’T ATTACK ME!” “He’s not! ..Specs, please get out of his mouth, he has one row of teeth-” Since that nickname, before Virge knew their real names, he called them nicknames for months never asking them 'what’s your name?’ since Roman told them to go with it and it was hilariously cute. When Virge first found out Logan’s name he glared at Roman like “Wait so his name isn’t Specs?” “Nope.” “It’s not Nerd either? Not Four-Eyes, Harry Potter, Geek-a-zoid, none of those??” “Nope.” “WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME-” “Because it was cute watching you get used to it~” “…Is it too late to be an outcast again-”

~Continued of the last mess of a paragraph thingy, yes, very aware of some grammar mistakes and mess ups. If it says ‘you/your’ when it shouldn’t, it’s probably because these were just copy pasted when I rambled to @thetickleeraven and said ‘you/your’ to them so don’t freak out about that~

Pass a week or two, put Virgil in that one dorm area you talked about where he almost died in that fic I can’t remember the name of- maybe it wasn’t your fic I don’t remember– Anyways- Put him in the dorms area, he got used to it, even let Roman help him decorate with so so so many things he’s like “Dude I don’t need posters they’re just paper, you could’ve used that for something else-” “It’s not a crime to treat yourself, Virge. Plus you love the Nightmare Before Christmas!” “..True-” And even when he first signed up to be a guardsman he had to go through the training. Since he lived in the woods for so long, he passed the agility and strength tests no problem. The hardest part was the test that most guards are good at. This was the hard test Virgil knew he’d fail at as soon as he heard it. Endurance Test. Not only did they have to stand in a line, A-Z, standing up straight and all (ouch for his back-) but Roman was the judge of the test. He walked to people randomly, doing anything he saw fit to make the others 'snap out of character’ like laugh, smile, the smallest thing would make Roman grin with victory. It’s not that it was a bad thing, of course, but first hearing the TEST part, Virgil did EVERYTHING HE COULD not to fricken mess this up. So as SOON AS ROMAN GOT TO VIRGIL, he just gave him that snarky little face of a grin and raised eyebrows. They had… so many inside jokes, it was easy for him. “Remember that time I tried to eat your shirt in my sleep because I hadn’t learned how to catch a fish yet?” Okay, Virgil snickered. Quietly though. Roman noticed, however, and he was going to focus on Virgil now. Once someone broke completely, they stepped off to the benches or bathrooms for a break, but Virgil, with Joan and Talyn, were the last three still 'Mature’ or in this case in the Test. Virgil was in the middle of the other two, and you can sense the other two thinking “Wow, what’s their story?” Roman continued. “Remember I tried to eat a worm? You told me if I couldn’t climb that tree in 30 seconds that would be my dinner. I had it in my mouth, you pleb!” He put a hand on his chest, dramatically, going on and on about how Virgil almost 'made him’ do these things. Luckily, Roman didn’t eat the worm, he got real dinner, but Virgil got a kick out of watching him try and almost release it into the wild with a “Virge, this thing has a family, come on-”. Virgil let out a snort, okay, it was super hard. ROMAN STOP BEING FUNNY! WIPE THAT SMIRK OFF YOUR FACE! Since Roman didn’t know Virgil was ticklish (until the potions fics) he relied on his cunning charm and humor to spite Virgil, which of course was the same Virgil did to Roman. It was so close, he could pass the test! He’d make the guard if only- “Remember the porcupine incident?” Virgil fell to his knees laughing, it was so stupid and unfair! The others had no idea what Roman said, since they couldn’t hear, but Talyn and Joan shared a look like “?????” along with a look of “..awww they’re friends-” Virgil, the next day, thought he failed. Roman came back with the results. “Virgil, Talyn, and Joan. You three are the head of squads A, B, and C.” Virgil was shocked. After Roman finished, everyone but them two left, and Virgil was like “But- But I thought if we weren’t serious enough we’d fail-” “Oh please! You think I’d fail you just because you laughed at something I said?? Virgil, I don’t want my guards to be losers! I don’t want them so stuck up about the rules and court, the way we do things, that stuff is so boring! I want guards who are more than just that, they can /have a sense of humor!/” Virgil was about to tear up before he turned bright red and glared at him. “YOU LITTLE SHI- YOU MADE ME LAUGH IN FRONT OF EVERYONE WHY–” “It was adorable, stormcloud!” “Storm..cloud?” “..Do you not-” “Nah, it’s actually cool. I’ll keep that nickname over pleb, thanks.”

