Chapter Text
Logan had realized, after nearly a year of owning his small bookshop, that it lacked any interesting colors or decor. As he stands at the entrance of the shop he wonders how he hadn't noticed earlier, all of the walls without shelves were bare, and above the shelves he could easily imagine something being there, and the empty spaces on the display tables never looked so big.
He has no idea what to decorate the shop with though, he didn't want to clutter the shelves and tables with small trinkets, especially if customers may mistake them as for sale. As he stares at the empty spaces, still sorting through what could be put there, he hears footsteps from the Nonfiction section.
“Virgil?” He calls out, and sees the teen peek his head around the corner, attentive look on his face.
“Yeah?”
“Janus mentioned the lack of decorations yesterday, and I think he may be right, it's very boring here isn't it?”
Virgil looks at a shelf, face unsure. “I wouldn't say boring. It's… kinda cozy in a waiting room kind of way.”
“That doesn't sound like a compliment. And nevertheless, I do think some decor would be a good investment. What do you think I should add?” He watches Virgil come out from behind the shelf and lean against the dark wood, arms crossed.
“Well… maybe some, like, old stuff?” He suggests, looking around and no doubt also trying to decide what could work.
“Old stuff?” Logan questions, and Virgil shrugs.
“Like… record players and stuff? I dunno.” He shrugs again, and pulls the cart with books out from around the shelf, from where he must have been reshelving.
“That's a very nice idea, Virgil. The problem is vintage decor would cost too much. I don't want to risk theft, either...” He mumbles the last sentence more to himself than to Virgil, who begins shelving once again.
“Maybe some art?” Logan brightens a bit at the suggestion, looking at the deep indigo blue walls and visualizing where the paintings could go. There was space near the Science Fiction, along with Fantasy and Romance, and even more room at the cash register.
“Paintings would look nice.” He says, and hears a hum of agreement from Virgil, who isn't facing him.
Logan goes and sits at the check out, chair moving slightly, chin propped onto his hand as he looks around the shop. It's only him and Virgil, and soon should only be Logan. Before Janus arrives, that is, considering his only other worker has been calling in “sick” the past few days.
The store phone rings and he answers before it can even reach the second ring.
“Pages and Prose, the tri-state's favorite bookstore. This is Logan speaking, how may I help you?” He answers, false cheeriness in his tone. Virgil looks up and raises a brow at the tone.
“You sound like a robot, quit answering like that.” He hears Janus say from the other side.
“Oh, hello. Why are you calling the store's phone?”
“My phone died. Just checking: I start at three, right?”
“You start work at two thirty and end at five thirty. Then you're going to your friend's house, correct?”
“I start at three.”
Logan furrows his brows, “Janus you start at two thirty.”
“Well I'm starting at three today, I'll work until six to make up for it.”
Logan sighs, and tries not to come across as completely annoyed, knowing he had to be gentle with the conversation. “Janus, where are you?”
“Remus’ house.” He says coolly.
Logan's happy he's on the phone with Janus, rather than in front of him, knowing his look of disdain was obvious. “That odd boy? Janus I think we'll have to have a conversation about him later.”
“No we're not.” Janus replies quickly, “You're not my mom, Logan. Unless you're six feet under.”
“Janus, don't talk about her that way.”
“I'll talk about her however I like, she was my mom.”
“She was my sister. And furthermore-”
He hears the familiar click of Janus hanging up.
He stands there for a moment, phone still held against his ear, wondering how in the world he had managed to get this deep into something he knows nothing about. He puts the phone back down and the conversation runs through his head over and over again, until he hears his name.
“Logan? Or… Mr. Seay? The phone,” Virgil points over at the phone and Logan quickly picks it up.
“Pages and Prose, this is Logan speaking. How may I help you?”
“Hiya Mr. Seay! So sorry to call the store phone, could you tell Vee I'm gonna be late pickin’ him up?” The voice sounds familiar, particularly the Southern accent, but Logan can't pinpoint it.
“Do you mean Virgil?”
“Oh yeah, sorry ‘bout that. This is Patton by the way, I'm his dad.”
“Yes just… give me a second.”
He puts the speaker of the phone against his chest and calls Virgil over, who, after looking around as if anyone else was there, walks over. “Yeah?”
“Do you know a man named Patton?” Logan asks, keeping his voice low so the phone doesn't pick it up. “He's calling about you.”
“Uh… he's my dad, why? Somethin’ the matter?” he asks, leaning across the desk, “Do I need to leave?”
Logan waves him off, “It's not a big deal, he said he's going to be late picking you up.”
Virgil nods, “And that's it?”
“That's all, but go charge your phone so he doesn't have to call again.”
Virgil gives him a two fingered salute before walking off to the back. Logan brings the speaker of his phone back up, “Thank you for waiting. I just informed him.”
“Thanks! And sorry again for callin’ your store phone, you must be swamped.”
Logan hums, “It's not the busiest right now, thank you for calling about Virgil though.”
“Well it's awfully busy where I am, so I gotta go. Nice talkin’ to ‘ya, Mr. Seay!”
