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2021-06-21
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Butterfly, Fly Away

Summary:

The Light Sides were surprised when Janus interrupted their breakfast, frantically asking for help with finding the perfect Father’s Day gift.

They were even more surprised to learn that the gift was meant for Remus.

Notes:

CONTENT WARNINGS: N/A

Story Theme Song: Butterfly Fly Away by Miley Cyrus

This story was inspired by the noticeable lack of Parental Remus content—and by the we need more parental Remus tag of the linked work. I enjoy seeing Remus as the parent of the Dark Mindscape.

Happy Father’s Day! The fact that this story was completed 59 minutes before midnight is inconsequential.

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

FamILY breakfast was especially peaceful that morning.

 

It was Saturday—a day with minimal responsibilities, meaning there was no rush for the Light Sides to finish eating and begin their work. Instead, they were able to remain at the table long past the clearing of their plates, simply enjoying each other’s company. Patton watched with a silent smile as Roman and Virgil had yet another Disney debate, accompanied by the occasional dry commentary from Logan. All was well.

 

Until Janus burst through the door as though the Dragon Witch was on his tail.

 

“Sorry for interrupting this sitcom-worthy meal, but I need your help!” he blurted out, slamming the door shut behind him. Surprisingly, he was still in his pajamas; his hair mussed as though he had barely gotten out of bed.

 

Patton was immediately on his feet and racing over, brow furrowed. “Kiddo?” he asked, setting his hands on Janus’s shoulders and anxiously scanning his face. “Is everything okay?”

 

“No!” Janus yelled, his eyes wide as he dissolved into a frantic ramble of tomorrow and forgot and I am a despicable being.

 

“Glad we can agree on something,” Virgil muttered, rolling his eyes at the last sentence. Logan gave Virgil a reprimanding glance as he stepped forward, raising a palm to stop Janus’s panicked spiel.

 

“Now, Janus,” Logan cut in calmly. “That seems like an uncharacteristically emotionally charged statement. If you would like our help, you need to pause and take a deep breath. Can you do that?”

 

Patton patted Janus on the shoulder and exaggeratedly inhaled, prompting the latter to match the speed of his breathing. The other three stood back in silence, watching with varying levels of concern as Janus attempted to calm down.

 

“Okay, Kiddo,” Patton finally said a few minutes later, breaking the silence and moving to take Janus’s hands in his own. “Do you think you can tell us what’s going on?”

 

Janus took another deep breath and squeezed his eyes shut. “Tomorrow is Father’s Day, and…and I completely forgot!”

 

Silence.

 

Virgil cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “You, uh…you guys still do that?” For once, he did not sound hostile as he addressed Janus, but confused. Wistful, even.

 

Janus, on the other hand, shot Virgil a bitter glare. “Believe it or not, Anxiety,” he bit out, “but none of our traditions ended with your leaving.”

 

Virgil opened his mouth, but before he could retort, he was cut off by a groan from Roman. “Can someone please slow down and explain what the heckity-heck is going on?”

 

“Yes, I was wondering about this as well. I was unaware that you celebrated Father’s Day in the Dark Mindscape.”

 

“Aw, Kiddo! That’s so cute!”

 

Janus hissed at their comments, ignoring the blush spreading across his cheeks. “It’s not—” He stopped himself, inhaling sharply. “Well, regardless, I might have gotten the date wrong, and now I…might be pressed for time to create the perfect gift.”

 

Roman snorted and waved his hands. “I’m sorry, back up for a moment—you mean to say that you have a father figure in the Dark Mindscape?!” He burst out laughing, causing Janus to shrink in on himself ever-so-slightly. Patton gave Roman a disapproving frown.

 

“Roman,” he chided. “That wasn’t very nice! Besides, it makes sense when you think about it. You and Logan have me, and there are more Dark Sides than Light Sides—uh, right?” The last part was directed toward Virgil and Janus, who nodded in unison. “Yeah? Yeah! Anyway, there’s nothing wrong with Janus wanting to do something nice for Father’s Day.”

 

Logan nodded in agreement. “Patton has a point, Janus. Might I ask who the recipient will be? If we are to help you, then context is instrumental in providing accurate assistance.”

 

Virgil squinted. “How are you so articulate at eight in the morning?”

 

Janus ignored this comment. “It’s Remus, so—”

 

“Remus?!”

 

Janus—and Virgil—paused at the abrupt shout. It was the latter, surprisingly, who furrowed his brow. “Yeah? Who did you think it was?”