Edit/Add-On #3 Not Yet Here

~This little area will change when edited, so refresh if you need to to check if it’s newer~

#Drabbles #Random Ideas #Robbie Rants?? Sorta-#Not to be deleted tho- just reposted a lot so glitches and yeah--#Happy reading-#anyone has other tips on organizing this mess of stuff #let me know how to make it easier/less intimidating to read/etc-

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nyxwordsmith · 6 years

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Chemically Imbalanced: Chapter 23: Opening the Door

A/N: I know I updated the other day, but apparently I’m on a creative streak (have a slept? Nope! Am I going to? Right after this goes up XD) So here! Have another chapter! OH! And I already have 24 done soooooooo that one might go up soon too!

Warnings: Harassment, Confrontation, Swearing, Smoking, Anxiety, Insecurity

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Read on AO3

After months of bitter cold and overcast skies, the weak winter sun had managed to seize the opportunity of one clear day to remind the world it existed. For the first time in months, as spring approached, scarves and beanies and gloves were abandoned.

A soft breeze blew through the warmed air, a nip of cold, a reminder that winter had not yet fled completely. That spring may be coming, but winter had yet to relinquish its grip.

All the same, the sunlight was a welcome change on Virgil’s skin, feeling so warm and foreign he just wanted to sit in a patch of it.

And yet, his feet followed Joan. They didn’t seem bothered that the phone was vibrating in their hand, or that Virgil was following at a distance.

They ended up quite a distance from any of the entrances, at a secluded part of walkway, bathed in sunlight with a single bench for the pair to sit on. A tree shielded them from view, giving them both privacy for…whatever it was that was going to happen.

Joan turned to Virgil, the phone lighting up again in their hands, but they either didn’t mind or weren’t going to let it show, “Why don’t you have a smoke?” they asked, gesturing to the bench.

He was hesitant as he stepped forward, reaching into his hoodie, but Joan leant against the wall opposite, arms crossed over their chest. The moment he sat, Virgil felt uneasy, even as he ducked his head to light the cigarette.

Joan waited for the lighter to spark to life, “First, why do you think I hate you?”

Virgil’s leg was already bouncing rapidly, nerves alight with energy he couldn’t utilise, “It’s…” There’s a moment of bravery and he manages to take a deep breath, straightening a little, “It’s-“ but when Virgil’s eyes meet Joan’s, the courage flees and his eyes drop back to the pavement. He slumps over his own thighs, forearms bracing him over his knees. “…Stupid.”

Joan’s eyes darkened, hand tightening around the still vibrating phone, “Virgil.” Their voice is a serious and low warning. That they aren’t taking avoidance for an answer.

Virgil cringes from the scrutiny, pulling his hoodie more closely around himself. It didn’t matter how he said this. It was going to sound stupid and juvenile and just…

He took a deep breath, staring at the cigarette as it burned idly between his fingers, “You’re…different around me then them.” He shrugged, keeping his eyes cast to the ground as he drew in a deep drag.

“I mean-“

“No, look, it’s fine.” Virgil ignored the twinge in his chest that said it wasn’t fine, but this was not something he wanted to talk about. “I get it. I understand.”

“Understand?” Joan asked, voice low and softer than before, “What do you-“

“You think I’ll become Todd, I get it.” The words shot out of his mouth, his shoulders drawing up tight and tense, taking another deep drag of the cigarette, “But it’s fine, whatever, I get it.”

Joan frowned, pushing off the wall, “Virgil-“

“Forget it, alright?” Virgil leant back a little, pulling his feet up onto the bench and wrapping an arm protectively around them, “Just…forget it.”

Their brows furrowed, clearly wanting to push the issue, but Virgil looked down the walkway and taking another drag of his cigarette.

“Alright.” Joan sighed, “Alright, I’ll drop it for now.” They flopped onto the bench beside Virgil, giving him as much room as he needed, “So, why come to me then?”

Virgil shifted uncomfortably. There was a long, awkward silence as the phone rang on and off, Joan watching the screen light up and go dark. It was on the third ring that Virgil finally found the words he needed.

