Monday

Finally, me and Logan had to go our seperate ways. Even though it would only be an hour or two till we'd see each other again, I still really didn't want to leave his side. He makes me feel safe and..happy.

But the bell rang, so we both stood up from the bench we were sitting on.

"Well, I guess I'll see ya in Biology?"

"Why are you asking me if I'll see you? We both have biology on our schedules. I thought you were aware."

"Nono, I just mean, I'll see you then."

"Oh. Alright then. I will see you in approximately 42 minutes."

I smiled. He was always so precise.

"Satisfactory." I mimicked him.

He adjusted his tie and his cheeks turned the lightest pink. "Y-yes, I-I suppose it is satisfactory."

I giggled. He sounded so cute when he was nervous. Though I couldn't quite think of why. Maybe he's nervous to go to a class with no friends? Or could it be that..-No, I'm being silly.

I couldn't stop smiling around him. I know I've only just met him, but...I don't know. There's something about him that makes my heart beat a mile a minute. Nobody's made me feel this way before.

We just stared into each other's eyes for a bit, until we realized we'd be late to class if we stood here any longer.

"See ya, Logan!" I smiled and ran off, waving to him as I went to English.

————

"Satisfactory." Patton said, his smile-figuratively-as bright as the sun.

I felt my cheeks heat up. It was not a feeling I was used to. Not at all. My cheeks usually heat up when my blood pressure rises. So does this mean I'm angry? No, that can't be it. I'm quite the contrary, actually.

My heart was pounding hard against my chest. I adjusted my tie, trying to understand why I am so out of it today. I've never felt like this at any of the other schools I have attended.

"Y-yes, I-I suppose it is satisfactory."

He giggled, still smiling bright at me. My heart ached just looking at him. I could barely compose myself. Why is he making me feel like this?? I am unbelievably frustrated that I can't understand what is happening. On the other hand..I don't quite mind.

We just looked at each other for a bit. I observed his facial features once again. His eyes were the same aqua they've always been. His honey blonde hair going off in all directions. His glasses slightly tilted on his face.

All of these features were what I had observed the first time I saw him at the bus stop. Was was different? I haven't even known him for a day. I can't wrap my-oh. Oh, my.... Oh, no.. my brain finally made sense of it.

Patton finally broke the silence.

"See ya, Logan!" He said as he ran off to his class, waving to me as he did so.

I waved slightly back.

Shaking my head, I composed myself and proceeded to math class. As I walked there, I was still trying to believe it.

I'd never felt any intimate feelings for anyone in my entire life. What made Patton different? Why is he the one who's changing me? There must be a reason, there has to be a reason.

Robots can't feel, and I'm practically one myself.

I can't feel, I'm not supposed to feel! Patton will only hurt me. Everyone has hurt me, I won't let my guard down just to get hurt again!

...

I walk into my class and take my seat. At least I could distract my thoughts with math problems for 42 minutes straight.

——

The 42 minutes went by quickly, and eventually I had to go to go to Biology. One of my favorite classes, if I'm honest. But I was nervous. More nervous than I'd ever been to go to class. For as soon as I walked into the classroom, I saw Patton smiling and laughing with a student.

It wasn't a satisfying smile. His mouth was grinning wide, and his eyes were wrinkled, but I couldn't quite see the spark in his eyes like when he smiled at me.

Though that changed the moment he realized I'd walked in. He smiled somehow even wider and brighter than I'd ever thought possible. He excused himself from the conversation and walked over, his smile never faltering for a second.

"Hey, Logan! Man, it's been forever."

"It's only been 42 minutes since we have last seen each other. I am quite certain that's not forever."

One of the kids looked over at us and listened to our conversation.

Patton giggled again. "No, I mean it's felt like it. I know it really wasn't. I just..I wanted to see you again. Even though it's only been 42 minutes."

I stared at him. Could it be he feels intima-

"We are friends after all." He quickly added, his smile shifting a bit.

