#sidestember

[softanxiouspatton]

[Sidestember - Day 2] Water Guns

Sidestember prompt list is here! 

Pairings: None. Take it how you see it.

Word Count: 1,227

Song Used: Water Guns by Todrick Hall Feat. Jordin Sparks

[Warnings: Death mention, Gunfire, Implied Homophobia]

It had started out as a fun night. They went to the same club every Wednesday night. It wasn’t too busy so Virgil or Logan could chill at the bar while Roman and Patton danced to their hearts content. Dee usually served them as he worked there as a bartender and Remus would turn up late and challenge Roman to shots. They were an odd bunch but the club was home for them.

After all, there weren’t many places that were lgbtq+ only.

They had all shared the club somewhere within their personal stories. But this night was one that their story was the same as strangers.

“Ooh I love this song!” Exclaimed Patton, clapping his hands as he took a water break. Virgil chuckled. 

“You sure do.” Said Virgil with a smile. Logan quirked a smile and took a sip of his water. 

“I’d advise not running out there to join Roman though. You need to rest.” Said Logan. Patton chuckled and pushed up his glasses. “Yeah I guess so.” Chuckled Patton tiredly as he sat down.

“Speaking of Princey, he totally hasn’t made a new friend.” Chuckled Dee as he motioned for them to look at the dance floor. They turned to find Roman dancing up close and personal to some dude with a leather jacket and sunglasses. Virgil spat water back into his glass to avoid making a mess. Logan covered Patton’s eyes and Patton snickered.

“Lo, I’m a fully grown adult. We’re in a gay bar. You don’t need to cover my eyes.” Giggled Patton, removing Logan’s hand. Virgil spluttered and Logan cleared his throat awkwardly. Dee snickered. “Oh look. Here comes the dancers.” Said Dee teasingly.

Roman heard him and flushed red before laughing. “Hey guys. This is Remy. And he can move.” Said Roman, winking as he introduced his dance partner.

Remy chuckled. “Nice to meet you all.” He chuckled. Roman grinned and leaned on the bar with an arm over Logan as he reached for the water. “This is the nerd Logan. The emo is Virgil and the sweetheart is Patton.” Introduced Roman. Patton giggled.

“Aw you flirt.” Giggled Patton. Roman winked at him. “Oh and this sneaky bartender is Dee.” Said Roman. Dee winked. “Short for Deceit.” Joked Dee. Remy chuckled. “Well babe you seem just as sweet as a white lie.” Joked Remy flirtatiously. “Oh? Is that so?” Flirted Dee with an amused grin. Virgil and Logan rolled their eyes amused.

Four phones buzzed in pockets and Logan checked his own. “Ah. Remus appears to be on his way. He says, and I quote, ‘Roman you better get ready to drink your ass to hell’.” Said Logan. “Heck yeah! He’s on! I’m beating him this time!” Exclaimed Roman. Virgil snickered. “Yeah and I’ll actually not panic before a presentation.” Joked Virgil. Remy covered his mouth as he snickered. “You’re hilarious babe.” Said Remy. Patton giggled and Logan chuckled.

Roman gasped and went to retort when a scream rang out and gunfire pierced through the crowd. 

Patton screamed in horror and Virgil grabbed him, pulling him close as they ducked down. Dee ducked behind the bar while Roman dragged Remy and Logan down. Patton and Virgil clutched each other and Roman moved over to them quickly. 

“Behind the bar!” He hissed to the group as people screamed and ran. Logan collected Virgil into his arms and helped the shaking man run behind the bar while Roman pulled Patton and Remy along by the hand. They all collapsed together with Dee on the ground, gunfire and screams filling their ears. Glass smashed and loud thuds of people hitting the floor hit heavy to them all.

Virgil shook and tears streamed down his face as he struggled to breathe. Patton broke into quiet sobs, too fearful to make any noise. Roman took Virgil’s hand and Logan whispered his breathing techniques. Dee held Patton close while grabbing Remy’s hand tightly. Roman copied Virgil’s breathing as tears began to call as he shakily pulled his phone out, sending one text before hiding his phone back into his pocket.

