Chapter Text
Patton froze in his kitchen, hearing a pattering behind the cereal box. Any other human would just dismiss the noise. Any other human didn’t have a borrower son.
“Virgil?” Patton called out. “Come on, it’s dinner time buddy.”
“O-okay.” Virgil’s quiet voice shook, and Patton almost didn’t hear it. A moment later a small head peaked around the cereal box, followed soon by the rest of the borrower’s body. Virgil had his arms wrapped around his chest, looking to all the world a scared child. But Patton had known Virgil long enough to know this was no longer the case. At least, he hoped it wasn’t. Patton had practically adopted the poor borrower child, taking him in when he found Virgil abandoned in the attic.
Of course, things hadn’t always been easy with their size difference. Virgil had spent the first few days cowering, and it took several weeks of Patton’s gentle nature to help Virgil finally open up. But looking down at the borrower now, Patton wondered if Virgil was having another relapse.
“You okay, kiddo?” Patton said in concern. Virgil shook his head.
“I’m a-alright.” Virgil told him, teeth chattering. Patton frowned at Virgil’s actions, wondering what could cause this behavior. Was Virgil really scared of him again?
“You’re freezing.” Patton said in realization. Virgil nodded in agreement, and Patton felt a sense of relief wash over him. He’d hate to be the cause of his son’s fear once more. “Come here, kiddo.”
Patton put his cupped hands down slowly, placing them on the kitchen counter. Virgil hastily climbed on, practically diving into Patton’s comparatively warm hands. Patton’s thumb brushed against Virgil’s head, causing Patton to frown when he felt the little boy’s icy skin. Was this normal for borrowers? It didn’t feel that cold, but the winter air probably felt a lot colder to Virgil than it did to a human.
Not to mention, Virgil spent a lot of time in the walls, much to Patton’s unease. It was probably much colder between the walls like that, and certainly a lot draftier.
“It’s alright.” Patton said softly, bringing Virgil up to his chest. He held the borrower close to his heart, sharing as much of his body heat as possible. Looking down at Virgil like this, Patton was once again reminded just how small Virgil was. Though he was bound to grow as he got older, Patton knew from Virgil’s descriptions that even adult borrowers were not very large. Patton wondered just how big Virgil would get. He’d probably still fit in Patton’s hand.
It was strange to think about Virgil growing up; though Patton had only known Virgil a few months (since the spring, actually), he felt very strongly attached to his borrower son. He wanted to protect Virgil from absolutely everything, but he didn’t want to smother him either. It was a fine line to walk, but Patton was sure he could succeed.
Patton smiled down at Virgil, giving him a rub on the head as a sign of affection. Virgil gave a noise of contentment, burrowing further into Patton’s shirt. The sight made Patton’s heart flutter, pulling Virgil just a little closer to himself. “I’ve gotcha, kiddo.”