TW: Rape, again. I'll put a line of ÷ before and after it, and then I'll summarize what happened during it.

Janus’ leg bounced up and down from where he sat on the park bench, biting on the nail of his thumb anxiously. He didn’t get much rest these days, his body always moving no matter the circumstances. 

He was waiting for his brother. He had begged Virgil to tell him how his case was going, since the older flat out refused to let him know anything. It took a lot of convincing, but he managed to make this meeting happen. It was important that it went well. 

“Janus,” 

He turned, spotting Virgil walking towards him with his hands in his pockets. 

“Vee!” Janus quickly stood up, fixing his clothes in places he assumed were wrinkled. 

Virgil frowned at him. “You look exhausted.” He said, placing a hand on Janus’ shoulder and gently seating them both on the bench. “Have you been sleeping well?” 

In truth, he hadn’t been sleeping much at all. His rest was plagued by nightmares. Images of Remus’ mutilated corpse on the ground in front of him, or his boyfriend being tied up and beaten in someone’s basement, begging for help. 

Virgil seemed to know this, since his frown deepened. “Janus…” 

“This isn’t about me, Virgil.” Janus shrugged his hand off of his shoulder. “This is about Remus.” 

Virgil sighed, seemingly unsatisfied. “We haven’t made much progress. I’ve searched every corner of that house, and nothing.” 

“Every corner?” Janus frowned. “Are you sure? What about the basement?” 

“I’ve checked the basement dozens of times, there’s nothing down there except for some boxes and an old bookshelf.” Virgil shook his head. “I’ve checked the attic too, and every single room of the house. Nothing. No note. No evidence of him running away, or evidence of him being taken. It’s as if he just disappeared off the face of the earth.” 

Janus frowned. That made no sense. Remus wasn’t the type to just vanish. There was no way he left on his own. Someone had taken him, Janus was sure of it.

After all, they had been happy, right?

“Jan,” Virgil’s tone began firm, his brow furrowed, “I need you to be prepared for the possibility of--”

“No.” Janus shook his head. “He’s alive. I know he is.” 

Virgil frowned. “You don’t know that.” 

“Yes, I do. I know him, and I know that he wouldn’t go out so easily.” Janus asserted. “He’s stronger than that.”

“We have seven years until he’s legally declared dead. I’m telling you this now, because I’ve seen how fast that time can fly. Even then, the chances of us finding him alive are less than ideal. I need you to be prepared.” Virgil placed his hand back on Janus’ shoulder. “You’ll immediately be the main suspect, it’s usually the romantic partner guilty in murder. The cops are smart, they’ll find ways to convince you that you commited the crime. You’ll need a good lawyer.” 

“When we find him, he will be alive.” Janus told him. “Nothing you say can convince me otherwise.”

Virgil sighed, something akin to pity consuming his expression. “Janus, just think about what I’m saying, alright? I care about you.”

Janus looked away. “Okay. I’ll think about it.” He lied. 

Virgil smiled sadly. “I know I’m making it sound bleak, but I promise you that I will do everything in my power to find him.” 

“I expect nothing less.” Janus huffed out a laugh. “I trust you, Vee. I believe that you’ll find him, however long it takes.” 

“I’ll certainly try my best.” Virgil told him, removing his hand from Janus’ shoulder. Suddenly, he perked up. “Oh! I completely forgot to tell you!” He exclaimed. “I have a new assistant working with me on the case.” 

Janus tilted his head. “Oh? Who?” 

“Roman Prince-Hart.” 

Janus’ eyes widened. “What? Really?” He asked incredulously. “Isn’t he a suspect?”

“Technically, you’re a suspect too.” Virgil shrugged. “The main suspect, in fact. I could lose my job just by talking to you right now.” He rolled his eyes. 

Janus pursed his lips. “I’m sorry.” 

“Relax.” Virgil shook his head. “You’re my little brother, I’m willing to take some risks for you.” He paused, a small frown forming on his face. “I shouldn’t be telling you this, but…” He sighed, “something about Mr. Hart himself is suspicious to me.” 

“Remus’ dad?” Janus’ eyebrows raised. “You…You think he did it?” 

“It’s just a suspicion, I dunno. Something about his behavior is a bit off.” Virgil shook his head. “And I can’t get that incident from a few months ago out of my head. His yelling, dragging Remus away, and this was the same month Remus went missing.”

