The Arts of Love and Deception

Chapter 4:

As Patton was setting everyone's plates on the table, Remy ran in.

Remy: "ive got Starbies!!"

Anna ran in and took the super sweet concoction from him and took a grateful sip as caffeine, cream, and sugar and the sweet taste of caramel and hazelnut toffee swirled on her tongue. After which she looked at Patton.

Anna: "hey dad,where's Logan...?"
Patton: "in his room. He came out before anyone was up and told me he was working on a project today. He will be in his room for most of the day if not all of it, and he will be taking his meals in there, so if you will excuse me..."

Patton smiled as he took Logan's plate up to him. During which time everyone took a seat where they had sat last night. Janus was secretly happy that he got to sit next to Anna. What was this feeling she made him feel? But  once they had all sat down and had begun eating they noticed two unclaimed plates on the table. Patton always got his plate after everyone else was already eating. So niether one was his... so whose were they...? They got the answer to one plate as they heard the voice of their host. Coming through the kitchen was Thomas himself. He came into the dinning room and took a seat and a plate. Now they just had to figure out whose plate the last one was. Patton came back into the dinning room and went into the kitchen, moments later coming out with his own plate as he took a seat too. He looked at Thomas and smiled.

Patton: "hey Thomas, where's Emile?"
Thomas: "he had to make a few calls so he'll be here in a few. He's in the car. "

Patton smiled as they heard the door open and shut as Emile came in shyly a few minutes later. He took the last plate and sat down beside Thomas. He seemed shy and kind of quiet. Anna shot a small smile at him as she doubled over in pain again, alarming everyone. Janus looked around before taking her Starbucks and shoving the straw in her mouth. His lips at her ear whispering softly, smoothly, calmingly.

Janus: "Breathe and just drink it. it should help you out. Just focus on the taste of it and my voice. Block out everything else. "

She did noting that he had not lied, and within moments the pain was subsiding. She straightened up and looked at the sea of concerned faces, including Logan's. He had come to put his plate up and saw his entire family concerned for Anna. Patton had explained when he had brought Logan's plate to him that Anna was going through her monthly trouble, so he understood why they were concerned. He took his dishes to the sink and then hugged Thomas and Emile before heading back up to his room. After Anna was better everyone began to eat the amazing breakfast that Patton had prepared. After which he asked what everyone's plans for the day were.

Remy: "I have a 10-4 shift at Starbucks."
Remus: "I am Heading to the movies. "
Roman: "I have practice all day. The play is at the end of the week..."
Virgil: "Fall Out Boy concert. And yes im bringing merch home for everyone..."
Thomas: "im going to see my brothers and my mom. "
Emile: "I have patients all day."
Janus: "I definitely have a full day. Im not staying home all day...."
Anna: "writhing in pain in my room all day."
Patton: "oh dear... im shopping today so it seems Anna and Dee will be home alone today. Dee take care of my Little Sparkle today..."

Anna and Janus realized at the same time that they would be home alone all day with only each other for company...and for some reason neither one hated the idea. Anna smiled as she got up and kissed Patton and each of her brothers at the table on the cheek, and gave a hug to both Thomas and Emile. But when she got to Janus she faultered. She didnt know what to do so she just blushed and rushed off to her room. Leaving Janus staring after her with a slight blush of his own, his mouth slightly open as Virgil noticed and pushed him slightly.

Virgil: "HEY! Snake Face!!"
Janus: "what?! What do you want?!"
Virgil: "don't you fucking hurt her...!"
Janus: "what the hell do you mean Virgil?!"
Virgil: "thats my sister. I see the way you look at her. I can see that you like her...and if you hurt her...ill break you and make you suffer..."

Virgil let his threat hang in the air as he left the room to go get ready for his day, as did everyone else, leaving Janus standing there in shock. He looked at the door and headed out to the Hall that lead to thhe stairs that lead to all of their rooms. He stopped in front of his before growling under his breath and going to hers. He didnt knock, he just walked in and saw her in her window. Not her window seat, but in the actual window, with her legs dangling down as it sprinkled lightly! The screen was out and leaning against the right side of her window bench seat. She had her eyes closed and she was quiet. Her phone playing a song softly. Her hair moved in the slight breeze, all in all, she looked amazing. And she still had his cloak aroind her shoulders. Janus could feel his heart beat a little faster at the sight of her. He opened his mouth to say something to her and as he did she began to sing 'Bad Guy' (feat Jay Harper) . And his heart almost broke at the sound of her voice. It was breaking, showing she was crying. After the song she was singing was over, she began to sing 'Battlescars' by Paradise Fears. As she began to sing the second verse, he cut her off by singing it. Causing her to jump and then give him a sheepish look and hesitantly reach out a hand towards him.

Anna: "...I'm stuck... My legs are numb..."
Janus: "How? Why are you in the window anyways? Do I need to go get Da-Patton...?"
Anna: "No, I was sitting here because the air helps calm the nausea that comes with this time of the month. And by-the-way... we all know you consider Dad your dad."
Janus: "shut up..."

Anna could tell she had slightly embarrassed the half-snake man. She offered a soft apology as he grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the window. He shrugged and smiled, showing he wasnt mad. As soon as he set her on her feet she almost crumpled due to her legs not having woken up yet. Janus sighed as he dropped to one knee and picked her up, one hand on her lower back and the other behind her knees. As he stood back up he began to walk, but not to her bed. He walked out of her room and to his door. He began nudging it, unable to open it or grab the knob without dropping her. Anna saw his plight and reached over and opened the door for him. He set her on his bed and went to his closet and pulled out a black t-shirt with his symbol on it. It was form fitting on him, but on her it would be loose. He also went to his dresser and pulled out a pair of his cotton boxers. He handed both articles of clothing to her.

Janus: "put these on and dont argue. "

Janus left the room before she could open her mouth. How had he known her dress was tight, she wondered...but she did as he said.

<>meanwhile<>

Janus had turned the living room dark and put on a scary movie that he had been dying to watch, one that Patton had told him not to watch. After which he paused it and got a bunch of snacks and junk food, much more than he could ever hope to eat on his own, but just the right amount for two. Then he went to his room and covered his eyes.

Janus: "Are you dressed?"
Anna: "yes De. You can come in..."
Janus: "would you like to watch a scary movie with me in the living room?"
Anna: "sure, what movie?"
Janus: "The Death of A Ghost Hunter 2. It just came out. I have both of them now."
Anna: "OHH I LOVED THE FIRST ONE!!! Let's go Dece!"

Anna took his hand and ran downstairs, not seeing the blush she had placed on the half-snake man's face.

Love ya
And see you all on the next page. Peace out. ))