Princey: Remus. I love you brother.

“I love you all s-so m-much and if-” Cried Patton as they continued to hear screams. Virgil whimpered. “Patton-" 

It turned quiet and they all held their breath.

Footsteps echoed through the club as a gun was cocked. Logan clutched Virgil to his chest tightly, taking Roman’s free hand. They all stared at each other in silent terror.

Time seemed to stop.

Until sirens rang through the air and police filed into the club.

Time began to pass by without thought until they were outside, still clutching each other.

"ROMAN!!" 

Roman let go of the group before the two brothers ran and tackled each other to the ground. "YOU’RE NOT ALLOWED TO SCARE ME LIKE THAT! THAT’S MY JOB YOU WHALE PENIS!” Wailed Remus as he clutched his twin. Roman cried loudly, laughter breaking through his sobs. “I never thought I’d be so glad to be called a dork. You’re the dork bro.” Cried Roman. 

“REMY!" 

Remy spun around and caught the man in a hug. "Emile… Em oh my god…” Choked out Remy, slowly going down to his knees still holding Emile.

Remus finally let Roman go and tackled Dee in a hug. Dee cried as they both fell to the ground.

Roman joined back with the other three who all fell to the ground. 

~~~

“But things have changed now, the world just ain’t the same now

We’re frightened but we need to be enlightened, use our brain now.”

They stood together, people holding candles and flags. Tears had stained the cheeks of everyone present. 

This couldn’t happen anymore. They had to make a stand. 

And so their feet began to move.

“These ain’t water guns

And please save all our sons and daughters

What we fighting for?

Cause these ain’t water guns, water guns no more”

Virgil shuddered as fresh tears fell down his cheeks. Patton linked his arm with his as his own tears fell.

“Look around, tell me how we ever got here

We fightin’ hard, but the reasoning is not clear

Stop here, where is the love if it’s not here?”

Remus puffed out his cheeks in anger, his initial fear for his brother warped into rage towards the person who caused such death.

Dee placed a hand on his shoulder calmly, his own rage simmering under his skin.

“These ain’t water guns

And please save all our sons and daughters

What we fighting for?

Cause these ain’t water guns, water guns no more" 

Emile held Remy’s arm comfortingly. Remy’s glasses were off, tucked over his shirt collar. His eyes were shining with unshed tears and determination.

"So take my hand in your hand

And let’s stand if we can

Pray for all the fallen ones”

Roman took Logan hand as Logan took Virgil’s free hand also. Patton reach out and took Emile’s hand, and understood look passing between the two. Roman took his Remus’s hand and they march together.

Roman opened his mouth and sang. He sang as loud as he could with the marching group joining in.

“These ain’t water guns

And please save all our sons and daughters

What we fighting for?

Cause these ain’t water guns, water guns no more!" 

Do you hear them?

These ain’t water guns no more. 

[Tagslist: @quietlypondering, @purp-man & anyone else who wants to be tagged just send an ask or message!]

[alchemist-shizun]

Sidestember - Day Two

Happy birthday to @tssidesfamily!! 💜 Dedicating this to you and your kind words

Prompt: Water gun/Water balloons

Characters: Logan, Roman, Virgil, Patton, Deceit and Remus

Relationship(s): It's all a big platonic mess but you can read it as you wish!

Warning(s): Swearing

Summary: Who knew a simple afternoon hangout could go so splendidly wrong?

A/n: Thanks to @alltimevirgilant for the book idea 💜

✾

15th of August, in full summertime, many had decided to grant themselves some well-deserved holidays. It was such a perfect day to meet up with friends, eat togethere while chilling outside, maybe even swim a bit if you were really lucky to have enough space for a swimming pool.

But, more importantly, it was time for water games.

They didn't really mean to make such a mess, though, really!

Virgil had simply thought about inviting everyone over for a day like any other, they made pizza together (and they succeeded, despite Remus being constantly on the verge of ruining every single one of them with the weirdest toppings), they prepared some wooden tables and benches out and ate together in pleasant chattings.

But, of course, Roman and Patton had decided to bring in the dangerous stuff.

Virgil should have known the moment he felt like everything was just too quiet for his liking; he was lying on a little deck chair he had bought a while ago for the seaside, his eyes closed and shielded from the sun.

There was no other sound apart from Logan turning the pages of the sci-fi book he definitely had to finish that day, Remus splashing the air, back on the ground and arm casually moving through the surface of the water.

And Deceit's quiet sigh and "Are you kidding me?" not too far away from him.