Janus hummed. “Well, he’s always been an asshole, but Remus said that he really did love him, in his own way.” He scowled. “I personally think his ‘overprotectiveness’ can more accurately be called ‘obsession.’” 

“So, you think his behavior is nothing of note? The usual?” Virgil narrowed his eyes. “But that in itself is…” He shook his head. “Nevermind, I’ll keep what you said in mind, but I’ll also have my eye on him.” 

“You’re the professional.” Janus shrugged. He bit his lip. “...When you find him, promise that I’ll be the first one you tell?” 

Virgil smiled. “I promise.” He spoke firmly, without a hint of hesitation. 

Janus didn’t believe him.

---

÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷

Patton’s hands had a tight grip on Remus’ waist, the boy silently crying as his father had his way with him.

This had to be the fourth time Patton had come in to do this. After the first instance, it seemed he was hooked, much to Remus’ dismay. 

He was keen on pretending that none of this was happening, thinking about anything other than the muted grunts and sweat. He didn’t look at his father, aware that looking would make everything more real.

Remus stared at the metal door, pleading with some higher power that Roman, or Janus, anyone would walk in and save him. His praying was in vain, since Patton had told him that Roman was out with Janus’ brother.

He couldn’t take this anymore. He needed to leave. He had people he was desperate to see again, not just his father. 

Remus had to escape.

But how?

Patton seemed to be set on keeping him in the room, supplying him with boxes of food that would last him about a week if he rationed enough. The door could be barred shut from the other side, making it virtually impossible for Remus to leave the room. The only time the door wasn’t locked was when Patton came to visit, and he would be able to stop Remus from leaving in a matter of seconds.

There had to be a flaw in Patton’s trap.

All Remus needed was a plan. 

He wasn’t good at plans, though. That was always a Janus thing, or a Logan thing. 

Well, he had all the time in the world to come up with one, considering there was nothing to do down in the basement except think.

So, how would Remus sneak past his father?

For him to leave, two things needed to be true. Patton needed to be unable to catch him, and the door needed to be unlocked. Simple in theory, but way more complicated than it appeared. 

Physically, Remus was weaker than Patton in his malnourished state. If a physical fight needed to happen, he would most definitely lose. So, he needed a way to defend himself first of all. Easier said than done. The closest thing he had was a can opener, which wouldn’t be enough to keep Patton at bay for long.

He needed something stronger. 

The question was, how would he get it?

Patton began kissing Remus’ neck, momentarily snapping him out of his thoughts. He sucked in a harsh breath, surprised. Patton interpreted the sound as something else, smirking into Remus’ skin. 

Remus quickly dove back into his mind, eager to forget what was happening once more.

What weapon would Remus be able to take down Patton with? He could try the bucket, but that was too unreliable. The weight of the bucket varied depending on how much was inside it. If it was too heavy, Remus wouldn’t be able to lift it. If it was too light, Patton would barely be damaged. 

He needed something that would at least knock Patton out, with a 100% guarantee of working every time. Something heavy, but not too heavy. He just needed a moment of incapacitation, enough time for him to get out of the room, and he would be able to escape. 

Of course, he would be able to build back his strength if given more food. That would need to be another part of his plan. Get more food, gain strength, acquire a weapon, knock Patton out, escape. 

If he wanted to enact this plan, he would need to gain Patton’s trust.

The whole reason Remus was down there in the first place was due to a lack of trust from his father. How could he regain it enough to have an advantage? 

Janus would’ve figured out how to by now. He was smart, he could play dirty. Remus preferred a more straightforward approach, but that wouldn’t work in this situation. It was at moments like these where he wished that his boyfriend was there to help him. 

Patton moved up to kissing Remus’ jawline, watching him through half-lidded eyes. “God, you’re so much better like this, Rem.” He whispered, sending shivers down the younger’s spine. “Imagine if Janus could see you like this. He wouldn’t be able to control himself.” 

Remus did his best not to cry. If Janus ever saw him like this, he wouldn’t be able to live with himself. 

Patton rubbed one hand up and down Remus’ side, the other resting near his head. He interlocked his lips with Remus’, kissing him roughly. 

Remus had an idea.

He needed to gain his trust, right?

Slowly, he brought his hand to cup his father’s cheek.

For him to escape, he needed to gain Patton’s trust by whatever means necessary. He knew that if he went this route, he would never be deserving of Janus’ love again. He would be filthy, disgusting, unlovable. 

