Chapter Text
The other sides having horrid self care practices shouldn’t have been a surprise to Janus but here he was standing in the living room after having turned Patton back from being a literal frog man, the side in question having sunk out quickly after apologizing to Thomas to hide in his room. The snake side was left rubbing a gloved hand on his temples to fend off the headache he was about to endure.
Roman had already left in a huff, something that Janus would deal with later, but for now he had to focus on Morality for the fact that Thomas is confused now thanks to his breakdown, nothing else.
It's not like Janus cares about the other, definitely not, he just wants their host happy that's why he's heading to Pattons room with a tray of fresh cookies and a cup of hot cocoa, no other reason.
He knocked on the door not expecting a response right away as always when he came to call them out on lies only to be left surprised when he gets a grumbled ‘what’ from a very hoarse voice, opening the door to find Patton curled up in a ball surrounded by stuffies, the nostalgia of the room creating a light fuzz to everything and an aching feeling to Janus’ chest, no wonder Virgil hated being in here.
“Hello Patton. Can you sit up for me?” Janus kept his voice as light as possible, setting the tray and mug on the side table so he could move plushies away from the others face where he had burrowed himself in, taking off his gloves and placing them next to the tray, “Just like that there we go. Here this might help.”
With Patton now sitting up he carefully grabbed the hot mug from Janus’ hands smiling a bit at the fact that they were gloveless.
“Thanks.” Patton mumbled, his voice still scratchy and cheeks a bit shiny with remaining tears still able to pull a half smile, “There something you need?”
“No just checking on you, making sure you don't go froggy again.” Janus rolled his eyes, a slight smile raising his cheeks a miniscule bit, maybe shouldn't be making jokes about that right away, well too late now. Patton nodded, face falling into a frown, shifting focus to the tray still on his nightstand.
Janus nudged the tray closer to the lighter side who quickly reached out to grab one, stuffing it in his mouth just as fast.
“Now about what happened today.” Patton shifted uncomfortably, eyes trained on the mug in his hand still finishing up his cookie, “You haven’t been being truthful with your feelings around the others have you.” They both knew that wasn’t a question, Patton really hadn’t told the others about the building stress of trying to be right all the time.
“Darling, you bottling your feelings doesn’t just hurt you, it hurts the others too.” Janus held Patton's chin to tilt his head up, using his other hand to pet the lighter's hair gently.
Patton closed his eyes, shifting to grip Janus in a hug as he began sobbing mumbling about not being sure of anything anymore.
“Shhh, I know, I know. Come on now sweetheart, relax.” Janus whispered back soothing Patton and deflecting any self-deprecating words that came from the lighter with reassurances as he caged the other in with his extra arms.
After a few minutes Patton was able to calm down and relax enough to go lax in Janus’ arms allowing the other to lay him down once his death grip on his cape loosened.
The snake hissed a bit as he caught the feeling of someone else in the mindscape lying, Patton looking up at him with worried eyes which Janus was quick to pet away, his hand dragging softly through fluffy hair.
“Well I'll leave these with you.” The snake side got up grabbing his gloves and gesturing to what was left of the plate of cookies placing a still ungloved hand on Patton's shoulder, “Remember if you ever need help with a question or just your emotions my room will always be open and safe.” With that he left to go deal with a certain prince, pulling on his gloves as he walked.