Abuse Roleplay Blog

(Jayde, she/her, timezone AEDT) Header art by @abd-illustrates Icon by @mightyvirgil54

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine! This is fine! I'm gonna go... Sweep the river! Yup!"

Remus stood, and quickly just,,, walked outsde.

"He'll be fine. He just needs a while to calm himself down."

Ah, so Roman had been listening in!

Why?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus watched him go with a sense of dread, fearing he’d just caused damaged he wouldn’t be able to fix.

Roman’s appearance startled him, and he flinched, immediately breaking out into apologies.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's alright, you didn't do anything wrong. I've been trying to figure out how to break that news for a while anyway, so... Thanks!"

Remus could be heard screaming from outside, though it was VERY muffled.

Roman peaked out the window, and walked away from the window immediately.

"He's screaming into the dirt again."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He let out a soft whine, very distressed by the upset he’d cussed for Remus. He curled in tightly on himself, tucking his chin against his chest.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman sighed softly.

"He'll be fine in a few minutes. He tends to be a bit... Melodramatic. He does this regularly - I just let him scream into the dirt until he comes back inside."

Oh, so this is just A Thing He Does?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus remained concerned, but some of the tension eased with Roman’s confidence that Remus would be okay.

“I….I didn’t mean to upset him,” he whispered guiltily, despite.

[two-creative-royals]

"As someone whose lived with him for the entirety of both of our lives, it's incredibly easy to upset him. He once started crying because he finished his lunch before I did, so I still had food when he didn't."

...Well that's-...

That's sure A Thing

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

“That’s no excuse, I should know better than to upset people,” he murmured, raking his nails across this skin of his arms. “I need to be better. Not good enough…”

[two-creative-royals]

Roman sighed softly, quickly joining Janus on the floor.

"Okay, here's what we're gonna do. When he comes back inside, you apologize, and all of this stops being a problem, okay?"

He didn't particularly like dealing with it like this, but he presumed it would be more effective than trying to reassure Janus that he'd done nothing wrong, as this had worked on him when he and Remus had first escaped.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus slowly looked at him, and nodded.

“O-okay. You’re right, I should apologise.”

He drew in a deep breath, feeling mildly better. “Thank you.”

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine! This is fine! I'm gonna go... Sweep the river! Yup!"

Remus stood, and quickly just,,, walked outsde.

"He'll be fine. He just needs a while to calm himself down."

Ah, so Roman had been listening in!

Why?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus watched him go with a sense of dread, fearing he’d just caused damaged he wouldn’t be able to fix.

Roman’s appearance startled him, and he flinched, immediately breaking out into apologies.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's alright, you didn't do anything wrong. I've been trying to figure out how to break that news for a while anyway, so... Thanks!"

Remus could be heard screaming from outside, though it was VERY muffled.

Roman peaked out the window, and walked away from the window immediately.

"He's screaming into the dirt again."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He let out a soft whine, very distressed by the upset he’d cussed for Remus. He curled in tightly on himself, tucking his chin against his chest.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman sighed softly.

"He'll be fine in a few minutes. He tends to be a bit... Melodramatic. He does this regularly - I just let him scream into the dirt until he comes back inside."

Oh, so this is just A Thing He Does?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus remained concerned, but some of the tension eased with Roman’s confidence that Remus would be okay.

“I….I didn’t mean to upset him,” he whispered guiltily, despite.

[two-creative-royals]

"As someone whose lived with him for the entirety of both of our lives, it's incredibly easy to upset him. He once started crying because he finished his lunch before I did, so I still had food when he didn't."

...Well that's-...

That's sure A Thing

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

“That’s no excuse, I should know better than to upset people,” he murmured, raking his nails across this skin of his arms. “I need to be better. Not good enough…”

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine! This is fine! I'm gonna go... Sweep the river! Yup!"

Remus stood, and quickly just,,, walked outsde.

"He'll be fine. He just needs a while to calm himself down."

Ah, so Roman had been listening in!

Why?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus watched him go with a sense of dread, fearing he’d just caused damaged he wouldn’t be able to fix.

Roman’s appearance startled him, and he flinched, immediately breaking out into apologies.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's alright, you didn't do anything wrong. I've been trying to figure out how to break that news for a while anyway, so... Thanks!"

Remus could be heard screaming from outside, though it was VERY muffled.

Roman peaked out the window, and walked away from the window immediately.

"He's screaming into the dirt again."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He let out a soft whine, very distressed by the upset he’d cussed for Remus. He curled in tightly on himself, tucking his chin against his chest.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman sighed softly.

"He'll be fine in a few minutes. He tends to be a bit... Melodramatic. He does this regularly - I just let him scream into the dirt until he comes back inside."

Oh, so this is just A Thing He Does?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus remained concerned, but some of the tension eased with Roman’s confidence that Remus would be okay.

“I….I didn’t mean to upset him,” he whispered guiltily, despite.

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine! This is fine! I'm gonna go... Sweep the river! Yup!"

Remus stood, and quickly just,,, walked outsde.

"He'll be fine. He just needs a while to calm himself down."

Ah, so Roman had been listening in!

Why?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus watched him go with a sense of dread, fearing he’d just caused damaged he wouldn’t be able to fix.

Roman’s appearance startled him, and he flinched, immediately breaking out into apologies.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's alright, you didn't do anything wrong. I've been trying to figure out how to break that news for a while anyway, so... Thanks!"

Remus could be heard screaming from outside, though it was VERY muffled.

Roman peaked out the window, and walked away from the window immediately.

"He's screaming into the dirt again."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He let out a soft whine, very distressed by the upset he’d cussed for Remus. He curled in tightly on himself, tucking his chin against his chest.

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine! This is fine! I'm gonna go... Sweep the river! Yup!"

Remus stood, and quickly just,,, walked outsde.

"He'll be fine. He just needs a while to calm himself down."

Ah, so Roman had been listening in!

Why?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus watched him go with a sense of dread, fearing he’d just caused damaged he wouldn’t be able to fix.

Roman’s appearance startled him, and he flinched, immediately breaking out into apologies.

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus froze at the sound, his heart racing wildly in his chest. On instinct, he reached for his power, able to use it relatively freely now that he wasn’t confined to his prison in the facility - though the suppressant cuffs on each wrist were a hindrance.

He drew in a slow, quiet breath, feeling the temperature around him drop a few degrees as he prepared to defend himself.

[two-creative-royals]

There was another loud snap of a twig breaking, closer this time - followed by a voice Janus didn't recognize from the lab.

"Re, can we please go back to bed? I promise, there's nothing out here."

"And I promise there is something. I know I heard movement- can we please just look around a little more???"

"...Fine. But if we don't find something in the next half hour, I'm going back to bed."

Whoever the owners of the nearly identical voices were, they didn't seem to be looking for Janus specifically - though they would likely find him anyway, given how close they sounded.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus slowly began to back away, pulling his powers around him like a cloak, trying to hide himself, hide his presence. He winced when a tree branch dragged against a wound at his side, where the barbed perimeter fence of the facility had torn through him as he’d climbed over it. He was unable to hold in a hiss of pain.

[two-creative-royals]

The cracking sounds stopped.

"...You heard that, right? I told you something was out here!!!"

"Yeah, I heard that... But it's probably just a stray cat or something. Now can we please go home? Some people care about their beauty sleep."

Ah, so the owners of the voices weren't trying to come after him. That's... Probably good?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus held his breath. Maybe, if he just kept still, they would leave and go back to wherever the hell they came from.

…maybe, he could follow them from a distance, and they would lead him to civilisation, or at least something close to it.

Now that he thought about it, he truly had not thought this plan through very well. What was he even planning to do now that he’d escaped? Where was he to go? These people clearly weren’t hunting him, so…perhaps they could help him?

[two-creative-royals]

After a moment of near-silence from the mysterious voices - beyond occasional cracks from broken twigs - a bright light could be seen peaking through the foliage.

...Which meant that these strangers were now even closer than before... Great...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His breath hitched. He had to make a decision.

As it happened, his body made the decision for him. He was exhausted, the wound at his side bleeding sluggishly, sapping at his strength, and his knees gave out on him. He fell to the forest floor with a grunt, clutching his side.

[two-creative-royals]

The strangers heard the noise of him hitting the ground immediately.

"Yeah, that's not a stray cat, Roman."

One of the voices stated - sounding a bit concerned in all honesty.

The light dimmed - like it was now pointed at the ground - and the footsteps of the strangers approached quickly.

Which... Was not great.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

A groan caught in his throat, and he tried to push himself back to his feet without success. Panic swelled in his chest, fearful for what the strangers might do to him if they found him in such a position. He couldn’t show weakness, couldn’t be weak, could never show weakness-

[two-creative-royals]

Aaaaand suddenly the light was shining right on him from less than a foot away.

"Uhhh... Are you okay dude? You're kinda bleeding, like... A lot..."

Well obviously he isn't okay, but at least this stranger doesn't seem inherently dangerous..?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus flinched from the light, slowly raising his hands above his head in an attempt to both shield his eyes and show submission. He winced as the bleeding in his side steadily increased when he took the pressure off, and fought to keep himself conscious.

He kept quiet for the time being, trying to gauge how best to please the men so they might help him. If he could get it right, maybe he’d even get through this without giving them a reason to have to hurt him.

[two-creative-royals]

The other man arrived there in a moment - and apparently their voices weren't the only identical things about them. Which... Was pretty unnerving.

"Woah- that's a lot a lot of blood! How'd that even happen???"

The man who had first approached asked, seeming... Way too comfortable with the amount of blood in front of him.

The other, however, looked absolutely horrified.

"Remus, you weirdo, stop staring and go get a first aid kit!!! Are you able to walk? You can't stay here with an open wound- it isn't safe..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus couldn’t see them very well, only enough to realise they looked similar.

When the newcomer asked him a question, he shifted his attention to him properly. “Barbed fence, sir,” he answered robotically. “I lost my footing at the top.”

[two-creative-royals]

This, it seemed, was the wrong answer - as, despite the darkness, it was still incredibly easy to see how the man's eyes widened.

"Why... Why were you climbing a barbed fence..? Where did you come from? Did anyone follow you???"

He seemed scared... But not of Janus?

Weird...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Shit, fuck, I upset him, fix it fix it fix it-

His instinct was the tell the man the honest truth of where he’d come from, but the cautious side of him was wary enough to know that wasn’t a good idea. He couldn’t trust these men. If they knew where he’d come from, they’d send him back in a heartbeat for the reward.

“No- well, yes, but, I lost them, they don’t know where I am,” he answered carefully. Blood was still leaking from his wound at a pace that was beginning to worry even him. “Please,” he implored. “If I could- could trouble you for just one night, I’ll be out of your way by morning. I just need to rest.”

The wounded man looked up at them with big eyes, the torchlight revealing the painful-looking burn scars on the left side of his face and neck.

[two-creative-royals]

The man took a deep breath. He seemed really nervous...

"You're sure you lost them? If you're sure you lost them you can stay as long as you want, just- I need to know that you're sure."

Why was he so concerned about that??? It wasn't like Janus getting taken back would effect him, right?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, hope fluttering weakly in his heart. “I’m sure, I- thank you,” he breathed.

He tried to get up, moaning in pain as agony shot through him, and his vision went hazy. “Shit.”

[two-creative-royals]

The man seemed a bit calmer now- though he was still freaked out.

"Woah, hey - don't try to stand up right now, you've clearly lost a lot of blood. I can help you walk, but you shouldn't move until that wound is covered."

He said simply - carefully putting his hands on Janus' arms and gently guiding him back to the ground.

It sounded like the other one was almost back.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus jerked when he was touched, as though anticipating pain to follow, but when none came, he let the stranger guide him back down, his whole body shaking from the effort it took to not simply collapse into his arms.

“Thank- you,” he managed weakly.

[two-creative-royals]

Soon, the other one was back with a big first aid kit - the man who had guided him to the safety of the floor backing up a fair bit as the other spoke.

"Can I see your wound? Also, I'm Remus. Figure you should at least know my name, since it'd be weird if you didn't."

The one who had just returned- Remus- spoke far more gently than he had before, digging through the bag.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He nodded, pulling his shirt off over his head with a muffled grunt of pain. The wound looked…bad. Bad enough that, by all rights, he should’ve been unconscious ages ago.

“Janus,” he supplied in return, his voice weak.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus didn't seem particularly disturbed by this wound- simply pulling out a strange bottle and MANY rolls of bandages

"That's Roman. I'd let him introduce himself, but I'm pretty sure he'll hurl if he opens his mouth."

Roman did look a little green... Then again, that was one hell of a wound, so it made sense that he'd be freaked out by it.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus looked at the bottle, wanting to ask what it was but knowing better than to open his mouth and be annoying.

His eyes flicked to Roman, noting how uncomfortable the man looked, and immediately felt guilty for putting them in this situation. He should’ve just stayed hidden…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman had now looked away, and was taking some deep breaths.

Meanwhile, Remus had opened the random bottle, completely ignoring his duplicate's distress.

"This is an antiseptic, so I'm gonna use it to clean that up so it doesn't get infected, okay? It's gonna sting- like, a lot- but trust me when I say infections are way worse."

...Well, it was nice of him to tell Janus what he was doing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, fully aware. He remembered when he’d been injured in the field, and his handler had shooed away the medics, wanting to see if Janus could use his powers to heal himself. God…that had been an exhausting several days, but he’d managed to bring the injury down to something less life threatening, at least…

He shook the thoughts from his head. He was in no state to try and heal himself right now. Besides, Remus and Roman…they were helping him, for now. They hadn’t yet mentioned what they wanted in return, but Janus knew that whatever it was, he wouldn’t deny them.

Breathless, Janus thanked them both again.

[two-creative-royals]

Again, they didn't respond to his thanks- Remus simply getting to work cleaning and bandaging the wound.

From this close, it was much easier to see more details of his appearance - including the top of what looked like a barcode peaking out from under the collar of his shit.

Which... Was definitely a surprising thing to see on a random stranger.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus eyes caught on the barcode, and his brows furrowed slightly. It seemed…familiar, somehow. It wasn’t from the facility, the mark they’d branded onto the back of his shoulder was too different, but…he was certain he’d seen it somewhere before…

His lips pressed together tightly at their proximity, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed, the movement drawing attention to the crisscross of surgical scars there. He still didn’t know what that operation had been about, and it bothered him.

[two-creative-royals]

Luckily, Remus was too busy dealing with his wound to notice, saving Janus from any uncomfortable questions.

Soon enough, he had finished cleaning and wrapping the wound, and went to pass Janus back his shirt before noticing how torn and bloodied it was, and decided that he couldn't let Janus keep wearing it.

And so, without really thinking about it much, he just kinda... Took off his shirt and gave it to Janus.

"Here, you can borrow this until yours isn't a biohazard."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus thanked him softly after he finished, and struggled to his feet. He stopped breathing for several moments as Remus removed his shirt, his eyes widening slightly. When he spoke his intentions, though, Janus visibly relaxed.

“Oh. I- you don’t need to- really, I’m fine-“ he tried to give Remus his shirt back, feeling awful as the other man began to shiver with cold.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine- I don't mind! I can handle a little cold."

"Remus you idiot you're gonna give yourself hypothermia again-"

...again?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He shook his head, and shoved the shirt back into Remus’ hands.

“Please, you’ve done enough for me, I don’t need any more. I don’t want you to get sick because of me…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Really, it's fine! I was probably gonna lose my shirt at some point tonight anyway, honestly."

Remus, it seemed, wasn't backing down on this one.

Roman sighed, and tossed Remus the sweater he'd previously been wearing - though he didn't seem pleased about it.

"I hate that you're right about that, Remus... Honestly, he'd lose his head if it wasn't attached."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus reluctantly pulled the shirt back, still feeling guilty about it, but put it on nonetheless. He didn’t say anything, standing there and waiting for them to decide what they wanted to do. All he could think was how grateful he was to them, and how he hoped they would wait until morning before they decided how they wanted to be repaid.

[two-creative-royals]

"Well, you should probably stay with us- at the very least until that wound is healed."

Roman said simply, offering Janus a hand to help him walk safely while Remus put the sweater on.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

“Thank you,” he said softly, taking the offered hand. “I truly appreciate your help…”

[two-creative-royals]

For once, they actually acknowledged Janus saying thank you

"It's fine - don't worry, okay?"

Remus smiled as he spoke, and the two of them set off towards their home - Roman moving at a rather slow pace so he didn't rush Janus.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

I can’t think of a time where I haven’t needed to worry, he thought in response, but wisely didn’t say it. He followed them back, appreciative of romans slowed pace. As it was, he was struggling.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman would have moved slower, but he was getting a bit jittery, and would quite like to not be outdoors in this exact moment.

Eventually, they arrived at a small, cozy looking cabin. It couldn't have more than three rooms, maximum. Maybe a loft, but that was being generous.

"We don't really have a guest room or anything, but we have a pretty comfy couch, so that's good, right?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded wearily. He was so exhausted he would easily fall asleep on the floor.

“Yes, that’s good,” he replied verbally. “Thank you…”

[two-creative-royals]

Remus seemed happy that the couch would apparently be sufficient.

He happily opened the door, revealing that this cabin... Should probably be condemned.

It had a combined kitchen and living room, though it didn't look like it had much- if any- power, and there were two doors on the wall, probably leading to a bedroom and bathroom.

Still, it was better than nothing, right?

Roman guided Janus to the couch.

...Remus had really oversold how comfortable it was...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

To Janus, who had barely known anything but his solid cot and tiny quarters, it truly was comfortable to him.

Trusting that, for now, they wouldn’t hurt him, Janus finally let himself slip into blissful unconsciousness.

[two-creative-royals]

They let Janus sleep peacefully- barricading the doors and heading to bed.

They decided to let him sleep either until he woke naturally or until it was time to eat.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

In the end, he had to be woken up, or he was going to keep sleeping for the next two days. His sleep, for once, was free of nightmares, and Janus managed to actually rest.

[two-creative-royals]

Eventually, while Roman was cooking, Remus gently woke Janus up.

"Janus? We're making food, you want any?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He snapped awake, blinking up at…Remus. He sat up, getting his bearings as he recalled the events of the previous night. He’d…he’d escaped! He’d actually escaped! And not just the main compound, this time, but the entire facility! He was free!

He looked at Remus with an appreciative smile. “No, thank you,” he replied. “I ate two days ago.”

He said that as though it was completely normal to go this long without food. And, for him, it was.

[two-creative-royals]

Though he would never admit it, that had been normal for Remus for quite a long time too.

"Actually, people are supposed to eat every day. Multiple times a day, in fact! I don't really remember how many though..."

"It's three, Remus."

Roman stated with a soft sigh from the kitchen, before heading over to where Janus and Remus were with three plates of food - that being pancakes and strawberries, which Remus immediately lit up at.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus blinked in confusion.

“Every day? That…that doesn’t seem right…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Yeah, didn't really seem right to me at first either. But it's apparently a thing! Which is pretty great, cuz Ro's a really good cook!"

Remus had a giant smile at this point, staring intensely at the plates Roman was holding.

Roman noticed this, and intentionally handed Janus his food first - which Remus seemed a little bit frustrated about, but he got his plate next, so he wasn't upset for long.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus took the plate hesitantly, his head tilted slightly, waiting for permission to eat.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus and Roman sat down with their meals on the floor, quietly said "thank you for the food" to some unseen entity, despite the fact that Roman was the one who cooked said food, and Remus immediately started eating.

"We can eat now. Just... Don't eat as fast as Remus is, okay? He's going to make himself sick."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus watched them curiously, nodding when they said it was okay to eat. He started out slowly, knowing it was better to savour food when he got it than to eat it all at once.

“Thank you,” he murmured.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman was apparently a very good cook, which was pretty great.

Remus had somehow already finished most of his meal, which seemed to be fairly concerning for Roman, who'd eaten about three bites at this point.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus finished his meal at roughly the same time Roman did, equally as concerned with how quickly Remus had eaten. However, it wasn’t Janus’ place to say anything.

Besides, he expected now that they’d all eaten, they would be wanting to take their payment from him soon, however it was they wanted him to pay them. It wouldn’t be wise to offend either of them right now…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman quickly took their plates to the kitchen to wash them, and Remus got to work cleaning up the dust and dirt around the cottage - not even hinting at wanting Janus to help with his tidying.

Which... Was a bit confusing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus worried his bottom lip between his teeth. He…he should be helping, right? He shouldn’t just be sitting here. But. They hadn’t given him any instructions yet. He hadn’t been told what to do. He stressed about this for about a minute, before deciding to simply wait until he was given an order.

Practically silently, he slipped off of the couch and knelt on the floor, head bowed and hands folded neatly in his lap.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus noticed that really quickly, setting down the broom and heading over to Janus - sitting in front of the floor in front of him.

"You don't have to kneel, Janus. We're all equals here..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His eyes flicked up to Remus, then dropped back down with a minute shake of his head.

“I am equal to no one,” he informed him, his voice soft with acceptance.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus sighed softly.

"I mean, technically you're not wrong when it comes to us - cuz biologically we're kinda lower than everyone else on the entire planet, so you'd be above us?"

Remus What Does That Mean-

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus shook his head with a bit more force. “No,” he disagreed. “I am at the bottom. My place is at your feet…”

It was clear that Janus fully believed what he was saying. He wasn’t merely trying to placate, it was just a fact to him.

[two-creative-royals]

"At least you're your own person..."

Remus mumbled quietly.

Which... Honestly raised so very many questions. What did that even mean?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus, of course, was oblivious to Remus’ meaning, and was left confused. “But…I’m not a person?” He looked up through his lashes, not understanding.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus sighed, glancing to Roman - who still hadn't clued into their conversation - before pulling the collar of his shirt down to properly show the barcode on his neck, including the small "2" underneath it.

"We're clones... We barely count as humans, honestly - though Roman really doesn't like it when I point that out. The point is, as low as you may consider yourself, we're at best your equals."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus lifted his face to look at Remus, and his eyes widened every so slightly in understanding.

“Oh. I know lots of clones, but I would never go so far to say that I am their equal,” he replied softly. Then his head tilted.

“…wait, 2…oh! You’re- You’re the First clones, aren’t you!?” He seemed oddly excited by this. “Everyone always wondered what happened to you. I- I am happy to know you’re safe, and free.”

[two-creative-royals]

And, suddenly, Remus became Incredibly Uncomfortable.

"They... They kept making clones after we left..?"

He asked, nervously putting his collar back as he spoke.

"But... With how much damage we did on the way out, I- I thought they would've stopped..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus immediately picked up on the drop in his mood, and felt flooded with guilt for causing it.

“Y-yes…from what little I know, it took a very long time, but…a new donor was found, and the- the process continued. I-I’m sorry…”

[two-creative-royals]

"So... We failed..."

Ah shit, he really didn't seem very mentally stable right now...

"...right. Well, no use worrying about that, right? It's not like there's anything I can do about it now!"

...Well, he was getting less stable by the second.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus swallowed.

“I’m sorry…I shouldn’t have said anything, I didn’t mean to upset you. Is- is there anything I can do to- to help?”

