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noblest-roman-of-them-all · 2 years

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Adopted

"Papa?" Virgil glanced up suddenly from his coloring page.

"Yes, my little rag doll?" Janus answered setting aside his book.

"Where did I come from?"

"Well." Janus slipped onto the floor next to his son and pulled Virgil into his lap. "You see, one day I was at the grocery store buying ice cream for your dad for his birthday and when I came out of the store I found that someone had left a baby in carseat on the hood of my car. I took the baby home and put up missing posters for him, but no one ever claimed him so your father and I decide to keep you for our own."

Virgil’s brow pinched. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely!" Janus assured and kissed his brow.

---

"Papa, where did I come from?" Virgil asked. It had been several months since the first time he asked, and this time Janus was ready.

He held out his arms and hefted the boy onto his hip. "On Halloween night, your dad forgot to bring in the Jack-o-lantern he'd carved and filled with candy for the neighborhood kids to pick from. Then at midnight-" Janus's voice suddenly went quiet "-we heard footsteps on the porch! We went very still, listening very carefully till someone tried to open the door." His voice went back to normal tone. "But at that point, we assumed it was your pesky Uncle Roman trying to play a mean trick on us, so your dad and I ran to the fridge where we had water balloons kept just for this moment. We grabbed as many as we could carry and ran as quickly ans quietly as we could to the door then we ripped the door wide open, hoping to catch Uncle Roman by surprise, but instead of your uncle there was you! You were bundled up in a knitted blanket and lying in a basket with a note pinned to the blanket. It said 'this is a good trade for your pumpkin'.

"Now at first your father was very worried, because he thought you might be a vampire baby! But I reminded him that pumpkins don't turn to vampires till after Christmas. After that he agreed to keep you."

Virgil hummed thoughtfully.

"Don't you believe me?" Janus asked innocently.

"Uncle Logan says vampires aren't real."

"That's because your Uncle Logan is terribly boring." He quickly kissed the boy's pudgy cheek. "Run along and play now, I need to finish dinner."

---

"Papa?"

Janus glanced in the rear view mirror at Virgil, strapped safely in his carseat. "Yes, pumpkin?"

"Where did I come from?"

Janus sighed. This time it'd only been a few weeks since the last time Virgil had asked. "Well, one day, I was working late at the library because we had just gotten a new shipment of books and it was my job to make sure they all got logged and had the library's stamp on the inside. It was very dark out side because it was winter now and it was very quiet because the library was closed. Then! Very suddenly and without warning the book drop off panel opened up! Now, this isn't strange during the day, but at night it's very strange indeed. Especially because no books came at all. Instead a voice called out, 'Delivery for Janus the Librarian!', " Janus put on a faux deep voice for that part and it drew a giggle from Virgil. "So I did what any sane person does and I ran outside to get my package. And gets what it was!"

"Was it me?"

Janus smiled and nodded. "It was you. I took you home right away, just in case the delivery man realized he'd made a mistake. It would have made me very sad because I saw you in the little cardboard box and loved you so much I knew immediately that I wanted to keep you forever."

Virgil gave a grin and Janus smiled at his missing front teeth. "Love you, Papa."

"I love you too."

---

"Papa?" Virgil asked as Janus pushed him on the swing.

"Yes, little one?"

"Where do babies come from?"

Janus blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Why, they're dropped off by messenger falcons, of course." He tried to make it sound like he wasn't asking a question.

"Oh. Is that the bird on Dumbo that brings the babies?"

"No, those are storks," Janus nose scrunched in annoyance. Of course he'd gotten the bird wrong.

"Oh. How come the used the wrong bird in Dumbo?"

"Because Disney think it's funny to get things wrong on purpose. And you can tell Uncle Roman I said so."

---

"Papa?" Virgil asked as Janus helped him into the car after school.

"Yes, little bug?"

"Did I really come from messenger falcons?"

"No, you were a very special baby. You see, the year you came to us was a very special year. Aaall year long your dad and I did our best to be very, very good. Your dad didn't call Uncle Roman mean names and I even secretly paid other people's library fines for them. Then on the first day of December we wrote letter to Santa telling him about how we had done our very best to be very good. And we asked him if he could give a little baby boy all our own for Christmas that year.

"And then we waited. And it was the longest month of the longest year of my whole life. But finally Christmas morning came and we woke up to the sound of a baby crying and it was the most beautiful sound because we knew we'd gotten our special wish when we got you." Janus lightly booped the end of Virgil’s nose.

"If I write Santa a letter and you and Daddy write Santa letter do you think he'll give me a baby brother for Christmas?"

Janus blinked. He hadn't been expecting that. "We can talk to your dad about the idea."

---

"Hey, we're home!" Remus called out and slung Virgil’s backpack on the couch.

"How was your day volunteering in class?" Janus asked as he came out of the study.

"Good," Remus answered, slipping an arm around Janus's waist and pulling him into a hug. Janus kissed his cheek, drawing a goofy grin from Remus. "Better now."

"Papa, guess what!" Virgil beamed with excitement.

"What?" Janus asked, matching his tone.

"There was a new kid in class today! His name's Remy and he said I'm adopted like he is!"

Janus's jaw fell open and his head snapped to Remus. "You let someone else tell him he's adopted?" He demanded.

Remus shoved his hands in his pockets and shrugged. "I dunno, babe, I kinda feel like this one is on you. He's been asking about it for like a year now."

"Don't try to pin this on me!"

"Jan, honey, babe, darling, sunflower, light of life, and the reason I get up in the morning." He set his hands on Janus's shoulders. "Ya told the kid you found him in the mailbox. His teacher was getting ready to contact the counselor for you."

"I was just. Waiting for the right time," Janus huffed.

"He's been asking for a year, babe. It was time for him to know. I know it sucks you weren't there for it, but the other kid actually did a really good job of explaining it and in case you couldn't tell, Virgil is really happy to be adopted."

Janus sighed and glanced down at Virgil, who now looked up with worry on his young face.

"Did I make you sad, Papa?"

"No, my love." Janus sat on the floor and held out his arms. Virgil sat on his lap and hugged him tightly. Janus smiled and hugged him tightly. "The day we adopted you was one of the happiest days of my life, I want you to know that. I wouldn't change adopting you for the world. But there were some...difficult things that happened before that. And sometimes the bad things get mixed up with the good things in my brain so it's easier for me to pretend none of it happened at all. And that you just appeared out of nowhere. Because it helps me think of only the good things in that way. But I will never be sad that we adopted you, I promise." Janus pressed a kiss to Virgil’s temple and smiled when Remus settled on the floor with him, enveloping them both in a secure embrace. "I love you, Virgil."

"Love you too, Papa."

