Drowsy and Deceitful

Walking Trade Off chapter 6

     ~February~

     Everyone, with the exception of Janus and Virgil, where in the dinning room getting ready for dinner.  Patton sat down, sitting down a plate piled with steaks for everyone. Everyone grabbed a steak off the plate, leaving a singular steak to bring to Virgil. They where scooping up potatoes and chatting when someone walked in.

     ¨Janus, what are you doing in here? You should be in bed!¨ Patton jumped up to Janus. ¨Patton! I have been in bed for the last 3 or 4 months. I needed to get up and walk at some point!¨ Janus yelled at Patton, he jump back. It also seemed the exhaustion from the yelling had caught up to Janus because he stumbled a bit then collapsed on the counter.

     That is when Logan spoke up, ¨Patton, can you step back from Janus please?¨ He looked scared and hurt, but he did step back to Logan's request. ¨Janus, would you like me to walk with you?¨ Janus looked up from the counter he had his head on and nodded. ¨Alright, would you like to walk your self, or would you like to hold onto my arm?¨

     Janus looked up, his eyes glossy. ¨I would like to hold onto your arm.¨ Logan put out his arm for Janus to hold onto and they slowly walked out of the kitchen. ¨Janus, where is Virgil?¨ ¨Virgil is still in my room. I awoken and he was asleep, but I couldn't lay down any longer, and I didn't want to wake him.¨

     Logan was searching for another question to ask to keep the conversation they where having going, indeed of making this a very weird, awkward, silent walk. ¨Do you feel any less tired?¨ Janus huffed and went onto talking, ¨No, in fact I am even more exhausted than I remember. I just couldn't close my eyes.¨

     ¨Well, I am glad you are doing what you feel is best for you.¨ Janus smiled and leaned more on Logan, resting his other hand on his shoulder for more support. Logan winced in response. ¨Are you okay, Logan?¨ Janus asked. ¨Yeah, I have a bad shoulder. We can make our way back to the kitchen, I am sure Patton would be thrilled to walk with you.¨ Janus nodded and they started to head back to the kitchen.

     ¨Hey Patton?¨ Patton turned around from where he was finishing the dishes. ¨Yes Logan?¨ Logan huffed a bit and then helped Janus into a chair before speaking. ¨I am sorry for keeping you from seeing Janus. It is just I was worried about you and Thomas and I...¨ ¨It's okay, I understand. I find it cute when you worry, but I miss Janus so much.¨

     ¨Yeah, I kept you from him in the last 6 months because you barely ever take care of yourself, I didnt want you to make it a habit to take care of Janus all day every day. No to mention I dont know how it would effect Thomas' mental state if you see Janus at his worst. See I...¨ Once again Logan was cut off, but this time with a warm embrace from Patton.

     ¨You dont need to explain yourself, but I should go back to the dishes.¨ Logan caught Patton's arm as he started to turn around. ¨I'll handle the dishes, you can spend time with Janus.¨ Patton's eyes went wide. ¨Really Logan? Thank you so much!¨ ¨On one condition. Take time to take care of yourself.¨ Patton nodded and turned to help Janus walk to his bedroom.

     Patton mouthed ¨Thank you¨ once more and help Janus walk around a bit. It was about 15 minutes into the walk and Janus was piratically collapsing, even while holding onto Patton. ¨Well, Janus. You ready to head back to your room?¨ Janus shook his head no while rubbing his cheek into Patton's shoulder. 

     ¨I dont want you falling.¨ Janus tried to stand straight up, only to fail and end up leaning back upon Patton. ¨I dont want to go back to my room. Not now. I need a change of environment.¨ Patton looked down at Janus and started rubbing his arm. ¨I guess your right. How would you like to come to my room and stay there?¨

     Janus looked up at Patton and stuck out his little snek snek tongue. ¨Patton, you need to take care of yourself too.¨ Patton continued to pet his arm. ¨I know, but I could do that better if I know your happy and safe.¨ Janus rolled his eyes, but understood. ¨Fine, but it better be warm in there.¨

     The two of them made it back to Patton's room and Patton tried to lay Janus down on his bed, but he seemed not to like that. ¨The bed is too still for my back, I like my pile of scrap fabrics and blankets. Patton thought for a second and snapped his fingers. On the ground by the window his pile of blankets and scrap fabric and his heat lamp. 

     Patton helped Janus wobble to his bed and they both laid down. Janus lied on top of Patton, letting the rising and falling of the dad's stomach comfort him, and assure him that he was safe and okay. With this, he slowly drifted off back into burmation.  

     Patton kept stroking Janus' hair to the beat of a song that he kept playing in his head. It was in 3/4 times, so his hand was in a sorta Waltz. He watched as his hairs moved with the impact of his finger tips pushing the in the opposite way. While he was a sleep, Patton stroked his thumb down Janus' scales.

     They where not slimy, but they felt like heaven on his skin. It was so soothing and it had the most wonderful texture. As Patton petted his scaled, Janus breathing slowed as kept getting deeper and deeper in his slumber. In that moment, Patton realized that self care doesn't have to be a lonely activity, can be letting yourself relax with someone you care about.

1009 words

Thank you for reading today! I dont know how far I am taking this book, but no more than 15 chapters. Dont want it to be toooo long. Self care is important though, sometime that is reading a book you enjoy, or snuggling with a loved one. Just make sure you cut yourself some slack and take breaks. Sit back, and breath. I believe in you.