#taking time

One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.

-- Luciano Pavarotti

Patton hesitantly lowered the shirt in his hands, eyebrows pinching together. “But-” He began, bringing a hand up to stifle a yawn. His body tensed up as he struggled to fend it off before it finally slackened letting it overtake him. 

“Roman’s an adult, Patton. He’s perfectly capable from here.” Janus pointed out. He slipped the shirt out of Patton’s hands, placing it carelessly on the table. Honestly the creative side needed to learn how to do more for himself. “You already stayed up all night with him, you do not have to fold his laundry for him too. You are not his mother.”

“But I’m almost finished, Jan. It’s really no big deal.” Patton offered, gesturing weakly over the pile he had already folded, his arm dropping slightly after the motion. “I can—”

Janus grabbed the basket of folded laundry and dumped it onto the table in one swift motion. Without hesitation, he scooped the clothes back into the basket, quirking an eyebrow as his attention flicked back to Patton. “Roman will handle it.”

Patton stared at the basket, his frown deepening. His hands hovered over it for a moment before he spoke, voice tight. “But I want to do this for him… I want to help.”

Janus’s gaze softened. “Patton, you’re exhausted. You’re pushing yourself too far.” He paused, looking at Patton with quiet concern. “When was the last time you took a moment for yourself?”

“But that would be selfish. Why would I—” Patton cut himself off, eyes widening in realization. “I mean, not that you— I mean…” He grimaced, his hands fumbling awkwardly. “Sorry.”

“Taking time for yourself is a necessity, Patton.” Janus sighed, guiding Patton toward his room. “You cannot continue at this pace indefinitely without finding yourself in a state of inability or dysfunction. Would you prefer pushing yourself to the point of needing help, or would you rather be self-sufficient?”

“Well, no…” Patton glanced back at Janus, his eyes pleading with him. “But… what if someone needs me?”

“I’m sure we can assist each other with any needs we may have,” he said, his voice low and calm. “You need to rest, Patton. Once you’re well rested and feeling more like yourself again, we’ll handle everything together.”

Janus untied the hoodie from around Patton’s shoulders, folding it with care before resting it on the small brown nightstand by the bed. His movements were deliberate, ensuring Patton felt comforted. With a flick of his wrist, he conjured Patton into his cat onesie, lifting the bedding out of the way gently so Patton could lie down.

Patton watched the smooth, gentle movements that felt uncharacteristic for the deceitful side. His voice was soft, almost unsure. “Why… why are you helping me?”

Janus’s lips quirked at the side, his usual smirk softened as he rested the blanket over Patton. “Well, I couldn’t possibly be doing this because I care. I surely must be doing this for my own personal gain.”

Patton reached up slowly, as though uncertain if Janus would accept the gesture, but his hand found Janus’s cheek anyway. He placed a gentle kiss against it. “Thank you, Janus.”

Janus’s cheeks warmed as he struggled to clear his throat, taking a step back. “Of-Of course, Patton.” He gave an awkward nod before stepping back. “If you need anything just…” he summoned a bell, placing it over Patton’s cardigan, “ring this.” His eyes met Patton’s again, the earnestness in them clear. “I mean it. I really do.”

Patton smiled, the weariness in his features softened by quiet gratitude. “Bell, I guess I’ll have to then.”

Taking Time - The Apples in stereo (1995)