"Oh..yes." I felt quite disappointed. Considering Patton's the one making me feel this way and he doesn't even reciprocate the feeling.

"You okay?"

"Hm? Yes. Quite satisfactory."

"Well, you sounded a bit sad there for a moment. Or..disappointed."

"No, I was just lost in thought, I suppose."

"Alrighty, if you say so."

A bit of silence went by as we both thought of something to say. Keep in mind, I'd only known him a day. Though my intimate feelings were made clear to me quite quickly, thinking of something to say was quite the task.

"So, hey Logan. I was wondering if..maybe you wanted to go to the library during lunch today?"

"Whatever for?"

Something shifted in Patton's expression. He was still smiling, but it was a different kind of smile. He moved just a hint closer to me.

"Well, I am a bit in need of tutoring."

His voice was as smooth as the feeling of silk. I felt myself become flustered again.

"W-what subject?"

He put his hand on my thigh. I flinched in response. His smile faltered a bit as he quickly played over it, pretending to have slipped. I pretended as if I hadn't noticed just to calm him down.

"Just biology. I'm not too great at it.."

"Oh, alright. I'll meet you there right after the second bell at lunch."

"Satisfactory." He smiled.

He was using my own word against me. Using it as a figurative weapon to melt my heart.

The second bell for biology rang, and everyone sat at a desk. I, of course, picked a desk in the middle by myself. Another student asked Patton to sit down next to him.

"I'm really sorry, I already promised I'd sit with someone else."

I took out my notebook. Whoever got promised to have Patton sit next to them would be lucky. Probably one of the more popular people.

The chair next to mine grinded against the floor as someone moved to sit next to me. I quickly turned my head to see Patton sitting down next to me. He smiled at be briefly before we both turned our heads to the board.

While the teacher went over things I had already known before, I saw Patton struggling out of my rearview vision.

----

Patton's p.o.v

I couldn't focus. Usually I'm at least a little bit good at Science cause my dad makes me do it, but not today. I don't know if it's because there's an adorable nerd sitting next to me or the fact that my friend Remy told me Roman had gotten in a fight with Remus.

It's extremely unlike Roman to lash out at people like that! I've known him forever, I should know.

"And remember to turn in the worksheet when you're done with both you and your partner's name on it."

I must've not been listening at all, because I had no clue what we were doing. Logan was looking over a worksheet. I still couldn't focus. He was talking but he was deafened out by my worry.

Finally his smooth voice broke through to me.

"Patton, are you alright? You don't seem like..yourself."

"I...I'm fine. Just a bit, er...I just have to go to the bathroom!"

I stood abruptly and ran to the teacher to get a pass. Tears welled behind my eyes. The teacher handed me my pass, and I knew she could see my distress.

Before she could say anything I turned and left quickly out the door and to the nearest bathroom.

There was another stall closed, but nobody seemed to be in it. I locked myself in one of the stalls, shaking.

I knew I was probably overreacting, but I couldn't help it. Roman was my best friend and the thought of what could possibly make him do such a thing was getting to me.

And....well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't upset about anything else either.

Everything about my dad has been taking a bit of a toll on me.

And the fact that Logan will never see me like I see him.

...

Tears started falling down my face. I sat down with my legs up on the seat. I took my glasses off and hid my face in my knees.

My life isn't that stressful, I'm just being over dramatic. Dad says I get that from mom anyhow. I'll be fine after this period.

I heard the door open. I held my breath. A familiar voice echoed in the bathroom.

"Patton?"

————

Logan's p.o.v

"Patton?" I called out for him. There were only two stalls in use, but I couldn't see anyone in either of them. Maybe he wasn't in here.

"It's Logan."

I heard a sniffle from behind the stall.

"I'm fine, Logan. Just..my stomach hurt a bit, that's all."

"If that really is the case, then I should take you to the nurse."

