Sanders Sides Oneshots

Freeze Your Brain (Slight Prinxiety)

Slight Prinxiety

High school AU

"Alright, Patton, I'll get your candy." Roman called with a laugh as he opened the door to the 7-Eleven. After hours of tutoring him, he promised his friend that he would buy him candy if he got an A on a test and sure enough after school, Patton had pushed a test in front of Roman's face with a big red A on the front.

Roman wandered around the aisles, taking his time and trying to find Patton's favorite. Out of the corner of his eye, he seen somebody at the Slurpee machine glance up at him. Roman met the person's eyes and was surprised to see it was someone from his high school, some new kid he hadn't seen around often.

"Hello," Roman greeted with a smile.

"Hey," The other replied, his voice low. He sucked on his straw, and the other saw him wince for a moment.

"Uh-oh. Brain freeze?"

"Brain freeze is good." Roman stared at him in bewilderment as the other high schooler managed a small smile at this reaction and said, "I'm Virgil."

"I'm Roman. And what's so good about brain freeze?"

"It numbs you. You can just get lost in the pain . . ." Virgil stirred the blue drink, eyes focusing on the straw swirling.

"Why would you like to do that?" asked Roman softly. He was curious, sounding like Alice when she arrived in Wonderland. "I would hate to purposely put myself in pain."

"Life sucks," Virgil said simply.

"It doesn't have to."

"Seriously, take it from me. I've been through ten high schools now. I've heard all the insults and comments. This," he tapped the side of the plastic Slurpee cup, "is my escape. It's my only constant everywhere I go."

"It's not the most healthiest escape," Roman joked, not really knowing what to say.

The other boy shrugged. "Who cares? I don't, my dad doesn't." He laughed bitterly, taking another long sip from the straw. "My mom doesn't."

Roman awkwardly shuffled his feet. He should be getting back to Patton, but he was intrigued by Virgil.

"Sorry, you probably don't give a crap about me or my life."

"On the contrary—"

Virgil waved a hand, signaling him to stop. "It's fine, I get it. You have a whole future ahead of you, a good life. You have friends," he gestured to the candy bar in Roman's hand, "and a reputation. I'll leave you alone." Virgil walked out of the aisle, and Roman heard him finish what was left of his Slurpee. Roman stood there in shock before going to the counter. The other boy was no where to be found.

"Yay!" Patton said as Roman got in the car. "Thanks, Roman!"

"No problem," he replied distractedly. His eyes trailed along the side of the 7-Eleven, focusing on a figure in all black, a Slurpee cup in his hand. Perhaps he would refill it if he hadn't already. Perhaps he was already lost in the pain.

"Freeze your brain," Roman muttered.

"Hmph?" Patton said through a mouthful of candy.

"Nothing," Roman replied, starting the car and slowly backing out of the parking lot.

*
I wrote this a while ago and finally decided to publish it. It's not the best though.

Enjoy, ~Kirs.