Remus' heart was pounding as he waited for Janus to speak. The boy in question was taking deep breaths, obviously preparing himself for a difficult conversation. Remus was about to ask if he was alright when Janus finally spoke. "Do you remember the story I told you about me and my moms getting attacked?" he asked softly. Remus nodded. "I didn't tell you the full extent of what happened," Janus admitted with his eyes down. Remus looked at him in concern, but stayed silent as he continued.

"After the whole incident, I had a really hard time. I kept having panic attacks and night terrors, and I couldn't make it stop. I was scared all the time. More than anything, though, I felt guilty. I felt like I should've been able to save my moms. I really thought it was my fault for a while. I started spiraling, and I was really depressed. It got so bad that I...um, I tried to..." Janus trailed off. "It's okay," Remus mumbled reassuringly. Janus took a breath. "I tried to kill myself. I ended up in the hospital for a little. Then I got sent to a psych ward for a long time. It really messed me up, Re. When I finally got out, I felt trapped. I started going downhill again, so my moms moved me to a new school. I needed a fresh start." Remus looked at him with wide saddened eyes. "I'm so sorry," Remus muttered. Janus shook his head. "I also wanted to explain my name. I promise you, I never told you my name was Dee to lie. My real name, Janus, just felt wrong after everything. It felt... tainted, almost. I needed to start over, so I started going by Dee when I got here. The only reason Virgil called me Janus was because he knew me from my last school," Janus explained. Remus nodded slowly, processing the information. Janus couldn't handle the silence. "I just wanted to tell you all of this so you didn't think I was a liar. Virgil was worried that you'd think I was because of my name, but I need you to know that I never lied to you. Especially not about why I broke up with you. It just made me feel like I used to after the incident with my mothers, and I panicked. I couldn't handle another downward spiral. I'm incredibly sorry," he added quickly. Remus nodded. "Thank you for all of this. It doesn't make it hurt any less, but it makes it make sense. So thanks," Remus said. Janus nodded. "Of course." Remus watched him for a moment. "I'm also really sorry you went through all of that. Nobody deserves that. I'm...well, I'm really proud of you," Remus admitted softly. "Why on Earth would you be proud of me?" Janus asked in confusion. Remus' expression softened. "Because you kept fighting," he said. Those words meant more to Janus than Remus would ever know.

Neither of the boys spoke for a while, processing everything that had been shared between them. Finally, Remus spoke up. "I'm still a little upset with you, and I'm not over everything yet. But I think, if you want, I would be able to make an effort to have you in my life again," Remus said carefully. Janus looked at him in shock. "Really? You want me in your life?" he asked. Remus nodded. "Yeah. Despite everything, I still care about you J." Janus' eyes teared up at his words. "Thank you," he whispered. "This isn't a clean slate. We still have some things to work out, but I think I'd like to have you as a friend," Remus explained. Janus nodded. "Yes, of course." Remus smiled softly. "Friends?" Janus nodded with an undeniable grin. "Friends."

Logan practically ran into his classroom as Janus walked out. Remus chuckled lightly. "I must know everything that just happened," Logan said, slightly out of breath. "It was a good talk. He explained some things that he hadn't told me, and it made everything make more sense. He also apologized," Remus explained. Logan nodded, his expression unreadable. "Did you forgive him?" he finally asked lowly. Remus nodded. "Of course I did. I forgive everyone. I just don't forget what happened," Remus explained with a shrug. Logan let out a slight sigh. "That's good to hear," he mumbled. "We're going to try out being friends," Remus added after a moment. Logan's expression hardened. "Please just be careful. I'm sure that his explanation for his actions were at least somewhat understandable, but it does not change that he hurt you," Logan explained. Remus nodded. "I know that. I told him the same thing. No clean states," he responded. Logan nodded in understanding. "I just don't want you to get hurt again," he admitted with his eyes averted. Remus' heart warmed at his concern. "I won't. I'll be careful," he responded softly. Logan smiled sadly. "I know you will."

Logan grabbed his bag from his desk. "Now, we must return home quickly," Logan rushed out as he moved toward the door. Remus looked at him in concern. "What? Why? Is everything okay?" he asked as he joined the man. "I may or may not have texted Patton and told him that you were talking with Janus. He might literally combust if we don't get there soon and tell him everything."

Remus snorted at his parents' dramatics, following Logan out of the building with an amused grin.