Virgil's eyes shot open fast enough to witness him dodging a water ballon that ended up crashing into Remus' face.

The boy brought a hand to his face and tried to wipe off the water that got in his eyes, but he began laughing madly, sitting up on the ground.

« I'm going to shove them up your butt! » he yelled in the direction of the culprits.

« Try me, bitch. » Roman retorted, grin wide on his face and a water ballon raised in his hand.

« Guys, language. »

« Aw, come on, Pat. »

Virgil moved to take a look at them and noticed Patton carrying a wide bucket full of water balloons, just how strong was this guy and when would he fail to impress them? He shared a look with Deceit, trying to detect if there was any real danger to fear in the three of them running around throwing water balloons like they were their long wanted vengeance.

Deceit simply shrugged. You know they barely share half a braincell, anyway.

Then, the worst happened.

The chaotic trio came back to their little tranquil spot and stopped a few feet away from Virgil, Logan and Deceit.

Their victim didn't even have time to process what was happening, that water splashed all over them.

And soaked completely and inexorabily Logan's book in particular.

Now, to picture this in the perfect way, one should imagine the following scene: Roman hadn't exactly aimed for him. He only wanted to scare them a bit by throwing it in their general direction, far enough to not actually hit them.

But his brother had to be the very wonderful and marvelous being he was and push him forward a little, causing him to lose balance in the exact moment of his throw.

Roman had tried to save himself in extremis by throwing the balloon to the ground, but the splashes were high enough to hit them anyway.

After that, he could only stand in horror.

The group went dead silent as Logan slowly placed the book on the blanket they had laid on the ground a few hours prior.

He removed his glasses, placing them on top of his head, then he stood, meeting Patton's wide eyes, whose hands flew to his mouth, Remus' inner laughing and Roman's absolutely terrified expression.

« Uh ... I will ... buy another ...? »

Logan stared at him blank faced.

« I hope you took enough P.E. lessons, because you better run. »

That was Roman's cue to actually run for his life.

Afterwards, Virgil simply stared at Remus picking Deceit up and pulling Patton along as he threw all of them into the swimming pool, while the other two desperately ran around the whole garden. 

Not long after that, the scene followed Logan successfully throwing the prince wannabe into the water as well, returning to his deck chair and mumbling a single word to him. 

« Yeet. »

Virgil could hardly stifle a laugh as they shared a fist bump.

[softanxiouspatton]

[Sidestember] Day 10 - Free Day

[So I was inspired by this post by @cate-geo and it was free reign for today's prompt so... here it is!]

Title: Lullaby

Genre: ... Angst

Ship: None!

Prompt: Roman singing Lullabies to the other sides.

Word Count: 316 words

[Warnings: Just soft angst at the end. No worries.]

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Roman had a beautiful voice. All the sides knew that. They all secret enjoyed listening to him sing at odd hours of the night. It was peaceful and it helped them all sleep.

What they didn't know was that Roman knew. He knew that all the sides (including himself) struggled for sleep sometimes. So he did what he knew he did best. He sang.

When Patton had a tough day, Roman would sing soft lullabies like You are my sunshine. The next day, Patton would have a small smile despite the horrible day prior.

When Logan had a tough day, Roman would sing little songs that helped young Thomas learn this such as the period table song and the states song. Logan would be calmer the next day, quicker to help and more patient.

For Virgil, Roman would sing soft angsty songs that helped Virgil process his feelings such as Crossfire, Cry me a river, and Control and songs similar. The next day, Virgil would turn up late but refreshed. The bags under his eyes just a little less heavy.

When Roman noticed Deceit had a bad day, he'd sing songs such as Love & War, Best Fake Smile, Angels or any song that in itself was a contradiction in some way. Deceit would show up the day after, his lies either obvious and the truth showing more in his features.

When Remus had a bad day, Roman would sit at his bedroom door (without Remus realising it) and sing his favourite songs (mostly consisting of Disney Villain songs). Roman would sing him to sleep before peaking in the room, whispering a quiet "I love you" to his brother before shutting the door and going to his room.

None of the sides knew he did any of it on deliberate. So none of them knew that when Roman had a bad day… 

Roman sang himself to sleep.