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus froze at the sound, his heart racing wildly in his chest. On instinct, he reached for his power, able to use it relatively freely now that he wasn’t confined to his prison in the facility - though the suppressant cuffs on each wrist were a hindrance.

He drew in a slow, quiet breath, feeling the temperature around him drop a few degrees as he prepared to defend himself.

[two-creative-royals]

There was another loud snap of a twig breaking, closer this time - followed by a voice Janus didn't recognize from the lab.

"Re, can we please go back to bed? I promise, there's nothing out here."

"And I promise there is something. I know I heard movement- can we please just look around a little more???"

"...Fine. But if we don't find something in the next half hour, I'm going back to bed."

Whoever the owners of the nearly identical voices were, they didn't seem to be looking for Janus specifically - though they would likely find him anyway, given how close they sounded.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus slowly began to back away, pulling his powers around him like a cloak, trying to hide himself, hide his presence. He winced when a tree branch dragged against a wound at his side, where the barbed perimeter fence of the facility had torn through him as he’d climbed over it. He was unable to hold in a hiss of pain.

[two-creative-royals]

The cracking sounds stopped.

"...You heard that, right? I told you something was out here!!!"

"Yeah, I heard that... But it's probably just a stray cat or something. Now can we please go home? Some people care about their beauty sleep."

Ah, so the owners of the voices weren't trying to come after him. That's... Probably good?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus held his breath. Maybe, if he just kept still, they would leave and go back to wherever the hell they came from.

…maybe, he could follow them from a distance, and they would lead him to civilisation, or at least something close to it.

Now that he thought about it, he truly had not thought this plan through very well. What was he even planning to do now that he’d escaped? Where was he to go? These people clearly weren’t hunting him, so…perhaps they could help him?

[two-creative-royals]

After a moment of near-silence from the mysterious voices - beyond occasional cracks from broken twigs - a bright light could be seen peaking through the foliage.

...Which meant that these strangers were now even closer than before... Great...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His breath hitched. He had to make a decision.

As it happened, his body made the decision for him. He was exhausted, the wound at his side bleeding sluggishly, sapping at his strength, and his knees gave out on him. He fell to the forest floor with a grunt, clutching his side.

[two-creative-royals]

The strangers heard the noise of him hitting the ground immediately.

"Yeah, that's not a stray cat, Roman."

One of the voices stated - sounding a bit concerned in all honesty.

The light dimmed - like it was now pointed at the ground - and the footsteps of the strangers approached quickly.

Which... Was not great.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

A groan caught in his throat, and he tried to push himself back to his feet without success. Panic swelled in his chest, fearful for what the strangers might do to him if they found him in such a position. He couldn’t show weakness, couldn’t be weak, could never show weakness-

[two-creative-royals]

Aaaaand suddenly the light was shining right on him from less than a foot away.

"Uhhh... Are you okay dude? You're kinda bleeding, like... A lot..."

Well obviously he isn't okay, but at least this stranger doesn't seem inherently dangerous..?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus flinched from the light, slowly raising his hands above his head in an attempt to both shield his eyes and show submission. He winced as the bleeding in his side steadily increased when he took the pressure off, and fought to keep himself conscious.

He kept quiet for the time being, trying to gauge how best to please the men so they might help him. If he could get it right, maybe he’d even get through this without giving them a reason to have to hurt him.

[two-creative-royals]

The other man arrived there in a moment - and apparently their voices weren't the only identical things about them. Which... Was pretty unnerving.

"Woah- that's a lot a lot of blood! How'd that even happen???"

The man who had first approached asked, seeming... Way too comfortable with the amount of blood in front of him.

The other, however, looked absolutely horrified.

"Remus, you weirdo, stop staring and go get a first aid kit!!! Are you able to walk? You can't stay here with an open wound- it isn't safe..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus couldn’t see them very well, only enough to realise they looked similar.

When the newcomer asked him a question, he shifted his attention to him properly. “Barbed fence, sir,” he answered robotically. “I lost my footing at the top.”

[two-creative-royals]

This, it seemed, was the wrong answer - as, despite the darkness, it was still incredibly easy to see how the man's eyes widened.

"Why... Why were you climbing a barbed fence..? Where did you come from? Did anyone follow you???"

He seemed scared... But not of Janus?

Weird...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Shit, fuck, I upset him, fix it fix it fix it-

His instinct was the tell the man the honest truth of where he’d come from, but the cautious side of him was wary enough to know that wasn’t a good idea. He couldn’t trust these men. If they knew where he’d come from, they’d send him back in a heartbeat for the reward.

“No- well, yes, but, I lost them, they don’t know where I am,” he answered carefully. Blood was still leaking from his wound at a pace that was beginning to worry even him. “Please,” he implored. “If I could- could trouble you for just one night, I’ll be out of your way by morning. I just need to rest.”

The wounded man looked up at them with big eyes, the torchlight revealing the painful-looking burn scars on the left side of his face and neck.

[two-creative-royals]

The man took a deep breath. He seemed really nervous...

"You're sure you lost them? If you're sure you lost them you can stay as long as you want, just- I need to know that you're sure."

Why was he so concerned about that??? It wasn't like Janus getting taken back would effect him, right?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, hope fluttering weakly in his heart. “I’m sure, I- thank you,” he breathed.

He tried to get up, moaning in pain as agony shot through him, and his vision went hazy. “Shit.”

[two-creative-royals]

The man seemed a bit calmer now- though he was still freaked out.

"Woah, hey - don't try to stand up right now, you've clearly lost a lot of blood. I can help you walk, but you shouldn't move until that wound is covered."

He said simply - carefully putting his hands on Janus' arms and gently guiding him back to the ground.

It sounded like the other one was almost back.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus jerked when he was touched, as though anticipating pain to follow, but when none came, he let the stranger guide him back down, his whole body shaking from the effort it took to not simply collapse into his arms.

“Thank- you,” he managed weakly.

[two-creative-royals]

Soon, the other one was back with a big first aid kit - the man who had guided him to the safety of the floor backing up a fair bit as the other spoke.

"Can I see your wound? Also, I'm Remus. Figure you should at least know my name, since it'd be weird if you didn't."

The one who had just returned- Remus- spoke far more gently than he had before, digging through the bag.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He nodded, pulling his shirt off over his head with a muffled grunt of pain. The wound looked…bad. Bad enough that, by all rights, he should’ve been unconscious ages ago.

“Janus,” he supplied in return, his voice weak.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus didn't seem particularly disturbed by this wound- simply pulling out a strange bottle and MANY rolls of bandages

"That's Roman. I'd let him introduce himself, but I'm pretty sure he'll hurl if he opens his mouth."

Roman did look a little green... Then again, that was one hell of a wound, so it made sense that he'd be freaked out by it.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus looked at the bottle, wanting to ask what it was but knowing better than to open his mouth and be annoying.

His eyes flicked to Roman, noting how uncomfortable the man looked, and immediately felt guilty for putting them in this situation. He should’ve just stayed hidden…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman had now looked away, and was taking some deep breaths.

Meanwhile, Remus had opened the random bottle, completely ignoring his duplicate's distress.

"This is an antiseptic, so I'm gonna use it to clean that up so it doesn't get infected, okay? It's gonna sting- like, a lot- but trust me when I say infections are way worse."

...Well, it was nice of him to tell Janus what he was doing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, fully aware. He remembered when he’d been injured in the field, and his handler had shooed away the medics, wanting to see if Janus could use his powers to heal himself. God…that had been an exhausting several days, but he’d managed to bring the injury down to something less life threatening, at least…

He shook the thoughts from his head. He was in no state to try and heal himself right now. Besides, Remus and Roman…they were helping him, for now. They hadn’t yet mentioned what they wanted in return, but Janus knew that whatever it was, he wouldn’t deny them.

Breathless, Janus thanked them both again.

[two-creative-royals]

Again, they didn't respond to his thanks- Remus simply getting to work cleaning and bandaging the wound.

From this close, it was much easier to see more details of his appearance - including the top of what looked like a barcode peaking out from under the collar of his shit.

Which... Was definitely a surprising thing to see on a random stranger.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus eyes caught on the barcode, and his brows furrowed slightly. It seemed…familiar, somehow. It wasn’t from the facility, the mark they’d branded onto the back of his shoulder was too different, but…he was certain he’d seen it somewhere before…

His lips pressed together tightly at their proximity, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed, the movement drawing attention to the crisscross of surgical scars there. He still didn’t know what that operation had been about, and it bothered him.

[two-creative-royals]

Luckily, Remus was too busy dealing with his wound to notice, saving Janus from any uncomfortable questions.

Soon enough, he had finished cleaning and wrapping the wound, and went to pass Janus back his shirt before noticing how torn and bloodied it was, and decided that he couldn't let Janus keep wearing it.

And so, without really thinking about it much, he just kinda... Took off his shirt and gave it to Janus.

"Here, you can borrow this until yours isn't a biohazard."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus thanked him softly after he finished, and struggled to his feet. He stopped breathing for several moments as Remus removed his shirt, his eyes widening slightly. When he spoke his intentions, though, Janus visibly relaxed.

“Oh. I- you don’t need to- really, I’m fine-“ he tried to give Remus his shirt back, feeling awful as the other man began to shiver with cold.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine- I don't mind! I can handle a little cold."

"Remus you idiot you're gonna give yourself hypothermia again-"

...again?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He shook his head, and shoved the shirt back into Remus’ hands.

“Please, you’ve done enough for me, I don’t need any more. I don’t want you to get sick because of me…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Really, it's fine! I was probably gonna lose my shirt at some point tonight anyway, honestly."

Remus, it seemed, wasn't backing down on this one.

Roman sighed, and tossed Remus the sweater he'd previously been wearing - though he didn't seem pleased about it.

"I hate that you're right about that, Remus... Honestly, he'd lose his head if it wasn't attached."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus reluctantly pulled the shirt back, still feeling guilty about it, but put it on nonetheless. He didn’t say anything, standing there and waiting for them to decide what they wanted to do. All he could think was how grateful he was to them, and how he hoped they would wait until morning before they decided how they wanted to be repaid.

[two-creative-royals]

"Well, you should probably stay with us- at the very least until that wound is healed."

Roman said simply, offering Janus a hand to help him walk safely while Remus put the sweater on.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

“Thank you,” he said softly, taking the offered hand. “I truly appreciate your help…”

[two-creative-royals]

For once, they actually acknowledged Janus saying thank you

"It's fine - don't worry, okay?"

Remus smiled as he spoke, and the two of them set off towards their home - Roman moving at a rather slow pace so he didn't rush Janus.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

I can’t think of a time where I haven’t needed to worry, he thought in response, but wisely didn’t say it. He followed them back, appreciative of romans slowed pace. As it was, he was struggling.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman would have moved slower, but he was getting a bit jittery, and would quite like to not be outdoors in this exact moment.

Eventually, they arrived at a small, cozy looking cabin. It couldn't have more than three rooms, maximum. Maybe a loft, but that was being generous.

"We don't really have a guest room or anything, but we have a pretty comfy couch, so that's good, right?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded wearily. He was so exhausted he would easily fall asleep on the floor.

“Yes, that’s good,” he replied verbally. “Thank you…”

[two-creative-royals]

Remus seemed happy that the couch would apparently be sufficient.

He happily opened the door, revealing that this cabin... Should probably be condemned.

It had a combined kitchen and living room, though it didn't look like it had much- if any- power, and there were two doors on the wall, probably leading to a bedroom and bathroom.

Still, it was better than nothing, right?

Roman guided Janus to the couch.

...Remus had really oversold how comfortable it was...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

To Janus, who had barely known anything but his solid cot and tiny quarters, it truly was comfortable to him.

Trusting that, for now, they wouldn’t hurt him, Janus finally let himself slip into blissful unconsciousness.

[two-creative-royals]

They let Janus sleep peacefully- barricading the doors and heading to bed.

They decided to let him sleep either until he woke naturally or until it was time to eat.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

In the end, he had to be woken up, or he was going to keep sleeping for the next two days. His sleep, for once, was free of nightmares, and Janus managed to actually rest.

[two-creative-royals]

Eventually, while Roman was cooking, Remus gently woke Janus up.

"Janus? We're making food, you want any?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He snapped awake, blinking up at…Remus. He sat up, getting his bearings as he recalled the events of the previous night. He’d…he’d escaped! He’d actually escaped! And not just the main compound, this time, but the entire facility! He was free!

He looked at Remus with an appreciative smile. “No, thank you,” he replied. “I ate two days ago.”

He said that as though it was completely normal to go this long without food. And, for him, it was.

[two-creative-royals]

Though he would never admit it, that had been normal for Remus for quite a long time too.

"Actually, people are supposed to eat every day. Multiple times a day, in fact! I don't really remember how many though..."

"It's three, Remus."

Roman stated with a soft sigh from the kitchen, before heading over to where Janus and Remus were with three plates of food - that being pancakes and strawberries, which Remus immediately lit up at.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus blinked in confusion.

“Every day? That…that doesn’t seem right…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Yeah, didn't really seem right to me at first either. But it's apparently a thing! Which is pretty great, cuz Ro's a really good cook!"

Remus had a giant smile at this point, staring intensely at the plates Roman was holding.

Roman noticed this, and intentionally handed Janus his food first - which Remus seemed a little bit frustrated about, but he got his plate next, so he wasn't upset for long.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus took the plate hesitantly, his head tilted slightly, waiting for permission to eat.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus and Roman sat down with their meals on the floor, quietly said "thank you for the food" to some unseen entity, despite the fact that Roman was the one who cooked said food, and Remus immediately started eating.

"We can eat now. Just... Don't eat as fast as Remus is, okay? He's going to make himself sick."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus watched them curiously, nodding when they said it was okay to eat. He started out slowly, knowing it was better to savour food when he got it than to eat it all at once.

“Thank you,” he murmured.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman was apparently a very good cook, which was pretty great.

Remus had somehow already finished most of his meal, which seemed to be fairly concerning for Roman, who'd eaten about three bites at this point.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus finished his meal at roughly the same time Roman did, equally as concerned with how quickly Remus had eaten. However, it wasn’t Janus’ place to say anything.

Besides, he expected now that they’d all eaten, they would be wanting to take their payment from him soon, however it was they wanted him to pay them. It wouldn’t be wise to offend either of them right now…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman quickly took their plates to the kitchen to wash them, and Remus got to work cleaning up the dust and dirt around the cottage - not even hinting at wanting Janus to help with his tidying.

Which... Was a bit confusing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus worried his bottom lip between his teeth. He…he should be helping, right? He shouldn’t just be sitting here. But. They hadn’t given him any instructions yet. He hadn’t been told what to do. He stressed about this for about a minute, before deciding to simply wait until he was given an order.

Practically silently, he slipped off of the couch and knelt on the floor, head bowed and hands folded neatly in his lap.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus noticed that really quickly, setting down the broom and heading over to Janus - sitting in front of the floor in front of him.

"You don't have to kneel, Janus. We're all equals here..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His eyes flicked up to Remus, then dropped back down with a minute shake of his head.

“I am equal to no one,” he informed him, his voice soft with acceptance.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus sighed softly.

"I mean, technically you're not wrong when it comes to us - cuz biologically we're kinda lower than everyone else on the entire planet, so you'd be above us?"

Remus What Does That Mean-

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus shook his head with a bit more force. “No,” he disagreed. “I am at the bottom. My place is at your feet…”

It was clear that Janus fully believed what he was saying. He wasn’t merely trying to placate, it was just a fact to him.

[two-creative-royals]

"At least you're your own person..."

Remus mumbled quietly.

Which... Honestly raised so very many questions. What did that even mean?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus, of course, was oblivious to Remus’ meaning, and was left confused. “But…I’m not a person?” He looked up through his lashes, not understanding.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus sighed, glancing to Roman - who still hadn't clued into their conversation - before pulling the collar of his shirt down to properly show the barcode on his neck, including the small "2" underneath it.

"We're clones... We barely count as humans, honestly - though Roman really doesn't like it when I point that out. The point is, as low as you may consider yourself, we're at best your equals."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus lifted his face to look at Remus, and his eyes widened every so slightly in understanding.

“Oh. I know lots of clones, but I would never go so far to say that I am their equal,” he replied softly. Then his head tilted.

“…wait, 2…oh! You’re- You’re the First clones, aren’t you!?” He seemed oddly excited by this. “Everyone always wondered what happened to you. I- I am happy to know you’re safe, and free.”

[two-creative-royals]

And, suddenly, Remus became Incredibly Uncomfortable.

"They... They kept making clones after we left..?"

He asked, nervously putting his collar back as he spoke.

"But... With how much damage we did on the way out, I- I thought they would've stopped..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus immediately picked up on the drop in his mood, and felt flooded with guilt for causing it.

“Y-yes…from what little I know, it took a very long time, but…a new donor was found, and the- the process continued. I-I’m sorry…”

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus froze at the sound, his heart racing wildly in his chest. On instinct, he reached for his power, able to use it relatively freely now that he wasn’t confined to his prison in the facility - though the suppressant cuffs on each wrist were a hindrance.

He drew in a slow, quiet breath, feeling the temperature around him drop a few degrees as he prepared to defend himself.

[two-creative-royals]

There was another loud snap of a twig breaking, closer this time - followed by a voice Janus didn't recognize from the lab.

"Re, can we please go back to bed? I promise, there's nothing out here."

"And I promise there is something. I know I heard movement- can we please just look around a little more???"

"...Fine. But if we don't find something in the next half hour, I'm going back to bed."

Whoever the owners of the nearly identical voices were, they didn't seem to be looking for Janus specifically - though they would likely find him anyway, given how close they sounded.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus slowly began to back away, pulling his powers around him like a cloak, trying to hide himself, hide his presence. He winced when a tree branch dragged against a wound at his side, where the barbed perimeter fence of the facility had torn through him as he’d climbed over it. He was unable to hold in a hiss of pain.

[two-creative-royals]

The cracking sounds stopped.

"...You heard that, right? I told you something was out here!!!"

"Yeah, I heard that... But it's probably just a stray cat or something. Now can we please go home? Some people care about their beauty sleep."

Ah, so the owners of the voices weren't trying to come after him. That's... Probably good?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus held his breath. Maybe, if he just kept still, they would leave and go back to wherever the hell they came from.

…maybe, he could follow them from a distance, and they would lead him to civilisation, or at least something close to it.

Now that he thought about it, he truly had not thought this plan through very well. What was he even planning to do now that he’d escaped? Where was he to go? These people clearly weren’t hunting him, so…perhaps they could help him?

[two-creative-royals]

After a moment of near-silence from the mysterious voices - beyond occasional cracks from broken twigs - a bright light could be seen peaking through the foliage.

...Which meant that these strangers were now even closer than before... Great...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His breath hitched. He had to make a decision.

As it happened, his body made the decision for him. He was exhausted, the wound at his side bleeding sluggishly, sapping at his strength, and his knees gave out on him. He fell to the forest floor with a grunt, clutching his side.

[two-creative-royals]

The strangers heard the noise of him hitting the ground immediately.

"Yeah, that's not a stray cat, Roman."

One of the voices stated - sounding a bit concerned in all honesty.

The light dimmed - like it was now pointed at the ground - and the footsteps of the strangers approached quickly.

Which... Was not great.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

A groan caught in his throat, and he tried to push himself back to his feet without success. Panic swelled in his chest, fearful for what the strangers might do to him if they found him in such a position. He couldn’t show weakness, couldn’t be weak, could never show weakness-

[two-creative-royals]

Aaaaand suddenly the light was shining right on him from less than a foot away.

"Uhhh... Are you okay dude? You're kinda bleeding, like... A lot..."

Well obviously he isn't okay, but at least this stranger doesn't seem inherently dangerous..?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus flinched from the light, slowly raising his hands above his head in an attempt to both shield his eyes and show submission. He winced as the bleeding in his side steadily increased when he took the pressure off, and fought to keep himself conscious.

He kept quiet for the time being, trying to gauge how best to please the men so they might help him. If he could get it right, maybe he’d even get through this without giving them a reason to have to hurt him.

[two-creative-royals]

The other man arrived there in a moment - and apparently their voices weren't the only identical things about them. Which... Was pretty unnerving.

"Woah- that's a lot a lot of blood! How'd that even happen???"

The man who had first approached asked, seeming... Way too comfortable with the amount of blood in front of him.

The other, however, looked absolutely horrified.

"Remus, you weirdo, stop staring and go get a first aid kit!!! Are you able to walk? You can't stay here with an open wound- it isn't safe..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus couldn’t see them very well, only enough to realise they looked similar.

When the newcomer asked him a question, he shifted his attention to him properly. “Barbed fence, sir,” he answered robotically. “I lost my footing at the top.”

[two-creative-royals]

This, it seemed, was the wrong answer - as, despite the darkness, it was still incredibly easy to see how the man's eyes widened.

"Why... Why were you climbing a barbed fence..? Where did you come from? Did anyone follow you???"

He seemed scared... But not of Janus?

Weird...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Shit, fuck, I upset him, fix it fix it fix it-

His instinct was the tell the man the honest truth of where he’d come from, but the cautious side of him was wary enough to know that wasn’t a good idea. He couldn’t trust these men. If they knew where he’d come from, they’d send him back in a heartbeat for the reward.

“No- well, yes, but, I lost them, they don’t know where I am,” he answered carefully. Blood was still leaking from his wound at a pace that was beginning to worry even him. “Please,” he implored. “If I could- could trouble you for just one night, I’ll be out of your way by morning. I just need to rest.”

The wounded man looked up at them with big eyes, the torchlight revealing the painful-looking burn scars on the left side of his face and neck.

[two-creative-royals]

The man took a deep breath. He seemed really nervous...

"You're sure you lost them? If you're sure you lost them you can stay as long as you want, just- I need to know that you're sure."

Why was he so concerned about that??? It wasn't like Janus getting taken back would effect him, right?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, hope fluttering weakly in his heart. “I’m sure, I- thank you,” he breathed.

He tried to get up, moaning in pain as agony shot through him, and his vision went hazy. “Shit.”

[two-creative-royals]

The man seemed a bit calmer now- though he was still freaked out.

"Woah, hey - don't try to stand up right now, you've clearly lost a lot of blood. I can help you walk, but you shouldn't move until that wound is covered."

He said simply - carefully putting his hands on Janus' arms and gently guiding him back to the ground.

It sounded like the other one was almost back.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus jerked when he was touched, as though anticipating pain to follow, but when none came, he let the stranger guide him back down, his whole body shaking from the effort it took to not simply collapse into his arms.

“Thank- you,” he managed weakly.

[two-creative-royals]

Soon, the other one was back with a big first aid kit - the man who had guided him to the safety of the floor backing up a fair bit as the other spoke.

"Can I see your wound? Also, I'm Remus. Figure you should at least know my name, since it'd be weird if you didn't."

The one who had just returned- Remus- spoke far more gently than he had before, digging through the bag.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He nodded, pulling his shirt off over his head with a muffled grunt of pain. The wound looked…bad. Bad enough that, by all rights, he should’ve been unconscious ages ago.