But he couldn’t live like this. 

Hesitantly, he kissed him back. 

Immediately, Patton pulled away, a wild look in his eyes. He stared in shock for a few moments, before a smile spread across his face. “I always knew you were a dirty whore.” 

Remus blinked up at him. “D-Dad--I--”

“No,” His father cut in sternly, “call me Patton.”

And they kissed again, Remus doing his best to keep up with the older man’s pace. The younger’s compliance seemed to have made Patton happy. 

Remus released little gasps and whimpers, just to please his father. It was working, based on how the grin on Mr. Hart’s face grew.

Janus had always been the one to make the plans.

But Remus could play dirty too.

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(Summary: Remus tries to figure out how to escape while Patton has his way with him. He settles on pretending to give into him. Patton tells Remus to call him by his name.)

---

Roman was determined to reunite with his brother.

Remus had been gone for almost three months by now, but he refused to lose hope. He was sure that his twin was out there, fighting with everything he had to return home. Virgil had told him that only 0.6% of missing persons cases end with the person being found dead, but even then it was still nearly 2000 people per year. 

He didn’t want to take the risk. He would find his brother before that.

Virgil and Roman had gone to all of Remus’ frequent hang outs, and visited everyone who he was known to have talked with. Most of them hadn’t spoken to him in years, and Roman realized all at once that his brother was severely lacking in the friends department. 

In fact, there were even a few people who confessed to picking on his brother throughout their sophomore and junior years. That was a real shock. Roman had no clue. How much did he not know about his brother? 

As kids, they had always told each other everything. It was hard to determine when that changed. There was no clear defining moment that Roman could recall where Remus had abruptly shut him out. It was more like a slow progression, on Remus’ part at least.

Roman still told Remus everything. He should’ve noticed that his brother wasn’t doing the same.

“Roman,” Virgil spoke up, snapping him out of his thoughts, “has Remus ever said where he would run away to?” 

Currently, the investigator and Roman were inside the older man’s car, the former dropping the latter back at the Hart house. They had spent the whole day looking for leads, once again coming up with nothing.

“Um,” Roman thought about it, “he always said he wanted to go to the Grand Canyon.” He murmured. “I can’t think of anywhere else.” 

Virgil hummed. “If he went there, he would be long gone by now.” He mumbled. “Disappearing in the middle of the night, from his own bed, is so irregular. It would be so easy if he ran away.” 

Roman paused, mind short-circuiting for a moment. “Wait, what?” He furrowed his brow, suddenly confused. “He didn’t disappear in the middle of the night. He was gone for hours before I went to bed.” 

Virgil stiffened. “That’s not what your father said.” He mumbled. “Mr. Hart said that Remus went to bed that night, and was gone the next morning.” 

Roman furrowed his brow. “That’s not true.” He asserted. 

Why would his father lie about that? 

Virgil seemed to be thinking the exact same thing, based on the way his expression hardened. “Roman, what’s your father like?” 

Roman pursed his lips. “He’s always been kind to me, but he’s super strict with my brother.” He muttered. “Sometimes, I wonder if maybe…well, I just think about it in passing. There’s no way.” 

But Patton had lied. 

To a detective. 

Roman felt uneasy. 

“Has Patton ever physically harmed Remus in either way?” Virgil asked softly. 

Roman opened his mouth to deny, but the memory of Remus entering the room with a handprint on his face a few months ago came to mind. “Only once. That I know of, at least. It was just a slap, but…”

“I see.” Virgil hummed. “Perhaps more questioning is needed.” 

They pulled into the Hart household driveway.

Roman quickly unbuckled his seatbelt, determined to question his father. “Thanks, investigator. I’ll see you tomorrow?” 

Virgil had an oddly serious expression on his face. “Stay safe.” 

With that, he drove away. Roman watched him go, before turning and marching up to his front door. He quickly threw the door open.

Patton, who was sitting on the couch, drinking some tea, jumped in surprise. “Roman, welcome ba--”

“Why did you lie to Investigator Storm?” Roman cut in.

Patton’s eyes widened for a second, and he quickly stood up. “What are you talking about?” He asked with a frown. 

“You told him that Remus went missing in the middle of the night.” Roman frowned. “That isn’t true. He never went to bed. I stayed up all night, waiting for him. He never showed up.” 

Patton looked surprised, before he sighed. “Remus did come home. We…had an argument, and then he ran off.” 