“Nice talking to you as well, have a nice day.”
He hangs up, glad that conversation was much better than the one he had with Janus. He dreads the conversation the two will have at home, no doubt ending with yelling from Janus and repressed frustration from Logan. He doesn't know how Lillian did it, raising a kid by herself, and he wonders if he can even do it. Suddenly becoming a legal guardian to a sixteen year old was not on his bucket list, yet here he is.
And to think, he didn't even need to handle the hard part, such as giving birth and actually teaching Janus how to be a functioning member of society. She was there for him for everything, and now all Janus has is Logan, and he doesn't even know where to begin on finishing what his sister had started.
~
Virgil's dad comes in just after Janus arrives, who doesn't look happy in the slightest to be there, but keeps his voice down when talking to Logan because there's customers. He wishes he sold parenting books, but he's nearly one hundred percent sure there isn't a book on how to raise your sixteen year old nephew after his only other family member dies.
When Patton comes inside there's a strong scent of flowers and when Logan looks up he sees he's wearing a deep green apron with small, bright yellow stains on it. He's confused by the look, but Virgil walks over with his bag like it's normal and bids Logan goodbye.
“Well hang on, Vee. I wanna look around, you know I haven't had a chance to come inside.”
Logan had looked back down after he came inside, and knows he doesn't have to look up when he hears a sigh. He hears Virgil mumble something but Patton either doesn't mind or care, and Logan hears footsteps as the two walk around.
“Virgil, would you mind getting Janus for me?” He asks, knowing fully well the other was hiding in the storage room and no doubt talking to that weird boy again. Honestly, Logan just doesn't understand what Janus sees in him, he already has a criminal record.
“Sure,” And there's retreating footsteps.
“Oh, so you're Mr. Seay?”
Logan looks up and smiles politely, clasping his hands together on the desk as the other walks over. “I am, you must be Mr. Foster.”
The other man just waves him off, laughing lightly. “Oh, Mr. Foster's my dad, you can call me Patton.”
Logan holds his hand out for a handshake, “You may call me Logan, it's very nice to meet you.”
Patton stares at his hand for a moment, and Logan wonders if he should put his hand down. Then Patton shows off the palm of his hand, speckled with those small yellow spots just like the apron. “I'd love to shake your hand, but I got pollen all over me just before I came.” He laughs, but he sounds much more nervous this time. “And trust me, that stuff is hard to get out.”
Logan puts his hand back on the desk, “Oh dear. And what about your apron?” he points at the item of clothing, “Will it come out?”
Patton leans against the desk as he shakes his head. “Nah, but I wish it did. You have any idea how annoying it is to have your favorite blue shirt covered in weird little green spots thanks to some lilies?”
Logan's smile grows wider, by just a bit. “I must say, I haven't. It sounds awful. What do you do to cause such a thing?”
“I'm a florist. Work just a few blocks over,” he jabs a thumb to his left, indicating the direction. “It's the reason I was so late picking Vee up.”
“Oh, I don't think he minded leaving a little later than usual.” He says as Virgil comes back, with no Janus in sight.
Logan furrows his brows, “Where is he?”
“He's still in the back,” Virgil jabs his thumb just like his dad did earlier, “Said he'll be out in a second.”
Logan nods, “I see. Well thank you for trying.”
Virgil doesn't reply, just nods slightly.
“Well,” Patton goes to clap Virgil on the back, but Logan's pretty sure he sees the exact moment he remembers the pollen on his hand and quickly moves it away from his son. “Vee and I better get out of your hair. I'll give ‘ya that handshake another time.”
The pair leave, and when they're out the door Logan barely realizes his smile had grown into one of genuine amusement until a familiar voice speaks up from somewhere between the shelves.
“God Logan, just throw yourself at the guy. That’s Virgil's dad, gross.”
Logan furrows his brows towards the Historical Fiction section, where he had heard the voice from. “Janus, I’m afraid I don't know what you’re talking about.” He says, walking out from around the desk and towards the shelves.
“‘Course you don't.” Logan hears as he stands on the other side of the shelf, away from where he knows Janus is sitting. “I forgot, you're an idiot when it comes to feelings.”
Logan opens his mouth to retort, but realizes he can't chastise Janus for being right, no matter how rude it may be. He knows he struggles with identifying his emotions, but he needs to handle that with his therapist, not his teenage nephew. He closes his mouth and clears his throat, “You're correct. But I'm not sure what you think may have happened between Mr. Foster and I.”
He hears Janus sigh, “Whatever. Anything for me to do?”
“Could you switch places with me? I need to unbox a few packages.” And he adds, because it feels right, “And when we get home we can order from that Italian restaurant you like.”
“Can we watch Legally Blonde?”
Logan doesn't understand Janus’ love for that movie, but he nods. “We can.”
There's silence as he hears Janus stand up, “Sorry I freaked out earlier. That was… that was weird. And I don't know why I said that about Virgil's dad.”