“Janus,” he supplied in return, his voice weak.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus didn't seem particularly disturbed by this wound- simply pulling out a strange bottle and MANY rolls of bandages

"That's Roman. I'd let him introduce himself, but I'm pretty sure he'll hurl if he opens his mouth."

Roman did look a little green... Then again, that was one hell of a wound, so it made sense that he'd be freaked out by it.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus looked at the bottle, wanting to ask what it was but knowing better than to open his mouth and be annoying.

His eyes flicked to Roman, noting how uncomfortable the man looked, and immediately felt guilty for putting them in this situation. He should’ve just stayed hidden…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman had now looked away, and was taking some deep breaths.

Meanwhile, Remus had opened the random bottle, completely ignoring his duplicate's distress.

"This is an antiseptic, so I'm gonna use it to clean that up so it doesn't get infected, okay? It's gonna sting- like, a lot- but trust me when I say infections are way worse."

...Well, it was nice of him to tell Janus what he was doing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, fully aware. He remembered when he’d been injured in the field, and his handler had shooed away the medics, wanting to see if Janus could use his powers to heal himself. God…that had been an exhausting several days, but he’d managed to bring the injury down to something less life threatening, at least…

He shook the thoughts from his head. He was in no state to try and heal himself right now. Besides, Remus and Roman…they were helping him, for now. They hadn’t yet mentioned what they wanted in return, but Janus knew that whatever it was, he wouldn’t deny them.

Breathless, Janus thanked them both again.

[two-creative-royals]

Again, they didn't respond to his thanks- Remus simply getting to work cleaning and bandaging the wound.

From this close, it was much easier to see more details of his appearance - including the top of what looked like a barcode peaking out from under the collar of his shit.

Which... Was definitely a surprising thing to see on a random stranger.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus eyes caught on the barcode, and his brows furrowed slightly. It seemed…familiar, somehow. It wasn’t from the facility, the mark they’d branded onto the back of his shoulder was too different, but…he was certain he’d seen it somewhere before…

His lips pressed together tightly at their proximity, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed, the movement drawing attention to the crisscross of surgical scars there. He still didn’t know what that operation had been about, and it bothered him.

[two-creative-royals]

Luckily, Remus was too busy dealing with his wound to notice, saving Janus from any uncomfortable questions.

Soon enough, he had finished cleaning and wrapping the wound, and went to pass Janus back his shirt before noticing how torn and bloodied it was, and decided that he couldn't let Janus keep wearing it.

And so, without really thinking about it much, he just kinda... Took off his shirt and gave it to Janus.

"Here, you can borrow this until yours isn't a biohazard."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus thanked him softly after he finished, and struggled to his feet. He stopped breathing for several moments as Remus removed his shirt, his eyes widening slightly. When he spoke his intentions, though, Janus visibly relaxed.

“Oh. I- you don’t need to- really, I’m fine-“ he tried to give Remus his shirt back, feeling awful as the other man began to shiver with cold.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine- I don't mind! I can handle a little cold."

"Remus you idiot you're gonna give yourself hypothermia again-"

...again?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He shook his head, and shoved the shirt back into Remus’ hands.

“Please, you’ve done enough for me, I don’t need any more. I don’t want you to get sick because of me…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Really, it's fine! I was probably gonna lose my shirt at some point tonight anyway, honestly."

Remus, it seemed, wasn't backing down on this one.

Roman sighed, and tossed Remus the sweater he'd previously been wearing - though he didn't seem pleased about it.

"I hate that you're right about that, Remus... Honestly, he'd lose his head if it wasn't attached."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus reluctantly pulled the shirt back, still feeling guilty about it, but put it on nonetheless. He didn’t say anything, standing there and waiting for them to decide what they wanted to do. All he could think was how grateful he was to them, and how he hoped they would wait until morning before they decided how they wanted to be repaid.

[two-creative-royals]

"Well, you should probably stay with us- at the very least until that wound is healed."

Roman said simply, offering Janus a hand to help him walk safely while Remus put the sweater on.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

“Thank you,” he said softly, taking the offered hand. “I truly appreciate your help…”

[two-creative-royals]

For once, they actually acknowledged Janus saying thank you

"It's fine - don't worry, okay?"

Remus smiled as he spoke, and the two of them set off towards their home - Roman moving at a rather slow pace so he didn't rush Janus.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

I can’t think of a time where I haven’t needed to worry, he thought in response, but wisely didn’t say it. He followed them back, appreciative of romans slowed pace. As it was, he was struggling.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman would have moved slower, but he was getting a bit jittery, and would quite like to not be outdoors in this exact moment.

Eventually, they arrived at a small, cozy looking cabin. It couldn't have more than three rooms, maximum. Maybe a loft, but that was being generous.

"We don't really have a guest room or anything, but we have a pretty comfy couch, so that's good, right?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded wearily. He was so exhausted he would easily fall asleep on the floor.

“Yes, that’s good,” he replied verbally. “Thank you…”

[two-creative-royals]

Remus seemed happy that the couch would apparently be sufficient.

He happily opened the door, revealing that this cabin... Should probably be condemned.

It had a combined kitchen and living room, though it didn't look like it had much- if any- power, and there were two doors on the wall, probably leading to a bedroom and bathroom.

Still, it was better than nothing, right?

Roman guided Janus to the couch.

...Remus had really oversold how comfortable it was...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

To Janus, who had barely known anything but his solid cot and tiny quarters, it truly was comfortable to him.

Trusting that, for now, they wouldn’t hurt him, Janus finally let himself slip into blissful unconsciousness.

[two-creative-royals]

They let Janus sleep peacefully- barricading the doors and heading to bed.

They decided to let him sleep either until he woke naturally or until it was time to eat.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

In the end, he had to be woken up, or he was going to keep sleeping for the next two days. His sleep, for once, was free of nightmares, and Janus managed to actually rest.

[two-creative-royals]

Eventually, while Roman was cooking, Remus gently woke Janus up.

"Janus? We're making food, you want any?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He snapped awake, blinking up at…Remus. He sat up, getting his bearings as he recalled the events of the previous night. He’d…he’d escaped! He’d actually escaped! And not just the main compound, this time, but the entire facility! He was free!

He looked at Remus with an appreciative smile. “No, thank you,” he replied. “I ate two days ago.”

He said that as though it was completely normal to go this long without food. And, for him, it was.

[two-creative-royals]

Though he would never admit it, that had been normal for Remus for quite a long time too.

"Actually, people are supposed to eat every day. Multiple times a day, in fact! I don't really remember how many though..."

"It's three, Remus."

Roman stated with a soft sigh from the kitchen, before heading over to where Janus and Remus were with three plates of food - that being pancakes and strawberries, which Remus immediately lit up at.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus blinked in confusion.

“Every day? That…that doesn’t seem right…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Yeah, didn't really seem right to me at first either. But it's apparently a thing! Which is pretty great, cuz Ro's a really good cook!"

Remus had a giant smile at this point, staring intensely at the plates Roman was holding.

Roman noticed this, and intentionally handed Janus his food first - which Remus seemed a little bit frustrated about, but he got his plate next, so he wasn't upset for long.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus took the plate hesitantly, his head tilted slightly, waiting for permission to eat.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus and Roman sat down with their meals on the floor, quietly said "thank you for the food" to some unseen entity, despite the fact that Roman was the one who cooked said food, and Remus immediately started eating.

"We can eat now. Just... Don't eat as fast as Remus is, okay? He's going to make himself sick."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus watched them curiously, nodding when they said it was okay to eat. He started out slowly, knowing it was better to savour food when he got it than to eat it all at once.

“Thank you,” he murmured.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman was apparently a very good cook, which was pretty great.

Remus had somehow already finished most of his meal, which seemed to be fairly concerning for Roman, who'd eaten about three bites at this point.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus finished his meal at roughly the same time Roman did, equally as concerned with how quickly Remus had eaten. However, it wasn’t Janus’ place to say anything.

Besides, he expected now that they’d all eaten, they would be wanting to take their payment from him soon, however it was they wanted him to pay them. It wouldn’t be wise to offend either of them right now…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman quickly took their plates to the kitchen to wash them, and Remus got to work cleaning up the dust and dirt around the cottage - not even hinting at wanting Janus to help with his tidying.

Which... Was a bit confusing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus worried his bottom lip between his teeth. He…he should be helping, right? He shouldn’t just be sitting here. But. They hadn’t given him any instructions yet. He hadn’t been told what to do. He stressed about this for about a minute, before deciding to simply wait until he was given an order.

Practically silently, he slipped off of the couch and knelt on the floor, head bowed and hands folded neatly in his lap.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus noticed that really quickly, setting down the broom and heading over to Janus - sitting in front of the floor in front of him.

"You don't have to kneel, Janus. We're all equals here..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His eyes flicked up to Remus, then dropped back down with a minute shake of his head.

“I am equal to no one,” he informed him, his voice soft with acceptance.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus sighed softly.

"I mean, technically you're not wrong when it comes to us - cuz biologically we're kinda lower than everyone else on the entire planet, so you'd be above us?"

Remus What Does That Mean-

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus shook his head with a bit more force. “No,” he disagreed. “I am at the bottom. My place is at your feet…”

It was clear that Janus fully believed what he was saying. He wasn’t merely trying to placate, it was just a fact to him.

[two-creative-royals]

"At least you're your own person..."

Remus mumbled quietly.

Which... Honestly raised so very many questions. What did that even mean?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus, of course, was oblivious to Remus’ meaning, and was left confused. “But…I’m not a person?” He looked up through his lashes, not understanding.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus sighed, glancing to Roman - who still hadn't clued into their conversation - before pulling the collar of his shirt down to properly show the barcode on his neck, including the small "2" underneath it.

"We're clones... We barely count as humans, honestly - though Roman really doesn't like it when I point that out. The point is, as low as you may consider yourself, we're at best your equals."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus lifted his face to look at Remus, and his eyes widened every so slightly in understanding.

“Oh. I know lots of clones, but I would never go so far to say that I am their equal,” he replied softly. Then his head tilted.

“…wait, 2…oh! You’re- You’re the First clones, aren’t you!?” He seemed oddly excited by this. “Everyone always wondered what happened to you. I- I am happy to know you’re safe, and free.”

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus froze at the sound, his heart racing wildly in his chest. On instinct, he reached for his power, able to use it relatively freely now that he wasn’t confined to his prison in the facility - though the suppressant cuffs on each wrist were a hindrance.

He drew in a slow, quiet breath, feeling the temperature around him drop a few degrees as he prepared to defend himself.

[two-creative-royals]

There was another loud snap of a twig breaking, closer this time - followed by a voice Janus didn't recognize from the lab.

"Re, can we please go back to bed? I promise, there's nothing out here."

"And I promise there is something. I know I heard movement- can we please just look around a little more???"

"...Fine. But if we don't find something in the next half hour, I'm going back to bed."

Whoever the owners of the nearly identical voices were, they didn't seem to be looking for Janus specifically - though they would likely find him anyway, given how close they sounded.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus slowly began to back away, pulling his powers around him like a cloak, trying to hide himself, hide his presence. He winced when a tree branch dragged against a wound at his side, where the barbed perimeter fence of the facility had torn through him as he’d climbed over it. He was unable to hold in a hiss of pain.

[two-creative-royals]

The cracking sounds stopped.

"...You heard that, right? I told you something was out here!!!"

"Yeah, I heard that... But it's probably just a stray cat or something. Now can we please go home? Some people care about their beauty sleep."

Ah, so the owners of the voices weren't trying to come after him. That's... Probably good?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus held his breath. Maybe, if he just kept still, they would leave and go back to wherever the hell they came from.

…maybe, he could follow them from a distance, and they would lead him to civilisation, or at least something close to it.

Now that he thought about it, he truly had not thought this plan through very well. What was he even planning to do now that he’d escaped? Where was he to go? These people clearly weren’t hunting him, so…perhaps they could help him?

[two-creative-royals]

After a moment of near-silence from the mysterious voices - beyond occasional cracks from broken twigs - a bright light could be seen peaking through the foliage.

...Which meant that these strangers were now even closer than before... Great...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His breath hitched. He had to make a decision.

As it happened, his body made the decision for him. He was exhausted, the wound at his side bleeding sluggishly, sapping at his strength, and his knees gave out on him. He fell to the forest floor with a grunt, clutching his side.

[two-creative-royals]

The strangers heard the noise of him hitting the ground immediately.

"Yeah, that's not a stray cat, Roman."

One of the voices stated - sounding a bit concerned in all honesty.

The light dimmed - like it was now pointed at the ground - and the footsteps of the strangers approached quickly.

Which... Was not great.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

A groan caught in his throat, and he tried to push himself back to his feet without success. Panic swelled in his chest, fearful for what the strangers might do to him if they found him in such a position. He couldn’t show weakness, couldn’t be weak, could never show weakness-

[two-creative-royals]

Aaaaand suddenly the light was shining right on him from less than a foot away.

"Uhhh... Are you okay dude? You're kinda bleeding, like... A lot..."

Well obviously he isn't okay, but at least this stranger doesn't seem inherently dangerous..?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus flinched from the light, slowly raising his hands above his head in an attempt to both shield his eyes and show submission. He winced as the bleeding in his side steadily increased when he took the pressure off, and fought to keep himself conscious.

He kept quiet for the time being, trying to gauge how best to please the men so they might help him. If he could get it right, maybe he’d even get through this without giving them a reason to have to hurt him.

[two-creative-royals]

The other man arrived there in a moment - and apparently their voices weren't the only identical things about them. Which... Was pretty unnerving.

"Woah- that's a lot a lot of blood! How'd that even happen???"

The man who had first approached asked, seeming... Way too comfortable with the amount of blood in front of him.

The other, however, looked absolutely horrified.

"Remus, you weirdo, stop staring and go get a first aid kit!!! Are you able to walk? You can't stay here with an open wound- it isn't safe..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus couldn’t see them very well, only enough to realise they looked similar.

When the newcomer asked him a question, he shifted his attention to him properly. “Barbed fence, sir,” he answered robotically. “I lost my footing at the top.”

[two-creative-royals]

This, it seemed, was the wrong answer - as, despite the darkness, it was still incredibly easy to see how the man's eyes widened.

"Why... Why were you climbing a barbed fence..? Where did you come from? Did anyone follow you???"

He seemed scared... But not of Janus?

Weird...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Shit, fuck, I upset him, fix it fix it fix it-

His instinct was the tell the man the honest truth of where he’d come from, but the cautious side of him was wary enough to know that wasn’t a good idea. He couldn’t trust these men. If they knew where he’d come from, they’d send him back in a heartbeat for the reward.

“No- well, yes, but, I lost them, they don’t know where I am,” he answered carefully. Blood was still leaking from his wound at a pace that was beginning to worry even him. “Please,” he implored. “If I could- could trouble you for just one night, I’ll be out of your way by morning. I just need to rest.”

The wounded man looked up at them with big eyes, the torchlight revealing the painful-looking burn scars on the left side of his face and neck.

[two-creative-royals]

The man took a deep breath. He seemed really nervous...

"You're sure you lost them? If you're sure you lost them you can stay as long as you want, just- I need to know that you're sure."

Why was he so concerned about that??? It wasn't like Janus getting taken back would effect him, right?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, hope fluttering weakly in his heart. “I’m sure, I- thank you,” he breathed.

He tried to get up, moaning in pain as agony shot through him, and his vision went hazy. “Shit.”

[two-creative-royals]

The man seemed a bit calmer now- though he was still freaked out.

"Woah, hey - don't try to stand up right now, you've clearly lost a lot of blood. I can help you walk, but you shouldn't move until that wound is covered."

He said simply - carefully putting his hands on Janus' arms and gently guiding him back to the ground.

It sounded like the other one was almost back.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus jerked when he was touched, as though anticipating pain to follow, but when none came, he let the stranger guide him back down, his whole body shaking from the effort it took to not simply collapse into his arms.

“Thank- you,” he managed weakly.

[two-creative-royals]

Soon, the other one was back with a big first aid kit - the man who had guided him to the safety of the floor backing up a fair bit as the other spoke.

"Can I see your wound? Also, I'm Remus. Figure you should at least know my name, since it'd be weird if you didn't."

The one who had just returned- Remus- spoke far more gently than he had before, digging through the bag.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He nodded, pulling his shirt off over his head with a muffled grunt of pain. The wound looked…bad. Bad enough that, by all rights, he should’ve been unconscious ages ago.

“Janus,” he supplied in return, his voice weak.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus didn't seem particularly disturbed by this wound- simply pulling out a strange bottle and MANY rolls of bandages

"That's Roman. I'd let him introduce himself, but I'm pretty sure he'll hurl if he opens his mouth."

Roman did look a little green... Then again, that was one hell of a wound, so it made sense that he'd be freaked out by it.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus looked at the bottle, wanting to ask what it was but knowing better than to open his mouth and be annoying.

His eyes flicked to Roman, noting how uncomfortable the man looked, and immediately felt guilty for putting them in this situation. He should’ve just stayed hidden…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman had now looked away, and was taking some deep breaths.

Meanwhile, Remus had opened the random bottle, completely ignoring his duplicate's distress.

"This is an antiseptic, so I'm gonna use it to clean that up so it doesn't get infected, okay? It's gonna sting- like, a lot- but trust me when I say infections are way worse."

...Well, it was nice of him to tell Janus what he was doing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, fully aware. He remembered when he’d been injured in the field, and his handler had shooed away the medics, wanting to see if Janus could use his powers to heal himself. God…that had been an exhausting several days, but he’d managed to bring the injury down to something less life threatening, at least…

He shook the thoughts from his head. He was in no state to try and heal himself right now. Besides, Remus and Roman…they were helping him, for now. They hadn’t yet mentioned what they wanted in return, but Janus knew that whatever it was, he wouldn’t deny them.

Breathless, Janus thanked them both again.

[two-creative-royals]

Again, they didn't respond to his thanks- Remus simply getting to work cleaning and bandaging the wound.

From this close, it was much easier to see more details of his appearance - including the top of what looked like a barcode peaking out from under the collar of his shit.

Which... Was definitely a surprising thing to see on a random stranger.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus eyes caught on the barcode, and his brows furrowed slightly. It seemed…familiar, somehow. It wasn’t from the facility, the mark they’d branded onto the back of his shoulder was too different, but…he was certain he’d seen it somewhere before…

His lips pressed together tightly at their proximity, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed, the movement drawing attention to the crisscross of surgical scars there. He still didn’t know what that operation had been about, and it bothered him.

[two-creative-royals]

Luckily, Remus was too busy dealing with his wound to notice, saving Janus from any uncomfortable questions.

Soon enough, he had finished cleaning and wrapping the wound, and went to pass Janus back his shirt before noticing how torn and bloodied it was, and decided that he couldn't let Janus keep wearing it.

And so, without really thinking about it much, he just kinda... Took off his shirt and gave it to Janus.

"Here, you can borrow this until yours isn't a biohazard."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus thanked him softly after he finished, and struggled to his feet. He stopped breathing for several moments as Remus removed his shirt, his eyes widening slightly. When he spoke his intentions, though, Janus visibly relaxed.

“Oh. I- you don’t need to- really, I’m fine-“ he tried to give Remus his shirt back, feeling awful as the other man began to shiver with cold.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine- I don't mind! I can handle a little cold."

"Remus you idiot you're gonna give yourself hypothermia again-"

...again?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He shook his head, and shoved the shirt back into Remus’ hands.

“Please, you’ve done enough for me, I don’t need any more. I don’t want you to get sick because of me…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Really, it's fine! I was probably gonna lose my shirt at some point tonight anyway, honestly."

Remus, it seemed, wasn't backing down on this one.

Roman sighed, and tossed Remus the sweater he'd previously been wearing - though he didn't seem pleased about it.

"I hate that you're right about that, Remus... Honestly, he'd lose his head if it wasn't attached."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus reluctantly pulled the shirt back, still feeling guilty about it, but put it on nonetheless. He didn’t say anything, standing there and waiting for them to decide what they wanted to do. All he could think was how grateful he was to them, and how he hoped they would wait until morning before they decided how they wanted to be repaid.

[two-creative-royals]

"Well, you should probably stay with us- at the very least until that wound is healed."

Roman said simply, offering Janus a hand to help him walk safely while Remus put the sweater on.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

“Thank you,” he said softly, taking the offered hand. “I truly appreciate your help…”

[two-creative-royals]

For once, they actually acknowledged Janus saying thank you

"It's fine - don't worry, okay?"

Remus smiled as he spoke, and the two of them set off towards their home - Roman moving at a rather slow pace so he didn't rush Janus.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

I can’t think of a time where I haven’t needed to worry, he thought in response, but wisely didn’t say it. He followed them back, appreciative of romans slowed pace. As it was, he was struggling.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman would have moved slower, but he was getting a bit jittery, and would quite like to not be outdoors in this exact moment.

Eventually, they arrived at a small, cozy looking cabin. It couldn't have more than three rooms, maximum. Maybe a loft, but that was being generous.

"We don't really have a guest room or anything, but we have a pretty comfy couch, so that's good, right?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded wearily. He was so exhausted he would easily fall asleep on the floor.

“Yes, that’s good,” he replied verbally. “Thank you…”

[two-creative-royals]

Remus seemed happy that the couch would apparently be sufficient.

He happily opened the door, revealing that this cabin... Should probably be condemned.

It had a combined kitchen and living room, though it didn't look like it had much- if any- power, and there were two doors on the wall, probably leading to a bedroom and bathroom.

Still, it was better than nothing, right?

Roman guided Janus to the couch.

...Remus had really oversold how comfortable it was...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

To Janus, who had barely known anything but his solid cot and tiny quarters, it truly was comfortable to him.

Trusting that, for now, they wouldn’t hurt him, Janus finally let himself slip into blissful unconsciousness.

[two-creative-royals]

They let Janus sleep peacefully- barricading the doors and heading to bed.

They decided to let him sleep either until he woke naturally or until it was time to eat.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

In the end, he had to be woken up, or he was going to keep sleeping for the next two days. His sleep, for once, was free of nightmares, and Janus managed to actually rest.

[two-creative-royals]

Eventually, while Roman was cooking, Remus gently woke Janus up.

"Janus? We're making food, you want any?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He snapped awake, blinking up at…Remus. He sat up, getting his bearings as he recalled the events of the previous night. He’d…he’d escaped! He’d actually escaped! And not just the main compound, this time, but the entire facility! He was free!

He looked at Remus with an appreciative smile. “No, thank you,” he replied. “I ate two days ago.”

He said that as though it was completely normal to go this long without food. And, for him, it was.

[two-creative-royals]

Though he would never admit it, that had been normal for Remus for quite a long time too.

"Actually, people are supposed to eat every day. Multiple times a day, in fact! I don't really remember how many though..."

"It's three, Remus."

Roman stated with a soft sigh from the kitchen, before heading over to where Janus and Remus were with three plates of food - that being pancakes and strawberries, which Remus immediately lit up at.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus blinked in confusion.

“Every day? That…that doesn’t seem right…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Yeah, didn't really seem right to me at first either. But it's apparently a thing! Which is pretty great, cuz Ro's a really good cook!"

