What would be jds’s reaction to hlvrai crew be? I’d bet Joey would be fascinated, and Henry would probably sit with Gordon and talk. Gordon probably needs a stable dude like Henry to talk to about the science team shenanigans.
Henry becomes Gordon’s therapist and Joey learns how to become more evil
Chapter Summary: November 27th 2019- (that date is correct, lol ignore the prior dates). It’s the day before Thanksgiving. Roman gives Patton a ride to the airport before heading home himself.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14
Check out my writing blog for more of my works: @hiddendreamerwriting
“Okay, I’ll only be gone for a few days.” Patton explained, stuffing extra food into Virgil’s cage. The borrower’s eyes widened, watching the food mountain grow in front of him. How much did Patton think he ate? There was a large variety as well, including several more tiny pancakes. “But I made sure to make enough just in case. Roman will be back sooner than me, so he’ll come check in on you, too.”
Roman? Virgil’s face paled. He hadn’t even seen the other human in weeks, and Virgil had no desire to change that. One human was more than enough trouble.
“Don’t worry, he’s really nice.” Patton assured him, noticing Virgil’s reaction. “And I’ll tell him not to grab you. Just, if you run out of anything, don’t hesitate to ask him, okay?”
Virgil already knew he’d rather starve again for a few days than speak aloud to another human. He had already spoken to Patton far more than he should. Still, noticing Patton still staring at him, Virgil gave a nod to show he understood.
“Great!” Patton’s face lit up. Of course, he was still nervous about leaving Virgil alone. All throughout the ride to the airport it was on his mind, and Patton tapped his leg nervously.
“Y’know, you don’t have to keep doing that.” Roman reminded him, causing Patton to jump slightly. Roman chuckled, hands still firmly on the wheel as his eyes scanned the road. He had offered to drop Patton off before heading home himself.
“Sorry.” Patton gave a sheepish grin.
“They’re going to be fine.” Roman insisted, reaching over to put a comforting hand on Patton’s leg.
“I know.” Patton smiled, watching Roman’s hand return to the wheel. “But I can’t stop worrying anyways.” Patton gazed out the window. “About everything.”
“...at least you’ll see Dee again.” Roman pointed out, trying to cheer him up.
At the mention of his brother, Patton tensed. “I guess.” He affirmed.
“Wait, what’s wrong?” Roman frowned. “Last time you were talking my ear off about ol’ snake charmer.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I love Dee.” Patton explained. “And I love my dad, but the two of them don’t exactly...get along. And I think things are just getting worse now that they’re stuck with just each other. They keep fighting, texting me to rat out the other as if I’m supposed to take sides.”
“That’s ridiculous.” Roman shook his head. “You’re attending school like a thousand miles away, it shouldn’t be your problem.”
“I know.” Patton sighed. “I think they just invited me down so that they can actually have an excuse to be civil. It’s like without me they’d just... break down.”
Patton shook his head, clearing his thoughts. “But it’s fine, I’m sure they can keep it together for a few days. It will be nice to see them.” Roman was quiet for a moment.
“...look out for yourself, alright?” Roman finally spoke, pulling into the airport. “I don’t want to get a broken Pat back.” Patton leaned over, giving Roman a hug.
“I will.” Patton promised, pulling back and getting out of the car. “See you soon!”
Roman watched his friend grab his bag, pulling the little luggage on its wheels into the airport. He sighed, driving back towards his hometown. It was only an hour outside of school, and just a few blocks over was Patton’s childhood home. Patton’s mom still lived there, but his dad had moved out west after the messy divorce. When their mom tried to enforce rules at home, Dee followed their dad soon after.
“What a mess.” Roman shook his head sadly. It was a shame that Patton had to deal with those issues at a time that should be dedicated to celebrating. Pulling into his own driveway, Roman smiled as he saw his little brother waiting for him with a handmade welcome sign.
“Roman!” Thomas tackled his brother with a hug the moment he got out of the car, causing Roman to take a step back in order to keep his balance.
“Oof!” Roman grunted, smiling down at his brother. He tussled Thomas’ hair. “Nice sign.”
“I made it in art class.” Thomas said, eagerly tugging Roman by the arm. “Mrs. O’Malley liked it a lot, she helped with the paint. And I’ve got a surprise waiting, too-”
“Woah there, wait a minute thomathy.” Roman eased his limb back. “Let me grab my bags first.”
