Chapter Text
It was bound to happen eventually. Logan was just disappointed with himself that he took so long to catch on. All of the clues were there, but he allowed himself to overlook the small things and believe what his eyes saw. He should’ve known the moment Patton started referencing famous philosophers.
“Why so down, teach?”
That was a voice Logan had heard enough of for a lifetime.
“You make one appearance to Thomas and suddenly you’re comfortable enough to linger in the living room?” Logan asked, shifting his focus towards the snake leaning against the door frame.
“What can I say?” Deceit said, shrugging. “I think I left quite an impression.”
“You know Thomas doesn’t trust you,” Logan reminded him. “Therefore, your impression wasn’t a positive one.”
“You were about to break my cover there at the end,” Deceit said, ignoring Logan’s comment. “My question is why did it take so long before you tried to say anything?”
Logan’s eyes narrowed at the question. “It’s not like I would’ve been able to say anything even if I had caught on earlier.”
“So you admit that I was able to fool even you?” Deceit laughed.
“Yes, but I fail to see the humor there. Your job is lying and deception. Therefore, it’s not surprising to see that you were able to fool us,” Logan admitted. “Well, most of us. Virgil caught on much quicker.”
Deceit sighed and looked down the hall that led to Virgil’s room. “Ah yes, I figured he’d be on edge like always.” He shifted his gaze back toward Logan and smiled just a little too wide to be considered natural. “But I want to get back to the convincing you part.”
“What, do you desire a gold star for fooling me?” Logan asked. “Congratulations, you know how to do the bare basics of your job.”
“You’re the one who said that I couldn’t call myself Deceit if I was bad at lying.”
Logan tried to hold back his laughter and just ended up snorting in the process. “That’s what this is all about? You attempting to prove a point?”
Deceit glared at him. “Less of an attempt and more of a success I’d say.”
“Sorry, I’m just trying to make sense of this,” Logan said, trying to stifle his laughter. “You disguise yourself as Patton and finally made yourself known to Thomas just to prove to me that you were good at lying?”
“Yes, because everything is about you, Logan,” Deceit said, rolling his eyes. “While I’ll admit, proving a point to you was a nice bonus, I truly was just waiting for a moment like this to occur.”
“A moment in which Thomas would’ve been tempted to outright lie?”
“It’s what I’m meant for,” Deceit shrugged. “And I almost succeeded.”
Logan chuckled and adjusted his glasses. “As someone who is used to getting his ideas and suggestions getting shot down by Thomas, don’t take it personally.”
That comment seemed to catch Deceit off guard. “Excuse me?”
“You’re the one who pointed it out to me,” Logan reminded him. “Patton’s the one who Thomas chooses to listen to most of the time. You’re Patton’s foil, so of course Thomas isn’t going to pick you over morality.”
“Glad to hear Thomas would rather appear to be a good person instead of watching out for himself.”
Logan shrugged. He understood where Deceit was coming from, but he couldn’t see Patton taking any argument regarding morality versus self preservation that far. “If it provides you with any comfort, Thomas did actively try to get rid of Virgil the first few times he made himself known before he started to accept his presence.”
“I can’t tell if you’re encouraging me to keep trying to get Thomas to lie, or if you’re just attempting to comfort me,” Deceit admitted. “And frankly, I’m not sure which answer I prefer.”
“Well than lucky for you, it’s neither of those,” Logan smirked. “Patton brought up a good point after you left. You’re more than just the concept of lying. I know your overall purpose is self preservation. It’s similar to how Virgil’s purpose is alerting Thomas to potential dangers. Your job itself isn’t bad, it’s just your execution that’s iffy.”
Deceit paused for a moment, but eventually grinned once again. “Now where was this defense when I was actually there? You were pretty quick to shoot down my ideas.”
“You suggested that Thomas remain ignorant,” Logan recalled. “That directly goes against everything I stand for. Once again, I understand attempting to protect Thomas, but your execution needs work.”
“Practice makes perfect,” Deceit sighed. “Guess I’ll just have to keep showing up until Thomas eventually listens to me. It took you awhile, but I heard you had a win finally the other day over Pat.”
“Oh?” Logan hummed. “Listening in on our conversations I see.”
“Never,” Deceit denied. “I just wanted to offer up my congratulations. I mean, it took you quite a while to achieve your goal, or rather, a fraction of your goal, but you got there! Good job!” He added on a slow clap with the last two words, grinning sarcastically.
Logan rolled his eyes. “If you are only hanging around now to see how long it takes to get on my nerves, please understand I’m not glued to this seat. I will simply get up and go back to my own quarters. So if you had anything of value to say, I’d suggest getting it over with before I decide I’m finished with this conversation.”
“Touchy, touchy,” Deceit scoffed. “I had come over just to annoy you, but now that I have you here-”
“You don’t have me anywhere, I am able to leave at any time,” Logan cut in.
“Whatever, since we’re currently existing in the same location,” Deceit corrected, rolling his eyes. “May I ask you a question- apart from this question?”
The over clarification had Logan stifling a laugh. While he understood why Deceit made his request that clear, it was humorous to watch him go to such lengths to prevent Logan from pointing out a flaw in the statement. The effort was appreciated, as well as entertaining. Logan coughed into his hand in an attempt to hide his laughter. “You may ask me a question.”
Deceit paused, clearly trying to mentally word his question before asking it.
“You said earlier that you understand that I’m more than just deception,” he started slowly.
Logan nodded. “Correct, I’m well aware that you’re Thomas’ self preservation.”
Deceit nodded back. “Yes, well... while I have no regrets about making myself known to Thomas, I was wondering if, from a logical standpoint, it was a good idea?”
That was new. Logan had gone to the serpent a few times in the past for help, but it was rare to see Deceit question his own actions. While nothing on the snake’s face gave away how he was feeling, Logan got the impression that he was concerned that he made a bad move in keeping Thomas’ mental health in check.
“Yes, I think your timing made sense,” Logan admitted. “Thomas was wanting to lie, and fearing the loss of friendship, you pushed him to do what you thought would be best. Now, because you’ve had him believing he was a completely honest person this whole time, it might take him awhile to wrap his head around the fact that you are a side to his singular personality, and I know he’s worrying about other potential hidden sides, but in my opinion, it was best that you showed up now while the situation was so severe. No matter what option Thomas went with today, honesty or lying, I can’t imagine Joan holding this small of an issue against him.”
Deceit didn’t say anything, so Logan continued. “That being said, your execution wasn’t great. While Patton and I understand what your overall role is, the others, including Thomas, don’t, and just because Patton knows, doesn’t mean he agrees.”
“Basically, no one trusts me,” Deceit simplified.
Logan paused. “I said your execution was poor. I trust that when it comes to more serious matters, you’ll do your job and keep Thomas safe. But overall, no, no one, myself included, trusts you.”
Deceit smiled and bowed his head slightly. “Well, I appreciate the honesty. Good day, Logan. You won’t be seeing me anytime soon.”
He took his leave, exiting down the hall towards his room. Logan chuckled to himself over Deceit’s parting words.
“Somehow, I highly doubt that.”