“Because you care about Roman.” Virgil admitted, nearly a mumble as he tossed the cigarette butt away and went to pull out another, “Even if you never come to trust me, or whatever, you care about him.” Joan’s eyebrows shot up as Virgil lit the cigarette and sank back, nearly disappearing into his hoodie, “And you want him happy. This…” Virgil waved to the phone in Joan’s hand, “Would be the opposite of that.”

Joan smirked, leaning back against the bench and relaxing a little, “I’m going to be honest for a little bit here, so hear me out.” Virgil squirmed, more of his hair falling over his eyes and Joan took a deep breath, “You’re right. I don’t trust you.” Virgil flinched, “It’ll take a lot for me to trust you, in all fairness.” There was silence as a breeze blew over the pair, “Todd was good for Roman in the beginning too. Made him really happy.”

“I can imagine.” Virgil sighed, earning himself a sideways glance from Joan, “I’ve seen-” He started in a mumble, “But like-“ Virgil jerked, shaking his head, “No, forget it.”

Joan noticed the tremor in Virgil’s hand when he lifted the cigarette to take a drag, turning their gaze back down to the phone, “To be completely honest, Virgil, this?” they lifted the phone, waving it a little in the air, and Virgil turned his head slightly. His bangs still covered his eyes, but Joan knew he was watching, “This is a start.”

A tiny, hesitant smile pulled at Virgil’s lips. An offer at a truce. A tiny plea for help. “Cool.”

Joan knew that was probably all they were getting out of Virgil, at least for now, “So, no, I don’t quite trust you. Yet.” They clarified, smirking when Virgil’s eyes met theirs, searching their face closely, “But you’re on the right path.”

“’Kay.” Virgil breathed out, most of the tension seeping out of his shoulders and he let his feet down, boots crunching on the pavement, “So…what do we do about that?”

Joan grinned, “Do you trust me with this?” they asked, crossing their ankle over their knee.

Virgil finished the last of his second cigarette and tossed it away, but Joan was glad he didn’t pull out a third. If Roman was right, a chain-smoking Virgil was dangerous. Instead, the punk let his head fall back, resting it on the back of the bench.

“I don’t even know where to start with that.” Virgil muttered quietly, the breeze blowing his bangs out of his eyes and revealing his gaze was on the clear, blue sky above, “I couldn’t reply, I wanted to block the number, but that could have made it worse…and honestly? No one else to go to about it.”

“Can I ask why?”

“Roman is finally healing.” Virgil sighed, a small, pleased smile spreading on his face, “You saw him in the arcade.” Joan’s eyes widened a little, surprised that Virgil had even noticed, “He was cracking wise again, the smartass.” He chuckled, earning a small smirk from Joan themselves, “And it’s so nice to see that again.”

Joan looked down to the phone, cradling it in their hands. Maybe they were wrong about Virgil after all.

“And that’s why I couldn’t go to Roman about this.” He sighed hard, “And of course, even though Talyn’s my best friend, they don’t know anything.”

Joan’s eyes widened, “You haven’t told them?”

Virgil’s head snapped up, eyes wide as they met Joan’s, “No.” he answered, looking like Joan had slapped him, “It’s not my place.”

Joan’s face softened, the tiny smile growing a little, “Alright, alright.” They nodded, “So, I was both a last resort, and someone who understood.”

Virgil’s face relaxed, the corner of his lip twitching up into an uneasy smirk, “Well, yeah…and…” Virgil sank back against the bench, head resting back, “You would know how to deal with him.”

Joan snorted, looking back down at the phone, “Oh, I know, alright.”

Virgil’s eyebrow arched, lifting his head a little, “So, what do we do?”

They took a deep breath, “You’re probably not going to like this, but do you trust me?”

Another long, uneasy silence fell over them as Virgil searched Joan’s face. For what? They weren’t entirely sure. But it took a very long time for Virgil to find what he wanted. Now Joan understood what Roman meant. The guy seemed to see more than he let on.

“I don’t, if I’m being honest.” Virgil answered slowly, “But I also don’t have much choice.” He finished with an attempt at a nonchalant shrug. He started shifting his foot back-and-forth over the pavement, seeming to enjoy the steady crunching noise his boot was making as it moved, “What I care about, is if this is going to backfire onto Roman.”

Joan was starting to think they’d really misjudged Virgil.