#sanders sides #janus sanders #virgil sanders #remus sanders #familial anxceit #demus #sanders sides au #silly parent aus #my wiriting

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illogicallyinclined · 5 years

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HALLOWEEN HEADCANNONS FOR THE BOIStm

Lookit – It’s Frickin Bats. (I Love Halloween)

remy has a weird relationship to this time of year, because on the one hand, his seasonal affective disorder starts to kick in, turning his Regular Depression into Depression Prime™. but on the other hand, the Fall Aesthetic is,,, *chef’s kiss*. pumpkin spice? loves it. those little pumpkins? loves those. Halloween is Fantastic.

emile is also a big fan of those itty bitty pumpkins, so the apartment he shares with remy is Full of Them.

speaking of, Remus, Roman, and D’s shared apartment looks like Halloween threw up All Over It, but. in like a really cool way. listen, the Creativitwins go HARD on decorations. there are fake cobwebs strung expertly across the living room. they have a shower curtain that turns red when it contacts warm water, so every time they shower it looks like it actively bleeds. they make some pretty impressive jack-o-lanterns, and although D rolls his eyes and pretends that he is Above All of This, everyone knows that he digs the decorations as well. (he wouldn’t help string them up if he didn’t)

logan reveals that he has never made a jack-o-lantern before and virgil is Shocked and Appalled. he drags logan to the local pumpkin patch later in the day to select some pumpkins and they spend the better part of the evening carving them up. (logan’s has a very lopsided face because Art is Hard. patton has never been more excited about anything that anyone has ever created in his life.)

patton celebrates both Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos, so even with the sad anniversary around this time of year, he still inevitably finds himself In His Element. i’m talking pumpkin-flavored confections for weeks. i’m talking colorful sugar skulls and atole de vainilla with hojaldras. october,,, good.

#hockey au #full cast #i will definitely talk more on this as Spook Day draws nearer #Anonymous #hockey hcs #halloween

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dr-gloom · 6 years

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Here Lies Poor Old Virgil

Day 22 of @sanderssidesspook‘s Spook Month!

Prompt: Out In A Graveyard

Fandom: Sander’s Sides

Pairing: Moxiety

Words: 1,102

Summary: Virgil had been the one to always talk Patton into visiting the graveyard, but this year Patton has to go alone.

Tags/Warnings: major character death, really freaking sad, I’m not sorry, poor Patton, poor Virgil

Enjoy!

AO3

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@the-demon-sharkkittem

@trueunreal

Virgil always managed to talk Patton into going to the graveyard with him the night before Halloween. At first it was just to sit among the tombstones and see who got creeped out first and ran for the hills, but as they got older they realized that there was a calm, almost comforting peace with the blocks of stone. What started as a dare between children turned into an unspoken night of mourning for the stones that no longer received flowers or toys.

Patton loved Virgil. He loved the way he thought about the world. Virgil always saw the things that others would rather ignore, like little Tommy Hanover’s untouched grave covered in dirt and fall leaves, or the black cat that had a collar but was never allowed inside. He had a quiet sort of kindness, helping those the world has forgotten about and going unnoticed for the depth of his empathy. He was never bitter about it. In fact, he’d told Patton he’d prefer it if no one noticed or talked about it; he doesn’t do it to be noticed, but rather because it was the right thing to do.

Virgil was always going above and beyond to protect others, too. He’d run himself ragged trying to help the people he loved and throw himself in danger’s way to protect them. Patton always scolded him for it, because “Someday you’re going to get seriously hurt!”, but Virgil would just laugh and clap Patton’s shoulder, reassuring him that nothing bad would happen, that he could take care of himself. Then, four years, seven months, and twenty-four days after they got together, Virgil got in an accident.

There had been a little boy crossing the street with his bike. He couldn’t have been more than ten years old. The chain on his bike locked up, making him stop in the middle of the road. He refused to leave his bike, even as a car started coming down the street. The driver was honking, not willing to just stop and wait for this kid to get out of the way. Virgil and Patton watch in horror as the boy looks up, fear filling his face as he pulls on the chain. Virgil suddenly breaks away from Patton, letting go of his hand as he runs right for the boy.

Patton screams. He knows where this is going. He knows what’s about to happen. He shouts Virgil’s name. He begs him to come back. Virgil pushes the boy and his bike out of the way just as the car gets close, hitting Virgil from the side at full-speed. Patton screams, the sound full of heartbreak as he watches the man he loves fly through the air and hit the asphalt, rolling once, twice, three times before he stops, back facing Patton and unmoving. The car slams on its breaks. Patton’s knees feel weak as he runs towards Virgil, stumbling and falling to his knees beside Virgil. He turns him onto his back, and Virgil’s eyes flutter open to look at Patton.

Tears fall down Patton’s cheeks unnoticed as he takes in the sight of his boyfriend. His arms and face have deep scrapes, he’s pretty sure one of his arms and his legs are broken, and his breathing isn’t natural at all. His entire body shudders with each jagged breath, his eyes look hazy, and when his lips part Patton can see the blood coating his teeth. A sob wrenches it’s way out of Patton’s chest and he cups Virgil’s cheek, the one that isn’t hurt. Virgil tries to say something, but it’s so quiet and all Patton can see is the blood so he squeezes his eyes shut.

“N-no, baby, don’t speak, please. It’ll be o-okay, just save your energy.” He hears sirens in the distance. “They’re gonna take you to the hospital a-and fix you up, and y-you’ll be fine. W-we can go get ice cream after, a-at that place you like, o-okay?” Virgil tries to laugh, but he just coughs, spitting up blood that dribbles down his chin. He’s barely breathing; anything more hurts too much and makes him wince. Patton brushes his hair out of his face, forcing a smile. “Just a little l-longer baby, please hold on, y-you’ll be okay.” Virgil gives Patton a shaky smile. He lasts another five minutes before his eyes start to slip closed, no matter how much Patton begs him to stay awake.

He was dead before the paramedics arrived.

Patton visited the graveyard the night before Halloween, just like every year. This time, he was alone. This time, he carried more than just a flashlight with him. This time, he brushed tears from his eyes as he sat next to one tombstone in particular and leaned against it, as if it could substitute the warm chest of his love. The stone was a shiny black, with neat words inscribed into the surface reading:

Virgil Sanders

Oct. 16, 1991 - Nov. 27, 2017

A heart full of love and kindness that few were lucky enough to see.

Patton placed a bouquet of red carnations on the ground in front of Virgil’s grave, then a small plastic jack-o-lantern full of candy. He relaxed against the side of the tombstone, sighing deeply and feeling the same pain in his chest that’s sat there since Virgil left. He blinks away more tears.