"No, I'll be ok, I promise. I always am."

I shook my head. For him being so kind, he was very stubborn.

"Patton, please come out of the stall. If you are sick, I at the least want to examine you myself if you refuse to go to the nurse."

It was silent for a moment. I finally saw his legs from under one of the stalls as he slowly opened the door.

He was a mess.

He was looking down while cleaning his glasses, but I could still see what a terrible state he was in.

His eyes were bloodshot from crying, and tears were still falling from his eyes. Sadness was clear on his face. I could see him trying to cover it up. He put his glasses on and looked up at me, smiling sadly. He looked exhausted.

"I-I'm fine..it just hurts a lot..."

I couldn't tell if he was lying or not. I put my hand on his forehead. Either it was my imagination or Patton leaned into my touch ever so slightly.

"You don't feel like you have a fever."

I left my hand on his forehead. He looked sheepishly at me, his eyes still glossed over with tears. I wasn't good with emotions, but for Patton I would at least try.

"I...you're not..."

Damn. This was harder than I thought. He looked up at me, waiting to continue.

"You're always so happy. You go out of your way to figuratively brighten others days. Nobody needs to be a genius to see that."

He smiled a bit. I continued.

"But I...I might be the only one who really sees the sadness behind your eyes."

His smile faded. I knew I was most likely doing a terrible job, but I continued anyway.

"You don't have to tell me anything, but as your friend, it's my responsibility to make sure you are always feeling..satisfactory."

The tears started rolling down his face again.

"It's nothing. I'm just...worried about my friend who got in a fight today. It's not like him to hurt people, and I'm worried. And..my dad's making me study for a career I don't want and I..."

He looks up at me, only to look away again quickly. He spoke again, only his voice shook a bit this time.

"I like someone, and they don't feel the same way."

He shook his head, causing my hand to drop.

"Nevermind, it's nothing. Forget I said anything." He forced a laugh while he was wiping away his tears, only for them to be replaced by more tears.

I grabbed his wrists, causing him to stop. His eyes widened as he looked at me.

"Don't do that. Don't repress any amount of sadness you feel. It only makes it worse. Your problems aren't any less important than anyone else's."

He didn't say anything. I let go of him, my hands falling to my sides.

"If I'm going to be your friend, I don't want you lying to me. Because I-"

He suddenly crashed into me, hugging me tightly. He began crying, quiet sobs escaping his lips.

Surprised at the sudden act of intima-friendly behavior, it took me a moment to react. I slowly hugged him back, confused as if I had made him feel better or worse. He was clinging onto me for dear life.

I felt bad for him.

——

We stayed like that for a while, him just crying into my chest (he was a good eight inches shorter than me). I held him protectively as if I could somehow take his worries away. Just for a while.

Eventually he stopped crying, but he didn't show any signs of letting go of me. The period was almost over and we'd eventually have to go to our seperate classes.

"Thank you, Logan."

He let go and looked up at me, smiling.

"Not a problem."

"Are we still gonna hang out at lunch in the library?"

The correct pronunciation is 'going to' not 'gonna' but I decided not to correct him.

"Of course. Unless you wanted to cancel."

He shook his head. "Never."

I smiled, blushing. He smiled back at me.

He moved closer, looking up at me. I suddenly got extremely nervous. We had just hugged, but this felt different.

There was less than a minute left of the period. He stood on his tip toes so he was almost as tall as me.

We locked eyes, and for a moment, I thought he was going to kiss me.

But the bell rang and snapped us back into reality. He stood normally, adjusting his glasses.

"I'll see you at lunch, ok?"

"Of course."

He smiled. "Satisfsctory."

He walked out, and I stood there for a moment, gathering myself together.

Satisfactory. A word I never thought t twice about saying. After meeting Patton, however, the word feels as if it has a whole new meaning.

He's done something to me.

Changed me.

Maybe he's fixed me...

Impossible.

I'm far beyond repair.