True Deceit

Chapter 14: 18 Years Earlier Pt.1

Tw- Parentification 

Deceit watched as Roman and Remus play fought in the dark side living room, a serious and disdainful expression on his face. He was sure that it was jealousy, after all, he'd been lumped with all the responsibilities of an adult at just the young age of nine. Wash and feed Paranoia, cook all the meals and clean up after Remus when he and his brother destroyed the living room. That kind of lifestyle took its toll, especially when Thomas himself cared more about his creativity and Morality than for Deceit who ran the show behind the scenes.

Janus found he always stood perfectly straight, like a soldier in the company of others. Hands by his side, and face lacking emotion. He was sure his sole purpose in life was to protect and care for his fellow dark sides, it was all he was able to do. In fact, it was hardly fair to call him their friend, more like Father. Yes, if he was going to be given endless chores and burdens, it only seemed fair he received the respect he deserved. Maturity came fast for Janus, and with his natural powers of deception and manipulation it was all the easier.

Patton hesitantly walked over to Deceit through the light side door, a soft smile on his lips.

'Hello Deceit, how are ya?"

As he spoke, a loud cry erupted from the baby crib in the neighbouring room, and a vase shattered where Roman had crashed himself into it. Patton braced himself for Deceit to lose it, but he instead inhaled a controlled breath and spoke calmly.

"Rather busy actually, I don't suppose you could take Roman home whilst I clean up?"

Patton nodded cooperatively, walking over to the younger boy and lifting him to his feet. "Come on Kiddo, let's go home."

"Aww," Roman whined.

"Can I come toooo," Remus pouted, picking up a shard of glass in his fingers.

"Remus, put that down!" Deceit barked, frightening even Patton who flinched apprehensively. Remus lowered the shard on command, listening to the eldest. "And no, you cannot go to, you are going to stay and help clean this up."

Remus sighed, but nodded obediently. He may have been only six, but he knew better than to question Deceit's authority. Patton left with Roman with haste, leaving Remus on the floor looking sheepish.

Deceit pointed to the naughty corner with one gloved finger. "Sit in the corner, face the wall, and don't move." Remus felt an unwanted wave of fear as he did as he was told.

"We we're just having fun Deceit," Remus spoke sweetly. "We didn't mean to upset you."

Deceit sighed, speaking as calmly as he could. "I want you to call me Father from now on, is that understood?"

"Like how Roman calls Patton Dad?"

"Yes, similar thing, ok?"

Remus nodded with his eyes to the wall, and Deceit ran to the crib in his bedroom. Virgil was wailing at the top of his lungs, huddled in his purple sheets.

Deceit slowly lifted Virgil, rocking him in his arms. "Ssh, it's okay, shh," Virgil soon calmed down, gripping onto Deceit's jacket with his baby fingers. Deceit eventually lowered him, smiling despite his stress. Virgil was just so adorable in his black flannel onesie. "I love you Virgil, but please don't grow up like Remus." He laughed to himself, switching off the lights and returning to the living room. 

He was relieved, if not a little surprised, to find Remus still seated in the corner as he was told, humming 'someday my prince will come,' from Snow White.

Janus took a deep breath, mimicking the kinds of voices and behaviours he'd seen from Thomas's parents. "Good boy, Remus, you may turn around now," Deceit spoke softly, and he faced Deceit. "I'm proud of you for doing what I said." Remus grinned in response. "Can you help me clean up the room now?" Remus nodded, jumping happily to his feet. 

Janus loved both his 'sons,' but couldn't help but think there must be a more efficient way to raise them. What good was the naughty corner if he only got to use it once the chaos had seized? He needed a punishment that would prevent the chaos from existing in the first place, he just needed to think of what...