Remus had a giant smile at this point, staring intensely at the plates Roman was holding.

Roman noticed this, and intentionally handed Janus his food first - which Remus seemed a little bit frustrated about, but he got his plate next, so he wasn't upset for long.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus took the plate hesitantly, his head tilted slightly, waiting for permission to eat.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus and Roman sat down with their meals on the floor, quietly said "thank you for the food" to some unseen entity, despite the fact that Roman was the one who cooked said food, and Remus immediately started eating.

"We can eat now. Just... Don't eat as fast as Remus is, okay? He's going to make himself sick."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus watched them curiously, nodding when they said it was okay to eat. He started out slowly, knowing it was better to savour food when he got it than to eat it all at once.

“Thank you,” he murmured.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman was apparently a very good cook, which was pretty great.

Remus had somehow already finished most of his meal, which seemed to be fairly concerning for Roman, who'd eaten about three bites at this point.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus finished his meal at roughly the same time Roman did, equally as concerned with how quickly Remus had eaten. However, it wasn’t Janus’ place to say anything.

Besides, he expected now that they’d all eaten, they would be wanting to take their payment from him soon, however it was they wanted him to pay them. It wouldn’t be wise to offend either of them right now…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman quickly took their plates to the kitchen to wash them, and Remus got to work cleaning up the dust and dirt around the cottage - not even hinting at wanting Janus to help with his tidying.

Which... Was a bit confusing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus worried his bottom lip between his teeth. He…he should be helping, right? He shouldn’t just be sitting here. But. They hadn’t given him any instructions yet. He hadn’t been told what to do. He stressed about this for about a minute, before deciding to simply wait until he was given an order.

Practically silently, he slipped off of the couch and knelt on the floor, head bowed and hands folded neatly in his lap.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus noticed that really quickly, setting down the broom and heading over to Janus - sitting in front of the floor in front of him.

"You don't have to kneel, Janus. We're all equals here..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His eyes flicked up to Remus, then dropped back down with a minute shake of his head.

“I am equal to no one,” he informed him, his voice soft with acceptance.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus sighed softly.

"I mean, technically you're not wrong when it comes to us - cuz biologically we're kinda lower than everyone else on the entire planet, so you'd be above us?"

Remus What Does That Mean-

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus shook his head with a bit more force. “No,” he disagreed. “I am at the bottom. My place is at your feet…”

It was clear that Janus fully believed what he was saying. He wasn’t merely trying to placate, it was just a fact to him.

[two-creative-royals]

"At least you're your own person..."

Remus mumbled quietly.

Which... Honestly raised so very many questions. What did that even mean?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus, of course, was oblivious to Remus’ meaning, and was left confused. “But…I’m not a person?” He looked up through his lashes, not understanding.

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus froze at the sound, his heart racing wildly in his chest. On instinct, he reached for his power, able to use it relatively freely now that he wasn’t confined to his prison in the facility - though the suppressant cuffs on each wrist were a hindrance.

He drew in a slow, quiet breath, feeling the temperature around him drop a few degrees as he prepared to defend himself.

[two-creative-royals]

There was another loud snap of a twig breaking, closer this time - followed by a voice Janus didn't recognize from the lab.

"Re, can we please go back to bed? I promise, there's nothing out here."

"And I promise there is something. I know I heard movement- can we please just look around a little more???"

"...Fine. But if we don't find something in the next half hour, I'm going back to bed."

Whoever the owners of the nearly identical voices were, they didn't seem to be looking for Janus specifically - though they would likely find him anyway, given how close they sounded.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus slowly began to back away, pulling his powers around him like a cloak, trying to hide himself, hide his presence. He winced when a tree branch dragged against a wound at his side, where the barbed perimeter fence of the facility had torn through him as he’d climbed over it. He was unable to hold in a hiss of pain.

[two-creative-royals]

The cracking sounds stopped.

"...You heard that, right? I told you something was out here!!!"

"Yeah, I heard that... But it's probably just a stray cat or something. Now can we please go home? Some people care about their beauty sleep."

Ah, so the owners of the voices weren't trying to come after him. That's... Probably good?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus held his breath. Maybe, if he just kept still, they would leave and go back to wherever the hell they came from.

…maybe, he could follow them from a distance, and they would lead him to civilisation, or at least something close to it.

Now that he thought about it, he truly had not thought this plan through very well. What was he even planning to do now that he’d escaped? Where was he to go? These people clearly weren’t hunting him, so…perhaps they could help him?

[two-creative-royals]

After a moment of near-silence from the mysterious voices - beyond occasional cracks from broken twigs - a bright light could be seen peaking through the foliage.

...Which meant that these strangers were now even closer than before... Great...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His breath hitched. He had to make a decision.

As it happened, his body made the decision for him. He was exhausted, the wound at his side bleeding sluggishly, sapping at his strength, and his knees gave out on him. He fell to the forest floor with a grunt, clutching his side.

[two-creative-royals]

The strangers heard the noise of him hitting the ground immediately.

"Yeah, that's not a stray cat, Roman."

One of the voices stated - sounding a bit concerned in all honesty.

The light dimmed - like it was now pointed at the ground - and the footsteps of the strangers approached quickly.

Which... Was not great.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

A groan caught in his throat, and he tried to push himself back to his feet without success. Panic swelled in his chest, fearful for what the strangers might do to him if they found him in such a position. He couldn’t show weakness, couldn’t be weak, could never show weakness-

[two-creative-royals]

Aaaaand suddenly the light was shining right on him from less than a foot away.

"Uhhh... Are you okay dude? You're kinda bleeding, like... A lot..."

Well obviously he isn't okay, but at least this stranger doesn't seem inherently dangerous..?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus flinched from the light, slowly raising his hands above his head in an attempt to both shield his eyes and show submission. He winced as the bleeding in his side steadily increased when he took the pressure off, and fought to keep himself conscious.

He kept quiet for the time being, trying to gauge how best to please the men so they might help him. If he could get it right, maybe he’d even get through this without giving them a reason to have to hurt him.

[two-creative-royals]

The other man arrived there in a moment - and apparently their voices weren't the only identical things about them. Which... Was pretty unnerving.

"Woah- that's a lot a lot of blood! How'd that even happen???"

The man who had first approached asked, seeming... Way too comfortable with the amount of blood in front of him.

The other, however, looked absolutely horrified.

"Remus, you weirdo, stop staring and go get a first aid kit!!! Are you able to walk? You can't stay here with an open wound- it isn't safe..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus couldn’t see them very well, only enough to realise they looked similar.

When the newcomer asked him a question, he shifted his attention to him properly. “Barbed fence, sir,” he answered robotically. “I lost my footing at the top.”

[two-creative-royals]

This, it seemed, was the wrong answer - as, despite the darkness, it was still incredibly easy to see how the man's eyes widened.

"Why... Why were you climbing a barbed fence..? Where did you come from? Did anyone follow you???"

He seemed scared... But not of Janus?

Weird...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Shit, fuck, I upset him, fix it fix it fix it-

His instinct was the tell the man the honest truth of where he’d come from, but the cautious side of him was wary enough to know that wasn’t a good idea. He couldn’t trust these men. If they knew where he’d come from, they’d send him back in a heartbeat for the reward.

“No- well, yes, but, I lost them, they don’t know where I am,” he answered carefully. Blood was still leaking from his wound at a pace that was beginning to worry even him. “Please,” he implored. “If I could- could trouble you for just one night, I’ll be out of your way by morning. I just need to rest.”

The wounded man looked up at them with big eyes, the torchlight revealing the painful-looking burn scars on the left side of his face and neck.

[two-creative-royals]

The man took a deep breath. He seemed really nervous...

"You're sure you lost them? If you're sure you lost them you can stay as long as you want, just- I need to know that you're sure."

Why was he so concerned about that??? It wasn't like Janus getting taken back would effect him, right?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, hope fluttering weakly in his heart. “I’m sure, I- thank you,” he breathed.

He tried to get up, moaning in pain as agony shot through him, and his vision went hazy. “Shit.”

[two-creative-royals]

The man seemed a bit calmer now- though he was still freaked out.

"Woah, hey - don't try to stand up right now, you've clearly lost a lot of blood. I can help you walk, but you shouldn't move until that wound is covered."

He said simply - carefully putting his hands on Janus' arms and gently guiding him back to the ground.

It sounded like the other one was almost back.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus jerked when he was touched, as though anticipating pain to follow, but when none came, he let the stranger guide him back down, his whole body shaking from the effort it took to not simply collapse into his arms.

“Thank- you,” he managed weakly.

[two-creative-royals]

Soon, the other one was back with a big first aid kit - the man who had guided him to the safety of the floor backing up a fair bit as the other spoke.

"Can I see your wound? Also, I'm Remus. Figure you should at least know my name, since it'd be weird if you didn't."

The one who had just returned- Remus- spoke far more gently than he had before, digging through the bag.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He nodded, pulling his shirt off over his head with a muffled grunt of pain. The wound looked…bad. Bad enough that, by all rights, he should’ve been unconscious ages ago.

“Janus,” he supplied in return, his voice weak.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus didn't seem particularly disturbed by this wound- simply pulling out a strange bottle and MANY rolls of bandages

"That's Roman. I'd let him introduce himself, but I'm pretty sure he'll hurl if he opens his mouth."

Roman did look a little green... Then again, that was one hell of a wound, so it made sense that he'd be freaked out by it.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus looked at the bottle, wanting to ask what it was but knowing better than to open his mouth and be annoying.

His eyes flicked to Roman, noting how uncomfortable the man looked, and immediately felt guilty for putting them in this situation. He should’ve just stayed hidden…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman had now looked away, and was taking some deep breaths.

Meanwhile, Remus had opened the random bottle, completely ignoring his duplicate's distress.

"This is an antiseptic, so I'm gonna use it to clean that up so it doesn't get infected, okay? It's gonna sting- like, a lot- but trust me when I say infections are way worse."

...Well, it was nice of him to tell Janus what he was doing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, fully aware. He remembered when he’d been injured in the field, and his handler had shooed away the medics, wanting to see if Janus could use his powers to heal himself. God…that had been an exhausting several days, but he’d managed to bring the injury down to something less life threatening, at least…

He shook the thoughts from his head. He was in no state to try and heal himself right now. Besides, Remus and Roman…they were helping him, for now. They hadn’t yet mentioned what they wanted in return, but Janus knew that whatever it was, he wouldn’t deny them.

Breathless, Janus thanked them both again.

[two-creative-royals]

Again, they didn't respond to his thanks- Remus simply getting to work cleaning and bandaging the wound.

From this close, it was much easier to see more details of his appearance - including the top of what looked like a barcode peaking out from under the collar of his shit.

Which... Was definitely a surprising thing to see on a random stranger.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus eyes caught on the barcode, and his brows furrowed slightly. It seemed…familiar, somehow. It wasn’t from the facility, the mark they’d branded onto the back of his shoulder was too different, but…he was certain he’d seen it somewhere before…

His lips pressed together tightly at their proximity, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed, the movement drawing attention to the crisscross of surgical scars there. He still didn’t know what that operation had been about, and it bothered him.

[two-creative-royals]

Luckily, Remus was too busy dealing with his wound to notice, saving Janus from any uncomfortable questions.

Soon enough, he had finished cleaning and wrapping the wound, and went to pass Janus back his shirt before noticing how torn and bloodied it was, and decided that he couldn't let Janus keep wearing it.

And so, without really thinking about it much, he just kinda... Took off his shirt and gave it to Janus.

"Here, you can borrow this until yours isn't a biohazard."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus thanked him softly after he finished, and struggled to his feet. He stopped breathing for several moments as Remus removed his shirt, his eyes widening slightly. When he spoke his intentions, though, Janus visibly relaxed.

“Oh. I- you don’t need to- really, I’m fine-“ he tried to give Remus his shirt back, feeling awful as the other man began to shiver with cold.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine- I don't mind! I can handle a little cold."

"Remus you idiot you're gonna give yourself hypothermia again-"

...again?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He shook his head, and shoved the shirt back into Remus’ hands.

“Please, you’ve done enough for me, I don’t need any more. I don’t want you to get sick because of me…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Really, it's fine! I was probably gonna lose my shirt at some point tonight anyway, honestly."

Remus, it seemed, wasn't backing down on this one.

Roman sighed, and tossed Remus the sweater he'd previously been wearing - though he didn't seem pleased about it.

"I hate that you're right about that, Remus... Honestly, he'd lose his head if it wasn't attached."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus reluctantly pulled the shirt back, still feeling guilty about it, but put it on nonetheless. He didn’t say anything, standing there and waiting for them to decide what they wanted to do. All he could think was how grateful he was to them, and how he hoped they would wait until morning before they decided how they wanted to be repaid.

[two-creative-royals]

"Well, you should probably stay with us- at the very least until that wound is healed."

Roman said simply, offering Janus a hand to help him walk safely while Remus put the sweater on.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

“Thank you,” he said softly, taking the offered hand. “I truly appreciate your help…”

[two-creative-royals]

For once, they actually acknowledged Janus saying thank you

"It's fine - don't worry, okay?"

Remus smiled as he spoke, and the two of them set off towards their home - Roman moving at a rather slow pace so he didn't rush Janus.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

I can’t think of a time where I haven’t needed to worry, he thought in response, but wisely didn’t say it. He followed them back, appreciative of romans slowed pace. As it was, he was struggling.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman would have moved slower, but he was getting a bit jittery, and would quite like to not be outdoors in this exact moment.

Eventually, they arrived at a small, cozy looking cabin. It couldn't have more than three rooms, maximum. Maybe a loft, but that was being generous.

"We don't really have a guest room or anything, but we have a pretty comfy couch, so that's good, right?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded wearily. He was so exhausted he would easily fall asleep on the floor.

“Yes, that’s good,” he replied verbally. “Thank you…”

[two-creative-royals]

Remus seemed happy that the couch would apparently be sufficient.

He happily opened the door, revealing that this cabin... Should probably be condemned.

It had a combined kitchen and living room, though it didn't look like it had much- if any- power, and there were two doors on the wall, probably leading to a bedroom and bathroom.

Still, it was better than nothing, right?

Roman guided Janus to the couch.

...Remus had really oversold how comfortable it was...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

To Janus, who had barely known anything but his solid cot and tiny quarters, it truly was comfortable to him.

Trusting that, for now, they wouldn’t hurt him, Janus finally let himself slip into blissful unconsciousness.

[two-creative-royals]

They let Janus sleep peacefully- barricading the doors and heading to bed.

They decided to let him sleep either until he woke naturally or until it was time to eat.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

In the end, he had to be woken up, or he was going to keep sleeping for the next two days. His sleep, for once, was free of nightmares, and Janus managed to actually rest.

[two-creative-royals]

Eventually, while Roman was cooking, Remus gently woke Janus up.

"Janus? We're making food, you want any?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He snapped awake, blinking up at…Remus. He sat up, getting his bearings as he recalled the events of the previous night. He’d…he’d escaped! He’d actually escaped! And not just the main compound, this time, but the entire facility! He was free!

He looked at Remus with an appreciative smile. “No, thank you,” he replied. “I ate two days ago.”

He said that as though it was completely normal to go this long without food. And, for him, it was.

[two-creative-royals]

Though he would never admit it, that had been normal for Remus for quite a long time too.

"Actually, people are supposed to eat every day. Multiple times a day, in fact! I don't really remember how many though..."

"It's three, Remus."

Roman stated with a soft sigh from the kitchen, before heading over to where Janus and Remus were with three plates of food - that being pancakes and strawberries, which Remus immediately lit up at.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus blinked in confusion.

“Every day? That…that doesn’t seem right…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Yeah, didn't really seem right to me at first either. But it's apparently a thing! Which is pretty great, cuz Ro's a really good cook!"

Remus had a giant smile at this point, staring intensely at the plates Roman was holding.

Roman noticed this, and intentionally handed Janus his food first - which Remus seemed a little bit frustrated about, but he got his plate next, so he wasn't upset for long.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus took the plate hesitantly, his head tilted slightly, waiting for permission to eat.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus and Roman sat down with their meals on the floor, quietly said "thank you for the food" to some unseen entity, despite the fact that Roman was the one who cooked said food, and Remus immediately started eating.

"We can eat now. Just... Don't eat as fast as Remus is, okay? He's going to make himself sick."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus watched them curiously, nodding when they said it was okay to eat. He started out slowly, knowing it was better to savour food when he got it than to eat it all at once.

“Thank you,” he murmured.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman was apparently a very good cook, which was pretty great.

Remus had somehow already finished most of his meal, which seemed to be fairly concerning for Roman, who'd eaten about three bites at this point.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus finished his meal at roughly the same time Roman did, equally as concerned with how quickly Remus had eaten. However, it wasn’t Janus’ place to say anything.

Besides, he expected now that they’d all eaten, they would be wanting to take their payment from him soon, however it was they wanted him to pay them. It wouldn’t be wise to offend either of them right now…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman quickly took their plates to the kitchen to wash them, and Remus got to work cleaning up the dust and dirt around the cottage - not even hinting at wanting Janus to help with his tidying.

Which... Was a bit confusing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus worried his bottom lip between his teeth. He…he should be helping, right? He shouldn’t just be sitting here. But. They hadn’t given him any instructions yet. He hadn’t been told what to do. He stressed about this for about a minute, before deciding to simply wait until he was given an order.

Practically silently, he slipped off of the couch and knelt on the floor, head bowed and hands folded neatly in his lap.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus noticed that really quickly, setting down the broom and heading over to Janus - sitting in front of the floor in front of him.

"You don't have to kneel, Janus. We're all equals here..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His eyes flicked up to Remus, then dropped back down with a minute shake of his head.

“I am equal to no one,” he informed him, his voice soft with acceptance.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus sighed softly.

"I mean, technically you're not wrong when it comes to us - cuz biologically we're kinda lower than everyone else on the entire planet, so you'd be above us?"

Remus What Does That Mean-

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus shook his head with a bit more force. “No,” he disagreed. “I am at the bottom. My place is at your feet…”

It was clear that Janus fully believed what he was saying. He wasn’t merely trying to placate, it was just a fact to him.

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus froze at the sound, his heart racing wildly in his chest. On instinct, he reached for his power, able to use it relatively freely now that he wasn’t confined to his prison in the facility - though the suppressant cuffs on each wrist were a hindrance.

He drew in a slow, quiet breath, feeling the temperature around him drop a few degrees as he prepared to defend himself.

[two-creative-royals]

There was another loud snap of a twig breaking, closer this time - followed by a voice Janus didn't recognize from the lab.

"Re, can we please go back to bed? I promise, there's nothing out here."

"And I promise there is something. I know I heard movement- can we please just look around a little more???"

"...Fine. But if we don't find something in the next half hour, I'm going back to bed."

Whoever the owners of the nearly identical voices were, they didn't seem to be looking for Janus specifically - though they would likely find him anyway, given how close they sounded.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus slowly began to back away, pulling his powers around him like a cloak, trying to hide himself, hide his presence. He winced when a tree branch dragged against a wound at his side, where the barbed perimeter fence of the facility had torn through him as he’d climbed over it. He was unable to hold in a hiss of pain.

[two-creative-royals]

The cracking sounds stopped.

"...You heard that, right? I told you something was out here!!!"

"Yeah, I heard that... But it's probably just a stray cat or something. Now can we please go home? Some people care about their beauty sleep."

Ah, so the owners of the voices weren't trying to come after him. That's... Probably good?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus held his breath. Maybe, if he just kept still, they would leave and go back to wherever the hell they came from.

…maybe, he could follow them from a distance, and they would lead him to civilisation, or at least something close to it.

Now that he thought about it, he truly had not thought this plan through very well. What was he even planning to do now that he’d escaped? Where was he to go? These people clearly weren’t hunting him, so…perhaps they could help him?

[two-creative-royals]

After a moment of near-silence from the mysterious voices - beyond occasional cracks from broken twigs - a bright light could be seen peaking through the foliage.

...Which meant that these strangers were now even closer than before... Great...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His breath hitched. He had to make a decision.

As it happened, his body made the decision for him. He was exhausted, the wound at his side bleeding sluggishly, sapping at his strength, and his knees gave out on him. He fell to the forest floor with a grunt, clutching his side.

[two-creative-royals]

The strangers heard the noise of him hitting the ground immediately.

"Yeah, that's not a stray cat, Roman."

One of the voices stated - sounding a bit concerned in all honesty.

The light dimmed - like it was now pointed at the ground - and the footsteps of the strangers approached quickly.

Which... Was not great.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

A groan caught in his throat, and he tried to push himself back to his feet without success. Panic swelled in his chest, fearful for what the strangers might do to him if they found him in such a position. He couldn’t show weakness, couldn’t be weak, could never show weakness-

[two-creative-royals]

Aaaaand suddenly the light was shining right on him from less than a foot away.

"Uhhh... Are you okay dude? You're kinda bleeding, like... A lot..."

Well obviously he isn't okay, but at least this stranger doesn't seem inherently dangerous..?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus flinched from the light, slowly raising his hands above his head in an attempt to both shield his eyes and show submission. He winced as the bleeding in his side steadily increased when he took the pressure off, and fought to keep himself conscious.

He kept quiet for the time being, trying to gauge how best to please the men so they might help him. If he could get it right, maybe he’d even get through this without giving them a reason to have to hurt him.

[two-creative-royals]

The other man arrived there in a moment - and apparently their voices weren't the only identical things about them. Which... Was pretty unnerving.

"Woah- that's a lot a lot of blood! How'd that even happen???"

The man who had first approached asked, seeming... Way too comfortable with the amount of blood in front of him.

The other, however, looked absolutely horrified.

"Remus, you weirdo, stop staring and go get a first aid kit!!! Are you able to walk? You can't stay here with an open wound- it isn't safe..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus couldn’t see them very well, only enough to realise they looked similar.

When the newcomer asked him a question, he shifted his attention to him properly. “Barbed fence, sir,” he answered robotically. “I lost my footing at the top.”

[two-creative-royals]

This, it seemed, was the wrong answer - as, despite the darkness, it was still incredibly easy to see how the man's eyes widened.

"Why... Why were you climbing a barbed fence..? Where did you come from? Did anyone follow you???"

He seemed scared... But not of Janus?

Weird...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Shit, fuck, I upset him, fix it fix it fix it-

His instinct was the tell the man the honest truth of where he’d come from, but the cautious side of him was wary enough to know that wasn’t a good idea. He couldn’t trust these men. If they knew where he’d come from, they’d send him back in a heartbeat for the reward.

“No- well, yes, but, I lost them, they don’t know where I am,” he answered carefully. Blood was still leaking from his wound at a pace that was beginning to worry even him. “Please,” he implored. “If I could- could trouble you for just one night, I’ll be out of your way by morning. I just need to rest.”

The wounded man looked up at them with big eyes, the torchlight revealing the painful-looking burn scars on the left side of his face and neck.

[two-creative-royals]

The man took a deep breath. He seemed really nervous...

"You're sure you lost them? If you're sure you lost them you can stay as long as you want, just- I need to know that you're sure."