“Hi, Virge. I-.... I miss you so much, baby.” Tears start spilling down his face and he tries in vain to wipe them away. “I promised myself I wouldn’t cry, I’m sorry. I just miss you so, so much. Nothing’s the same without you here. I’m still not used to waking up alone. I keep having nightmares about you getting hit by that damn car. I- why did you have to save that boy? It- it sounds horrible, but… If you hadn’t saved him, you’d be here right now. I wouldn’t be alone. You just had to be the protector, and I hate it. How dare you leave me here. How dare you leave me alone.” He clenches his hands into fists, staring at his lap as more tears fell. “I-I’m so lonely, Virge. I wish you were still h-here. I love you baby, a-always have, always w-will.” He wiped his face, standing up and heading back to his car.

Virgil sat in front of his tombstone, turning to watch Patton leave, his shoulders shaking with sobs. Twin tears made their way down his own face, though they didn’t ruin the eyeshadow he’d always had on. How could they? He was dead.

“I’m so sorry, Pat.”

#sanders sides #sanders sides fanfic #sanders sides fanfiction #patton sanders #virgil sanders #moxiety

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quoth-the-sparrow · 5 years

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Happy Birthday Sparrow! (hope this makes you smile)

It was a crisp autumn night on that November night. Daniel pulled his purple and black scarf tighter around his neck to keep the chill out, savoring the light crunch of dead leaves beneath his feet, as he walked to the home of his tutor. Ordinarily they met every late afternoon on Fridays at Panera, but this time his math tutor requested they have their tutoring session at his place. It’s not that Daniel minded going to the part-time tutor/full time teacher’s house. Weird as it may have seemed, he actually really liked Logan Sanders. Almost as much as he hated math, which was quite a lot. He’d come to think of his college professor as a father figure really. But like, the actually good kind. Daniel had even gotten to be pretty well acquainted with his teacher’s three husbands who were all weird and cool and wonderful people. One of his husband’s Roman even used to live next door to Daniel’s family before the four men all moved in together.

But lets face it- no one wanted to do work on their birthday. Definitely not Daniel. Not that he’d expected this year’s womb emancipation day to be anything all that special. He had nothing planned, his parents certainly weren’t going to make a big fuss over it, and oh yeah, he had no friends to share it with. At least not any in person friends. Anyone that Daniel actually felt close to he’d met over the internet and they were all miles away. There was no one in this town he felt close to, who knew the real him. Except his old pal seasonal depression maybe, and it wasn’t exactly the fun-time party type. Still, birthdays were meant to be a time when you could relax, be happy and enjoy yourself. Or at least do whatever the hell you wanted, even if for Daniel that meant laying in bed all day re-reading The Night Circus, or one of his other dozens of well worn books.

Buuuut he needed to pass his Calculus mid-term coming up. Plus he would’ve felt bad canceling on Logan. Ah well. Maybe he’ll make us some pb and crofters jam sandwiches to eat while we work, Daniel thought. Soon he was in front of the light blue painted house marked number 24. Seemed like Patton had planted some new yellow and orange flowers for the season, and the meticulously carved jack-o-lantern, no doubt Virgil’s work, was still on the porch even though Halloween had passed two days ago. To Daniel’s surprise the lights were all off from inside the windows. Was he too early?Were the supposed to meet at Panera after all? Daniel choked down his anxiety and walked up to the red painted door. He knocked three times. After about thirty seconds the door was opened and Logan stepped out to greet him.

“Salutations Daniel,” the teacher said.

“Hey Logan. I’m on time for tutoring right?” Daniel asked.

“Quite punctual,” he said with a smile. “A trait among many I admire about you.”

For a second Daniel thought he heard whispers and shuffling from behind the bespectacled man. He couldn’t figure out why logical Logan would have the lights in his house off if he was home. Maybe his husbands were out and he’d been reading with just a lamp somewhere quietly? No way, someone’s gotta be in there making those noises. Logan cleared his throat, which brought Daniel back out of his head.

“I do apologize for the location change from our usual tutoring spot,” said Logan.

“It’s not a problem. Although I still don’t get the reason why.”

“Simply put, it was a matter of utmost importance.”

“O-kaaay.”

“Please come in.”

Daniel followed Logan into the large dark house. If the queer 23 (now 24 year old, geez that felt weird) didn’t know Logan better, he’d be more worried about this turning into a slasher film-esqe scenario. As it was, he was more concerned about not accidentally stubbing his toe on any furniture.

“So before we get started on calculus, mind telling me why all the lights are—

The house lights came on without warning. Before Daniel had time to process what the heck was going on he was suddenly barraged by a chorus of,

“SURPRISE!!!!”

After Daniel managed to get his very surprised heart back to a normal beating pace, he took a better look around the living room. There were balloons in all colors of the rainbow, and some even had the words ‘queer and here’ written on them in sharpie. There were streamers wrapped around the bannister rail and a big banner above the kitchen entryway that read “Happy Birthday Daniel” in bright purple and blue letters. On each corner of the banner were pictures of a crown, a cat, a brain, and a storm cloud covered in glitter. Beneath it Roman and Patton were both smiling, arms over each other’s shoulders and wearing party hats. Even the emo adult artist had one on. Roman meanwhile, theatrical as ever, was blowing through the three kazooz he has in his mouth. To the right of them against the wall was a table laden with assorted snacks, drinks, gifts and even cookies shaped like witches hats. What amazed the young queer writer most of all was that Daniel’s friends were there. Not just Logan, Virgil and Like his actual friends he recognized from online. He knew only because they had pinned to their clothes nametags with their usernames written on them. silversmith-91, ironwoman359, the-incredible-sulk, eggheadinthemaking, asofterfan, randomslasher, thelogicaloganipus, lala-the-rebel and many others. Even his lifemate April was there. The others who weren’t there in person were present and waving via Skype from at least twelve different laptops scattered around the room at visible angles.

“Wha-what is all this?” Daniel asked, mouth agape. “How did?”

Before he could finish, Logan’s last partner Patton came in from the kitchen carrying a chocolate cake covered with purple, white and pale blue frosting. two and three candles adorned the top as did the swirling icing letters that spelled “Happy Birthday Sparrow.”

“Happy birthday kiddo!” Patton said beaning. “Hope ya like your surprise!”

Logan chuckled from beside him, a hand placed on his shoulder. Your partner April’s idea. They contacted the four of us informing that you had had a difficult year and that, with your birthday approaching, inquired if there may be someway we could celebrate it.”

“You’ve become such a friend to us the past two years kiddo,” said Patton. “Almost like our own child.”

“So we concocted this grand venture to ensure you have the best celebration of your very important birth!” Roman said, coming over. “It was not an easy quest, but we achieved it!”

