Janus was on his way to Patton's house, and he was freaking out.
As soon as he got off the phone with his cousin, he called his best friend and asked if he could come over to talk. Of course Patton said yes, he always did.
And that is what Janus is counting on.
As soon as he made up to Pat's apartment door, he knocked and Patton threw open the door.
"Oh come now Snakey!" Patton said with a dazzling smile. "You know you don't have to knock!" Patton pulled Janus in and shut the door. Janus walked to the couch and sank into the fluffy blankets Patton kept there just for him.
Patton looked over and smiled. "See, told you would like the blankets! And to think you said it was a waste of money." Patton said in a teasing tone while sitting across from him.
Janus rolled his eyes. "I complained about being cold once, and you bought five black and yellow fuzzy blankets, two snake throws, and a weighted blanket. Even you have to admit that it was a bit much."
Patton just chuckled. "You loved it and you started coming over more, so I think that it was well worth the money. Plus," Patton said, grabbing the frog plushie next to him, "you are a lot sweeter and more willing to share at sleepovers now."
Janus fought a blush. He knew that Patton was referring to the time when Janus had come over to hang out, Patton fell asleep while watching the movie, and Janus had wrapped him up in blankets and cuddled him.
Janus had planned to get up and leave before Patton ever knew, but Patton woke up before him and didn't stop talking about for weeks until Janus asked him to stop. Now Patton just offhandedly mentions it from time to time.
Deciding not to bring up that particular sleepover, Janus changed the subject.
"Goodness Pat, you still have that thing?" Janus gestured to the frog plushie, and Patton just smiled softly and squeezed the frog tighter.
"Of course I still have him! You were so sweet to have won him for me! I love Deceit, and don't think I haven't seen Morality peaking out from under your pillows."
Janus did blush at that. "I have simply no idea of what you are talking about." Janus said. He did, of course. At the same fair where Janus got Patton his frog, Patton got Janus a snake plushie. He would never admit it out loud, but Janus loves Morality. It was the first thing Patton ever gave him, and he often keeps it close to him and cuddles him when he really misses Patton or want to admit something that would ruin their friendship.
Patton grinned knowingly, but decided to spare his friend. "So, as much as I love talk to you about our friendship, you did sound a little upset over the phone. Are you ok?"
Janus immediately sobered up from his happy feelings.
"Actually Pat, I have a giant favor to ask you. You can totally say no, I will understand, I just wanted to ask."
Patton was a little nervous, but urged Janus to continue.
"Alright, so, you know how I told you that my parents are supportive of my sexuality, but are pushy?" Patton nodded, and Janus continued.
"Well, my dad called me today and was talking about how the whole family is getting together for his 50th birthday. I had already said I would go, but he brought up bringing a Plus One. He said, and I quote, "don't worry if you don't have anyone to bring, your pops thinks he has a great potential match for you.""
Patton giggled. Janus's last 'great potential match' ended up being one of Janus's ex's from when he was still closeted. Patton thought it was hilarious, but Janus found it significantly less funny.
"Yeah, we know how that went last time, so I told my dad that I already have a boyfriend." Patton raised an eyebrow, and is pretty sure that he knows where this is going.
"My dad immediately got excited and started talking about how I have to bring him and the family meet him and all that. Then he asked for the name."
Patton looked at Janus with a knowing smile. "You panicked and said my name, didn't you?"
Janus buried himself into his blankets more.
"Maybe. He now wants to meet you and all that jazz. I understand that you don't want to, but I thought I would at least tell you. I-"
"Janus, you know me. We are already super close and people mistake us for a couple all the time. I am fine with pretending to be your boyfriend. To make your dad happy, of course."
Janus smiled, and let out a breath he had been holding. "Oh, thank goodness. Because I had already told him that you are going."
"Why you snake!" Patton screeched and jumped onto Janus. Janus, already used to Patton's mannerisms, simply caught him and hugged him tightly.
Patton smiled at the hug, instantly forgiving Janus of everything. He still wants to tease him though. "Don't think you can get out of this that easily, Snakey!" Patton said while gripping Janus tightly.
"I would never Froggie." Janus whispered to Pat. Patton looked delighted at the use of the nickname. He then simply flipped around, sat in Janus's lap, and turned out the TV. Janus wrapped them in blankets while Patton chose a show.
"So," Patton said after a few minutes' "when are we headed to your parents place?"
"Tomorrow night, and we will be there for three days. If that is ok." Patton nodded, and then curled into Janus.
"That sounds fun. I can't wait to be your boyfriend." Patton said. "Fake, Of course," he added.
Janus just laughed and squeezed Pat. "Totally. I can't wait to fake date you!"
Both boys laughed, but they were both also wishing that the other had true feelings. They both wished that this was for real.
'And maybe it can be...' Patton and Janus thought, planning to make the most of the opportunity that has show up.
'I will get him to love me like I love him by the end of this trip.'
