scales of justice (janus + virgil)

chapter no. 7

 Janus whirled to Morticus. "What did you do to him?"

"I'm making sure you come with me," Morticus told him smugly.

Janus wanted nothing more than to slap the smirk off his face, but he restrained himself (by some miracle). "Where do you want to take me?"

"Just a place I like to visit often," mused Morticus. "I'm not sure if it's your taste, but I guess you won't see until we get there."

"I'm not going," snapped Janus firmly.

Morticus sighed, rolling his eyes. "You'll fall asleep eventually."

And with that, he melted into the shadows once more.

Janus felt an ever-increasing sense of frustration welling up inside him. He knew he often lost focus when he got frustrated, so he sat back down, took a deep breath, and shut his eyes. Virgil was still out cold on the bed, and Janus wasn't sure what had happened, but he needed to focus on one thing at a time right now. He finally decided on gathering the group in the main room and carrying Virgil back up to his room. He picked up the other boy, whose breaths were quiet as he slept. Janus carried him out into the main room, up the stairs, and into his bedroom. He emerged from it and nearly ran into Patton, who yelped in surprise. "Ahh! Janus, you scared me."

Janus exhaled. "Sorry, Patton. That wasn't my intention."

Patton frowned. "Wait, why were you in Virgil's room? Is there something--"

"Just--let's meet in the living room," Janus said, waving his hand to cut Patton off. "I have to discuss some things with the whole group. I'll go check on Remus first and make sure he hasn't gotten himself into any more trouble."

When Janus stepped into Remus' room, he was relieved to see that he was perfectly intact, despite finding him dancing aggressively with headphones, wearing nothing but his bath towel. Janus simply stood there until Remus saw him, but when he did, he didn't stop dancing. Janus rolled his eyes and motioned for him to take the headphones off.

Remus paused his music and uncovered one ear. "What do you want, Janus? I'm busy."

"We're having a meeting in the living room that I need you to be a part of," said Janus, refusing to address what he had just walked in on. "Get dressed. You have three minutes." Then he turned on his heel and walked out, not waiting for Remus to protest or ask questions.

The living room was already full of everyone else (except for Virgil, whom Janus could only assume was still asleep), and none of them looked happy to see Janus there. Roman decided to verbally express his displeasure by remarking, "What are you going to trick us into believing this time, you slimy bas--"

"Roman," chided Patton. "Language."

Roman glared up at Janus but kept his mouth shut. Janus simply quirked an eyebrow, amused by his accusation. "Someone's feisty today," remarked Janus as he made his way to the front of the room.

Ten seconds later, Remus came stumbling into the room, still struggling to buckle his pants. Everyone, Janus included, looked at him with a sort of mutual disgust as he sat down on the floor at Logan's feet. Logan ever so slightly scooted in the other direction, looking the most disgusted out of everyone. When Remus was finally settled, he looked up at everyone staring at him. "What? You're lucky I'm wearing pants in the first place."

Patton glanced to Janus for explanation, but Janus just shook his head, muttering, "Don't ask."

"So, Janus, I'm sure you've gathered us here for a reason," said Logan, already wanting to get to the point.