“Care to elaborate?”

Virgil glanced down as the phone lit up again, but forced himself to look up at the clear sky again, “Whatever you’re going to do, is Todd going to use it to lash out at Roman?” Virgil asked slowly.

Joan’s grip tightened on the phone again as Virgil’s boot stopped moving and he started bouncing his knee again, crossing his arms tightly over his chest.

“Before I answer that, what about you?”

There wasn’t even a pause, not even a thought seemed to cross Virgil’s mind as he shrugged, “I don’t care what he tries to do to me.” Virgil answered with more confidence than Joan had expected, “I can handle some ass-hat with control issues.” Joan was starting to wonder exactly what Virgil wasn’t capable of. “What I care about is if he goes after Roman.”

Joan was quiet for a few moments, pondering Virgil’s words. Sure, Virgil could turn into another Todd. But even back then, Joan had sensed something off. The way Todd had spoken about Roman, tried to get between them…and eventually succeeding…it was different to how Virgil spoke about Roman.

“Virgil, with more time, Roman could take care of himself too-“

Virgil shook his head slowly, “I would rather it never came to that.” Something hardened in his eyes, something steely that made even Joan’s shoulders tense, “Roman’s dealt with enough from that prick.”

There was an edge; protective and fierce; that nearly made Joan shudder with the sliver of ice that shot up his spine. The doubt already taking seed in Joan’s mind, started to grow.

“I can almost guarantee that nothing will happen to Roman.” Joan answered, regretting the slight waver in their voice as they looked down to the phone. It had been silent for a while, but Joan knew that wouldn’t last long. Virgil shifted his head slightly, watching from beneath his bangs, “And I’m sure the reason will come up if you let me-“

The phone lit up, vibrating again and Joan’s eyes snapped to Virgil’s. For the first time, the pair searched each other, no words passing between them. And for the first time, Joan could see the uncertainty and sincere concern on Virgil’s face.

“Whatever you’re doing, it better not come back to bite you too.” He answered, nodding to Joan and shifting uncomfortably on the bench.

Joan grinned, “Oh, Todd wouldn’t dare.”

Lifting the phone, Joan flicked the answer icon across the screen and pressed the speaker icon. Virgil was silent and tense beside them, practically vibrating with anxiety as his fingers drummed over his bicep.

“Look, I know I’ve been a pain, but can you please just-“ Todd’s voice was deep and melodic, just as Joan remembered, but they could hear through the thin veil of concern and sincerity, “-Virgil, hear me out. It’s import-“

Joan growled, “I thought I recognised the number.”

There was a long, drawn out silence before Todd finally spoke again, “Joan.” He growled, all pretence of worry and innocence lost. Virgil’s shoulders rose a little, a tiny fire burning in his eyes as his jaw tensed, but his knee continued to bounce, his fingers still thrumming over his bicep.

“Man, harassing the boyfriend?” Joan shook their head, smirking mockingly like Todd could see it, “That’s a new low, Todd.”

“I have nothing to say to you.”

“Then this will be a pleasantly short conversation.”

“Where is Virgil?”

Joan was almost relieved that Todd had to ask. That meant he wasn’t around, and the lack of accusation in his voice meant he couldn’t see the pair. He didn’t already know. “Inside, I think.” Joan lied, “Said something about a drink.”

“You were always a terrible liar.”

They rolled their eyes, “Why would I want to be good at it?” Virgil’s eyes were still filled with uncertainty, but an amused smile was starting to pull at the corner of his mouth, his fingers no longer tapping on his arm.

“I have nothing to say to you.”

“That’s a relief.” Joan sighed, “Wouldn’t want to report a breach.” Virgil’s brows suddenly furrowed, shoulders hiking up a little as his eyes caught Joan’s. They shook their head, Later.

“I don’t want to talk to you.”

“How unfortunate, we always have such pleasant conversations.” Joan couldn’t help but imagine the sarcasm dripping from his mouth, burning like acid.

“When is he getting back?”

“How would I know?”

“You’re his friend, aren’t you?”

Joan met Virgil’s eyes, “Acquaintances.”

“Not a fan?”

Joan quipped, “Not your business.” Virgil gave Joan a small smirk, receiving one in return. Maybe in time that could change, Joan thought to themselves.

“Have I ever told you how much I hate you?”

