Drowsy and Deceitful

Lost in Dreams chapter 1

    Janus just got done getting ready for the day and stepped down the stairs, holding his balance on the railing of the stairs, with drowsiness still in his eyes. "Good morning, Janus!" exclaimed the figure at the stove. "Good morning, Patton. I suppose you are having a wonderful waking, aren't you?"

     Patton turned around with his wide eyed innocents, "Yeah! How are you feeling this morning, Janus?" Janus stepped into the kitchen, trying to make the darkest coffee possible. "I am feeling more tired than usual, but I can still get some things done today."

     Patton squeaked and walked towards him giving Jan a hug. He flinched at the contact. "Well, I think you may need a "me day", then won't you?" Patton replied while stroking Janus' hair. "I would normally agree with you. Although, it is not like that. This is natural. I will explain to you when I have more energy."

     Patton was about to object, but stopped before he could say anything. "Of course, Dee. With anyone else, I would automatically assume they are lying. I know that assuming is bad, but it is just so hard not to with them, but you take care of yourself. Wait... that was a jumble of words. I am basically just trying to say that I believe you."

     A small smile crept onto Janus' face. "Thank you, Patton. Although, if you don't mind, I will be heading to the couch." Patton turned with his glazed eyes, "Okay, be careful though." Janus chuckled in return, "I know, I will."

     Janus went over to the couch and put his head on the thing nearest to him. What he didn't comprehend was that that "thing" was not so much of a "thing" as it was a human. "Oh, sorry Logan. I didn't see you there." 

     Logan gave a weird look. "Are you quite alright, Janus? It is quite concerning that you didn't comprehend you where actively leaning your body weight into another human. " Janus groaned in response while stretching. "Sorry about that... not at full attention today."

     Logan scrunched his nose. "Did you not sleep well last night?" Janus looked over to meet Logan's eyes, "I have gotten 14 hours last night. I still dont know how much I need. Do I go off of the sleep hours of a human or a snake? Humans are supposed to get 8 hours of sleep, but snakes get 16 or up to 20 after eating."

     "Hmmm, probably a snake if you slept 14 hours and you are this drowsy." Logan responded. "Well, Logan, I usually get 10-12 and I am fine." Logan pondered for a bit. "You have been eating a lot more, haven't you?" Janus nodded in response. 

     "Janus, you are most likely going to start brumation. It is hibernation for snakes. Have you gone through this any other year?" Janus shook his head no and snuggled into Logan's side without thinking. 

     Just then, Roman, Remus, and Virgil came running down the stairs and turned the corner to flop on the couch, only to find that it was already inhabited by a weird scene. "Since when does Jan over here cuddle Logan?" Roman asked. "Since when does Janus cuddle?" Virgil and Remus asked in response. 

     Logan then started to stroke Janus' hair and went to explaining. "Based on the information that Janus has gave me, I have come to the conclusion that Janus is, or soon will be, going through brumation. Brumationis basically just hibernation for cold blooded animals, but it is weird because he is also part human, and that is where the complications come in."

     "Ah, so... can you put that into English." Remus replied. Logan huffed, but nodded his head. "That basically means that through these winter months, Janus will be really tired and need extra sleep. It also means that he will barely eat. Not because of anything bad, but because of his snake half, his stomach will... freeze up figuratively. He will also be a bit mood swingy.

     Although, Janus feels guilty for this, even though it is out of his control. So, we should be extra kind to him." Logan looked down at Janus seeing him sleep peacefully on Logan's shoulder. All the others looked at Janus' limp form. Patton and Remus did a quiet "Awwww!", right before being shushed by Logan. 

     "Some ways we can help is encouraging him to rest from now until April, but don't force him too. Maybe, if you REALLY want him to sleep, consider having him lay on the couch or on your bed next to you until he falls asleep. Because he is part snake, I can not give any proper information, but I can say that kindness is the key."

     Patton then spoke up, but not too much as to wake Janus, "Aww, poor baby. Does this happen every winter?" Logan looked down for a second. "According to Janus this is the first time, but my resources conclude that he was drowsier last winter. So, slowly over time he is developing different snake habits and different human habits. Just like he only started shedding 7 years ago."

     Remus sat down on the couch, rubbing Janus' back. "I feel so bad for DeeDee, as cool as the scales are, it must suck being half snake half human." Roman sat down next to his brother then, stroking his shoulder in comfort, "Well, at least it is only us. If he was a real human, just think of the people that would bully him and make fun of him. It would be hard to find a job in his condition too."

     Virgil sat down on the floor in front of Janus, "Good thing he has us then." Patton went and sat on his rocking chair next to the couch, "Yeah, as long as we support him and take care of him, he will be okay. Is it okay if I take care of him most of the time?" Everyone looked to Patton, they should have expected that.

1007 words

Thank you for the exposition, Logan! And thank you for deciding to read my little story. I really like the plot to this one, and I hope you do too. I am gonna make little ship moments with Janus and all the characters. THIS IS NOT A SHIP BOOK THOUGH! There is no set ships for this book, I want to be diverse :) Hope you stick around and enjoy.