Yet Another Side Swap AU

Chapter 2: Growing Up

(Warning for: Insecurity, themes of mental health/illness, fear, slight themes of horror, and a lot of swearing in the middle.)
(Also don't mind the tags changing this chapter made me change my mind on the ships for this story.)

"What is up everybody?" Thomas cheered as he leapt in front of the camera. He then rested his hands on his knees while laughing, and let out an anxious sigh. "Geez, that's a lot of fun." He said to himself before standing upright. "But yeah. Anyways. Hey guys! So, I've been getting a lot of questions on my blog from people that are asking about my life as an adult with many mental disabilities and illnesses. For example, ADHD and Severe Anxiety. It's definitely true that these things can make it difficult to live independently. So, as an independent writer with my own apartment, how do I keep it up? Well... Uh... The simple answer is..." Thomas rambled. He chuckled nervously, and folded his hands together.

"I don't." He admitted, not looking at the camera as he put his hands down.

Then, after a lot of nervous laughter, and adjusting his beanie, Thomas took a deep breath and continued to explain. "Uh... What I mean is; I don't do it all on my own. I have a bunch of support from my friends and family, which, I'm really lucky to have people in my life that understand my struggles with mental and physical health, as well as my career and social life... Really everything. Like, my friends and I have a system in place. The only reason I'm able to keep my apartment clean is because my friends will randomly call telling me they're coming over in two hours or something like that, so I get my rear in gear and clean the entire apartment." Thomas continued before once again erupting into nervous laughter.

"Then, like... They'll call me after the two hours and cancel, leaving me to... Well, enjoy my clean apartment I guess. It's stressful, and really gets my Anxiety to spike, but it works. My friends also call me now and then to tell me how excited they are to read the next chapter of my book, which really gets me going to write it. That one doesn't always work, but it helps enough that I'm able to avoid disappearing completely from the community I've worked hard to build." Thomas continued.

"I've also gotten questions like: How do I cook healthy meals and keep up an exercise routine." Thomas continued. "Uh, once again, heh, I do not. Well, okay. I do have an exercise routine. Only cause my friends and I go to the gym together every other week or so, and we cheer each other on. However I hardly eat healthy... Like, I don't even know how to cook." Thomas revealed.

"Unbelievable." A voice from the background suddenly shouted.

It was then that Janus appeared, causing Thomas to jump and fall onto the floor. "Ah! Oh, it's my mentor character from some of the skits I did on Vine... What are you doing here? I mean, I had you in my last video to represent my sense of self worth, but..." Thomas stammered. He stared at Janus in disbelief for a moment, then quickly rose to his feet.

"Well I guess your sense of self worth is pretty bruised, then, because I for one am livid. How dare you sell yourself so shortly. 'Oh look at me I'm Thomas and I need my friends to be a functioning human being'. Well I call bull." Janus scolded.
"Okay, but... I literally eat take out food every night." Thomas pointed out.
"Isn't that an achievement? Most people can't afford to do that. You work hard at two jobs to achieve this." Janus reasoned.
"Yeah, but, I wouldn't have to if I knew how to cook. I'd have a lot more money for important things like medical bills and gas and... Heh... Speeding tickets." Thomas explained before clearing his throat. "Also it isn't the healthiest way to live. I should be eating home cooked meals, not pre-made ones like pizza or hamburgers." Thomas added.

"It's not our fault Awareness makes you drive over the speeding limit every time he thinks someone might be following you." Janus scoffed with crossed arms. "As for eating healthy, there are still restaurants that serve food which is both healthy and friendly for your sensory issues. You can get a sub, wrap, pita, or shawarma. Even tacos or home cooked meals from smaller restaurants. There are several options, many of which are even cheaper than the take out you usually have." Janus countered.