Why was he so concerned about that??? It wasn't like Janus getting taken back would effect him, right?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, hope fluttering weakly in his heart. “I’m sure, I- thank you,” he breathed.

He tried to get up, moaning in pain as agony shot through him, and his vision went hazy. “Shit.”

[two-creative-royals]

The man seemed a bit calmer now- though he was still freaked out.

"Woah, hey - don't try to stand up right now, you've clearly lost a lot of blood. I can help you walk, but you shouldn't move until that wound is covered."

He said simply - carefully putting his hands on Janus' arms and gently guiding him back to the ground.

It sounded like the other one was almost back.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus jerked when he was touched, as though anticipating pain to follow, but when none came, he let the stranger guide him back down, his whole body shaking from the effort it took to not simply collapse into his arms.

“Thank- you,” he managed weakly.

[two-creative-royals]

Soon, the other one was back with a big first aid kit - the man who had guided him to the safety of the floor backing up a fair bit as the other spoke.

"Can I see your wound? Also, I'm Remus. Figure you should at least know my name, since it'd be weird if you didn't."

The one who had just returned- Remus- spoke far more gently than he had before, digging through the bag.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He nodded, pulling his shirt off over his head with a muffled grunt of pain. The wound looked…bad. Bad enough that, by all rights, he should’ve been unconscious ages ago.

“Janus,” he supplied in return, his voice weak.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus didn't seem particularly disturbed by this wound- simply pulling out a strange bottle and MANY rolls of bandages

"That's Roman. I'd let him introduce himself, but I'm pretty sure he'll hurl if he opens his mouth."

Roman did look a little green... Then again, that was one hell of a wound, so it made sense that he'd be freaked out by it.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus looked at the bottle, wanting to ask what it was but knowing better than to open his mouth and be annoying.

His eyes flicked to Roman, noting how uncomfortable the man looked, and immediately felt guilty for putting them in this situation. He should’ve just stayed hidden…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman had now looked away, and was taking some deep breaths.

Meanwhile, Remus had opened the random bottle, completely ignoring his duplicate's distress.

"This is an antiseptic, so I'm gonna use it to clean that up so it doesn't get infected, okay? It's gonna sting- like, a lot- but trust me when I say infections are way worse."

...Well, it was nice of him to tell Janus what he was doing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, fully aware. He remembered when he’d been injured in the field, and his handler had shooed away the medics, wanting to see if Janus could use his powers to heal himself. God…that had been an exhausting several days, but he’d managed to bring the injury down to something less life threatening, at least…

He shook the thoughts from his head. He was in no state to try and heal himself right now. Besides, Remus and Roman…they were helping him, for now. They hadn’t yet mentioned what they wanted in return, but Janus knew that whatever it was, he wouldn’t deny them.

Breathless, Janus thanked them both again.

[two-creative-royals]

Again, they didn't respond to his thanks- Remus simply getting to work cleaning and bandaging the wound.

From this close, it was much easier to see more details of his appearance - including the top of what looked like a barcode peaking out from under the collar of his shit.

Which... Was definitely a surprising thing to see on a random stranger.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus eyes caught on the barcode, and his brows furrowed slightly. It seemed…familiar, somehow. It wasn’t from the facility, the mark they’d branded onto the back of his shoulder was too different, but…he was certain he’d seen it somewhere before…

His lips pressed together tightly at their proximity, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed, the movement drawing attention to the crisscross of surgical scars there. He still didn’t know what that operation had been about, and it bothered him.

[two-creative-royals]

Luckily, Remus was too busy dealing with his wound to notice, saving Janus from any uncomfortable questions.

Soon enough, he had finished cleaning and wrapping the wound, and went to pass Janus back his shirt before noticing how torn and bloodied it was, and decided that he couldn't let Janus keep wearing it.

And so, without really thinking about it much, he just kinda... Took off his shirt and gave it to Janus.

"Here, you can borrow this until yours isn't a biohazard."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus thanked him softly after he finished, and struggled to his feet. He stopped breathing for several moments as Remus removed his shirt, his eyes widening slightly. When he spoke his intentions, though, Janus visibly relaxed.

“Oh. I- you don’t need to- really, I’m fine-“ he tried to give Remus his shirt back, feeling awful as the other man began to shiver with cold.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine- I don't mind! I can handle a little cold."

"Remus you idiot you're gonna give yourself hypothermia again-"

...again?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He shook his head, and shoved the shirt back into Remus’ hands.

“Please, you’ve done enough for me, I don’t need any more. I don’t want you to get sick because of me…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Really, it's fine! I was probably gonna lose my shirt at some point tonight anyway, honestly."

Remus, it seemed, wasn't backing down on this one.

Roman sighed, and tossed Remus the sweater he'd previously been wearing - though he didn't seem pleased about it.

"I hate that you're right about that, Remus... Honestly, he'd lose his head if it wasn't attached."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus reluctantly pulled the shirt back, still feeling guilty about it, but put it on nonetheless. He didn’t say anything, standing there and waiting for them to decide what they wanted to do. All he could think was how grateful he was to them, and how he hoped they would wait until morning before they decided how they wanted to be repaid.

[two-creative-royals]

"Well, you should probably stay with us- at the very least until that wound is healed."

Roman said simply, offering Janus a hand to help him walk safely while Remus put the sweater on.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

“Thank you,” he said softly, taking the offered hand. “I truly appreciate your help…”

[two-creative-royals]

For once, they actually acknowledged Janus saying thank you

"It's fine - don't worry, okay?"

Remus smiled as he spoke, and the two of them set off towards their home - Roman moving at a rather slow pace so he didn't rush Janus.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

I can’t think of a time where I haven’t needed to worry, he thought in response, but wisely didn’t say it. He followed them back, appreciative of romans slowed pace. As it was, he was struggling.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman would have moved slower, but he was getting a bit jittery, and would quite like to not be outdoors in this exact moment.

Eventually, they arrived at a small, cozy looking cabin. It couldn't have more than three rooms, maximum. Maybe a loft, but that was being generous.

"We don't really have a guest room or anything, but we have a pretty comfy couch, so that's good, right?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded wearily. He was so exhausted he would easily fall asleep on the floor.

“Yes, that’s good,” he replied verbally. “Thank you…”

[two-creative-royals]

Remus seemed happy that the couch would apparently be sufficient.

He happily opened the door, revealing that this cabin... Should probably be condemned.

It had a combined kitchen and living room, though it didn't look like it had much- if any- power, and there were two doors on the wall, probably leading to a bedroom and bathroom.

Still, it was better than nothing, right?

Roman guided Janus to the couch.

...Remus had really oversold how comfortable it was...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

To Janus, who had barely known anything but his solid cot and tiny quarters, it truly was comfortable to him.

Trusting that, for now, they wouldn’t hurt him, Janus finally let himself slip into blissful unconsciousness.

[two-creative-royals]

They let Janus sleep peacefully- barricading the doors and heading to bed.

They decided to let him sleep either until he woke naturally or until it was time to eat.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

In the end, he had to be woken up, or he was going to keep sleeping for the next two days. His sleep, for once, was free of nightmares, and Janus managed to actually rest.

[two-creative-royals]

Eventually, while Roman was cooking, Remus gently woke Janus up.

"Janus? We're making food, you want any?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He snapped awake, blinking up at…Remus. He sat up, getting his bearings as he recalled the events of the previous night. He’d…he’d escaped! He’d actually escaped! And not just the main compound, this time, but the entire facility! He was free!

He looked at Remus with an appreciative smile. “No, thank you,” he replied. “I ate two days ago.”

He said that as though it was completely normal to go this long without food. And, for him, it was.

[two-creative-royals]

Though he would never admit it, that had been normal for Remus for quite a long time too.

"Actually, people are supposed to eat every day. Multiple times a day, in fact! I don't really remember how many though..."

"It's three, Remus."

Roman stated with a soft sigh from the kitchen, before heading over to where Janus and Remus were with three plates of food - that being pancakes and strawberries, which Remus immediately lit up at.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus blinked in confusion.

“Every day? That…that doesn’t seem right…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Yeah, didn't really seem right to me at first either. But it's apparently a thing! Which is pretty great, cuz Ro's a really good cook!"

Remus had a giant smile at this point, staring intensely at the plates Roman was holding.

Roman noticed this, and intentionally handed Janus his food first - which Remus seemed a little bit frustrated about, but he got his plate next, so he wasn't upset for long.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus took the plate hesitantly, his head tilted slightly, waiting for permission to eat.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus and Roman sat down with their meals on the floor, quietly said "thank you for the food" to some unseen entity, despite the fact that Roman was the one who cooked said food, and Remus immediately started eating.

"We can eat now. Just... Don't eat as fast as Remus is, okay? He's going to make himself sick."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus watched them curiously, nodding when they said it was okay to eat. He started out slowly, knowing it was better to savour food when he got it than to eat it all at once.

“Thank you,” he murmured.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman was apparently a very good cook, which was pretty great.

Remus had somehow already finished most of his meal, which seemed to be fairly concerning for Roman, who'd eaten about three bites at this point.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus finished his meal at roughly the same time Roman did, equally as concerned with how quickly Remus had eaten. However, it wasn’t Janus’ place to say anything.

Besides, he expected now that they’d all eaten, they would be wanting to take their payment from him soon, however it was they wanted him to pay them. It wouldn’t be wise to offend either of them right now…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman quickly took their plates to the kitchen to wash them, and Remus got to work cleaning up the dust and dirt around the cottage - not even hinting at wanting Janus to help with his tidying.

Which... Was a bit confusing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus worried his bottom lip between his teeth. He…he should be helping, right? He shouldn’t just be sitting here. But. They hadn’t given him any instructions yet. He hadn’t been told what to do. He stressed about this for about a minute, before deciding to simply wait until he was given an order.

Practically silently, he slipped off of the couch and knelt on the floor, head bowed and hands folded neatly in his lap.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus noticed that really quickly, setting down the broom and heading over to Janus - sitting in front of the floor in front of him.

"You don't have to kneel, Janus. We're all equals here..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His eyes flicked up to Remus, then dropped back down with a minute shake of his head.

“I am equal to no one,” he informed him, his voice soft with acceptance.

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus froze at the sound, his heart racing wildly in his chest. On instinct, he reached for his power, able to use it relatively freely now that he wasn’t confined to his prison in the facility - though the suppressant cuffs on each wrist were a hindrance.

He drew in a slow, quiet breath, feeling the temperature around him drop a few degrees as he prepared to defend himself.

[two-creative-royals]

There was another loud snap of a twig breaking, closer this time - followed by a voice Janus didn't recognize from the lab.

"Re, can we please go back to bed? I promise, there's nothing out here."

"And I promise there is something. I know I heard movement- can we please just look around a little more???"

"...Fine. But if we don't find something in the next half hour, I'm going back to bed."

Whoever the owners of the nearly identical voices were, they didn't seem to be looking for Janus specifically - though they would likely find him anyway, given how close they sounded.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus slowly began to back away, pulling his powers around him like a cloak, trying to hide himself, hide his presence. He winced when a tree branch dragged against a wound at his side, where the barbed perimeter fence of the facility had torn through him as he’d climbed over it. He was unable to hold in a hiss of pain.

[two-creative-royals]

The cracking sounds stopped.

"...You heard that, right? I told you something was out here!!!"

"Yeah, I heard that... But it's probably just a stray cat or something. Now can we please go home? Some people care about their beauty sleep."

Ah, so the owners of the voices weren't trying to come after him. That's... Probably good?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus held his breath. Maybe, if he just kept still, they would leave and go back to wherever the hell they came from.

…maybe, he could follow them from a distance, and they would lead him to civilisation, or at least something close to it.

Now that he thought about it, he truly had not thought this plan through very well. What was he even planning to do now that he’d escaped? Where was he to go? These people clearly weren’t hunting him, so…perhaps they could help him?

[two-creative-royals]

After a moment of near-silence from the mysterious voices - beyond occasional cracks from broken twigs - a bright light could be seen peaking through the foliage.

...Which meant that these strangers were now even closer than before... Great...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His breath hitched. He had to make a decision.

As it happened, his body made the decision for him. He was exhausted, the wound at his side bleeding sluggishly, sapping at his strength, and his knees gave out on him. He fell to the forest floor with a grunt, clutching his side.

[two-creative-royals]

The strangers heard the noise of him hitting the ground immediately.

"Yeah, that's not a stray cat, Roman."

One of the voices stated - sounding a bit concerned in all honesty.

The light dimmed - like it was now pointed at the ground - and the footsteps of the strangers approached quickly.

Which... Was not great.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

A groan caught in his throat, and he tried to push himself back to his feet without success. Panic swelled in his chest, fearful for what the strangers might do to him if they found him in such a position. He couldn’t show weakness, couldn’t be weak, could never show weakness-

[two-creative-royals]

Aaaaand suddenly the light was shining right on him from less than a foot away.

"Uhhh... Are you okay dude? You're kinda bleeding, like... A lot..."

Well obviously he isn't okay, but at least this stranger doesn't seem inherently dangerous..?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus flinched from the light, slowly raising his hands above his head in an attempt to both shield his eyes and show submission. He winced as the bleeding in his side steadily increased when he took the pressure off, and fought to keep himself conscious.

He kept quiet for the time being, trying to gauge how best to please the men so they might help him. If he could get it right, maybe he’d even get through this without giving them a reason to have to hurt him.

[two-creative-royals]

The other man arrived there in a moment - and apparently their voices weren't the only identical things about them. Which... Was pretty unnerving.

"Woah- that's a lot a lot of blood! How'd that even happen???"

The man who had first approached asked, seeming... Way too comfortable with the amount of blood in front of him.

The other, however, looked absolutely horrified.

"Remus, you weirdo, stop staring and go get a first aid kit!!! Are you able to walk? You can't stay here with an open wound- it isn't safe..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus couldn’t see them very well, only enough to realise they looked similar.

When the newcomer asked him a question, he shifted his attention to him properly. “Barbed fence, sir,” he answered robotically. “I lost my footing at the top.”

[two-creative-royals]

This, it seemed, was the wrong answer - as, despite the darkness, it was still incredibly easy to see how the man's eyes widened.

"Why... Why were you climbing a barbed fence..? Where did you come from? Did anyone follow you???"

He seemed scared... But not of Janus?

Weird...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Shit, fuck, I upset him, fix it fix it fix it-

His instinct was the tell the man the honest truth of where he’d come from, but the cautious side of him was wary enough to know that wasn’t a good idea. He couldn’t trust these men. If they knew where he’d come from, they’d send him back in a heartbeat for the reward.

“No- well, yes, but, I lost them, they don’t know where I am,” he answered carefully. Blood was still leaking from his wound at a pace that was beginning to worry even him. “Please,” he implored. “If I could- could trouble you for just one night, I’ll be out of your way by morning. I just need to rest.”

The wounded man looked up at them with big eyes, the torchlight revealing the painful-looking burn scars on the left side of his face and neck.

[two-creative-royals]

The man took a deep breath. He seemed really nervous...

"You're sure you lost them? If you're sure you lost them you can stay as long as you want, just- I need to know that you're sure."

Why was he so concerned about that??? It wasn't like Janus getting taken back would effect him, right?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, hope fluttering weakly in his heart. “I’m sure, I- thank you,” he breathed.

He tried to get up, moaning in pain as agony shot through him, and his vision went hazy. “Shit.”

[two-creative-royals]

The man seemed a bit calmer now- though he was still freaked out.

"Woah, hey - don't try to stand up right now, you've clearly lost a lot of blood. I can help you walk, but you shouldn't move until that wound is covered."

He said simply - carefully putting his hands on Janus' arms and gently guiding him back to the ground.

It sounded like the other one was almost back.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus jerked when he was touched, as though anticipating pain to follow, but when none came, he let the stranger guide him back down, his whole body shaking from the effort it took to not simply collapse into his arms.

“Thank- you,” he managed weakly.

[two-creative-royals]

Soon, the other one was back with a big first aid kit - the man who had guided him to the safety of the floor backing up a fair bit as the other spoke.

"Can I see your wound? Also, I'm Remus. Figure you should at least know my name, since it'd be weird if you didn't."

The one who had just returned- Remus- spoke far more gently than he had before, digging through the bag.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He nodded, pulling his shirt off over his head with a muffled grunt of pain. The wound looked…bad. Bad enough that, by all rights, he should’ve been unconscious ages ago.

“Janus,” he supplied in return, his voice weak.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus didn't seem particularly disturbed by this wound- simply pulling out a strange bottle and MANY rolls of bandages

"That's Roman. I'd let him introduce himself, but I'm pretty sure he'll hurl if he opens his mouth."

Roman did look a little green... Then again, that was one hell of a wound, so it made sense that he'd be freaked out by it.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus looked at the bottle, wanting to ask what it was but knowing better than to open his mouth and be annoying.

His eyes flicked to Roman, noting how uncomfortable the man looked, and immediately felt guilty for putting them in this situation. He should’ve just stayed hidden…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman had now looked away, and was taking some deep breaths.

Meanwhile, Remus had opened the random bottle, completely ignoring his duplicate's distress.

"This is an antiseptic, so I'm gonna use it to clean that up so it doesn't get infected, okay? It's gonna sting- like, a lot- but trust me when I say infections are way worse."

...Well, it was nice of him to tell Janus what he was doing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, fully aware. He remembered when he’d been injured in the field, and his handler had shooed away the medics, wanting to see if Janus could use his powers to heal himself. God…that had been an exhausting several days, but he’d managed to bring the injury down to something less life threatening, at least…

He shook the thoughts from his head. He was in no state to try and heal himself right now. Besides, Remus and Roman…they were helping him, for now. They hadn’t yet mentioned what they wanted in return, but Janus knew that whatever it was, he wouldn’t deny them.

Breathless, Janus thanked them both again.

[two-creative-royals]

Again, they didn't respond to his thanks- Remus simply getting to work cleaning and bandaging the wound.

From this close, it was much easier to see more details of his appearance - including the top of what looked like a barcode peaking out from under the collar of his shit.

Which... Was definitely a surprising thing to see on a random stranger.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus eyes caught on the barcode, and his brows furrowed slightly. It seemed…familiar, somehow. It wasn’t from the facility, the mark they’d branded onto the back of his shoulder was too different, but…he was certain he’d seen it somewhere before…

His lips pressed together tightly at their proximity, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed, the movement drawing attention to the crisscross of surgical scars there. He still didn’t know what that operation had been about, and it bothered him.

[two-creative-royals]

Luckily, Remus was too busy dealing with his wound to notice, saving Janus from any uncomfortable questions.

Soon enough, he had finished cleaning and wrapping the wound, and went to pass Janus back his shirt before noticing how torn and bloodied it was, and decided that he couldn't let Janus keep wearing it.

And so, without really thinking about it much, he just kinda... Took off his shirt and gave it to Janus.

"Here, you can borrow this until yours isn't a biohazard."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus thanked him softly after he finished, and struggled to his feet. He stopped breathing for several moments as Remus removed his shirt, his eyes widening slightly. When he spoke his intentions, though, Janus visibly relaxed.

“Oh. I- you don’t need to- really, I’m fine-“ he tried to give Remus his shirt back, feeling awful as the other man began to shiver with cold.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine- I don't mind! I can handle a little cold."

"Remus you idiot you're gonna give yourself hypothermia again-"

...again?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He shook his head, and shoved the shirt back into Remus’ hands.

“Please, you’ve done enough for me, I don’t need any more. I don’t want you to get sick because of me…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Really, it's fine! I was probably gonna lose my shirt at some point tonight anyway, honestly."

Remus, it seemed, wasn't backing down on this one.

Roman sighed, and tossed Remus the sweater he'd previously been wearing - though he didn't seem pleased about it.

"I hate that you're right about that, Remus... Honestly, he'd lose his head if it wasn't attached."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus reluctantly pulled the shirt back, still feeling guilty about it, but put it on nonetheless. He didn’t say anything, standing there and waiting for them to decide what they wanted to do. All he could think was how grateful he was to them, and how he hoped they would wait until morning before they decided how they wanted to be repaid.

[two-creative-royals]

"Well, you should probably stay with us- at the very least until that wound is healed."

Roman said simply, offering Janus a hand to help him walk safely while Remus put the sweater on.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

“Thank you,” he said softly, taking the offered hand. “I truly appreciate your help…”

[two-creative-royals]

For once, they actually acknowledged Janus saying thank you

"It's fine - don't worry, okay?"

Remus smiled as he spoke, and the two of them set off towards their home - Roman moving at a rather slow pace so he didn't rush Janus.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

I can’t think of a time where I haven’t needed to worry, he thought in response, but wisely didn’t say it. He followed them back, appreciative of romans slowed pace. As it was, he was struggling.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman would have moved slower, but he was getting a bit jittery, and would quite like to not be outdoors in this exact moment.

Eventually, they arrived at a small, cozy looking cabin. It couldn't have more than three rooms, maximum. Maybe a loft, but that was being generous.

"We don't really have a guest room or anything, but we have a pretty comfy couch, so that's good, right?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded wearily. He was so exhausted he would easily fall asleep on the floor.

“Yes, that’s good,” he replied verbally. “Thank you…”

[two-creative-royals]

Remus seemed happy that the couch would apparently be sufficient.

He happily opened the door, revealing that this cabin... Should probably be condemned.

It had a combined kitchen and living room, though it didn't look like it had much- if any- power, and there were two doors on the wall, probably leading to a bedroom and bathroom.

Still, it was better than nothing, right?

Roman guided Janus to the couch.

...Remus had really oversold how comfortable it was...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

To Janus, who had barely known anything but his solid cot and tiny quarters, it truly was comfortable to him.

Trusting that, for now, they wouldn’t hurt him, Janus finally let himself slip into blissful unconsciousness.

[two-creative-royals]

They let Janus sleep peacefully- barricading the doors and heading to bed.

They decided to let him sleep either until he woke naturally or until it was time to eat.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

In the end, he had to be woken up, or he was going to keep sleeping for the next two days. His sleep, for once, was free of nightmares, and Janus managed to actually rest.

[two-creative-royals]

Eventually, while Roman was cooking, Remus gently woke Janus up.

"Janus? We're making food, you want any?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He snapped awake, blinking up at…Remus. He sat up, getting his bearings as he recalled the events of the previous night. He’d…he’d escaped! He’d actually escaped! And not just the main compound, this time, but the entire facility! He was free!

He looked at Remus with an appreciative smile. “No, thank you,” he replied. “I ate two days ago.”

He said that as though it was completely normal to go this long without food. And, for him, it was.

[two-creative-royals]

Though he would never admit it, that had been normal for Remus for quite a long time too.

"Actually, people are supposed to eat every day. Multiple times a day, in fact! I don't really remember how many though..."

"It's three, Remus."

Roman stated with a soft sigh from the kitchen, before heading over to where Janus and Remus were with three plates of food - that being pancakes and strawberries, which Remus immediately lit up at.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus blinked in confusion.

“Every day? That…that doesn’t seem right…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Yeah, didn't really seem right to me at first either. But it's apparently a thing! Which is pretty great, cuz Ro's a really good cook!"

Remus had a giant smile at this point, staring intensely at the plates Roman was holding.