“Hellishly tough to be honest,” said Virgil. “But we were happy to make it happen.”

“Between the four of us, we were able to contact your online friends with April’s help and arrange it so that they could skype at the same time tonight.” Logan explained. “Virgil was able to supply the laptops, which he commandeered from his job at the Radioshack for tonight.”

“Punk as hell,” Daniel smirked, still half in shock.

“You know it pal,” Virgil smirked.

“Hence why I requested to have tutoring here at our house,” said Logan. “Not only for convenience and to ensure you have, as Patton insisted upon—

‘”A super-prize’ party!” Patton said. Logan groaned at his husband’s pun but Daniel caught the warmth in his eyes.

“And for those who were able to set aside time to travel, I used my frequent flier miles from traveling for film shoots to help get them here,” said Roman.

“And I baked the cake and all the snacks from my bakery!” Patton beamed proudly.

Daniel was pretty much in tears by this point. His friends and partner were worried upon seeing them, thinking they’d gone overboard or something. But the young wiccan ensured them all they were tears of joy. He’d never felt so loved, so important before. Everyone assured him that he was, and it was the truth. The rest of the night was spent chatting, laughing, playing party games, including one or two very long rounds of cards against humanities. To everyone’s shock, Patton was surprisingly good at it. Virgil had put together an excellent music playlist that everyone jammed out to, even Logan a few times. Meanwhile Roman rallied them all into a game of red-robin story telling, which Daniel had a blast at.

When it was time to open presents he baulked at the wonderful gifts. Some of his online friends had either written ficlets for him or made things by hand. Logan gave him a Barns & Noble giftcard. Virgil gifted him a cool leather bound journal, an original painting, and a quill pen. Patton made him a hand-knitted sweater that Daniel wore all night long. And Roman, well his gift was best of all. It was a handmade binder that fit Daniel perfectly and comfortable. It was of purple fabric with a sparrow embroidered on the front in read thread.

Daniel never wanted this night to end. He couldn’t have been more grateful for his amazing friends, whom he knew now more than ever loved and cared for him, even thought they were far away. He was so grateful to his partner April for their brilliant and selfless plan to get them all together and celebrate his just being alive in the first place. And as for the four grown men whom he considered family (or LAMP as he called them), well, they’d given him more than they’d ever know. As Patton told him to make a wish on his birthday candles, Daniel felt like his wish had already come true.

Oh my hecking stars and comets, @khadij-al-kubra thank you so much?! I'm so flattered and happy and I loved this; thank you?! This is so cute and well-written and I love it so much?! I know I'm gushing but just aashsjdhshs thank you!!!!

#sparrows got mail #khadij al kubra #they wrote this for me!!!#birthday wishes #this is wonderful #thank you friend #I'm so happy #and honored #just #*keysmash*#i have a lot of feelings #i have a lot of feels okay #submission

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pirate-patton · 7 years

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Boo! Did I scare you? Happy Halloween! This is one of my favorite times of year, complete with trick-or-treat and scary movies, haunted houses and jack-o-lanterns galore, who could say no?! But I recognize that not everyone is totally thrilled with the season.

Truly, I think the scariest thing I’ve seen this month has been how many of you are feeling terrible. I’ve sat here reading your posts and messaging some of you, or answering anons over bad mental health nights. Whether you’re dealing with overwhelming situations in school/college/work/life or the terrible monsters in your life, you deserve this hug. If you’ve felt overwhelmed at all, anxious, scared, or just plain sad this month, well then I can’t think of anyone that deserves this hug more. Halloween should be a time when we can all be happy and have fun, not a time full of dread and wishing for things you’d regret.

So, here’s a little thing from me. A few fun things and few hopefully helpful words. You can get through this, you’re such a strong and amazing person. You’ve gotten this far, and who’s stopping you from going even farther? You deserve to feel happy; you deserve to feel safe. Most importantly, you deserve to feel loved.

That all starts, of course, with yourself. October 7th was National Inner Beauty Day, and it’s never too late to celebrate. The 7th also just so happened to be National Frappe Day, which gave me an idea.

A “frappe” can be one of three things:

Frappe coffee – a blended coffee beverage.

A frozen fruit-flavored dessert made with shaved ice.

A milkshake.

So what I want you to do is get a pen or pencil and a piece of paper. Write down anything and everything you love about yourself. Are you a nice person? Obviously you are, why don’t you write that down? Perhaps you’re great at giving advice? Write it down! Did you give bird a corn chip yesterday and see the love and adoration on its face as it pecked at said chip? You might wanna write that one down, too...!

Once you have your list, write a flavor down beside it. What do you like in your coffee? Assign part of that to each trait you like. What do you like in your milkshake? Assign each thing to the traits.

After you’ve done this, make it. Drink your traits and fill yourself up with the things you love about yourself. Complex drinks can be absolutely incredible! Simple drinks are just as good, and they are not lesser for have maybe three or four things in them. What matters is this is what you love about you.

You love you.

October 21st was National Reptile Awareness Day! One of my favorite reptiles just so happens to be the chameleon, I mean look how cool they are!

Wanna do a little more reading? Here ya go! They are such incredible animals, I hope you find them as fascinating as I do.

October 21st was National Pumpkin Day!

Why not celebrate with some yummy Pumpkin Swirl Cheescake? Or good ol’ fashion Pumpkin Bread?

Need a little inspiration for a jack-o-lantern this year? Here are some really awesome and fun ones! And this website has tons of free patterns!

And here’s something funny you don’t see everyday, a squirrel carving a pumpkin!

youtube

October seems to be Cat Awareness Month almost. From Feral Cat Day and Global Cat Day, our feline friends get quite a bit of attention this month. But, it’s also Black Cat Day on the 27th, and black cats just so happen to have such unfortuate luck.

With those gorgeous golden eyes and beautiful coats, it’s such a shame that these furry friends are so often abused and left in shelters. I mean, just think! You could give a little black kitten to a cutie you like to make them fall in love with you, according to England and Japan. And a black cat could get get you rich according to Scotland!!!

These sweet and adorable little guys just want to be your next best friend! Well, most of them -

...some of them are just like Salem...

Want some delicious treats for Halloween? It’s not too late to make some brownies! Specifically ghost brownies (or halloween blondies if you wanna be boring...!)

Ghost Brownies

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, melted

2 cup light brown sugar

4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon of baking soda

1 1/2 cups M&M’s

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the melted butter and brown sugar and mix with a wooden spoon or paddle attachment for 1 minute until combined. Add the vanilla and eggs, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl, and mix until fully incorporated.

Add the dry ingredients into the bowl/stand mixer, flour, baking powder and baking soda and slowly mix until just combined. The batter will be a bit stiff, but that's normal. Fold in half of the M&M’s.