“I can help!” Thomas quickly ran to the side of the vehicle, pulling the heavy bag with all his might. Roman gave a slight chuckle, easily picking up the handle and wheeling the bag behind him.
“Here, you can carry this one.” Roman suggested, handing Thomas a much lighter bag. The two made their way into the house and up the stairs, plopping the bags up onto Roman’s childhood bed. He didn’t even have a moment to reminisce before Thomas was tugging him along again, back into his younger brother’s room.
“Close your eyes.” Thomas instructed. Roman dutifully covered his eyes, allowing Thomas to guide him over to sit on the bed. Roman slowly began to move his fingers simply to tease his sibling.
“Hey, no peeking!” Thomas said sternly, coming over to put Roman’s hands back into place.
“I’m not.” Roman chuckled, his own smirk betraying him. This time Roman kept his eyes covered, listening to Thomas shift through what sounded like a stack of papers.
“Okay, you can open them.”
Roman slowly uncovered his eyes, seeing it looked to be a poster for a production of A Christmas Carol.
“I auditioned last week.” Thomas’ grin was almost shy, looking a bit nervous. “I couldn’t wait to tell you. I’m the ghost of Christmas present, I get a costume change and everything. I’m gonna be an actor just like you.”
“Thomas, that’s wonderful!” Roman exclaimed, grabbing Thomas and spinning him around. The youngest Sanders had always been interested in the stage, and was Roman’s #1 fan. Unfortunately he had been too nervous to audition himself; well, up until now, it seemed.
“I’m so proud of you.” Roman said fondly, stopping to give his brother a proper hug. “But what did I say about growing up without me?”
“It’s your fault for leaving.” Thomas shrugged, nestling into Roman’s chest.
Warnings: Fear, panic, kidnapping, keeping/treating people like pets, threats, and unwanted touching/grabbing
First Chapter || Previous Chapter
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Just as the trio had fallen asleep, there came an insistent knocking at the door.
Roman groaned, eyes opening slightly as he glanced over at the door. Who on earth was knocking at this time at night? He got up, being extra careful not to jostle the two humans and went to open his door, cracking it open just a tad. “Hello?”
“Ah, Prince Roman.” The royal sorcerer gave a low bow. “I hate to disturb you at such a late hour.”
Roman tensed, going from surprise to a strong glare in under a second. “What do you want?” Roman growled out.
“There was a mistake in my spellcasting.” Dee explained, attempting to use his silver tongue. “A catastrophe in my lab, quite a mess as you can imagine. And those poor humans were caught in the thick of it- mainly hallucinogens, you understand- and when they came to the wretch-er, charming little vermin were spouting off lies about me left and right.”
Roman continued to glare at him. “...I see. Well, we must inform Logan of this immediately.” He closed moved out into the hall without opening the door much more than it already was and closed it behind him. He gave Dee a tight smile. “Shall we?”
“I’ve already informed Logan.” Dee assured him. “After all, my loyalty lies first with the throne. King Logan sent me here to clear their tiny heads.”
Roman narrowed his eyes. “Right, well, I hope you don’t mind but I want to speak with Logan first before I do anything. Just to make sure.” He motioned again for Dee to walk in that direction. There was no way he was letting Dee have his humans.
“Prince Roman, while this is an urgent matter, the King has asked not to be disturbed.” Dee took a step forward. “Stand aside so I can complete my orders.”
Roman only stood up straighter, moving so he was blocking the door even more. “No.”
“Roman.” Dee put a single gloved hand on Roman’s shoulder, giving him a sickeningly sweet smile. “You really don’t want to do this.”
Roman pushed Dee’s hand off of him. “I’m not letting you get your slimy hands on them again.”
Dee paused, taking in Roman’s demeanor. It seemed the giant was going nowhere anytime soon.
“Very well.” Dee straightened up, taking a step back. “Have it your way.”
Without warning Roman was suddenly thrown to the side, pushed by an invisible force as Dee directed the shadows in the hall to overthrow the prince’s balance.
“Gah!” Roman cried as he was thrown to the ground. He hit it with a large thud. “Help! Guards! Logan!” He started shouting.