Joan hummed as though thinking, “Almost every single time we’ve spoken.”

“It hasn’t changed.”

“Oh, the feelings mutual.”

“You irritate me.”

“I like to think of myself as the mosquito that won’t die.”

“You are such a pain.”

“Buzz buzz, mother fucker.” Virgil had to slap his sleeve over his mouth to muffle the surprised snicker that escaped him, eyes shining with pure amusement. Joan couldn’t help but smile back.

“You always liked to waste my time.”

Joan snickered, leaning back and pretending to study their nails, “It was always my favourite past time.”

“You are such an insolent child.”

“Oh, devolving into insults already?” Joan asked, letting an eyebrow rise, “This normally goes for so much longer. I’m disappointed.”

“I don’t have time to play games with you, Joan.”

Joan laughed, “Is that what this is?” they asked, glancing sideways to Virgil, who was still muffling snickers into his sleeve. His knee wasn’t bouncing quite so fast now, “I thought you were stalling, hoping for Virgil to come back.”

“I cannot express how much I hate you.”

“Sounds like a you problem.”

There was a click from the phone and silence settled again. Joan could feel the nerves and anger catching up with them again, hand starting to shake as they lowered the phone, but Virgil quickly plucked it out of Joan’s hand.

“Breach?” he asked quietly, thumbing through his phone for a few moments.

Joan had to take a few deep, slow breaths, “Long story.”

Virgil finished whatever he was doing, locking the phone and trying to relax as he tucked it into the pocket of his hoodie, “We’ve got time.”

Talyn was pretty sure they had never seen Roman so worked up before. Sure, the arcade had been a welcome distraction for a while, but the longer Virgil and Joan were gone, the more worked up he seemed to get.

They’d attempted to distract him further, opting to go and grab a warm drink from a nearby café, but Roman had refused pretty quickly. So now they were walking idly through clothing stores, his eyes glassy and distracted as he ran his hand over different fabrics.

Talyn had never been so relieved to receive a text in their life.

[Dark and Dorky]: You guys still at the arcade?

[Tal]: Nah, we’re looking at clothes now.

[Dark and Dorky]: Which store?

It was the fastest Virgil had been replying in a week, and Talyn couldn’t help but smile. Maybe talking with Joan had helped. They just hoped that whatever this was, it would last longer than a few days.

[Tal]: Hang on, Ro wants to go to a different store.

[Dark and Dorky]: We’ll meet you there.

When Roman settled on a store, Talyn shot a quick text to Virgil, beaming as Roman studied a few racks. He suddenly stopped, turning to Talyn as they studied a shirt with interest, “You don’t think they’re fighting, do you?”

The sudden question stunned Talyn for a moment, the shirt half-held in their hand, “Roman?”

“I know Joan can be stubborn and Virgil means well but-“

Talyn quickly dropped the shirt, putting their hand on Roman’s bicep. His eyes followed their hand, “Roman, look at me.” His eyes met hers, filled with fear and concern. Talyn couldn’t blame him. They didn’t want to lose their best friend or their partner either, “Joan can be stubborn, but they’re also reasonable. And Virgil isn’t the type to tear you away from them.” Talyn offered a small smile, “I can’t promise they aren’t fighting, but I’m pretty sure they’re talking.”

Roman nodded slowly, but it was pretty clear he didn’t believe them, his eyes unfocussed as he turned away and bit his lip. Talyn frowned as he wandered over to another rack, sifting through it listlessly when an idea occurred to them.

“Hey, why don’t we just try on some stuff?”

Roman turned to them, eyes confused but a little more focussed as they stepped over, “What? Why?”

“For fun!”

“I can’t buy any of this.”

Talyn shrugged, “So?” they asked, “Besides…” they glanced over their shoulder, before straining on their toes a little and whispering conspiratorially, “Tell me if you like anything.” Roman immediately wanted to protest, but Talyn continued, “Virgil’s not the only one allowed to treat you.”

Roman’s eyes darkened, “Talyn, I appreciate the thought-“

Talyn tutted, interrupting Roman as they dropped back down onto their heels, “I’m not taking no as an answer, Ro.” They winked, “And I’m not as nice about it as Virgil.”

Roman frowned, holding Talyn’s eyes as he clearly considered arguing, but after a few moments sighed and slumped, “Fine.” He rolled his eyes, offering a half-smile, before straightening.