Roman noticed this, and intentionally handed Janus his food first - which Remus seemed a little bit frustrated about, but he got his plate next, so he wasn't upset for long.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus took the plate hesitantly, his head tilted slightly, waiting for permission to eat.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus and Roman sat down with their meals on the floor, quietly said "thank you for the food" to some unseen entity, despite the fact that Roman was the one who cooked said food, and Remus immediately started eating.

"We can eat now. Just... Don't eat as fast as Remus is, okay? He's going to make himself sick."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus watched them curiously, nodding when they said it was okay to eat. He started out slowly, knowing it was better to savour food when he got it than to eat it all at once.

“Thank you,” he murmured.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman was apparently a very good cook, which was pretty great.

Remus had somehow already finished most of his meal, which seemed to be fairly concerning for Roman, who'd eaten about three bites at this point.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus finished his meal at roughly the same time Roman did, equally as concerned with how quickly Remus had eaten. However, it wasn’t Janus’ place to say anything.

Besides, he expected now that they’d all eaten, they would be wanting to take their payment from him soon, however it was they wanted him to pay them. It wouldn’t be wise to offend either of them right now…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman quickly took their plates to the kitchen to wash them, and Remus got to work cleaning up the dust and dirt around the cottage - not even hinting at wanting Janus to help with his tidying.

Which... Was a bit confusing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus worried his bottom lip between his teeth. He…he should be helping, right? He shouldn’t just be sitting here. But. They hadn’t given him any instructions yet. He hadn’t been told what to do. He stressed about this for about a minute, before deciding to simply wait until he was given an order.

Practically silently, he slipped off of the couch and knelt on the floor, head bowed and hands folded neatly in his lap.

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus froze at the sound, his heart racing wildly in his chest. On instinct, he reached for his power, able to use it relatively freely now that he wasn’t confined to his prison in the facility - though the suppressant cuffs on each wrist were a hindrance.

He drew in a slow, quiet breath, feeling the temperature around him drop a few degrees as he prepared to defend himself.

[two-creative-royals]

There was another loud snap of a twig breaking, closer this time - followed by a voice Janus didn't recognize from the lab.

"Re, can we please go back to bed? I promise, there's nothing out here."

"And I promise there is something. I know I heard movement- can we please just look around a little more???"

"...Fine. But if we don't find something in the next half hour, I'm going back to bed."

Whoever the owners of the nearly identical voices were, they didn't seem to be looking for Janus specifically - though they would likely find him anyway, given how close they sounded.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus slowly began to back away, pulling his powers around him like a cloak, trying to hide himself, hide his presence. He winced when a tree branch dragged against a wound at his side, where the barbed perimeter fence of the facility had torn through him as he’d climbed over it. He was unable to hold in a hiss of pain.

[two-creative-royals]

The cracking sounds stopped.

"...You heard that, right? I told you something was out here!!!"

"Yeah, I heard that... But it's probably just a stray cat or something. Now can we please go home? Some people care about their beauty sleep."

Ah, so the owners of the voices weren't trying to come after him. That's... Probably good?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus held his breath. Maybe, if he just kept still, they would leave and go back to wherever the hell they came from.

…maybe, he could follow them from a distance, and they would lead him to civilisation, or at least something close to it.

Now that he thought about it, he truly had not thought this plan through very well. What was he even planning to do now that he’d escaped? Where was he to go? These people clearly weren’t hunting him, so…perhaps they could help him?

[two-creative-royals]

After a moment of near-silence from the mysterious voices - beyond occasional cracks from broken twigs - a bright light could be seen peaking through the foliage.

...Which meant that these strangers were now even closer than before... Great...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His breath hitched. He had to make a decision.

As it happened, his body made the decision for him. He was exhausted, the wound at his side bleeding sluggishly, sapping at his strength, and his knees gave out on him. He fell to the forest floor with a grunt, clutching his side.

[two-creative-royals]

The strangers heard the noise of him hitting the ground immediately.

"Yeah, that's not a stray cat, Roman."

One of the voices stated - sounding a bit concerned in all honesty.

The light dimmed - like it was now pointed at the ground - and the footsteps of the strangers approached quickly.

Which... Was not great.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

A groan caught in his throat, and he tried to push himself back to his feet without success. Panic swelled in his chest, fearful for what the strangers might do to him if they found him in such a position. He couldn’t show weakness, couldn’t be weak, could never show weakness-

[two-creative-royals]

Aaaaand suddenly the light was shining right on him from less than a foot away.

"Uhhh... Are you okay dude? You're kinda bleeding, like... A lot..."

Well obviously he isn't okay, but at least this stranger doesn't seem inherently dangerous..?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus flinched from the light, slowly raising his hands above his head in an attempt to both shield his eyes and show submission. He winced as the bleeding in his side steadily increased when he took the pressure off, and fought to keep himself conscious.

He kept quiet for the time being, trying to gauge how best to please the men so they might help him. If he could get it right, maybe he’d even get through this without giving them a reason to have to hurt him.

[two-creative-royals]

The other man arrived there in a moment - and apparently their voices weren't the only identical things about them. Which... Was pretty unnerving.

"Woah- that's a lot a lot of blood! How'd that even happen???"

The man who had first approached asked, seeming... Way too comfortable with the amount of blood in front of him.

The other, however, looked absolutely horrified.

"Remus, you weirdo, stop staring and go get a first aid kit!!! Are you able to walk? You can't stay here with an open wound- it isn't safe..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus couldn’t see them very well, only enough to realise they looked similar.

When the newcomer asked him a question, he shifted his attention to him properly. “Barbed fence, sir,” he answered robotically. “I lost my footing at the top.”

[two-creative-royals]

This, it seemed, was the wrong answer - as, despite the darkness, it was still incredibly easy to see how the man's eyes widened.

"Why... Why were you climbing a barbed fence..? Where did you come from? Did anyone follow you???"

He seemed scared... But not of Janus?

Weird...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Shit, fuck, I upset him, fix it fix it fix it-

His instinct was the tell the man the honest truth of where he’d come from, but the cautious side of him was wary enough to know that wasn’t a good idea. He couldn’t trust these men. If they knew where he’d come from, they’d send him back in a heartbeat for the reward.

“No- well, yes, but, I lost them, they don’t know where I am,” he answered carefully. Blood was still leaking from his wound at a pace that was beginning to worry even him. “Please,” he implored. “If I could- could trouble you for just one night, I’ll be out of your way by morning. I just need to rest.”

The wounded man looked up at them with big eyes, the torchlight revealing the painful-looking burn scars on the left side of his face and neck.

[two-creative-royals]

The man took a deep breath. He seemed really nervous...

"You're sure you lost them? If you're sure you lost them you can stay as long as you want, just- I need to know that you're sure."

Why was he so concerned about that??? It wasn't like Janus getting taken back would effect him, right?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, hope fluttering weakly in his heart. “I’m sure, I- thank you,” he breathed.

He tried to get up, moaning in pain as agony shot through him, and his vision went hazy. “Shit.”

[two-creative-royals]

The man seemed a bit calmer now- though he was still freaked out.

"Woah, hey - don't try to stand up right now, you've clearly lost a lot of blood. I can help you walk, but you shouldn't move until that wound is covered."

He said simply - carefully putting his hands on Janus' arms and gently guiding him back to the ground.

It sounded like the other one was almost back.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus jerked when he was touched, as though anticipating pain to follow, but when none came, he let the stranger guide him back down, his whole body shaking from the effort it took to not simply collapse into his arms.

“Thank- you,” he managed weakly.

[two-creative-royals]

Soon, the other one was back with a big first aid kit - the man who had guided him to the safety of the floor backing up a fair bit as the other spoke.

"Can I see your wound? Also, I'm Remus. Figure you should at least know my name, since it'd be weird if you didn't."

The one who had just returned- Remus- spoke far more gently than he had before, digging through the bag.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He nodded, pulling his shirt off over his head with a muffled grunt of pain. The wound looked…bad. Bad enough that, by all rights, he should’ve been unconscious ages ago.

“Janus,” he supplied in return, his voice weak.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus didn't seem particularly disturbed by this wound- simply pulling out a strange bottle and MANY rolls of bandages

"That's Roman. I'd let him introduce himself, but I'm pretty sure he'll hurl if he opens his mouth."

Roman did look a little green... Then again, that was one hell of a wound, so it made sense that he'd be freaked out by it.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus looked at the bottle, wanting to ask what it was but knowing better than to open his mouth and be annoying.

His eyes flicked to Roman, noting how uncomfortable the man looked, and immediately felt guilty for putting them in this situation. He should’ve just stayed hidden…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman had now looked away, and was taking some deep breaths.

Meanwhile, Remus had opened the random bottle, completely ignoring his duplicate's distress.

"This is an antiseptic, so I'm gonna use it to clean that up so it doesn't get infected, okay? It's gonna sting- like, a lot- but trust me when I say infections are way worse."

...Well, it was nice of him to tell Janus what he was doing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, fully aware. He remembered when he’d been injured in the field, and his handler had shooed away the medics, wanting to see if Janus could use his powers to heal himself. God…that had been an exhausting several days, but he’d managed to bring the injury down to something less life threatening, at least…

He shook the thoughts from his head. He was in no state to try and heal himself right now. Besides, Remus and Roman…they were helping him, for now. They hadn’t yet mentioned what they wanted in return, but Janus knew that whatever it was, he wouldn’t deny them.

Breathless, Janus thanked them both again.

[two-creative-royals]

Again, they didn't respond to his thanks- Remus simply getting to work cleaning and bandaging the wound.

From this close, it was much easier to see more details of his appearance - including the top of what looked like a barcode peaking out from under the collar of his shit.

Which... Was definitely a surprising thing to see on a random stranger.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus eyes caught on the barcode, and his brows furrowed slightly. It seemed…familiar, somehow. It wasn’t from the facility, the mark they’d branded onto the back of his shoulder was too different, but…he was certain he’d seen it somewhere before…

His lips pressed together tightly at their proximity, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed, the movement drawing attention to the crisscross of surgical scars there. He still didn’t know what that operation had been about, and it bothered him.

[two-creative-royals]

Luckily, Remus was too busy dealing with his wound to notice, saving Janus from any uncomfortable questions.

Soon enough, he had finished cleaning and wrapping the wound, and went to pass Janus back his shirt before noticing how torn and bloodied it was, and decided that he couldn't let Janus keep wearing it.

And so, without really thinking about it much, he just kinda... Took off his shirt and gave it to Janus.

"Here, you can borrow this until yours isn't a biohazard."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus thanked him softly after he finished, and struggled to his feet. He stopped breathing for several moments as Remus removed his shirt, his eyes widening slightly. When he spoke his intentions, though, Janus visibly relaxed.

“Oh. I- you don’t need to- really, I’m fine-“ he tried to give Remus his shirt back, feeling awful as the other man began to shiver with cold.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine- I don't mind! I can handle a little cold."

"Remus you idiot you're gonna give yourself hypothermia again-"

...again?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He shook his head, and shoved the shirt back into Remus’ hands.

“Please, you’ve done enough for me, I don’t need any more. I don’t want you to get sick because of me…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Really, it's fine! I was probably gonna lose my shirt at some point tonight anyway, honestly."

Remus, it seemed, wasn't backing down on this one.

Roman sighed, and tossed Remus the sweater he'd previously been wearing - though he didn't seem pleased about it.

"I hate that you're right about that, Remus... Honestly, he'd lose his head if it wasn't attached."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus reluctantly pulled the shirt back, still feeling guilty about it, but put it on nonetheless. He didn’t say anything, standing there and waiting for them to decide what they wanted to do. All he could think was how grateful he was to them, and how he hoped they would wait until morning before they decided how they wanted to be repaid.

[two-creative-royals]

"Well, you should probably stay with us- at the very least until that wound is healed."

Roman said simply, offering Janus a hand to help him walk safely while Remus put the sweater on.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

“Thank you,” he said softly, taking the offered hand. “I truly appreciate your help…”

[two-creative-royals]

For once, they actually acknowledged Janus saying thank you

"It's fine - don't worry, okay?"

Remus smiled as he spoke, and the two of them set off towards their home - Roman moving at a rather slow pace so he didn't rush Janus.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

I can’t think of a time where I haven’t needed to worry, he thought in response, but wisely didn’t say it. He followed them back, appreciative of romans slowed pace. As it was, he was struggling.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman would have moved slower, but he was getting a bit jittery, and would quite like to not be outdoors in this exact moment.

Eventually, they arrived at a small, cozy looking cabin. It couldn't have more than three rooms, maximum. Maybe a loft, but that was being generous.

"We don't really have a guest room or anything, but we have a pretty comfy couch, so that's good, right?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded wearily. He was so exhausted he would easily fall asleep on the floor.

“Yes, that’s good,” he replied verbally. “Thank you…”

[two-creative-royals]

Remus seemed happy that the couch would apparently be sufficient.

He happily opened the door, revealing that this cabin... Should probably be condemned.

It had a combined kitchen and living room, though it didn't look like it had much- if any- power, and there were two doors on the wall, probably leading to a bedroom and bathroom.

Still, it was better than nothing, right?

Roman guided Janus to the couch.

...Remus had really oversold how comfortable it was...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

To Janus, who had barely known anything but his solid cot and tiny quarters, it truly was comfortable to him.

Trusting that, for now, they wouldn’t hurt him, Janus finally let himself slip into blissful unconsciousness.

[two-creative-royals]

They let Janus sleep peacefully- barricading the doors and heading to bed.

They decided to let him sleep either until he woke naturally or until it was time to eat.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

In the end, he had to be woken up, or he was going to keep sleeping for the next two days. His sleep, for once, was free of nightmares, and Janus managed to actually rest.

[two-creative-royals]

Eventually, while Roman was cooking, Remus gently woke Janus up.

"Janus? We're making food, you want any?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He snapped awake, blinking up at…Remus. He sat up, getting his bearings as he recalled the events of the previous night. He’d…he’d escaped! He’d actually escaped! And not just the main compound, this time, but the entire facility! He was free!

He looked at Remus with an appreciative smile. “No, thank you,” he replied. “I ate two days ago.”

He said that as though it was completely normal to go this long without food. And, for him, it was.

[two-creative-royals]

Though he would never admit it, that had been normal for Remus for quite a long time too.

"Actually, people are supposed to eat every day. Multiple times a day, in fact! I don't really remember how many though..."

"It's three, Remus."

Roman stated with a soft sigh from the kitchen, before heading over to where Janus and Remus were with three plates of food - that being pancakes and strawberries, which Remus immediately lit up at.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus blinked in confusion.

“Every day? That…that doesn’t seem right…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Yeah, didn't really seem right to me at first either. But it's apparently a thing! Which is pretty great, cuz Ro's a really good cook!"

Remus had a giant smile at this point, staring intensely at the plates Roman was holding.

Roman noticed this, and intentionally handed Janus his food first - which Remus seemed a little bit frustrated about, but he got his plate next, so he wasn't upset for long.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus took the plate hesitantly, his head tilted slightly, waiting for permission to eat.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus and Roman sat down with their meals on the floor, quietly said "thank you for the food" to some unseen entity, despite the fact that Roman was the one who cooked said food, and Remus immediately started eating.

"We can eat now. Just... Don't eat as fast as Remus is, okay? He's going to make himself sick."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus watched them curiously, nodding when they said it was okay to eat. He started out slowly, knowing it was better to savour food when he got it than to eat it all at once.

“Thank you,” he murmured.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman was apparently a very good cook, which was pretty great.

Remus had somehow already finished most of his meal, which seemed to be fairly concerning for Roman, who'd eaten about three bites at this point.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus finished his meal at roughly the same time Roman did, equally as concerned with how quickly Remus had eaten. However, it wasn’t Janus’ place to say anything.

Besides, he expected now that they’d all eaten, they would be wanting to take their payment from him soon, however it was they wanted him to pay them. It wouldn’t be wise to offend either of them right now…

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus froze at the sound, his heart racing wildly in his chest. On instinct, he reached for his power, able to use it relatively freely now that he wasn’t confined to his prison in the facility - though the suppressant cuffs on each wrist were a hindrance.

He drew in a slow, quiet breath, feeling the temperature around him drop a few degrees as he prepared to defend himself.

[two-creative-royals]

There was another loud snap of a twig breaking, closer this time - followed by a voice Janus didn't recognize from the lab.

"Re, can we please go back to bed? I promise, there's nothing out here."

"And I promise there is something. I know I heard movement- can we please just look around a little more???"

"...Fine. But if we don't find something in the next half hour, I'm going back to bed."

Whoever the owners of the nearly identical voices were, they didn't seem to be looking for Janus specifically - though they would likely find him anyway, given how close they sounded.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus slowly began to back away, pulling his powers around him like a cloak, trying to hide himself, hide his presence. He winced when a tree branch dragged against a wound at his side, where the barbed perimeter fence of the facility had torn through him as he’d climbed over it. He was unable to hold in a hiss of pain.

[two-creative-royals]

The cracking sounds stopped.

"...You heard that, right? I told you something was out here!!!"

"Yeah, I heard that... But it's probably just a stray cat or something. Now can we please go home? Some people care about their beauty sleep."

Ah, so the owners of the voices weren't trying to come after him. That's... Probably good?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus held his breath. Maybe, if he just kept still, they would leave and go back to wherever the hell they came from.

…maybe, he could follow them from a distance, and they would lead him to civilisation, or at least something close to it.

Now that he thought about it, he truly had not thought this plan through very well. What was he even planning to do now that he’d escaped? Where was he to go? These people clearly weren’t hunting him, so…perhaps they could help him?

[two-creative-royals]

After a moment of near-silence from the mysterious voices - beyond occasional cracks from broken twigs - a bright light could be seen peaking through the foliage.

...Which meant that these strangers were now even closer than before... Great...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His breath hitched. He had to make a decision.

As it happened, his body made the decision for him. He was exhausted, the wound at his side bleeding sluggishly, sapping at his strength, and his knees gave out on him. He fell to the forest floor with a grunt, clutching his side.

[two-creative-royals]

The strangers heard the noise of him hitting the ground immediately.

"Yeah, that's not a stray cat, Roman."

One of the voices stated - sounding a bit concerned in all honesty.

The light dimmed - like it was now pointed at the ground - and the footsteps of the strangers approached quickly.

Which... Was not great.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

A groan caught in his throat, and he tried to push himself back to his feet without success. Panic swelled in his chest, fearful for what the strangers might do to him if they found him in such a position. He couldn’t show weakness, couldn’t be weak, could never show weakness-

[two-creative-royals]

Aaaaand suddenly the light was shining right on him from less than a foot away.

"Uhhh... Are you okay dude? You're kinda bleeding, like... A lot..."

Well obviously he isn't okay, but at least this stranger doesn't seem inherently dangerous..?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus flinched from the light, slowly raising his hands above his head in an attempt to both shield his eyes and show submission. He winced as the bleeding in his side steadily increased when he took the pressure off, and fought to keep himself conscious.

He kept quiet for the time being, trying to gauge how best to please the men so they might help him. If he could get it right, maybe he’d even get through this without giving them a reason to have to hurt him.

[two-creative-royals]

The other man arrived there in a moment - and apparently their voices weren't the only identical things about them. Which... Was pretty unnerving.

"Woah- that's a lot a lot of blood! How'd that even happen???"

The man who had first approached asked, seeming... Way too comfortable with the amount of blood in front of him.

The other, however, looked absolutely horrified.

"Remus, you weirdo, stop staring and go get a first aid kit!!! Are you able to walk? You can't stay here with an open wound- it isn't safe..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus couldn’t see them very well, only enough to realise they looked similar.

When the newcomer asked him a question, he shifted his attention to him properly. “Barbed fence, sir,” he answered robotically. “I lost my footing at the top.”

[two-creative-royals]

This, it seemed, was the wrong answer - as, despite the darkness, it was still incredibly easy to see how the man's eyes widened.

"Why... Why were you climbing a barbed fence..? Where did you come from? Did anyone follow you???"

He seemed scared... But not of Janus?

Weird...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Shit, fuck, I upset him, fix it fix it fix it-

His instinct was the tell the man the honest truth of where he’d come from, but the cautious side of him was wary enough to know that wasn’t a good idea. He couldn’t trust these men. If they knew where he’d come from, they’d send him back in a heartbeat for the reward.

“No- well, yes, but, I lost them, they don’t know where I am,” he answered carefully. Blood was still leaking from his wound at a pace that was beginning to worry even him. “Please,” he implored. “If I could- could trouble you for just one night, I’ll be out of your way by morning. I just need to rest.”

The wounded man looked up at them with big eyes, the torchlight revealing the painful-looking burn scars on the left side of his face and neck.

[two-creative-royals]

The man took a deep breath. He seemed really nervous...

"You're sure you lost them? If you're sure you lost them you can stay as long as you want, just- I need to know that you're sure."

Why was he so concerned about that??? It wasn't like Janus getting taken back would effect him, right?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, hope fluttering weakly in his heart. “I’m sure, I- thank you,” he breathed.

He tried to get up, moaning in pain as agony shot through him, and his vision went hazy. “Shit.”

[two-creative-royals]

The man seemed a bit calmer now- though he was still freaked out.

"Woah, hey - don't try to stand up right now, you've clearly lost a lot of blood. I can help you walk, but you shouldn't move until that wound is covered."

He said simply - carefully putting his hands on Janus' arms and gently guiding him back to the ground.

It sounded like the other one was almost back.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus jerked when he was touched, as though anticipating pain to follow, but when none came, he let the stranger guide him back down, his whole body shaking from the effort it took to not simply collapse into his arms.

“Thank- you,” he managed weakly.

[two-creative-royals]

Soon, the other one was back with a big first aid kit - the man who had guided him to the safety of the floor backing up a fair bit as the other spoke.

"Can I see your wound? Also, I'm Remus. Figure you should at least know my name, since it'd be weird if you didn't."

The one who had just returned- Remus- spoke far more gently than he had before, digging through the bag.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He nodded, pulling his shirt off over his head with a muffled grunt of pain. The wound looked…bad. Bad enough that, by all rights, he should’ve been unconscious ages ago.

“Janus,” he supplied in return, his voice weak.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus didn't seem particularly disturbed by this wound- simply pulling out a strange bottle and MANY rolls of bandages

"That's Roman. I'd let him introduce himself, but I'm pretty sure he'll hurl if he opens his mouth."

Roman did look a little green... Then again, that was one hell of a wound, so it made sense that he'd be freaked out by it.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus looked at the bottle, wanting to ask what it was but knowing better than to open his mouth and be annoying.

His eyes flicked to Roman, noting how uncomfortable the man looked, and immediately felt guilty for putting them in this situation. He should’ve just stayed hidden…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman had now looked away, and was taking some deep breaths.

Meanwhile, Remus had opened the random bottle, completely ignoring his duplicate's distress.

"This is an antiseptic, so I'm gonna use it to clean that up so it doesn't get infected, okay? It's gonna sting- like, a lot- but trust me when I say infections are way worse."

