Warning: Speedo Remus. You've been warned. Be careful out there, Remus is a serious threat and might make it away with your kneecaps if you aren't constantly cautious.

Patton
“Thank you again Mr. Johnson.” I held my backpack strap in one hand while I used the other to hold open the door.

“Don’t mention it, bugger. Come back any time.” Remy’s dad waved, smiling. I smiled back and offered a wave.

“Bye babes, are you sure you don’t want to stay for longer?” Remy questioned, standing next to the door. “Neither of us mind.” A warm feeling spread through my chest. They actually don’t mind me staying. This really sweet family has been so kind to me and fed me. They wouldn’t even let me help do the dishes after. I’m sure I was being a burden but… They almost make me feel like I’m not. That I could never burden them. I smiled, shaking my head. What am I thinking? Of course I’m a bother. But… They make me feel a bit more worth the effort.

“Thanks, but I’m okay. I made plans to go hang out with a friend today. Thank you so much.” I walked out the door, my smile slipping. 

I have to talk to Janus. Will they even want to see me? What if they choose to remain invisible? What if they refuse to even look at me? They probably hate me now. They told me how people assumed things about them because they’re a ghost. Does that make me any better? No… I was someone who abused their trust. I’m horrible. How could I have hurt them like this. I should just leave them alone, it would be better if I don’t talk to them again. They hate me now.

I stepped up to the Davis house, looking past the gate. The building held it’s warn down charm. I tried looking up into the windows, but I couldn’t see any golden eyes. I shook off the chills that ran up my spine. I should just head back. They hate me. I don’t want to make them uncomfortable or mad or-

“Blonde sperm maker!” I jumped at the sudden squealy voice. I turned to see Remus and one of his friends bounding up. He was wearing a speedo, bright green crocks, and an open beach dad shirt. His friend was barefoot and was wearing leggings and a button up flannel shirt. My face turned red and I quickly took my eyes off Remus. How was he allowed to leave his house wearing that? Wouldn’t his parents have stopped him? I thought back to Remy’s dad. Maybe he has chill parents like Remy.

“Um.. Hi Remus.” I offered a slight wave, still averting my eyes. Wow, how is he not cold? “Um… Who’s your friend?”

“This is Bronnie,” Remus started before the person next to him punched his arm hard.

“I told you, it’s either Bonnie or Bronwen!” She said in an exasperated italian or maybe Russian accent. Remus did a similar accent.

“But Bronnie is more fun to say, no?” She smacked him again, making him laugh. He licked the back of her hand and she wacked him with it to get the saliva off. 

“Fine, fine!” He laughed. She looked at me.

“Bonnie,” She said without an accent this time. Well, with an American accent. I can’t really say it’s without any accent. “You’re Patton, right?” I blinked.

“Oh um yeah, I’m Patton. What are you guys doing here?”

“We overheard Logan and Roman talking about ghosts so we’re here to join the dark side,” Remus said matter-of-factivly. I... What now?

“We figured the Davis house is the best place to start.”

“Plus Roman had talked about it a few times over the last two or so weeks.” Remus shrugged. “Come on! You can join us!” He grabbed my arm and skipped past the fence. Holy crap, how strong is he? Bonnie quickly followed behind. She opened the door.

“Hold on-” 

“YEET” My breath was stolen as I felt my body go weightless. Well, until I landed flat on my chest, winding me. That actually stole my breath. Ow.

“... Perhaps you were too hard on the pillow boy.” I felt Bonnie poke me with her foot.

“Nah, he’s fine.” Remus waved it off. 

“He looks winded.” 

I saw Remus draw closer out of the corner of my eye. “Huh, would you look at that. Who knew.” He glanced at Bonnie. “Well, we can’t really help. Moving him will hurt. Soo… I’m gonna explore.” I heard his footsteps as he skipped away. Bonnie stayed for a second longer.

“I would stay with you… But I don’t entirely trust Remus alone in this house. I’ll be right back. Uh… Don’t go anywhere unless you are feeling better and meet up with us?” She jogged Remus.