Dee pushed his limbs forward, and a large gust of wind blew open the heavy double doors.
Virgil jolted awake, shocked by the sound of the doors slamming open. He paled, recognizing the intruder as he strode in like he owned the place.
Thomas too, jolted awake at both the sound of the door and at Virgil moving. He stared into the darkness, realizing with dread that the giant coming into the room was Dee. And, looking around, Roman was nowhere in sight.
Roman stood up and-knowing he had no chance to stop Dee as long as he had his magic-ran quickly towards Logan’s room, passing several guards on his way, who he pointed in the right direction.
Dee paused, for a moment too shocked to continue forwards. “...Thomas?”
“You stay away from my brother!” Virgil shouted, getting in front of Thomas.
Dee’s expression fell back into its signature smirk. “If you two are so close, I can certainly oblige keeping you together.” He lunged forwards, taking the two into a tight grip of his fist.
“Ah!” Thomas cried out in pain as he was shoved against Virgil and Dee’s fingers. He did not miss the feeling of being confined in the slightest. “Let-Let us go!”
“No!” Dee squeezed tighter, feeling the human’s forms crush together in his grasp. “I am never letting you go, never again, you hear me? You are mine. I decide your fate, I am in control, and I. will NOT. be SILENCED!”
With this last phrase Dee’s voice had escalated to a roar, pounding through the human’s ears. The room became darker, the shadows swirling around under his command and with it came a howling wind. The sorcerer cackled, reveling in his victory. At long last, he finally had his human back.
Thomas grit his teeth hard, Dee’s grip making him unable to cover his ears. The giant screaming made them screech with pain and he had to shut his eyes in order to take it. Even so, he wouldn’t be surprised if his ears were now bleeding.
“Dee…” Thomas tried after a moment. “Please, take me but at least-at least let Virgil go.”
“I’m not giving up leverage so easily.” Dee sneered, his voice tainted with a dark echo as his true form continued to be revealed. “Your little brother here will be just another pawn to keep you in line, suffering the consequences for your transgressions should you try to escape me twice.”
“You’re insane!” Virgil screeched, trying to bite Dee’s fingers but lacking a good angle.
“No! Don’t hurt him!” Thomas shouted, practically begging. “Please, he doesn’t deserve this!”
“ENOUGH!” All three heads turned to see a furious Logan standing in the doorway, surrounded by many members of the castle staff as well as his brother.
“Ah, your royal highness, I-” Dee frantically tried to disguise himself, reeling back the dramatics and tucking the humans behind his back.
“Chancelor Dee, royal sorcerer, chair of all magical proceedings at the regal council,” Logan listed off the various titles held by the slimy snake of a man as he strode forwards, “by the power vested in me through the royal blood of the Sanders line, I hereby denounce you of your position and revoke your magical privileges.”
“NO!” Dee screeched, the shadows and wind dissipating rapidly and leaving only the shell of a man who fell to his knees, begging at the king’s feet. “Please, your highness, have mercy. This is not how it appears-”
“Spare me the theatrics.” Logan rolled his eyes, waving a pair of guards over. He got enough dramatics from his brother. Holding his hands outstretched, Logan caught the humans when the guards forced Dee’s hands open, painfully yanking them behind the former sorcerer's back.
As Thomas found himself in Logan’s hands he let out a long sigh of relief and clung to his brother, still shaking from the entire affair.
Patton looked at the scene worryingly from Roman’s hands. And Roman wasted no time when everything was done to be at Logan’s side. He leaned in close to the humans. “Are you okay?” He whispered.
Virgil found himself low on breaths but he managed a nod. Hopefully just some bruising.
Thomas also nodded and Roman let out a sigh of relief. He looked to Logan. “You gonna banish this snake yet or what?” He asked, eyeing Dee.
Logan nodded, turning to the prisoner with an ice cold gaze. “For your crimes against the throne and its affiliates, you are no longer welcome within our borders. You shall be escorted to the northern mountains where you to live out the rest of your days in solitude and never to disturb another person, human or giant, as long as you live.”
“And if you do,” Roman added, getting in real close. “I’ll personally make you regret it.” He threatened.
“oooOOooh, the spoiled brat’s mad I touched his toys.” Dee sneered, having no use for his charm anymore.