 

Roman spun on his heels, rounding on Virgil with a flabbergasted expression. “Wait, wait, wait,” he blurted out. “Are you telling me that Remus—as in my disgusting brother—is also your—your—” His voice broke off as he stared at Virgil in disbelief.

 

“My dad? You can say it, Ro. It’s not a bad word.” Virgil cast Patton a look. “But that’s in the past. Patton is my dad now.”

 

Patton cringed, both touched and saddened at his words. Meanwhile, Roman shook his head, confusion scribbled all over his features. “How in the wide world of Shakesphere did Remus end up as your dad? He’s so vile and rotten—actually, no, that makes sense.” He glowered at Janus. “Like father, like son, after all. Though I have no idea how Virgil managed to escape the same fate.”

 

Janus recoiled as though he had just been physically struck, and Patton felt his own heart crack in two. However, before he could intervene, Logan stepped between Virgil and Roman, at the table, and Patton and Janus, next to the door.

 

“All right,” he said, his voice firm but not unkind. “Clearly, emotions are running high, so it is probably best that we stop this conversation before it gets out of hand.”

 

Patton nodded in agreement, still frowning at Roman and Virgil. He would speak to them later. Right now, however, it was Janus who needed their attention. “I agree with Logan,” he piped up. “I mean, I am a little surprised that Remus is your dad, but that doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with it! Besides, you came here for help with a Father’s Day gift, so that’s what we’re gonna do! Right, guys?”

 

Silence.

 

“Right.”

 

Surprisingly, it was Logan, of all Sides, who spoke up.

 

He shrugged off the questioning stares from Roman and Virgil. “What? Each year, we all make gifts for Patton as a thank-you for his role as a father figure. Clearly, Janus views Remus in a similar manner; therefore, it makes sense that he would also like to express his gratitude tomorrow.”

 

“But he forgot Father’s Day,” Roman said, waving his hands for emphasis. “If he’s trying to be a good son, then he’s already failed.”

 

“Okay—that’s enough,” Patton interrupted, trying to diffuse the tension before things could escalate once more. He would definitely be having a talking-to with Roman—and Virgil, for that matter—later. “Janus, how about you, me, and Logan go talk in my room? We can help you find a good gift, I promise.”

 

Janus sent a final bitter glance toward Virgil and Roman but complied, sinking out with Patton and Logan. Patton took the opportunity to scrutinize the expression of the former, his heart aching at the thinly-veiled desperation he found there. He gave Janus what he hoped was an encouraging smile. “Don’t listen to either of them, Kiddo. I think it’s sweet that you’re trying to get Remus a gift.”

 

“They aren’t wrong, though,” Janus grumbled, staring at the ground. “I was wrong about the date. Remus, he…I know it might be hard to believe, but he’s an amazing dad. After everything he’s done for me, he deserves better.”

 

Patton and Logan exchanged a sidelong glance. “Janus, if Remus is as benevolent as you claim, then I can guarantee he loves you for who you are. Surely he would cherish anything you gave him.”

 

“But it has to be perfect!” Janus insisted. His expression saddened. “After Virgil—after we lost him, I…” He swallowed before continuing softly. “Things were hard. But Remus—he kept fighting. Even when I could barely find a reason to keep going, he did everything to encourage me. To motivate me. I owe him so much, and I…I want him to know how much he means to me. How much I love him.”

 

Patton blinked. “Kiddo…” he murmured, shocked by how open Janus was being. They might have been growing closer, but there was still so much that Janus kept close to the chest. Patton had no idea how much the other had suffered. He took a deep breath. “I…as a dad, please trust me when I say that Logan is absolutely right. Remus would love anything you gave him. Just give something from the heart. Something that says how you feel.”

 

“Besides, this is Remus Sanders we are discussing. He would appreciate a burnt piece of toast if it was presented correctly.”

 

Janus gave Logan a quick glance before turning his full attention back to Patton. “But how can I manage that in time? I have one day to prepare.”

 

“Well, what have you done in the past?” Patton suggested.

 

Janus began to count on his fingers. “Breakfast in bed, homemade jewelry and keychains, a coupon book for favors, and food on several occasions, most of which ended with one or both of us getting sick.” He cringed at the memory. “Cooking is definitely out.”

 

Logan hummed thoughtfully before speaking. “I know I’m not a parent, but Patton, if I may?” At Patton’s nod, he stepped forward and set a hand on Janus’s shoulder. “Janus, what does Remus mean to you?”

