Life had returned to a state of normalcy for Janus. Sure, things were still tense with Remus, but Janus was trying his best to let Remus feel like he could open up to him again. They used to tell each other everything, he wondered when that changed.

Right now, Janus was sitting alone in the dark side common room. Remus went off to do...something, and who knew where their other friend was. Janus huffed, pushing some hair out of his eyes. He wished the others would tall to him more.

"Janus?" Someone called out, startling him. He looked up, and his eyes widened at who was standing there.

"Roman, what are you doing?!" Janus whispered harshly, speed walking over go the prince. "If someone sees you here--"

"I know, I know. I'm sorry." Roman sighed, giving Janus an awkward smile. "I, uh, made you something." Roman held out his gift.

"A necklace?" Janus asked, taking it hesitantly.

"A locket." Roman clarified, twiddling his fingers anxiously. "I didn't know what picture to put inside, so I came here to ask you."

"This isn't another apology gift, is it?" Janus asked, slipping the locket around his neck.

"Well, uh--" Roman pursed his lips. "I really am sorry. Making fun of your name isn't cool, I know that. I just--I was scared."

"I understand, Roman. You don't need to explain yourself to me. I'm the one who made you upset. I-I manipulated you and I know that's not cool." Janus shook his head. "I'm the one who should be making it up to you, Roman."

"And you keep saying that but--" Roman ran a hand through his hair, huffing quietly. "--this isn't even the first time I've done something like that."

"Roman--"

"I can't help it, y'know? It just comes out of my mouth before I have time to think about it!" Roman crossed his arms. "I'm not...a good person. I'm arrogant, and loud, and annoying, and--and--"

"You're not any of those things, Roman." Janus told him gently. "You're...brave. And you're kind, and selfless, and charming."

"You're just saying that. You're known to lie after all." Roman grumbled. "Shit--sorry."

"It's okay." Janus hummed. "How about this? None of us love you, Roman. We all hate you." Janus said, making sure it was obvious he was lying.

Roman pursed his lips, before engulfing Janus in a hug. "I'm sorry." Roman mumbled into his shoulder. Janus didn't comment on how the prince was shaking.

"Shh, it's okay." Janus told him, hugging him back. "I'm sorry too."

---

Remus woke up the next day at a feast. A large amount of food was laid out in front of him. At the other end of the table sat Janus, who was dressed in gold.

"For you, milord." A servant (who was undoubtedly Roman) said, placing a cake down in front of him. Remus thanked him quickly, and took a bite of the cake.

It felt as if hot oil had been poured down his throat. Remus choked and spluttered, suddenly unable to breathe.

"It's been poisoned!" Someone screamed. Remus caught sight of the servant, and saw a small smirk on his face.

He looked over at Janus, who was watching this happen with a mildly disinterested expression on his face. "J-Jan--" He choked out, reaching for him.

A large commotion was being made as servants frantically scrambled in and out of the room. "You," Janus spoke up, looking at the servant who poisoned him. "What is your name?"

"Roman, my liege." The servant hummed. Remus gasped for air, tearing up. His eyes rolled into the back of his head.

He couldn't breathe. He needed to breathe. Someone help--

The dream faded away, and Remus collapsed to the ground, taking greedy gulps of air. He coughed, feeling the way his throat burned with phantom pain.

Water. He needed water.

He sunk out and appeared in the kitchen, still breathing heavily. He wrenched open the fridge and grabbed the nearest bottle. He opened it quickly and took a long sip,

Remus breathed a sigh of relief as he felt the burning subside. He just stood there for a moment, taking slow and deep breaths. He was fine. He was alive.

He sat down at the table, putting his head in his arms.

Yeah, he was gonna have to avoid cake for awhile.

"Are you alright?"

Remus jumped, whipping his head over to Janus, who was stood at the front door. "Uh, how long have you been standing there?"

"Since you popped in." Janus told him, still looking very concerned. He took his glove off and placed a hand on Remus' forehead.

Remus tensed, praying that his face didn't turn bright red. Janus was touching him. Janus was touching him.

All too soon, he pulled his hand back, frowning. "You don't feel warm."

Remus disagreed. The skin contact made him feel like he was on fire. I hate how much I love him--

"Remus?"

"Sorry, didn't catch that." Remus blinked. Janus rolled his eyes fondly. He put on his glove, smirking slightly.

"I said, don't push yourself. I don't want you keeling over on me." Janus hummed, rustling his hair. He went over to the fridge, pulling out a bottle of water. "Ciao." He said, walking out.

Remus watched him leave, slowly reaching up and touching the part of his hair that Janus touched,

IlovehimIlovehimIlovehimIlovehim--