True Deceit

Chapter 29: Janus

TW- Violence. 

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"What in hell, are you okay?"

Patton felt a lump in his throat as he shook his head, his glasses fogging his vision. Janus cupped the back of Patton's head in his left hand, smoothing down his soft brown mane in his fingers. With his alternate hand he caressed his cheek, standing at arm's length away in case Morality wished to withdraw himself.

"Logan and Roman are really angry with me for visiting you yesterday," Patton breathed. "They're afraid you'll hurt me." Janus's forehead creased, his stomach contracting. When he didn't say anything, Patton continued. "I told them what happened when I touched your hat. I tried to tell them it was an accident, but they didn't listen, I'm so sorry."

Janus felt his grasp tighten on Patton's hair, then himself stepping forward in an intimidating manner. "Why would you tell them I did that?"

Patton felt a shiver of worry shoot down his spine. "I didn't want to, but Virgil was really concerned and I didn't want to lie. I'm sorry."

Patton let out a slight whimper as Janus coiled his fingers above his collarbone, hissing acidly. "Sometimes it's appropriate to lie to people to protect them. For example, not telling people I almost strangled you. Do you understand that?"

Patton could feel Janus's thumb press against his windpipe as he swallowed. "Please don't hurt me Janus."

Janus breathed, the undeniable sense of power rushing to his mind He shook his head, reaching as deep into his heart as he could. "Are you afraid of me too? Like Virgil?"

Patton did his best to keep a relaxed expression. "Only when you do that, it makes me feel unsafe. Can you let me go?"

Janus was still for several moments until he gave in to his scruples, loosening his grip and letting both arms dangle by his side. He glanced worthlessly at the floor, his own disgrace eating at his insides.

Suddenly he felt a warm press against his cheek, glancing up to see Patton brushing his lips against his skin. Janus let out a gasp, closing his eyes as he cherished the sensation he adored.

"I'm sorry I keep on doing the wrong things," Janus whispered as Patton pulled away. He hung his head low, eyes watering. "I'm sorry I'm a snake."

Patton reached out his hand, gripping Janus's fingers in his own. "What's wrong with being a snake?"

Janus sorrowed, his jaw tensing. "Don't you understand? Part of me is a terrible, malicious reptile who wants to constrict you." He jerked his arm away from Patton's grasp, massaging his fingers into his scaled face.

Before Patton could open his mouth to speak, a loud bang kicked the door down, sending the wooden board falling an inch from Deceit's back. Roman and Logan entered with swords drawn, scowls on both their faces.

"Surrender now Deceit, we're taking you into custody!" Roman barked, wedging the tip of his blade between Janus's shoulder blades. Janus looked forward to see Patton's eyes wide with shock, his jaw hanging open. Roman growled. "Hands in the air, now."

Janus half raised his palms, pride and deception smirking his lips. Roman was far too morally driven to harm him, there was hardly risk to ignoring his orders.

"Hello Prince Roman, what a pleasure to-"

"Save it, Snake!" Logan growled, appearing before him.

"Logan? You aren't normally one to come on a capture mission." Deceit responded shrewdly, raising his brows at Logan's daggering eyes.

Logan extended his blade, holding it beneath his chin. There was pure fire in those eyes, his pupil black with corruption. There was pain, anger, and evil, enough to make even Deceit anxious. 

Suddenly Janus found himself lifting his arms in a pleading surrender, a realisation as dark as night pounding his gut. There was more damage dealt at his hand than he'd meant to inject, Logan was not okay. 

"Roman, Logan, please," Patton begged.

"Patton," Janus spoke quietly, a droplet of sweat sliding down his forehead. "It's okay."

Roman cocked his head in surprise at the snake's reaction as he gripped the back of his scruff.

"We won't hurt you Janus, just don't try anything."