I closed my eyes, hands trembling. I gasped in a strained breath. I didn't realize getting winded hurt this much. My lungs were incapable of taking a deep breath. I closed my eyes, trying to gether the will to rise. Sadly, that wasn’t happening. Come on Pat, you’ve got this. Come on, you’re stronger than you think. Come on- I paused. Were did that thought come from? My mind drifted to Janus’s talk about how I was the opposite of weak. Aka strong. If you didn’t put it together. Which is hard for me sometimes. Anyway. 

“I am stronger than I think I am,” I wheeze out, my lungs hating every second of it, “I can get up. I’ve gotten up every day. And… I’ve made it through some pretty hard things. I mean, not as hard as others. Like, I don’t have to deal with a horrible divorse or like.. Being forced to be compared to family members or… Having a sibling in the hospital. Heck, even being murdered.” I thought about Janus, “But… I still go through things that are hard for me… And I’m allowed to be proud of myself. I… I know I’ve been strong… I know that I have done some great things… Well maybe not great but like..” I coughed. Stars, this hurt. 

Why do I feel like I’m on my death bed? Like an end of a fictional character arc in storys.

Huh.

Anyways.

I force myself to take a deep breath and drag myself to the door. I lean on it, sitting up with my head against it. Deep breath in, deep breath out. I’m okay. Life is good. At least I’m not home right now- 

I hesitated. “What was Janus trying to tell me?” I murmured. “About… My parents… What my mom was planning…”

“I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about, darling.” My eyes widened and I looked around.

“Janus?”

“That is what some call me, yes.” I remember thinking about how intimidating and scary they were before I knew what they look like. Now it kind of seems like a moody 13 year old is trying to intimidate me. I mean, no offense.

“I… I’m sorry,” There was no response so I continued, “I didn’t mean- I didn’t think it through… I… Was stupid. I was so stupid. I am so stupid. I only listened to my other friends and they thought you were tricking me and abusing me and I should have gone off what I know about you but I was overthinking and worrying that I had hurt you but also that you would hurt me and what if it was all an act and you could actually be trying to kill me and I don’t want that- erm like I mean, I don’t think I do- and anyway um.. I’m sorry… I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have listened to my friend because he doesn’t know anything about you and yes, I’ve known him for 13 years but I shouldn’t have chosen sides and I still want to be friends with you and I’m very very very very very sorry.” I quickly rambled, spewing out my words. I came to an end of my speaking and sucked in a breath then held it. 

The silence was suffocating. I looked around the room, wishing for any sign. For any motion that they might be here and listening. 

“Janus-”

“Deceit.” Came a harsh reply. I bit my tongue, eyes widening. I slowly looked down at my hands.

“Deceit… I..”

“SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE” The high pitch cry came from the second story. The cry was followed by a large crash. Crap.

“REMUS!”

“.... Sorry about them,” I muttered, though I doubt Jan- Deceit was still in the room. I sighed and pulled myself to my feet.

I’ve said all I wanted to say. If anything, me hanging around would make them more upset. I should just go. Me apologizing more won't do anything. 

I shook my head and walked out the door.

I can't do anything else.

1698 words

Huh. I'm actually pretty happy with this chapter. It has drama and pizazz. Ya know, everything needed. Oh and character development. That's nice. I hope you were watching your kneecaps cause if not- ... ah crap.

Remus: *counting kneecaps* Whaaaat? It's not my fault people stop checking their surroundings once they begin reading.

Remus, we talked about this.

Bonnie: What did you expect? You left Remus unsupervised for almost a whole chapter with him still technically in it. If anything, you should have expected the kneecap population to go down.

I know, I know. I'll need to leave a better warning next time for the reader...

Remus: You really think that will stop me? That's cute.

I can put Bonnie on the job.

Remus: *pauses and looks to Bonnie* You wouldn't...

Bonnie: *smirks* It wouldn't be much of a challenge with my godly form, but I can do it if the price is right.

I'll give you baked bread.

Bonnie: DEAL

Remus: Oh come on! You're diabetic!

Bonnie: *shrugs* I'll die happily.

Sorry about that, reader. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and can recover from Remus's kneecaps heist. Have an amazing week! And month! And life! See ya later sisters, brothers, and non binary others! Peace out!

💖Maybay4