Spray a 8x8 baking pan with baking spray and line it with parchment paper. Spoon the batter into the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle the remaining M&M’s on top and transfer it into the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Once the blondie brownies have baked, remove them from the oven and let cool for at least 2 hours before cutting and serving.

I know these are so small, and the issues many of you deal with are so huge. I can never pretend to know what it’s like to be in your shoes, but I hate to see anyone feel so upset. Maybe learning a few more than necessary details about chameleons can help distract you, at least for a minute. Maybe scarfing down a few blondie brownies can give you that warm, happy feeling I so desperately wish you could experience every waking moment. Take all of this as my hug to you, as simple as it may be.

You deserve to feel loved, and you deserve to feel happy. No matter what anyone else says to you, no matter what your head tells you, there is no one else on Earth or any other planet that deserves happiness or even contentedness more than you. Please understand this, and please make sure those you love understand this. I love you so much - you don’t even know.

OK...list time! Goodness gracious, there are a lot of you! For most of you, you asked me to put you on the list. Some of you are going through hard times right now either in your life or in your mental health, while others simply wanted a hug. Some of you are touch-starved, and while this may not exactly help with that, hopefully it made you smile! This list was put together because of you, and because of your need for this hug, whatever the reason for needing it.

Then there were many of you, over 20, that were put on this list because one of your friends thought you deserved it! With that kind of thoughtfulness, my goodness, how could you ever think you were not loved? These sweethearts were so excited to have you put on this list, some even asked me in a way that would keep it a surprise for you!

And, heck, some of you I added just because I love you and your blog!!!

Whatever the reason is, you were put on this list out of love. I hope you know that. And with that in mind, to everyone on this list, I love you, and enjoy a great big hug from me to you!

🎃 @undertakershairline 🎃 @mewsicalmiss 🎃 @virgils-jacket 🎃 @alivingfandoomreference 🎃 @madd-catter 🎃 @cefmua56 🎃 @fandomsandanythingelse 🎃 @winnie-the-patton 🎃 @heartofromangold 🎃 @questionmenot 🎃 @01001100-01010011 🎃 @addiesickn 🎃 @storm-writer 🎃 @bearsolu 🎃 @cisnesincorbata 🎃 @finiteframe3 🎃 @pattoncakesvirgil 🎃 @holdnarrytight 🎃 @aikogumi 🎃 @silly-aesthetic-me 🎃 @watch-me-introvert 🎃 @cosmic-geologist 🎃 @beholdagay 🎃 @here-to-vent 🎃 @thelogicalloganipus 🎃 @the-sanders-sides 🎃 @littlebittyfrankie 🎃 @the-sides-of-patton 🎃 @nonbinary-ravenclaw 🎃 @4sidesx1cube 🎃 @phandemoniumclub 🎃 @rainbowtiger34 🎃 @justanotherpurplebutterfly 🎃 @cloversinthesun 🎃 @tripleaaaqueer 🎃 @virgesanders 🎃 @lucystoll 🎃 @purelif3 🎃 @kitsuneprideleader 🎃 @romananalogicality 🎃 @deafinatelyfangirling 🎃 @ashrain5 🎃 @thebaagelboy 🎃 @prinxietys 🎃 @cinquefoilelove 🎃 @pattonscardigan 🎃 @leesacrakon 🎃 @emo-space-trash 🎃 @thesides 🎃 @softvirgil 🎃

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🎃 @random-sanders 🎃 @ninjawolfarcher01 🎃 @emma123patka 🎃 @tree4life25 🎃 @cantily-sclad 🎃 @emeliethetimelady 🎃 @neko-ereri 🎃 @moriartyhai 🎃 @parano-vigilant 🎃 @nightmaresandleatherboys 🎃 @cookieartcannon 🎃 @i-love-word-association-games 🎃 @pasteries-and-portugal 🎃 @thomasthesandersengine 🎃 @etherealweekes 🎃 @virgils-anxiety 🎃 @maccapaulie 🎃 @paulietea 🎃 @randomfandom0817 🎃 @thilb0burrit0 🎃 @teleported-bread-for-three-days 🎃 @reality-isfor-muggles 🎃 @jiyudreamer 🎃 @demonickittykat 🎃 @things-we-lov 🎃 @gh0st--boy 🎃 @virgilient 🎃 @crykittytrashcorner 🎃 @bookworm411 🎃 @trainer-of-mischief 🎃 @pattons-prince 🎃 @a-blog-just-for-sanders 🎃 @eughg 🎃 @slowtownsanders 🎃 @fearful-quartet 🎃 @xxlilycatxx 🎃 @extremedoodles 🎃 @penthouseinthesky 🎃 @cosmic-chu 🎃 @nataliefox-627 🎃 @undertale-trash217 🎃 @fanaticalfan 🎃 @vin5ilim 🎃 @literal-procrastination 🎃 @snarky-anxiety 🎃 @finding-flanders 🎃 @ghostlysides 🎃 @i-am-a-fander 🎃

🎃 @thoughts-of-a-sarcastic-ace 🎃 @accio-bowtie 🎃 @ad-magnum-ingenium 🎃 @norawestallen 🎃 @iaminmultiplefandoms 🎃 @letsplaypattoncake 🎃 @juju--universe 🎃 @deathshadowrules 🎃 @waste-disposal-unit 🎃 @jitterbug-mai 🎃 @floweryfieldss 🎃 @simplelittlestar 🎃 @saranatingevening56 🎃 @neetrash 🎃 @imaginativefanatic 🎃 @i-hate-this-part-right-here 🎃 @blogfamousbouquetzombie 🎃 @thomasdeserveslove 🎃 @virgil-must-be-angsty 🎃 @innernerdbird 🎃 @percy32 🎃 @moosesquirralkitten67apn 🎃 @pumakittycat 🎃 @lukeisfluffy 🎃 @darastrix-thurirl 🎃 @victimofnargles 🎃 @bobatea-boi 🎃 @loupeaxh 🎃 @sunflower-archive 🎃 @a-pockethobbit 🎃 @violet-somnolence 🎃 @heeeeeyitsme 🎃 @chocolatey-umbreon 🎃 @pippa-frost 🎃 @nightmaresanstrash 🎃 @starshineyellow 🎃 @shadowjag 🎃 @authordreaming13 🎃 @redundant-statements-for-400 🎃 @evanisonfire 🎃 @walrus-flail 🎃 @xxxamerican-psychoxxx 🎃 @bargainbrandpopsicle 🎃 @hatter1010 🎃

