💫💀Drowning (rewrite) | Sanders Sides

Chapter 8

1 week later, Janus's POV

"Janny?"

I acknowledge the side snuggling next to me, half-asleep, just now waking up, by nodding toward him. Remus looks like an absolute mess, has been for the past week because of Roman's state, but I don't point that out. He's so fragile right now as it is.

"Good morning, Sleeping Brutal," I say even though it's nighttime, making note of the way Remus's expression twists suddenly. "What's the matter?" Of course, I know the problem; Logan pointed out to me a week ago after reading up on Creativities that they share a core connection even after they're split, and when one is in critical condition, the other will feel immense pain and panic. I just want Remus to explain his issues in his own words. After all, it's not every day he gets to share his ideas with the other sides.

"Janny, when's Roman gonna wake up?" Remus mumbles this as he tries to wake up. I know he's been trying to stay strong, but the cracks in his voice give everything away. Roman isn't getting any better, and Remus is suffering because of it.

I sigh, brushing my fingers through his oily hair - he hasn't showered in 3 days. "I don't know, Rem. I'm hoping soon, for your sake and his."

As if on cue, Remus keels over in pain, holding his stomach and crying. He screams and I try to grab the garbage can in case he vomits because it's happened before, but he shooed it away.

"Don't... need it..." he groans in between labored breaths, sweat clawing down his forehead. "Some... t-thing els-se... it... h-h-hurts..." His right hand pats the Beetlejuice bedsheets trying to find something to hold onto, and I give him his green dragon squishmallow, Emerald, because I know that if he finds my hand, I'll pretty much lose circulation.

After a few moments, Remus starts to calm down, gaining control of his breath, and I tentatively place a hand on his back (he doesn't flinch so it's alright) to calm him down. "It's okay, Remus, you're alright. I'm right here for support and so is Emerald. Just take some deep breaths, you're doing lovely."

He obeys my wishes but as soon as he can, he almost immediately tries to scurry away from our little huddle on the bed and stand up, falling back onto the bed and into my arms.

"Remus, you shouldn't be standing right now," I say. "You and I both know full well you haven't left your room in a week, that's probably not the best idea."

He laughs a bit, which I find reassuring but a little strange, and replies, "I need to see my brother."

"Remus, you can't do that yet, I-"

"Janus, you don't understand!" He yells, which makes me go quiet instantly. He looks at me, tearing up, and for the first time, I see his eyes. They're completely void of the wine red they usually are, left as a dull grey.

"Janus, it's been a week and I haven't gotten any better. My brother is dying and I can feel it. I need to see him. I can fix it, just..." Remus tries to push himself onto his feet, groaning before giving up, "please, help me get there."

I think for a moment before nodding, wrapping him in a fluffy olive-colored blanket and scooping him up bridal-style to make our way down the steps.

"Let's go get the others. We're going to save Roman.”