“It's all right, that's to be expected. I'm sorry I seem so… apathetic, about Lillian. You must remember she was my sister, we grew up together. I was there when she gave birth to you.” He hears a sniffle from the other side of the shelf when he's finished.
“I know.” He hears Janus say in such a soft tone it’s a wonder he was able to hear him at all.
~
The next time Virgil works, just two days later, Patton comes in once again when picking him up. It's new, considering all Logan ever knew about the man is that he drives an old station wagon that Virgil loves to complain about. He had heard his voice a handful of times, mostly muffled by Virgil's phone while the two spoke.
When he comes in he stands at the doorway for a moment, similar to when Logan was coming up with decor ideas. He has his hands on his hips as he looks around thoughtfully.
“Y'know,” He begins, and Logan looks up at him. “Vee told me you're thinking about adding some decorations.” Virgil looks up from his phone at the mention of his nickname, and back down, unamused.
“I am,” Logan says, “He suggested artwork, but I'm unsure where to get it.”
“The thrift store has some great stuff. Kind of old-timey portraits and stuff but I think they'll go well with your store.” He walks to the desk, and holds out his hand.
Logan stares at it for a moment before remembering Patton's comment from the last time he was at the shop. He takes the offered hand and the two shake, “And not to toot my own horn, but my kiddo's a great artist.”
Logan raises his eyebrows, “Really?” The two seperate their hands, “I hadn't realized.”
“Oh yeah!” He watches a proud look come on his face. “He painted somethin’ for our living room just the other day.” He takes his phone out of his pocket, “Let me find a photo.”
Virgil quickly walks over, panic evident on his face, which is bright red. He pushes Patton's shoulder, “Dad, we should go.”
“Oh, just a sec Vee. I wanna show Logan here what you painted.” Patton says as he scrolls through his phone, ignoring the insistent pushing coming from his son.
“Aw c'mon dad, you have the crockpot on, remember? We don't want dinner to burn.” Despite Virgil's strength with carrying around boxes of books and pushing around furniture, his dad stays in place as he holds his phone out for Logan to take.
“Vee, you're being silly. It won’t burn.” He turns his attention back to Logan, “Anyhow, that's the painting.”
Logan readjusts his square glasses as he looks at the phone screen, seeing a large canvas with a lovely painting of the night sky, with a colorful nebula and multiple constellations able to be seen. And from the details Logan can make out from the photo, it is incredibly accurate regarding actual stars and the size and color of them, he's sure that if he stared longer he would be able to name them. It also seems to clash with the light colored wall it's hanging on, but it's lovely and Logan can't believe he has such a skilled artist working at his shop.
As he hands the phone back he sees Virgil slumped against the checkout desk, arms folded and hiding his face, hood over his head. “Isn't it just the cutest?” Patton gushes, practically glowing from pride. Logan has to admit, it's charming how much Patton loves Virgil and his work
“It's very nice.” Logan looks down at the lump of black fabric that is Virgil, “Did you use that book on constellations I gave you?”
He hears a faint hum of confirmation from Virgil, and nods in understanding. “Well if you'd like, we can discuss prices for a painting. You're very skilled.”
He watches Virgil slowly raise his head up, his tousled purple bangs covering one of his eyes. “Really? You'd pay for that?”
“Not that specific painting, no. It's hanging in your living room. But something else by you, yes.” He opens up his planner, “When would you like to do this?”
Virgil looks unsure, sitting up fully now. He glances over at his dad, who just smiles encouragingly at him. That seems to be enough though, because he turns back to Logan with much less anxiety on his face. “How about next time I work?” He flattens his hair, moving it from his eyes, “We can talk during my lunch break.”
Logan writes that down, “Sounds lovely.”
“Y'know what else would be great? Some greenery.” Logan looks back up at Patton as he speaks, “You could get yourself some fake vines or plants and it'd look real nice, go well with all the wooden shelves.”
Logan looks around the shop, “I think you may be right.”
“Well,” Patton begins just like last time, patting Virgil's back this time, and Virgil is smiling to himself, though his eyes are down, looking at the wooden desk. “Vee and I should get goin’, I probably should check on our dinner.”
Logan hums, smiling politely, “Have a nice night, and thank you for the suggestions.”
Patton laughs, face pink as he moves some of his wavy hair behind his ear. “Oh, it's nothin’. And I might come back tomorrow, doesn't hurt to do some more readin’.”
Logan’s perks up, smile becoming more genuine. “Well I can give you some suggestions when you come by. In fact, we recently got some new mystery novels.”
Patton's interest is piqued, and he leans against the desk just like last time, his elbow on it while his face rests on his hand. “Really? Oh, I love mystery stuff.”
“So do I, it's always such fun trying to figure out the culprit, isn't it?” Logan asks, moving his chair closer to the desk and farther from the computer, putting an elbow on the table.
Patton shakes his head, “Oh no, I love not knowing. Best part, if ‘ya ask me.” Logan raises his eyebrows in interest, he had never considered not deducing a novel. It was the best part, picking up small clues the characters overlook, searching for hints the author scattered about. He had never considered keeping it a surprise.
