Reserved #2.2

Janus smiled.

"I really like you too..."

As years passed, Janus and Patton became closer and closer.The former began developing feelings for Patton, but never said a word about it.

One day, the two were going back to the field. There was a forest they had to pass through each time they wanted to go. There was a new path this time.

It was drawing closer and closer to Patton’s 18th birthday by the day. He’d begun to feel more tired as of late, so he didn’t have as much bubbly, peppy energy as usual. He noticed the path.

”Huh? That one’s new... should we explore it?”

{side note revlevant to the story: A while ago, Janus had an encounter with a witch that bestowed some snake-like traits upon him, giving him a snake complexion on one side of his face.}

Janus scanned the area for any intruders. Seeing none, he stood in front of his friend protectively, just in case.

"Follow behind me, I don't want you getting hurt. You're more susceptible to curses and the like as you near 18 years."

"So're you, Jan, you're cursed, too..."

Patton frowned. Janus did indeed know about his curse.

"...My curse doesn't concern you. What should concern you is your curse susceptibility."

He was trying to hide that he knew.

"Ah... when is your birthday again?"

"Oh! A couple days, actually..!"

Patton didn't know that Janus knew. He was nervous. In a couple days, he'd leave the world he knew behind, probably only to wake up 100 years later or something... he could never be ready.

"...Pleaaase..? What if something exciting happens? Like old times?"

Patton really just wanted to live his final days to the fullest.

That puppydog pout that Patton made... Janus couldn't resist, no matter how hard he tried.

"Fiiiiine..."

The pair walked on the new path.

"Nothing interesting so far..."

Janus saw a large tree that he knew Patton would want to climb.

"Resist the temptation, Patton. Please."

Buuut it was too late. Patton giggled as he sat on a branch, swinging his legs happily.

"Janus! Come join me!"

"Patton, get down from there!!!"

He sounded panicked.

Hearing that panicked tone made Patton sigh and, reluctantly, come down.

"Why..?"

He took some short, panicked breaths and held his best friend tight and close.

"I don't want you to get hurt, I don't want the curse to come sooner than it needs to... Please don't do any other dangerous things... You scared me..."

Patton sighed, hugging back.

"I won't... wait-"

He pulled back.

"How did you know about the curse..?"