...Well, it was nice of him to tell Janus what he was doing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, fully aware. He remembered when he’d been injured in the field, and his handler had shooed away the medics, wanting to see if Janus could use his powers to heal himself. God…that had been an exhausting several days, but he’d managed to bring the injury down to something less life threatening, at least…

He shook the thoughts from his head. He was in no state to try and heal himself right now. Besides, Remus and Roman…they were helping him, for now. They hadn’t yet mentioned what they wanted in return, but Janus knew that whatever it was, he wouldn’t deny them.

Breathless, Janus thanked them both again.

[two-creative-royals]

Again, they didn't respond to his thanks- Remus simply getting to work cleaning and bandaging the wound.

From this close, it was much easier to see more details of his appearance - including the top of what looked like a barcode peaking out from under the collar of his shit.

Which... Was definitely a surprising thing to see on a random stranger.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus eyes caught on the barcode, and his brows furrowed slightly. It seemed…familiar, somehow. It wasn’t from the facility, the mark they’d branded onto the back of his shoulder was too different, but…he was certain he’d seen it somewhere before…

His lips pressed together tightly at their proximity, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed, the movement drawing attention to the crisscross of surgical scars there. He still didn’t know what that operation had been about, and it bothered him.

[two-creative-royals]

Luckily, Remus was too busy dealing with his wound to notice, saving Janus from any uncomfortable questions.

Soon enough, he had finished cleaning and wrapping the wound, and went to pass Janus back his shirt before noticing how torn and bloodied it was, and decided that he couldn't let Janus keep wearing it.

And so, without really thinking about it much, he just kinda... Took off his shirt and gave it to Janus.

"Here, you can borrow this until yours isn't a biohazard."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus thanked him softly after he finished, and struggled to his feet. He stopped breathing for several moments as Remus removed his shirt, his eyes widening slightly. When he spoke his intentions, though, Janus visibly relaxed.

“Oh. I- you don’t need to- really, I’m fine-“ he tried to give Remus his shirt back, feeling awful as the other man began to shiver with cold.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine- I don't mind! I can handle a little cold."

"Remus you idiot you're gonna give yourself hypothermia again-"

...again?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He shook his head, and shoved the shirt back into Remus’ hands.

“Please, you’ve done enough for me, I don’t need any more. I don’t want you to get sick because of me…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Really, it's fine! I was probably gonna lose my shirt at some point tonight anyway, honestly."

Remus, it seemed, wasn't backing down on this one.

Roman sighed, and tossed Remus the sweater he'd previously been wearing - though he didn't seem pleased about it.

"I hate that you're right about that, Remus... Honestly, he'd lose his head if it wasn't attached."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus reluctantly pulled the shirt back, still feeling guilty about it, but put it on nonetheless. He didn’t say anything, standing there and waiting for them to decide what they wanted to do. All he could think was how grateful he was to them, and how he hoped they would wait until morning before they decided how they wanted to be repaid.

[two-creative-royals]

"Well, you should probably stay with us- at the very least until that wound is healed."

Roman said simply, offering Janus a hand to help him walk safely while Remus put the sweater on.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

“Thank you,” he said softly, taking the offered hand. “I truly appreciate your help…”

[two-creative-royals]

For once, they actually acknowledged Janus saying thank you

"It's fine - don't worry, okay?"

Remus smiled as he spoke, and the two of them set off towards their home - Roman moving at a rather slow pace so he didn't rush Janus.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

I can’t think of a time where I haven’t needed to worry, he thought in response, but wisely didn’t say it. He followed them back, appreciative of romans slowed pace. As it was, he was struggling.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman would have moved slower, but he was getting a bit jittery, and would quite like to not be outdoors in this exact moment.

Eventually, they arrived at a small, cozy looking cabin. It couldn't have more than three rooms, maximum. Maybe a loft, but that was being generous.

"We don't really have a guest room or anything, but we have a pretty comfy couch, so that's good, right?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded wearily. He was so exhausted he would easily fall asleep on the floor.

“Yes, that’s good,” he replied verbally. “Thank you…”

[two-creative-royals]

Remus seemed happy that the couch would apparently be sufficient.

He happily opened the door, revealing that this cabin... Should probably be condemned.

It had a combined kitchen and living room, though it didn't look like it had much- if any- power, and there were two doors on the wall, probably leading to a bedroom and bathroom.

Still, it was better than nothing, right?

Roman guided Janus to the couch.

...Remus had really oversold how comfortable it was...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

To Janus, who had barely known anything but his solid cot and tiny quarters, it truly was comfortable to him.

Trusting that, for now, they wouldn’t hurt him, Janus finally let himself slip into blissful unconsciousness.

[two-creative-royals]

They let Janus sleep peacefully- barricading the doors and heading to bed.

They decided to let him sleep either until he woke naturally or until it was time to eat.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

In the end, he had to be woken up, or he was going to keep sleeping for the next two days. His sleep, for once, was free of nightmares, and Janus managed to actually rest.

[two-creative-royals]

Eventually, while Roman was cooking, Remus gently woke Janus up.

"Janus? We're making food, you want any?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He snapped awake, blinking up at…Remus. He sat up, getting his bearings as he recalled the events of the previous night. He’d…he’d escaped! He’d actually escaped! And not just the main compound, this time, but the entire facility! He was free!

He looked at Remus with an appreciative smile. “No, thank you,” he replied. “I ate two days ago.”

He said that as though it was completely normal to go this long without food. And, for him, it was.

[two-creative-royals]

Though he would never admit it, that had been normal for Remus for quite a long time too.

"Actually, people are supposed to eat every day. Multiple times a day, in fact! I don't really remember how many though..."

"It's three, Remus."

Roman stated with a soft sigh from the kitchen, before heading over to where Janus and Remus were with three plates of food - that being pancakes and strawberries, which Remus immediately lit up at.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus blinked in confusion.

“Every day? That…that doesn’t seem right…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Yeah, didn't really seem right to me at first either. But it's apparently a thing! Which is pretty great, cuz Ro's a really good cook!"

Remus had a giant smile at this point, staring intensely at the plates Roman was holding.

Roman noticed this, and intentionally handed Janus his food first - which Remus seemed a little bit frustrated about, but he got his plate next, so he wasn't upset for long.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus took the plate hesitantly, his head tilted slightly, waiting for permission to eat.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus and Roman sat down with their meals on the floor, quietly said "thank you for the food" to some unseen entity, despite the fact that Roman was the one who cooked said food, and Remus immediately started eating.

"We can eat now. Just... Don't eat as fast as Remus is, okay? He's going to make himself sick."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus watched them curiously, nodding when they said it was okay to eat. He started out slowly, knowing it was better to savour food when he got it than to eat it all at once.

“Thank you,” he murmured.

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus froze at the sound, his heart racing wildly in his chest. On instinct, he reached for his power, able to use it relatively freely now that he wasn’t confined to his prison in the facility - though the suppressant cuffs on each wrist were a hindrance.

He drew in a slow, quiet breath, feeling the temperature around him drop a few degrees as he prepared to defend himself.

[two-creative-royals]

There was another loud snap of a twig breaking, closer this time - followed by a voice Janus didn't recognize from the lab.

"Re, can we please go back to bed? I promise, there's nothing out here."

"And I promise there is something. I know I heard movement- can we please just look around a little more???"

"...Fine. But if we don't find something in the next half hour, I'm going back to bed."

Whoever the owners of the nearly identical voices were, they didn't seem to be looking for Janus specifically - though they would likely find him anyway, given how close they sounded.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus slowly began to back away, pulling his powers around him like a cloak, trying to hide himself, hide his presence. He winced when a tree branch dragged against a wound at his side, where the barbed perimeter fence of the facility had torn through him as he’d climbed over it. He was unable to hold in a hiss of pain.

[two-creative-royals]

The cracking sounds stopped.

"...You heard that, right? I told you something was out here!!!"

"Yeah, I heard that... But it's probably just a stray cat or something. Now can we please go home? Some people care about their beauty sleep."

Ah, so the owners of the voices weren't trying to come after him. That's... Probably good?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus held his breath. Maybe, if he just kept still, they would leave and go back to wherever the hell they came from.

…maybe, he could follow them from a distance, and they would lead him to civilisation, or at least something close to it.

Now that he thought about it, he truly had not thought this plan through very well. What was he even planning to do now that he’d escaped? Where was he to go? These people clearly weren’t hunting him, so…perhaps they could help him?

[two-creative-royals]

After a moment of near-silence from the mysterious voices - beyond occasional cracks from broken twigs - a bright light could be seen peaking through the foliage.

...Which meant that these strangers were now even closer than before... Great...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His breath hitched. He had to make a decision.

As it happened, his body made the decision for him. He was exhausted, the wound at his side bleeding sluggishly, sapping at his strength, and his knees gave out on him. He fell to the forest floor with a grunt, clutching his side.

[two-creative-royals]

The strangers heard the noise of him hitting the ground immediately.

"Yeah, that's not a stray cat, Roman."

One of the voices stated - sounding a bit concerned in all honesty.

The light dimmed - like it was now pointed at the ground - and the footsteps of the strangers approached quickly.

Which... Was not great.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

A groan caught in his throat, and he tried to push himself back to his feet without success. Panic swelled in his chest, fearful for what the strangers might do to him if they found him in such a position. He couldn’t show weakness, couldn’t be weak, could never show weakness-

[two-creative-royals]

Aaaaand suddenly the light was shining right on him from less than a foot away.

"Uhhh... Are you okay dude? You're kinda bleeding, like... A lot..."

Well obviously he isn't okay, but at least this stranger doesn't seem inherently dangerous..?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus flinched from the light, slowly raising his hands above his head in an attempt to both shield his eyes and show submission. He winced as the bleeding in his side steadily increased when he took the pressure off, and fought to keep himself conscious.

He kept quiet for the time being, trying to gauge how best to please the men so they might help him. If he could get it right, maybe he’d even get through this without giving them a reason to have to hurt him.

[two-creative-royals]

The other man arrived there in a moment - and apparently their voices weren't the only identical things about them. Which... Was pretty unnerving.

"Woah- that's a lot a lot of blood! How'd that even happen???"

The man who had first approached asked, seeming... Way too comfortable with the amount of blood in front of him.

The other, however, looked absolutely horrified.

"Remus, you weirdo, stop staring and go get a first aid kit!!! Are you able to walk? You can't stay here with an open wound- it isn't safe..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus couldn’t see them very well, only enough to realise they looked similar.

When the newcomer asked him a question, he shifted his attention to him properly. “Barbed fence, sir,” he answered robotically. “I lost my footing at the top.”

[two-creative-royals]

This, it seemed, was the wrong answer - as, despite the darkness, it was still incredibly easy to see how the man's eyes widened.

"Why... Why were you climbing a barbed fence..? Where did you come from? Did anyone follow you???"

He seemed scared... But not of Janus?

Weird...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Shit, fuck, I upset him, fix it fix it fix it-

His instinct was the tell the man the honest truth of where he’d come from, but the cautious side of him was wary enough to know that wasn’t a good idea. He couldn’t trust these men. If they knew where he’d come from, they’d send him back in a heartbeat for the reward.

“No- well, yes, but, I lost them, they don’t know where I am,” he answered carefully. Blood was still leaking from his wound at a pace that was beginning to worry even him. “Please,” he implored. “If I could- could trouble you for just one night, I’ll be out of your way by morning. I just need to rest.”

The wounded man looked up at them with big eyes, the torchlight revealing the painful-looking burn scars on the left side of his face and neck.

[two-creative-royals]

The man took a deep breath. He seemed really nervous...

"You're sure you lost them? If you're sure you lost them you can stay as long as you want, just- I need to know that you're sure."

Why was he so concerned about that??? It wasn't like Janus getting taken back would effect him, right?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, hope fluttering weakly in his heart. “I’m sure, I- thank you,” he breathed.

He tried to get up, moaning in pain as agony shot through him, and his vision went hazy. “Shit.”

[two-creative-royals]

The man seemed a bit calmer now- though he was still freaked out.

"Woah, hey - don't try to stand up right now, you've clearly lost a lot of blood. I can help you walk, but you shouldn't move until that wound is covered."

He said simply - carefully putting his hands on Janus' arms and gently guiding him back to the ground.

It sounded like the other one was almost back.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus jerked when he was touched, as though anticipating pain to follow, but when none came, he let the stranger guide him back down, his whole body shaking from the effort it took to not simply collapse into his arms.

“Thank- you,” he managed weakly.

[two-creative-royals]

Soon, the other one was back with a big first aid kit - the man who had guided him to the safety of the floor backing up a fair bit as the other spoke.

"Can I see your wound? Also, I'm Remus. Figure you should at least know my name, since it'd be weird if you didn't."

The one who had just returned- Remus- spoke far more gently than he had before, digging through the bag.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He nodded, pulling his shirt off over his head with a muffled grunt of pain. The wound looked…bad. Bad enough that, by all rights, he should’ve been unconscious ages ago.

“Janus,” he supplied in return, his voice weak.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus didn't seem particularly disturbed by this wound- simply pulling out a strange bottle and MANY rolls of bandages

"That's Roman. I'd let him introduce himself, but I'm pretty sure he'll hurl if he opens his mouth."

Roman did look a little green... Then again, that was one hell of a wound, so it made sense that he'd be freaked out by it.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus looked at the bottle, wanting to ask what it was but knowing better than to open his mouth and be annoying.

His eyes flicked to Roman, noting how uncomfortable the man looked, and immediately felt guilty for putting them in this situation. He should’ve just stayed hidden…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman had now looked away, and was taking some deep breaths.

Meanwhile, Remus had opened the random bottle, completely ignoring his duplicate's distress.

"This is an antiseptic, so I'm gonna use it to clean that up so it doesn't get infected, okay? It's gonna sting- like, a lot- but trust me when I say infections are way worse."

...Well, it was nice of him to tell Janus what he was doing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, fully aware. He remembered when he’d been injured in the field, and his handler had shooed away the medics, wanting to see if Janus could use his powers to heal himself. God…that had been an exhausting several days, but he’d managed to bring the injury down to something less life threatening, at least…

He shook the thoughts from his head. He was in no state to try and heal himself right now. Besides, Remus and Roman…they were helping him, for now. They hadn’t yet mentioned what they wanted in return, but Janus knew that whatever it was, he wouldn’t deny them.

Breathless, Janus thanked them both again.

[two-creative-royals]

Again, they didn't respond to his thanks- Remus simply getting to work cleaning and bandaging the wound.

From this close, it was much easier to see more details of his appearance - including the top of what looked like a barcode peaking out from under the collar of his shit.

Which... Was definitely a surprising thing to see on a random stranger.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus eyes caught on the barcode, and his brows furrowed slightly. It seemed…familiar, somehow. It wasn’t from the facility, the mark they’d branded onto the back of his shoulder was too different, but…he was certain he’d seen it somewhere before…

His lips pressed together tightly at their proximity, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed, the movement drawing attention to the crisscross of surgical scars there. He still didn’t know what that operation had been about, and it bothered him.

[two-creative-royals]

Luckily, Remus was too busy dealing with his wound to notice, saving Janus from any uncomfortable questions.

Soon enough, he had finished cleaning and wrapping the wound, and went to pass Janus back his shirt before noticing how torn and bloodied it was, and decided that he couldn't let Janus keep wearing it.

And so, without really thinking about it much, he just kinda... Took off his shirt and gave it to Janus.

"Here, you can borrow this until yours isn't a biohazard."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus thanked him softly after he finished, and struggled to his feet. He stopped breathing for several moments as Remus removed his shirt, his eyes widening slightly. When he spoke his intentions, though, Janus visibly relaxed.

“Oh. I- you don’t need to- really, I’m fine-“ he tried to give Remus his shirt back, feeling awful as the other man began to shiver with cold.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine- I don't mind! I can handle a little cold."

"Remus you idiot you're gonna give yourself hypothermia again-"

...again?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He shook his head, and shoved the shirt back into Remus’ hands.

“Please, you’ve done enough for me, I don’t need any more. I don’t want you to get sick because of me…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Really, it's fine! I was probably gonna lose my shirt at some point tonight anyway, honestly."

Remus, it seemed, wasn't backing down on this one.

Roman sighed, and tossed Remus the sweater he'd previously been wearing - though he didn't seem pleased about it.

"I hate that you're right about that, Remus... Honestly, he'd lose his head if it wasn't attached."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus reluctantly pulled the shirt back, still feeling guilty about it, but put it on nonetheless. He didn’t say anything, standing there and waiting for them to decide what they wanted to do. All he could think was how grateful he was to them, and how he hoped they would wait until morning before they decided how they wanted to be repaid.

[two-creative-royals]

"Well, you should probably stay with us- at the very least until that wound is healed."

Roman said simply, offering Janus a hand to help him walk safely while Remus put the sweater on.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

“Thank you,” he said softly, taking the offered hand. “I truly appreciate your help…”

[two-creative-royals]

For once, they actually acknowledged Janus saying thank you

"It's fine - don't worry, okay?"

Remus smiled as he spoke, and the two of them set off towards their home - Roman moving at a rather slow pace so he didn't rush Janus.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

I can’t think of a time where I haven’t needed to worry, he thought in response, but wisely didn’t say it. He followed them back, appreciative of romans slowed pace. As it was, he was struggling.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman would have moved slower, but he was getting a bit jittery, and would quite like to not be outdoors in this exact moment.

Eventually, they arrived at a small, cozy looking cabin. It couldn't have more than three rooms, maximum. Maybe a loft, but that was being generous.

"We don't really have a guest room or anything, but we have a pretty comfy couch, so that's good, right?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded wearily. He was so exhausted he would easily fall asleep on the floor.

“Yes, that’s good,” he replied verbally. “Thank you…”

[two-creative-royals]

Remus seemed happy that the couch would apparently be sufficient.

He happily opened the door, revealing that this cabin... Should probably be condemned.

It had a combined kitchen and living room, though it didn't look like it had much- if any- power, and there were two doors on the wall, probably leading to a bedroom and bathroom.

Still, it was better than nothing, right?

Roman guided Janus to the couch.

...Remus had really oversold how comfortable it was...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

To Janus, who had barely known anything but his solid cot and tiny quarters, it truly was comfortable to him.

Trusting that, for now, they wouldn’t hurt him, Janus finally let himself slip into blissful unconsciousness.

[two-creative-royals]

They let Janus sleep peacefully- barricading the doors and heading to bed.

They decided to let him sleep either until he woke naturally or until it was time to eat.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

In the end, he had to be woken up, or he was going to keep sleeping for the next two days. His sleep, for once, was free of nightmares, and Janus managed to actually rest.

[two-creative-royals]

Eventually, while Roman was cooking, Remus gently woke Janus up.

"Janus? We're making food, you want any?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He snapped awake, blinking up at…Remus. He sat up, getting his bearings as he recalled the events of the previous night. He’d…he’d escaped! He’d actually escaped! And not just the main compound, this time, but the entire facility! He was free!

He looked at Remus with an appreciative smile. “No, thank you,” he replied. “I ate two days ago.”

He said that as though it was completely normal to go this long without food. And, for him, it was.

[two-creative-royals]

Though he would never admit it, that had been normal for Remus for quite a long time too.

"Actually, people are supposed to eat every day. Multiple times a day, in fact! I don't really remember how many though..."

"It's three, Remus."

Roman stated with a soft sigh from the kitchen, before heading over to where Janus and Remus were with three plates of food - that being pancakes and strawberries, which Remus immediately lit up at.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus blinked in confusion.

“Every day? That…that doesn’t seem right…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Yeah, didn't really seem right to me at first either. But it's apparently a thing! Which is pretty great, cuz Ro's a really good cook!"

Remus had a giant smile at this point, staring intensely at the plates Roman was holding.

Roman noticed this, and intentionally handed Janus his food first - which Remus seemed a little bit frustrated about, but he got his plate next, so he wasn't upset for long.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus took the plate hesitantly, his head tilted slightly, waiting for permission to eat.

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus froze at the sound, his heart racing wildly in his chest. On instinct, he reached for his power, able to use it relatively freely now that he wasn’t confined to his prison in the facility - though the suppressant cuffs on each wrist were a hindrance.

He drew in a slow, quiet breath, feeling the temperature around him drop a few degrees as he prepared to defend himself.

[two-creative-royals]

There was another loud snap of a twig breaking, closer this time - followed by a voice Janus didn't recognize from the lab.

"Re, can we please go back to bed? I promise, there's nothing out here."

"And I promise there is something. I know I heard movement- can we please just look around a little more???"

"...Fine. But if we don't find something in the next half hour, I'm going back to bed."

Whoever the owners of the nearly identical voices were, they didn't seem to be looking for Janus specifically - though they would likely find him anyway, given how close they sounded.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus slowly began to back away, pulling his powers around him like a cloak, trying to hide himself, hide his presence. He winced when a tree branch dragged against a wound at his side, where the barbed perimeter fence of the facility had torn through him as he’d climbed over it. He was unable to hold in a hiss of pain.

[two-creative-royals]

The cracking sounds stopped.

"...You heard that, right? I told you something was out here!!!"

"Yeah, I heard that... But it's probably just a stray cat or something. Now can we please go home? Some people care about their beauty sleep."

Ah, so the owners of the voices weren't trying to come after him. That's... Probably good?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus held his breath. Maybe, if he just kept still, they would leave and go back to wherever the hell they came from.

…maybe, he could follow them from a distance, and they would lead him to civilisation, or at least something close to it.

Now that he thought about it, he truly had not thought this plan through very well. What was he even planning to do now that he’d escaped? Where was he to go? These people clearly weren’t hunting him, so…perhaps they could help him?

[two-creative-royals]

After a moment of near-silence from the mysterious voices - beyond occasional cracks from broken twigs - a bright light could be seen peaking through the foliage.

...Which meant that these strangers were now even closer than before... Great...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His breath hitched. He had to make a decision.

As it happened, his body made the decision for him. He was exhausted, the wound at his side bleeding sluggishly, sapping at his strength, and his knees gave out on him. He fell to the forest floor with a grunt, clutching his side.

[two-creative-royals]

The strangers heard the noise of him hitting the ground immediately.

"Yeah, that's not a stray cat, Roman."

One of the voices stated - sounding a bit concerned in all honesty.

The light dimmed - like it was now pointed at the ground - and the footsteps of the strangers approached quickly.

Which... Was not great.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

A groan caught in his throat, and he tried to push himself back to his feet without success. Panic swelled in his chest, fearful for what the strangers might do to him if they found him in such a position. He couldn’t show weakness, couldn’t be weak, could never show weakness-

[two-creative-royals]

Aaaaand suddenly the light was shining right on him from less than a foot away.

"Uhhh... Are you okay dude? You're kinda bleeding, like... A lot..."

Well obviously he isn't okay, but at least this stranger doesn't seem inherently dangerous..?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus flinched from the light, slowly raising his hands above his head in an attempt to both shield his eyes and show submission. He winced as the bleeding in his side steadily increased when he took the pressure off, and fought to keep himself conscious.

He kept quiet for the time being, trying to gauge how best to please the men so they might help him. If he could get it right, maybe he’d even get through this without giving them a reason to have to hurt him.