“Really?” Patton nods, “That's very interesting, I don't think I could go a single novel without trying to solve the mystery myself.”
The other laughs, and Logan notes that he moves just a bit closer. “You must be mighty smart then, I don't think I could do all that work. In fac-” Patton cuts himself off as Virgil elbows him.
“Dad, food.”
Patton leans off of the desk, and Logan does the same. “Oh darn, I forgot all about that.” He turns to Logan, flashing him an endearing smile. “Guess I'll bother ‘ya more tomorrow.”
“Oh, you're not a bother at all.” Logan says, waving his hand dismissively as the two begin walking towards the door, Patton still facing Logan.
“Well that's mighty sweet of ‘ya. I'll,” He stumbles a bit on the rug in front of the door and Logan sees his face flush. “I'll see ‘ya tomorrow.” He finished, waving goodbye as he turned around and walked out the door, Virgil following close behind.
Logan waves a bit as Patton walks out, smiling softly. He hears the break room door from just to the left of the checkout open.
“Oh, he's gone? Cool.” Janus says as he sauntered to the storage room on the other side of the shop. “I'm gonna dust real quick, my allergies are going crazy.”
Logan hums, barely hearing him. He was still thinking about Patton, about how nice he was and the advice he had given about the shop, and about how he had said he was going to stop by the next day. It sounded like something he should look forward to, and he does. He can't pinpoint why though.
~
Patton comes by near noon, while there's a few customers. He's wearing a white button up and a light blue cardigan, with no green apron in sight but a white tote bag on his shoulder. Logan was ringing someone up while he walked in, so rather than walking to the desk and speaking, like usual, Patton just flashes him that familiar smile and waves enthusiastically. It reminds him of a child seeing something they love, it's a very lovely reaction. Logan smiles softly and waves just the same as he bags the customer's books.
As the line dies down and so do the customers, Logan still sees Patton browsing, with a couple books in his arms. He debates walking over to talk to him, and sees Remy walk by, typing on his phone.
“Remy, you’re on the register.” He says, walking away from the checkout. He hears Remy groan from annoyance behind him as he walks towards the Mystery section, where Patton is scanning the shelves, and as Logan gets closer he hears his faint whistling.
When he's standing next to Patton he isn't sure what to say, standing with his hands behind his back for a moment. The other two conversations they had were initiated by Patton, who doesn't even seem to notice his presence.
“Hiya, Logan.” Patton says suddenly, turning to face the other man, who's eyes widen in surprise from being acknowledged. “How are ‘ya?”
Logan's silent for a moment, and Patton just stares, waiting for a response. Eventually, Logan's brain catches up with his mouth. “I'm just fine. And you?”
“Oh, can't complain.” Patton says, turning back to the shelf, that smile from earlier there once again. He always seems to be smiling, which should be concerning, but there's something nice about it. “You didn't tell me you have cookbooks.” He says cheerfully, holding up the pile of books in his hands before setting them on a nearby stool Remy must have forgotten to put away, “Can't wait to get home and look at all of ‘em, I can surprise Vee with a new recipe.”
“Yes, I'm sure he'll be very surprised after school.” Logan says, watching the attentive way Patton scans the shelf.
“Oh no, he'll be at his momma's house this weekend. She'll be pickin’ him up after school.” He picks up a book and holds it out, “Have you read this one? The title looks interesting.”
Logan takes the small paperback, looking down at the cover of a family, all staring ahead robotically with dim lighting, a film of blue over it all. He sees the title Dawn on it and nods “I have, actually.”
Patton's hand goes to the bottom of the book, turning it slightly to look at the synopsis on the back. “Is it any good?”
Logan pauses for a moment, “Well… It's very well written, but it's also extremely sad and dark.” He looks up at Patton, who looks a bit disappointed. “I'm not sure you would like it.”
“Huh,” Patton takes the book back, putting it back in its spot. “Well I don't wanna read somethin’ too dark. I'm a big ‘ol baby when it comes to that stuff.” He laughs lightly before turning his attention back to Logan. “Any suggestions?”
Logan feels himself brighten, hands clasping together in front of himself. “Well I'm currently rereading The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie. It's a fantastic story, and is the third book of hers featuring the same detective.”
“Ooh, like a Sherlock Holmes kinda thing?” Patton asks, looking absolutely enamored by what Logan was saying, blue eyes shining and a grin on his face.
Logan feels a matching one form as he speaks, “Almost, but that's another good series, a story I highly recommend is The Speckled Band it's my favorite an-”
“No way! That's my favorite too!” Patton exclaims, reaching over and grabbing Logan's hands in his excitement. Logan doesn't even mind, feeling an odd feeling akin to infatuation he barely even processes as Patton squeezes his hands, feeling the way they're calloused. He hadn't noticed when they had shook hands, but his hands are also warm and grounding. “Do you remember the end where-”
“Holmes causes Dr. Roylott's death because of his own snake?” He interrupts, and Patton nods energetically. “Of course! And when Dr. Roylott confronts Sherlock and he asks-”
“About the weather!” Patton finishes, laughing, “Oh that was such a fun scene.”
