Names Have Power -- Polysanders

Chapter 9: A Confrontation

Warning: Homophobia. There will be a chapter review free of this trigger at the end of the chapter! Be safe, kiddos!

(Logan)

"Who in their right mind is here this late?" I asked myself as I woke to a knocking at my door. I glanced at a clock and frowned. There was no way was only seven. I groaned and stood up, fixing my hair a bit and patting it down. I hated emotions. They drain me completely, and the heavens know today has been terribly emotional. I got to the door after bumping into a coffee table on the way there. When I opened the door, a rather handsome man stood in front of me. I watched his eyes go directly to the soul mark on my cheek. I frowned. "Hello?"

"Good evening, my friend. My name is Micheal. I wish to speak to you." His voice was smooth and deep.

"About?" I asked.

"It is probably a better idea if we discuss this in your room?" he suggested, never breaking eye contact. I nodded and stepped aside to let him in. He walked passed me and sat down on my sofa confidently as if he were a frequent visitor here. I shut the door behind him and sat in an armchair across from him.

"How may I help you?"

"Have you forgotten the fine art of discussion? Let's not jump right to the big topic. Let's start with how handsome you are," He said calmly. I felt my skin warming in my face and frowned a bit.

"While I thank you, I must implore you not to compliment me in such a way. I am not gay." It was his turn to frown.

"You aren't? Well, how do you explain the man's name on your cheek?" he asked. I instinctively touched the mark.

"It is not a man's name. Now please explain why you are here, or I shall ask you to leave!" I demanded. He just chuckled.

"I experienced your confrontation with a few other young men this afternoon in the courtyard. My understanding is that you caused one of them considerable distress," he said. I frowned more. Had I really hurt him so badly?

"I do not appreciate people insinuating that I am a homosexual, much less that I am polyamorous," I continued, "Homosexual people are abominations." Micheal's gaze darkened.

"How can you say that? They are simply people loving who they love. It does not affect you."

"But it does." My eyes widened. Micheal tilted his head, intrigued. I really had no reason to go back on my words or fabricate something. I felt oddly comfortable talking to Micheal about this. "My family is incredibly religious. They are very against the homosexuals. If I were homosexual, they would disown me in seconds."

"I apologize if this is unwarranted, Logan. But if your family does not support you for who you are, are they really your family?" He spoke candidly. I froze.

"You certainly have given me plenty to think about, Micheal. I think you should go now, though. You woke me from a nap." I stood up and opened the door. He followed me to the door. He paused outside the door.

"A nap? At this hour? Be careful, or you may not sleep tonight."

"Thank you for your concern, Micheal. I will be fine." I responded. He nodded and looked at me.

"Indeed. One last thing. Call me Janus." He winked, smirked, and walked away. I stood in my doorway stunned.

"Janus? As in..." My voice trailed off, and I pulled down my sleeve. I stared at the bold, old-fashioned, black letters on my wrist. Janus.

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Chapter Summary: Logan meets a new man who introduces himself as Micheal. After Micheal comes inside, they have a discussion. The discussion results in Logan revealing his family's views on homosexuality, which are less than ideal. Micheal suggests that maybe a family that doesn't love you for you isn't really a family. Logan has a lot to think about, and Micheal reveals himself as Janus before leaving the apartment.

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Author's Note: Recently, it has been brought to my attention by a lovely person that translations for the Spanish portions are unclear. I include translations for each phrase, word, or sentence in the inline comments next to each occurrence. If you find something that is incorrect or I forget a translation, please let me know so I may correct it!