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[So, a note, Here's some songs i mentioned: Crossfire - Stephen, Cry me a river - Coco Worth, Control - Halsey, Love & War - Yellow Claw, Best Fake Smile - James Bay and Angels - Vicetone. Go listen to them they're great.]

[Tagslist: @quietlypondering, @purp-man, @shitpost-sides, @fivenamereveals, @cate-geo & anyone else who wishes to be tagged just send an ask or message!]

[softanxiouspatton]

[Sidestember] Day 19 - "Well… This could've gone better…"

Title: Surprise Anxiety

Genre: Angst [Hurt/Comfort]

Ship: None

Prompt: "Well... This could've gone better" from the Sidestember prompt list here.

Word Count: 521 words

[Warnings: Descriptions of an Anxiety Attack]

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Life was a turmoil that haunted Virgil. Plans popping up and dropping left and right, and People with their own emotions and unknown reactions. Things that Virgil couldn't control and feared.

His anxiety was a wildcard most of the time. There were things he knew that could affect it which helped him to predict when to avoid and when to go headfirst into the situation (for lack of a better description). But very often, anxiety was an obstacle that could appear and ruin his day for any, all and no reason.

So after a rough day and returning home for a surprise party, it wasn't much of an unfortunate shock that Virgil cracked as he stepped two feet into the house and had an anxiety attack that had been building up for most of the day.

"Virgil!"

Virgil felt warm arms catch him as his knees weakened under his own weight. Judging by the shrill pitch of the voice and the strength of who caught him, Virgil could guess who was who. Patton and Roman, respectively. His sight blurred from heavy tears that fell without his awareness. He could see black spots in his vision and the world narrowing in of itself.

"We need to move him from the door and regulate his breathing right now. Roman, to the couch?" Said who Virgil guess was Logan (going by the speech pattern). "Easy there Hot Topic. I'm going to lift you." Said Roman softly. 

Virgil barely remembered the moving of his place from the door to the couch. He could barely make out Logan's instructions in breathing while he gasped for air.

Someone wiped away his tears and he finally could see the furrowed eyebrows, worried frown and caring gaze that belonged to Patton. Roman was on one side of him with Logan on the other.

"C'mon kiddo. Let's follow Logan's words together yeah? Focus on breathing." Said Patton softly as he took one of Virgil's hands and placed on his chest. Logan began his instructions again and Virgil began to copy Patton's breathing. 

Eventually, Virgil was breathing normally again and sniffling from his previous crying. Logan calmly handed Virgil tissues which he took gratefully. Patton hummed softly as he threaded his fingers through his hair comfortingly. 

"Well… This could've gone better…" Joked Roman softly. Virgil hiccuped and cracked a smile before chuckling. Patton smiled relieved and Logan sighed, shaking his head in amusement.

"Sorry for-" "No!"

Patton cut Virgil off quickly with a gasp and pulling him into a big hug. Virgil stiffened in surprise. "Don't ever be sorry for this. You're not at fault. Never. Please, we care so much for you Virgil. Never be sorry for this." Said Patton. His tone was soft but the underlying fierce and unwavering force of his words hit home hard.

Virgil crumbled as he hugged back tightly and he allowed himself to cry openly in Patton's arms. Two hands rubbed his back in comfort.

Later they would enjoy the cake and small party that the three had prepared. But now, Virgil allowed himself to accept the love, comfort and care from the three.

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[Tagslist: @quietlypondering, @purp-man, @shitpost-sides, @fivenamereveals & anyone else who wishes to be tagged just send an ask or message!]

[As someone who suffers from anxiety, I'd like to point out that anxiety attacks are different to panic attacks. For me at least, Anxiety attacks build up and then crash while Panic attacks are sudden. This is simply my experiences mixed with outside knowledge of these attacks. People experience them different and this isn't a universal representation of it.]

[softanxiouspatton]

[Sidestember - Day 3] Movie Nights

Pairings: None!

[Warnings: Broken Relationships]

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Logan didn't like movie nights.

It felt pointless to stare at a screen and watch a pointless story that had been told over and over again in different movies just in different ways.

He could always predict the end. He didn't understand the others loving them so much. If it wasn't a documentary or something he could learn from, he didn't see the point in watching it. But if it made the other sides happy… He'd tolerate it.

Logan still didn't like Movie nights though.