“It really was.” Logan says, unable to hide the small laugh that makes its way out just thinking of the scene. “Books don't usually cause me to laugh aloud like that scene did, I love it.”
“Oh, it's such a fun story! When Virgil was younger I'd read it to him all the time, Ava May had to have me stop when the kiddo wouldn't stop narrating like Watson.” Patton laughs lightly as he recalls the memory, “Trust me, it did not go well with his Southern accent.”
Logan furrows his brows, just barely cocking his head to the side. “He has one? I've never heard it.”
He shakes his head, hair falling in front of his face. “Nah, he doesn't anymore. Kinda went away when we moved here.” Patton shrugs, “No idea why.”
“Logan!” Remy calls from the front desk, “This is a store not Grindr!”
Logan feels the tips of his ears burn red and pulls his hands away from Patton's as if he's on fire, glad for once that there's no other customers. But the way his heart is practically thrumming out of his chest certainly doesn't help his embarrassment.
“Oh, I-” He stumbles over both his words and thoughts, “I highly recommend The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. It's uh,” He scans the shelf, hand hovering over the spines of the books until he finds it, picking it up and handing it to Patton. “It's a very good read.”
Patton smiles, almost sheepishly, at Logan as he takes it. “Thanks.”
Logan nods, and turns swiftly, walking back to the checkout.
“Look, I'm all for shooting your shot, but even I have to say, save it for after work.” Logan glares at Remy, who doesn't seem to have a care in the world as he stares at Logan from behind his black sunglasses.
“Go reshelf the children's section, a family came in earlier and moved things around.” He says, shooing Remy away. He just laughs before walking off.
Logan sits in the rolling office chair, which moves a bit as he does, and he crosses his arms. He had no idea what Remy was referring to, what Logan and Patton were doing was having an enthusiastic and, admittedly, loud conversation about their favorite story. That was normal.
Patton comes over just a few minutes later, while Logan was typing on the computer, looking over an order he had made. When he looks up at Patton he sees he's smiling that seemingly permanent smile of his, stack of books already on the table.
Logan can't help the small smile that makes its way to his face as he begins scanning. “You really did get a lot of cook books.” Logan observes.
“Yeah, I did.” Patton says with a nervous titter. “What can I say? I just love cooking. Well, baking really.”
Logan hums, “You're the complete opposite of me. I love cooking, yet I always mess up while baking, especially sugar cookies.”
“Oh, I love makin’ sugar cookies! They’re Vee's favorite, I give him one for every birthday.” Patton gushes, his hands going up to the strap of his tote bag.
Logan pauses, holding the hardback he had been scanning. “Really? And they come out in the proper shape?”
“Uh…no, not usually. But they taste great.”
Logan goes back to scanning, “I suppose that is the important part.”
He scans the last book, stacking them up neatly as he checks the price. He already knows from adding it all up in his head what the price is, but it doesn't hurt to double check.
“Thirty dollars and seventy five cents,” He says, “Would you like a bag?”
“Nah, I’m fine.” Patton says, pulling his wallet out and flicking through his bills. Logan notices the way he licks his thumb as he does so, careful to not let the bills stick together.
“So I was thinkin’,” Patton says as he hands Logan two twenties, “You and I are gettin’ along pretty well, and it won't hurt for me to start reading new books. Do ‘ya think I can give you my number? To, y'know,” He stuffs his wallet back into his pocket, looking down as he does so. “Talk about books and stuff.”
Logan puts the two bills in the register and makes Patton's change. “That sounds nice.”
When he goes to hand Patton his change he sees his expression has brightened considerably, as his hands once again find their way to the strap of his tote bag. “Really?”
“Of course. And your change is nine dollars and twenty-five cents.”
Patton waves him off, moving his bag as he begins rummaging through it. “Nah, keep the change.” He takes out a stack of Post-It Notes and a blue pen, scribbling on a note before ripping it off and handing it to Logan. “And here's my number.”
Logan takes it with his other hand as he puts Patton's change in the register. “Thank you. And are you sure you don't need a bag?”
“I'll carry them,” he says, grabbing the stack of books. “And message when ‘ya can, alrighty? I'll always answer.” And with that, Patton walks out of the door, a spring in his step and carefully holding the door open as he walks out.
Logan smiles, watching as Patton just as carefully opens his car door and puts the books in. He hears footsteps and a familiar voice grow close.
“So who even is that guy?” Remy asks, leaning against the desk. Though unlike when Patton does it, it's more of a nuisance than something charming.
“He's Virgil's father.” Logan says simply, sticking the note with Patton's number onto the bottom of his monitor.
Remy is silent for a moment, and Logan looks up, over the lense of his glasses and at the young adult, surprised to hear nothing from him. Eventually, he speaks. “You're telling me that guy fucks?”
Logan feels that same heat from earlier, paired with an unfamiliar and swooping sensation in his chest. “Remy, please. That’s completely inappropriate.”