“No, you didn’t. I would’ve heard it.” Roman asserted. “Why are you lying?” 

“Roman, I would never lie to you.” Patton told him sternly. “That detective has your brain running wild with theories, I knew letting you work with him was a bad idea.”

“You’re avoiding the question.” Roman scowled. “Why did you lie?”

Patton pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m not letting you work with Investigator Storm anymore.” He growled. 

Roman felt cold. “What?”

“He’s filling your head with nonsense! That whole family is nothing but trouble!” Patton spat. “You are forbidden from seeing that man again, do you understand me?” 

“You can’t do that!” Roman protested. “I want to look for my brother! I can’t just sit back and do nothing!” He stepped closer. “You lying has thrown the whole investigation off, did you know that? You lied to more than just Virgil, you lied to me, you lied to the police, you lied to Janus--”

“What does it matter if I lie to some lowlife like him?” Patton scoffed, crossing his arms. 

Roman tensed. So he did lie. Why? Didn’t he want Remus found? What was the point of lying to the people actively trying to help find him?

“What is wrong with you?” Roman hissed. “Why are you being like this?” 

There was a moment of silence, both of the men in the room studying each other. 

Roman didn’t understand his father’s behavior at all. His blatant distrust of Virgil and Janus confused him, and his sudden hostility towards his own son was startling. It was like he had something to hide. It was almost like…

Roman clenched his fist.

“Did you do something to Remus?” He asked, voice hushed.

Patton’s eyes widened, breath hitching. His eyes narrowed suddenly, filling with unshed tears. “Everything I’ve ever done has been for you two.” He hissed, pressing a finger to Roman’s chest. “Everything.”

Roman pursed his lips, looking away. “...I’m sorry.” 

“You are not seeing that investigator anymore.” Patton grit out, practically shaking with anger. 

With that, he shoved past Roman and walked up the stairs.

---

Patton walked into the room.

Remus looked up from where he was sitting on the ground, staring blankly at the wall.

Patton was holding a box in his arms, smaller than the ones that usually carried food. He smiled warmly at his son, who did nothing but stare back apathetically. 

Three months of isolation. Remus could already feel himself going mad.

“Hey, Rem.” Patton greeted. “I realized I forgot to give you your birthday present. Better late than never.” He threw it on the ground next to Remus. 

Remus huffed, before slowly turning and opening the box. 

There was a suit inside, with a gray jacket and pants, and a white dress shirt. 

“Put it on.” Patton ordered him. 

Remus furrowed his brow, glancing up at his father. Patton just stared at him expectantly. “Can you…turn around?” He croaked.

Patton tilted his head. “It’s nothing I haven’t seen before.” 

Remus frowned, looking back at the suit. 

He slowly began to undress. 

His body ached with bruises, causing him to wince whenever the fabric touched particularly sore parts of his skin. Patton watched in silence. 

When Remus was fully dressed, he wrapped his arms around himself anxiously. 

Patton examined him. “You look handsome.” 

Fuck you, Remus wanted to say. Instead, he just nodded in a silent acknowledgement. 

“So,” Patton crossed his arms, “what do you want as a gift?” 

Remus tilted his head. “This wasn’t it?” 

“No,” Patton shook his head. “That’s more for me than for you.” He told him. “What do you want as a birthday gift?” 

Remus glanced away. “My freedom.” He said in a moment of courage.

“You’ll have to earn that.” Patton answered immediately. “Pick something else.” 

Remus furrowed his brow. “...a TV?” It would be nice to have something to do down in the basement. He only had the sound of the air coming through the vent in the corner to entertain him.

“Too early for that.” Patton dismissed. “Pick something else.” 

Remus scowled. “A clock.” He mumbled. That way, he would be able to keep track of time. 

“Alright.” Patton nodded. “I’ll give you a clock next time I visit.” 

Remus hummed, wrapping his arms tighter around himself. “Thank you.” 

Patton walked closer. “Now that we've settled that." He murmured, unbuttoning the top two buttons on Remus' shirt. He backed away. "Strip." He said, unbuckling his belt.

Remus grit his teeth. "Why did you make me put it on just to take it off again?" He ground out shakily. 

Patton's expression flattened. "Strip." He repeated, voice colder. 

Remus closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and began to take the blazer off.

A/N:

Remus really out here living his worst life.

Also sorry for not updating this book for 2 months these ones are super duper long 😍