🎃 @littlebirdy0301 🎃 @unpreparedfangirl 🎃 @pokelover68 🎃 @friendlyinternetmeerkat 🎃 @you-can-call-me-verge 🎃 @multi-fandom-mess-helpme 🎃 @analogic-lover 🎃 @2manyfandoms2count-love 🎃 @surrealflower 🎃 @trixie85592 🎃 @fairy-cat-friend 🎃 @iwillphysicallyfiteyou 🎃 @embodiementofvirgilsanders 🎃 @prigue 🎃 @captainmarshmellowbab 🎃 @13-screaming-cats 🎃 @dudlebuggs 🎃 @stevie-is-a-nerd 🎃 @thedillpickleisnotafruit 🎃 @sandersidesfander 🎃 @lifejvsthappened 🎃 @dear-lover-dearest 🎃 @alicekirkland560 🎃 @hetalianthespianweabootrash 🎃 @purple-plaid-patches 🎃 @findyourpenguin 🎃 @glitter-of-death 🎃 @i-can-do-tricks 🎃 @theartofnotgivingashit 🎃 @caffeinedoodle 🎃 @virg-the-badger 🎃 @the-potterhead-phandom 🎃 @corrinaaaaaa 🎃 @fallen-from-hufflepuff 🎃 @logicalanxieties 🎃 @that-one-percussion-person 🎃 @doesntseemsotroubling 🎃 @emmers-la-unicorn 🎃 @half-blood-geek 🎃 @greymane902 🎃 @pattoncakesvirgil 🎃 @patton-here 🎃

🎃 @the-baddest-bitch-in-slytherin 🎃 @de-is-me 🎃 @scaredysanders 🎃 @crykittytrashcorner 🎃 @eleventhestrange 🎃 @phantomphanderphan 🎃 @pantasticpanini 🎃 @penstarz96 🎃 @calz-craze 🎃 @mycats-whisker 🎃 @peanut0303 🎃 @winchester-at-heart 🎃 @jordandobbertin 🎃 @fanfictionsideaccount 🎃 @thestoryofme13 🎃 @thecrazyperson 🎃 @brighter-side 🎃 @stressedoutbirb 🎃 @the-asexual-reaper 🎃 @xdamienplier 🎃 @colinthehatter 🎃 @we-are-papaya 🎃 @danandphilsmom 🎃 @bitten1ce 🎃 @fallingamor 🎃 @bat-in-hand 🎃 @dammit-dark 🎃 @reverseblackholeofwords 🎃 @hawkeye221b 🎃 @sraaaaaaaah 🎃 @splatoon-jim 🎃 @beetsgarden 🎃 @a-fandom-hopper 🎃 @monstermemories 🎃 @arrival-of-the-jims 🎃 @cookieface678 🎃 @cosmiplier 🎃 @true-channel-star-jim 🎃 @notthesweetreese 🎃 @just-too-awkward 🎃 @llamaandi 🎃 @the-septic-theory-squad 🎃 @secretatotiusmundi 🎃 @randomtrashpost 🎃 @all-da-fandoms 🎃 @natigail 🎃 @cocokinskawiia 🎃 @edible-napkin 🎃 @blinding-comet 🎃 @imin-loveanon 🎃

🎃 @clockwork-laine 🎃 @theawesomestofsauces 🎃 @imnotobsessediswear 🎃 @zotinha456 🎃 @datonerougecookeh 🎃 @axahi-bitxh 🎃 @erase-my-life 🎃 @emupoppyjay 🎃 @jade7he9em 🎃 @allapi-chan 🎃 @not-so-innocent-bi-sander 🎃 @moose-squirrel05 🎃 @heracaine 🎃 @thoughts-of-a-sarcastic-ace 🎃 @uwillbeefound 🎃 @kellyplier 🎃 @evilmuffin 🎃 @melodybeats 🎃 @crofterslogic 🎃 @dying-plant-boy 🎃 @consultinghuntertimelady 🎃 @sanderssidesfanfiction 🎃 @wrenrltries 🎃 @lonewolfmemories 🎃 @beige-king 🎃 @meloncloud 🎃 @artistwave 🎃 @randomslasher 🎃

👻an honorable and lovely anonymous ghost👻

-Andi

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dr-gloom · 6 years

Text

The Pumpkin King

Day 3 of Sander’s Sides Spook Month! (yes, all these titles are part of Nightmare Before Christmas songs, I’m obsessed, sue me)

Prompt: Pumpkin Carving

Fandom: Sander’s Sides

Pairing: none

Words: 3,138

Summary: Halloween is coming up and Patton wants to carve pumpkins with his friends-turned-roomies. Virgil hasn’t even looked at a pumpkin in years, and the others are about to find out why.

Tags/Warnings: Human AU, pumpkin carving, lots of angst for like the first half, mentions of cancer, minor character death but it’s just mentioned

Enjoy!

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Ah yes, October. Virgil’s favorite month, no contest. He loved it all; the fall festivals, the decorations, haunted houses, caramel apples, black-and-orange everything, the pop-up Halloween stores that had hundreds of costumes and dozens of jump-scare props, pumpkin pies and Halloween movies.

And carving pumpkins.

That was arguably his very favorite thing about October. He loved the entire process; going to a pumpkin patch at seven in the morning, still yawning over a cup of coffee (or hot chocolate when he was a kid), scouring the field for the perfect pumpkin, holding onto it as they drove home, taking it home and planning the perfect carving, waiting for the perfect time to carve it so it didn’t rot before Halloween. Sometimes if his dad didn’t mind, he’d carve it early and just get a second one to carve so they’d have a fresh one for Halloween. His dad would always do it with him, even when he’d grown well past the years of needing an adult present as a safety precaution. It was their thing, their special activity that they shared.

It was never really a competition, not really, but they would always joke with each other that they’d completely wipe the floor with the other. They’d see who could find the best pumpkin, rubbing the other’s nose in their perfect find on the way home. They’d tease each other with vague whispers of what they were planning to carve. They’d sit back to back so neither could peek at what the other was carving, and once they’d both finished they’d spin around with their newly-made Jack-O-Lanterns like a Texas quick draw. Virgil’s dad always insisted that Virgil won, even when Virgil knew his dad was more skilled (particularly when Virgil was just a kid); he was just nice like that.

Virgil’s dad had been the one to teach Virgil about carving. Not just pulling a picture out of a book and tacking it onto the pumpkin to make a connect-the-dots outline, but to really consider what you wanted to make, to think in more three-dimensional terms and create something that could glow in the dark and give off the impression that you were looking at real art. His dad always said a true artist could make beauty out of anything. Virgil always thought his dad must be the best artist in the world, then.

Then the best artist in the world got stomach cancer. Stage 3.