“Oh, but flirting with Virgil's dad isn't?” Remy teases, “It's okay to be into older men, Logan. Just don't be so open about it at your job.”
“Remy, are you forgetting this is my bookstore?” Logan asks, looking up once again, an unimpressed look on his face.
“Oh, I get it.” Logan looks back at the computer screen, “You're allowed to flirt with people at work.”
Logan moves his head up to give Remy a blank look. “Really, Remy, you're so dramatic. Patton and I are simply acquaintances, nothing more, nothing less.”
Remy sighs dramatically, “Whatever. I have more important things to worry about.”
“You do.” Logan agrees, going back to his typing. “Considering you haven't been here in two days.”
Remy doesn't reply.
~
It's a Saturday afternoon and Patton is manning the front, and is currently doodling in the margins of a small notebook he keeps out there, usually reserved for writing while on the phone. Recently, and for reasons unknown to him, he's started drawing cursive Ls an awful lot.
He hears the bell above the front door ring and looks up, a smile already on his face. “Welcome to Patton's Petal Paradise, how can I- Oh, hey Logan!” He waves at the man, who waves back, though he's much calmer with it. He's standing by the potted plants, looking fondly at them.
“Hello, Patton.” He greets, walking towards the counter. “How are you?”
“Can't complain,” He says cheerfully, tapping his fingertips against the counter, “I'm closed tomorrow, so just waitin’ for today to end.”
“That sounds nice. I only really take Saturdays and Wednesdays off, I find it really helps having that day in the middle.” Logan explains, tone of voice just as calm as himself. He shakes his head lightly, “That's not what I'm here for though. I was wondering if you have any small potted plants.”
“Oh, for the shop?” He asks, watching the way Logan smiles and nods.
“The rest will be bigger and fake, but I want at least one to be real. I think it would be a nice desk decoration.” Patton hums in understanding as Logan speaks, but as he's staring at his thin, pink lips, he can't help but think about just leaning over and kissing the living daylights out of him.
“Um, Patton?” Logan waves his hand in front of Patton's face, and Patton blinks before standing up straight. “You seemed to have zoned out.”
“Oh, sorry! I, uh, guess I did zone out. Dontcha worry though, I hear ‘ya loud and clear.” He shuts the small notebook and moves away from the counter. “I'll be right back, alrighty?”
Logan nods, and as Patton walks to the back he hears the bell ring once again.
“Just a sec!” He calls out as he searches for a nice plant.
He looks around his selection, knowing he wanted something that would go with Logan's cozy shop, but he didn't want something that would be too much. He tries to pay no mind to his earlier thoughts as he does so, dismissing it as just some kind of impulsive thought or something of the like. He tries to focus on a good plant for Logan, as he doesn't think Logan would really care for a big, flowering plant. He stands with his hands on his hips before grabbing one and walking back out.
When he's back at the counter he sees a boy around Virgil's age talking to Logan, wearing a yellow beanie and looking impatient. “Okey-dokey, here's what I found.” He sets the plant onto the counter and Logan turns his head away from the boy and down at the plant.
“This is very pretty,” Logan says, bringing a hand down and brushing his fingers against the green and red leaves of the plant.
“Isn't it?” Patton says, propping his elbow on the counter, chin on his hand. He uses his other hand to point down at it, “This here's called a Polka Dot Plant, ‘cause of its red dots. It doesn't need a whole lotta sunlight, only filtered or its leaves will crisp right up. It does need to be put in a humid spot though to grow properly.”
Logan hums in understanding and the boy next to him reaches out and taps one of the leaves, “There, get that one.” He says, and Logan turns his attention back to him.
“Janus, please go wait in the car. I promise we won't be late to your movie.” And the other just sighs, but does as Logan says.
It's silent for a moment, and Patton watches the gears working in Logan's head, thinking hard about the plant. It's a cute look, his black eyes staring intently, hand just barely covering his mouth as he does so.
“So..?” Patton eventually says, “Do ‘ya like it or do I need to go to the back again?”
“Oh no, I like it. I'm just… Well, I'm a bit worried about killing the poor thing.” Logan says, and Patton feels something a little too similar to adoration swell in his chest at the confession.
“I have a little booklet on this plant, if you want that.” He squats down and searches the shelf under the desk for a booklet on the Polka Dot Plant. He comes back up and hands it to Logan, and as he takes it their hands just barely brush against each other.
“Thank you,” He says, a small smile on his face. From what Patton remembers, Virgil had always described his boss as very serious and straightforward, but Logan always seemed to have that small smile when the two spoke, and just yesterday the two were gushing about Sherlock Holmes.
“It's nothin’, and besides you have all those books of yours to look at if you need anything else.” He hears Logan hum in agreement as Patton scans the plant, carefully putting it back on the table.
“That's an even seven dollars,” He says as he takes a small paper bag out from behind the counter, opening it and putting the plant inside. Logan hands him the exact price as Patton holds out the pale blue bag.
“Patton, can I ask you a question?”