It took a few minutes for Roman to get into the swing of it, the pair moving toward the changerooms with arms full of clothes, and Talyn laughed as Roman dramatically swung the curtain closed. After the first few outfit changes, most of which looked absolutely adorable, Roman poked his head out in the middle of changing.

“Um…”

“Hm?”

Roman was blushing a little, “I thought I’d take a risk with this one but, uh…” the usually confident boy’s eyes darted everywhere but Talyn, “…I’m not so sure.”

They chuckled as they moved closer, “Gimme a look, c’mon.”

Roman pushed the curtain aside when Talyn was in front of them, grinning as soon as he revealed the outfit. He nervously ran a hand through his hair, trying to smile bravely at Talyn.

“You like those kinda shirts, huh?”

Roman’s cheeks blushed a little brighter, “I know it’s not like, well, ya know…” he shifted uncomfortably, fidgeting with the ends of a lock of hair, “…I mean, it’s not- I guess I mean-“

“Roman, it looks good.”

He jerked with surprise, eyes going wide and bright lights danced in his eyes, a cautious smile pulling onto his face, “You don’t think it’s weird?” he asked quietly, hand dropping from his hair.

“Not at all!” Talyn answered, “You can wear whatever you want, Roman.” They grinned proudly as that cautious smile turned into a hopeful one. Roman risked another glance into the mirror, “It looks good.”

A familiar, gravelly but warm voice suddenly spoke from nearby, “What looks good?”

Roman squeaked, throwing the curtain closed and Talyn couldn’t help but laugh as Virgil frowned at the curtain in confusion. Talyn put their hand on Virgil’s shoulder, “Roman?”

“No one here by that name. Nope. Not Roman.” He answered quickly, voice quivering a little as he held the curtain closed.

Virgil nodded to Talyn, smiling warmly as he put his hand against the curtain, where Roman’s was pushing against the fabric, “Hey, it’s alright.” Virgil could feel Roman’s hand shaking, “If you don’t want to show me, that’s okay.”

“No!” Roman cried, “I do but-“ there was a silence between the pair, and Talyn could feel that something was being said they couldn’t decipher.

“I understand.” He said softly, “When you’re ready.”

There was another silence between them, this one more of patience than things being said. Talyn expected Roman to declare that he was changing, but instead there was a quiet, “Can I…I mean…at home? Maybe?”

A bright, warm and genuinely relaxed smile finally graced Virgil’s face, for the first time in a week and Talyn couldn’t help but smile too, “Of course, baby.”

“My shout!” Talyn cried, rushing off before Roman could protest and Virgil laughed as they disappeared.

General A-G @a-blog-just-for-sanders @alwaysmy-lilith @alyssadashrub @areyousirius-noheisdead @catnip002 @dans-hoop-earring @darastrix-thurirl @darkle-elkrad @eye-of-terrific @evillive369 @fandoms-n-ship @fandomsofrandom @fivecroftersjams @fullmetallovr21 H-N @hamster-corn @helloisthisusernametaken @hissesssss @irish-newzealand-idian-dutch @imasmallchild @justanotherpurplebutterfly @lowkeyvirgilobsessed @meginoi O-U @onehundredphans @peanut0303 @princeyandanxiety @red-the-ruler @royallyanxious @swlotakulady34 @skadinavien @sos-fandoms @pearly-sims T-Z @themysteriousballetanon @the-prince-and-the-emo @thestoryofme13 @threepeppers @toujours-fidele @ultimate-queen-of-fandoms @winglessnymph @xxfluffypandazxx @yall-need-andraste

Chemically Imbalanced

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J-L @jade-dragon226-fan @jordan6803 @kaymischief25 @kirsten-the-freak @knight--of--ni @llamaly @livsig @lockolocka @logicalpasta @loonylovely

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V-X @verymuchanidiot @virgil-sanders6 @watch-me-introvert @whoviannekogal @wtf-is-a-side

Y-Z @zamoradraw

#Chemically Imbalanced #Sanders Sides #Fanfic #Nyx fic #Prinxiety #Talyn x Joan #Roman Prince #Virgil Sanders #OC Joan #OC Talyn #OC Todd #Harassment tw #Smoking tw #Swearing tw #Insecurity tw #Anxiety tw #Confrontation tw

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