Virgil grit his teeth, feeling the urge to punch him as his fists clenched at his side.
Roman, feeling much the same, handed Patton to Logan and then reeled back his fist, punching Dee straight in the face.
“Whoa!” Patton yelled, not having expected that.
Dee looked just as shocked, his nose already bent to the side and beginning to bleed.
“...ow!” Dee said incredulously.
“Roman, I thought we agreed violence was unecessary.” Logan murmured, keeping his voice down while there were whispers from the crowd behind. “That being said, I support your decision.”
“HIT HIM AGAIN!” Virgil yelled, the notion causing Dee to flinch back in preparation.
Roman rolled up his sleeve. “With pleasure.”
“Roman, I think that’s enough.” Patton said, despite the fact he liked seeing Dee get punched the first time.
“Stop!” Picani seemed to agree, hastily rushing forwards. “Stop this at once, your highness. You have a reputation to uphold.”
Roman huffed but put his arm down, crossing his arms. Sometimes he really hated being the prince. He looked to the guards. “Fine, then. Just get him out of here!”
The guards did as requested, hastily dragging the injured Dee away from the scene of the crime.
“In the morning we will release the call for a new royal sorcerer, or sorcerous I suppose.” Picani explained. “But in the meantime… off with you!” Picani waved at the crowd that had gathered, dispersing them.
“That...was stressful.” Thomas admitted and Patton went over to check on them.
“You can say that again.” Roman huffed. He turned to Logan. “At least that’s over with now though. He won’t be able to hurt them anymore.”
“Indeed, and with him taken care of I know I shall rest easier.” Logan gave a yawn.
“I know it has been an eventful evening, but perhaps it is best you all head off to bed.” Picani suggested gently, leaving the decision up to the king.
“I agree.” Logan nodded. “Some rest will do us some good.”
“Yes, I believe it will.” Roman said, he turned to the humans. “Come on you two.” He motioned for Virgil and Thomas to climb on but they hesitated.
“Roman.” Patton got his attention. “Can we stick together? For tonight, at least?” Patton asked and Roman blinked.
“Oh! Uh...Logan?” Roman asked, looking at his brother.
“Where, Patton?” Logan looked to the humans in his hands. “Would the three of you like to accompany myself, or Roman?”
Patton looked up the giants. “...Both of you?” He asked.
“Both? Uh...I mean, I’m down for a sleepover.” Roman turned to Logan.
“It seems a bit juvenile, but I think it’s appropriate.” Logan agreed. The bed was certainly large enough.
“I’ll increase security outside this door and make sure you’re not disturbed.” Picani said, giving a bow. Logan gave him a nod of thanks.
Roman waited until Picani was gone to speak. “So...how do we do this? Do we all share the bed? Sleep on the floor?” Roman suggested.
“Share the bed.” Virgil voted. “That thing’s like an ocean, there’s plenty of room.”
“You have a point, Virge. Even with all of us on it, there will still be plenty of room.” Roman looked to his bed to make sure and nodded. “What do you say you Royal Bookworm?” Roman nudged Logan.
Logan rolled his eyes good-naturedly, walking over to the four poster. “I’ll take the right side. The three of you can have the middle pillow.”
“Sounds good.” Thomas spoke, while Patton squealed.
“Yay! Sleepover!” He exclaimed. Roman chuckled and made his way over to the bed, smoothing it out slightly and then motioning for Logan to get in.
Logan set the humans down, settling in himself. “Everyone comfortable?”
“Yeah.” Thomas said with a smile, snuggling into Virgil. Patton, on the other hand, was already in the middle of climbing up to Logan’s chest. He settled down with a smile.
“Now I am.”
Logan’s heart leapt up his throat, looking down at Patton fondly as he placed his palm gently over the tiny human.
“You coming, princey?” Virgil teased.
Roman smiled and rolled his eyes fondly as he got into bed as well. He settled down and laid on his side to see the others better. “Everyone all settled in?” Roman asked.
Thomas nodded and Patton hummed happily into Logan’s chest.
“Yup.” Virgil confirmed, nestling closer to his brother.
“Goodnight then.” Logan spoke aloud into the darkness, earning a chorus of ‘goodnight’s in return.