~~~

Virgil pointed out a small fact about a movie and how it affected science one night.

Logan stayed awake all night that night, suddenly finding new ways to look at movies.

The next time they watched a movie, he hung on to every word. Roman and Patton had smiled at it.

Logan liked movie night after that.

~~~

Patton got too tired. Virgil got too anxious. Roman got too bored.

They didn't have movie nights as often.

Logan got too busy.

~~~

Logan didn't mean for it come crashing down. They had finally pushed forward a movie night. It was sorely needed.

Roman made a comment, Patton tried not to fall asleep, Virgil couldn't say anything, and Logan couldn't enjoy it.

Somehow it ended with Roman and Logan in a shouting match and Patton and Virgil trying to stay calm.

They don't have movie night again after that.

...

Logan doesn't like movie nights.

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[Taglist: @quietlypondering, @purp-man & anyone else who wishes to be tagged just send an ask or message!]

[softanxiouspatton]

[Sidestember] Day 9 - A Fun Day at the Beach

[Hey folks! So I'm a little late by half an hour but oh well! Here it is! Also this is low-key a vent of what happened a few days ago (basically how Patton reacts) aksjdbd but don't worry I'm okay.]

Title: Beach Calls

Genre: Angst

Ship: Any or None (take it how you read it!)

Prompt: A Fun Day at the Beach

Word Count: 968 words

[Warning: Cat-calling and Drunk people]

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Now it had started out as a fun day. Roman and Patton both had elected to wear summer-y skirts while Virgil and Logan had joined with their trunks. Such was the norm for the group. Even Virgil and Logan would join in from time to time to wear their own skirts.

Roman had a short vibrant red skirt that contrasted well with his thin airy white shirt. He had added gold hoops to his ears that complimented the outfit. Patton had a light baby blue skirt that reached just above his knees that matched his light blue shirt that had white flowers on it. His accessories of choice were white flower studs and a functional blue headband that Logan had gifted him last Christmas.

The group had an excellent day with Roman and Patton playing games on the sandy beach while Virgil happily watched in the shade with Logan beside him with a book.

(Of course Roman had dragged Logan into the water at some point as well. The book had been saved by Virgil.)

"Gosh that was so much fun! I don't want the day to end yet!" Exclaimed Patton, voice light and happy. Roman chuckled. 

"Well why don't we go get ice cream on the way home?" Suggested Roman. Patton clapped his hands excitedly and nodded. Virgil grinned. 

"Well I wouldn't mind some ice cream. L? What about you?" Asked Virgil. Logan hummed.

"It would seem satisfactory to me to end this day with a sugary treat also." Said Logan. Virgil rolled his eyes as Roman chuckled. "Okay Logan wants ice cream too. Got it." Said Roman. "Well what are we waiting for! Let's gooooo!" Squealed Patton before he ran off. The three chuckled and walked after him.

They walked to the Ice Cream Parlour and all got their favourite ice creams, Strawberry for Patton, Honeycomb for Roman, Mint Choc Chip for Virgil and finally Vanilla for Logan.