[two-creative-royals]

The other man arrived there in a moment - and apparently their voices weren't the only identical things about them. Which... Was pretty unnerving.

"Woah- that's a lot a lot of blood! How'd that even happen???"

The man who had first approached asked, seeming... Way too comfortable with the amount of blood in front of him.

The other, however, looked absolutely horrified.

"Remus, you weirdo, stop staring and go get a first aid kit!!! Are you able to walk? You can't stay here with an open wound- it isn't safe..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus couldn’t see them very well, only enough to realise they looked similar.

When the newcomer asked him a question, he shifted his attention to him properly. “Barbed fence, sir,” he answered robotically. “I lost my footing at the top.”

[two-creative-royals]

This, it seemed, was the wrong answer - as, despite the darkness, it was still incredibly easy to see how the man's eyes widened.

"Why... Why were you climbing a barbed fence..? Where did you come from? Did anyone follow you???"

He seemed scared... But not of Janus?

Weird...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Shit, fuck, I upset him, fix it fix it fix it-

His instinct was the tell the man the honest truth of where he’d come from, but the cautious side of him was wary enough to know that wasn’t a good idea. He couldn’t trust these men. If they knew where he’d come from, they’d send him back in a heartbeat for the reward.

“No- well, yes, but, I lost them, they don’t know where I am,” he answered carefully. Blood was still leaking from his wound at a pace that was beginning to worry even him. “Please,” he implored. “If I could- could trouble you for just one night, I’ll be out of your way by morning. I just need to rest.”

The wounded man looked up at them with big eyes, the torchlight revealing the painful-looking burn scars on the left side of his face and neck.

[two-creative-royals]

The man took a deep breath. He seemed really nervous...

"You're sure you lost them? If you're sure you lost them you can stay as long as you want, just- I need to know that you're sure."

Why was he so concerned about that??? It wasn't like Janus getting taken back would effect him, right?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, hope fluttering weakly in his heart. “I’m sure, I- thank you,” he breathed.

He tried to get up, moaning in pain as agony shot through him, and his vision went hazy. “Shit.”

[two-creative-royals]

The man seemed a bit calmer now- though he was still freaked out.

"Woah, hey - don't try to stand up right now, you've clearly lost a lot of blood. I can help you walk, but you shouldn't move until that wound is covered."

He said simply - carefully putting his hands on Janus' arms and gently guiding him back to the ground.

It sounded like the other one was almost back.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus jerked when he was touched, as though anticipating pain to follow, but when none came, he let the stranger guide him back down, his whole body shaking from the effort it took to not simply collapse into his arms.

“Thank- you,” he managed weakly.

[two-creative-royals]

Soon, the other one was back with a big first aid kit - the man who had guided him to the safety of the floor backing up a fair bit as the other spoke.

"Can I see your wound? Also, I'm Remus. Figure you should at least know my name, since it'd be weird if you didn't."

The one who had just returned- Remus- spoke far more gently than he had before, digging through the bag.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He nodded, pulling his shirt off over his head with a muffled grunt of pain. The wound looked…bad. Bad enough that, by all rights, he should’ve been unconscious ages ago.

“Janus,” he supplied in return, his voice weak.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus didn't seem particularly disturbed by this wound- simply pulling out a strange bottle and MANY rolls of bandages

"That's Roman. I'd let him introduce himself, but I'm pretty sure he'll hurl if he opens his mouth."

Roman did look a little green... Then again, that was one hell of a wound, so it made sense that he'd be freaked out by it.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus looked at the bottle, wanting to ask what it was but knowing better than to open his mouth and be annoying.

His eyes flicked to Roman, noting how uncomfortable the man looked, and immediately felt guilty for putting them in this situation. He should’ve just stayed hidden…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman had now looked away, and was taking some deep breaths.

Meanwhile, Remus had opened the random bottle, completely ignoring his duplicate's distress.

"This is an antiseptic, so I'm gonna use it to clean that up so it doesn't get infected, okay? It's gonna sting- like, a lot- but trust me when I say infections are way worse."

...Well, it was nice of him to tell Janus what he was doing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, fully aware. He remembered when he’d been injured in the field, and his handler had shooed away the medics, wanting to see if Janus could use his powers to heal himself. God…that had been an exhausting several days, but he’d managed to bring the injury down to something less life threatening, at least…

He shook the thoughts from his head. He was in no state to try and heal himself right now. Besides, Remus and Roman…they were helping him, for now. They hadn’t yet mentioned what they wanted in return, but Janus knew that whatever it was, he wouldn’t deny them.

Breathless, Janus thanked them both again.

[two-creative-royals]

Again, they didn't respond to his thanks- Remus simply getting to work cleaning and bandaging the wound.

From this close, it was much easier to see more details of his appearance - including the top of what looked like a barcode peaking out from under the collar of his shit.

Which... Was definitely a surprising thing to see on a random stranger.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus eyes caught on the barcode, and his brows furrowed slightly. It seemed…familiar, somehow. It wasn’t from the facility, the mark they’d branded onto the back of his shoulder was too different, but…he was certain he’d seen it somewhere before…

His lips pressed together tightly at their proximity, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed, the movement drawing attention to the crisscross of surgical scars there. He still didn’t know what that operation had been about, and it bothered him.

[two-creative-royals]

Luckily, Remus was too busy dealing with his wound to notice, saving Janus from any uncomfortable questions.

Soon enough, he had finished cleaning and wrapping the wound, and went to pass Janus back his shirt before noticing how torn and bloodied it was, and decided that he couldn't let Janus keep wearing it.

And so, without really thinking about it much, he just kinda... Took off his shirt and gave it to Janus.

"Here, you can borrow this until yours isn't a biohazard."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus thanked him softly after he finished, and struggled to his feet. He stopped breathing for several moments as Remus removed his shirt, his eyes widening slightly. When he spoke his intentions, though, Janus visibly relaxed.

“Oh. I- you don’t need to- really, I’m fine-“ he tried to give Remus his shirt back, feeling awful as the other man began to shiver with cold.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine- I don't mind! I can handle a little cold."

"Remus you idiot you're gonna give yourself hypothermia again-"

...again?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He shook his head, and shoved the shirt back into Remus’ hands.

“Please, you’ve done enough for me, I don’t need any more. I don’t want you to get sick because of me…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Really, it's fine! I was probably gonna lose my shirt at some point tonight anyway, honestly."

Remus, it seemed, wasn't backing down on this one.

Roman sighed, and tossed Remus the sweater he'd previously been wearing - though he didn't seem pleased about it.

"I hate that you're right about that, Remus... Honestly, he'd lose his head if it wasn't attached."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus reluctantly pulled the shirt back, still feeling guilty about it, but put it on nonetheless. He didn’t say anything, standing there and waiting for them to decide what they wanted to do. All he could think was how grateful he was to them, and how he hoped they would wait until morning before they decided how they wanted to be repaid.

[two-creative-royals]

"Well, you should probably stay with us- at the very least until that wound is healed."

Roman said simply, offering Janus a hand to help him walk safely while Remus put the sweater on.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

“Thank you,” he said softly, taking the offered hand. “I truly appreciate your help…”

[two-creative-royals]

For once, they actually acknowledged Janus saying thank you

"It's fine - don't worry, okay?"

Remus smiled as he spoke, and the two of them set off towards their home - Roman moving at a rather slow pace so he didn't rush Janus.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

I can’t think of a time where I haven’t needed to worry, he thought in response, but wisely didn’t say it. He followed them back, appreciative of romans slowed pace. As it was, he was struggling.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman would have moved slower, but he was getting a bit jittery, and would quite like to not be outdoors in this exact moment.

Eventually, they arrived at a small, cozy looking cabin. It couldn't have more than three rooms, maximum. Maybe a loft, but that was being generous.

"We don't really have a guest room or anything, but we have a pretty comfy couch, so that's good, right?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded wearily. He was so exhausted he would easily fall asleep on the floor.

“Yes, that’s good,” he replied verbally. “Thank you…”

[two-creative-royals]

Remus seemed happy that the couch would apparently be sufficient.

He happily opened the door, revealing that this cabin... Should probably be condemned.

It had a combined kitchen and living room, though it didn't look like it had much- if any- power, and there were two doors on the wall, probably leading to a bedroom and bathroom.

Still, it was better than nothing, right?

Roman guided Janus to the couch.

...Remus had really oversold how comfortable it was...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

To Janus, who had barely known anything but his solid cot and tiny quarters, it truly was comfortable to him.

Trusting that, for now, they wouldn’t hurt him, Janus finally let himself slip into blissful unconsciousness.

[two-creative-royals]

They let Janus sleep peacefully- barricading the doors and heading to bed.

They decided to let him sleep either until he woke naturally or until it was time to eat.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

In the end, he had to be woken up, or he was going to keep sleeping for the next two days. His sleep, for once, was free of nightmares, and Janus managed to actually rest.

[two-creative-royals]

Eventually, while Roman was cooking, Remus gently woke Janus up.

"Janus? We're making food, you want any?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He snapped awake, blinking up at…Remus. He sat up, getting his bearings as he recalled the events of the previous night. He’d…he’d escaped! He’d actually escaped! And not just the main compound, this time, but the entire facility! He was free!

He looked at Remus with an appreciative smile. “No, thank you,” he replied. “I ate two days ago.”

He said that as though it was completely normal to go this long without food. And, for him, it was.

[two-creative-royals]

Though he would never admit it, that had been normal for Remus for quite a long time too.

"Actually, people are supposed to eat every day. Multiple times a day, in fact! I don't really remember how many though..."

"It's three, Remus."

Roman stated with a soft sigh from the kitchen, before heading over to where Janus and Remus were with three plates of food - that being pancakes and strawberries, which Remus immediately lit up at.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus blinked in confusion.

“Every day? That…that doesn’t seem right…”

[two-creative-royals]

Janus, stumbling through the forest, bleeding and shaking, felt like his every nerve ending was on fire. It had taken every ounce of strength and stealth he possessed to escape that hellish facility, and he couldn’t let his guard down for even a second lest they catch up to him and drag him back.

It was dark, near midnight, and with only a weak crescent moon to light his way through the dense forest, he had almost no idea where he was going. But he did know that, exhausted as he was, he was starting to slow down.

Of course, as it often did, the universe decided that it wanted to torment Janus further- and he soon heard the distinct sound of twigs cracking amongst the dense foliage to his left.

It wasn't anyone from the facility, though - Janus had rather successfully lost them at this point - but, of course, he didn't have any way to know that. It wasn't like the source of the footsteps had spoken, after all.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus froze at the sound, his heart racing wildly in his chest. On instinct, he reached for his power, able to use it relatively freely now that he wasn’t confined to his prison in the facility - though the suppressant cuffs on each wrist were a hindrance.

He drew in a slow, quiet breath, feeling the temperature around him drop a few degrees as he prepared to defend himself.

[two-creative-royals]

There was another loud snap of a twig breaking, closer this time - followed by a voice Janus didn't recognize from the lab.

"Re, can we please go back to bed? I promise, there's nothing out here."

"And I promise there is something. I know I heard movement- can we please just look around a little more???"

"...Fine. But if we don't find something in the next half hour, I'm going back to bed."

Whoever the owners of the nearly identical voices were, they didn't seem to be looking for Janus specifically - though they would likely find him anyway, given how close they sounded.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus slowly began to back away, pulling his powers around him like a cloak, trying to hide himself, hide his presence. He winced when a tree branch dragged against a wound at his side, where the barbed perimeter fence of the facility had torn through him as he’d climbed over it. He was unable to hold in a hiss of pain.

[two-creative-royals]

The cracking sounds stopped.

"...You heard that, right? I told you something was out here!!!"

"Yeah, I heard that... But it's probably just a stray cat or something. Now can we please go home? Some people care about their beauty sleep."

Ah, so the owners of the voices weren't trying to come after him. That's... Probably good?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus held his breath. Maybe, if he just kept still, they would leave and go back to wherever the hell they came from.

…maybe, he could follow them from a distance, and they would lead him to civilisation, or at least something close to it.

Now that he thought about it, he truly had not thought this plan through very well. What was he even planning to do now that he’d escaped? Where was he to go? These people clearly weren’t hunting him, so…perhaps they could help him?

[two-creative-royals]

After a moment of near-silence from the mysterious voices - beyond occasional cracks from broken twigs - a bright light could be seen peaking through the foliage.

...Which meant that these strangers were now even closer than before... Great...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

His breath hitched. He had to make a decision.

As it happened, his body made the decision for him. He was exhausted, the wound at his side bleeding sluggishly, sapping at his strength, and his knees gave out on him. He fell to the forest floor with a grunt, clutching his side.

[two-creative-royals]

The strangers heard the noise of him hitting the ground immediately.

"Yeah, that's not a stray cat, Roman."

One of the voices stated - sounding a bit concerned in all honesty.

The light dimmed - like it was now pointed at the ground - and the footsteps of the strangers approached quickly.

Which... Was not great.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

A groan caught in his throat, and he tried to push himself back to his feet without success. Panic swelled in his chest, fearful for what the strangers might do to him if they found him in such a position. He couldn’t show weakness, couldn’t be weak, could never show weakness-

[two-creative-royals]

Aaaaand suddenly the light was shining right on him from less than a foot away.

"Uhhh... Are you okay dude? You're kinda bleeding, like... A lot..."

Well obviously he isn't okay, but at least this stranger doesn't seem inherently dangerous..?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus flinched from the light, slowly raising his hands above his head in an attempt to both shield his eyes and show submission. He winced as the bleeding in his side steadily increased when he took the pressure off, and fought to keep himself conscious.

He kept quiet for the time being, trying to gauge how best to please the men so they might help him. If he could get it right, maybe he’d even get through this without giving them a reason to have to hurt him.

[two-creative-royals]

The other man arrived there in a moment - and apparently their voices weren't the only identical things about them. Which... Was pretty unnerving.

"Woah- that's a lot a lot of blood! How'd that even happen???"

The man who had first approached asked, seeming... Way too comfortable with the amount of blood in front of him.

The other, however, looked absolutely horrified.

"Remus, you weirdo, stop staring and go get a first aid kit!!! Are you able to walk? You can't stay here with an open wound- it isn't safe..."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus couldn’t see them very well, only enough to realise they looked similar.

When the newcomer asked him a question, he shifted his attention to him properly. “Barbed fence, sir,” he answered robotically. “I lost my footing at the top.”

[two-creative-royals]

This, it seemed, was the wrong answer - as, despite the darkness, it was still incredibly easy to see how the man's eyes widened.

"Why... Why were you climbing a barbed fence..? Where did you come from? Did anyone follow you???"

He seemed scared... But not of Janus?

Weird...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Shit, fuck, I upset him, fix it fix it fix it-

His instinct was the tell the man the honest truth of where he’d come from, but the cautious side of him was wary enough to know that wasn’t a good idea. He couldn’t trust these men. If they knew where he’d come from, they’d send him back in a heartbeat for the reward.

“No- well, yes, but, I lost them, they don’t know where I am,” he answered carefully. Blood was still leaking from his wound at a pace that was beginning to worry even him. “Please,” he implored. “If I could- could trouble you for just one night, I’ll be out of your way by morning. I just need to rest.”

The wounded man looked up at them with big eyes, the torchlight revealing the painful-looking burn scars on the left side of his face and neck.

[two-creative-royals]

The man took a deep breath. He seemed really nervous...

"You're sure you lost them? If you're sure you lost them you can stay as long as you want, just- I need to know that you're sure."

Why was he so concerned about that??? It wasn't like Janus getting taken back would effect him, right?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, hope fluttering weakly in his heart. “I’m sure, I- thank you,” he breathed.

He tried to get up, moaning in pain as agony shot through him, and his vision went hazy. “Shit.”

[two-creative-royals]

The man seemed a bit calmer now- though he was still freaked out.

"Woah, hey - don't try to stand up right now, you've clearly lost a lot of blood. I can help you walk, but you shouldn't move until that wound is covered."

He said simply - carefully putting his hands on Janus' arms and gently guiding him back to the ground.

It sounded like the other one was almost back.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus jerked when he was touched, as though anticipating pain to follow, but when none came, he let the stranger guide him back down, his whole body shaking from the effort it took to not simply collapse into his arms.

“Thank- you,” he managed weakly.

[two-creative-royals]

Soon, the other one was back with a big first aid kit - the man who had guided him to the safety of the floor backing up a fair bit as the other spoke.

"Can I see your wound? Also, I'm Remus. Figure you should at least know my name, since it'd be weird if you didn't."

The one who had just returned- Remus- spoke far more gently than he had before, digging through the bag.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He nodded, pulling his shirt off over his head with a muffled grunt of pain. The wound looked…bad. Bad enough that, by all rights, he should’ve been unconscious ages ago.

“Janus,” he supplied in return, his voice weak.

[two-creative-royals]

Remus didn't seem particularly disturbed by this wound- simply pulling out a strange bottle and MANY rolls of bandages

"That's Roman. I'd let him introduce himself, but I'm pretty sure he'll hurl if he opens his mouth."

Roman did look a little green... Then again, that was one hell of a wound, so it made sense that he'd be freaked out by it.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus looked at the bottle, wanting to ask what it was but knowing better than to open his mouth and be annoying.

His eyes flicked to Roman, noting how uncomfortable the man looked, and immediately felt guilty for putting them in this situation. He should’ve just stayed hidden…

[two-creative-royals]

Roman had now looked away, and was taking some deep breaths.

Meanwhile, Remus had opened the random bottle, completely ignoring his duplicate's distress.

"This is an antiseptic, so I'm gonna use it to clean that up so it doesn't get infected, okay? It's gonna sting- like, a lot- but trust me when I say infections are way worse."

...Well, it was nice of him to tell Janus what he was doing.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded, fully aware. He remembered when he’d been injured in the field, and his handler had shooed away the medics, wanting to see if Janus could use his powers to heal himself. God…that had been an exhausting several days, but he’d managed to bring the injury down to something less life threatening, at least…

He shook the thoughts from his head. He was in no state to try and heal himself right now. Besides, Remus and Roman…they were helping him, for now. They hadn’t yet mentioned what they wanted in return, but Janus knew that whatever it was, he wouldn’t deny them.

Breathless, Janus thanked them both again.

[two-creative-royals]

Again, they didn't respond to his thanks- Remus simply getting to work cleaning and bandaging the wound.

From this close, it was much easier to see more details of his appearance - including the top of what looked like a barcode peaking out from under the collar of his shit.

Which... Was definitely a surprising thing to see on a random stranger.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus eyes caught on the barcode, and his brows furrowed slightly. It seemed…familiar, somehow. It wasn’t from the facility, the mark they’d branded onto the back of his shoulder was too different, but…he was certain he’d seen it somewhere before…

His lips pressed together tightly at their proximity, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed, the movement drawing attention to the crisscross of surgical scars there. He still didn’t know what that operation had been about, and it bothered him.

[two-creative-royals]

Luckily, Remus was too busy dealing with his wound to notice, saving Janus from any uncomfortable questions.

Soon enough, he had finished cleaning and wrapping the wound, and went to pass Janus back his shirt before noticing how torn and bloodied it was, and decided that he couldn't let Janus keep wearing it.

And so, without really thinking about it much, he just kinda... Took off his shirt and gave it to Janus.

"Here, you can borrow this until yours isn't a biohazard."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus thanked him softly after he finished, and struggled to his feet. He stopped breathing for several moments as Remus removed his shirt, his eyes widening slightly. When he spoke his intentions, though, Janus visibly relaxed.

“Oh. I- you don’t need to- really, I’m fine-“ he tried to give Remus his shirt back, feeling awful as the other man began to shiver with cold.

[two-creative-royals]

"It's fine- I don't mind! I can handle a little cold."

"Remus you idiot you're gonna give yourself hypothermia again-"

...again?

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He shook his head, and shoved the shirt back into Remus’ hands.

“Please, you’ve done enough for me, I don’t need any more. I don’t want you to get sick because of me…”

[two-creative-royals]

"Really, it's fine! I was probably gonna lose my shirt at some point tonight anyway, honestly."

Remus, it seemed, wasn't backing down on this one.

Roman sighed, and tossed Remus the sweater he'd previously been wearing - though he didn't seem pleased about it.

"I hate that you're right about that, Remus... Honestly, he'd lose his head if it wasn't attached."

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus reluctantly pulled the shirt back, still feeling guilty about it, but put it on nonetheless. He didn’t say anything, standing there and waiting for them to decide what they wanted to do. All he could think was how grateful he was to them, and how he hoped they would wait until morning before they decided how they wanted to be repaid.

[two-creative-royals]

"Well, you should probably stay with us- at the very least until that wound is healed."

Roman said simply, offering Janus a hand to help him walk safely while Remus put the sweater on.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

“Thank you,” he said softly, taking the offered hand. “I truly appreciate your help…”

[two-creative-royals]

For once, they actually acknowledged Janus saying thank you

"It's fine - don't worry, okay?"

Remus smiled as he spoke, and the two of them set off towards their home - Roman moving at a rather slow pace so he didn't rush Janus.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

I can’t think of a time where I haven’t needed to worry, he thought in response, but wisely didn’t say it. He followed them back, appreciative of romans slowed pace. As it was, he was struggling.

[two-creative-royals]

Roman would have moved slower, but he was getting a bit jittery, and would quite like to not be outdoors in this exact moment.

Eventually, they arrived at a small, cozy looking cabin. It couldn't have more than three rooms, maximum. Maybe a loft, but that was being generous.

"We don't really have a guest room or anything, but we have a pretty comfy couch, so that's good, right?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

Janus nodded wearily. He was so exhausted he would easily fall asleep on the floor.

“Yes, that’s good,” he replied verbally. “Thank you…”

[two-creative-royals]

Remus seemed happy that the couch would apparently be sufficient.

He happily opened the door, revealing that this cabin... Should probably be condemned.

It had a combined kitchen and living room, though it didn't look like it had much- if any- power, and there were two doors on the wall, probably leading to a bedroom and bathroom.

Still, it was better than nothing, right?

Roman guided Janus to the couch.

...Remus had really oversold how comfortable it was...

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

To Janus, who had barely known anything but his solid cot and tiny quarters, it truly was comfortable to him.

Trusting that, for now, they wouldn’t hurt him, Janus finally let himself slip into blissful unconsciousness.

[two-creative-royals]

They let Janus sleep peacefully- barricading the doors and heading to bed.

They decided to let him sleep either until he woke naturally or until it was time to eat.

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

In the end, he had to be woken up, or he was going to keep sleeping for the next two days. His sleep, for once, was free of nightmares, and Janus managed to actually rest.

[two-creative-royals]

Eventually, while Roman was cooking, Remus gently woke Janus up.

"Janus? We're making food, you want any?"

[alexaplaydes-deceito]

He snapped awake, blinking up at…Remus. He sat up, getting his bearings as he recalled the events of the previous night. He’d…he’d escaped! He’d actually escaped! And not just the main compound, this time, but the entire facility! He was free!

He looked at Remus with an appreciative smile. “No, thank you,” he replied. “I ate two days ago.”

He said that as though it was completely normal to go this long without food. And, for him, it was.