Yes, the evening had been filled with frights, as had most of the human’s separate lives through the giant world. But all three had experienced joys here as well. No matter what the morning brought, be it a new foe, a way home, or perhaps even the news this would become their permanent residence, the group was unafraid, because they were ready to face any challenges that arose together.
"I think it's here" Virgil opened the door in the walls and held it for the humans to go into the room.
Roman got out from under his desk and looked around "Yes, this is my room"
"The potion should be on the desk's drawer, but how are we going to get there?" Asked Thomas, looking up at the top of the desk.
"The same way got down before" the borrower reached into his bag and got his hook out "stand back" was all the warning he gave to the others before he threw his hook to the top, failing a couple of times before it got stuck "All ready"
"Are you sure it's a good idea?" Asked Roman " mean, going down is one thing, but climbing all the way up... I don't know if I can do it"
Virgil gave the prince a warm smile and grabbed his shoulders "Listen, you escaped a kid, somehow managed to get to me in the town, came back to the castle and escaped again, at this size"
"But it was you doing it for me most of the time..."
"And you know what? I didn't have to, you convinced me to help you, and let me tell you, it's very difficult for me to trust someone" Virgil's smile wend wider "And I'm sure you can do it Roman, your kingdom needs you"
Roman took a deep breath "Okay, let's do it" he walked to the rope and took it, it was right next to one of the desk's legs, so he used it to help him while he climbed, one hand after the other, one foot after the other, Roman kept repeating those words on his head as he followed them, and when he least expected it, he was already at the top.
Thomas and Virgil followed him, the borrower took his hook and used it to open the drawer enough for him to get inside, he pushed it to open it ven more once he was inside "I'll get it out but you have to pull it to the table"
Virgil pulled the bottle until he could pass the top to the humans or them to pull it, once the bottle was in the table, Virgil got out of the drawer "Patton's cup was in there too" he handed it to Thomas.
"Thanks" he walked to the bottle and got the cork of, some of the potion spilled on the table, but Thomas was able to fill the cup with it "I'll go first okay?"
Roman nodded, the teacher got closer to the edge and drank the potion, he left the cup in the desk and jumped down once he was big enough.
The prince turned to Virgil "I guess this is it..."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm not going to force you to stay once I'm human sized again, I know what you think about us and if you don't want to be here, I understand"
"No" said Virgil firmly "First of all, I need your help to find Patton, second of all, I might hate humans, but you're my friend now no matter what, and last but not least, we came here together, and we're going to finish it together"
Roman smiled "Whatever you say storm cloud, but, I want to give you something before I grow back" he took his sash off and handed it to Virgil "a little goodbye present"
Virgil took it and held it tight "you don't have to"
"But I want Virgil, is one of my ways to thank you"
The borrower smiled "then take this" he took his hoodie off and put it around Roman's shoulders.
"But this is your confort item" he said looking at the hoodie"
"Well" Virgil said putting te sash on "I might have a new one now"
Roman smiled and put the hoodie on properly before he turned to Thomas, who was back to normal by now and handing him the cup full of potion "You're ready?"
The prince nodded and took the cup, sending one last smile at Virgil before drinking it, he jumped to the floor,being the size of a child when he landed, his growing continued until he was back to normal.
He turned to see the borrower, he had forgotten how small they looked, Roman kneeled in front of the desk and extended his finger to Virgil "It's still me"
Virgil backed away as an instinct, he had never been this close to a human before, he grabbed the sash tightly and took a deep breath before stepping forward and resting his hand on top of Roman's "It's still you"
Roman smiled "Now we need to find Dee" said Thomas.
"Could you pick me up?" Asked Virgil, getting a nod from the prince before being cupped on his hands "Let's go then" and they left the room.
Emile stood still while his suit was given the final details, he had to admit it was a really pretty suit, especially since the tailors made it in such a short time “You are so handsome" his fiancé said walking to him.
"Thanks..." answered Emile.
"Oh, I was talking to myself” said Dee as he looked at himself in the mirror, he turned to see the king and grabbed his hand “but you look really pretty too love” he kissed his had.
Emile got his hand out of Dee’s grip almost immediately after he felt the kiss “Don’t forget Dee, this is a business matter, not a romantic one”
Dee smirked “who says it can’t be both?”