Patton grins as he opens the register, setting the bills inside. “‘Ya just did.”
“That's… That's not what I meant.” Logan says, and while Patton can't see his face, he can hear Logan's bemused tone of voice.
“I know, I'm just messin’ with ‘ya.” He looks up, “What is it?”
“It's silly, but why are your aprons green rather than light blue?” He looks around the shop, at the blue walls and then down at the bag he's holding. “It's a bit puzzling to me, to be honest.”
Patton waves his hand dismissively, “Nah, that's not a silly question. I get it a lot, actually.” He leans against the counter and Logan moves closer in interest. “See, when I first started the shop I didn't really have any colors picked out, the walls and everything were just white. And Ava May is one talented seamstress, so she made my aprons, and all she had was some green fabric.” He puts a thumb underneath the strap of his apron, letting go and letting it snap against his shoulder. “Eventually I settled on my colors and Ava May and I split up, but I still like to wear them, for nostalgia's sake, really.”
Logan has a fond look on his face, similar to when he was looking at the potted plants. “That's sweet.” He says, and Patton can feel the way his pulse increases in both speed and intensity, can feel the way it goes all the way down to the very tips of his fingers. Logan just looks at him with that soft look, and Patton has no clue what to do or say.
“Um… Thanks, I suppose.” He looks away from Logan's dark eyes, and feels a blush he hasn't felt in years make its way to his face. “Hey, so… I was wonderin’ if yo-”
He stops when he hears a loud honk come from outside, and watches as Logan's fond look becomes one of unamusement as he turns around to look outside. Patton looks as well, and sees that boy from earlier with his head out the car window, pointing at his turned on phone, specifically at the time.
“Well I suppose I should go.” Logan says as he turns back to Patton. “Janus has been asking to see this movie for a month now.”
Patton hums, “Yeah, of course. I'll see ‘ya around?”
Logan smiles kindly, “I can text you after I drop Janus off.”
He nods, hoping he doesn't look too excited. “Cool.”
And Logan walks out, the jingling of the bell signaling his leave.
Patton sighs wistfully, and with realizing what that familiar feeling is.
~
On Sunday Ava May brings Virgil home at six on the dot, just as Patton finishes up dinner, a nice chicken recipe he found in one of his new cookbooks with whatever else he could find in the kitchen.
“Hey kiddo!” He greets as the two come inside, “Ava May, wanna stay for dinner?”
“Oh, you know I can't deny your cookin’, Patt.” She says, smiling sweetly. “Need any help?”
“Just lay out the plates, you know where they are.” He says, taking off the apron he was wearing and tossing it onto the extra chair he had. Lucky for Patton, life didn't change too much after the divorce, he was left the house and most of the furniture, Ava May took her things and a few decorations to her new place, and the two agreed on her custody. He's just glad the two are friendly, rather than like the horror stories he hears from other divorced parents.
“Ava May,” He begins as Virgil goes upstairs and the woman in question looks up from where she's putting the plates down. “When did ‘ya start dating? Y'know, after we split up?”
She whistles as she thinks, putting her hands on the table. “About… two or so years. Why? You finally found someone?”
He shrugs, but feels the way his face tinges pink. “I dunno, maybe. Problem is I dunno if he'd wanna go out because-”
“Because ‘ya have a kid?” She finishes, and he sighs, nodding. “I'm in the same boat, Patt. It sucks.”
He nods again, “Yeah, but I dunno if that would be the problem. He could not like guys, he could be taken, he… Well I can't think of another one.” He trails off, picking up the dish of chicken, oven mitts on.
“Well Patt, how're ‘ya gonna find out unless you say somethin’? Ask for his number or somethin’, piece of cake.” She grabs the last two plates and sets them down as Patton puts the chicken down, smack dab in the middle of the table.
“Well I've already done that, got his number just a couple days ago.” He says, grabbing the bowl of carrots and putting it down as well.
“And y'all talk?” She asks, walking to the drawer full of utensils and taking some knives and forks out.
“Well we're both kinda busy, but we talk most of the time. Usually in the evenin’.” He places the dish of roasted potatoes down and arranges all of the dishes nicely onto the table, “He's real nice.”
“Well hun, sounds like you're halfway there.” Ava May says with a laugh. “Just ask him out for lunch or somethin’ of the like.”
“Now you know it's not that easy.” He says as Virgil comes back, and Patton glances over at the teen. “I'll tell ‘ya more after dinner.”
She hums and Virgil sits down, the conversation moving into how everyone's weekend was. Patton mentions him and Logan talking and, forgetting what he had told Ava May about having the number of the guy he's interested in, says he has Logan’s number. But she does smile in realization around her cup of sweet tea.
Virgil tells Patton that's embarrassing, but is smiling as he does. He then tells him about how he and Ava May went to the mall to get that piercing Virgil's been wanting. Patton’s glad to hear that, he knows he wouldn't be able to sit through it himself, last time Virgil got a piercing Patton nearly fainted. Virgil shows him the piercing, which is on his tongue, and it explains why he had been talking oddly throughout dinner.