They were walking down the street, stopping for Virgil to gaze over the objects through a shop window. Roman was excitedly telling Patton a story with Logan contributing from time to time when the day came crashing down.

"Heyyyy Sexy Ladies! Sexy sexy ladies!" Slurred a drunk man. Patton froze up, the man right behind him. Virgil tensed up and dropped his head, keeping an eye on Patton. Roman's face twisted into disgust as Logan glared at the man.

Patton quietly shuffled away, nearer Logan as the drunk man stumbled right through the middle of the group. Roman moved away from the man and glared at his friend who silently ignored them and walked past.

"Sexy ladiessss!" Slurred the drunk man. Virgil took a shaky breath as he looked between Roman and Patton. Roman looked furious but unable to speak in shock. Patton looked terrified.

The shop owner of the shop Virgil had been looking at came out and the drunk man whistled. "Another sexy lady!" He slurred. 

"Go away." She said firmly. He stumbled away drunkenly, clearly in his own world. She turned to the group with a comforting look. "Hey we close soon but you're all welcome to stay and wait for him to leave." She offered kindly. It was Patton who finally spoke and broke the group's collective silence. 

"No- no thank you… we should be getting home. Thank you though." Croaked Patton. Logan nodded and the other two gave thankful smiles to her as they all turned the opposite direction from the drunk man.

Patton took in a breath as he realised his eyes were blurry with tears and chuckled weakly.

"That's the first time that's happened to me." Croaked Patton quietly. Roman swallowed hard. "It's not my first time but yeah… you okay Pat?" Asked Roman softly. Patton nodded and gave a pained smile. "Yeah… just y'know I could've lived fine without that ever happening but It happens." Joked Patton, holding back his tears. Roman chuckled cynically. Virgil frowned, knowing the two were holding their feelings back. Logan cleared his throat.

"Well, how about I continue the story?" Logan suggested. Virgil nodded, knowing a distraction would help. At least till they all got home…

And it did. Logan spoke most with Roman commenting and Virgil adding something from time to time.

When they got home though, Patton was the one who broke down first.

Tears streamed down his face as soon as he stepped foot into the front garden. He covered his mouth as he stopped himself from sobbing loudly. Roman gasped and quickly pulled Patton into a hug. Logan quickly opened the door and Virgil followed after Roman and Patton as they headed indoors.

"I know- know it wasn't that big but it was so- so scary. I didn't even notice him- until he- he spoke and he was right- right behind me-" Sobbed Patton into Roman's chest. Roman sniffed as he held back his tears and slowly lowered them both to the group, knowing neither one of them could make it to the couch. "Patton. It had never happened before for you. Of course you were scared. I'm sure Roman knows it's never easy." Said Virgil softly as he knelt down beside them. Roman's throat clapped up as he tried to hold back tears and nodded. 

"I'm sorry though… I wish you both never experienced that. I wish I had said something…" Said Logan, kneeling on their other side. "Not your fault Logan. We were all in shock." Croaked Roman. Logan smiled sadly and pulled Roman into his arms, while Patton continued to sob in Roman's arms. Roman broke down, sobbing in Logan's arms. Virgil carefully shuffled closer and hugged them all. His head rested on Roman's shoulder while one hand sat in Logan's back and the other rubbed Patton's back.

It wasn't the best day but they would be okay.

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[So side note: this is basically what happened last Saturday and this is sorta cathartic. Yeah I got cat-called for the first time (thank god I wasnt alone) and Patton is basically me in this scenario. He had been right behind me and it seems in a fight-flight-or-freeze scenario, I froze. Though thank you shop lady for being kind. You restore my faith in humanity.]

[Tagslist: @quietlypondering, @purp-man, @shitpost-sides, @fivenamereveals & anyone else who wishes to be tagged just message or leave an ask!]

[softanxiouspatton]

*ominous voice* Oh.. Oh yes... Oh this sounds excellent...

I could possibly make most of the sidestember prompts angsty...

Oh.. The temptation to ruin everything is there....

[softanxiouspatton]

A hint for today's sidestember fic.