Claustrophobia

25

TW: Mention of Pat, nightmare

Third Person POV

Janus rolled out of bed and groaned. She pushed her hair out of her face and tied it up. She paused. Something was extremely wrong. She shrugged it off and went to shower.

Janus paused at her mirror and looked at it. Her feeling of something being wrong just increased. "But I was happy like this....." She mumbled before grabbing new clothes and going to shower.

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Janus stood in front of her mirror and grimaced. She hated he body and how it looked her long hair just made her uncomfortable. Even using she made her feel off.

The more she looked the worse she felt.

"Come on Jan. What's wrong with you?" She mumbled to herself. "Everyone will be asking where mom is and asking is she's okay." Janus paused.

She. That didn't sound right. Janus repeated the sentence but used 'he'. It didn't sound right. Janus repeated the sentence using 'their'. They smiled as it sounded right.

Janus sighed and looked at their reflection. They closed their eyes and shape shifted again.

They had their male figure again, with more feminine hips. Their hair was short enough to put into a small pony tail. They had on a beanie, which wasn't intended but kept, tights, and a yellow flannel.

Janus smiled at themselves. "Perfect."

Someone knocked on Janus' door. "Come in." Janus called. Damien came into Janus' room. "Mom?" They mumbled. Janus went over and wiped their tears. "Oh what happened?" They asked.

Damien hugged Janus and cried into their chest. "Oh.... another nightmare?" Janus asked. Damien nodded and clung to Janus. Janus picked them up and sat them on the bed.

Janus sat next to them and pet their hair. "More Pat nightmares?" They asked. Damien nodded and clung to Janus. "Uh-huh. Mom, I don't like it. I want them to go away." They mumbled.

"Is that why your tired all the time? The twins and Logan told me about what happened. That you passed out." Janus asked as they pet their hair. Damien paused and nodded.

Janus kissed their head. "Just relax today. Relax and play with Irra for a while. I'll join you guys after I'm done working. Then we can talk about this."

Damien nodded and they pulled away from the hug. "Thanks mom." They smiled softly. Janus kissed their head. "Of course."

Damien wiped their eyes and looked at Janus. "I like the outfit Jan." They said. Janus smiled. "Thanks. Still experimenting." "Changed your pronouns and/or name?" "Not my name but using they/them."

Damien gave a thumbs up and hugged Janus. "I'll see you later then. Don't over work or I will drag you out." They chuckled.

Janus hugged back and nodded. "Okay okay." They let go of Janus and left.

Janus sighed and went over to their desk to work.

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Damien was holding baby Irra in their arms. "Hello my little pumpkin." They chuckled as they kissed the 4 year olds head.

Irra giggled and squealed. He hugged the dragon and nuzzled them.

Damien smiled softly. They used their wings as a blanket and kissed Irra's head. Irra smiled and yawned. "Awe sleepy?" They asked. Irra shook his head. "Noooo not- not sweepy!" He whined.

Janus chuckled. "I don't believe you." They said as they sat next to Damien. Irra smiled and yawned. "Hi mommy!" He made grabby hands.

Janus pet his hair and shushed him. "You should sleep. When was the last time you did?" They asked. Irra yawned. "A day ago. I didn't sweep." He mumbled as he leaned into the touch.

Janus chuckled sadly. "You need to sleep then." Irra nodded and cuddled up to Damien. Janus chuckled and leaned Damien against them. "You too Dammy. You need sleep."

"But the nightmares." Damien said. "Don't worry. I'm here for protection." Janus said kissing their cheek. Damien smiled softly and yawned. "Okay mom." They mumbled before falling asleep.

Janus cuddled them close and smiled.

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Remus was taking a stroll around his castle. He stopped by the lake when he saw a familiar boy sitting at the waters edge.

"JD." Remus said lowly. The young boy jumped and turned around. "Oh uh Duke Remus! Hello! What brings you here?" He asked.

"My little brother in spirit. You've met Irra?" He asked. JD nodded. "Yes sir. Met him in the woods."

Remus hummed. "No more plans. This isn't the first time I've seen you meet somebody and they are never heard from again. I know it's for food and fun but my brother not the rest of my family shall not be a victim." Remus explained. "I am fine with you being friends but I want no funny business. Do you understand?"

JD nodded. "Yes Duke Remus. Thank you for letting me talk to Irra." Remus smiled softly and ruffled his hair. "Of course. Just careful of the others too. I really don't wish to execute you for this." Remus told him.

JD nodded again. "No worries about us! I would worry about the centaurs though because well..... well it's them and they might be planning something." He advised. Remus chuckled. "I knew I could trust you. I will see you later. Thank you for the information." Remus bid before leaving.