Remus was avoiding him.

Janus couldn't fault him for it. He was avoiding Remus too.

It wasn't like either of them had malicious intent. They just didn't want to talk to each other. It didn't interfere with the project, the two of them barely talked during the meetings, anyway.

Speaking of the project, they had spent the past few meetings finalizing the script and memorizing their lines. They hadn't been preparing any props yet, though Janus got the feeling that was about to change.

They were all sitting at lunch now.

Roman had a look in his eyes, one that shone with positivity, productivity, and creativity. Remus was a stark contrast next to him, eyes tired and drained.

"I think we've memorized the script, yes?" Roman gave them a dazzling smile, clapping his hands together.

"I would say so." Logan nodded, taking a bite of his sandwich.

"Perfect!" Roman grinned, practically glowing. "I think it's about time we talk about supplies, then!"

"Oh brother." Virgil grumbled, crossing his arms.

"What do you have planned for the supplies, Ro?" Janus asked.

"We need canons, costumes, and swords." Roman listed off. "Lucky for us, that's only three things! We can split up the work!" He cleared his throat. "I want Logan and Virgil on the costumes. Logan, because I want historical accuracy, and Virgil, because he can add that edgy touch."

"Hold on--We're making these--?!" Virgil tried to interject.

"Patton and I can make the canons." Roman smiled at Patton, whose eyes widened. "It doesn't have to be too fancy. Just a painted piece of cardboard."

"Y-You?! And me?!" Patton stammered, face absolutely red.

"And that leaves--oh shit." Roman paled when he realized who was left.

Janus glanced over at Remus, who didn't really seem to be listening to the conversation, staring blankly at the table.

Virgil's brow furrowed. "What? What's the issue?" He asked, glancing in between Janus and Remus.

Roman ignored him, looking incredibly guilty. "Maybe I should work on the swords instead?" He laughed a bit nervously. "Janus could work on the canons with Patton." He offered, smiling weakly.

Janus couldn't paint.

Roman seemed to know that, since he looked physically pained to switch to swords.

Patton frowned. "I-Is that alright with you, Remus?" He asked him, seeming desperate for an excuse to work with Roman.

Remus didn't respond, still staring blankly at the table.

Roman furrowed his brow, lightly shoving him. "Rem?" He was a bit quieter. When Remus still didn't respond, Roman cursed quietly. "I'm sorry, we have to go." He stood up, grabbing Remus' arm to help him stand up as well.

"Is he alright?" Logan asked, gaze shifting between the two twins anxiously.

"Yes!" Roman insisted a bit too quickly, though he was still shaking Remus lightly. He gave them all a weak smile. "We must really be going, now. I'll see you all after school?"

Janus glanced at Patton's face. He looked devastated, big blue eyes sad. Janus sighed a bit, already regretting what he was about to say.

"I can work on the swords with Remus." Janus told Roman, whose eyes widened in surprise. "You can still work on canons."

Roman thought about it for a moment, before he gave a curt nod and dragged his brother away from them.

Janus frowned. He had never seen Remus behave like that before, but Roman didn't act like it was new. When had Remus begun to disassociate like that? After they were dating, surely. Unless he never noticed, too caught up in his own issues to take a glimpse at Remus'.

"What was that all about?" Virgil murmured, brow furrowed.

"Janus," Logan regarded him quietly, "are you sure you can--?"

"I can work with Remus, Logan. It's fine." The words tasted bitter on his tongue. A part of him was glad to work with Remus, wanting nothing more than for things to go back to how they were.

The other half of him, though, wanted nothing more than to push Remus away again, knowing that if they were to try to get back together, Remus would end up hurt.

No, he wouldn't. Janus refused to hurt Remus again.

Then again, did Remus even want him back? It had been months since they broke up, and he had agreed to go on the blind date, hadn't he?

"What's up with you and Remus?" Virgil asked Janus, while Patton nodded in agreement. "I thought for sure you two would get along."

"We have, uh, history." Janus averted his eyes.

"What, like, beef?" Virgil tilted his head.

"What? Beef?" Logan frowned. "Ground beef? I like ground beef, you know."

"No, like, uh," Janus paused, "Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber history."

"Ah, exes." Virgil nodded. "So, what? Did he cheat on you, or something?"

"No!" Janus was disgusted by the thought. "No, he would never do that. I just..." Janus sighed.

"You don't have to tell us, Janus." Patton reassured him. "It's your business, after all."

"Things didn't end well, I'll say that." Janus told them. "But I wanna fix things with him. I don't care if we don't begin dating again, that's fine with me. I just want him back in my life."

"Well, this is the perfect opportunity!" Patton grinned, clapping his hands together.

"Reconnecting with someone isn't easy." Virgil hummed. "Best of luck to you." He nodded.

The bell rang a moment later.

A/N:

I FUCKING HATE THIS CHAPTER BYEEEE