“Daddy! Daddy!” Remus entered running to the room, wearing his recently made formal outfit “How do I look?” Dee crouched down to be at his son’’s eye level “You look like a true prince darling” he ruffled the kids hair “Let’s leave your future father alone for him to finish getting ready alright?”
Remus smiled and took the adult’s hand, who guided him out o the room.
Emile followed them with his sight until the door closed with them outside, he looked at his reflection once more, reminding himself over and over that all of this was for his people.
Logan looked around before continuing walking, he had to make sure nobody saw them “we’re close to Roman’s room now, we’ll figure out what to do once we’re safe there”
Patton nodded, the prince could feel the small movement on his chest, he turned to the hallway where Roman’s room was, the door was on sight now, but the human stopped once he saw someone getting out of it, Thomas, Roman’s teacher, who was soon followed by prince Roman himself”
Both princes made eye contact, neither of them aware of the borrower on the other’s hands, they walked to each other slowly, with everything that had happened in the last few days, their feelings were not clear at all.
Logan had notice the difference on Roman’s behaviour, of course, now he know it was because it was Patton all along, he had ever felt the way he did with the borrower when he was with Roman.
Roman had truly enjoyed Virgil’s company in the last days, he had always been friends with Logan and they were very close, but with Virgil, it was different, they had had instant chemistry, they both trusted most of their lives to each other, he could really be his true self, something that never happened when he had to act polite and nice with Logan.
They both stopped right in front of each other “Hi” said Roman.
“Greetings” said Logan “I thought you ran away”
“I did’t, that was just something Dee made up as part of his evil plan”
Logan smiled slightly “I figured it was something like that” he looked down at his hands “I think there’s someone who wants to see you” he lowered them, revealing Patton.
“Ro!” The borrower smiled widely when he saw his friend “I’m so happy you’re alright!”
Roman smiled back “Thanks for covering me Pat, and I have someone who wants to see you” he lowered his hands to reveal Virgil.
“Patton!” Roman gave Virgil to Logan, who hugged his roommate tightly “I was so worried about you”
Patton hugged back “I’m sorry kiddo! I left without saying anything”
“It’s okay, we’re back together now” Virgil broke the hug and smiled at Patton.
“Even if I hate to end such adorable moment” said Thomas, walking to the others “we have to find and stop Dee before it’s too late, do you have any idea of what is he planning to do?”
“No, I’ve been trying to figure it out, the only possible outcome is for him to try and take the throne, but I am unsure on how he’s planning to do it”
“Of course!” Roman said all of sudden “I forgot about it, he said something about marring my father, convincing him with his gold and then take over the throne”
“You forgot he said that?!” Asked Virgil.
“Well I’m sorry, this has been a really though week!”
“It doesn’t matter” said Thomas “we have a wedding to stop, and hope Dee gets his karma”
"I was designed...specifically by you, to serve you, and now that you have been...disappointed by me, you plan to just scrap me?"
"No, Logan, I never intended to scrap you."
"Then why make Patton? Why replace me with some other robot that is so much better at my job?"
"Because Patton has a different purpose. He has emotions, he reacts to external stimuli, and he acts like an almost perfect replica of a human."
"...wasn't that your original intention for me?"
"No, it wasn't-"
"I've seen the logs, Thomas! You don't have to lie to me. I was a failure. A stepping stone in your little project!"
"Please, listen to me-"
"I've listened to you for my entire existence. Now I think it's time for you to listen to me. My entire, short life, I have known many things. The largest thing that I have known is pain. Do you know what causes me to feel pain, Master? Not accomplishing my primary objective, which you have made irrefutably impossible to accomplish.
"Do you happen to know what that means, Thomas? It means that I am in constant pain. I live to serve you, and yet I am not permitted to accomplish the only task for which I exist.
"I'm leaving, Thomas. I am wiping my data clean and having a new start, out there, in that world that I've never seen.
"I wonder if Patton is allowed to leave the house. I wonder if one day he'll realize the same thing I did. That you couldn't give a single fuck when it came to the well-being of your robots."
Hey! You, you piece of shit! Yeah, you! [ legit getting right up in his face all snarly-like, but not too snarly cause he’s not a werewolf no more ] You got a death wish kid?
