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"Patton?"
A soft knock came from his bedroom door. It was late in the afternoon but Patton couldn't bring himself to get up and make dinner tonight. There were enough leftovers in the fridge anyways, that and the fact that they didn't really need to eat.
"I'm coming in, ok?" The smooth voice said before he could reply, opening his door quietly.
Patton shrunk back into the covers of his bed, quickly trying to wipe his face away of snot and tears. His head was weighed down, full of feelings that left him laying there, staring at his ceiling.
His head throbbed with loud thoughts that wouldn't leave him as he sat up in his bed.
He didn't know what brought this on, maybe it was from the stresses of the past week. Maybe it was because there was no more cookies left in the cookie jar just when he needed one. What he does know is that he doesn't want anyone to worry about something so silly as little old him.
"Sorry Janus, I know I wasn't there for dinner tonight, I was just so tired. I needed a quick cat-nap" he smiled as best he could, pulling over his cat hood, hoping the small joke would distract Janus from the fact it was stained heavily with tears.
"No it's alright Patton, I was just wondering if you wanted to join us for movie night?" Janus said with a sympathetic smile.
Oh biscuits, that was today. He had completely forgotten.
It was a bi-monthly occurrence, where everyone would gather around the TV with snacks and blankets and just take the time to relax around each other, just for a little while.
Although with tensions so high it was rare for anyone other than Patton and Janus to be present these days.
A knot tightened in Patton's chest, he really didn't want anyone else to see him like this, that is if they were even there. And knowing him one sad movie scene would have him balling into his knees all over again. But what if the others thought that he was avoiding them? Would they be disappointed that he didn't show? But probably not right... Not after the wedding...
"Patton?" Janus repeated.
He had been in his own head to even notice him talking, not until he felt a gloved hand on top of his. Janus sitting on the bed next to him, wearing his yellow silk pajamas with a black fluffy robe over the top.
"Sorry, just thinking about what movie to watch" he mustered with a small halfhearted giggle.
"Come now, you really expect me to believe that?" Janus replyed teasingly.
"I- Um.. yes?" Patton smiled weakly.
Janus chuckled, slowly pulling Patton out of his bed, gathering his blanket in his arms for him.
"Let's go, I think the others have already chosen. I'm sure you'll like it" he said leading Patton to his door, slowly following behind him.
With a small sigh Patton nodded, heading out into the common room where everyone was gathered. Perhaps a movie would lift his spirits.
Virgil, Roman, Remus and Logan were all sat on and around the couch wearing pajamas (well minus Remus who was thankfully covered by a large octopus patterned blanket).
Patton let out a small gasp at the sight. Everyone was here...
There were an array of snacks gathered on the coffee table, from pretzels to candy. Enough for all of them.
And on the TV screen the starting screen of a movie played "The Heffalump Movie". Whinnie the Pooh, Patton's favourite.
Patton froze, he could have burst into tears there and then. It was his favourite movie, a movie rooted in deep nostalgia and comfort for the side.
Most importantly it was the one movie where he could cry as much as he wanted and not be questioned or chastised. Most of the other sides knew how much he loved it, how every time he would watch it he would end up happier than before. Even if it included him crying throughout most of the film for how wholesome it was.
It gave him a good cover to let it all out.
"Hey Pat... listen I know tonight we were meant to watch Wish but I thought we could watch this instead, the reviews are shocking for that movie anyways." Virgil said with a nervous smile, patting the empty seat next to him gently.
Patton nodded quickly, tears filling his eyes as he hurried to sit next to Virgil. Not forgetting to give a warm smile to Janus, who handed him his blanket before getting comfortable himself.
They had done this for him? Had they? They don't hate him? They're not mad for him skipping dinner? For all his mistakes? For the wedding? For-
His thoughts were blown away as Roman pressed play on the movie, grabbing a big bowl of popcorn.
And surprisingly the movie started with little outburst from anyone, no protests or vulgar comments from Remus (thanks to Janus's bribery) just the sound of sweet classical music as the movie progressed.
But Janus couldn't help but watch Patton with a confused expression, because the longer the movie went on the more tears Patton spilled. Was this some sort of sick prank the others were pulling? Why was no one saying anything?
"You said this was his favourite movie, why is he still crying?" Janus whispered over to Logan sat next to him with a hiss.
"It is his favourite, he says so insistently. As for why..."
He looked at Patton, his head tucked into his blanket, eyes fixed onto the screen as tears dropped down onto the soft material bellow him. And yet a small smile could be seen on his lips as he watched Kanga sing to Roo on the screen.
~ Little mister roo... Reaching for the moon ~
"I suppose it gives him a time to process his feelings, to allow him to be emotional and, albeit, indulge in something a little childish" Logan whispered back, taking a sip from his tea.
Janus hummed thoughtfully in response. Watching as Pattons once sad tearful expression turned to a happier tearful expression.
By the time the movie was finished everyone seemed ready for bed, especially Patton, exhausted from crying so much. His head resting on Virgil's shoulder, his eyes close to shutting.
Remus and Logan quickly excused themselves and headed to their separate rooms, not being able to take in another second of Whinnie the pooh. Although pleased they could help Patton in some way. (Well Remus was there for the free food but it's the thought that counts).
Roman and Janus watched them depart as they cleaned up the remaining food on the coffee table. Before heading to the kitchen.
"As much as I loathe to say this..." Roman began, placing the last of the dishes away.
"Thank you, it was clear he needed that" he finished with a small sigh, excusing himself before heading up the stairs to his room.
A small smile was left on Janus's lips as he turned to see both Virgil and Patton asleep on the couch.
Maybe things really were going to be ok.