When they're done eating Virgil goes up to his room to finish up an essay, and Ava May helps Patton gather up the dishes and put leftovers away. Years ago, he would have thought about how it felt just like when they were married, but now it just feels like a friend helping. He prefers that, honestly.
“So,” She begins in an attempt to sound casual as she closes the refrigerator. “You're goin’ after Virge's boss?”
Patton feels his face burn, and continues scrubbing at the plate he's holding that's already clean. “Um… no?”
“We were married for ten years, Patt. I can tell when you're lyin’.”
Patton sighs, turning off the sink and putting the plate on the dish rack. “I'm not doin’ it on purpose.” He says, “And that's why I haven't asked him out.”
“You could always do it while Virge is at my house. Then if it doesn't work out he won't know.” She says, shrugging, “Seems pretty easy.”
“Well yeah, but what if he fires Vee because of it?” He says, wringing his hands together. “Vee loves that bookshop.”
“Hun, I don't think any functioning adult would do such a thing to a sixteen year old.” She says, taking his hands and separating them, squeezing them lightly with her own. “And hey, if he does do such a thing maybe Virge shouldn't work for him.”
Patton sighs, “Yeah, I guess so. And he's real nice, I don't think he would.”
“He's the guy payin’ for Virge's art, right?” She asks, sitting down at the table, beckoning for Patton to do the same.
“He is,” He says, sitting next to her. “And we do get along. Remember that story I'd always read to Vee?”
Ava May rolls her dark eyes, ones Virgil inherited from her. “Oh Lord, how could I forget? He'd go around sayin’ all kinds of weird stuff. I didn't even know what half of it meant.”
Patton laughs, “He sure did, it was the cutest. Well me and Logan were talkin’ about that story just the other day, turns out he loves it too.”
“Oh,” She crosses her legs, “And then?”
“Well… that's kinda it, we just talked about books and stuff. I did grab his hands, and he didn't seem to mind.” He looks down at his hands, at the calluses formed from clipping stems for so many years, and there's still green under his fingertips from snapping stems just the other day.
“That could certainly be a sign.” She says, nodding to herself. “But I have a question.”
“Ask away,” he says, putting his hands in his lap and looking up at her. She moves her dark hair out of her eyes, “Have you told Virge that you, y'know, like guys too?”
Patton sighs, looking over at a painting Virgil made when he was younger, of Virgil and himself. It was made just after the divorce, and is still hanging after five years. “...No.”
“Hun, it's not that big of a deal.” Her heavily accented voice says, “The one thing we've done right together is raise that boy, he won't mind at all.”
“Yeah, but it just feels like such a change.” He shrugs, “I know it's dumb, and I know he won't care. But… the idea of him seein’ me differently makes me uneasy.” It's change. Not so much for Patton, but it is for Virgil, and he can't handle being seen differently. If he admits he doesn't just like women, Virgil will ask questions, and Patton can't handle those one bit.
Ava May sighs softly and reaches over, taking Patton's left hand. “He's growin’ older, he's gonna see you differently no matter what. He's not a little boy anymore.”
The reminder doesn't help, he knows Virgil's growing, and it scares him even more, because soon he'll be moved out and Patton will be alone in a huge house full of memories. He nods, “Trust me, I know.” He laughs lightly, trying to cheer himself up, “Just last week he asked me to stop callin’ him my dark strange son.”
“It is a silly name.” Ava May says, laughing just as lightly. “That doesn’t mean he hates it, y'know.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“So,” She lets go of his hand, “Tell me more about this Logan guy.”
So Patton does. He tells her what he knows, anyways. About how he went to the bookshop and Logan's visit to the flower shop, and how Virgil seems to really like him. About his interest in mystery novels and how he's pretty sure that the teen in his car is his son or maybe brother. How he wears sweaters with button up shirts despite the heat and how his dark brown hair is always styled neatly.
And Ava May talks about a man she met weeks ago, who has ginger hair and brown eyes and always wore fun ties to work. About how he hates reading and coffee and always gives her notes with words of encouragement on them and loves origami. And it feels like when the two were much younger, when they were engaged and Ava May was pregnant with Patton's favorite person, and it feels like those days were just last week. But it feels nice moving on from her, to be able to talk without romance or sadness overtaking him.
She leaves at eight thirty, and as she stands outside she asks him something.
“How about you ask him out durin’ the weekend? And I'll be able to take Virge off your hands.”
He leans against the doorframe. “I'll try.”
“Good enough for me.” And she walks off to her car after Patton bids her goodbye and tells her to drive safe.
After he shuts the door he hears his phone chime and sees he got a text from Logan.
It's an image of a book, and when he looks at it he sees it's the scene in The Speckled Band that the two were talking about, where Dr. Roylott confronts Sherlock. He smiles and reads the message just underneath it.
I'm rereading this and thought of you.
And Patton smiles fondly as he sits on the couch, thinking about how Logan was reminded of him from just a book.
He begins typing.
that's awfully sweet of you