Baited~ Book 2

46

Months have passed and Virgil found himself standing there in front of his mirror actually blushing, while Janus whistled from the bed. Virgil had finally fixed up his tux and he couldn't have been prouder. He stood there wearing that nice purple button-up and black dress pants. His nice black jacket sat nicely over his shoulders and Virgil couldn't help but beam as his fingers traced the white Franken stitching Janus had down over the seams. His tie which Janus had warped in patches were stitched with a similar design tying it all together. Even the pants had the white stitching on the pockets.

"You look happy." Virgil laughed as he nodded to his friend through the reflection. "I'm glad, Virgie. He's going to die when he sees you in that."

"I don't know, Jannie. I just... We can't do anything until this war is over." Janus's eyes darkened as Virgil sighed and started to take his jacket off. "Has Pat or Lo said anything? I've been so focused on Roman, I haven't even spared a breath to ask."

"No. They haven't. Things aren't looking good though Virgil." Virgil nodded as he undid his tie, placing both on the bed before undoing his shirt. Janus just sighed as he shook his head and laid back. "Remus is concerned. It's getting harder for them to tune things out. Their trying but... I think finding out that Logan intended on going to battle really messed with them."

"Logan is king. Even if I don't like it, I have to agree his presence is necessary."

"Remus is convinced if Logan goes to battle he will die, Virgil." Virgil froze up as Janus's voice cracked. "And Patton... Patton's refusing to make any comment other than... he'd follow Logan whatever he decides."

"I know you worried." Janus jumped up grabbing Virgil's hands as the other jumped dropping his shirt to the floor.

"I don't want to lose you all, Virgil. You and Patton. You're BOTH my brothers. Remus is my mate. Logan and Roman... Their family. I can't just watch as you all suffer." Virgil frowned seeing Janus's eyes burn a bright yellow. "I can't..."

"There's nothing we can do, Janus. Either we stick together and fight to survive this or... The three of us hand ourselves over to protect the other three. Is that even really an option?"

"There has to be something?" Janus whined as he stepped back letting Virgil pick his shirt up and place it with the jacket and tie. Virgil frowned as he gestured Janus to turn around as he started to undo his pants. He was wearing shorts underneath but it still felt odd. 

"We're doing everything we can." Janus turned around again to find Virgil standing there in baggy jeans and a loose tee. "Roman's getting better with his mind and... You've been learning more control according to Remus anyway."

"Yeah. I guess that's true." Virgil smiled softly as he nudged his friend's shoulder. "And we've all been helping Logan when needed. So... that's a good thing. Right?"

"I think the best thing is how far you've come though, Jan." Janus rolled his eyes playfully as Virgil just laughed. "No, really. Everyone can see it. They finally see the true you and I couldn't be happier."

"I'm just happy no one calls me Deceit anymore." Virgil nodded as he brushed Janus's hair back.

"That's because you aren't Deceit. You're Janus Rhodes." 

"You're damn right, I am." Janus beamed. "And it's about fucking time." 

"Tell me about it." The two burst into laughter as Virgil quickly folded his tux nicely before trying to hide it the closest, praying Roman never actually finds it. He wanted it to be a surprise. Virgil paused with a slight look before laughing and pointing to the door. "I've got to go." 

"Roman?" Virgil nodded as Janus just smirked. "Well then, you don't want to leave your mate waiting."

"Oh, shut up." Virgil flipped him off before quickly running off leaving Janus there rolling his eyes. 

"Love you too, Virgie." Janus yelled after as he slowly made his way back to his room. Virgil was right. There really wasn't much they could do. They just had to stick together and work through it all as a family. A family... Janus's eyes shined as he giggled with euphoria. His family... one that actually sees him and cares about him. One that loves him for who he really is and doesn't want him to be...

"Hello, Deceit." Janus whipped around to find the very man he prayed he'd never see again standing there with a wicked smirk. 

"Father?" The man's eyes narrowed as Janus slowly backed away, fear crawling up his spine. "What are you doing here? HOW DID YOU EVEN GET IN?!"

"My partner, Queen Dionna from Almira is a very resourceful individual. Her use of the demonic as tools is... enlightening." Janus's eyes flashed as his father took a step closer. "I believe you've been away for far to long. Look at you... you've let yourself... fall."

"Stay away from me. St... stay away!" Janus's voice warped with a hiss making his father smirk wider. "You need to get the fuck out of here before ANY of the others find you!" Janus could literally feel his throat closing in on him as his father's cold icy glare burned through him unwaveringly. "I know THREE people who will tear you to shreds the moment they see you."

"And I know you won't let that happen... Come Deceit, after everything I've done for you."

"YOU'VE DONE NOTHING FOR ME!" Janus whimpered as his father took a step closer.

"Oh, haven't I? I saved you from the streets. I gave you a purpose. I even saved your beloved dragon." Janus froze, eyes wide in shock as the kings smiled grew. "That's right Deceit. I have your dragon. She's at home waiting for you. Don't you want to see her again?"

"K-Kuro?" Janus winced as his hand went to his head, eyes flashing as they dazed and started to gloss over. "No. No, I... I can't. I'm... I'm not Deceit. That's not who I am any..."

"Come home, son." Janus swayed the moment the king's hand touched his shoulders. The word 'son' twisted around his mind like a noose dragging him over the edge. "You made me so proud when you took charge. Prove to me you still have that in you. You are still my son. You're still worthy of my love... correct?"