His dad had been complaining of a stomach ache, and being the overly-anxious, loving son he was, Virgil insisted he see a doctor after it lasted more than a day. His dad had waved him off, saying that he probably just had a stomach bug and that he’d be fine. It wasn’t interfering with his work or his life, it was just kind of inconvenient. Virgil chose to trust his dad; he was the adult, he knew what he was doing, right?

He insisted he was fine when the stomach aches had only gotten worse.

He promised he was okay when they lasted a month.

He was barely eating, because he’d get full quickly, and it was making him lose weight. Too much weight. He looked gaunt, and it scared Virgil. He was the one who was supposed to look malnourished, not his dad. He was supposed to be the one not getting any sleep, not his dad.

But neither of them were supposed to vomit blood, so when he’d walked in on his dad doing it he’d nearly fainted. He hadn’t even hesitated to haul his dad to his feet (gently, have to be gentle, you don’t know why he’s throwing up blood and you don’t want to make it worse) and walk him to the car. Virgil had just gotten his license last week and he thanked every god and deity he could think of for that as he buckled first his dad and then himself, starting up the car. It’d been the most nerve-wracking time he’d ever been behind the wheel to date. When his hands wouldn’t stop shaking he’d gripped the steering wheel so tight his fingers were white.

Hours later, the doctor finally gave the diagnosis to Virgil and his dad in a too-white room. He’d assured them that with the right treatment, and a little luck, his dad would be just fine, and would live to see Virgil’s kids graduate.

The next few months were torture. It felt like Virgil was going from bed to school to the hospital in an endless restless loop. When it used to be next to impossible to fall asleep before 2 AM, now Virgil struggled to stay awake with his dad as they waited in a hospital on late nights. Eating endlessly, shoveling crap food into his mouth any chance he got turned into eating once a day, twice if his dad gave him The Look. His dad was always tired, almost always sick. Well, how could you not be sick when you had cancer? But despite the nausea and pain and discomfort, his dad was always smiling, always cracking jokes and making puns and trying to keep the smile on his son’s face.

He hadn’t lived to see Virgil graduate.

Virgil had never been one to trust doctors.

Near the end, Virgil had managed to get a job. Now that he didn’t have a dad to worry about, any time not spent at school or sleeping was spent working. He was never home long enough for the silence to get to him. He did his homework at work during break and between classes. He only set foot in the house to go straight to bed. He no longer replied to texts sent by friends, didn’t give his concerned teachers more than a grunt when they asked how he was doing. It was none of their business.

He graduated two months after his dad passed away, no one in the bleachers to cheer as he grabbed his diploma.

He’d had to give up the house, unable to pay the bills and mortgage on his meager salary. His boss gave him three days off to pack up and move once he’d managed to find an apartment. He packed up his room, the bathroom, the living room and kitchen, a couple things from his dad’s room; the rest was sold to pay for moving expenses. He’d ended up moving clear across the city and was no longer spending every waking moment away from home. The next few months were a blur, any time not spent working or sleeping was spent simply zoning out in front of the TV.

The first time he’d walked into the grocery store and seen the boxes full of pumpkins, he’d cried.

The next week, however, he grabbed his wallet and keys and headed to the nearest pumpkin patch. He’d walked around for nearly two hours, looking over the pumpkins as if expecting the perfect one to just jump up and shout “Here! Pick me!” He’d been zoning out when he almost walked right into a boy and his father, out looking for pumpkins. He’d apologized quickly and continued walking, but he couldn’t help but be drawn to their conversation.

“Hey, look! Over there, I found it!”

“Wow, that’s pretty big, you think you can pick it up, buddy?”

“Of course I can, dad, I’m strong!”

Virgil grabbed the nearest pumpkin, paying the old woman who was running the pumpkin patch, and left.

He’d been sitting there for hours staring at the pumpkin, willing it to tell him what to carve, but as the clock ticked the hours away and the sun set in the sky, Virgil was beginning to grow frustrated. He picked up a tool, pumpkin already gutted, and blindly started working. He let his thoughts race, not paying any mind to what he was doing, letting his hand carve through the pumpkin without a thought. When he finally comes out of his mind, he looks at the pumpkin. His dad’s smiling face stares back at him. He silently pushes his chair back and heads to bed.

The next day, the pumpkin is mysteriously smashed at the bottom of the stairs leading to Virgil’s apartment.

“And I haven’t carved one since then.” Virgil shrugs, his hands fidgeting in his lap, refusing to look up at the other three. The silence stretches on, making Virgil’s anxiety ramp up. He knew he shouldn’t have said anything. He should’ve just carved the damn pumpkin. He hears shifting and he can’t take it anymore. He has to know. He looks up, surprised to see not just Patton, but Roman and Logan crying as well. He blinks, mouth opening and closing but unable to force any words out.

It’s Patton who finally breaks the silence, throwing himself into Virgil’s arms and hugging him tightly. Virgil can’t make out much of what he’s saying, blubbering through his tears and rubbing his face into Virgil’s chest. Virgil awkwardly hugs him back, rubbing his back and looking at the wall so he didn’t have to see the other two crying. “It…. It’s okay, Pat, really.”

“It’s n-not okay! That- That was your d-dad and you loved him, and y-you carved pumpkins together and h-he’s gone, and I was t-trying to replace him! I’m s-so sorry!” Virgil pulled Patton back, holding him by his shoulders to look him in the eye. “Whoa, whoa. Hold on. You were not trying to replace my dad, Pat. You had no idea. Everyone carves pumpkins, it’s like, a necessity in October.” Patton’s lip quivers. Logan discreetly wipes his own tears, adjusting his glasses before speaking up.

“Perhaps, if you are up for it, carving a pumpkin can be a sort of cathartic way to both grieve your father and move on.” Virgil looks up at Logan, brows knit together. “I understand that this was an activity that you participated in with your father, and therefore it’s very special to you in that regard. You’ve built it up to this grand thing that must meet your expectations, but that is no longer possible without your father. Perhaps the point is to embrace this fact?” Virgil’s mouth quirks to the side.

“Still not following.”

Logan smiles a bit and continues. “Rather than focusing on how participating in pumpkin carving is no longer the same, and seeing it in a negative light, perhaps you should embrace this difference. Yes, it will never be the same, because he’s gone, but that doesn’t mean it can no longer be enjoyable. Perhaps by carving pumpkins with us and building new positive experiences, you can both use the activity to mourn your father and let go of the pain you’re holding close to your heart.”

Patton had stopped crying to listen to Logan, and now all three men were staring at Logan. “That was… Really smart, Logan.” Roman muttered, blinking as he realized how that probably came off. “I mean- you’re the smartest of the four of us, but that was… Emotionally smart? Oh, you know what I mean.” Patton giggled softly. Logan huffed softly, not actually offended. “Yes, well, even I can have my moments.” He looks down at Virgil, who’s still sitting on the couch. “So? Does that sound like a good idea?”

