Vices and Maces

Chapter 40: Oh We Have Some Demus Drama

CW: mentions of addiction (cigarettes) and withdrawals (in no way should addiction be demonized, I don't want to trigger anyone)

Remus had quit smoking a long time ago. It took a lot of effort, but he was lucky that he wasn't hit with nasty withdrawals. He smoked a lot in high school, especially around the time their mother got sick. Roman never liked the smell, so he made sure to do it out of sight.

But when Roman got sick, Remus had to quit. There was no proof that the smoke made his illness worse, but he wanted to be safe. His brother was having breathing problems anyway, which was one of the biggest reasons why he had to go to the hospital.

Even when his brother was turned into a vampire, Remus didn't pick up smoking again. It took him a long time to get past his addiction, a lot of effort and several packs of gum. But for the first time in years, he felt like buying a pack of cigarettes. He shouldn't, he didn't want to fall back into the habit while Kayden and Sidney are under their roof.

Well... right now they're staying in a hotel suite. Roman is looking for a home to rent out with the help of Patton. While interrogating the only person who wasn't killed and could still talk, a woman that Sidney had knocked out, Remus discovered that their address had been revealed to Black. The gang leader had sent the group to their home to assassinate them.

And they attacked the night Roman and Remus weren't home, but the three kids were. What if it had just been Kayden? What if he was all by himself? Would have he been able to stay calm? He's always had a protective sense, he could stay calm to protect others, but what if it was just him?

And Sidney... She was shot. She's only 18! If that bullet had been any closer... would they have been able to get her to the hospital in time? Roman was barely able to come up with an explanation, what if she was hit more than once?

Hell, Cecil has to be traumatized now. His parents are normal civilians, they don't even know what his job is! They got him a GED because he asked when Kayden was planning to get one, but all they think he's doing is an internship for some engineering company. So it wasn't even like he could talk to them about this if he has a nightmare or panic attack!

Roman and Remus were used to this work, it was a dangerous job. They were even getting used to the bounty! Though there haven't been many attempts, until now. Although they left the house, there have been people posted around it just to count how many break in attempts. It varied the last few days, but there were plenty. Luckily the closest neighbors were out of sight so the police weren't called yet.

Remus just can't figure out how they found their home. A tracking device? Planted by who, and when? Was someone followed? Roman and Remus know when they're followed, and they know how to shake them. It couldn't have been any of the kids either, no one knows their ties with them, or at least they didn't before. They're gonna need extra protection now...

The halfling couldn't stop these bad thoughts, but the most damning one was if Janus was involved.

He was sitting on the building that he brought Janus to on their first date. It became a spot for them to meet at. They were going to meet here later today, but now the shifter seems to be late. Is that just proof that they had something to do with it?

Oh if it is then Remus will... he'll... What would he even do? If it was anyone else to blame, Remus would take them apart piece by piece. But Janus? Sure he hasn't known them for long, but he's gotten really attached to the shifter.

The air felt thinner than normal.

Remus pulled out a pack of gum, taking out a stick.

He saw someone with yellow wings flying closer and didn't know whether to be relieved or angry. He definitely has some questions for them.

Janus landed next to him, but Remus barely moved, instead blowing a bubble with gum.

"I'm sorry I'm late," Janus said. "I had to run an errand for a friend at work."

"Right..." Remus tightened his grip on the edge of the building.

Janus frowned, sitting down next to him. "Is something wrong?"

The halfling let out a humorless laugh. "Black found out where we live."

Janus paled. They were both quiet for a moment before they quietly asked, "What?"

"Yup. They attacked a few nights ago. But my brother and I were out."

"That's... good. Right?"

Remus shook his head. "My kids were home."

"Oh... oh god."

"Tell me you didn't do anything with this. I swear to god if you planted a bug on me or- or-"

"Hold on, you think I put you in danger?"

Remus stood up and stepped away. "Well I don't know! It could have been something I did, it could have been something my brother did! I just want to know you didn't have anything to do with this. Tell me you didn't." Please.

Janus stood up and faced him. "I didn't, I swear. Even if I wanted to hurt you- which I don't and let's make that clear. Even if I did, I would never put your kids in danger! I knew you had one, I saw him at the store with you. I heard him call you dad and I- I couldn't put a kid, or you, in danger. Are they okay?"

The halfling's shoulders dropped, and tears filled his eyes. "One of them was shot. It went through her wing. She'll be able to fly once it's healed but..."

"Fuck..." Janus hissed, starting to play with a new charm that was put on their golden bracelet. "And the people who attacked?"

"Dead."

The shifter nodded. "That was kinda a stupid question."

Remus rubbed his eyes. "I tried interrogating the ones that weren't killed in the fight. There were only two, and I broke one of their jaws. They were sent by Black, but that's all I got out of 'em. They didn't say how Black knew the location, I honestly don't think they knew the answer to that."

Janus shook his head. "I doubt it. Unneeded information. They had a location and targets, that's all they needed to know. I'm so sorry, if I had known-"

"You would have warned me, I get it. If... you're telling the truth anyway."

The shifter was going to argue, but bit their tongue. "I don't think I would trust me either. After all, my gang attacked your home. And someone got hurt... Maybe this was a bad idea, maybe we shouldn't meet up anymore. Are you still staying in your house?"

Remus shook his head. "No, we're staying somewhere else."

"Don't tell me. I don't want to be the reason someone else gets hurt. Especially you or your family."

"I won't, I'm not that dumb. Well... at least I hope I'm not being stupid right now."

"Look, are you sure we should continue seeing each other? I'm risking no one but myself, but you have a family that you need to take care of! Kids who need protection."

"I know I know but... I really do like seeing you. It's a nice get away from all of the gang wars and boring work. I just want to share this place with someone not from Bleeding Rose. Someone I can talk to. And maybe I'm being selfish but I don't really want to stop seeing you."

Janus folded their arms. "I don't want to either but... if it's for your own safety then I don't mind. However..."

Remus held out his hand. "One more date?"

"Well... one more couldn't hurt, right?" Janus took his hand. "And hey, maybe this won't be the end. Maybe we'll get another chance. I hope we do."

"I hope so too. Well then, do you have an idea of where you want to go?"

Janus shrugged. "Denny's. The one where we met."

"Well, aren't you a romantic?"

"It's just in my nature, darling. Why don't we make the most of this last night together?"

Remus smiled. "I think I would like that."