True Deceit

Chapter 48: Janus

Janus knocked once upon Patton's bedroom door before emitting a sharp yelp, cursing under his breath before shifting to his unharmed hand. "Patton, please, can I come in?"

The snake slowly turned his knob, stepping a hesitant foot through the doorway and scanning the dim lighting. Then he saw him, the loveable sweet young man coiled in a mass of bedding, lying still atop his mattress. He was beautiful, with creamy skin and a galaxy of freckles dotting his cheeks. Janus melted, sinking to the floor as he gazed upon his soft brown hair.

"You're so handsome," he whispered. "I love you." He closed his eyes, rested his back against the bed frame and listening to Morality's breathing. It seemed irregular, unusual for someone sound asleep. Janus's eyes widened.

"Hello?" Morality stirred, lifting his head. He look towards his feet, spying Janus who was slumped heavily on the floor. "Janus, what are you doing here, is everything okay?"

"Sorry, i didn't mean to intrude," his heart pounded, "I just was wondering if... no, never mind, this is stupid." He picked himself up from the floor, blood rushing to his head and his vision blotching. He fell backward, slurring slightly. "I'm not feeling sick, I don't need help, please."

Patton scrambled to his feet before kneeling onto the ground, a sheet of alarm enveloping his face. "Janus, don't worry, you'll be okay," he snatched his pillow from his bed, tucking it beneath the snake's head. "Can you hear me? What's hurting?"

Janus groaned softly, squeezing his eyes shut. "My... stomach," he clutched his abdomen, wrapping his arms around his rib cage. "It won't stop hurting... I'm not feeling dizzy, I'm not going to pass out..."

Patton ran to the kitchen, tearing open the pantry door and grabbing two red cardboard packets. He sprinted back before ripping a circular cracker from the first, holding to his lips. "Eat, come on." Janus slowly bit into the salty nourishment, swallowing it with a gulp. Several minutes later and he'd consume the entire stash, breathing deeply as his body began to digest. "Here," Patton gestured, pressing a plastic water bottle to his lips. "Thank you," he exhaled, feeling the relief of fresh water against his burning throat. "I'm sorry about all this."

Patton wrapped his arms around his body, lying on his side. "I love you kiddo, you don't need to apologise. Are you still hurting at all?"

"A little," he whimpered. "I vomited in the dark side kitchen sink. Also, I bruised my hand." He raised his right fingers, displaying a blackening patch of skin on his knuckles.

"What happened?" Patton asked quietly.

"I punched the wall," he whispered as he explained himself, "I felt upset."

"Okay, will you let me take a look?" Janus hesitantly held out his hand, nodding slightly. Patton shuffled into a sitting position, observing the tender injury.

"Please don't hurt me," he whimpered, his cheeks ripe with embarrassment.

"Shh, don't worry, can you tell me why you were upset?"

Janus was silent for a few moments before mustering, "It was Roman, he made me upset."

"What did he do?"

"He was eavesdropping on me and Virgil..." Tears blurred his vision. "Virgil self harmed and no one told me, it was a year ago? Why didn't I know?" He was crying, gripping onto Patton helplessly. "I'm a bad person, I deserve to be in a cell..."

"No, no," Patton held him tighter, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. "You're a good person who's made mistakes. I forgive you."

"I don't deserve this," Deceit breathed, "I don't deserve your forgiveness. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry...."

Patton felt tears come to his eyes as he dug his head into Janus's chest. "I love you, and nothings ever going to change that."

*

Remus slinked out of the mind palace, his clothing drenched in dragon witch blood. It was pleasing to have a break from edicate and social norms, all whist the light side's were occupied with some uninteresting errands. He entered the dark side kitchen, singing 'you'll be back,' from Hamilton under his breath as he grasped a rotting banana from the fruit bowl. He turned to leave when out of the corner of his eye he noticed a disgusting green substance splattered in the kitchen sink, thin and bubbly in texture.

Remus raised his brows. Vomit? Who could have been sick? He rose up into the supermarket, scanning the isle in which stood Roman, Virgil, Logan and Thomas. They appeared to observing a tray of pork sausages, whispering among themselves.

"Hey Thomas," Remus whispered over his host's shoulder, "Did you know that you might eat a pig's penis if you purchase that item?"

Virgil scowled, crossing his arms. "Remus! What the heck happened to your clothes?"

"Nice to see you too, Virge," the twin giggled, lifting him of his feet bride style and carrying him in his arms. "Just a little run in with the dragon witch, no biggie. Hey, your pretty light and skinny."

"Gee thanks," Virgil rolling his eyes as he was lowered to the ground. "What are you doing here?"

He shrugged, smirking slightly. "Nothing, I was just checking in on you," He was smiling, but their was a crease of concern etched into his forehead. He leaned forward, whispering into his ear, "Have you been sick recently? Vomiting?" Virgil swallowed, shaking his head. Remus paused, glancing into his deep brown eyes before trying again. "You can trust me, it's okay, want to tell me the truth?"

Virgil struggled free from his arms, voicing firmly. "No, I haven't done that."

"Virgil-"

"I'm not lying!" He loudened. Roman turned towards them, tilting his head worriedly.

Remus let out a half hearted scoff. "Who else would purge in the dark kitchen sink? The only person I can think is Father, and he'd always clean up after himself to hide the evidence."

"Go check on him," Virgil spoke seriously. "I mean it."

Remus's pupils dilated. "Shit."