Virgil looked down at his hands, picking at his cuticles. Patton reached over and took Virgil’s hands, giving him The Look. He laughs shakily and nods. “Y-yeah. Okay. Let’s do it. Just… If I start crying and anyone says anything, I will leave.” Patton looks at him with sad eyes and Roman just nods, arms crossed uncomfortably over his chest. “Of course, we understand.”

With that, the other three move to the dining room to set up the pumpkins, setting each one on a cutting board in an effort to keep some of the mess off of the table. Patton finds the tools, setting them in the middle of the small table well within reach of each person. Virgil rests his elbows on his knees, covering his face with his hands and taking a few deep breaths. He hadn’t even bothered to buy a pumpkin since that time, did he really think he could just sit down and carve one without feeling…. What? He wasn’t even sure what he was feeling right now.

Something kept coming to the front of his mind, though he tried to ignore it. Would dad forgive me if I did this? It was a stupid thought; it wasn’t like his dad ever made him promise not to carve a pumpkin without him, and like he said, everyone carved pumpkins – they didn’t own the exclusive rights. Yet somehow it felt like he’d be betraying his dad. Virgil takes another deep breath, scrubbing his eyes in irritation. Come on Virgil, get over yourself.

The couch dips next to him, and Virgil looks up to see Patton giving him a soft smile, eyes full of concern. “Are you sure you’re okay with this, kiddo?” Virgil looks at his hands and nods. “Yeah, I am. Really. Logan could be right, and if he is, I should at least try, right?” Patton hugs Virgil from the side, smiling into his shoulder. “I’m proud of you. I know this can’t be easy.”

Virgil huffs in amusement. “Yeah. Self-help and growth and all that shit.”

“Language.”

Virgil really laughs at that. “Right, my bad.”

Patton stands up, holding a hand out to Virgil. Virgil takes his hand and stands up, letting Patton lead him to the table and taking the only empty spot at the table. The four chat easily as they work, and Virgil lets himself focus on what he’s working on, occasionally adding his own comment to the conversation. The others don’t bug him or pressure him to contribute more, letting him work in peace, and he’s thankful for that. It’s not that he’s having a hard time, he just really wants this to be perfect.

Patton is the first to finish, and no one is surprised to see that he carved a cat. It’s the typical silhouette, no detail, and that was perfectly fine. Simplistic, but cute; very Patton (in the best meaning, of course). Logan finishes his next, showing the others. Patton is still sitting at the table so he can talk to the other three, and he gasps loudly when he sees Logan’s pumpkin. “That’s so cool! … What is it?” Logan’s pumpkin seemed to have a bunch of circles and lines carved out of it. Logan pushed his glasses up his face to hide his smirk, but Virgil definitely saw it. “It’s binary code, wishing all who look upon it a happy Halloween.” Patton squeals, jumping up and running around the table to hug Logan. “Awww, Lo! That’s so sweet! And educational!” Logan blushes slightly and adjusts his glasses again. “Yes, well… Thank you, Patton.” Patton hums happily and sits back down. Roman is next, having carved a more detailed version of the Disney logo. Of course. The three men look at Virgil, the final person to reveal his pumpkin, and Virgil glances up briefly before going back to his pumpkin with a simple, “Not done.”

Logan shares looks with Roman and Patton, who shrug at him, and the three wait patiently. Conversation flows seamlessly as they discuss Halloween plans, how work is going, gossiping about coworkers, and everything else under the sun. The four of them had always clicked perfectly (somehow) and never had much trouble finding something to talk about. It was late into the night when Virgil finally sat back, the sound of his tools being set down making the other three go quiet. Virgil simply stares back at the pumpkin with a considering expression, and after a moment Logan scoots his chair over to better see the pumpkin.

Roman and Patton take the hint and get up, walking behind Logan and Virgil to see the pumpkin as well. As soon as Patton can see it, his hands fly up to cover his mouth. Roman is oddly quiet. Virgil can’t help but find the silence a bit unsettling, too reminiscent of the silence that had preceded their pumpkin carving. He spares a sideways glance at Logan, trying to read his expression. He looks… surprised? Awed? Virgil can’t quite tell. He gathers up the courage to tilt his head back and look at the other two. He takes in Patton’s shocked face and Roman’s blank expression and pales, turning back to the pumpkin.

“It…. It’s not that good, I know. Like I said, it’s been years. I could’ve done something simple I guess but I just… couldn’t. Sorry.” A hand rests on his shoulder, and he looks up at Patton, who’s shaking his head.

“Virge, it’s…. It’s amazing.”

Roman squats to be eye level with Virgil, looking at the anxious male before glancing back at the pumpkin. If anyone was going to be honest with him, it’d be Roman. Virgil braces himself. “It’s not just amazing. It’s perfect.” Virgil’s eyes widen, and he looks between Roman and the pumpkin. “Are we looking at the same gourd, Prince? Look at the faces-“

“I am, Virgil. This is honestly the best picture of us I’ve ever seen. Aside from a photograph, of course.” He straightens up, shaking his head with disbelief. “Your dad taught you how to do that?”

Virgil looks over the carved faces of himself and his best friends, shrugging slightly. “Yeah, mostly. He taught me the techniques. I am an artist…. He was too.” Patton’s arms wrap around his shoulders from behind and he leans back into the contact, smiling slightly. He guessed it was pretty good. His thoughts are interrupted when Patton whines sadly, sighing. “…Pat?”

“It’s gonna rot, Virge. That’s so sad!”

The four go silent as the words sink in. Virgil had never really considered how impermanent his carvings were; it hadn’t seemed like much of a loss. Suddenly he wished he hadn’t broken the Jack-O-Lantern of his dad all those years ago. Logan takes out his phone and reaches in front of Virgil’s face, startling him into leaning back. The tell-tale shutter sound of the phone’s camera is heard before Logan pockets his phone again. “There, now we shall have proof of this masterpiece even once it has decomposed.”

The four of them move to grab their pumpkins, carrying them out front and setting them along the walkway, sticking candles in them and lighting the wicks.

“Can we watch Corpse Bride?”

“That’s not really a Halloween movie, Pat.”

“Anything by Tim Burton is a Halloween movie. Change my mind.”

“….. Okay, you have a point, but did you two just hear what I heard? Did Dark and Stormy just meme?”

“Maybe so.”

A groan. “Logan, not you too!” The front door shuts, cutting off the rest of the conversation.

#sanders sides #sanders sides fanfic #sanders sides fanfiction #halloween #virgil sanders #patton sanders #logan sanders #roman sanders

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