A New Life (Sequel to 'Beetlejuice: A Blast into The Past')

Chapter 19: Don't Cry, It's Just Fun and Games

A/N: If you're unfamiliar with the Beetlejuice cartoon, here's a list of the characters I'm referring to ^^^

Remus was flopped over with the blanket at the opposite end of the bed when Betelgeuse awoke. The demon softly shook the sleeping child, who opened one eye open at the sound of his deep, gravelly voice as he gently laid his chin on him. Despite the fact that this voice was scary to virtually everyone, Remus trusted it since he was the one person Betelgeuse cared about and was compassionate for.

"Hey... hey Bub, Buddy boy, It's time for you to get up and drink something". Remus was exhausted after the event and suffering from the side effects of his medicine. He didn't want to open his eyes to see who the voice came from till a sense piqued his attention. The sensation of being cradled in a warm, cosy hug. His brows wrinkled as he considered whether or not he should listen. He decided against it since he was tired and under the weather, and he closed his eyes once again, muttering at the demon.

"Just go, Uncle... leave me here," he said. When he continued, his voice cracked: "It's just too much for me right now. Simply leave. Please." When he fought to get the words out through his emotions, tears streamed down his cheeks. The final phrase was said in hushed tones. Betelgeuse let out a long sigh, his huff low in his throat. When the demon breathed, the teenager could feel it against his neck. He sniffled as he felt Betelgeuse's thumb gently wipe away the tears from his cheeks. Except when he was tied up inside the wall, he had never felt so tiny and powerless in his life. The demon loathed seeing his dearest buddy, who was like a son to him, shut off the world. The world had suddenly become too much for him to bear. Remus felt no one could understand, but Betelgeuse did. He reverted to his previous state of being alone and suffering in silence. Before he met the demon who cared, this was all he knew. Betelgeuse hoped to be there for him, to help him get through the difficult times and find light in the darkness, even getting into trouble for skipping work to spend the day with him when he was down.

"Bub. I'm not going anywhere. You've got it. This is something we can handle. I'm here. It's all right." As he watched Remus fall back over and wiggle deeper into his arms, Betelgeuse consoled and grinned. He cooed, grinned, and stroked Remus' cheek "Hey there, buddy. When are you going to quit being such a downer? ". Remus smiled up at his joyful face as he rolled his eyes. He frowned instantly and began apologising.

"Uncle... listen... i'm sorry for feeling overwh-" He was interrupted in the middle of a statement when Betelgeuse pushed his lips on the teen's forehead and covered his mouth with his icy hand, removing his doubts and apologies.

"Hey, buddy, pay attention to what I'm saying. It is not necessary to apologise. It's alright. I understand. The world may be overwhelming at times. Just know that I'll be there for you at all times. Okay? I'm here. I'll always be here. Promise." Remus grinned and patted Betelgeuse's wrapped-around-his-neck hand. "What?" he inquired, and Remus grumbled in response. He would create grumbles instead of speaking while he was having a nonverbal episode. The demon took some time to figure out what Remus meant by the tone and rhythm of the grumbling. Betelgeuse sneaked his hand under his head, functioning as a cushion, his fingers stroking behind Remus's ear, as per the teenager's request. The demon smirked as he observed his eyes become heavy as he blinked slowly and tiredly. Remus was gently drifting off to sleep. Betelgeuse had no choice but to keep him up, despite wanting to allow him to rest, for he knew the teen would not sleep tonight.

His schizophrenia was triggered by tiredness and stress, and depending on what he was hallucinating, these episodes could also trigger his PTSD. Fortunately, one does not always lead to the other.

"Wanna go for a walk, clear your head?" suggested the demon, and Remus consented. Betelgeuse hid his face in the pillow so Remus could change into his more comfy clothes. He'd grown a few inches recently, as evidenced by the fact that his tops kept riding up and he couldn't wear jeans for too long without them marking him. Remus was quick to get ready, but before they left, the two men reheated some leftover lasagne from the night before for lunch. Betelgeuse was immediately doused in soapy water as soon as they went outside. Remus gasped, knowing how much the demon despised soap and water, especially after his mother had punished him by bathing. "Soapy water?" Betelgeuse screamed in agony, attempting to shake himself dry. When they heard a familiar voice, they looked up.