[I'm thinking about ending it in a few chapters, and possibly make a second book like I did for the TALIS series but that might not be until next year.]

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Deceit was sat in Logan's lap with the nerds arms protectively around him. He would flinch everytime someone near him moved, thinking he'll get hurt. His self preservation did indeed summon snakes, however the yellow danger noodles were currently coiled around Deceits arms and neck. They hissed at everyone but Logan, which made Virgil hiss back.

"Deceit, no one here is going to hurt you.." Patton spoke up softly after a while. Deceit shrugged in response, clinging to the nerd tighter.

"Deceit is in a mental state right now for certain personal reasons. He knows that you all are not a threat to him, but that knowledge alone will not keep him from being afraid." Logan replied in a gently tone. Deceit was lucky to have someone as understanding as Logan with him right now.

Deceit listened in on the conversation, but wasn't completely focused on it. Maybe he should've been because as soon as the word Remy was said, the snake boy froze up and shook in fear.

"Deceit? De? Can you hear me?" Virgil asked softly and he knelt down in front of Deceit. Deceit could hear him but barely. It sounded like he was underwater and everything was all muffled.

Deceits breathing got ragged and he started shaking badly. Whether that was from fear or from the cold he didn't know. Everything began to darken and he felt trapped. A pair of warm arms wrapped loosely around him, causing him to jump a little.

"You can't escape me bitch."
"You're mine and mine alone."
"You nothing but a pathetic liar!"

The words swirled in his head as images of Remy hitting him flashed in his eyes. All the bruises he's had to hide and the cuts that had littered his body because of the man. Not to mention his unconsented first time.

The soft sound of someone humming made his thoughts freeze momentarily. The feeling of someone very lightly rubbing his a gave him the ability to ground himself.

It was a slow process but eventually, he did manage to calm down. He didn't notice the tears running down his face until someone gently wiped then away.  He leaned into the touch, closing his eyes as more tears began to fall. He couldn't remember the last time someone truly cared enough about him.

"S-sssorry.." Deceit whispered quietly. He opened his eyes a little, his vision blurry from tears. He could barely make out the concerned look on Logan's face.

"It's alright Deceit. No one here is going to hurt you. I promise." a voice whispered back to him. He recognized Logan's voice. "May I hug you?"

Deceit nodded a little, not able to get the words out. He was enveloped in a warm hug, causing him to melt into it. It was kind and caring. The sort of hug you would get from a mother on a Christmas night while sitting by the fire and telling stories of her childhood. Deceit hugged back and buried his face in the cool of Logan's neck.

The panic attack wore him out and the warmth–OH THE WARMTH! It made the snake side of him slither in glee at he warmth! He hadn't been this warm since he got with Remy.

Remy..

The man whom caused him so much pain. The man that made him afraid of being touched. The man that took away his happiness..

Logan said he was gone. That he couldn't hurt Deceit anymore.

But what if he did? What if he– no. He couldn't think about that.

Focus on the warmth of the hug Deceit thought to himself. Focus on Logan only.

Soon, the snake boy was falling into a peaceful slumber.