 

Janus paused, appearing surprised by the question. He fell silent, drifting off into thought before speaking up once more. “…Remus found me as soon as I formed,” he finally began. “I was terrified, and he…he was so patient. I know it might be hard to imagine, but that night, when he decided to take me in, he spent hours trying to make me comfortable. That night, he promised to never abandon me—and despite how chaotic he acts, Remus always keeps his promises.” A faint smile was forming on Janus’s lips. “As the years went on, he became an amazing parent—if I had a dollar for every parenting book he stole from your library, Logan, I would be rich.”

 

Logan blinked in shock and Patton fought back a laugh, but Janus continued, ignoring their reactions. “Remus paid attention to every interest I had, no matter how boring he found it. To this day, he hates philosophy, but he allowed me to ramble about it for hours. When I made mistakes, he never reacted emotionally or with anger. Instead, he would sit me down and talk about the issue. He disciplined me when necessary, but he was never harsh, and he always made sure I understood why he was doing it. And…I know he can be a little wild, but he was the best parent I could have asked for.”

 

Suddenly, Janus froze as though remembering to whom he was speaking. He cleared his throat and blinked, glancing hesitantly between the other two. Patton was unable to stop a small smile from spreading across his lips. “It sounds like you really care about him, Kiddo,” he said softly.

 

Logan nodded. “If you don’t object to my asking, what’s your favorite memory of him?”

 

Janus raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting the question. “…Music,” he replied. “It was something that both of us—and Virgil—loved more than almost anything. It was more than just entertainment; it was a way to communicate. A way to express our emotions when we didn’t know how. Music means everything to me, thanks to Remus. It…it makes me feel safe.” He coughed. “I know you asked for a specific memory, but there are…well, as much as I despise clichés, there are too many moments to choose from.”

 

Patton could not help it—he beamed as Janus finished. Beside him, even Logan was cracking a smile. “In that case, Kiddo, I’d say you already have the perfect gift.”

 

 

When Remus awoke the next morning, he did not know what he was expecting. 

 

But Janus standing just outside his bedroom, pajama-clad and holding a guitar, was not it.

 

Remus blinked before shooting the other a sleepy smile. “Hey there, Jay,” he greeted with a yawn. “What’s up?”

 

Janus beamed, his eyes sparkling. “Happy Father’s Day, Papa.”

 

Remus almost burst at the sound of the once-familiar name—the name that he had not heard in so long. Since…before. He grinned back. “Well, thanks, Snakey, but what’s all this?”

 

If it was possible, Janus’s smile grew even wider. “My gift to you! Come with me.” Without waiting for an answer, he grabbed Remus by the sleeve and led him into the living room, forcing him to sit on the couch.

 

Janus sat on the opposite end, the guitar across his lap. He took a deep breath, and Remus felt his interest grow. “This song is for you, Papa.”

 

And he began to sing.

 

“You tucked me in; turned out the light. Kept me safe and sound at night. Little Sides depend on things like that.

 

“Brushed my teeth and combed my hair; had to drive me everywhere. You were always there when I looked back.”

 

Remus pressed a hand to his mouth, shocked and touched. “Janus…”

 

“You had to do it all alone—make a living; make a home. It must’ve been as hard as it could be.

 

“And when I couldn’t sleep at night, scared things wouldn’t turn out right, you would hold my hand and sing to me…”

 

Janus closed his eyes, a small smile creeping across his face.

 

“Caterpillar in the tree, how you wonder who you’ll be. Can’t go far, but you can always dream.

 

“Wish you may and wish you might. Don’t you worry; hold on tight. I promise you there will come a day…

 

“Butterfly fly away…”

 

Janus ended the song with a final strum of his guitar and bashfully lifted his head. “I…” He paused, nervously licking his lips. “I know that this was a little unconventional—it isn’t tangible or useful, but…I wanted something that showed you how much I care. How much you mean to me. I hope you liked—”

 

Before he could finish his sentence, he was cut off by Remus ripping the guitar from his arms and tackling him in a hug. “Janus, forget liked. I fucking loved it. I mean, I would even love a burnt piece of toast—or literally anything you gave me—but I love this even more! I…fuck, Janus. Wow.” Remus pulled away, smiling fondly at his son. “You’ve really grown into something special. I love you, Snakey.”

 

Janus grinned and wrapped his arms around Remus, leaning against his chest. “I love you too, Papa.”

Notes:

I hope you liked it. Remus would make a good parent.

Let me know what you think in the comments!

–Bella

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